Tracing Irish Roots in St. Louis: A Genealogist’s Guide

Mar 3

Irish immigration to St. Louis, Missouri, began in the early 1800s and grew significantly during the economic expansion of the 1830s. The Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) and the failed Irish uprising of 1848 further motivated many to seek new opportunities in America, with St. Louis emerging as a key destination.

By 1880, the Irish population in St. Louis had grown to 28,536. Most immigrants hailed from Galway, Cork, Louth, Tyrone, Donegal, Mayo, Carlow, Kerry, and Dublin City counties. These Irish communities established deep roots in the city, shaping its neighborhoods, churches, and social organizations.

Where the Irish Lived in St. Louis

The Irish in St. Louis primarily settled in two neighborhoods:

Kerry Patch (North Side): This community was located between 12th and 18th Streets, from Mullanphy to O’Fallon Streets.
Cheltenham/Dogtown (South Side): Located near Forest Park, this area became another key Irish enclave.

Irish Organizations in St. Louis

Several benevolent societies—and later, social clubs—were established to support Irish immigrants.

Erin Benevolent Society (1818) – Founded by Jeremiah Connor, Thomas Brady, Thomas Hanley, and John Mullanphy, this organization assisted poor Irish in both St. Louis and Ireland.
Irish Emigrant Society (1840s) – Provided resources for newly arrived immigrants.
Shamrock Society (1854) – Focused on cultural preservation and community support.
United Sons of Erin Benevolent Society (1866) – Assisted Irish immigrants with economic and social aid.
Ancient Order of Hibernians (1870) – A national fraternal organization dedicated to Irish heritage (archives link).
Sarsfield Club (1896) – Promoted Irish social and political interests.
Irish American Club (1920s) – Fostered community engagement among Irish descendants.

Finding Your Irish Ancestors in St. Louis

If you can identify where your ancestors lived, you can locate their parish, which may hold valuable baptismal, marriage, and burial records. Using the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ interactive Catholic Churches map, you can enter a known ancestor’s address and locate the closest parish they may have attended.

Marriage of John Halloran and Charlotte McNamara, St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, October 11, 1863.

St. Louis had 29 Irish Catholic churches, some of the most prominent being:

Tips for Tracing Irish Ancestors

Check Obituaries in Multiple Cities – Irish families often had connections in multiple locations, which can provide migration clues.
Understand Irish Naming Traditions – Irish families frequently reused names across generations, making it essential to cross-check birthdates and family relationships to ensure you have the right “Patrick Murphy.” Firstborn sons were often named after their paternal grandfather, second sons after their maternal grandfather, and so on.

Additional Resources

For those researching Irish ancestry in St. Louis, the Irish Special Interest Group of the St. Louis Genealogical Society offers helpful resources and community connections.

Need Help Tracing Your Irish Ancestors?

Researching Irish ancestry can be complex, but Backlog specializes in helping families uncover their heritage. Our genealogy team has extensive experience navigating Irish records, parish documents, and historical archives. Whether you need help finding immigration records or tracking ancestors in St. Louis, we’re here to assist.

Reach out to our founder, Emma, at emma@backlog-archivists.com to schedule a consultation.

Amanda Bailey

"Amanda, a seasoned genealogist with 15 years of experience, approaches each client's genealogical puzzle as a personal challenge. Known for her tenacity, she meticulously explores every avenue to overcome family history brick walls. Notably, Amanda possesses the ability to read German, a language that we encounter frequently while researching midwestern families.

Her journey includes an internship at the Webster University Archives, where she served as a processing assistant. Here, she successfully tackled the organization of 60 donated boxes of materials, showcasing her archival and organizational expertise. Amanda's commitment to genealogy led her to intern with the St. Louis Genealogical Society (STLGS), where she focused on transcribing German church records. Beyond research, she initiated a community outreach program at STLGS, emphasizing her dedication to fostering engagement and membership.

Academically, Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Webster University and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth.

In her limited spare time, Amanda channels her creativity into Forserious Treats, a business she founded to help individuals celebrate milestones with custom treats. "