Genealogy sleuthing: the Enright mystery

Thanks to Marilyn Anderjaska, I have more information about the Enright family in McCook. Apparently one child, Neil F., became a priest which was why within the small trunk there was a picture of a very handsome young priest.

In February 1952, there was a picture and article featuring Chaplain (Captain) Neil F. Enright, O.M.I., of McCook, (Catholic Chaplain) who had been recently assigned to the U.S. Air Force's 527th aircraft control and warning group at a Far East air force base in Japan. (I would love to tell you what print medium this article occurred in but I haven't a clue.)

The article continues: "Chaplain Enright was at one time stationed in McCook, where his parents lived and assisted in the missions of Benkelman, Stratton, Trenton and Palisade in 1929-32; and in the missions of Greenwood and Ashland (Nebraska) in 1932-35. He came into military service from Buffalo, N. Y. in February 1944 and served in Greenland, Newfoundland, and Mather Field, California, before being transferred to Japan."

Research from the Enright family revealed a picture of Chaplain (Captain) Neil F. Enright, O.M.I. Courtesy photo

From another picture I found the names of two of Mike Enright's brothers: Edward and Willard. I believe one of the two lived in McCook and had two children: Neil and Eleanor (she is a 1930 graduate of MHS). Neil, of course we now know, became priest and if I am discerning the other photographs correctly, Eleanor may have become a nurse.

So, again, I am trying to locate relatives of this family and if you have any further clues you can email me at: sdoak@swnebr.net. Since it is improbable that Neil had children, perhaps someone has a clue as to where Eleanor ended up and if she married.

On another note, when I was doing some research for a project, I came across the obituary of a child who had died from one of the diseases that we can now inoculate children for. The obituary also mentioned that she was the last surviving child of six children in the family, all of whom in a short span of a few weeks, died from this disease. It reminded me of the fact that during my lifetime vaccines have been created that protect little ones from polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, whooping cough, and more. My parents, as well as nearly all parents during that time, could not wait to get my brother and I inoculated against polio. It was a blessing as far as they were concerned.

Work continues on saving and digitalizing maps, pictures, and books at the Genealogy Library. If you have items you wish to have available for research but do not want to donate the originals, we can make copies for our records without damaging your precious memorabilia. Wednesdays are open library days during the winter and you can bring your items to: 110 West C, Suite M-3, here in McCook. There is an elevator available for those who need that service.

Southwest Nebraska Genealogy Society's monthly meeting will be this Saturday at the library starting a 1 p.m.The public is always welcome.