In 1935 Joseph McMenamin asked his grandfather Patrick, age 82, for family information. As best Patrick could remember he had Uncles named Ned (who probably sponsored the emigration of Michael (b. 1846) and others), a Henry, who emigrated and was lost track of, Aunts Mary and Margaret , and probably others.

Since his mother was also a McMenamin by birth, they may have been aunts and uncles from her side. Patrick was sure his grandfather was a Michael and that his grandmother may have been Mary Quinn.