Hartnett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The English-ruled Ireland of the late 18th and 19th centuries featured a rapidly increasing population and an agricultural-based economy. This combination proved to be disastrous in the 1840s after a couple of failed potato harvests. Thousands died of disease and starvation, and thousands more left the country, often bound for North America. Those that survived the journey to North America were put to work building the bridges, canals, roadways, and railways needed for the development of an industrial society. Those Irish, although often despised by those already established in North American cities and towns, played an instrumental role in making Canada and the United States the powerful and wealthy nations that they are today. An examination of early immigration and passenger lists has shown many immigrants bearing the name Hartnett:

Hartnett Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Bridget, Cornelius, Dennis, Ellen, John, Lawrence, Mary, Patrick and William Hartnett, who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1849
• William Hartnett, who arrived in St Clair County, Illinois in 1860 3
• Edmond Hartnett, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1872 3
• Patrick Hartnett, who landed in St Clair County, Illinois in 1887 3
• Ellie Hartnett, aged 20, who settled in America from Cork, in 1892
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hartnett Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

• Bride Hartnett, aged 28, who immigrated to the United States from Newcastlewest, Ireland, in 1907
• Charles Hartnett, aged 26, who settled in America from Knocknogshill, Ireland, in 1907
• Denis Hartnett, aged 32, who immigrated to the United States from Newmarket, Ireland, in 1908
• Elizabeth Hartnett, aged 21, who immigrated to the United States from Killeagh, Ireland, in 1910
• Cornelius Hartnett, aged 18, who landed in America from Kenmare, Ireland, in 1911
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hartnett Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• Margaret Hartnett, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1821
• John Hartnett, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Charlotte" from Cork, Ireland
• Ms. Mary Hartnett, aged 29 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Lotus" departing 15th April 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 24th June 1847 but she died on board 4
• Miss. Nora Hartnett who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Margrette" departing 2nd May 1847 from New Ross, Ireland; the ship arrived on 8th July 1847 but she died on board 4

Hartnett Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. Richard Hartnett, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Asia" on 19th November 1827, settling in New South Wales, Australia 5
• Mr. David Hartnett, (b. 1813), aged 17, Irihs errand boy who was convicted in County Cork, Ireland for 7 years for vagrancy, transported aboard the "Edward" on 17th October 1830, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1897 6
• Mr. Edward Hartnett, (Harnett), (b. 1816), aged 19, Irish gardener who was convicted in Cork, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Blackwell" on 29th September 1835, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1882 7
• Miss Mary Hartnett, (Ann, Lewis), English Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atwick" on 28 September 1837, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 8

• Thomas Forbes "Tommy" Hartnett (b. 1941), American politician, U.S. Representative from South Carolina (1981-1987)
• Josh Daniel Hartnett (b. 1978), American actor, known for his roles in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), The Faculty (1998), and Pearl Harbor (2001)
• Charles "Gabby" Hartnett (1900-1972), American Major League Baseball catcher and manager
• Josie Hartnett (1927-2005), Irish hurler who played for Cork (1948-1956)
• Kevin Hartnett (b. 1984), Irish hurler who played for Cork (2005-2008)
• Jimmy Hartnett (1927-1988), Irish professional footballer who played as a left winger; he won two caps for the Republic of Ireland national football team
• Angela Hartnett MBE (b. 1968), British celebrity chef
• Sonya Louise Hartnett (b. 1938), Australian children's book author, awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from the Swedish Arts Council in 2008
• Sir Laurence John Hartnett CBE (1898-1986), Australian automotive engineer, creator of the Harnett, produced by the Hartnett Motor Company Ltd in Australia from 1951 to 1955