Ferriter Family Manifesto

I. We are all of a single family. By this is meant that we have common relation, or a common heritage associated with the Feiritear name, as known in County Kerry Ireland since Norman times.

II. While several lines of descent from earlier times exist, there exists no principal line, or line of primogeniture that requires recognition as the principal line.

III. Family members recognize a common heritage. While individual experiences may vary widely, and while separate family groups may have developed their own histories based upon unique experience, we acknowledge that for over 400 years, we had a common homeland in Ireland.

IV. The Feiritear name, in all of its variant spellings is an honorable name, and this honor should be sustained. Going forward in time, the honor of our name is to be maintained by all who cherish it.

V. Individual allegiance to and awareness of the greater family, (the extended family) is key to sustaining family identity, and should be encouraged and facilitated.

Know Your Ancestors

Robert Garret Farritor

photo b. February 2, 1846
d. 1915

Robert Garret Farritor was born in Blossburg, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1846 to his Irish Immigrant Parents, John Ferriter and Honora Fitzgerald Ferriter of Ard Na Cainthne (Smerwick) Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry Ireland. Raised in Pennsylvania Coal Mining Country, he joined his Father and brothers in the coal mines at age 16. After the Civil War, his family relocated to Streator, Illinois, a new coal mining community in central Illinois. Determined to leave this dangerous occupation, he homesteaded in central Custer County Nebraska in 1879, along with his brothers and other immigrant families from County Kerry. Successfully enduring the natural and personal hardships of establishing a... Read More