Francis Moranwas born about 1812 in Co. Leitrim, Ireland, the son of Ambrose Moran and Margaret [maiden name unknown]. He emigrated to Canada about 1833, where he settled at Fitzroy township, Carleton Co. He married 1.) Margaret Behan; and 2.) Anne Galligan.
With his first wife, Margaret Behan (born Ireland about 1818; died Canada between 1846 and 1852) he had seven known children: Ambrose; Mary; Jeremiah; Catherine; Ellen; Catherine; and Francis.
On 4 January 1853 (Fitzroy Harbour Mission) he married Ann Galligan, born about 1827 in Co. Cavan, daughter of Denis Galligan and Ann Kelly.
Interestingly enough, there is no mention of his first family in his will, which is transcribed as follows:
Last Will and Testament of Francis Moran
This is the last Will and Testament of one Francis Moran in the Township of Fitzroy in the County of Carleton and Province of Ontario Yeoman.
1. I revoke all prior testamentary willings by me at any time heretofore made.
2. I direct that all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses be paid by my son Michael as soon as conveniently may be after my decease
3. I give and bequeath all my farming implements, machinery and tools to my said son Michael absolutely
Map inset showing the 90 acres owned by Francis Moran at Concession 6, Lot 17, Township of Fitzroy, County of Carleton. From Belden’s Illustrated historical atlas of the county of Carleton (including city of Ottawa), Ont. (Toronto: H. Belden & Co., 1879). Digital Collections Program, McGill University.
4. I give and deise unto and to the use of my said son Michael his heirs and assignees forever my farm being composed of the West part of Lot Number Seventeen in the Sixth Concession of the said Township of Fitzroy containing by admeasurement Ninety acres be they soever more or less — subject however to the charges hereinafter mentioned
5. I give and bequeath unto my wife Ann the wool of the sheep annually during the term of her natural life. The same to be given her by my said son Michael and I make this bequest a charge upon the lands hereinbefore devised to heir, my said son Michael
6. I will and direct that my said son Michael do provide for my said wife Ann, his mother, a suitable home for the term of her natural life, furnishing her with clothing board and lodging in the same manner and to the same extent as nearly as may be, as she has been accustomed to during my life, and also furnishing her with medical attendance medicine and other attendance in case of sickness at any time during her natural life and I make this devise a charge upon the lands hereinbefore devised to my said son Michael
7. I also will and direct that my said son Michael do provide suitable board, clothing and lodging for my two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret until their marriage respectively and as long as they continue to live with and assit him their brother, my said son Michael and if either or both my said daughters Elizabeth and Margaret should desire to live elsewhere than with their said brother Michael, then on her or their removal, I will and direct that my said son Michael pay to her or them respectively the annual sum of Fifty Dollars until her or their marriage respectively, and I make these bequests a charge upon the lands hereinbefore devised to my said son Michael
8. I also will and direct that on the marriage of my said daughters respectively (Elizabeth and Margaret) each of them is to receive two cows and one bed with bedding necessary therefor, the same to be given them respectively by my said son Michael and I make these bequests a charge upon the lands hereinbefore devised to my said son Michael
9. I give devise and bequeath all the residue and remainder of my estate both real and personal of whatsoever kind and wheresoever situate unto and to the use of my said son Michael his heirs and assignees forever but subject to the duties hereinbefore mentioned to be performed by him
10. And I appoint John Roach and Robert Tait both of the same Township of Fitzroy Yeomen to be the executors of this my Will
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Seventh day of January A.D. 1888
Francis Moran [his signature]
Signed by the said Testator Francis Moran as need for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time, who at his request, in his sight and presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses
Robert Argue Hunt the village of Arnprior Student at Law [his signature]
James Riddell of the Township of Fitzroy Yeoman [his signature]