Evidence Trail Timeline
Owen Hamall: From Irish Famine to Chicago Foundry
Documentary Evidence Spanning 1841–1967 • Research Journey September 2018–2025
The Documentary Foundation
This timeline presents the complete evidence trail for Owen Hamall (1847–1898) and his family across three generations, four countries, and 126 years of documented history. Each entry represents a primary source document created at the time of the event, forming the bedrock of genealogical proof under Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) standards.
The timeline is organized chronologically by document creation date, not discovery date. However, key research breakthroughs are highlighted to show how seven years of systematic investigation (September 2018–2025) gradually assembled these scattered pieces into a coherent family narrative.
Critical Context: This case study traces Owen Hamall (1847–1898), Irish-born Chicago iron molder. The reciprocal baptism sponsorship pattern of 1883, discovered in March 2024, proved the familial relationship between Owen Hamall and William Thornton—half-brothers through their mother Mary McMahon's remarriage.
Timeline Legend
Ireland Period (1824–1854)
Canadian Period (1854–1868)
U.S. Period (1868–1967)
Research Breakthrough
Era I: Irish Origins
Pre-Famine to Emigration • 1824–1854
1824
Tithe Applotment Record
Henry Hamil recorded in Edengilrew, Parish of Donaghmoyne, County Monaghan, Ireland. Possibly Owen's grandfather or great-uncle—identity not confirmed.
Significance: Earliest documentary evidence of Hamall/Hamill family in Donaghmoyne parish. Establishes geographic origin and surname spelling variations. This Henry Hamil's relationship to Owen's father remains unproven.
Source: Tithe Applotment Books, Parish of Donaghmoyne, 1824; National Archives of Ireland
c. 1817–1820
Birth of Parents: Henry Hamall & Mary McMahon
Henry Hamall (c. 1817) and Mary McMahon (c. 1820) born in County Monaghan, Ireland. Dates estimated from later census records and death dates.
Significance: First generation documented through derivative sources. No birth records survive from pre-Famine Ireland for this family.
Source: Estimated from 1861 Canadian census ages and 1854/1874 death dates
1841
Marriage of Henry Hamall & Mary McMahon
Henry Hamall married Mary McMahon in Donaghmoyne parish, County Monaghan. Marriage record exists in parish registers.
Significance: Marriage record establishes Owen's parents. Marriage timing places family formation during early Famine years.
Source: Parish of Donaghmoyne marriage register, 1841
1847
Baptism of Mary Hamall (Owen's Sister)
Mary Hamall baptized in Parish of Donaghmoyne, County Monaghan, Ireland. Daughter of Henry Hamall and Mary McMahon. Owen's sister.
Significance: Baptism record confirms Henry and Mary McMahon as parents and establishes family in Donaghmoyne parish. Mary was Owen's sister (both born 1847).
Source: Baptism record, Parish of Donaghmoyne, County Monaghan, 1847
1847
Birth of Owen Hamall
Owen Hamall born in Parish of Donaghmoyne, County Monaghan, Ireland, during the height of the Great Famine (An Gorta Mór). Birth year established from death certificate (age 51 in 1898) and consistently reported across multiple later records.
Significance: Owen's birth during "Black '47" (the worst famine year) contextualizes family's emigration decision. Survival rate for infants during this period was drastically reduced.
Source: 1898 death certificate (age 51), 1868 Minnesota naturalization, October 28, 1872 Illinois naturalization, 1880 U.S. census
c. 1850
Emigration from Ireland
Henry Hamall, Mary McMahon, and young son Owen emigrated from County Monaghan to Montreal, Canada, likely via Liverpool or Londonderry to Quebec. No passenger list located. A child named Michael was baptized in Montreal in 1851 at approximately one year old, confirming family arrival by 1850.
Significance: Family joins estimated 1 million Irish emigrants fleeing famine. Choice of Montreal (rather than U.S. ports) reflects common pattern for Ulster emigrants and economic constraints. Michael's 1851 baptism provides documentary anchor for emigration timing.
Source: Inferred from Michael's baptism record (1851, Montreal) showing age ~1 year; confirmed by 1861 Canadian census
1854
Death of Henry Hamall
Henry Hamall died in Montreal at approximately age 37, leaving Mary McMahon a widow with young children including Owen (age 7) and Mary (age 7). Death record exists.
Significance: Henry's early death left Owen fatherless before age 8, reshaping family structure. Mary's swift remarriage to Patrick Thornton (1855) was survival necessity in 1850s Montreal.
Source: Death record for Henry Hamall, 1854, Montreal
1861
Griffith's Valuation
James Hamill listed in Dian, Parish of Donaghmoyne. Only James Hamill in Dian is confirmed as our family (1827–1914), Owen's distant cousin. Any "Henry Hamall" or "Owen Hamall" entries in Griffith's Valuation represent unknown individuals—Owen's father Henry died in Montreal in 1854.
Significance: Important clarification: The identities of other Hamills in Griffith's Valuation remain unconfirmed. Owen's father could not appear in 1861 records as he died in 1854.
Source: Griffith's Valuation, County Monaghan, 1861; Valuation Office, Dublin
Era II: Canadian Transition
Montreal Childhood & Young Adulthood • 1854–1868
1851
Baptism of Michael Hamall
Michael Hamall baptized in Montreal at approximately one year old. Son of Henry Hamall and Mary McMahon. This baptism confirms family's arrival in Canada by 1850.
Significance: Michael's baptism provides documentary anchor for emigration timing. Shows family established in Montreal's Irish Catholic community by 1850-1851.
Source: Baptism record, Montreal, 1851
February 12, 1855
Marriage of Mary McMahon (Widow) & Patrick Thornton
Mary McMahon, widow of Henry Hamall, married Patrick Thornton at St. Patrick's Church, Montreal. This created the blended Hamall-Thornton household.
Significance: KEY DOCUMENT proving family relationship. Owen Hamall became stepbrother to any children born to Mary and Patrick, including William Thornton (b. c. 1856).
Source: Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621–1968; St. Patrick's Church, Montreal
c. 1856
Birth and Baptism of William Thornton
William Thornton born and baptized in Montreal to Mary (McMahon) Hamall Thornton and Patrick Thornton. Owen's half-brother through shared mother Mary. Baptism record exists.
Significance: William Thornton (c. 1856–1900) is the "missing half-brother" whose relationship to Owen was not understood until the 1883 baptism records were discovered in March 2024.
Source: Baptism record, Montreal; age estimated from 1861 Canadian census (age 5); 1880 U.S. census (age 24); 1900 death notice (age 44)
1861
Canadian Census: Blended Hamall-Thornton Household
Census recorded in Montreal, St. Anne Ward: Patrick Thornton (head), M Thornton (wife, Mary McMahon), O Hamel (stepson, age 14, apprentice), M Hamel (stepdaughter, Mary Ann, age 8), Wm Thornton (son, age 5). First documentary proof of blended family living together.
Significance: CRITICAL EVIDENCE of family structure. Owen listed as stepson with surname Hamel; William listed as son with surname Thornton. Proves shared household and relationship through mother Mary.
Source: 1861 Census of Canada, Montreal, St. Anne Ward, Quebec; Library and Archives Canada
c. 1861–1867
Owen Learns Iron Molding Trade
Owen Hamall apprenticed or learned iron molding trade in Montreal. 1861 census lists him as "apprentice." Occupation consistently listed as "molder" or "iron molder" in later Chicago city directories and census records.
Significance: Skilled trade provided economic foundation for U.S. migration. Iron molders were in demand in rapidly industrializing American cities.
Source: 1861 Canadian census (apprentice); later Chicago city directories and U.S. census records (molder)
c. 1867–1868
Owen Migrates to United States
Owen Hamall crossed from Canada into Minnesota, likely seeking better economic opportunities in U.S. foundries. No border crossing record located (pre-dates immigration record-keeping at Canadian border).
Significance: Migration represents final leg of three-country journey: Ireland → Canada → U.S. Owen age approximately 20–21 at time of crossing.
Source: Inferred from 1868 Minnesota naturalization declaration showing residence in St. Paul
Research Discovery: September 2018
PROJECT BEGAN: Initial research into Owen Hamall commenced with two marriage records in hand: Owen Hamall & Kate Griffith (1879), and Thomas Henry Hamall & Emma Gilbert. First major discovery: 1880 census showing "Hammil, Thornton" listed as brother (surname recorded as "Hammil" with "Thornton" as given name or separate entry). Early challenge: Who was this "Thornton" with a different surname listed as Owen's brother?
Era III: American Settlement
Minnesota to Illinois • 1868–1879
August 10, 1868
Minnesota Declaration of Intention (First Papers)
Owen Hamall declared intention to become U.S. citizen in District Court, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Listed birthplace as "British Dominions" (standard for Irish subjects).
Significance: First U.S. document in Owen's name. Establishes Minnesota as initial American destination. Required 5-year residence before naturalization could be completed.
Source: Minnesota, Naturalization Records, 1854–1957; Blue Earth County District Court
October 28, 1872
Illinois Naturalization Certificate (Final Papers)
Owen Hamall completed naturalization in Criminal Court, Cook County, Chicago. Renounced allegiance to Queen Victoria, became U.S. citizen. Listed residence as Chicago.
Significance: Documents Owen's migration from Minnesota to Chicago between 1868–1872. Citizenship enabled full legal rights including property ownership and voting.
Source: Illinois, Cook County, Naturalization Index, 1871–1926; Criminal Court, Cook County, October 28, 1872
September 19, 1874
Death of Mary (McMahon) Thornton
Mary McMahon—Owen's mother, William Thornton's mother—died in Montreal at age 54. Buried at Basilique Notre-Dame Cemetery, Montreal.
Significance: Mary's death severed the final tie binding half-brothers Owen and William to Montreal. Both were then settled in Chicago area. Important correction: Mother's death was September 19, 1874 in Montreal—NOT 1897 Chicago as sometimes misreported.
Source: Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection); Burial: Basilique Notre-Dame Cemetery, Montreal, September 1874
1874–1879
Chicago City Directories
Owen Hamall listed in Chicago city directories as molder, residing at various addresses on West Side. Directories show residential stability and employment in foundry district.
Significance: Demonstrates Owen's integration into Chicago's working-class Irish Catholic community. City directories fill census gaps and verify continuous residence.
Source: Chicago City Directories, 1874–1897; Chicago History Museum
August 13, 1879
Marriage to Catherine "Kate" Griffith
Owen Hamall (age 32) married Catherine Griffith (age 23) at Holy Family Church, Chicago. Both listed as born in Ireland. Witnesses present. Marriage recorded in Chicago and Cook County marriage records.
Significance: Marriage launched Owen's nuclear family formation. Kate Griffith (1856–1919) emigrated from Ireland separately; families not related in Ireland. Kate's mother Elizabeth Griffith later provided cemetery plot for Owen's family.
Source: Illinois, Cook County Marriages Index, 1871–1920; Holy Family Church records, Archives of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Era IV: Chicago Family Years
Triumph & Tragedy • 1880–1898
June 1880
1880 U.S. Census: The "Thornton" Mystery
Owen Hamall household, Chicago: Owen (33, molder), Kate (24), Thomas H. (5 months). Also enumerated: "Hammil, Thornton" (24, brother, molder). Recorded with surname "Hammil" and "Thornton" as given name or separate listing. This entry sparked the central research question.
Significance: PIVOTAL DOCUMENT. The enumeration showing relationship as "brother" was initially inexplicable—no family lore of a brother with different surname. This census mystery drove six years of research to understand the half-brother relationship through Mary McMahon's remarriage. Census recorded as "Hammil, Thornton" (NOT "Thornton Hamall").
Source: 1880 U.S. Federal Census, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; National Archives
January 1, 1880
Birth of Thomas Henry Hamall
Owen and Kate's first child, Thomas Henry Hamall, born in Chicago. Thomas Henry survived childhood and lived until 1938, becoming the researcher's direct ancestor (Generation 3).
Significance: Thomas Henry was one of only two of Owen's six children to survive to adulthood. His son Thomas Eugene Hamall (1904–1967) represents Generation 4.
Source: Illinois, Cook County Birth Certificates, 1871–1940; baptism record, Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago
January 16, 1883
Birth of William Hamall (Son)
Owen and Kate's second child, William, born Chicago. Named possibly for Owen's half-brother William Thornton. William died age 10 in 1893.
Source: Baptism record, Holy Name Cathedral, March 1883; death 1893 (pneumonia)
1883
RECIPROCAL BAPTISM SPONSORSHIPS
TWO baptisms document reciprocal godparent relationships: (1) William Hamall baptized with William Thornton as sponsor; (2) Mary Thornton baptized with Owen Hamall as sponsor. Each man served as godfather to the other's child.
KEY BREAKTHROUGH EVIDENCE
The reciprocal sponsorship pattern—each man serving as baptismal sponsor (godfather) to the other's children—is culturally significant. In Catholic practice, baptismal sponsorship was reserved for close family or intimate friends who assumed spiritual responsibility for the child. The mutual pattern strongly indicates family relationship, not casual friendship. Combined with the 1861 Canadian census showing the blended household, and the 1880 census "brother" designation, this proved Owen and William were half-brothers through Mary McMahon.
Significance: SMOKING GUN DOCUMENT discovered March 2024 after six years of searching. Solved the mystery of William Thornton's relationship to Owen. Baptismal records showing reciprocal sponsorship represent behavioral evidence of close family relationship.
Source: Catholic Church Records, Chicago Archdiocese, 1883; Archives of the Archdiocese of Chicago
1885
Birth of Mary Hamall (Later Holland)
Owen and Kate's third child, Mary, born Chicago. Mary survived childhood and lived until 1959, age 74. (Generation 3)
Significance: Mary was Owen's only surviving daughter. She married and became Mary Hamall Holland, maintaining family connections into mid-20th century.
Source: Illinois birth records; baptism record
March 30, 1887
Birth of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hamall
Owen and Kate's fourth child, Lizzie, born Chicago. Died March 30, 1893, age 6—on her birthday.
Source: Baptism record; death certificate 1893
August 23, 1888
Cook County Voter Registration
Owen Hamall registered to vote, Cook County, Illinois. Listed residence and affirmed U.S. citizenship (naturalized October 28, 1872). Exercise of franchise demonstrates civic participation.
Significance: Voter registration records help track residential addresses and verify continuous Chicago residence. Owen participated in democratic process despite economic hardship.
Source: Illinois, Cook County, Voter Registrations, 1888, 1890, 1892; Cook County Clerk's Office
December 28, 1889
Birth of Catherine "Katie" Hamall
Owen and Kate's fifth child, Katie, born Chicago. Named for mother. Died July 29, 1892, age 2 years, 7 months.
Source: Baptism record; death certificate 1892; cemetery records
May 28, 1892
Birth of Eugene Owen Hamall
Owen and Kate's sixth and final child, Eugene Owen, born Chicago. Died March 31, 1893, age 10 months.
Source: Baptism record; cemetery records
July 29, 1892
Death of Katie Hamall (Age 2)
Catherine "Katie" Hamall died at family residence, Chicago. First of four children to die in 1892–1893 period. Buried in Griffith family plot, Calvary Cemetery, Section D.
Significance: Katie's death initiated the family's catastrophic period of child mortality. Chicago's 1892–1893 period saw disease outbreaks affecting working-class neighborhoods.
Source: Death certificate, Cook County; cemetery records, Calvary Cemetery
March 30, 1893
Death of Lizzie Hamall (Age 6)
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hamall died on her sixth birthday at family residence. Buried in Griffith family plot.
Source: Death certificate, Cook County; cemetery records, Calvary Cemetery
March 31, 1893
Death of Eugene Owen Hamall (Age 10 months)
Eugene Owen Hamall died one day after sister Lizzie, age 10 months. Buried in Griffith family plot.
Significance: Loss of two children on consecutive days represents unimaginable family tragedy. Likely epidemic disease.
Source: Cemetery records, Calvary Cemetery
April 29, 1893
Death of William Hamall (Age 10)
William Hamall died from pneumonia after illness. Fourth child lost within 10 months. Buried Griffith family plot.
Significance: Loss of four children in less than a year left Owen and Kate with only two surviving: Thomas Henry (age 13) and Mary (age 8). The 1900 census would show Kate's response: "6 children born, 2 living."
Source: Death certificate listing pneumonia as cause; cemetery records; burial May 1893
December 25, 1897
Chicago Tribune "Destitute List"
Owen Hamall listed on "The Destitute Sick—Christmas Day Report" published in Chicago Tribune. Report identified Owen as blind and unable to work, with family receiving charity assistance.
Significance: Stark evidence of family's economic situation four years after children's deaths. Despite skilled trade, Owen struggled financially after losing his sight. Contemporary newspaper provides real-time socioeconomic snapshot.
Source: Chicago Tribune, December 25, 1897, "The Destitute Sick"
February 4, 1898
Death of Owen Hamall
Owen Hamall died at home, Chicago, from tubercular meningitis (tuberculosis infection of brain/spine). Age 51 years. Death certificate filed February 5, 1898.
Significance: Owen's death left widow Kate (age 42) with two surviving children: Thomas Henry (age 18) and Mary (age 13). Death certificate provides primary evidence of age (51, confirming 1847 birth), birthplace, occupation, and cause of death.
Source: Illinois, Cook County Death Certificates, 1878–1922; filed February 5, 1898
February 1898
Burial of Owen Hamall
Owen buried in Griffith family plot (owned by mother-in-law Elizabeth Griffith), Lot 17, Block 14, Section D, Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Illinois. Same plot where his four children were buried 1892–1893.
Significance: Owen's burial in mother-in-law's plot indicates family couldn't afford their own cemetery property. Elizabeth Griffith's 1870 plot purchase provided final resting place for Owen, his four children, and eventually Kate (1919).
Source: Calvary Cemetery Records, Section D, Lot 17, Block 14; Archdiocese of Chicago Cemetery Office
Research Discovery: Mother's Day Weekend 2019
CEMETERY BREAKTHROUGH: Visit to Calvary Cemetery uncovered Owen's burial plot, revealing four previously unknown children buried 1892–1893. Cemetery records showed Katie (July 1892), Lizzie (March 30, 1893), Eugene (March 31, 1893), and William (April 29, 1893)—all in Griffith family plot owned by Owen's mother-in-law. This discovery solved the mystery of why the 1900 census showed Kate with "6 children born, 2 living."
Era V: The Widow's Years & Next Generation
Kate's Survival & Descendants • 1898–1967
September 10, 1900
Death of William Thornton (Owen's Half-Brother)
William Thornton died in Metropolis, Illinois (360 miles south of Chicago), age 44. Cause of death: exposure. Body returned to Chicago for burial at Calvary Cemetery, Section T. No death certificate located despite search (Massac County Clerk confirmed May 2025: "I was not able to locate the record").
Significance: William's death just two years after Owen's completed the parallel tragedy of the half-brothers. William also lost all three of his children. His widow Mary Lynch Thornton later remarried, becoming Mary St. Pierre.
Source: Cemetery records, Calvary Cemetery; 1900 census ("3 children, 0 living"); Massac County Clerk negative search result
1900
1900 U.S. Census: Kate as Widow
Catherine Hamall, widow, living with her mother Elizabeth Griffith and brother John at 201 Washburne Avenue, Chicago. Listed: "6 children born, 2 children living." Son Thomas (20, molder) following father's trade.
Significance: Census fertility data (6 born/2 living) quantified the family tragedy. Kate supported by extended family after Owen's death, demonstrating importance of family networks for widow survival.
Source: 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
January 1, 1904
Birth of Thomas Eugene Hamall (Generation 4)
Thomas Eugene Hamall born to Thomas Henry Hamall and Emma Gilbert, Chicago. Owen's GRANDSON, not son. Thomas Eugene represents the fourth generation in this family line.
Significance: GENERATIONAL CLARIFICATION CRITICAL. Thomas Eugene (1904–1967) was Thomas Henry's son, making him Owen's grandson (Generation 4). This corrects common misidentification found in some family trees.
Source: Illinois birth records, Cook County
1910
1910 U.S. Census: Kate with Children
Kate (widowed, age 55) living with her son Thomas in daughter Mary's household—Mary Hamall Holland and son-in-law John Holland and their children Edward F and John E at 2639 S Ridgeway Avenue, Chicago.
Significance: Shows Kate maintained close relationships with both surviving children. Multi-generational household typical of working-class families of the era.
Source: 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
December 30, 1919
Death of Catherine "Kate" Griffith Hamall
Kate died at Chicago State Hospital at age 63. Cause of death: pulmonary tuberculosis. Buried with Owen in Griffith family plot, Calvary Cemetery. Kate had been living with her son Thomas Henry at 291 Lionel Rd, Riverside, Illinois prior to hospitalization (per court documents Hamall v Petru, 1911-1919).
Significance: Kate survived Owen by 21 years as a widow (1898-1919). Death from tuberculosis reunited her with Owen and their four children in family plot.
Source: Cemetery records, Calvary Cemetery; Chicago State Hospital records; death certificate
1938
Death of Thomas Henry Hamall
Thomas Henry Hamall, Owen's surviving son, died Riverside, Illinois, age 58. Thomas Henry outlived his father by 40 years, witnessed enormous social change, and raised his own family including son Thomas Eugene.
Significance: Thomas Henry's 1938 death marked the passing of the last person who personally knew Owen. Generation 3 ends; family memory transitions to Generation 4 (Thomas Eugene and his contemporaries).
Source: Illinois death certificate; burial records
1959
Death of Mary Hamall Holland
Mary Hamall Holland, Owen's surviving daughter, died age 74. Mary lived long enough to witness World War II, the atomic age, and the beginning of the space race.
Significance: Mary's 1959 death ended the living connection to Owen's direct children. Both of Owen's surviving offspring (Thomas Henry and Mary) lived well into middle/old age, contrasting with their four siblings who died young.
Source: Death records
1967
Death of Thomas Eugene Hamall (Owen's Grandson)
Thomas Eugene Hamall died Florida, age 63. As Thomas Henry's son, Thomas Eugene was Owen's grandson (Generation 4), NOT Owen's son. Documentary trail ends with Generation 4.
Significance: This endpoint marks 120 years from Owen's 1847 birth. The 1841–1967 documentary span encompasses four generations across 126 years of verifiable records.
Source: Florida death certificate, 1967
Research Discovery: March 2024
BREAKTHROUGH DOCUMENT DISCOVERED: After six years of searching baptism records, the 1883 baptism of William Hamall was located showing William Thornton as sponsor. Follow-up research found Owen Hamall serving as sponsor for William Thornton's daughter Mary in the same year. This reciprocal sponsorship pattern finally proved the family relationship between Owen and William Thornton, solving the 1880 census mystery that had launched the entire research project in September 2018.
Era VI: The Research Journey
Seven Years of Systematic Investigation • September 2018–2025
September 2018
Research Project Initiated
Genealogical research into Owen Hamall commenced with two marriage records: (1) Owen Hamall and Kate Griffith (1879), and (2) Thomas Henry Hamall and Emma Gilbert. Next discovery: 1880 census showing "Hammil, Thornton" as brother. Initial question: Who was this "Thornton" listed as Owen's brother?
2018–2019
Phase 1: Baseline Documentation
Systematic collection of Owen's vital records (1898 death certificate confirming age 51/birth 1847), naturalization papers (1868, October 28, 1872), marriage record (1879), census records (1880), and city directories (1874–1897). Established core biographical facts.
Mother's Day Weekend 2019
Cemetery Discovery: Four Lost Children
Site visit to Calvary Cemetery revealed four children buried 1892–1893: Katie (July 1892), Lizzie (March 30, 1893), Eugene (March 31, 1893), and William (April 29, 1893). Cemetery records in Griffith family plot (owned by mother-in-law) explained Kate's 1900 census response: "6 children born, 2 living."
2019–2020
Phase 2: Irish Origins Research
Investigation of County Monaghan records: Tithe Applotment (1824), Griffith's Valuation (1861), parish registers. Established Donaghmoyne as family origin. Located 1841 marriage record for Henry Hamall & Mary McMahon. Clarified that only James Hamill in Dian is confirmed as family.
2020–2021
Phase 3: Canadian Period Investigation
Montreal records search: 1861 Canadian census (breakthrough: found Hamall-Thornton blended household), Mary's 1855 remarriage to Patrick Thornton at St. Patrick's Church, Mary's September 19, 1874 death and burial at Basilique Notre-Dame, Montreal. Michael's 1851 baptism confirming family arrival by 1850.
2021–2023
Phase 4–7: Intensive Chicago Research
Comprehensive search of Chicago records: baptism records for all six children, death certificates for four children who died 1892–1893, newspaper research (1897 "Destitute List"), voter registrations (1888, 1892), employment records, neighborhood context, disease patterns in 1890s working-class districts.
2023–2024
Phase 8: William Thornton Reconstruction
Focused investigation into William Thornton's life: 1880 census co-residence with Owen, William's own family (wife Mary Lynch, three children all died young), 1900 death in Metropolis IL (exposure), burial at Calvary Cemetery Section T. Massac County Clerk confirmed no death certificate located. Parallel family tragedy documented.
March 2024
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH: Baptism Records
After six years searching Chicago baptism records, discovered 1883 baptisms showing RECIPROCAL SPONSORSHIP: William Thornton sponsored Owen's son William; Owen Hamall sponsored William Thornton's daughter Mary. This behavioral evidence of close family relationship, combined with 1861 Canadian census showing blended household and 1880 census "brother" designation, conclusively proved Owen and William were half-brothers through mother Mary McMahon's remarriage to Patrick Thornton.
RESEARCH MILESTONE ACHIEVED
This discovery represented the culmination of six years of systematic research and solved the central mystery that launched the project: the identity and relationship of "Hammil, Thornton" in the 1880 census. The reciprocal baptism sponsorship documents represent the genealogical "smoking gun" that transformed hypothesis into proven fact under BCG standards.
2024
Phase 9: DNA Confirmation
DNA testing revealed two 19cM matches (CR and DK) connecting through Mary Ann Hamill Byron (Owen's sister), confirming Henry Hamall and Mary McMahon as parents. DNA also validated the Hamill-Gartlan intermarriage cluster through the Hamill line (NOT Kate Griffith's line). Four Donaghmoyne couples proven DNA-related.
2024–2025
Phase 10: Multi-Generational Extension
Documentation of surviving descendants: Thomas Henry Hamall (1880–1938), Mary Hamall Holland (1885–1959), and critically, Thomas Eugene Hamall (1904–1967)—correctly identified as Owen's GRANDSON (Thomas Henry's son), not Owen's son. Kate's December 30, 1919 death at Chicago State Hospital from tuberculosis documented. Kate survived as widow for 21 years (1898-1919).
November 2025
Case Study Compilation
BCG-standard case study prepared documenting complete research methodology, evidence analysis of 70+ primary sources, DNA confirmation, and narrative reconstruction spanning 1841–1967. Project demonstrates GPS (Genealogical Proof Standard) compliance through reasonably exhaustive research, complete source citations, thorough analysis, conflict resolution, and soundly written conclusion.
Research by the Numbers
126
Years of Documentary Evidence
70+
Primary Source Documents
7
Years of Research
4
Generations Documented
3
Countries
2
Major Breakthroughs
The Completed Evidence Trail
This timeline demonstrates the principle that systematic, persistent research eventually yields results—even when the answers lie hidden in unexpected places. The Owen Hamall case required patience to search through decades of records, creativity to recognize patterns across different surname families, and determination to pursue leads through dead ends.
Two breakthroughs transformed the research:
- Mother's Day 2019: Cemetery records revealed four lost children, solving the mystery of Kate's census fertility data and providing heart-wrenching context to the family's Chicago years.
- March 2024: Baptism records showing reciprocal sponsorship finally proved the family relationship between Owen Hamall and William Thornton, solving a six-year puzzle and vindicating the "brother" designation in the 1880 census.
The complete evidence trail—from 1824 Irish tithe records through 1967 Florida death certificate—now stands as a model of BCG-compliant genealogical research, demonstrating that working-class immigrant families, though they left fewer records than the wealthy, can still be reconstructed through diligent investigation of surviving documentation.
Owen Hamall (1847–1898): Irish famine survivor, Canadian immigrant, American citizen, skilled iron molder, devoted husband, grieving father, and half-brother to William Thornton. His story, once fragmented and partially lost, now stands complete.