Wanted:Help with the missing links to Ireland! Frank, my Grandfather, married Ellen (Nellie) O'Brien in 1904, in Torrington, CT.Her father, Patrick, came from Ennistymon, County Clare.I do not have the Irish links for my father's father, James Phelan/Whelan, and my Mother's mother, Margaret Dunnigan, wife of John Francis Farrell, Jr.John Sr. came Athlone, Ireland, in the County of Westmeath. Here is the big link that I am looking for now, as it appears on the GenCom cite: Brothers James & Patrick Phelan/Whelan, both quarrymen/miners, from Waterford/Wexford(?), Irelend, arrived in US (NY???) from Ireland Circ. 1860-1863; married Fanning sisters in 1863 (James to Ann using "Phelan") & 1868 (Patrick to Mary using Whealon), both in Torrington, CT.; moved to Roxbury, CT., and were listed as "Whelan" and "Whalen" in 1870 and 1880 (Patrick only) census records!) Ann died in childbirth of youngest child of six, son Frank Dec. 1, 1875, (My grandfather) & James went to "parts unknown." Son, Frank, was adopted by Patrick ("Phelan" on adoption certficate) & moved to Torrington, CT. By 1900, all were using "Phalen." Patrick's son Patrick started "Phalen" funeral home in Torrington. Frank married Ellen O'Brien, andeventually moved to Waterbury, CT, where their oldest son, my father, Thomas Francis, Sr. married Helen T. Farrell, and resulted in - me! - (and my sister, Anne Marie Phalen Szumigala.) I now live in Cincinnati, OH, and am married to Mary Anne Imwalle. (Rumored: two other brothers traveled with James & Patrick & moved to the South, where they fought against the north in the Civil War.) I've been unable to track the Ireland connection, or the post 1875 history of James. Any related info appreciated. Thanx!
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