Michael O'Dea1
M, b. circa 1785, d. before 1855
| Father* | John O'Dea1 b. circa 1755, d. before March 27, 1841 |
| Mother* | Mary Apjohn1 b. 1767, d. September 20, 1833 |
Michael O'Dea was born circa 1785 in Lought, Milltown in the Parish of Aglishcormick, County Limerick. Family lore has it that Michael's descendants lived in Kildromin until the 1920’s and were know as the “Blunt O’Dea’s.” They were known to be relatives but children were not told how “until theywere old enough to understand.” The story in the family is that Mary was a lady was out on a hunt riding side saddle, stopped off at the farm John O’Dea where was a labourer, and from this meeting a child was born. He was the son of John O'Dea and Mary Apjohn.1 Michael O'Dea married Margaret Holton in 1817 in Kilteely In the Parish of Aglishcormick, County Limerick. John O'Dea and Thomas O'Dea were witnesses at the wedding.1 Michael O'Dea died before 1855 in Kildromin in the Parish of Kilteely, County Limerick.1
He witnessed the will of John O'Dea on March 27, 1841 in County Limerick. "The Last Will and Testament of John Dea late of Milltown in the County of Limerick and Diocese of Cashel farmer deceased was proved and approved in common form of law and registered in the Consistorial Court of Cashel and the burden of the execution of said will together with administration of the goods of said deceased were granted by the Right Reverend father in God Stephen and so forth unto Michael Dea one of the Executors named in said will he being first sworn saving, and so forth, Dated the 27th day of March 1841 and he has to exhibit an Inventory on or before the last day of September next ensuing."
Although Michael is listed as the Executor of the will, probably because he was the oldest, in the Catholic religion, he would have no right to inherit from his father because of his illigitimacy, whereas in the Church of Ireland tradition all children illegitimate or not could receive an inheritance. We do know, however, that Michael did receive some land in Drumkeen. Taking on a lease like that, however, would not be considered inheritance, but would be something discussed between the landlord and the main tenant.2
He witnessed the will of John O'Dea on March 27, 1841 in County Limerick. "The Last Will and Testament of John Dea late of Milltown in the County of Limerick and Diocese of Cashel farmer deceased was proved and approved in common form of law and registered in the Consistorial Court of Cashel and the burden of the execution of said will together with administration of the goods of said deceased were granted by the Right Reverend father in God Stephen and so forth unto Michael Dea one of the Executors named in said will he being first sworn saving, and so forth, Dated the 27th day of March 1841 and he has to exhibit an Inventory on or before the last day of September next ensuing."
Although Michael is listed as the Executor of the will, probably because he was the oldest, in the Catholic religion, he would have no right to inherit from his father because of his illigitimacy, whereas in the Church of Ireland tradition all children illegitimate or not could receive an inheritance. We do know, however, that Michael did receive some land in Drumkeen. Taking on a lease like that, however, would not be considered inheritance, but would be something discussed between the landlord and the main tenant.2
Children of Michael O'Dea and Margaret Holton
- Bridget O'Dea+ b. circa 1817, d. April 26, 1902
- Johanna O'Dea+ b. 1822, d. January 2, 1904
- Mary O'Dea+ b. circa 1824, d. January 29, 1884
- Margaret O'Dea b. 1828, d. February 27, 1853
- Catherine O'Dea+6 b. April 15, 1833
- Honora O'Dea+ b. 1835, d. after 1910
- Michael O'Dea+6 b. July 21, 1840
Residence
| 1826 | Thomas holds the lease on a plot of land a little over 13 Irish acres. Although Michael is listed as the Executor of his father's will, probably because he was the oldest, in the Catholic religion, he would have no right to inherit from his father because of his illigitimacy, whereas in the Church of Ireland tradition all children illegitimate or not could receive an inheritance. We do know, however, that Michael did receive this land in Drumkeen. Taking on a lease like this, however, would not be considered inheritance, but would be something discussed between the landlord and the main tenant. | Tithe Applotment Book, Kildromin in the Parish of Kilteely, County Limerick3 |
| 1831 | It is interesting that Michael's name appears on the tithe's defaulter's list. Michael's father and brothers do not appear on the list, probably because husband and mother, Mary Apjohn, was a Protestant and she would have paid her tithes annually and on time. Perhaps the fact that Michael was born out of wedlock may be the reason his name appears here since as such he would not have been recognized as the legitimate son of a Protestant. | Tithe Defaulter List, Kilteely Civil Parish, County Limerick4 |
| June 29, 1853 | Michael is renting house, office, land and garden (about 4 acres) from Mrs. Charlotte Wofle | Griffith's Valuation, Milltown in the Parish of Aglishcormick, County Limerick5 |
| June 29, 1853 | Michael is renting house, office and land (about 23 acres) from the Rev. Michael L. Apjohn | Griffith's Valuation, Kildromin in the Parish of Kilteely, County Limerick5 |
| Charts | Pater Familias O'Dea Descendant Chart (Indented) Michael (John) O'Dea Descendant Chart (Indented) |
| Last Edited | 10 Feb 2021 |
Citations
- [S358] Edmond O'Dea, "Outline Descendant Report for John O'Dea."
- [S370] Cashel Probate & Admons. & Marriage Licences, Years 1840-1845,, #0101027.
- [S368] 1826 Tithe Applotment, Dublin, County Dublin, Townland of Kildromin.
- [S640] 1831 Tithe Defaulter, Dublin, County Dublin.
- [S646] Griffith's Valuation of Ireland, online http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml
- [S38] Kilteely Catholic Church, Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915.