Evidence Trail
154 years of documented family history across five generations—from Irish origins through Brooklyn's textile trades to 20th-century preservation
Ireland to Brooklyn
The founding generation establishes themselves in America's textile trades
Richard Kenny and Thomas Kenny establish roots in Ireland. The family develops skills in textile work that will define their American experience.
Born during the Irish Famine years, John Kenny will become the central figure whose mysterious identity sparked seven years of genealogical research.
Death of Richard Kenny, first generation immigrant. His passing marks the transition to the second generation's establishment in Brooklyn.
The Mat Maker Years (1848–1888)
John Kenny's career progression and the brief years of family prosperity
John Kenny first appears in Brooklyn city directories as "Mat Weaver." This distinctive occupation becomes the key to distinguishing him from dozens of other John Kennys.
John Kenny marries Margaret McKenny (1851–1884). Their union connects the Kenny family to the McKenna/McKenny/MacKinney network—a relationship that will prove crucial for the survival of their daughters.
Career advancement: John is now listed as "Matmaker" rather than weaver, indicating skill progression. Brother James Kenny works as a Hatter—both brothers in textile trades.
The Kenny household documented in Brooklyn's Ward 21. Geographic clustering with other Irish immigrant textile workers confirms community patterns.
The Orphaned Daughters (1884–1888)
Four devastating years that changed everything
At just 33 years old, Margaret leaves behind her husband John and two young daughters: Elizabeth "Lillian" Kenny and Mary Agnes Kenny.
The Mat Maker's death at age 40 leaves his two daughters completely orphaned. Elizabeth is approximately 10 years old; Mary Agnes even younger.
Mary F. "Aunt Maime" MacKinney—Margaret's unmarried sister—takes in both orphaned nieces. This act of devotion will define the next 47 years of her life.
When both her sister and brother-in-law died within four years, Aunt Maime made a choice that would define her entire adult life. She never married, never had children of her own. Instead, she devoted 47 years to raising her orphaned nieces—guiding them from poverty and tragedy to stability and family lives of their own.
Aunt Maime's Legacy (1888–1935)
From orphanhood to prosperity through one woman's sacrifice
Aunt Maime raises Elizabeth and Mary Agnes through childhood. As an unmarried woman in the late Victorian era, she navigates limited economic opportunities while providing stability for two growing girls.
Elizabeth "Lillian" Kenny marries Joseph Robertson. Mary Agnes Kenny also marries. Both daughters establish their own households, but Aunt Maime remains central to the family network.
Lillian Josephine Robertson, Helen Gladys Robertson, and Joseph Robertson Jr. are born. Aunt Maime becomes "great-aunt" to a new generation, still serving as family anchor.
Mary F. MacKinney passes away after 47 years of devotion to her sister's children. She is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, forever connected to the family she saved.
Preserving the Story (1935–2002)
Ninety years of family documents kept safe
After Aunt Maime's death, Lillian Josephine Robertson married into the O'Brien family, becoming mother to Lillian Marie O'Brien Ambrosio. This fifth generation became the archivists—preserving cemetery information, family group sheets, and hand-drawn family trees for 90 years. Though they kept the documents, they couldn't solve the mystery of John Kenny's identity. It would take professional genealogical research and innovative methodology to finally unlock what the family had preserved.
Cemetery records, perpetual care receipts (70+ years), family group sheets, and genealogical notes maintained across multiple generations. Holy Cross Cemetery plot records kept current and preserved.
The timeline of preserved family documentation extends 154 years from John Kenny's birth to the early 21st century—a remarkable legacy of family memory.
Five Generations at a Glance
The complete Kenny family documented through this research
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