The woman pictured at the top is Catherine Cronin Murnen, the matriarch of the family, who made the crossing with her husband Owen Murnen and son Patrick. Florence MacDonald's handwriting across the front identifies her as "Grandmother Catherine." Presently there is no known photograph of Owen.

Those pictured below Catherine are her children, at least those for whom we have photographs at this time. At left is Timothy.

The next two photographs tell me a bit about who once owned these. The young man is Michael, judging from the birthdate marked on the back, and from Florence MacDonald's handwriting on the front labeling it as "Dad." The nun is obviously Hannah, or Sr. Dioneysha. Florence MacDonald's handwriting on the back also notes this as "Dad's Sister, Hannah Murnen."

The picture of the young woman standing is actually Hannah, at age 17, before she entered the convent. Aunt Jean Lynn cleared up this mystery for me when she saw the website. She also had this photo from Florence MacDonald, but had information on the back of it. I had a hunch that this was Hannah at a young age, but couldn't convince anyone around here that the two women were the same.

In the last row are some "rough" photos just added. Thanks to Aunt Jean for these photocopies. On the left is John Henry Murnen, who went west through Minnesota and Nebraska to Tacoma, Washington. Next is Mary, who joined the convent, but left to return home to care for her aged and ailing mother Catherine Cronin. Mary remained in Ogdensburg, never married, and lived with her brother Patrick in the family home for the rest of her life. The last picture shows Owen, Jr. as an old fellow, with wife Mayme and daughter Kathryn Fahey.

Of the eight siblings, those not pictured include Patrick and Margaret.

I will try to keep things updated. Thanks to all who have shown interest in these web pages. Special thanks to Aunt Jean--I've been hoping for years to see a photo of John Henry. If anyone has more information or photos, contact me.

Tim Murnen
12 May 99