This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: PatCorona Surnames: SULLIVAN, SCANLAN,McCARTHY, HARTNETT, HURLEY, HOWARD Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kent/8649.2.2.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: St. Patrick's Parish was founded in June, 1844. On Dec. 7, 1844 a committee was appointed composed of, among others: Dennis McCARTHY $4.00, William McCARTHY $3.00, John McCARTHY $30.00, Maurice SCANLON $2.00. The History of Kent County, 1881, published by Chapman gives a sketch of the history of the parish prepared by Dennis McCARTHY, one of the founding members. The earliest parish records from St. Patrick's begin only in 1854. John SULLIVAN was a pioneer in Vergennes Twp. He was born in Bantry, County Cork, June 3, 1812, sailed in 1836 from Cork to Quebec. He went to Ohio & worked on the Wabash & Erie Canal, then to Kent Co. in 1843. He helped to organize St. Patrick's Parish, aided in the erection of four successive church bldgs. & donated land for three of them. His wife, Johanna SCANLON, was born in Tralee, County Kerry, in 1830. Dennis McCARTHY was born in the townland of Kilmacahill, Parish of Cloyne, Nov. 29, 1818. He was the son of Charles McCARTHY & Catherine HARTNETT, the daughter of Thomas HARTNETT & Mary HURLEY. William McCARTHY, brother of Dennis, arrived in MI. late in 1838. He married Mary HOWARD in 1846. Two daughters were born to them, Catherine & Johanna. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.