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.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Bessie Madigan gravesite, Calvary Cemetery


Bessie Thompson Madigan and three of her children are buried in lot N15, block 6, section Z of Calvary Cemetery.

On March 15, 1899, Bessie Madigan purchased this gravesite which measures 8 X 10 feet.  It was purchased so she could bury her 15 year old son, Thomas Madigan.  On November 2, 1964, someone, possibly Nell Madigan Sullivan, Bessie's daughter, paid $50.00 which was the initial installment so the grave would have "income care."  It was paid in full in August, 1965.

Interred:
Thomas Madigan, 15 years, 2 mos., buried March 15, 1899, son of Bessie and Patrick Madigan
James Madigan, aged 20, buried January 26, 1909, son of Bessie and Patrick Madigan
Bessie Madigan, buried January 4, 1936, self
Harry Madigan, buried December 1, 1956, son of Bessie and Patrick Madigan

When I first viewed the gravesite ten years ago, the stone was partially covered with soil and years of grass growth.  It appeared to be broken off.  What was visible was:  "DIGAN".  On April 20, 2010, the cemetery was again visited and many of the grave stones had been cleaned, this one included.  It was now possible to read it:   "P. MADIGAN".


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