Moran, Michael and Family

Census of Ireland 1901

Household Return (Form A)

In 1901 a Michael Moran(63), farmer, was head of the household. Norah(60) his wife is record as having no occupation, but domestic duties in the home were not to be record as such on the census. Michael and Norah have two children Delia(30) and Patrick(28). Both were unmarried. In addition Norah’s sister is living with them, Bridget(61). She too was unmarried. They were all were born in County Galway and are Roman Catholic.

Both, Michael and Norah are unable to read and write but speak both Irish and English. Delia is stated as a farmer’s daughter and Patrick as a farmer’s son are both able to read, write and speak Irish and English. Delia most likely helped in the house and farm and Patrick helped on the farm.

Bridget, Norah’s sister, was stated as having no occupation. She was able to read and speak both Irish and English, she was unable to write.

Enumerator’s abstract (Form N)

The second page of this particular return that lists Michael Moran’s house is missing. It describes in detail the family’s status regarding dwelling house, families, persons and religious profession.

House and Building Return (Form B1) & Out-Offices and Farm-Steadings Return (Form B2)

Michael owned the land that he and his family lived on. The house which was 2^nd class is a stone or brick cottage with a thatched roof it had 3 front windows and it had four rooms occupied. On the farm there were five buildings. A stable, fowl house, piggery, barn and a shed.

The 1901 Irish Census took place the night of Sunday, March 31^st and the forms were filled out and sign by Francis. The forms were filled out by local constable John Reilly, the enumerator, it has an ‘X’ for Michael’s mark, as he could not write, it was witnessed by Constable John Reilly. The forms were also signed and collected by local constable John Reilly on April 4^th.

Census of Ireland 1911

Household Return (Form A)

In 1911, Michael Moran had now passed. Norah(73), his wife, was head of the family and stated as a farmer, she now owned the land she and her family lived on. There are three new columns in the 1911 census, ‘Years Married’, ‘Children Born’ and ‘Children Living’. Norah as a widow, did not fill out these columns. It states ‘married’ on the questions and as she was widowed, it was not recorded. Patrick was still living on the farm and most likely ran the farm for his mother. Norah’s sister, Bridget(75), was still living and was ‘House Keeper’.

Since 1901 Patrick married, but was regrettable now a widower. Also at the house the night of the night of the census was Norah’s granddaughter Mary O’Brien aged 4. She was born in County Galway and also Roman Catholic, not yet a scholar she was unable to read or write. She not recorded as being able to talk at this stage.

Enumerator’s abstract (Form N)

The Moran family are the only family living in the house, there was one males and three females and all are of the Roman Catholic faith.

House and Building Return (Form B1) & Out-Offices and Farm-Steadings Return (Form B2)

The house is the existing stone, or brick thatched cottage with three front window and is now owned by Norah. It is listed as now only 2 rooms occupied by the family. In Form B2 we can tell that there are now only out-houses on the farm. A stable, cow house, piggery and a shed.

The 1911 Irish Census took place the night of Sunday, April 2nd and the forms were declared true, as noted by her signature. The return was witnessed and collected by local constable Thomas Fitzgerald, the enumerator, on April 8th.

Census of Ireland 1926

The next census in Ireland was not taken until 1926. It was not taken in 1921 as Ireland was in the midst the ‘War of Independence’ against Britain. By 1926 Ireland was a Free State and the government was able to take their first census. The official due date for the release of the 1926 Census is January 1st, 2027 as there is a 100 year privacy law in Ireland. There have been many attempts to have an earlier release date, but to no avail yet.