NOTE: THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS!
COMPILATION OF INFORMATION FROM BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE MURPHY-COGLEY CHILDREN, NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, AND GENEALOGICAL INFORMATION / ACCOUNTS GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED BY OTHER DESCENDANTS OF THE FAMILY.
Children:
- Nicholas Cogley Sr (1832–1913)
- Catherine Cogley-O’Brien (1833–1909)
- John Cogley Sr (1835–1916)
- Patrick Cogley Jr (1836–1924)
- Clement Cogley (1838–1928)
- James Cogley Sr (1840–1910)
- William Cogley Sr (1842–1924)
- Peter Cogley (1843–1847)
- Michael Cogley (1843–1847)
- Margaret Cogley-Hefferon (1849–1916)
- Mary Cogley-Brewer (1852–1930)
- Anna Cogley-Brennan (1858–1930)
In one of the numerous “risings” of the liberty-loving Irish against British rule a battle was fought in or near the county of Wexford, Ireland, that has found a place in Irish history and is designated as the battle of Vinegar Hill. It did not attain as wide celebrity as the battle of the Boyne, for the reason that as much did not depend upon the result and the slaughter was not nearly so great, but the fighting was sufficiently exciting, while it lasted, to make a lasting impression upon the participants. Within sight of this famous battleground was the home of the Cogleys for many generations. Of course they were ardent patriots and many members of the family and their kinsmen stood shoulder to shoulder, practically without arms, and withstood volley after volley from the English musketry. The battle resulted, as might easily have been anticipated, in the retreat of the Irish, who were without weapons of modern warfare, having to come within reaching distance of the foe before they could inflict any injury whatever. Nevertheless the encounter cost Britain the lives of many of her gallant soldiers.
At the home of the Cogleys, in the county of Wexford, within the shadow of Vinegar Hill, was the residence of Patrick and Mary (Murphy) Cogley, both of whom were the descendants of good Irish stock. They were the parents of eight sons and four daughters, all strong, healthy children.
Mrs. Mary Murphy-Cogley was born on the 15th of August, 1811, in the Parish of Kilmore, in the historic county of Wexford, Ireland, within a bird’s eye view of St. George’s Channel, the native place of John Barry, whom George Washington appointed the first commodore of the American Navy. She was near of kin to Rev. Philip Roche of 1798 fame, who participated with Revs. John and Michael Murphy in the Wexford campaign. She had a vivid recollection of the scenes and stories of those fearful days, and it was her care to instill into the minds of her children lessons of virtue and patriotism which made a lasting impression.
Few of us who enjoy the blessings of free institutions here in America consider what our lot might have been had not some worthy, hard-working old ancestor conceived the idea of abandoning home, kindred and all that was dear to him in some country over in Europe in order that he might create in this country a home and fortune for his posterity. We are all accustomed to lavish much praise on the fortitude of Columbus. and justly so, but our progenitors – the men and women who years ago crossed the water – had in each of them something of the fortitude of Columbus, and are therefore entitled to a very large share of our gratitude. They had an end in view that was not wholly selfish; it was to benefit their children. They had fortitude, and it was of the right sort, for they risked all in the perilous voyage.
Such a voyage was the one made by Patrick Cogley and his wife Mary, natives of the county of Wexford, Ireland, who, with their eight sons and four daughters, decided to take their children and come to America, the political conditions prevailing in Ireland at that time being the chief incentive to Mr. and Mrs. Cogley to get out of the country.
They landed in Canada and took up their residence near Belleville, Ontario.
[NOTE: the accounts of sons ?? and ?? state the family left for America, but landed in Canada instead.]
[NOTE: The family originally intended to come to America, but the ship was re-routed due to illness on board. ADD SOURCE]
After landing in Canada, they wasted little time in making an investment in eighty acres of land, and located on a farm near Belleville, Ontario. Upon this they erected a home, and immediately set about the difficult task of clearing the land. They resided in a Canadian forest, and farmed the land for a period of eight years. By that time Mr. Cogley became aware of the much better opportunities afforded a settler in the United States, and, having aspirations for true liberty, which could not be found elsewhere but under the aegis of the American flag, they determined to move where such freedom could be obtained.
Consequently, they disposed of their possessions in Canada, and in 1855, the family came from Canada to Port Huron, Michigan, and settled in the township of Kenockee. Here they purchased a large tract of land, having at one time 500 acres, and after building another home, proceeded with the task of clearing the land with the aid of their six sons, who soon made it blossom like a rose. Within a few years, they had a large, well improved and productive farm and were among the most prosperous people of the county.
In politics, Mr. Patrick Cogley was a Democrat, but never had any taste whatever for the spoils of office. In the early day, when game was plenty, he was something of a sportsman and was famed for good marksmanship. He kept the family larder well supplied the first years of his residence in Canada and Michigan with venison and other wild game. He died in 1880. His wife, Mary, passed away in 1899.
Patrick and Mary Murphy-Cogley, were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom survive. These are: Nicholas, John, Patrick, Clement, and William of Kenockee; and James of Emmett. The daughters are Mrs. Catherine O’Brien, Mrs. Margaret “Maggie” Hefferon, and Mrs. Anna Brennan of Kenockee; and Mrs. Mary Brewer of East Saginaw.
Nicholas, John, Patrick, Clement and William are all farmers. James is a foundryman and hardware merchant at Emmett; and Mrs. Catherine O’Brien resides in Port Huron The members of the family are all Catholics, devout and attentive to the duties of their church and liberal contributors to its support.
SOURCES: Biographical memoirs of St. Clair County, Michigan to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography; memoirs of eminent men and women in the United States. Logansport, Ind. : B.F. Bowen, 1903. Digital Publisher: Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Library, 2005. Excepts and transcriptions from pages 654-657, 664-666, and 675-677.
Newspaper article, Emmett, 25 Jul 1899.
Account of Katie Woodruff and great-Uncle: ???
Patrick Cogley, Sr
In 1851 Patrick owned 80 acres of land in Tyendinaga, Hastings, Ontario, Canada, 40 of which were under cultivation (21 for wheat crops and 19 for pasture).
In 1860 he owned a farm valued at $2000 in Kenockee Township, St Clair County, Michigan. His livestock included two horses, three milk cows, two working oxen, two other cattle and eight swine valued at $400. His crops included wheat, corn and rye. By 1880 his farm was valued at $4000.
WILL
Summary: Gave his wife Mary the North East Quarter of South East Half of Section 19, Kenockee Township for her lifetime, then to be passed on to his daughter, Ann Cogley-Brennan.