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Genealogical Reference Room Lynn Public Library Lynn, Massachusetts The Sionagh
family has descended from Ilesius of Spain through the line of his son, Lieremon;
the founder of the family was Maine, ancestor of the Southern Hy Nials and the
son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, King of Ireland AD 379. The ancient name is
CAHANEY and signifies "the fox;" the possessions of the clan were
located in the present counties of Donegal and Westmeath. The O’Sionnaighs
or Foxes were Lands of Teffia in the Meath County. O’Dugan, in his topography,
gives O’Catharraigh as head prince of Teffia; hence, the name of SIONNAIGH has
been rendered CATHARNAIGH or KEARNEY. The chief branch of the family took the
name of SIONACH O’CATHARNAIGH, and the word SIONNAGH signifying "A
fox," the family name became FOX and the head chief was generally
designated AU SIONNAGH, or the fox. They came, as
stated, of the race of the Southern Hy Nial and their territory was called
Munster Tadhgain which contained territories of the baronies of Rathcontrath and
Cioneonan in Westmeath and part of the barony of Kilcourcy in Kings County. In the reign of
Queen Elizabeth, the Foxes got the title of Lords of Kilcourcy. (taken from
"Genealogical History of Irish Families by Rooney") Lynn Public
Library. The head of the
sept has for centuries since the English language was first introduced into
Ireland, been known as "The Fox" and this designation still used
today, is termed authentic by the Irish Genealogical Office - it cannot be
called a title, for titles are not recognized in Irish Constitution. Among interesting
bearers of the name was Sir Patrick Fox of Mogvare County, Westmeath - he was
State Interpreter (of Irish) in 1568 and Charlotte Milligan Fox (1864-1916) a
collector of folk songs - founder of the Irish Folk Song Society - taken from
IRISH FAMILIES - Lynn Public Library.
NEW ENGLAND FAMILY COAT OF ARMS
Appeared
in Boston Post, Appox.- 1947 The SHINNICK
family name has undergone many changes. The earliest form is O’Sheny. Then
follows O’Sunny, Shunny, Shinagh, Shinnock, Shinwick and Shinnagh. The name of
Schenick and Shenock also come from the same source. Translated from
the Gaelic, the name is Fox. In Ireland, it was the name of a family of Corca
Laoiglidhe in southwest Cork. It is also the name of a Sligo family. The Fox
families of Ireland have among their branches many who have accepted the name
Fox instead of Shinnick. This nickname
supplanted the real surname, especially in the case of the family who were
ancient chiefs of Teffia. This was an old Meath family which was descended from
Maine, son of the Niall of the Nine Hostages. They were originally chiefs of all
Teffia, but their patrimony was afterwards whittled down to Munnstear Tadhgain,
now the barony of Ilcoursey of Offaly. They were also
known as SIONNAC from their ancestor, Cahapnac, Sionnac, who was slain in the
year 1084. The head of the family was known by the title of "Au Sionnac"
or "The Fox." The SHINNICKS did
not come into New England until after the 1840’s. One of the best
known locally was the Rev. William Shinnick, pastor of the Catholic Church in
Marblehead for more than 25 years. Father Shinnick was an amateur astronomer of
note, and came to Marblehead from St. James Church in Salem, where he was a
curate. He lived to be over 90 years old and died in 1912. Note:
Helen F. Shinnick, genealogist, found his grave during this research.
There is a large monument where he is buried in the Star of the Sea Cemetery,
Marblehead, Mass. There are no dates on the stone - just his name. He is very
well thought of by the old Marbleheaders. I am almost afraid
to sit down and try to compose a history of our SHUNICK family in America. There
are so many other members of the family more familiar with its history. However,
we thought it time that something concrete had been put on papers, so I will
make the attempt. This, of course, is just a beginning. There are many blank
places to be filled in, and we would welcome any additional information you
may have which would help. Many thanks go to
Edna Shunick, Helen Laughlin, Nell McNamara (Cooke) Shunick, Betty L. Shunick,
and Bernice (Shunick) Toal. Nell, Betty, and Bernice lived in Monmouth most of
their lives and were closer to the Shunick relatives than the rest Of
us. Edna Shunick is the
granddaughter of John and Catherine (Lee) Shunick, daughter of David Henry an(]
Kathryn (Flanagan) Shunick, and lives in Galesburg, Ill. Helen Laughlin is the
granddaughter of John W. and Anna (Johnson) Shunick. John was the oldest child
of’ John and Catherine (Lee) Shunick. She lives in Imogene, Iowa. Nell McNamara
(Cooke) Shunick is the wife of Edward J. Shunick, the grandson of Richard and
Elizabeth (O’Neil) Shunick, son of Thomas and Mary (Stack) Shunick. She lives
in Chicago. Bernice Toal is the
wife of Carroll Toal. Her grandparents were also Richard and Elizabeth (O’Neil)
Shunick, and her parents Edmond and Margaret (Stack) Shunick. Betty L. Shunick is
the granddaughter of yet another Shunick, Thomas and Ellen (Mahoney) Shunick,
daughter of Charles D. and Bertha A. (Heim) Shunick, and lives in Chicago. We are related
through John and Catherine (Lee) Shunick’s daughter Julia Agnes, who married
Frederick Archer. Tom is the son of their fourth child, Ralph Albert Archer. |
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