O'CONNOR FAMILY LINE

The O'Connor, Sligo, was a principal family of Ireland at the end of the 17th century. In fact, they were a principal family of Ireland from the English Invasion until the end of the reign of King Henry the VIII in Connaught (Keenaught). American variations on the name include: Connor, Connors, O'Connell, O'Conner, O'Conners & O'Connors. This Irish branch clearly came from Ireland to America as a result of the Potato Famine in the mid-1800s. Both Michael and his brother Felix, either by a lack of education or because of virulent anti-Irish predjudice, remained in "blue collar jobs" for their entire working careers. One thing that is clear is how hard the family tried to hide its Irish roots in the less than favorable climate towards the Irish that existed in the Boston area from 1840 on. Very soon, the family started referring to itself as "Connors" or "Connor" instead of the true family surname of "O'Connor". It wasn't until Lena's death in the 1950s that the true surname started appearing on vital records once again. Even in the 20th century, the family was not fully accepted because of its Irish roots instead of "proper old New England" ones. Luckily, the predjudice of having Irish ancestors has finally disappeared and it is easier to find information about the Irish families. It's about time.