John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a name synonymous with American leadership and charisma, was deeply connected to his Irish heritage. Understanding the Kennedy Family Genealogy reveals a fascinating story of immigration, resilience, and the rise of a prominent American dynasty from humble Irish roots. The Kennedys, much like the Fitzgeralds on his mother’s side, emerged from Ireland, specifically from families seeking new opportunities in America.
The Fitzgerald lineage began in County Limerick, Ireland, in the village of Bruff. During the years of the Great Irish Potato Famine (1845-1849), many Fitzgeralds sought refuge and a better life in America. Among them were Thomas Fitzgerald, born in Bruff in 1823, and Rose Anna Cox, born in County Cavan in 1835. This couple became the parents of John Francis Fitzgerald, later known as “Honey Fitz,” who marked the first American-born generation in this branch of the Kennedy family genealogy. John Francis Fitzgerald was born in Boston on February 11, 1863, signifying the family’s new beginnings in America.
On September 18, 1889, John Francis “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald married Mary Josephine Hannon from Acton, Massachusetts. Her Irish roots were equally strong, with both her parents, Michael Hannon and Mary Ann Fitzgerald, hailing from Ireland. Their daughter, Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald, born in Boston on July 22, 1890, holds a pivotal place in Kennedy family genealogy as she became John F. Kennedy’s mother, directly linking him to this rich Irish-American heritage.
In parallel, the Kennedy family genealogy on the paternal side also traces back to Ireland. Patrick Kennedy, a cooper by trade, left his ancestral home in Dunganstown, County Wexford, and journeyed to the United States. In 1849, he married Bridget Murphy, born around 1827 in Owenduff, County Wexford. Tragedy struck early, and by 1858, Bridget was widowed with four young children. Among them was Patrick Joseph Kennedy, who, despite the early hardships, would become John F. Kennedy’s grandfather, carrying forward the Kennedy name in America.
Patrick Joseph “P.J.” Kennedy further solidified the Kennedy family’s American story when he married Mary Augusta Hickey in November 1887. Mary Augusta was the daughter of James Hickey from Cork, Ireland, and Margaret M. Field, also of Irish descent. Their son, Joseph Patrick Kennedy, born in East Boston on September 6, 1888, became John F. Kennedy’s father. This union firmly established the Kennedy lineage in American society, built upon strong Irish immigrant foundations.
Both the Fitzgerald and Kennedy families settled and thrived in Boston, Massachusetts, a city that became a hub for Irish immigrants. However, their initial years were marked by the prevalent discrimination faced by Irish Catholics. The early generations of Kennedys and Fitzgeralds worked in various humble professions – as peddlers, coopers, and laborers. Over time, they progressed to become clerks, tavern owners, and retailers, demonstrating their ambition and work ethic.
By the late 19th century, Patrick “PJ” Kennedy and John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald rose to prominence in Boston politics. Honey Fitz achieved significant political success, serving twice as Mayor of Boston and as a member of the U.S. Congress. Their political achievements marked a turning point, showcasing the growing influence of Irish Americans and their significant contributions to American society, a testament to their journey documented in Kennedy family genealogy.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy himself deeply cherished his Irish heritage. During his historic presidential visit to Ireland in June 1963, he poignantly addressed the people of New Ross, Ireland, reflecting on his family’s journey:
When my great grandfather left here to become a cooper in East Boston, he carried nothing with him except two things: a strong religious faith and a strong desire for liberty. I am glad to say that all of his great-grandchildren have valued that inheritance.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum proudly displays artifacts that highlight this deep connection to Ireland. Among these “Irish treasures” is the Fitzgerald family Bible, brought from Ireland by President Kennedy’s ancestors. This very Bible was used when John Fitzgerald Kennedy took his oath of office as the 35th President of the United States in 1961, symbolizing the enduring legacy of his family’s faith and heritage. The Bible, an 1850 Douay English translation, contains handwritten family chronicles dating back to 1857, including the record of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s birth.
Other significant Irish gifts on display include a Waterford crystal pedestal vase, presented to President Kennedy during his 1963 Ireland visit. The vase depicts scenes representing the Kennedy family history: an Irish homestead, an immigrant ship, and the White House, encapsulating their journey from Ireland to American prominence. A Carrickmacross lace napkin, part of a set gifted by Irish Prime Minister Seán Lemass, and an Irish blackthorn walking stick, a present from his cousin Jimmy Kennedy, are further examples of the cherished Irish connections preserved at the Library.
Film footage within the Museum captures President Kennedy’s memorable visit to Ireland, including his remarks at Eyre Square in Galway in 1963, after receiving the Freedom of the City. He fondly remarked, connecting Ireland to his American home:
If the day was clear enough, and if you went down to the bay and you looked west, and your sight was good enough, you would see Boston, Massachusetts. And if you did, you would see down working on the docks there some Doughertys and Flahertys and Ryans and cousins of yours who have gone to Boston and made good.
Photographs also document President Kennedy’s sisters, Jean Kennedy Smith and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, joining him on this poignant trip to the Kennedy family homestead in Dunganstown, County Wexford, for a family reunion, further highlighting the importance of their Irish roots within the Kennedy family genealogy.
The Kennedy family story is a compelling narrative of Irish immigration, American aspiration, and enduring legacy. Exploring the Kennedy family genealogy not only reveals the specific branches of the Fitzgerald and Kennedy families but also illuminates the broader Irish-American experience and the profound impact of heritage on identity and achievement. From famine-era immigrants to the highest office in the United States, the Kennedy family’s journey is a powerful illustration of the American dream rooted in Irish soil.
