The Brooklyn Matmaker:

Solving Irish Immigrant Identity Through Occupational Tracking

How Seven Years of Documentary Research and One DNA Match Solved a Common Surname Mystery

Difficulty locating our John Kenny and Margaret. Found on an 1880 Census, John, Margaret a 10 month old Eliza (daughter) and another Eliza (mother). Could this be our John Kenny and Margaret McKenny. Took note of the address 75 Walworth. Located an 1880 Brooklyn directory with a John Kenny 75 matmkr h r 75 Walworth. We now have a possible way to try to distinguish this John Kenny from 12 others. (not to mention more than ten John Kenney Begin looking through Brooklyn directories year by year to track the address and occupation. tracking him through1880 census. .

  • Photograph of a historical census record page from June 1880, listing inhabitants in Cook County, Illinois, including names, ages, occupations, and birthplaces.

    The Challenge

    The Challenge

    Dozens of John Kennys. Fragmented family records. Limited DNA matches for 1790s ancestors."

  • 1880 Brooklyn Directory Kenny John matmkr h r 75 Walworth

    The Breakthrough

    Occupational progression from 'Mat Weaver' to 'Matmaker' provided the unique identifier needed to distinguish this John Kenny from dozens of others."

  • A large stone monument in a cemetery with green grass, trees, and multiple headstones in the background under a cloudy sky.

    The Result

    Seven-year research framework validated by unexpected DNA confirmation through Francis Heffernan descendants. Complete family story spanning 1810-1935."

    Read the Full Methodology

    Documentary Evidence Gallery

    Historical Context: Irish Women’s Resilience

    Research Timeline: 2018-2025

    Download Research Template

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