1884 Cincinnati Courthouse Riot
I am researching the 1884 Cincinnati Courthouse Riot in hopes of finding my great-grandfather's name among those killed and/or injured. I understand there were many Kentucky men who participated in that incident.
My grandfather was JOHN McNAMARA born 30 Apr 1884 in Lexington KY. He seldom spoke of his early years, but the story he told was that his father 'was killed on the courthouse steps' and his mother died 'when he was young'.
The only clue to John's parents was revealed when he completed a Social Security application in 1936. He said his father was FRANK (perhaps: Francis? or John Francis?) McNAMARA and his mother was MARY McCOY. I have searched for almost 60 years now to identify his parents -- never found marriage or death records for them in KY or OH.
Orphaned, John was raised by 'Aunt Laura and Uncle Will' (no surname!) near Eaton, Preble Co OH. He said he left their home when he was 19 years old. He is not on the 1900 US Federal Census of Preble Co OH.
I first locate John McNamara in 1906 -- he is living in a boarding house (Cincinnati City Directory 1906). I have his complete history AFTER that date until his death on 17 Sept 1947 in Mobile AL.
It's the early years prior to 1906 that are a mystery -- and especially information about John's parents.
Is there a list of the men killed and/or injured in the 1884 Cincinnati courthouse riot? If so, please see if the name FRANK McNAMARA (FRANCIS MCNAMARA OR JOHN FRANCIS McNAMARA) is listed.
Thank you.
Barbara Jean McNamara