McKenna name in Prince Edward Island

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: [unknown]

Contents 1 Background 2 Prince Edward Island Stickers 3 McKenna mentions 1830 - 1839 4 McKenna mentions 1840 - 1849 5 Census 1841 6 McKenna family unions 7 McKenna mentions 1850 - 1859 8 McKenna mentions 1860 - 1869 9 Census 1861 10 McKenna mentions 1870 - 1879 10.1 1870s Wills Index [6] 11 McKenna mentions 1880 - 1889 11.1 1880s Wills Index[7] 12 McKenna mentions 1890 - 1899 12.1 1890s Wills Index [8] 13 Sources

Background

It has been said that the first Irish migrants arrived at what is now Prince Edward Island as early as 1763.^[1]

Monaghan settlers who contributed a lot to the social progress of the island began to arrive in 1830. It has been referred to as a "planned migration" due in part to Reverend John MacDonald and his contact with the parish priest of Donagh, Fr. Moynagh,^[2]

The intention was that the Catholic Irish migrants would be able to lease land on the Revd. John MacDonald's estate. ^[3]

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Prince Edward Island Stickers

• Catholic migration sticker pre 1879 from Ireland

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Among the surnames of those Irish Catholics having their families in Prince Edward Island during the period prior to 1899 are McKennas. This is a place to set out some of those McKenna mentions.

McKenna mentions 1830 - 1839

• John may have arrived about 1832 refer to Census 1841 section below for details.
• Patrick may have arrived about 1834 refer to Census 1841 section below for details.
• William McKenna, name entry in baptism of son William McKenna on 4 November 1834 at St. Dunstan's Basilica
• Bernard may have arrived about 1832 refer to Census 1841 section below for details.
• Margaret may have arrived about 1839 refer to Census 1841 section below for details.

McKenna mentions 1840 - 1849

• Charles McKenna 82, death entry 1840, Notes: Came from Ireland. Insufficient information to trace to source; copy cannot be provided.
• In the 1841 PEI Census there are a number of McKenna households: refer to Census 1841 section below for details.^[4]
• Owen McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Margaret McKenna on 11 July 1841 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Catherine Simpson on 12 September 1841 at Vernon River
• Pat McKenna name entry in baptism of daughter Mary McKenna on 24 January 1842 at Vernon River
• Catherine McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Catherine McHoby on 13 March 1842 at Vernon River
• Nancy McKenna, name entry in baptism of son James White on 17 May 1842 at Vernon River
• James McKenna (1814-1860), name entry in baptism of daughter Mary (McKenna) Beard (bef.1842-1927) on 12 June 1842 at Vernon River
• Biddy McKenna name entry in baptism of daughter Mary Trainor on 12 June 1842 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann Simpson on 9 April 1843 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Elen Murphy on 12 April 1843 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of son James Simpson on 12 April 1843 at Vernon River
• James McKenna name entry in baptism of daughter Alice Mary McKenna on 2 July 1843 at Vernon River
• Sally McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Elen Eaden on 27 August 1843 at Vernon River
• John McKenna name entry in baptism of daughter Catherine McKenna on 10 December 1843 at Vernon River
• Owen McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann McKenna on 15 January 1844 at Vernon River
• James McKenna (1814-1860), name entry in baptism of son Patrick McKenna (bef.1844-) on 17 March 1844 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of son Patrick McCarren on18 August 1844 at Vernon River
• Catherine McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Mary McCoyhie on 28 February 1845 at Vernon River
• Catherine McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Catharine Connolly on 10 May 1846 at South Rustico
• Catherine McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann McCarthy on 31 January 1847 at Vernon River
• Sarah McKenna, name entry in baptism of son James McAdam on 11 July 1847 at Vernon River
• James McKenna (1814-1860), name entry in baptism of son Michael McKenna (1847-1912) on 23 September 1847 at Vernon River
• Catherine McKenna, name entry in baptism of son Edward Fose on 3 October 1847 at Vernon River
• Alice McKenna, name entry in baptism of son John Curran on 28 November 1847 at Vernon River
• Thomas McKenna, name entry in baptism of son Peter McKenna on 21 May 1848 at Vernon River
• Hugh McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann McKenna on 21 May 1848 at Vernon River
• Owen McKenna (1820-1903), name entry in baptism of son Michael Owen McKenna (1848-1921) on 13 June 1848 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Rose McCarren on 21 January 1849 at Vernon River
• Catherine McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann Fox on 4 March 1849 at Vernon River
• Thomas McKenna (abt.1818-1888), name entry in baptism of son Felix McKenna (1849-1891) on 15 April 1849 at South Rustico
• Peter McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Margaret McKenna on 27 May 1849 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Bridget Simpson on 21 October 1849 at Vernon River

Census 1841

• Bernard at Lot 35 was a farmer and the only occupant of his household. He was age 45-60, RC from Ireland who had paid his own passage. He had been on 100 acres of 3rd best quality land for 4 years of his 999 year lease. He had 2 hogs and produced 100 bushels of potatoes. Present rent paid per acre: 0/1/0, Rent in sterling 5/0/0. 2 Acres arable.

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• Francis at Lot 65 was 1 of 3 in his household. He was a farmer and over 60, male under 16 and female under 16 also recorded. He was on 75 acres of 2nd best quality by verbal agreement of 999 years. No produce recorded and no present rent paid. Increasing rent per acre 0/0/3, All 3 were RC from Ireland who were 3 of 4 who paid their own passage.

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• James at Lot 22 was 1 of 4 in his household. He was a farmer and 1 of 2 males aged 16-45, male under 16 and female 16-45 also recorded. He was on 50 acres of 2nd best quality land with 100 years of lease to go. Rent in sterling was 2/10/0. All were RC and no produce, passage or origin details are provided.

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• James at Lot 36 was 1 of 4 in his household. He was a weaver and aged 45-60, 1 male under 16, 1 female under 16 and 1 female 45-60 also recorded. He was on 100 acres of 2nd best quality land with 40 years of lease to go. Present rent paid as 0/1/0, rent in sterling was 5/0/0, increasing rent per acre 0/0/3. They had 3 neat cattle. all 4 were RC from Ireland who paid their own passage. 1 acre arable.

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• John at Lot 30 was 1 of 6 in his household. He was a farmer aged 16-45, 3 males under 16 and 2 female 16-45 also recorded. He was on 100 acres of 2nd best quality land with no lease details. All were RC, 4 were natives of Ireland, 2 paid their own passage. 2 acres arable.

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• John at Lot 36 was 1 of 9 in his household. He was a farmer aged 45-60, 3 males under 16, 4 females under 16 and 1 female 16-45 also recorded. He was on 50 acres of 2nd best quality land with 9 of 30 years of lease expired. Present rent paid as 0/1/6, rent in sterling was 3/15/0. They had 2 horses, 2 neat cattle, 9 sheep and 6 hogs. They also produced 60 bushels of oats and 200 of potatoes. All were RC, 7 were natives of Ireland, 2 were natives of the island, 7 paid their own passage. 8 acres arable.

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• Margaret at Lot 35 was 1 of 4 in her household. She was aged over 60, 1 male aged 16-45 and 2 female 16-45 also recorded. She was on 100 acres of 2nd best quality land with 2 years of a 40 year lease expired. Present rent paid 0/1/0, increasing rent per acre 0/0/6, rent in sterling 5/0/0. She had 1 horse, 4 neat cattle and 1 hog. They also produced 14 bushels of oats and 16 of potatoes. All were RC, 4 were natives of Ireland, 4 paid their own passage. 8 acres arable.

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• Patrick at Lot 36 was 1 of 7 in his household. He was a farmer aged 45- 60, 3 males aged under 16, 1 female aged under 16. 1 female 16-45 and 1 female over 60 also recorded. He was on 100 acres of 1st best quality land with 7 years of a 999 year lease expired. Present rent paid 0/1/0, rent in sterling 5/0/0. He had 3 neat cattle, 3 sheep and 6 hogs. They also produced 100 bushels of oats and 100 of potatoes. All were RC, and natives of Ireland, 7 paid their own passage. 12 acres arable.

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• William at Lot 29 was 1 of 2 in his household. He was a farmer and 1 of 2 males aged 16-45 recorded. He was on 200 acres of 2nd best quality land with 1 year of a 999 lease expired. Present rent paid 0/0/3, increasing rent per acre 0/0/3, rent in sterling 0/1/0, rent in currency 0/1/2. He had 2 hogs They also produced 130 of potatoes. Both were RC, natives of Ireland, 2 their own passage.7 acres arable.

McKenna family unions

McKenna couples	First noted mention	Notes
William McKenna & Mary Anderson	1834	name entry in baptism of child at St. Dunstan's Basilica
Pat Quin & Peggy McKenna	1840	name entry in baptism of child at St. Dunstan's Basilica
John McKenna & Peggy McKenna	1840	name entry in baptism of child at St. Dunstan's Basilica
Luke Simpson & Mary McKenna	1841	name entry in baptism of child at Vernon River
John McKay and May McKenna	1841	name entry in baptism of child at St. Dunstan's Basilica
John Eden & Sarah McKenna	1841	name entry in baptism of child at Vernon River
Owen McKenna & Biddy McCullough	1841	name entry in baptism of child at Vernon River

McKenna mentions 1850 - 1859

• James McKenna (1814-1860), name entry in baptism of son James McKenna (1850-) on 14 April 1850 at Vernon River
• Owen McKenna (1820-1903), name entry in baptism of daughter Catherine (McKenna) Sullivan (1850-1926) on 16 April 1850 at Vernon River
• Ann McKenna, name entry in baptism of son Francis White on 2 June 1850 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of son Edward Laffarty on 9 June 1850 at Vernon River
• Bernard McKenna, name entry in baptism of son John McKenna on 9 June 1850 at Vernon River
• Bridget McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Catherine Trainor on 16 June 1850 at Vernon River
• Owen McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Bridget McKenna on 13 July 1851at Vernon River
• Peter McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann McKenna on 13 July 1851 at Vernon River
• Ann McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann Callaghan on 14 September 1851 at Vernon River
• James McKenna (1814-1860), name entry in baptism of daughter Catherine (McKenna) Gillan (bef.1852-1922) on 11 April 1852 at Vernon River
• Bridget McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Bridget Trainor on 6 June 1852 at Vernon River
• Owen McKenna (1820-1903), name entry in baptism of son Eugene McKenna (1852-bef.1926) on 22 August 1852 at Vernon River
• Sally McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Elenor McAdam on 30 October 1853 at Vernon River
• Bernard McKenna, name entry in baptism of child McKenna on 18 December 1853 at Vernon River
• James McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Alice McKenna on 12 March 1854 at Vernon River
• James McKenna name entry in baptism of daughter Emilia McKenna on 15 October 1854 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ellen Burns on 22 January 1857 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ellen Simpson on 22 February 1857 at Vernon River
• Peter McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Bridget McKenna on 22 March 1857 at Vernon River
• James McKenna (1814-1860), name entry in baptism of son Edward McKenna (1858-abt.1942) on 4 May 1858 at Vernon River
• Catherine McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Bridget Fox on 9 May 1858 at Vernon River
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Agnes Byrnes on 2 June 1859 at Vernon River

McKenna mentions 1860 - 1869

• In the 1861 PEI Census there are a number of McKenna households: refer to Census 1861 section below for details.^[5]
• Mary McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Margaret Ellen Beard on 5 February 1865 at Vernon River
• Peter McKenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Ann McKenna on 27 February 1866 at Vernon River
• Charles McKenna Will in 1866 - leaves everything to his wife Catherine, whose will is listed in the 1890s
  • Citation: Charles McKenna 1866 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 6-7, 1858-1868, Vol. 7 page 243, digital page 410 of 562, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-X5M3?i=409&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image} - A copy is uploaded to this page
• Patrick McKenna Will in 1869 - mentions wife Mary, son Francis and daughters Ellen, Catherin, and Ann.
  • Citation: Patrick McKenna 1869 Will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 8, 1868-1875, page 165-166, digital page, 121 of 505, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-X99F-T?i=120&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image} - A copy is uploaded to this page

Census 1861

• James at Lot 22 was 1 of 8 in his household. He was a farmer aged 45-60, a male from 5-16, a male from 21 to 46, 4 females 5-16, and a female 45-60 were also recorded. 6 had been vaccinated or had small pox. He was on 30 acres of first quality arable land with 2 horses. 4 neat cattle, 3 hogs. All were RC and 2 native of Ireland, 6 born on the Island they produced 20 bushels of barley, 250 of oats and 300 of potatoes.

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• John at Lot 22 was 1 of 8 in his household. He was a farmer aged over 60, a male under 5 and 3 males from 5-16, a male from 21 to 46, a female 16-21, and a female 45-60 were also recorded. 2 had been vaccinated or had small-pox.

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• Owen at Lot 22 was 1 of 5 in his household. He was a farmer aged over 60, 1 male from 21 to 46, a female 16-21 and 2 female 45-60 were also recorded. 5 had been vaccinated or had small-pox. There had been 1 death in the last year. All 5 were Catholics, they held 50 acres by leasehold, 18 years of lease expired, rent in Sterling 2, rent in currency 10

McKenna mentions 1870 - 1879

• James Mckenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Mary Mckenna 6 Feb 1870 at Vernon River
• John McKenna Lot 65 widow married Bridget Hickey, Indian River, Spinster in 1872
• Margaret Ida Mckenna Baptism daughter of Felix Mckenna 23 Feb 1875
• Ellen McKenna, buried 17 August 1874, Notes: R. C. Cemetery, DeSable
• Patrick McKenna, buried 9 Mar 1875, Notes: St. Patrick's Cemetery. Clergy: A. McDonald
• Mrs Mary McKenna, buried 28 June 1876, Notes: St. Patrick's Cemetery. Clergy: A. McDonald
• Bernard McKenna died age 68 in 1878 Note: Came from Ireland. Died at Poor House. Insufficient information to trace to source; copy cannot be provided.
• Mrs John McKenna, buried 13 Oct 1878, Notes: R. C. Cemetery, Charlottetown.
• Mrs Patrick McKenna, buried 1 April 1879, Notes: St. Patrick's Cemetery. Clergy: A. J. McDonald
• G McKenna, name entry in baptism of son James 27 Sep 1874
• John Mckenna, name entry in baptism of daughter Catherine Mckenna 22 Jul 1874
• Peter Mckenna, name entry in baptism of son William T Mckenna 25 Sep 1874
• Francis Mckenna, name entry in baptism of son Hugh Michael McKenna 12 Feb 1874
• Allice McKenna name entry in baptism of daughter Bridget Connolly on 16 Jan 1875
• Michael McKenna name entry in baptism of daughter Rose McKenna on 6 Jan 1875

1870s Wills Index ^[6]

Name	Will Date	Address	Lot#	Notes	Images on this Page
Patrick McKenna	1875	Dromore	37	Mentions Wife Allice and granddaughters Mary Ellen & Alice, son Hugh and daughter Ellen Murphy Citation: Patrick McKenna 1875 Will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 8, 1868-1875, page 805, digital page, 453 of 505, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-X99G-G?i=452&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
Peter McKenna	1874		1	Mentions wife Elisabeth and stepson John Citation: Peter McKenna 1874 Will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 8, 1868-1875, page 887-888, digital page, 495 of 505, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-X99V-7?i=494&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
John McKenna	1875		65	Names: son Francis, daughters, Margaret, Mary Ann & Elisabeth - all seeming underage Citation: John McKenna 1875 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 9, 1875-1880, page 50, digital page, 58 of 527, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-XGFC?i=57&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
Felix McKenna	1879	Melville Rd	29	Names: Wife Margaret, sons Francis, Jerome, Fredrick, and daughters, Ellen, Mary Ann, and Teresa Citation: Felix McKenna 1879 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 9, 1875-1880, page 809-811, digital page, 456 of 527, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-XG6G?i=455&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page

McKenna mentions 1880 - 1889

• James McKenna, Officiating Clergy, at baptism of an adult Ann Smith at St. Paul's R. C, Summerside

1880s Wills Index^[7]

Name	Will Date	Address	Lot#	Notes	Images on this Page
Patrick	1880		26	Names: Daughter Ellen and sons Michael, Thomas & James. Citation: Patrick McKenna 1880 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 9, 1875-1880, page 908, digital page, 506 of 527, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-XG7Y?i=505&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
Michael George McKenna	1881	County Line	67	Names: Wife Elizabeth. Children: William & Alice Ann Citation:Michael George McKenna 1881 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 10-11, 1880-1887, Book 10 page 289-291, digital page, 180 of 661, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-V67K?i=179&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
Catherine McKenna	1883	St Patrick’s Rd.	22	Names: Children - Felix, Francis Mullin, Bridge Murphy, Maria Doyle, Catherine Hagan, Henry & Patrick Citation: Catherine McKenna 1882 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 10-11, 1880-1887, Book 10 page 552, digital page, 316 of 661, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-VX4T?i=315&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
Peter McKenna	1885		67	Names:Wife Ellen and Brother James Citation: Peter McKenna 1885 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 10-11, 1880-1887, Book 11 page 289, digital page, 491 of 661, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-VXM7?i=490&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
Anne McKenna	1887	Boston, Mass, USA		Names:Brother-in-law Michael Trainor and his sons Bernard, John & Charles Trainor and William, Alice Ann and Michael McKenna Citation:Anne McKenna 1886 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 10-11, 1880-1887, Book 11 page 510, digital page, 614 of 661, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-V62W?i=613&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page
Francis McKenna	1889	Waterford	1	Names: Wife Bridget and son Peter Citation:Frances McKenna 1889 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 12, 1888-1891, page 279, digital page, 181 of 347, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLZ-B9PP-B?i=180&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page

McKenna mentions 1890 - 1899

1890s Wills Index ^[8]

Name	Will Date	Address	Lot#	Notes	Images on this Page
Patrick McKenna	1890	Peake’s Rd
Hugh McKenna	1891	Dromore	37
Patrick McKenna	1894	Victoria	29
Patrick McKenna	1894	Newton	26
Francis McKenna	1896	Dromore	37
Catherine McKenna wife of Charles who died 1866	1897	Charlottetown		Citation:Catherine McKenna 1897 will, Prince Edward Island. Probate Court, Will books, v. 14-15, 1894-1900, book 14 page 447-449, digital page, 267 of 580, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLZ-137X-7?i=266&cat=579541 {Must access from a Family History Library or Affiliate to see image}	Copy of image is on this page

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Sources

1. ↑ Early Immigration - Prince Edward Island Irish Settlers from page 9
2. ↑ O’Grady, Brendan. “A People Set Apart: The County Monaghan Settlers in Prince Edward Island.” Clogher Record, vol. 12, no. 1, Clogher Historical Society, 1985, pp. 23–47, https://doi.org/10.2307/27699208.
3. ↑ IGraham, J. (2003, December). Hands across the Atlantic. Retrieved from Irish Identity: http://www.irishidentity.com/geese/stories/atlantic.htm
4. ↑ 1841 Census PEI https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/search-public-archives-material-online
5. ↑ 1861 Census PEI transcribed from FimdMyPast
6. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSM8-MSWT-V?i=4&cat=579541
7. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSM8-MSWT-V?i=4&cat=579541
8. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSM8-MSWT-V?i=4&cat=579541