Hi Loralee, I'd say in those times it'd be pretty normal for a 12 year old to be out and earning to try and help the family. Are you sure the parents were both still living when he left Ireland? Could be that they hoped he could make enough money in the New World to send back and keep the family going? Perhaps he worked his passage as a cabin boy or sailor's dogsbody (I can't think of the term I want), his name probably not recorded anywhere? Perhaps not all immigration or passenger lists survived? Perhaps you just haven't looked at the right one? In genealogy, there are many mysteries that just don't ever get solved. <LOL> Kind regards Pam An Aussie transplanted to Rotorua, NZ. At 19-01-2013 10:26 p.m. -0800, you wrote: > I have been trying to solve a mystery for several years now, and > thought perhaps one of you might come up with the creative idea > that finally solves it. > According to his obituary, my husband's gg grandfather, George > Pierce Noonan, emigrated from Ireland in 1849 when he was 12 years > old. The obituary says he went to Canada, and I know he ended up in > California by 1852. Other family researchers have confirmed that he > originally came from Co. Clare, and that his parents did not leave > Ireland until later. He had younger siblings who came over later, > but he seems to have been the oldest child, so he couldn't have > travelled with an older sibling. It appears that he either > travelled alone (not common at 12 years old, right?)or perhaps with > distant relatives (aunt, uncle). > I have not found a single trace of him on any ship's lists (and > I've searched tons of them.), and have begun to seriously consider > that he must have stowed away. Does anyone have any suggestions > about how to figure this mystery out?
Loralee, Like Pam, I was going to suggest a cabin boy or stowaway. Perhaps he came with an uncle? Is he in a Canadian or US census around 1851? Who was he with? Are there any clues in his occupation? I'd also look at his marriage. Did any family or relatives act as witnesses? That might date their arrival. You say his parents came later. Do you know when? Often you find the father going ahead with the eldest son to prepare a home and then going back to collect his wife and remaining family. Just because they are together later, doesn't prove the travelled together. A few ideas to consider and check out. Peter