Matthew Scanlon was born in County Mayo, Ireland on April 28, 1868 to Matthew Scanlon and Bridget Conway. He was one of 7 children. He was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in the Parish of Carracastle in Co. Mayo. In March 1897, Matthew married Mary Ann Kenny in the Church in the Parish of Annagh in Co. Mayo.
It is noted on the 1911 Census, that Matthew and Mary Ann are living with 8 of their 10 children (their last two being born after this census). They live in a private how where the large family occupies two rooms. Matthew works as a boot and shoemaker while Mary Ann keeps house. All of the children of the age are noted as being in school (noted as scholars) and the littlest one is only 10 months old.
In 1915, Mary Ann travels to America on her own in order to set up a home for her family. It is uncommon for the wife to immigrate first, usually the wife stays behind and travels with the children. I have, thus far, been unable to find exactly when Mary Ann arrived in America or what boat she was on – this continues to be a work in progress. It is alleged that Mary Ann and Matthew’s oldest daughter, Mary, travels with her mother but I have not yet found proof of that.
In 1916, Margaret Scanlon, daughter of Matthew and Mary, traveled about the SS St. Louis and arrived in New York City on June 8th and was met by her mother.
On October 22, 1919, Matthew and his children boarded the SS Lapland heading for America. The ship departed from Southampton, England to Ellis Island in New York City. The family address is recorded as 1675 Lexington Ave., New York. This home was located on the East side near Park Ave. - not far from Central Park.
Matthew continued working as a shoemaker while in New York. He passed away before 1930, I have yet to find a specific date of death for him. After his death, Mary Ann continues to take care of her family, including taking in her daughter and grandchildren after the death of their father.
Mary Ann passed away in March of 1936. Both Matthew and Mary Ann are buried in Calvary Cemetery in Queens. Queens became the mainstay for the later generations of Scanlons.