This is about two families both from Kerry,Ireland
and their connection through marriage. Some in Ireland and some in the United State but still one family. John Hanlon and
Norah Galvin married in New York in 1917
John Hanlon originally from Causeway, Drumnacurra, Kerry, Ireland and Norah Galvin
from Bawnaglanna, Currow,Kerry Ireland.
John Hanlon "Fathers" family was originally from Ballyheigue. John's father
John O'Hanlon and his wife Anne Sullivan moved to Causeway in a area called Drumnacurra to raise their family.
Norah Galvin "Fathers" family was originally from Breahig near Castleisland. Norah's
father was John Gallivan and with his wife Mararget Dennehy they move to a area in Currow called Bawnaglanna to raise their
family.
John left Ireland in 1912 to come to the U.S. to join his brother's and sister's
that were already in the states living in Washington D.C. One of John's brothers named Timothy owned a pub and was also in
the funeral business which John worked at for a short time before going to work for the U.S. Postal Service. John also was
very well known for his Irish accordion playing and would travel with a Irish band.
During one of the Irish dances he was playing at he had his chance meeting with
his future bride Norah.
Norah came to the US twice once in 1905 with her sister Bridget. But Bridget was
love sick for a man in Ireland named Michael Fleming so the two decided to return home. Norah
once again returned to the US in 1911 this time with another sister named Nellie this time to stay for good.
John had traveled with a Irish band to New York for a dance when he met Norah.
So I've heard John was a very reserved man that enjoyed people. Norah was very outgoing and soon the two were
married.
Norah left New York to be with her husband John in Washington D.C. and there they
raised 3 children John, Mary Catherine and Joseph.
Shortly after his son ,Joseph's wedding in July of 1951 John left for Ireland.
He accompanied his brother Dan, a priest from Mississippi who was ill. Both wanted to visit the grave site of their mother
who had died recently. John had been suffering from a serious heart condition for many years and his doctor had advised him
not to travel to Ireland ,but John felt that his brother needed him so he decided that he should go.
Two months later as he was planning his trip home John suffered a severe heart
attack and died.
After a funeral and Irish wake in Ireland. His remains were Flown back to
the States and buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington D.C.
After John's death Norah continued her work with the poor and enjoyed her close
relationship with her son's and her daughter and now their families.
She also enjoyed the visits of many family members from Ireland and it was like
an open house. Some stayed for months but Norah always has a great welcome for them. Some decided to remain in the States
and Norah was always there helping them to get settled. Norah also cared for her sister Nellie who died in 1960 after a long
bout with cancer.
Norah died in 1979 at the age of 94 and is buried at Mount Olivet in Washington
D.C. with her husband John.
