On Saturday-Sunday, July 2 -3, 2011, a reunion of the descendants of Hugh Murray and Mary Maloney was held in St. Louis, Missouri. On Saturday morning attendees journeyed to Potosi, which is about 70 miles southwest of St. Louis. Most, if not all, of Hugh and Mary’s nine children were born in Potosi.
St. James Parish
Hugh and Mary’s nine children were likely baptized at St. James Church. The present church, located at 201 N. Missouri St., dates from 1859. The Parish Cemetery is located nearby at 213 N. Missouri St.
Mary Murray and Bernard Flynn
Hugh’s sister, Mary (Murray) Flynn (1832-1899), and her husband Bernard Flynn (1828-1892) emigrated from County Down, Ireland in 1851. They settled in Potosi, where Bernard worked as a wagon-maker. They had eight children, 6 boys and 2 girls, born between 1854 and 1873.
Mary and Bernard Flynn, as well as some of their children, are buried in St. James’ Cemetery, just north of the parish church.
ERECTED TO
THE MEMORY OF
BERNARD FLYNN
Beloved husb of
MARY M FLYNN
BORN
in Co. Down Ireland
NOV 15, 1828
DIED
MAR 20, 1892
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
ERECTED TO
THE MEMORY OF
MARY M
Beloved wife of
BERNARD FLYNN
BORN
in Co. Down Ireland
May 27, 1832
DIED
NOV. 11, 1889
May her soul rest in peace.
Amen.
Hugh Murray: Wagonmaker & Undertaker
Hugh Murray lived with the Flynn’s in Potosi when he immigrated to the US in 1857. In 1865, he married Mary Moloney and purchased two parcels of land facing Jefferson Street at the northeast corner Jefferson and Water Streets. The land included their home and two outbuildings: a wagon shop and and an undertaking shop.
Michael Moloney: Shoemaker
Mary Moloney’s parents were Anne and Michael Moloney. In 1865 Anne purchased property on the High Street in Potosi. A building labeled “shoes” (1886) and “b.&s.” (boots and shoes, 1893) is depicted at 259 High Street. It may be that this was both Michael’s business location and the family’s home.