Kilroy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The 19th century brought a massive reduction in Ireland's population. It seemed that during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s the Irish people had two options: starve or immigrate. Those that chose the later frequently headed for the United States, hopeful for land, work, and equality. Those determined for free land joined the migration west; while others stayed behind to live in urban centers and often work in factories. Still others began a transitory life in work camps, building the bridges, canals, railways, and highways so critical to the rapidly development of the growing industrial nation. Early passenger and immigration lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Kilroy:

Kilroy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• John Kilroy, who arrived in America in 1811 3
• Bridget Kilroy, aged 26, who landed in New York in 1854 3
• Ellen Kilroy, aged 13, who arrived in New York in 1864 3
• James Kilroy, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1876 3

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Kilroy Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• Honora Kilroy, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Elizabeth" from Galway, Ireland
• Michael Kilroy, aged 18, a yeoman, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Elizabeth" from Galway, Ireland
• Michael Kilroy, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Trafalgar" from Galway, Ireland
• Mr. Denis Kilroy, aged 29 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Convenanter" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in September 1847 4

Kilroy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Miss Bridget Kilroy, (b. 1784), aged 29, Irish house keeper who was convicted in County Meath, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Catherine" on 8th December 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 5
• Mr. Peter Kilroy, (b. 1778), aged 52, Irish convict who was convicted in Roscommon, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Edward" on 17th October 1830, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died 1830 aboard 6
• Kitty Kilroy, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lady Bute" in 1839 7

Kilroy Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• Patrick Kilroy, aged 26, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Dallam Tower" in 1875

• Mary Jo Kilroy (b. 1949), American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Ohio, 2004 8
• John B. "Jim" Kilroy (1922-2016), American sailboat owner and racer in the 1950s to the 1980s
• Francis Joseph "Bucko" Kilroy (1921-2007), American football player and executive with the New England Patriots
• Matthew Aloysius "Matt" Kilroy (1866-1940), American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher
• William Kilroy, American politician, Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from Bozrah, 1899-1902 8
• Robert Walter Kilroy, American Republican politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Indiana 9th District, 1986 8
• John B. Kilroy, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from California, 1964 8
• Jane Callan Kilroy, American Democratic Party politician, Member of Maine Democratic State Committee, 1945; Secretary of Maine Democratic Party, 1945; Candidate for Presidential Elector for Maine, 1956 8
• Frank Kilroy, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Michigan, 1928 8
• Thomas F. Kilroy (1934-2023), Irish playwright and novelist
• ... (Another 5 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)