Here are some facts about the early life of my Grandfather:
• His mother died quickly in the Influenza Pandemic when he was just 7 years old.
• His father had either died or abandoned him before or around the time he was born.
• He had an older half-bother, Joseph Francis Darby, who was just 13 years old when their mother died.
These experiences were early indicators of the hard life that George was going to live.
On October 31, 1918, Joseph and George were adopted in Seattle by Martin and Sarah Flaherty. His name was changed to George Homer Flaherty. Martin (28; 1882) and Sarah (31; 1879) were living in Seattle for some time before the adoption. They too show up in the 1910 Federal Census, living at 501 Fidalgo St, Seattle. The census record indicates that they had been married for 2 years and it was their first marriage. It also states that Martin immigrated to the United States in 1905, Sarah in 1893.
I am not completely sure yet but I think Sarah may have been Minnie’s sister or cousin. Sarah’s marriage and death records indicate that her maiden name was “Sarah Connelly”. Minnie’s death record identifies her mother as “Beatrice Connelly” or “Mary Connelly”. More information is required about Sarah before this connection can be established.
Click here to read the text of George and Joseph’s Adoption record.
At some point after 1918, Martin and Sarah traveled back to Boston. We know George came with them but we aren’t sure about Joseph. We figure he had to come back with them, given he was only a teenager, but we don’t really know what became of him. At this time, I cannot find any marriage or death records for him.
Martin and Sarah Flaherty show up in the 1925 Boston City Directory, living at 849 E 1st St (South Boston).
Martin and Sarah Flaherty, in Boston, MA, later in their lives (some time before 1948).
Click here to find out what happened next to George