Edward McGovern

     Edward McGovern, son of Peter McGovern and Margaret Dolan, was born circa 1838 in County Cavan, Ulster.^3,4

In 1858, Edward was an Agricultural Labourer.²

Edward McGovern married first Margaret Hart, daughter of Edward Hart and Mary Dempsy, after Banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church on 7 May 1858 in Strathaven, Lanarkshire. The marriage was conducted by James Milne. Their witnesses were Thomas Kelly and Bridget Morgan.^1,5,2

Edward registered the birth of his son Peter McGovern in 1859 at Bellshill in Bothwell. He gave his occupation then as Labourer.⁶

Edward McGovern appeared in the 1861 census of South Side, Queensferry, West Lothian, in the household of Peter McGovern and Ann (?). He was described as an Agricultural Labourer.³

Edward registered the birth of his son Edward McGovern in 1861 at Churchyard Street in Strathaven. He gave his occupation then as Agricultural Labourer.⁷

Edward registered the birth of his son John McGovern in 1863 at Kirk Yard Street in Strathaven. He gave his occupation then as Agricultural Labourer.⁸

In 1866, Edward was a Railway Labourer.⁹

In 1868, Edward was an Agricultural Labourer.¹⁰

Edward registered the birth of his daughter Helen McGovern in 1869 at Churchyard Street in Strathaven. He gave his occupation then as Agricultural Labourer.^11,4

Edward and Margaret appeared in the 1871 census of Strathaven, Lanarkshire, at Churchyard Street, Mr Arbuckles. Their children Peter, Michael and Helen were listed as living with them. Edward was described as an Agricultural Labourer.¹²

In 1872, Edward was an Agricultural Labourer.¹³

Edward registered the birth of his son Patrick McGovern in 1874 at Church Yard Street in Strathaven. He gave his occupation then as an Agricultural Labourer.^1,5

Edward registered the death of Margaret Hart, in 1875 in Strathaven, Lanarkshire.¹⁴

Edward McGovern married second Mary Mulligan after Banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church on 26 December 1876 in Larkhall, Lanarkshire. The marriage was conducted by Donald McKay. Their witnesses were William Kelly and John Scanlon.^15,4

Edward and Mary appeared in the 1881 census of Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire, at Mrs Semple's House, Churchyard Street. His children Helen and Patrick were listed as living with them, as were Mary's children, James, Lawrence and Bridget. Edward was described as a 43 year old Agricultural Labourer.⁴

Edward and Mary appeared in the 1891 census of Avondale, Strathaven, Lanarkshire, in Green Street. Also living with them is her son, Thomas Casey (aged 27 and unmarried), together with two boarders, both called Patrick Milligan: a 42 year old Labourer born in Ireland and a 14 year old Coal Miner from Strathaven. Edward was described as a Labourer for a Mason.¹⁶

In 1898, Edward was an Agricultural Labourer.¹

Edward McGovern died on 14 February 1901 in Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire, at Green Street. The cause of death was given as "natural causes, probably accelerated by his being accidentally knocked down and trampled on by a horse yoked to a wagonette". The natural causes were congestive cardiac failure and bronchitis.^17,18