Patrick Madigan

Patrick Madigan
Sketch made of Patrick Madigan c1890

About Patrick Madigan and Bridget Thompson

About Patrick Madigan and Bridget Thompson

Patrick Madigan and his wife were both born in Ireland. Patrick was born April 1, 1850 in Coonagh, Killeely Civil Parish, County Limerick, Ireland, the son of Patrick Madigan (c1809-1884) and Margaret Fitzgerald (c1806-1886). Bridget, known for most of her life as Bessie, was born October 8, 1852 most likely in or near Limerick City, County Limerick, Ireland, the daughter of John (Thompson) Thomas (1831-1904) and Bridget Reidy (1831-1900). They both immigrated with their families to Chicago, Patrick in 1872 and Bridget in 1866. They married at Old St. John Church in Chicago on February 24, 1878. Together, they had seven children: Mary (Mayme) (1879-1955); Ellen [Sullivan/Madigan Blog] (1880-1966); Nanette (1881-1963); Thomas (1883-1898); Patrick (Harry) (1885-1956), John (1887-1983); and, James (1890-1909). Patrick was a laborer who died January 15, 1890 when he was only 39 and just a few months before the birth of his last child. Bessie ran a grocery store while raising the seven children as a single parent. She managed to own her own home on the west side of Chicago. She died from myocarditis on December 31, 1935.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

May Madigan, 1879 -1955

May Madigan, oldest child of Patrick and Bessie was born April 17, 1879 in Chicago. She married Claude Cooley at St. Agatha's Church in Chicago on February 11, 1907. Unfortunately, Claude cut his leg on a railroad car and died from septicemia, an infection. Claude was an extremely good looking gentleman. They had no children. May lived with her mother-in-law, May Sherwood for a number of years, marrying Burdette Harbison on May 30, 1934. May died from coronary thrombosis due to arteriosclerotic heart disease in September 29, 1955. She is buried with Burdette in St. Joseph cemetery in River Grove, Illinois.

This photo of Burdette, Elaine McIntyre and May was taken c1953. May was an excellent seamstress and she made Elaine's tap dance costume she is wearing.

HARBISON -- May Madigan Harbison, beloved wife of Burdette, fond sister of Nell Sullivan, Nan Rooney, Harry and John Madigan.  Funeral Monday, 9 a.m., from chapel, 5911 W. Madison street, to St. Matthew's church.  Interment St. Joseph's. EStebrook 8-7500.  Chicago Tribune, October 2, 1955

COOLEY -- Claude Alva Cooley, beloved husband of Mrs. Mae Madigan Cooley and son of Mrs. M. S. Cooley and the late William H. Cooley, at his residence, 2918 Flornoy st. Member of Siloam lodge, St. Cecilia chapter, and St. Cecilia commandery, Knights Templar.  Templar service, Friday, Jan. 25, at 1 o'clock, at West Side Masonic Temple. Chicago Tribune, January 25, 1918.

HARBISON -- Burdette W. Harbison, beloved husband of the late May Madigan Harbison, fond brother of Lela Eddy and late Frances McCullough. Funeral Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. from chapel, 5911 W. Madison street, to St. Bernadine's church, Forest park.  Interment St. Joseph's. ES 8-7500.  Chicago Tribune, August 17, 1959.

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