The Duffy’s: It Starts with Newport, Herkimer County, New York

WARNING - Later Posts may have more updated information and discoveries but it is best to read them in order.

When I work on my McLaughlin Family Tree, I find Duffy’s in Montello, WI, with my McLaughlin Cousins. If you will, I will call them my McLaughlin Cousins since my direct line did not go to Montello but many relatives of the original lines of Newport McLaughlin’s did.

I also find Duffy’s in Napa, CA. Apparently Thomas M. McLaughlin and Phillip Duffy were childhood friends in Newport, New York. Thomas’ and Phillip’s wives were sisters. Ellen and Catherine Maxwell were from Newport, New York, having emigrated from Ireland. They went onto Austin, NV, and eventually moved to Napa, CA, where they spent the rest of their lives.

So are these two Duffy family groups related? I’m not sure but thought I’d post about it in case a Duffy is interested. I am only related to the Duffy’s by marriages in my family tree. I seem to have some information about the Duffy’s for both of these family groups. I have some information in the “34 page document” and I have some papers in “the box” that my mom brought me originating with a Malloy of Napa, CA.

A funny thing happens when you visit Ireland, too. In my case, I found a Duffy who is married to my Flanagan relative. It is less likely that they are of the same Duffy line. What a small world.