The Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney Family of South Bend, Indiana: An Analysis of Their Irish Origins and Family Life in South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana in St Joseph Church, Census and Other Records
Michael C Hanley married Margaret Stoney on October 12, 1862 in St. Joseph County, Indiana. He was listed a Michael Charles in the October 11, 1862 marriage license certificate signed by the St Joseph County Clerk of the Circuit Court. I have yet to find their marriage record in the Sacred Heart of St. Joseph Church microfilm.
Research Observations: The core of this family appears to meet, marry and remain in South Bend, Indiana for the duration of their lives. Several of their children were married here but moved on to settle elsewhere. When the 1870 census was conducted Michael Hanely and his family were residents of Harris Township, clearly a farming area. By 1880 if appears (if this is indeed them) that he had moved his family into the City of South Bend, Ennumeration District 162 and was living on Notre Dame Avenue surrounded by other Irish Families (including my own the Brennans), the McNulty's, Nealands, Joices and Tansys. They appear to have had a daughter Sarah born January 26, 1867 who married William Jacob Stark on November 18, 1893 and a daughter Mariam who married Guilelmum Holland on February 9, 1888 (both at St Joseph Church in South Bend, Indiana). Son Michael C married Nancy J Fitch in St Joseph Church on June 29, 1903. I also found it of interest that Michael's mother Margaret Stoney spoke Gaelic according to his 1920 US Census record
Summary of my findings on the Children of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney and their families:
- Sarah Hanley and William Stark were married on November 18, 1893 at St Joseph Church, South Bend, St Joseph County, Indiana. She is living with her parents Michael Charles and Margarite Hanley and her son William Stark age 5 born May 1895 at 518 N Hill Street on June 5, 1900 when the census was conducted. Sarah was listed as being born on November 1864 in Indiana. They have been married 7 years with 2 children, 1 (William) living. This family appears to be quite mobile traveling from South Bend, Indiana to Niagara, Marinette Wisconsin by August 1901 where their son Francis Joseph Stark is born and then by April of 1910, they are living in the City of Piedmont, Mineral County, West Virginia on Hampshire Street. By the time the 1920 Census is conducted, they are living back in Berrien County, Niles, Michigan, just a few miles from where they were married in South Bend, Indiana in 1893. William J Stark and Sarah Hanley remain here in Berrien, Niles, Michigan until their deaths in 1943 and 1944. William Joseph Stark goes on to marry Lillian Barret in Soutn Bend, Indiana in 1916 and it appears that Frank Stark married Agnes Klingenberg in South Bend, Indiana in 1927. I believe that Frank might have separated from his wife and enlisted in the US Army for WWI in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 30, 1942 but this needs confirmation.
- The Family of Mary Hanley and William Holland were married in St Joseph Church, South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana on February 9, 1888. This family remained in South Bend, Indiana through the 1930 census when Mary is listed as a widow living with her married daughter Helen Voll, her husband Vernard, children Therese, William and Georgina. There were several Mary Hollands who were widowed living in Berrien, Michigan (very near South Bend) in the 1940 census but none of which can be confirmed. I have yet to find a death record on her. I have found Helen Volls in the Mishawaka City Directories with Bernard through 1937, but in Bernard's 1942 WWII Draft Registration card he lists his mother Mrs. John Voll of Philadelphia Pennsylvania as his contact person. He was 46 at the time.
- The Family of Michael Hanley and Nancy Fitch were married in South Bend, St Joseph County, Indiana on June 27, 1903. Michael and Nancy are living with their daughter Helen (1 child had already died) in the home of his parents at 518 N Hill Street in the 1910 Census and live with their three children Helen, John and Richard on 806 N St Louis in the 1920 Census. Michael was listed as a plumber in the 1905 directory, gas fitter in the 1910 city directory, Gas Fitter in 1914, Twp Trustee in 1919 and Sheriff of St Joseph County in 1927. At that time he and wife Nancy J reside at 116 S. Lafayette St, South Bend. By 1930 they reside at 806 ST Louis Street with their three children as well as James G his brother (who is still single). Michael appears to have died on January 2, 1935 at the age of 57 and was buried at St Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger, St Joseph County, Indiana.
- Frank (Francis Hanley) appears to remain single through at least the 1930 Clay Township, St Joseph County, Indiana Census where he is listed as a lodger age 57 living with the Lane Family. He does not have an occupation in this census. He is listed as being a Saloon Keeper in the 1910 census (and is listed twice in this census, once with his family as Francis and another on his home renting a home with a roomer). He was born October 30, 1872 according to his WWI draft registration card and was working as an Election Clerk at the time (1918).
- James Hanley was still single when he appeared in the 1930 South Bend, St Joseph County Census living with his brother Michael Hanley, his wife Nancy and their 3 kids on N. St Louis Street.
- Joseph P Hanley was still single when the 1910 South Bend, St Joseph County, Indiana census was conducted. He was living at home with his parents at age 29 and was a Telephone Laborer.
The objective of this compilation is to try to establish the earliest possible evidence of this family in the United States through all available resources. I would love to hear from anyone who believes that they may be a descendent of this family so that we can work together to find their origins in Ireland and migration trail to the U.S. This will most definitely be a work in progress and all findings I speculate on would have to be proven for accuracy with Ireland and U.S. marriage records, church baptismal records and death records among other genealogical resources. Please use this information with that caveat in mind so that nothing is assumed and no stones are left unturned to assure it's your family and the connection is accurate.
| Census, Church or other Record | Date Born, Baptized, Married | Father/ Husband | Mother/ Wife | Child; others | Occupation; Misc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application for Marriage License St Joseph County, IN | October 11, 1862 | Hanley, Michael Charles | Stoney, Margaret | Application recied by A Hilards? Clerk, St Joseph Circuit Court | |
| Indiana Marriage Collection 1800-1941 about Michael C Hanley | October 12, 1862 | Hanley, Michael C | Stoney, Margaret | Married in St Joseph County, Indiana | |
| 1870 US Census for Harris Township, St Joseph County, Indiana, Mishawaka, IN Post Office | Census ennumerated on August 25, 1870 | Hanley, Michael 29 born in Ireland | Hanley, Margaret, 30 born in Ireland | Hanley, Sarah, 5 born in Indiana | Michael is a Farmer with $600 value in real estate; both Michael and Margaret had parents of foreign origin as did their kids. This area was clearly a farming area as noted by surrounding parcels and their owners occupations |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Mary 2 born in Indiana | |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Anna 6/12 born in Indiana | |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, John 7 born in Indiana | |
| St Joseph Church South Bend, IN Baptismal Record for Michael Hanley (says Handley in the margin and Hanley in the actual record) | June 30, 1877 birth and July 15, 1877 Baptism | Hanley, Michael | Stoney, Margaret | Hanley, Michael | Sponsors Edward McNulty and Mrs Mary Kavanah; G. Demers CSC officiated |
| 1880 US Census for the City of South Bend, St Joseph County, IN Ennumeration District 162 Residence on Notre Dame Avenue | Census ennumerated on June 1, 1880 | Hanley?, Mike C, 45 born in Ireland; parents born in Ireland | Hanley, Margaret, Wife 33 born in Ireland; parents born in Ireland | Hanley, John, 16 son born in Wisconsin, parents born in Ireland | Mike C was a Moulder; Son John was a Laborer |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Sarah, 15 daughter born in IN; parents born in Ireland | None (see marriage record below) |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Mary, 12 daughter born in IN; parents born in Ireland | None (see marriage record below) |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Ann, 10 born in IN; parents born in Ireland | None |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Francis, 4 Son born in IN; parents born in Ireland | None |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, James, 5 born in IN; parents born in Ireland | None |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Michael, 3 born in IN; parents born in Ireland | None (see marriage record below) |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Joseph, 2, born in IN; parents born in Ireland | None |
| St Joseph Church Marriage Record, South Bend, Indiana | February 9, 1888 | Holland, Guilelmum son of Jacobus Holland and Margarethae Fenley? | Hanley, Mariam daughter of Michaelis Hanley and Margaretta Stoney | John Hanley? and Rosa Crane witnessed the marriage and Fallize CSC officiated | |
| St Joseph Church Marriage Record, South Bend, IN | November 18, 1893 Marriage | Stark, Guilielmum Jacobum born January 25, 1868 to Guilielmo Stark and Maria Riley of Belles Falls? Vermont | Hanley, Saram born November? 26, 1867 to Michael and Margaretta Stoney of South Bend | Frank Hanley and Kittie Stoney were witnesses and Stoffel CSC officiated | |
| 1900 US Census for Portage Township, South Bend City, St Joseph County, IN 518 N Hill Street | Census ennumerated on June 5, 1900 | Hanley, Michael charles, Head 63 born August 1846 Ireland; parents born in Ireland; married 37 yrs (this entry appears as Michael, Charles H in ancestry.com) | Hanley, Margarite, Wife 63 born June 1846 Ireland; parents born in Ireland; married 37 yrs; 8? children, 8 living | Hanley, Frank, 26 yr old single son born October 1873 Indiana; parents born in Ireland; | Michael is a Carpenter; He came to the US in 1848, here 62 yrs; wife Margarite came to the US in 1863, here 47 yrs and he is naturalized. (this appears inaccurate as they were married in 1862) Frank is a Day Laborer |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, James 25 yr old son born December 1874 in Indiana, parents born in Ireland | James is a Cigar Maker; |
| " | " | " | " | ?, Michael Mike?, son Single, age 23 born June 1877 IN; parents born in Ireland | I believe he is a Hanley- listed at the top of the next census page without a last name. residence North Hill Street Grocery Clerk - occupation |
| " | " | " | " | ?, Joseph, 20 yr old single son born March 1880 IN; parents born in Ireland | Day Laborer |
| " | " | " | " | Stark, Sarah, 35 yr old married daughter born November 1864 in IN; parents born in Ireland | married 7 yrs with 2 children, 1 living |
| " | " | " | " | Stark, William, 5 yr old grandson born May 1895 in Indiana; dad in Vermont and mom in Indiana | |
| 1900 US Census for St Joseph County, South Bend Ward 7, Indiana; Residence on 1911 South Michigan Avenue | Holland, William F, 34 Head born June 1866 Nebraska, parents born in England | Holland, Mary, Wife 33 born in IN, dad in NY, mom in IR; married 12 years 1 child 1 living (daughter of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Holland, Helen, 4 yr old daughter born September 1895 in IN, dad in NE, mom in IN | William is a Machinist; owns home with mortgage; | |
| " | " | " | " | Holland, Frederick, age 30 brother born December 1869 in Nebraska, parents in England | Machinist; he has been married for 3 years |
| Wisconsin Births and Christenings, 1826-1926 compilation on familysearch.org | Birth August 26, 1901 | Stark, William J (born Bellis Falls, Vermont) | Hanley, Sarah Jane (born South Bend, IN) (this is the daughter of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Stark, Francis Joseph | born in Niagara, Marinette, Wisconsin |
| Indiana Marriages 1811-1959 St Joseph County, IN 1901-1903 Volume 118; Marriage license certificate on Familysearch.org | June 27, 1903 | Hanley, Michael C (I believe this is the son of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney but it needs to be confirmed with the name of his father and mother. | Fitch, Nancy J | Marriage license by Grant Alward Clerk St Joseph County Circuit Court; They were married June 29, 1903 by Peter Lauth CSC St Joseph Church, South Bend, IN | |
| Indiana Marriage Collection, 1800-1941 about Michael C Hanley | June 29, 1903 | Hanley, Michael C | Fitch, Nancy, J | St Joseph County, Indiana | |
| 1910 US Census for Portage Township, City of South Bend, St Joseph County, Indiana Ennumeration District 176; Residence at 518 N Hill Street | Census ennumerated on April 25, 1910 | Hanley, Michael C, Head 72 Widow born in Ireland; parents born in Ireland; Here in 1840 and naturalized; 48 yrs present? marriage (did she just die this year?) 9? children, 7 living | Hanley, Michael 32 yr old married son born in IN; parents born in Ireland; First marriage married 7 yrs | Father Michael is not employed; Son Michael is a Gas Fitter, Ind. Co; | |
| " | " | " | Hanley, Nancy J, 26 yr old daughter in law born in Indiana; parents born in Michigan; first marriage, married 7 yrs, 2 children, 1 living | none | |
| " | " | " | Hanley, Francis, 37 yr old single son born Indiana; parents born in Ireland | Saloon Keeper | |
| " | " | " | Hanley, James A 34 yr old single son born in IN; parents born in Ireland | Cigar Maker, Cigar Factory | |
| " | " | " | Hanley, Joseph P, 29 yr old single son born in IN; parents born in Ireland | Labour Telephone | |
| " | " | " | Hanley, Helen, M, Grand Daughter- ?/12 IN; parents born in Ireland | None | |
| 1910 US Census for South Bend, St Joseph County, IN ward 5. Residence 518 So. Michigan Street | April 21, 1910 | Holland, WL, 42 Head born in Nebraska, parents born in England | Holland, Mary Angela, 40 Wife born in IN, dad in Milwaukee, Nebraska? mom in Ireland (dtr of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Holland, Helen, 14 daughter born in Nebraska, dad in NE, mom in IN | W.H. is a Proprietor at a Mfg Co. They rent their home |
| 1910 US Census for Piedmont City and Twp, Mineral County, West Virginia; Hampshire Street | April 27, 1910 | Starck, William J Head, 41, born in Vermont,parents born in Vermont. Married 17 yrs | Starck, Sarah, Wife 42 born in Indiana; dad in New York, mom in Indiana; married 17 yrs 3 kids, 2 living (dtr of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Starck, William 14 yr old son born in Indiana, dad in VT, mom in IN; | William J is a Machine Minder at the Paper Mill |
| " | " | " | " | Starck, Frank, 8 yr old son born in Wisconsin, dad in VT, mom in IN | (Frank later appears to marry Agnes Klingenberg in 1927) |
| Indiana Marriages, 1811-1959 database on familysearch.org | October 25, 1916 application for marriage license | Starck, Wm Joseph (son of Wm Joseph Starck and Sarah Hanley) born May 31, 1895 in South Bend, IN married Lillian Barrett | Barrett, Lillian | William Joseph (son of William Joseph Starck and (*grandson of Michael Charles Hanley) resided in Mishawaka, IN | |
| Find a Grave Website entry on Michael Charles Hanley plus South Bend Tribune Obit contributed by scabbardfish.com- obit dated Tuesday Decemer 19, 1916 | December 19, 1916 death at home 518 North Hill Street, South Bend, IN | Hanley, Michael Charles died at age 79 after illness lasting 5 mos. | (his wife was Margaret Stoner whom he married 52 yrs prior to his death (abt 1864) | surviving him are his three daughters: Mrs William Stock of Niles Michigan, Mrs William Holland and Mrs Arthur Meyers of South Bend and James Hanley of Kalamazoo, Michigan | According to this obit: Michael Charles was born on August 15, 1837 in County Roscommon, Ireland. He came to South Bend 51 yrs ago from Watertown, New York. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Funeral was held at St. Joseph Church, South Bend with Rev PJ Carrol officiating; Burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery. |
| Indiana Deaths 1882-1920 | December 18, 1916 death in South Bend, IN | Hanley, Michael Charles died at the age of 79 | City Health Office Ch48, page 142 | ||
| US WWI Draft Registration Card 1917-1918 for Frank Hanley, South Bend City, IN | September 12, 1918 | Hanley, Frank 45 born OCtober 30, 1872; Residence at 201 N Michigan Street, South Bend (this is a son of Michael Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | He is an Election Clerk Registration Board, St Joseph County, IN; nearest relative is Michael Hanley 806 N St Louis Blvd. | ||
| 1920 Census for South Bend, St Joseph County, IN Portage Twp, Ward 4; residence at 806 N St Louis | January 6, 1920 census taken | Hanley, Michael, Head 41 born in IN; parents born in Ireland; Mother spoke Gaelic (this is the son of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Hanley, Nancy, Wife 36 born IN, parents born in IN | Hanley, Helen M, 10 yr old Daughter born in IN, parents born in IN | Michael is a Trustee for the Township |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, John, 7 Son born in IN, parents born in IN | |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Richard, 5 son born in IN, parents b in IN | |
| 1920 US Census For South Bend, Ward 5, St Joseph County, IN Residence at 516 So. St. Joe Street | January 6, 1920 | Holland, William, 53 Head born in Nebraska, parents born in England; | Holland, Mary, 51 Wife born in IN, Dad in New York, mom in Iowa? (Dtr of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Holland, Helen, 24 yr old single daughter born in IN, parents born in IN | William is a Manufacturer of Machinery |
| 1920 US Census for Berrien, Niles, Ward 3, Michigan residence at 710 Hickory | January 12 and 13, 1920 | Starke, William J, Head born in Vermont, dad in England, mom unknown in US | Starke, Sarah, 51? yr old wife born in IN, dad in NY, mom in Ireland (Dtr of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Starke, Frank, 18 yr old son bonr in Wisconsin, dad in Vermont, mom in IN | William J is a Paper Maker in the Paper Mill |
| US Passport Applications 1895-1925 | April 21, 1922 Passport application | Voll, Bernard J born July 30, 1895 Zainsville, OH son of John Volls who resides at 6283 Jefferson St, Philadelphia, PA | Voll, Helen born South Bend, IN on September 4, 1895. (this is the daughter of William Holland and Mary Hanley) | This trip was for pleasure to England, Irleand, Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain; they were to sail on the ship Majestic out of New York on July 8, 1922. There is a great picture of Helen on her application. | |
| Indiana, Marriages 1780-1992 database online through familysearch.org (possible marriage record for Frank son of William Stark and Sarah Hanley, Grandson of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | April 11, 1927 in St Joseph's, Hammond, Lake, Indiana | Stark, Frank who was born in Wisconsin married Agnes Klingenberg (born in Mas...?) | Klingenberg, Agnes, daughter of John Klingenberg and Cath. Kouslanski | Frank was the son of William Stark and Sara J Hanley. | |
| 1930 US Census for South Bend, St Joseph County, IN Ennumeration district 29 Residence at 806 St Louis Street | Census Taken on April 11, 1930 | Hanley, Michael C, Head 52; born in IN, married at age 26, Parents born in Irish Free State (this is the son of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Hanley, Nancy J, 45 Wife married at age 19, born in IN, parents born in Michigan; | Hanley, Helen M, 20 single daughter born in IN, parents bor n in IN | Michael has none for occupation; owns home; $5000 value |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, John E, 18 yr old single son born in IN, parents born in IN | none |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, Richard C, 15 born in IN, parents born in IN | none |
| " | " | " | " | Hanley, James G, 55 yr old single brother born in IN, parents born in Irish Free State | Cigar Maker Tobacco |
| 1930 US Census for South Bend, Ennumeration District 15, St Joseph County, IN; Residence of 628 Park Avenue | April 9, 1930 | Voll, Vernard J H, 34 born in OH, parents born in OH; married at age 25 (based on earlier census records, it appears his name should be Bernard). | Voll, Helen, Wife 34 born in IN, dad in NE, mom in IN; married at age 25 (I believe this is Helen Holland, dtr of William Holland, Mary Hanley) | Voll, Therese, Daughter 5 born in IN, dad in OH, mom in IN | |
| " | " | " | " | Voll, William H, 4 son born in IN, dad in OH, mom in IN | |
| " | " | " | " | Voll, Georgina, daughter 2 born in IN; dad in OH, mom in IN | |
| " | " | Holland, Mary, 62 yr old widowed mother in law born in IN, parents born in IR; married at age 19; (I believe this is Mary, wife of William Holland, dtr of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | Servant for a Private Family | ||
| 1930 US Census for St Joseph County, South Bend, Indiana Ennumeration District 29 (probable son of William Stark and Sarah Hanley) | April 12, 1930 | Starck, Frank J Head, 28 born in Wisconsin, parents in US; 20 yrs old when married | Starck, Agnes C, Wife 30 born in IN, parents born in Germany; 21 at first marriage | Starck, Catherine A, daughter,7 born in IN, dad in WI, mom in IN | Frank is a City Policeman; Value of home $4200. |
| " | " | " | " | Starck, John F, 1 9/12 yr old son born in IN, dad in WI, mom in IN | |
| 1930 US Census for Berrien County, Niles, Michigan, part of the 4th ward Residence at 56 No. State Street | April 4, 1930 | Starck, William J, H 60 born in Vermont, dad in England,mom in Irish Free State; 23 yrs old at first marriage | Starck, Sarah J, 63 yr old wife born in IN, parents in Irish Free State; age 26 at first marriage (dtr of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | $5000 home value. Owns his home | |
| Indiana Find a Grave Index 1800-2012 (Possible Burial record for Michael Hanley | Death January 2, 1935 | Hanley, Michael C died at age 57 (probable son of Michael Charles Hanley and Margaret Stoney) | He was born June 30, 1877; Burial St Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, St Joseph County, IN | ||
| US City Directories (for Mishawaka, Indiana) 1837 | 1837 | Voll, Bernard, J (Pres. Treas. General Manager of Sibley Machine and Foundry) | Voll, Helen, H (Secretary of Sibley Machine and Foundry) (this is the daughter of William Holland and Mary Hanley) | Summer residence at Ironwood Road, home 628 Park Avenue; they are also present in the 1932,22,34,35 Mishawaka City Directories. | |
| US WWII Army Enlistment Records 1938-1946 about Frank J Starck familysearch.org database (probable enlistment of Frank Starck, son of William Starck and Sarah Hanley) | July 30, 1942 enlistment in US Army at Kalamazoo, Michigan | Starck, Frank J born 1901 in Wisconsin, resident of Berrien County, Michigan | ( he is listed as separated with dependents) | Civil Occupation Policemen and Detectives, public service; Enlisted as a Private | |
| Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952 familysearch.org database | February 17, 1943 in Niles, Berrien, Michigan | Starck, William J died at age of 74; he was married (this was the husband of Sarah Hanley) | William was born January 25, 1869 in Bellow Falls, Vermont abt 1869 to Jame Starck and Mary Riley. | ||
| Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952 for Sarrah Ann Starck | Died January 28, 1944 in Benton Harbor, Berrien, Michigan | Starck, Sarrah Ann, age 79 widowed, was born abt 1865 in South Bend, IN to Michael Hanley and Margret Stoney | |||
| Michigan Deaths, 1971-1996 about Frank J Starck (probable death record for Frank J Starck son of William Starck and Sarah Hanley) | Born August 26, 1901 and died September 17, 1977 in Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan | Starck, Frank J | He was a resident of Niles, Berrien, Michigan | ||
| Social Security Death Index for Frank Starck; Last residence 49505 Gand Rapids, Kent, Michigan | September 1977 | Starck, Frank (I believe that this is the son of William Starck and Sarah Hanley) | Social Security Number 364-22-9782. Frank was born on August 26, 1901 |