General Notes

Dave Allatt's notes say
13 30 January 2005
Notes for Thomas Balfe:
Baptismal Register of Tomacork RC Parish (Carnew) Co. Wicklow, Ireland,
states on 6th Feb. 1831, Tom of John Balf & Ally Dobs, Parkmore. Ss.
(Sponsors) Tom & Biddy Balf.
See notes on his father John Balfe re their emigration in 1847. Thomas listed as
15 in 1847.
1851 Census lists him as a Labourer, born in Ireland, R. Catholic, single, age 20
living with his parents in Kitley Twp.
1861 Census lists him as born in Ireland, an RC, age 28, single, and living with
his parents in Oro Twp.
They were married in Barrie in 1863.
The book Kith 'N Kin, page 14, says, "...Thomas married Margaret Murphy and
had six sons and three daughters." (See notes about his father John)
1871 Census (Film C-9964, Oro Div #1, page 75) lists Thomas Balfe as age 38,
born Ireland, R. Catholic, a Farmer, living with his wife Margaret and their 4
14 30 January 2005
children in Oro Twp., Simcoe Cty. Ontario. They were on Concession 3 Lot 12,
owners of 50 Acres.
1881 Census lists him (Pages 57/58) as age 48, born in Ireland, Catholic, a
Farmer, and living with his wife Margaret A. and 7 children in Oro Division #1.
Since all their children were born in Ontario it would appear that Thomas and
Margaret came to Canada before 1867.
The 1901 census (Oro film T-6496, line 33, page 2, Polling Sub-division j2)
lists him as age 68, born February 6, 1833 in Ireland, arrived in Canada in 1847,
RC, a Farmer. He is living with his wife Margaret and their five children. (Since
we have found his baptism on February 6, 1831 it has been assumed that this
birthdate of February 1833 is incorrect and it should be 1831.)
Book Kith 'N Kin page 14, says that he moved to Alberta.
The Tomstone Inscription book for St. Mary's Cemetery, Barrie, Ontario lists the
following,
" 28 SE3 Greystone with cross
Balif
Thomas Balif
died
Mar.22, 1908
aged 75yrs
Margaret
Murphy
his wife
died Mar 2, 1928
ages 86 yrs
RIP
Mary Ann
died Mar. 24, 1875
aged 10 years
Margaret
died
Sept. 12, 1884
aged 2 yrs."
St. Mary's parish register states, "Thomas Balf 70 Farmer, born in Ireland, died
of Bright's disease. Buried March 23, 1908 in St. Mary's Cemetery." Have
assumed that this is the same Thomas Balf. The Simcoe Cty list of Probated
wills indicates that this Thomas probated his will.
More About Thomas Balfe:
Baptism: 06 February 1831, Tomacork RC Parish Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Burial: 23 March 1908, St. Mary's Cemetery Barrie
Notes for Margaret Anne Murphy:
1871 Census lists her as Margaret, age 31, born in Ontario, R. Catholic and
living with her husband Thomas and 4 children.
1881 Census lists her as Margaret A., age 41, born in Ireland, Catholic, and
living with her husband Thomas and 7 children.
1901 census lists Thomas Balf's wife as age 60 born on May 7, 1840 in Ontario
Urban, RC. Her name is given as Margaret.
Also listed as Mary Ann Murphy.
More About Margaret Anne Murphy:
Burial: St Mary's RC Cemetery Barrie ON
Marriage Notes for Thomas Balfe and Margaret Murphy:
The St. Mary's parish marriage registry states:
Thomas Bolph age 28, Resident of Oro, born in Wicklow Ireland, parents Jno(?)
Bolph and Alice Dobbs. Bride Mary Ann Murphy age 23, Resident of Barrie,
Born in Toronto, parents Peter Murphy and Ann Doyle. The Witnesses Jas. (?)
Brislow and Margt. Cassin, of Barrie. The officiating priest was George R.
Northgrave. Date October 13, 1863. (There is a note that, "2 banns dispensed")
See Murphy file.
Simcoe County Marriage Record (Film 1030064 page 131) also lists them. His
father is listed as John.
More About Thomas Balfe and Margaret Murphy:
Marriage: 13 October 1863, St. Mary's RC Barrie