The Martin Hilliard and Ellen Shea (Shay) Family of South Bend, Indiana: An Analysis of this Irish Family's Migration from Ireland to South Bend Indiana and Beyond in Notre Dame Sacred Heart Church Records, South Bend Census and Directories and other Resources

The Martin and Ellen (Shea or Shay) Hilliard Family are living in the South Bend, Indiana area at least as early as 1858. I have yet to find their marriage record but they were clearly from Hibernia and I have found six of their children's baptismal records in the Sacred Heart Parish Microfilm. They were living a couple of doors down from my second great grandparents Martin Brennan and Catherine Corcoran when the 1870 South Bend, Indiana Census was conducted and Ellen's mother Catherine Shay is living with them in the 1880 Census.

Once caveat to keep in mind: I viewed the Sacred Heart Church microfilm early on in my genealogy research and as I recall it was a challenge to decipher. If you see your family in this compilation please consider checking out the church microfilm via the South Bend, Indiana Library or a local LDS Family History Center to confirm my interpretation of the records.

Special Note: There is a list of lot owners in the Cedar Grove Cemetery Microfilm 1637531 item 3 that indicates that the "Hilliard family" owns lot numbers 175 and 176 in Section B. I'm not certain that this lot is tied to this family but it would be worth pursuing to check it out!

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.

Special Kudos to William, a Genealogist, who has family ties to Martin and Ellen Hilliard, has been researching this line and contributed to the creation of this page! According to William Charles and Margaret (Neenan) Duck had the following children: Mary Norma, Marjorie H, Louis Benjamin and Charles.

Research Observations and Analysis: Martin's wife is referred to as Ellen in the Census Records, but Helen or Helena in most of the Sacred Heart Baptismal Records. Her maiden name was spelled as both Shay and Shea. Her mother Catherine Shay is living with them in the 1880 Census. They were living in Center Twp (within South Bend Post Office area) in 1860 but were indexed incorrectly as Hillian. There is a possible Passenger List for a Martin Hilliard age 24 and a Catherine Hilliard age 20 traveling from the Port in Cork, Ireland on board the Mississippi arriving in New York on April 6, 1852 could possibly be this Martin Hilliard if his wife Ellen was also referred to as Catherine like her mother. I have chosen to leave this record off for now until that reach can be substantiated.

Census, Church or other Record Date Born, Baptized, Married Father/ Husband Mother/ Wife Child Occupation; Misc.
Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame Baptismal Record May 3, 1858 Birth and May 4, 1858 Baptism Hilliard, Martino Shay, Helena Stanslai Dannis? Helena McNals? and Maria Burns Sponsors
Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame Baptismal Record May 3, 1858 Birth and May 4, 1858 Baptism Hilliard, Martino Shay, Helena Helena Angela Loetita? Fitzpatrick sponsors
1860 US Census, Center Twp, St. Joseph County, Indiana Post Office South Bend June 26, 1860 Hilliard, Martin (age 29) born in Ireland (this was indexed incorrectly as Hillian) (Henry Macker a Laborer from Indiana lives with them) Hilliard, Ellen, age 28 born in Ireland Hilliard, Catharine, age 5 born in New York Martin was a Farmer. Value of Personal Estate $200
" "     Hilliard, Mary, age 5 born in New York  
" "     Hilliard, Michael, age 4? born in New York  
" "     Hilliard, John, age 2 born in Indiana  
" "     Hilliard, Nelly, age 2 born in Indiana  
" "     Hilliard, Jimsey, age 6/12 born in Indiana  
Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame Baptismal Record August 15, 1863 Birth and October 29, 1863 Baptism Hilliard, Martino Shea, Helena Gulielmi Anna D Regan (note after this record is hard to read... SB Black----?
Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame Baptismal Record July 1, 1867? Birth and August 26, 1867 Baptism Hilliard, Martino Shein?, Helena Daniel Martinus Mason and Maria Fresnay sponsors
Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame Baptismal Record May 19, 1869 Birth and May 23, 1869 Baptism Hilliard, Martino Shea, Helena Thomas Joseph Catharina Farell Sponsor
Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame Baptismal Record June ?, 1872 Birth and July 7, 1872 Baptism Hilliard, Martino Shea, Helenis Elizabeth Anna Joannem Clifford and Joannes Hielan Sponsors (see possible death record for Elizabeth at bottom of compilation)
US Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles Ancestry.com Database (Report of the Adjutant General of the State of IN) December 1, 1864 Enlistment Date; January 12, 1864 into Company H, Indiana H Cavalry Regiment Hilliard, Martin, Private     Residence St Joseph County Indiana; He survived the war. Mustered out on November 10, 1865 at Indianapolis, IN
US Civil Ward Soldiers 1861-1865 Ancestry.com Database (Film # M540 roll 34)   Hilliard, Martin, Private     12th Regiment, Indiana Cavalry, Company H Union Army
1870 US Census for South Bend, Portage Township, St Joseph County, IN July 9, 1870 Hilliard, Martin, age 50 born in Ireland Hilliard, Ellen, age 42 born in Ireland Hilliard, Michael, age 13 born in New York Martin is a Laborer with $800 Real Estate. Ellen (Keeping House) and Michael is in School
" "     Hilliard, John, age 12 born in Indiana School
" "     Hilliard, Nellica?, age 6 born in Indiana School
" "     Hilliard, Johanna age 4 born in Indiana  
" "     Hilliard, Daniel, age 3 born in Indiana  
" "     Hilliard, Thomas age 1 born in Indiana  
Indiana Marriage Collection 1800-1941 January 1871 Neenan, John Hilliard, Catharine   Married in St Joseph County, IN; Book 6, page 393
Sacred Heart Marriage Records November 1, 1871 Neenan, Joannem Helliard, Catherinam   Joanne McCarthy and Maria Morgan Witnesses. A Granger, Priest
St Joseph Church Census, City of Lowell 1874 Neenan, Jno     (Jno Neenan Husband of Catharine Hilliard)
St Joseph Church South Bend, IN Baptismal Records for William Edward son of John Neenan and Catharine Hilliard (dtr of Martin) October 30, 1874 Birth and November 14, 1874 Baptism Neenan, Johanna Hilliard, Catharina Gulielmum Edwardum (William Edward) Michael Frain, Maria Hilliard, Joannum Hilliard Sp
St Joseph Church South Bend, IN Baptismal Record for Thomas Marimto Neenan son of Joanne Neenen and Kate Hilliard (dtr of Martin) August 19, 1876 Neenan, Joannis Heliard, Kate Neenan, Thomas Martimo John Heliard and Julia Heliard Sp; there was a cross before this record, did he die??
St Joseph Church Burial Record for William, son of Martin Hilliard April 23, 1879 Burial     Helliard, Guillelmus age of 15 Martinus Heliard and Patricius Tansey sp
1880 US Census for South Bend, District 162 St Joseph County, IN (appears to be East St Vincent Avenue- residence) June 1, 1880 census conducted Hilliard, Martin, age 53 born in Ireland, parents born in Ireland Hilliard, --le, Wife 50 born in Ireland, parents born in Ireland Hilliard, Mary, Daughter 24 born in New York (parents of all their children born in Ireland) Martin is a Farm Laborer; Daughter Mary is a House Servant
" "     Hilliard, Mike, Son age 23 born in New York Farm Laborer
" "     Hilliard, John, Son age 22 born in New York Works at Sewing Factory
" "     Hilliard, Julia, Daughter 18 born in New York House Servant
" "     Hilliard, Johanna, Daughter, age 15 born in New York Home
" "     Hilliard, Daniel age 12 born in New York Works at Sewing Factory
" "     Hilliard, Thomas age 10 born in New York Home
" "     Hilliard, Lizzie, Daughter Home

"
"     Shay, Catherine, Mother in Law 60 born in Ireland, parents born in Ireland Home
St Joseph Church Burial Record for Johanna, child of Martin/Elln July 24, 1881 Death and July 26, 1881 Burial Hilliard, Martinii Hilliard, Hellena Johanna Johanna died at the age of 12
Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame Baptismal Records May 24, 1882 Birth and Mary 28, 1882 Baptism Neenan, Joanne Hilliard, Cath Genovisa Town of Lowell; Hugo Dean? and Julia Condon Sp
Sacred Heart Church Confirmation Records, Notre Dame (likely Daniel and Thomas of this family of Hilliards) June 6, 1882 Hilliard, Thomas (Guilielmus) and Daniel (Jacobus)     Microfilm 1617238 Item 10
Indiana Find a Grave Index 1800-2011 1882 Neenan, John died at age 32     Burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, St Joseph County, IN
St Joseph Church, South Bend, IN Burial Record for Martin Hilliard September 13, 1882 Hilliard, Martinum     Martin died at the age of 56; Fallize CSC
South Bend Indiana City Directory for 1885 1885   Hilliard, Ellen (Wid of Martin)   Res 525 St Vincent; Son John, Thomas and Daniel all Laborers live with her at this address
Illinois Cook County Marriages 1871-1920 for Daniel Hilliard (son of Martin) to Maggie Worley November 28, 1889 Hilliard, Daniel, age 22 Worley, Maggie age 19   License obtained November 27, 1889 (see the 1917 marriage record below for Daniel and Maggie's daughter Geneveve to Joseph Crepau for confirmation of this marriage)
NARA Civil War Pension Index: Gen Index to Pension Files 1861-1934 Ancestry.com Database February 1, 1890 filing Hilliard, Martin (Soldier) Hilliard, Ellen, Wife   Service H 12 Ind. Cav. Applicaton 413863; Certificat # 312427 Indiana
NARA Headstones for Deceased Union Civil Ward Veterans 1879-1903 Ancestry.com Database   Hilliard, Martin     12th Regiment; Burial Marker at Cedar Grove, Notre Dame Indiana. Contract issued ?, 3, 1891.
St Joseph church Baptismal Record November 23, 1890 baptism and Nov 8, 1890 Birth Hilliard, Daniel Woerle?, Margarita Lyman? Martin sponsors were Thomas Hilliard and Catharina Neenan; Stoffel CSC; page 155 Microfilm 1617235 item 4.
St Joseph Church Baptismal Records April 19, 1892 Hilliard, Daniel (this is the son of Martin/Ellen) Woerle, Margret Hilliard, Wm A (Gulielmus Franciscus) This was documented as a private baptism (this child may have been ill or died)
South Bend Indiana City Directory for 1894 1894   Hilliard, Ellen (Wid Martin)   525 E St Vincent; Lizzie (Dressmaker) and Thomas (Mason) live with her. Son Daniel (Mason) lives at 927. N Hill
South Bend Indiana City Directory for 1896 1896   Hilliard, Ellen (Wid Martin)   525 E St Vincent; Son Thomas and John (Laborers live here too)
South Bend Indiana City Directory for 1899 1899   Hilliard, Mrs Ellen (Wid Martin)   Res. 525 E St Vincent; Son Thos (Mason) and son Michael (works SB Toy MFG co) live with her.
St Joseph Church, South Bend, IN Burial record for William Heliard April 23, 1899 Heliard, Martini Shea, Helaena Guilelmum Guilelmum died at the age of 15 years; witnesses Martinus Heliard and Patricius Tansey
Indiana Marriage Collection 1800-1941 (St Joseph County, IN) December 26, 1899 Duck, Charles E Neenan, Margaret   Book 17, page 7; Genealogist William researching this line graciously provided this link to the Hilliard line!
1900 US Census for South Bend, Portage Twp, St Joseph County, IN (residence at 525 N Hill) June 12, 1900 Census conducted   Hilliard, Ellen, Head age 70 yr old widow born in Ireland; parents born in Ireland. Daughter Catharlina Neenan (Neena) is living nearby Hilliard, John, Son, 40 yr old widow born in IN, parents born in Ireland Ellen was born in 1830, 13 kids, 7 living, immigrated here in 1855, in U.S. for 45 years, owns home free of mortgage; Son John was born May 1840 in Indiana, parents born Ireland. He is a Day Laborer
1900 US Census for South Bend, Portage Twp, St Joseph County, IN (residence at1204 Lawrence?) June 12, 1900 Census Conducted Neena, Catharina, Head 45 yr old widow born July 1864 in New York, parents born in NY? (Maggie Duck a border lives with them) (Dtr of Catherine and Martin Hilliard) Per William, Maggie Duck is Catherine Hilliard Neenan's Daughter Margaret Neenan!   Neena, John, Son, 27 yr old single son born February 1873 in New York, parents born in New York Catharina has 6 kids, 5 living, owns her home free of mortgage, occupation Housework. Son John is a Surveyor
" "     Neena, Nellie, Single Daughter age 22 born July 1877 in Indiana, parents born in New York Nellie is a Telephone -?
" "     Neena, Jenovive, Single Daughter age 18 born May 1882 in Indiana; parents born in New York  
1900 US Census for South Bend, Portage Twp, St Joseph County IN (927 N Hill residence) (Daniel son of Martin/Ellen) June 11, 1900 Census taken Hilliard, Daniel, Head, 32 born August 1867 in Indiana, parents born in Ireland Hilliard, Margurite 28 born October 1871 in Pennsylvania, parenst born in Pensylvania Hilliard, Lamond, Son age 9 born November 1890 Indiana, parents born in Indiana - in school Daniel and Margurite were married 10 years, 2 kids, 2 living, Daniel is a Brick Mason
" "     Hilliard, Genivive, Daughter age 6 born January 1894 Indiana, parents born in IN  
" "     Worley, Cornelius, age 65 widowed Father in law born May 1835 Germany, parents born in Germany Cornelius is a Machinist
" "     Worley, Clara, 22 yr old single Sister in Law born Feb 1878 Indiana, dad born in Germany, mom in IN Seamstress
South Bend Indiana City Directory for 1903 1903   Hilliard, Mrs Ellen (Wid of Martin)   res. 525 E St Vincent; Son Thomas (Mason), Michael (Lab), Elizabeth live with her; Son Daniel is living with wife Maggie on 927 N Hill
South Bend Indiana City Directory for 1905 1905   Hilliard, Mrs. Ellen (Wid Martin)   res. 525 E St Vincent; Son Thomas J (City Inspector), John J (Mason), and Lizzie reside with her.
Indiana Deaths 1882-1920 (possible death record for John, son of Martin/Ellen) December 19, 1905 Hilliard, John age 45     died in South Bend, Ch 43, Pg 86
Indiana Deaths 1882-1920 February 5, 1905 Neenan, Catherine age 51 in South Bend, IN     Book CH 43, Page 101
Indiana Deaths 1882-1920 Ancestry.com Database (City Health Office, South Bend) November 18, 1905   Hilliard, Ellen   Ellen died at the age of 82 in South Bend, Indiana; Book Ch-43, Page 76
Indiana Deaths 1882-1920 Ancestry.com Database (City Health Office, South Bend) (possible death record for Michael son of Martin/Ellen) February 22, 1907     Hilliard, Michael died in South Bend, H21, page 182
1910 US Census for South Bend, Portage Twp, Ward 4, St Joseph County, IN (res 827 Hill Street) (son of Martin/Ellen) April 26, 1910 Hilliard, Daniel, Head 42 born in Indiana, parents born in Ireland; Hilliard, Margaret, Wife, age 38 born in Indiana, Parents born in Germany Hilliard, Lehman, Son age 19 single born in Indiana, parents born in Indiana, occupation Electrotyper? Factory Daniel was a City Policeman, owns home free of mortgage; 20 yrs this marriage - says marriage 1 or 2??; Margaret's first marriage, 3 kids, 2 living
" "     Hilliard, Genevivive, single Daughter age 16 born in IN, Parents born in IN, Mailing Clerk Factory
Indiana Marriage Collection 1811-1959 from familysearch.org website June 25, 1917 application for marriage license Crepeu, Joseph A Hilliard, Geniveve M born January 10, 1894 South Bend, IN   Geneveve was the daughter of Daniel Hilliard who was born in IN and is retired and Mother Margaret Werle a Domestic also born in South Bend
Indiana Marriage Collection 1811-1959 June 27, 1917 Crepau, Joseph A Hillard, Geniveve   St Joseph County
Indiana Deaths 1882-1920 (Ancestry.com Database online) February 1, 1919   Duck, Margaret Nunan died at age 38 in South Bend, St Joseph County, IN   Ch 49, page 202; Kudos to Genealogist William for providing this information on Margaret (Neenan) Duck.
Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index 1916-1947 January 19, 1944 Death and January 21, 1944 Burial     Hilliard, Elizabeth (aka Elizabeth Nelson) Elizabeth Nelson, wife of Thomas Nelson and daughter of Martin Hilliard and Ellen Shea (says father's birth place USA) Elizabeth resided in Cook, County, Illinois and wa sa 69 year old Housekeeper. She was born in South Bend, Indiana on June 22, 1874.