Seeking sources

This series of posts focuses on an A-Z theme for April in 2025. I have chosen events that occurred On This Day in April of years in the past. These events are recorded in my genealogy database.

On this day - 22nd April

1887 - Birth: Peter Dominic SMYTH, Alma, South Australia, Australia - first cousin twice removed

Peter was the sixth of seven children born to James Smyth and Catherine Mulvaney who were farmers near Alma, South Australia. The infant James, born before Peter in 1885 had only survived for 9 months so it is likely that they were relieved to have another healthy boy. Their last child was also named James, he was born in October of 1888. Unfortunately he only lived for four months. So Peter grew up as the youngest of five on the farm.

Tragedy struck this family once more when Peter died aged just 15.

SMYTH.—On the 8th January at Alma, Peter Domonic, fourth dearly beloved son of James and C. Smyth and nephew of the late Very Rev. Father Smyth, of Adelaide, also brother of Sister Mary Catherine, of Perth, W.A., aged 15 years. Sweet Jesus grant him eternal rest.

1903 'Family Notices', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 23 January, p. 8.  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/166958353

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1891 - Birth: James Leo O'LEARY,  first cousin twice removed

James Leo was the second of five children born to William Joseph O’Leary and Agnes Lucy McCabe. They had married in 1887 at the residence of the bride’s mother in Dry Creek, South Australia.

When James Leo was 23 he married Muriel Margaret Simpson in St Mary's Church, Port Adelaide.

St Mary's Catholic Church, Pt Adelaide, built 1858

James and Muriel had seven children the first three born while they were living at Mile End and the last four born when they had moved to Woodville.

James Leo died in January 1969, twenty one and a half years after his wife’s death in 1947.

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1920 - Birth: Kathleen Margaret NAUGHTON, Aunt on my maternal side

Kathleen was the only child of Edward Joseph Naughton and Winifred Kathleen McCann. She was only 14 years old when her mother died in December of 1934. Just six years later she married my mother's brother Patrick John O'Dea.

O'DEA—NAUGHTON The wedding of Kathleen Margaret, only child of Mr. E. J. Naughton of Port Lincoln, and the late Mrs. Naughton, with Patrick John, eldest son of Mrs. G. E. O'Dea Port Lincoln, and the late Mr. P. J. O'Dea Ngallo, Victoria, was celebrated with Nuptial Mass at St. Mary's of the Angels on November 23.
Father D. Ruane officiated. Miss Mary Naughton was bridesmaid and Mr. M. Daly best man. The bride was given away by her father. In the evening guests were entertained at the home of Mr. E J. Naughton.

1940 'Family Notices', The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), 19 December, p. 8. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/41911348 

Kathleen died in Gawler in December 1985 and is buried in the Willaston Cemetery.

This post first appeared on earlieryears.blogspot.com by CRGalvin