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.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Thomas Madigan, 1883-1898

Thomas Madigan, born September 27, 1883, was the fourth child of Patrick and Bridget Madigan. He was born at home at 3644 Dashield Street in Chicago. At the age of 15 he was working as a clerk. Thomas had a pulmonary hemorrhage and died on December 12, 1898 at 93 Sibley Street in Chicago, possibly his place of employment. Because he died in the winter, his body was held in the cemetery vault awaiting the spring thaw. Bridget Thompson Madigan purchased an 8 x 10 gravesite, Lot 15, block 6, section Z, in Calvary Cemtery, Evanston, Illinois on March 15, 1899 so Thomas could be laid to rest. Along with Thomas in the gravesite is his Mom, Bridget Thompson Madigan, and brothers James and Harry (Patrick).
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