Susan and Terence O'Brien - Buffalo, New York (Smith/Greenan line)
The O’Brien Family of Rockcorry
The following was taken from Joseph Napier’s book, The Soil My Fathers Ploughed: A Short History 1803- 2003 (page 102).
Edward Greenan (b. 1803) had many children, at least two were daughters. Joe Napier is descended from Edward’s son, Peter. Another son, Thomas, lived in Buffalo, New York.
One of Edward’s daughters married a ‘Briens’, ‘Bryans’ or ‘O’Brien’. Joe met a retired priest from Rockcorry, Fr. Seamus Gallagher, who had spent many years in America primarily around Buffalo, New York. From the altar Father Gallagher asked his audience if anyone knew a Peter Greenan family that lived in the Rockcorry area many years ago.
In the 1950’s Father Gallagher met Susan Bryans. She was from Corravacan, Rockcorry. Susan told Father Gallagher she left home at 14 to help her uncle Peter, an RIC Sergeant in Omagh, to look after Peter’s growing family. After Peter retired she sailed to America. Later in life she returned to Corravacan where she spent the rest of her days.
Joe’s research told him Susan had another sister, whose name is unknown. She also had two brothers. One brother, Thomas, lived in Rockcorry. The other brother, Terrance, lived with his family in Buffalo, New York
Greenan – Smith Connection
As previously written, “Irish” John Smith’s mother was born Catharine Greenan. Susan’s mother would have been John’s first cousin.
Terence O’Brien
1900 US Census
State of New York; Erie County; City of Buffalo; 5th Ward; June 1, 1900
From this census we know Terence, Elizabeth and Hugh O’Brien immigrated to America in 1892. Elizabeth, Susan and James were all born in New York. They lived on St. Stephens Place, which was right next to Smith Street. Terence and Elizabeth had four children, none died previously. Terence worked as a car inspector for the railroad.
1910 US Census
State of New York; Erie County; City of Buffalo; 1st Ward; April 15, 1910
Terence and Elizabeth had seven children, six were still living. Terence still worked as a car inspector for the railroad. Hugh worked with the railroad too as a checker.
1920 US Census
State of New York; Erie County; City of Buffalo; 1st Ward; January 6, 1920
Terence still worked as a car inspector for the railroad. Daughters Elizabeth and Susan were employed as teachers. Son, James, worked as a clerk for the railroad. Terence and Elizabeth became naturalized citizens in 1895.
1930 US Census
State of New York; Erie County; City of Buffalo; 2nd Ward; April 16, 1930.
This census indicates the value of their house, which was $13,000.00. By this time Terence was retired. The daughters were all public school teachers.
Susan O’Brien
Susan appears to have traveled several times between Ireland and America. One Ellis Island immigration record is dated October 8, 1922. This document states she would be staying with her brother, Terence O’Brien, 92 Smith Street, Buffalo, New York. Her last residence was Rockcorry, Ireland. Susan indicated her brother, Thomas O’Brien, lived in Corravaccan, Rockcorry, Ireland.
Susan also traveled with Mary Ellen O’Connor of Rockcorry. Mary Ellen was staying with a brother in New York City. Susan also indicates she traveled to America in 1911 and 1919 before this last trip.
1930 US Census
State of New York; Erie County; City of Buffalo; 25th Ward; April 5, 1930
Susan was working as a housekeeper for a private home.
Immigration - Ellis Island Records
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