I had heard before, from mom, whose people these are, that they were definitely not fastidious people. Mom recalled a time that Grammy visited the Whalens and someone was stirring with her arm and there were flies all over the place. Grammy was appalled.
The Whalens lived near Dad's grandfather in Derrynane Township, in Le Sueur County. To the left is a picture of Julia Sheehan Whalen. She is the mother of Bridget Whalen Hogan who was Mom's grandmother.
Julia was born about 1832 in Kerry, Ireland. I have not found a baptismal record for her. Her obituary says that she was married in Detroit to James Whalen. I have searched page by page for the Whalens in the 1860 census in likely counties for the family, but to no avail. Both Bridget and Thomas were born in Michigan according to other census records. (Thomas is the father of John Whalen).
Julia had siblings here in Minnesota. Her known siblings were Dennis (1828-1905); Michael (1829-@1870); a female who remained in Ireland; Patrick (1837-1925); Mary (@1841-1918; William (1842-1917); and John (1845-1915). Dennis, Patsy and Michael all lived in the upper peninsula of Michigan before moving to Minnesota. They worked in the copper mines.
I have a couple of stories I love to think about--one Aunt Lill Krumweide told me. She said that Gramdma Whalen had bright blue eyes and they sparkled. She spoke Irish. When she came to the house, she had a kid get her a glass of water, put it on her head and proceeded to perform a jig.
Julia also smoked a clay pipe. Francie O'Connell said she would often be seen with the Donahue women walking the long way to St. Thomas Church for Mass.
So, when you get feel yourself getting a little uppity, remember your Shanty Irish great great grandmother!!! (I'm pretty sure I got a few of these Sheehan genes!)
Julia's Obituary:
Mrs. Julia Whalen, a Pioneer Resident of St. Thomas, Passes Away.-
On last Wednesday, Mrs. Julia Whalen, who has lived in this community since 1866, passed away at the home of her son, Thos. Whalen. Mrs. Whalen, who had attained the ripe old age of eighty-seven years, fell about three weeks ago fracturing her hip, and was unable to stand the shock. Before this in spite of her years, she had remained wonderfully active.
The deceased was ever a cheerful, patient woman, ready and anxious to help anyone in distress and to share her last possession with the needy. Her happy helpful disposition made her many friends who will hold her memory a cherished possession.
Mrs. Whalen, whose maiden name was Julia sheehan, was born in County Kerry, Ireland in 1832. When a young woman she came to America and lived first in Detroit, Mich. Here she was married to the late James Whalen. In 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Whalen moved to Le Sueur and settled on a tract of land in St. Thomas, then a portion of the big woods. Until her husband's death in 1880, they lived and worked upon this farm, enduring at first many hardships. Since her husband's death, her son, Thos. Whalen, has run the farm, and she made her home with him. The land is now well developed.
To Mr. and Mrs. Whalen nine children were born, five of whom survive their mother. The living are Thos. Whalen of St. Thomas, Mrs. Nat Edelkam of LeSueur, Mrs. Hogan, Mrs. J. J. Buckley and Mrs. Frank Blake of St. Paul. She is also survived by a brother, Patrick Sheehan of Le Sueur and by a sister in Ireland.
The funeral services were held last Friday morning at ten o'clock in the St. Thomas catholic church, Rev. Dobbins conducted the services. The remains were laid to rest in the St. Thomas Cemetery.
The following were here from a distance to attend the funeral, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Blake, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hogan, Mrs. L. Van Core (sic), Miss C. Hogan, and Mrs. Carlson, all of St. Paul.
Le Sueur Herald, 19 Nov 1919
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