From the birth of his first child in 1896, until his untimely death in 1912, Michael Lynch moved his growing family at least 12 times. Perhaps that’s why they were missed in the 1900 census. Maybe they were changing places. But because of a birth in the family—a daughter named Regina—I know the Lynches lived right around here that year, on what was School Street in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. That was long before all the houses were wiped away by the construction of interstate highway Route 95.
While the family was moving, it was growing, as well. Michael’s wife, Theresa, had eight children, four of whom died in childhood (including Regina, who died one year, three months, and 25 days after her birth).
Michael Lynch was an immigrant who was born in rural, seaside Cahersiveen, County Kerry, Ireland, on June 16, 1866. He was shipped to America in 1884 along with his parents and siblings, where he did not thrive. Every single form for Michael gives a different birthday or year, all incorrect, and none match the official documents from Ireland that I’ve dug up. He moved from job to job and from place to place around Southern New England, not climbing the social ladder. More like staggering under it.
Visiting the Relatives 