Keiley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Irish families fled the English-colonized Ireland in record numbers during the 19th century for North America. Many of those destitute families died from disease during, and even shortly after, the long journey. Although those that immigrated before the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s often were granted a tract of land, those that arrived later were generally accommodated in urban centers or in work camps. Those in the urban centers would labor in the manufacturing sector, whereas those in work camps would to build critical infrastructures such as bridges, canals, roads, and railways. Regardless of when these Irish immigrants came to North America, they were critical for the rapid development of the young nations of the United States and Canada. Early immigration and passenger lists have recorded many early immigrants bearing the name of Keiley:

Keiley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• William Keiley, who settled in Philadelphia in 1857
• Andrew Keiley, who settled in Philadelphia in 1868

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Keiley Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• Mary Keiley, aged 22, a servant, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Hibernia" from Kinsale, Ireland

Keiley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Catherine Keiley, aged 21, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Admiral Boxer"

• Anthony M. Keiley, American politician, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia, 1871-76 4