The Teskeys, harnessed the river’s water power, building a sawmill and a gristmill at the falls–The sawmill and gristmill have disappeared completely while the woollen mills have been reduced to decaying ruins and a charred field.
Mississippi Woollen Mills, J.A. Teskey–North Lanark Regional Museum
John Jacob Mahon married Mary Steep, then Mary Ann Hudder (twenty children! between Mary and Mary Ann) —CLICK here for more
Mary Ann Hudder Mahon used to knit and I was told she used to love to knit a lot. She also wore the wool socks she made to bed. Did you wear wool socks to bed?
Wool socks were number one for explorers and mountaineers. When the body of George Mallory was found on Everest 75 years after his disappearance in 1924, he was wearing three pairs of wool socks. It’s since been proven by academics that Mallory’s clothing was warm enough for climbing conditions and perhaps even an improvement on modern options. So although Mallory sadly met his maker up on Everest, his socks weren’t to blame for his untimely demise. As well as wool socks, they were also available in other materials such as cashmere, cotton lisle and silk. They could be smooth or ribbed. When debris from the RMS Titanic was recovered, following the ship’s sinking in 1915, a suitcase was opened up to reveal neatly folded clothes, including a pair of unworn socks made from finely knitted black silk.
Colors and patterns started to grow more vibrant into the 1910s. This was due to advances in high-speed knitting technology which led to various patterns, constructions and colors.
As socks were not elasticized like modern examples available so freely at the likes of Target, men were at risk of having their socks sag to reveal bare ankle. To prevent this, gentlemen pulled their socks up which they secured with sock garters (also known as ‘hose garters’). Made of leather or striped elastic, the garter clipped to the end of the sock and fastened around the upper calf.
For working classes the lumberman’s socks had a draw string cord at the top (they look like Christmas stockings!)
Did you know…
John Mahon was the owner of a mica mine in the early 1900’s. Located just north of Murphy’s Point Park it was along the cross-country ski trail and called the Mahon Occurrence. Originally producing phosphate John took over in 1908 mining mica. According to government records nearly $4000 worth of mica was removed in just a few months. In today’s dollars that is the equivalent of $89,000. Give or take a penny or two.
The exact location will be on the self-driving tour map distributed during the Family Reunion.
On a personal note, I remember mum talking about family rowing across Rideau Lake to work the mine. I wonder if they sang “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to work we go” during the crossing. —
The merry men of the Mahon Mine Occurrence. I believe John Mahon is the fellow on the far left. Other faces look familiar but if anyone can provide names please do so. —
Jo-Ann RogersMy Grampa, Joe Mahon used to bring me to the mica mine. I was fascinated with the ability to peel off the layers. Grampa was so proud of the mine and the family history that belonged with the mine!
Mahon Mine
Location: Lot 10, concession V, North Burgess township,
Lanark county.
Minerals
Present:
Development
Geology:
Apatite, phlogopite, pyroxene, calcite.
An old phosphate producer the mine produced
mica in 1908 under the direction of J. Mahon of
Rideau Ferry and continued intermittently until
The mica workings lie a few hundred feet
southwest of the old phosphate pits, on a small
gully which has been worn out by water along a line
of pockets in dark green pyroxenite. A shaft
was sunk to a depth of 30 feet.
The mica occurs in pink calcite bodies in
fissures and pods in green metamorphic
pyroxenite. The mica is of good quality, but
small in size, the average being 2 by 3 inches.
The lead strikes N75OE.
Reference: de Schmid (1912, p. 166)
This property belongs to Mr. J. Mahon, of Rideau Ferry, and
lies about a fourth of a mile to the west of Mr. Smith’s mine on lot 9.
Formerly an old phosphate producer, the mine lay idle until 1908, when the
present owner commenced work with three men, and has continued inter-
mittently up to the present time. The present workings lie a few hundred
feet southwest of the old phosphate pits, on a small gully which has been
worn out by water along a line of pockets in a dark green pyroxenite. These
pockets or chimneys connect horizontally by narrow fissures and are filled
out with large bodies of pink calcite in which the mica crystals are dis-
seminated. The latter are of fine quality, dark mottled-amber in colour,
and of rather small size, the average being 2″ X 3″. A depth of some
30 feet has been reached in a small shaft sunk on the largest of the pockets,
and several smaller openings have been made along the line of lead. The
direction of the chain of pockets is W. 15° S.,and indications tend to show the
existence of similar cavities to a considerable depth. The fact that water
never accumulates in the workings, but sinks away at once, is a very favour-
able sign. A little phosphate accompanies the mica. The present operator
lias taken out mica to the value of $4,000 in the space of a few months, and
there is little doubt that the mine would repay more extensive development.
The Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny) atop the Hill of Tara, County Meath, Ireland.
Celtic Historian Kevin Dooley came to the reunion to tell the Mahon families what their ancestors went through. He also told us a few settlements in Ireland were older than Sonehenge carvings in the Irish stones —older than the pyramids. When ancient Egypt and Ireland are spoken about in the same breath it usually results in the rolling of eyes, polite exits and the sound of murmurs citing pseudo-history and new age babble. At least, that used to be the case.
Recent discoveries in DNA research have added to already verified archaeological finds to present a scenario that is now more difficult to dismiss.
The Hill of Tara is one of Ireland’s most ancient sacred sites. It is surrounded by many other Neolithic earthworks and tombs and although commonly associated with the Celts, the site pre-dates their arrival in Ireland by thousands of years.
In legend it is the place where the Tuatha De Danann reigned. These were a God-like people who were said to have arrived in Ireland in mysterious ships and had magical powers. Read more here..
Here we have a portrait of Mary and Evelyn Mahon, daughters of John and Bridget Mahon, taken in the early 1900’s.
Irish Immigration
The Mahon family is one of the oldest families that immigrated from the centre of Ireland and James Mahon’s small farm was located just outside of town. They were also a clan and had lands and had trades.
This stage of Irish-Canadian immigration history gathered momentum in the 1760s when advertisements appeared in Ireland’s Ulster province offering “industrious farmers and useful mechanics” the opportunity to emigrate to British North America (as Canada was then known) with the promise of at least 200 acres of land per household.
Some 300 new settlers took up the challenge, arriving in Halifax, and the following year they were joined by 170 immigrants who sailed from Londonderry and settled the New Dublin area.
Another sizeable group of Irish immigrants arrived in 1823-1825. Mainly Catholic paupers from counties Clare, Cork and Limerick, they created a 2000-strong settlement in Peterborough, Ontario (named after Peter Robinson who commissioned the twelve ships that carried them).
Each household was given a cow, basic implements and three bushels of seed potato to get them started on a new life.
This, too, was successful, and was followed by several years of active emigration, principally from Britain (which then included Ireland). In 1831 alone, 34,000 Irish immigrants arrived in Quebec. Even though they now had freedom of religion some of the Catholic immigrants changed their religion to get land and a lot of Catholic settlers were placed on the provincial lines to keep the Quebec french settlers out.
It was also to become the setting of the most tragic events in Canadian immigration history: the arrival of thousands of sick and dying Irish immigrants fleeing the famine that gripped Ireland in the late 1840s. Some of them barely survived the harsh Canadian winters.
In 1846, an estimated 33,000 people of all nationalities landed at Grosse Isle. The following year the number rose to 84,500. Nearly 70% were Irish and many suffered from what they called ‘ship fever’.
It was actually typhus but it’s hardly surprising they blamed their illness on the boats they arrived in, for conditions on board were horrendous and perfect for disease to spread. About one-sixth of Irish passengers died during their voyage or shortly after landing. No wonder the immigration ships from Ireland became known as ‘coffin ships’.
But the illness wasn’t confined to the ships. Grosse Isle was also hopelessly underfunded to cope with such an influx, sick or not.
Accommodation was woefully inadequate and medical provision was insufficient. Inevitably, the disease spread among the supposedly healthy. Doctors, nurses, priests and even the Mayor of Montreal died alongside the immigrants.
As news of the 1846-47 tragedy spread, those Irish emigrants who could afford it, preferred to immigrate to the United States rather than Canada. This wasn’t an option for all immigrants, of course.
Celtic Historian Kevin Dooley at the Mahon Family Reunion
Kevin Dooley and Linda Seccaspina, Mahon Family reunion August 2019
Who is Kevin Dooley
Kevin Dooley was born in Ireland, has worked as a machinist, seaman and marine engineer, has lived in Ottawa for nearly 40 years.
“I have spoken to no one who understands why it turned into the fight that it did,” says Dooley, who will forever speak in the deep, burling and rolling accent of his native country. “Everyone thought it was such the obvious thing to do.” Read more here…
Memories of Kevin Dooley by Jaan Kolk
I first met Kevin Dooley in the 90s through some musical friends who were also in Ottawa’s Celtic music community, and often joined the Irish session Kevin led at Daniel O’Connell’s Pub Thursday nights. In 2003 Kevin got a nasty letter from SOCAN about copyright license fees for that session he hosted. It was sent to him in error; the matter of license fees was between SOCAN and the pub owner, and was not Kevin’s responsibility. The whole thing went away, but if you know Kevin, the idea of SOCAN telling Kevin (of all people!) “Ahem, we license the world’s repertoire of music” was the height of irony.
It was so ironic, in fact, that it raised the ghost of Phil Ochs (known for his strong sense of irony) who came to me while I was doing grocery shopping on a Saturday afternoon.
He said “Jaan, I’ve got some new lyrics for an old song of mine” and whispered them to me.
I rushed home with only half the stuff I was supposed to buy, fired up my computer and wrote them all down. That’s how “The Ballad of Kevin Dooley” was written.
I’ve clipped the 2003 Citizen story on Dooley and SOCAN here:
Jaan said that he did this tongue in cheek. I knew it was a misunderstanding that was not going to be a problem for Kevin. When I perform the song, I usually say that Charlie actually *did* get off the MTA without much trouble, but the Kingston Trio had a hit with that song anyway ;)” Kevin has heard me do it a few times, and for a short time a copy of the lyrics was displayed at Daniel O’Connell’s.
Mahon’s Crest
Mahon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
In its ancient Gaelic form, the Irish name Mahon was written Mac Mathghamhna, which later became Mac Mathuna. Both names are derived from the word “mathghamhan,” which means “bear.”
Early Origins of the Mahon family
The surname Mahon was first found in County Clare (Irish: An Clár) located on the west coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where the MacMahons were lords of Corca Baisgin; and possessed the greater part of the baronies of Moyarta and Clonderlaw.
Early History of the Mahon family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mahon research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1119, 1715, 1780, 1519, 1606, 1644, 1600, 1650, 1643, 1650, 1660, 1737, 1707, 1715, 1715, 1737, 1680, 1747, 1727, 1737, 1737 and 1747 are included under the topic Early Mahon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Mahon Spelling Variations
Many variations of the name Mahon were found in archives from the Middle Ages. These variations can be somewhat explained by the challenge of translation of Gaelic names into English. Hence, the spelling and language in which the people’s names were recorded was often up to the individual scribe. Variations of the name Mahon found include MacMahon, MacMann, MacMahan, MacMohan and others.
Early Notables of the Mahon family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family name at this time was Séamus mac Pilib Mac Mathghamhna (died 1519), was Bishop of Derry. Hugh Oge MacMahon (1606-1644), was an Irish conspirator, was probably of Sir Brian MacHugh Oge MacMahon, Lord of the Dartree in the county of Monaghan. Herber MacMahon (1600-1650), Bishop of Clogher in 1643, a Catholic leader, commanded the Ulster…
Migration of the Mahon family to the New World and Oceana
Irish families began leaving their homeland for North America in the late 18th century. These families were usually modestly well off, but they were looking forward to owning and working on a sizable tract of land of their own. This pattern of emigration continued until the 1840s when the Great Potato Famine sparked a major exodus of destitute and desperate Irish people. These people were not leaving for a grant of land in North America because by this time the East Coast had reached its saturation point and free land was scarce. They were merely looking to escape the disease, starvation, and hopelessness that Ireland had fallen into. Although these unfortunate immigrants did not receive a warm welcome by the established populations in the United States and what would become Canada, they were absolutely critical to the rapid development that these two nations enjoyed. They would help populate the western lands and provide the cheap labor required for a rapid industrialization. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has revealed many early bearers of the name Mahon or one of its variants:
Mahon Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
James Mahon, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1828
Patrick Mahon, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1829
Andrew Mahon, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig “Sea Horse” from Galway, Ireland
Isabella Mahon, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship “Condor” in 1838
Mrs. Dolly Mahon, aged 40 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship “Phoenix” departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in June 1847 [1]
Mahon Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Sarah Mahon, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1746 [2]
Mahon Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Henry Mahon, who arrived in New York, NY in 1811 [2]
Samuel Mahon, who arrived in South Carolina in 1814 [2]
Bridget Mahon, who arrived in New York, NY in 1815 [2]
Catherine Mahon, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 [2]
Charles Mahon, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 [2]
.
Mahon Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Michael Mahon, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “Constance” in 1849 [3]
Judith Mahon, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “Inconstant” in 1849 [4]
John Mahon, aged 22, who arrived in South Australia in 1853 aboard the ship “Mary Green” [5]
Richard Mahon, aged 23, a farm servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship “Trafalgar” [6]
Ann Mahon, aged 27, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship “Trafalgar” [6]
Mahon Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
Alexander Mahon, aged 42, a farm servant, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship “Philip Laing” in 1848
Catherine Mahon, aged 43, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship “Philip Laing” in 1848
Robert Mahon, aged 11, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship “Philip Laing” in 1848
Mr. Patrick Mahon, British settler as part of the 8th Detachment of the Royal New Zealand Fencibles travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship “Oriental Queen” arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 18th September 1849 [7]
Mrs. Susan Mahon, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship “Oriental Queen” arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 18th September 1849 [7]
…
Contemporary Notables of the name Mahon (post 1700)
Jack Mahon (1933-2005), Irish Gaelic footballer who played from 1947 to 1962
Hugh Mahon (1857-1931), Irish-born, Australian politician, Member of the Australian Parliament for Coolgardie (1901-1913)
Charles James Patrick Mahon (1800-1891), known as the O’Gorman Mahon and James Patrick Mahon, an Irish nationalist journalist, barrister, parliamentarian and international mercenary
Craig Derek Mahon (b. 1989), Irish footballer
Pete Mahon (b. 1947), Irish football manager
Alan Joseph Mahon (b. 1978), retired Irish footballer who played from 1995 to 2011, member of the Republic of Ireland National Team in 2000
Derek Mahon (b. 1941), Irish poet
Mark P. Mahon (1930-2017), American Democrat politician, Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 1998
John “Jack” Mahon (d. 1911), English professional footballer who played from 1928 to 1946 and managed IF Elfsborg from 1946 to 1949
John “Jack” Mahon (b. 1886), English professional association football player
Declan Barron
in the section ‘Contemporary notables of the name Mahon (post 1700)’ James Patrick ‘The O’Gorman’ Mahon is listed as Charles. This is an error made by the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography in the 1890s that has recently been corrected.
Miss Bridget Delia Mahon (d. 1912), aged 20, Irish Third Class passenger from Derrymartin, Mayo who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking [8]
The Mahon Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Sic nos sic sacra tuemur Motto Translation: Thus we guard our sacred rights.
Okay, there’s no single secret trick. If only it were that easy! So many Mahons, and at one point it was right and left, and there were the slow walkers, and those who just wanted to get it over… but this is what happened and they did it well.
The Pink Mahons– Descendants of:
And there were only two from Orange County Ca. Cheryl Moss said:
“I took Janet and Jim Miles who came up from LA, Calif., out to the homestead of her great-great-grandfather Thomas who came from Ireland. A few buildings remain, not in good shape after 190 years but Janet was able to feel the logs he hand cut to build his home. It was very emotional for her and she was soooooo grateful. The smile on her face, her laughter meant so very much to me”.
The Yellow Mahons— Descendants of:
I got out JUST in time to catch them dispersing from the group shot. But here they were.
The Green Mahons–— Descendants of:
Now, this was a crowd– how they got together in one bunch I will never know.. but they did it and it did not take a long time.
First Try
Second Attempt
The Final Product- Well done everyone!!
My Photograph
The only Mahon to compete in the Perth Kilt Run
So– do the Irish wear kilts? Though the origins of the Irish kilt continue to be a subject of debate, current evidence suggests that kilts originated in the Scottish Highlands and Isles and were worn by Irish nationalists from at least 1890 onwards and then cemented from the early 1900s as a symbol of Gaelic identity.
There is a small clearing near the upper corner of the Old Burying Ground in Perth. This is where the unmarked graves of some of the early Mahon family are located. Saturday there was a blessing of the sacred ground.
Historically, financial limitations and social status were factors in whether a person (even a famous one) was awarded a big fancy marker. Mass, unmarked graves were also common in times of widespread disease or war; plus older markers simply deteriorated over time or were stolen. Another reason might be: other grave sites reflect the wishes of the deceased or family members who simply don’t want a marker, can’t decide on wording, or plan to add one down the line when a loved one passes away and joins them in the plot.
Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything remains as it was
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no sorrow in your tone. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
About a year ago Cheryl Moss asked me if I would attend the Mahon Family Reunion in Perth. Seeing my family consists of just a right hand of folks, I was quite excited to attend this function and document one of Perth’s noted families for posterity.
They call our language the mother tongue because the father seldom gets to speak– so welcome to the Mahon Family Reunion series of blogs from a mother related to no one in this family line. There is no way I could do just one.
Time spent with family– even family you barely know is worth every second. It doesn’t matter what story you are telling today you are telling the story of one family- the Mahon family. Enjoy the little conversations you had with everyone because one day you will look back and realize they were the big things. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family on Saturday. I will never ever forget it. Ever!
Family Basics — The Name
Wanda (Mahon) Mara and Paul Gordon talk about the Mahon Family History, its significance in the area, and a special family reunion that is coming up soon. You can listen to the radio interview here on Lake 88 to buck up on your Mahon history.
Now when I first saw the last name I pronounced it MAYHAWN. Apparently, when some of the Mahon family moved to Toronto folks changed it and pronounced it MAHAWN. But there are several forms of saying it, and you had better not mess with any of them- trust me. 🙂
James and Ellen Mahon and their eight children boarded the Ajax ship that sailed out of Dublin, Ireland in May 1819. Just about 44 days later the Ajax under the sail of Captain George Watson arrived in Canada on July 7, 1819. The Mahons’ were among 248 settlers on the Ajax destined to make Canada their new home.
The Voyage
Historian Ron Shaw
Historian Ron Shaw was at the Mahon Family Reunion explaining all about early Perth history and what the early Mahon family would have experienced. The elder Mahon was a mason in Ireland and he would have had to make a total of 22 shillings to bring his family of five to Canada. Since he made 2 shillings a day and had to spend some money for food and rent etc, you can easily access how long it took for him to gather the money needed. Plus everyone had to bring food to survive
Immigrating to Canada in the late 1800s or 1900s? Even though the average cost of a ticket was only $25, larger ships could hold from 1,500 to 2,000 immigrants, netting a profit of $45,000 to $60,000 for a single, one-way voyage. The cost to feed a single immigrant was only about 60 cents a day!
After you left the boat and immigration you had a landing card pinned on your clothes and then moved to the Money Exchange. Here six cashiers exchanged gold, silver and paper money, from countries all over Europe, for American or Canadian dollars, based on the day’s official rates, which were posted on a blackboard. For immigrants the next stop was the railroad ticket office, where a dozen agents collectively sold as many as 25 tickets per minute on the busiest days.
All that remained was to make arrangements for their trunks, which were stored in the Baggage Room, to be sent on to their final destinations. At times, corrupt currency exchange officials shortchanged immigrants, concession operators served meals without utensils, and others operated schemes to deprive the newly landed immigrant of their money. Other examples included a clerk failing to deliver money orders to immigrants, resulting in their deportation, and baggage handlers charging twice the going rate. Railroad ticket agents were not immune and often routed immigrants, not by the most direct route to their destination, but by one that required a layover. Some were forced to buy a fifty-cent or dollar bag of food from the restaurant concession for their train trip.
Stay tuned for more as:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.
The Originals
Thank you very much to Wanda for sharing this wonderful family moment.
Here we have a stunning family photograph of John and Bridget (Loughney) Mahon and their seven children; Edward, Mary, Evelyn, Leo, Joseph, Thomas and Earl. The photograph was probably taken in the 1910’s. This John was a grandson of James and Ellen (Troy) Mahon also known as the Originals.
In 1819 James Mahon, his wife Ellen Troy and their eight children left County Offaly and sailed from Dublin, Ireland across the Atlantic Ocean to their new home in Canada.
The voyage lasted 45 days under the guidance of Captain George Watson and his ship Ajax.
They eventually arrived in Drummond Township, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada where they received a land grant of 100 acres after completing their settlement duties to the Crown.
James and Ellen raised their family of four daughters and four sons a few miles from the town of Perth.
Over the years the children moved north into Renfrew County when it opened; south to Leeds County and New York state as well as south-west Ontario.
The second generation migrated north across Ontario and Quebec; into western Canada and into the U.S. mainly Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and the Dakota’s.
In honour of the 200 years since their arrival, Mahons from across Canada, the United States and points beyond will gather to celebrate our kinship.
John Jacob Mahon married Mary Steep, then Mary Ann Hudder (twenty children! between Mary and Mary Ann) —
lindaseccaspina 