Although both from Ireland, Katherine Moran came from Galway and Denis Doherty came from Lecarrow, about two hours apart by car today. Around 1884-1885 they left their respective homes for America and eventually Chicago where their paths would cross. On August 5, 1889, Denis and Kate were married at the Church of the Holy Angels. The parish was founded in 1880 as a mission of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. The main church, which stood until it was destroyed by fire in 1986, was not built until 1897, so the actual location of the wedding is still being researched. At one point, worship took place at Grossman's Hall near Cottage Grove Ave. and 37th Street, and this is a possible location for the wedding. Holy Angels was located at 605 E. Oakwood Blvd, but no known structure was there before the building of the main church.
At the time of their wedding, Kate was pregnant with their first child, little Dennis, who was born in November of the same year. There were no witnesses listed in the church records of the marriage, perhaps indicating that it was a private sacrament. Kate's sister Mary Moran lived near by and was present at Dennis's baptism, so it is surprising she isn't listed as a witness. Two of Denis and Kate's great-grandsons celebrate their wedding anniversary on August 5 as well. Below is a copy of the parish record as well as their Illinois Marriage License.
