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Updated May 12, 2006
In about 1820 Martha Milligan (also called Matilda and Mattie) was born in Ireland. She married Robert Smiley and eventually gave birth to 8 children. We know of Alex (born about 1862), Robert W. (born about 1849), Samuel G. (born about 1841) and John (born about 1855). All of her sons eventually came to Philadelphia. In addition we believe there was another son named Richard who was a clergyman who came to Philadelphia but returned home to Ireland.
On September 16, 1869 Robert William Smiley came to America on board the Bark Village Belle. Records indicate he was from Coalisland, County Tyrone. The ship had sailed out of Londonderry. He is listed on the manifest as being 18 years old.
On Sunday, October 6, 1872 he married Margaret (Maggie)McKeown at All Saints Episcopal Church on 12th Street near Fitzwater in Philadelphia. Rev. Herman Duhring presided. Robert's occupation at that time was listed as shoe finisher.
On 9/20/1873 their first child, James Milligan Smiley was born. He died sometime before the 1880 census. On 2/23/1875, their next son, Robert John, is born. This child is Lynne Smiley's grandfather.
Elizabeth Matilda was born on 1/1/1877. My grandfather was William David Smiley born in 6/16/1879. Anna Bella Smiley was born in 3/15/1881. Florence Greer Smiley was born 3/24/1883.
In 1887, Martha came to Philadelphia with her son Alexander on the Hibernian. They eventually took up residence with Robert William. Martha died in 1902 and was buried in Mt. Moriah cemetery in Philadelphia.
Maggie died September 19, 1926. Her death notice from the Public Ledger 9/22/26: "SMILEY - Sept. 19, MARGARET, wife of Robert W. Smiley, aged 75. Relatives and friends are invited to funeral services Thurs. 3:30 P.m. at her late residence, 172 W. Widener St. Int. Mt. Moriah Cem. Viewing Wed. Eve."
Bob Smiley, June 1999 Email me!
City Directory listings for all Smileys from 1859 through 1910 are included. Feel free to use it as you will. Email me if you would like copies of the actual pages for your research. Also included below are the Griffith's Valuation of Ireland for Smileys and records of Smileys arrival in the port of Philadelphia.
and Smileys in the Philadelphia City Directories here
