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

Sister Helen Theresa Ferriter

photo b. October 8, 1870
d. November 17, 1945

Helen Theresa Ferriter was born in 1870 to immigrant parents from the Dingle Peninsula area of Ireland.  She was the tenth child of Nicholas and Mary Ann (Sullivan) Ferriter.  Her oldest brother, Michael James Ferriter, was 17 and working in the coal mines along with his father.  Her youngest sibling was John Joseph Ferriter, age 5.  Four of the nine children born before her had not survived childhood, with one dying as an infant and three dying as toddlers.  Barclay Village no longer exists. At one time, it was a very busy community that sprouted up in 1850 around the coal mines and the rail... Read More