Re: Patrick McKenna born approx 1890 in UK
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In reply to:
Patrick McKenna born approx 1890 in UK
7/19/98
I am the grandaughter of Patrick Edward McKenna.My maiden name was Eleanor Patricia McKenna (my grandparents legally adopted me thus I took the McKenna name and, as a child, was always called "Patty".)Patrick was the first son of the Patrick McKenna about whom you are seeking information.My Pop, was born on February 15, 1900, at 16 Chapel Terrace, Sholing, Southampton.He was the son of Patrick's first wife, Eliza Ann Spencer.Patrick Snr and Eliza were married on July 8, 1898 at St Patrick's Roman Catholic Chapel, Woolston.Eliza died on May 6, 1904 of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
I still remember when Brian came to Sydney when I was only a little girl and came to visit my Nanny and Pop with whom I lived. Brian took me to the movies once - it was quite a treat for me but probably wasn't much of a treat for him as I would only have been about 6 or 7 and I was a rather odd looking, quiet child. I remember he used to make me laugh by blowing smoke rings, which I thought was quite a wonderful skill.I remember that Brian married a French girl and Aunty Phylis sent us pictures of her and Uncle George with his wife who was a very pretty blonde lady if I remember correctly.I think they were at the Riviera or somewhere like that.
Uncle George and Aunty Phylis used to write to us regularly and they would send me a pound note for my birthday.I think I still have one of them somewhere.
I have been to Britain a couple of times recently and no matter what I am doing I make it my business to visit Patrick Snr's grave but I have never been able to find Eliza's.I also have not been able to locate the grave of his second wife - your great grandmother I guess it would be.She does not seem to be buried with him.
My Pop died on July 25, 1965. Because my grandparents brought me up I know quite a bit about the family and I know that my Pop was particularly fond of his half brother George who looked quite a bit like him.My Pop was a very sweet, gentle man who had been brought up pretty much by his maternal grandmother until Patrick Snr remarried and then he was taken back to live with them.He thought his father rather harsh and put his age up so he could join the navy and get away from him.He was a seaman in the Royal Navy during WWI.I have his war medals as well as those of his father who was in the merchant navy during that war. After WWII my Pop, his wife and my mum went back to England to visit everyone and I think he and his dad were able to put their differences aside and enjoy each other.I have pictures my Pop, Uncle George and their dad together in Patrick's back yard.Patrick Snr had a very large, white moustach, rather fierce countanence and looked like a Russian peasant!He got on well with my mother though and she liked him very much.
I have 3 daughters and 5 grandsons.On my last visit to the UK I took one of the boys with me to visit Patrick's grave.It was quite an emotional experience for us both and we both shed a few tears.
I have never been able to find Patrick Snr's birth certificate so I do not know where he came from.My Pop told me he was an Irishman but who knows?
Please give my regards to Brian and tell him I still think of him fondly.
If you would like to know more please contact me.
Regards
Eleanor