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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published by Biographical Review Publishing Company in 1896.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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MICHAEL P. LYNCH, a successful brick manufacturer and a Selectman of South Hadley Falls, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, June 23, 1833, son of Patrick and Catherine (Kennedy) Lynch. Mr. Lynch’s father, who at one time was a prosperous farmer in Ireland, emigrated to the United States in 1849, and after deciding to locate in South Hadley Falls sent for his wife and family to join him. But he died in September, 1849, before they reached America. His wife settled with her children in Holyoke, Mass., where she resided until her death, which occurred in March, 1892. The children numbered eleven, and were: John, who is a resident of Holyoke; Michael P., the subject of this sketch; Mary, Morris, and Thomas, who also reside in Holyoke; Patrick, Michael, Bridget, Timothy, Catherine, and Johanna, who are deceased.

Michael P. Lynch received a common-school education. After arriving in Holyoke he worked in a cotton factory for some time. He then learned the trade of a bricklayer, and subsequently, in company with his brothers, managed a brickyard in Holyoke for several years. In 1877 he, together with his brothers Morris and Thomas, purchased the brickyard in which they are now located, and have since carried on the business with success. Mr. Lynch is independent in his political views, and always votes for the candidates he considers the most capable of holding office. He has been Road Commissioner, and is now serving his third term as Selectman, and is a member of the Hampshire Club.

On January 25, 1861, Mr. Lynch was united in marriage to Catherine O’Donnell, a native of County Kerry, Ireland, daughter of Terrence O’Donnell, who died in Holyoke. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have ten children, as follows: John, deceased; John F., who resides in South Hadley Falls; Margaret, deceased; Annie; Patrick; Rosa; Joseph; Morris, residing at home; and two children who died in infancy. The family attend the Roman Catholic Church in South Hadley Falls.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published in 1896. 

View additional Hampshire County, Massachusetts family biographies here: Hampshire County, Massachusetts Biographies

View a map of 1901 Hampshire County, Massachusetts here: Hampshire County Massachusetts Map

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