Joseph, Alfred and Robert McGarvey

Joe, Alfie and Bobby were the fourth, fifth and sixth born children of James and Mary Ann McGarvey.  I know very little about Joseph, a little more about Bobby, but Alfred was my Grandfather and so I know most about him.

Joseph McGarvey was born in 1903 and is listed on the 1911 census in Seaview Street with the rest of the family.  He lived in South Belfast with his wife May and had one child that I am aware of who emigrated to America in the Fifties.

Alfred Walker McGarvey (Alfie), my Grandfather, was born on 3 January 1905 in Bute Street.  He is aged 6 on the 1911 census with the family in Seaview Street. 

Alfred Walker McGarvey

Alfie married Margaret Moore McKeown (Madge) in St Anne's in 1928. 

Alfie and first wife Madge McKeown McGarvey, children Kathleen & Joan. Also Bobby McGarvey (middle right)

Together they had 5 children Kathleen, Joan, William, Samuel and Alfie.  Sadly Madge died when Alfie was only 15 months old. 

Margaret McKeown Grave invoice

Four years later Alfie Senior was remarried at St Peter's to Eva Thompson, my Grandmother.  This photo was taken on their wedding day,14th July 1947 outside Eva's family home in Distillery Street.

Alfie and second wife Eva Thompson McGarvey 1947

Alfie and Eva had one child, Isobel Faye McGarvey, my mother.  The family home was in Harrisburg Street on York Road, Belfast. 

Alfie and Eva McGarvey with my mother Faye, Harrisburg Street around 1969

Alfie died in 1972 and Eva in 1981 and have a tree in Roselawn.  Unfortunately I cannot remember either of them.

Eva McGarvey with me 1979

The sixth child Robert McFall McGarvey (Bobby) was born in 1907.  He is on the 1911 census with the family in Seaview Street.  He lived in Mountcollyer Street and was a painter. 
We think this photo is of Bobby although it may in fact be David.  Does anyone recognise him?

Bobby or David McGarvey?

He suffered ill health throughout his life and died aged only 32, on a bench in Alexandra Park while painting.  No cause of death is given on his death certificate.  He is buried in Belfast City Cemetery.

Six more children to follow!

Cheers

Karen
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