"It is true that the name is uncommon and all the Leddins originally came from a village called Hospital in Co. Limerick. Emly is approximately 18 miles from Limerick."

Mrs. Evelyn Leddin, Limerick
 

"It is fairly well established that the family arrived in Ireland circa 1690 or 1691. They came (from Holland or Germany) as Prussian mercenaries at the sieges of Limerick which occurred in those years. They settled in Limerick and became as the saying goes "more Irish than the Irish themselves." It is significant that they settled in Limerick. I have never met a Leddin who did not come from Limerick."

Tim Leddin, Limerick
 

"I don't believe in the "Prussian mercenary" theory. As far as I have been able to ascertain, Leddin, Liddane, Leddy, Liddy are variations on an Irish name associated with Galway, though in the West it has assumed the forms of Leydon and Lydon."

Chris O'Mahoney, Regional Archivist for Limerick
 

“The story I’ve heard on how the Leddins came to be in Ireland is that during some conflict the landholders sent their daughters to France for safety. This was near the border of Germany. One of the girls married a German by the name of Leddin, and they eventually returned to Ireland.”

Carmel Pye, pyec&e@vic.australis.com.au.
 

Leddin Name Variations

Gaelic: O'Loideain

Common variations: O'Leddan, which is a Munster variant of Liddane, Laden, Leyden, Lydon, (O) Lydon. Other forms are Leyden in Connacht and Clare, and Liddane mainly in Co. Clare.
 
 

Margaret Leddin, My Great-Grandmother
 

Margaret Leddin was born in the townland of Coolbea, Emly parish, Tipperary 8 February 1841. Her brother, Michael, was born there 1 November 1844. The area of Coolbea (or Coolboy) is 157 acres. A history of Emly lists the residents of Coolbea: “Four of the six tenants in Coolboy in 1830 were Bourkes — Edmund Sen. and Jun., David and William. The other tenants were John Glasheen who did not live here and the Rev. John Seymour who lived in the Glebe house (Emly House). There were seven houses in Coolboy in 1841 and six houses ten years later. The population fell from 55 to 46 during the same period. There were still four Bourke families here in 1850 — Michael, Tobias, Edmund and Mary. John Leddin and Michael Corbett each had a house and garden here then. The G.S. and W. Railway had built the railway station here in 1849 and their property covered four acres of townland.” The parish priest of Emly explained that John most likely came to Emly with the railroad and worked for the railroad.
 

Griffiths Valuation, Coolboy townland, Emly parish, 1851

Leddin Family Groups
 
 

Leddins in Knocklong, County Limerick
 

William Leddin, born in about 1750 on a farm near Knocklong; married Elizabeth; had two sons:

1. Patrick, born in about 1782 of Knocklong; married Margaret Gleeson in 1800. Margaret is buried in the old Knocklong Cemetery. Her gravestone reads: "This small testimony of sorrow was erected by William Leddin of Ballencarroona in memory of his mother Margret Leddin alias Gleeson who died the 30 Dec 1841 aged 59 yrs"

2. Timothy, born in 1792; married Mary Judith Murphy on 26 July 1816 in Emly; died 30 November 1880 in Ballycahill.

Timothy Leddin (son of William) and Mary (Judith) Murphy had the following children:
 

1. Johanna (Judith); married James Halpin 16 February 1841 in Knockainy.

2. William; born January 1819 in Ballycahill; christened 1 February 1819 in Hospital; married Mary Meagher; died 3 October 1891 in Ballycahill, Knocklong parish.

3. Michael

4. Patrick, christened 28 January 1823 in Hospital.

5. Catherine

6. Edmond, born 1828 in Ballycahill; married Margaret Cummins; died 13 November 1924 in Hospital.

7. John

8. Matthew
 
 

Posting by Robert Anthony Halpin on Genealogy.com; Hospital parish register
 

From the Limerick Evening Post on 13 June 1828: "Yesterday two men, named Timothy LEDDIN and John HURLEY, were taken into custody, charged with being leaders in the late dreadful fight at Knocklong. They were fully committed to the County Limerick Jail by Joseph GUBBINS, Esq. of Kilfrush."
 
 

Edmund Leddin (son of Timothy Leddin) of Ballycahill is found in the Valuation Lists in 1885, 1890 and 1906.

Edmund Leddin of Ballycahill is found in the 1901 census. The census shows Edmond Leddin, age 70, wife Margaret, age 68, and cousin Timothy Leddin, age 13.

Edmond Leddin of Ballycahill married Margaret Cummins.
"Erected by Edmond Leddin, Ballycahill in memory of his beloved wife Margaret Leddin nee Cummins died 14th Feb. 1913 aged 80 yrs. Edmond Leddin died 13th Nov. 1924 aged 98 yrs. Timothy Leddin died 20th july 1967 aged 71 yrs."
 

Monumental inscription, Hospital Graveyard, in The Lough Gur & District Historical Society Journal, No. 10, 1998.
 

Mary Leddin and Laurence Bourke were married 17 January 1831 in Knocklong.

Carmel Pye, citing Knocklong parish register
 
 

James Halpin and Johanna Leddin were married 16 February 1841 in Knockainy.

Carmel Pye, citing Knockainy parish register
 
 

Leddins in Hospital, County Limerick
 
 

Patrick Leddin, the son of William and Elizabeth Leddin, was born in about 1782 of Knocklong. He married Margaret Gleeson. Margaret was born in about 1785 of Emly, and she died 30 June 1844 in Knocklong (her gravestone reads 30 Dec 1841). Patrick and Margaret had the following children:
 

1. William, about 1810 in Emly; married Johanna Condon 9 February 1834 in Galbally.
 

2. Mary Ann, (chr 31 March 1813 in Hospital); married Lawrence Bourke 1 May 1831 in Hospital.
 

3. Margaret (chr 28 May 1815 in Hospital)
 

4. Catherine, born in Emly; married John Bourke.
 

Some sources suggest that Patrick and Margaret are also the parents of John (who married Mary Morrissy), Patrick (who married Anne Irwin), and Michael (who married Mary Lenihan).
 
 

Carmel Pye, citing Hospital parish register; IGI; Ancestry.com; Hospital parish register.
 
 

Timothy Leddin (son of William Leddin) of Ballycahill townland, Hospital is found in the Tithe Applotment of 1834.
 
 

Timothy Leddin (son of William Leddin) of Ballycahill townland, Hospital is found in Griffith’s Valuation of 1851.

Patrick Leddin (son of William Leddin) of Ballycahill and Newtown townlands, Hospital is found in Griffith’s Valuation of 1851.

Patrick Leddin of Ballycahill is found in the Valuation Lists in 1862.

Timothy Leddin of Ballycahill is found in the Valuation Lists in 1862, 1864, 1866, and 1873.
 
 

William Leddin (born 1 February 1819), son of Timothy Leddin and Mary Murphy, married Mary Meaglin (Meagher) 8 February 1854 in Hospital. William died in 1891 in Ballycahill, and is buried in Knocklong. They had these children:
 

1. Catherine, born 23 February 1855.

2. John Michael, born 27 December 1857 in Ballycahill, Knocklong.

3. Timothy, born 30 October 1859 in Ballycahill.

4. William (Da Willie), born 21 December 1864 in Ballycahill; married 1) Catherine Doherty 19 February 1887, 2: Hanna Irwin; died 1945.
 
 

William Leddin (son of Timothy Leddin) of Ballycahill is found in the Valuation Lists of 1862, 1864, 1873, 1885, 1906 and 1931.

William Leddin of Ballycahill is found in the 1901 census.
 
 

William (also known as Da Willie), married Catherine Doherty 19 February 1887, and had these children:
 

1. Timothy, born 17 November 1888 in Hospital; married Margaret O'Neil; died 20 July 1967 in Limerick, Ireland.
 

2. John Joseph, born 18 June 1889; married Bridget Josephine Carroll; died 13 October 1951 in Chicago.
 

3. Johanna Catherine, born 29 November 1890; married John Nachel; died 15 April 1955 in Chicago.
 

4. Patrick Joseph, born 18 March 1892 in Ballycahill; married 1) Ada Clanderman, 2) Marian Carroll; died 26 November 1956 in Chicago.
 

5. Mary, born 6 May 1893; married Patrick Quish (Quinn); died 3 December 1969 in Ireland.
 

6. Bridget Josephine, born 2 February 1895; married William Matthew Biltgen; died 22 Octeber 1985 in Chicago.
 

7. Margaret, born 16 April 1896; married Michael Hogan; died 15 September 1986.
 
 
 

After Catherine died, William (Da Willie) married Hannah Irwin, and they had these children:
 

1. Kathleen, born 10 November 1899; married William Kearney.
 

2. Ellen, born 1901; married John Creed; died 1994.
 

3. Nora, born 4 November 1902; married John Danneher; died 1996 in Chicago.
 

4. Edmond (Ned), born 2 August 1904; married Mary Barron; died 1970 in Hospital.
 

5. William, born 25 June 1906; married Catherine O'Hara.
 

6. Agnes, born August 1909; died 1964.
 

7. Lillian; married Thomas Dineen.
 
 

E-mail from David Woodard, david51701@msn.com; posting by Marian Walters on Genealogy.com.
 
 

"If Griffiths lists a farm in Ballycahill, Hospital, Co. Limerick, with an owner named Edmond or Edward (Ned) Leddin, that would be the farm that my godfather William (Billy) Leddin inherited from his father, Timothy Leddin, son of Da Willie. Uncle Ned...didn't have any children, lived to be 98, and willed the farm to Timothy Leddin. ...Da Willie and Aggie are buried there also, as I assume are Kate and Hannie, his two wives. Their names are not on the headstone, however. Timothy is also buried there, and he is listed on the stone. The farm Da Willie lived on, and passed to my grandfather, Edmond (Ned) Leddin, son of Da Willie, was not originally Leddin land. It was repossessed for non-payment of rent from the original owners, and Da Willie then rented it from the Lord at Kilfrush house. Da Willie was originally in the Kilballyowen/Galbally area before he took over the farm my grandfather and father grew up on. Incidentally, the farm was sold after my grandfather died. I stopped by to take a photo of the old homestead, but it is no more. It was a thatched cottage, and they tend not to last long when nobody lived in them."
 

Posting by Marianne O'Farrell on Genealogy.com.
 
 

Catherine Leddin of Barrysfarm is found the Valuation Lists of 1862, 1864 and 1866.

Edmond Leddin of Barrysfarm is found the Valuation Lists of 1885.
 

Ellen Leddin married Rodger Lynch

John Leddin married Bridget.

William Leddin, son of Patrick Leddin and Margaret Gleeson, was born about 1810 of Emly, and married Johanna Condon 9 February 1834 in Knocklong.
 

Children:

1. Margaret (10 July 1835 in Hospital); married Richard Wilson; died 1897.

2. Mary (9 July 1837 in Hospital); married Thomas Madden; died 1893.

3. Patrick (19 April 1839 in Hospital); married 1) Jane Sinnott, 2) Mary Dalton; died 1886.

4. John (7 August 1841 in Hospital); married 1) Catherine O'Shannessy, 2) Maryann Carroll; died 1902.

5. Elizabeth (10 July 1844 in Hospital); married John Dalton in Australia; died 1932.

6. Anne (4 December 1846 in Hospital); married William Sinnott; died 1912.

7. William (9 February 1851 in Emly); married Johanna Dalton; died 1933.

8. Johanna (20 April 1853 in Emly); married Francis Dalton; died 1925.

9. Bridget (29 July 1855 in Knocklong); married John Dwyer; died 1934.

William and Johanna and their children emigrated to Australia in 1857. All of William and Johanna's children married in Australia.
 

Letter from James O’Brien, Girrawheen, Australia; e-mail from Carmel Pye, pyec&e@vic.australis.com.au; IGI; Hospital parish register; Emly parish register; Knocklong parish register
 
 
 

John Leddin married Ellen Purcell in 1835 in Emly, Co. Tipperary (possibly a first marriage for John Leddin of Galbally?)

Children: Margaret (1837 in Emly)

Parish register, Emly
 
 

The History of Emly mentions a Leddin in a discussion of faction fights in Emly: “Faction fights took place at funerals and fairs. The leader of the Four Year Olds was Maurice Fitzgerald…Paddy Leddan was leader of the Three Year Olds. In the 1830s a treaty was made on the summit of the hill of Knocklong between Paddy Leddan, the leader of the Three Year Olds and Maurice Fitzgerald the captain of the Four Year Olds. For nearly thirty years peace reigned.”
 
 

Michael Leddin married Ellen Ryan in 1831 in Emly, Co. Tipperary.
 

Children:

1. John (1833 in Knocklong, Co. Limerick)

2. Ellen (1836 in Knocklong)

3. Judith (1838 in Knocklong)

4. Maurice (1839 in Knocklong)

Parish register, Emly
 
 
 

Leddins in Galbally, County Limerick
 
 

Michael Leddin of Garrynalina, Gallbally, Co. Limerick, born about 1790 of Galbally; died in Galbally in 1876.

Parish register, Galbally
 

From the Limerick General Advertiser 30 November 1819: "Committals to the County Gaol, by Joseph GUBBINS, Esq. Michael LEDDIN, charged with the murder of John WOODS."
 
 

Michael Leddin of Garrynalina townland, Gallbally is found in the Tithe Applotment of 1834.
 
 

Michael Leddin of Garrynalina townland, Gallbally is found in Griffith’s Valuation of 1852.
 
 

Michael Leddin of Garrynalina townland, Gallbally is found in the Valuation Lists of 1863, 1873 and 1876. In 1876, at the time of his death, his name is crossed out, and Edmund McCarthy becomes the tenant.
 
 

Patrick Leddin married Anne Erwin (Irvine)
 

Children:

Parish register, Galbally; e-mail from pyec&e@vic.australis.com.au.
 
 

Michael Leddin married Mary Lenihan
 

Children:

1. Julia (Judith) (4 May 1839 in Galbally, Co. Limerick)

2. Michael (18 January 1843 in Galbally)

3. Patrick (August 1845 in Galbally)
 

Parish register, Galbally
 
 
 

Leddins in Kilfinnane, County Limerick
 
 

John Leddin of Upper Ballyroe townland, Kilfinnane was found in Griffith’s Valuation of 1852.
 
 

Leddins in Ballinard, County Limerick

Patrick Leddin of Roulagh townland, Ballinard is found in the Tithe Applotment of 1834.
 
 

Patrick Leddin of Rootiagh townland, Ballinard is found in Griffith’s Valuation of 1851.
 

The death record for Patrick Leddin reads:

Name: Patrick Leddin   Date of Death 15/01/1867
Age: 75                        Parish/District: Hospital R.D.
Address: Rootiagh        County: Co. Limerick
Status: Married             Denomination: Civil Record
Occupation: Farmer      Sex: Male
Informant: Ellen Leddin
Debility 4 hours - no medical attendant

Death record online - limerick.brsgenealogy.com
 

Leddins in Knockainy, County Limerick
 

Michael Lyddin married Margaret Erwin 10 February 1822 in Knockainy, Co. Limerick. It is possible that this Michael is the son of William and Elizabeth Leddin - he is of the right age and location.

Children:

1. William (20 December 1823 in Knockainy)

2. Ellen (25 December 1824 in Knockainy)

3. Robert (25 March 1828 in Knockainy)

4. Michael (19 January 1831 in Knockainy)

5. John (20 June 1834 in Knockainy)

Parish register, Knockainy, by Tipperary Heritage Unit
 
 

Michael Leddin of Bottomstown townland, Knockainy is found in Griffith’s Valuation of 1851.

Carmel Pye, citing Knockainy parish register
 
 

Leddins in Kilfrush, County Limerick
 
 

William Leddin of Ballincarroona townland, Kilfrush is found in Griffith’s Valuation of 1851.
 
 

Leddins in Patrickswell, County Limerick

Patrick Leddin married Johanna Cusack 6 March 1810 in Patrickswell. Sponsors: William Cusack and Michael Blunt.

Patrickswell parish register
 
 

Leddins in Donoughmore, County Limerick
 

Michael Leddin married Bridget Hedderman 29 January 1839 in Donoughmore, Co. Limerick
 

Children:

1. John (19 April 1840 in Donoughmore)

2. Mary (29 March 1843 in Donoughmore)

3. Patrick (21 January 1846 in Donoughmore)

Parish register, Donoughmore
 
 

The Householders Index shows that there were Leddins in the Tithe Applotment of 1825 in Donaghmore.

Michael Leddin of Donaghmore is found in the Valuation Lists of 1862.
 
 

Leddins in Mungret, County Limerick
 

The Householders Index shows that there were Leddins in the Tithe Applotment of 1822-27 in Mungret.

Michael Leddin of Barnakyle townland, Mungret is found in Griffith’s Valuation of about 1850.
 
 
 

Leddins in Limerick City, County Limerick
 
 

Malachy Leddin married Bridget Drew or Drewry

Children:

1. Patrick (10 March 1796 in Limerick, Co. Limerick)

2. Thomas (2 April 1798 in Limerick)

3. John (22 November 1804 in Limerick)

4. Thomas (26 February 1810 in Limerick)

Parish register, St. Michaels
 
 

Thomas Leddin married Catherine Drewry

Children:

1. Daniel (11 April 1796 in Limerick, Co. Limerick)

2. Catherine (28 April 1806 in Limerick)

Parish register, St. Michaels
 
 

James Leddin married Mary Noonan

Children:

1. Robert (25 February 1803 in Limerick)

2. John (24 April 1809 in Limerick)

Parish register, St. Michael
 
 

William Leddin married Catherine Grady

Children: Michael (13 December 1803 in Limerick, Co. Limerick)

Parish register, St. Michaels
 
 

Michael Leddin married Mary or Margaret Hennessy

Children:

1. Catherine (24 March 1803 in Limerick, Co. Limerick)

2. William (30 October 1805 in Limerick)

3. John (3 February 1808 in Limerick)

Parish register, St. Michaels
 
 

The Householders Index shows that there were Leddins in Kilteely parish in the Tithe Applotment of 1833.

The Valuation Lists (1862-1925) show that there were Leddins in Kilteely.
 
 
 

Leddins in Bansha, County Tipperary
 
 

Michael Leddin of Bansha and Bridget Hickey in New Inn & Knockgraffon, Co. Tipperary

Children:

1. William (13 October 1836 in, Bansha, Co. Tipperary)

2. Michael (4 October 1839 in Bansha)
 
 
 

Leddins in Newport, County Tipperary
 

Michael Leddin of Cully married Margaret Connel or Collins 20 February 1854 in Newport, Co. Tipperary.

Margaret (7 June 1857 in Newport)
 

In the same parish, Margaret Leddin of Cully married Dennis Horgan, and had a son, Patrick. The sponsor was Thady (Timothy) Leddin.
 
 

Leddins in Murroe, County Limerick
 

Michael Leddin married Mary Curtin

Children:

1. Mary (15 March 1841 in Murroe)

2. Margaret (30 June 1843 in Murroe)
 

Parish register, Murroe
 
 

Leddins in Kilnarath, County Tipperary
 

Timothy Leddin is found in the Tithe Applotment of 1827 in Kilnarath.

Timothy Leddin is found in Griffith’s Valuation of about 1850 in Kilnarath.
 

Dan'l Leadon is shown on the Convert Rolls in County Tipperary in 1783.
 

The Householders Index shows that there were Leddins in the Tithe Applotment of 1822-1833 in Nantinan, Rathkeale, Ardcanny, Kildimo, Ballylanders, Abington, and St. Nicholas.

The Householders Index shows that there were Leddins in Griffith’s Valuation of about 1850 in Rathkeale.

Leddins are found in the Valuation Lists (1862-1925) in Nantinan, Kildimo, and St. Nicholas.
 
 

Leddins in Ardfinnan, County Tipperary

Jacobus Leddin and Elena Shine had a child:
Jacobus, christened 29 January 1824 in Ardfinnan.

Ardfinnan parish register
 
 

Leddins outside of Ireland
 

The Leddins of Chicago, Illinois, USA
 

James Ledden (born 1846) and Fanny Hayes, found as head of household, living with his father Patrick and brother William in 1870 census. Children: Catherine (1872), Francis (1874), Mary (1876), Margaret Ann (1878), Patrick (1880), William (1882), and Fanny Maria (1884), all children born in Chicago.

Patrick (born 1807) with son, William (born 1836) and Honora Leddin. Lived with James and Fanny Ledden in 1870 census.

Thomas (born 1833) and Mary Leddin

Michael (born 1851) and Bridget (Cosgrove) Leddin, son John (1879), and Patrick Joseph (1881), sons born in Chicago. (This is Michael Leddin, son of John Leddin of Emly, brother of Margaret Leddin Hickey)

Timothy Leddin (born 1840) and Margaret Madden, children Patrick (1870), Timothy (1872), William (1876) and Honora (1878), children born in Chicago.

James Leddin married Annie Murray in 1872 in Chicago.
John Leddin married Mary Whelan (1870 in Chicago. Children, all born in Chicago, were: John (1874), Honora (1876), Patrick (1878), and Margaret (1881).

Michael Leddin (born 1798), died in Chicago in 1878.

Margaret Leddin (born about 1832, of County Limerick), immigrated to Chicago, married Michael Reddy, died 10 December 1899, aged 67.
 
 
 

The Leddins of Australia
 
 

William Leddin of Emly in County Tipperary was born in 1809-1812. He married Joanna Condon. Their son, Patrick Leddin married Margaret Gleeson. Patrick and Margaret had nine children. Seven of these children went to Australia with their parents: Margaret (born 7 October 1835 in Limerick), Mary (born 1836 in Limerick), Patrick, John, Betsey, Ann, William, Johanna, and Bridget.

Letter from Susan Hoogenboom, Australia
 
 

William Leddin 1812-1866, son of Patrick Leddin and Margaret Gleeson, married Johanna Condon 1813-1885, daughter of John Condon and Johanna Holloway. They had a family of nine children in Ireland, seven of which traveled to Australia with their parents. Margaret and Mary, the two eldest came out before the rest of the family. William Leddin came from Emly in Co. Limerick near Tipperary. The Leddin family traveled on the Chance, which sailed from Liverpool, England and called into Irish Ports They arrived in Belfast, Victoria, Australia, now Port Fairy on 12-9-1854:
 

William 45 years, Julia (Johanna) 44, Patrick 17, John 15, Betsy (Elizabeth) 12, Ann 10, William 6, Johanna 3, and Bridget 1 year.

Letter from James O’Brien, Australia
 
 

Michael Leddin (about 1837) son of Patrick Leddin (of Limerick) and Anne Irwin, married Mary Condon in Belfast, Australia.

Marriage certificate
 

If you have additional information about this family, please contact me at alice@boydhouse.com.