John was born on 23 JUL 1838 in County Waterford, Ireland, the son of Edward Fitzgerald and Bridget Mountain.
He died on 13 APR 1928 in Rockford, Illinois.
His wife was Hannah [Anna] Kearney. They were married, but the date and place have not been found. Their only known child was Clara Marie (1886-1974).
| Event | Date | Details | Source | Multimedia | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 23 JUL 1838 |
|
|||||
| Death | 13 APR 1928 |
|
Note 1
!Source: Kimi Larson's John Kennedy family tree on Phyllis Grissom's MyFamily.com website. - From the History of Winnebago County Illinois 1916 - John Fitzgerald one of the highly respected retired farmers of Rockford, was born in County Waterford Ireland, July 23, 1838, a son of Edward and Bridget [Mountain] Fitzgerald who died in Ireland. John Fitzgerald spent his boyhood in his native land but did not have many educational advantages. - In 1857 he crossed the ocean to Quebec, Canada, and obtained work as a laborer. For some time he was employed at different points in Canada, and then went to New York, later to Philadelphia, and March 15, 1859 he arrived at Rockford. - Farming seeming a satisfactory means of livelihood to him. Mr. Fitzgerald worked for farmers in the vicinity of Rockford for three years and then rented land for eight years in Rockford Township. He then bought a small farm in the same township, and kept adding to it until there now are 123 acres in it. - In March 1909 he retired, and moved to Rockford into the modern residence he had built on Rockton Avenue, where he still lives. In 1902 he sold his farm. - In 1862 Mr. Fitgerald enlisted for service in the Civil War, in Company A. Ninetieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was in the Department of the Mississippi, a portion of the time in the Fourteenth Army Corps, and the remainder of the time in the Fifteenth Army Corps. - In the battle of Missionary Ridge he was wounded by gun shots in both legs and feet. He was honorably discharged July 6, 1865. - On July 11, 1866, Mr. Fitzgerald was married to Honora Kearney, born in County Kerry, Ireland. - In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Fitzgerald belongs to Nevius Post No. 1, G. A. R. - From the Past and Present of Winnebago County 1905 - John Fitzgerald, following the occupation of farming on section 17, Rockford Township, is numbered among the pioneer residents of the county. He was born in county Wetherford, Ireland, about four miles north of Youghal Harbor. - He came to America when nineteen years of age. Making his way westward he worked on the Kenosha division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for a little time. He then went south, spending two years in that section of the county but at the outbreak of the war he returned to Rockford. - Here in 1862 John enlisted as a member of Company A. Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, called the Chicago Irish Legion, under the command of Colonel O'Mera. He was mustered into service at Chicago at Camp Dunne and the regiment was with the Sixteenth Army Corps until ordered to Vicksburg, and Mission Ridge. At the last he was wounded and was sent to the hospital where he remained for six months, after which he served with the invalid corps. - When the war was over and his aid was no longer needed he was mustered out at Indianapolis, Indiana. July 5, 1865. - Politically he is a democrat where national questions and issues are involved, but at local elections he votes independently. - At Rockford he also belong to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. - He is likewise a member of St.. Mary's Catholic church, of Rockford. - Throughout almost his entire business career he has followed farming and his success is the direct outcome of his well directed labors, his splendidly improved farm being the visible evidence of his life of enterprise and untiring activity. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- From the Illinois State Archives: Marriage Info FITZGERALD, JOHN KARNEY, HANNAH 07/11/1866 Winnebago --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Household Record 1880 United States Census Household: - Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace John FITZGERALD Self M Male W 42 IRE Farmer IRE IRE Hannah FITZGERALD Wife M Female W 35 IRE Keeping House IRE IRE Bridget A. FITZGERALD Dau S Female W