The Brothers?: Patrick and Ralph

In addition to William and Myles there were only two other Slattery men recorded in Ottawa in the early days, named Patrick and Ralph. I have no positive proof that Patrick and Ralph were brothers, but the records are nearly conclusive. Gravestones at Notre Dame cemetery in Ottawa reveal that both were born in Co. Clare, Ireland. Neither were recorded in any 1861 census area, but in the 1871 census both were living in Almonte village, Patrick as a tailor and Ralph as a merchant.

The most persuasive proof that they were brothers is a tragic news item in the Perth Courier of August 13, 1909 which reads: "Ralph Slattery, Ottawa, 25, and his cousin "Curley" Slattery, Arnprior, are supposed to have drowned in Shaw's lake, Arnprior, Saturday morning." Patrick had a son McCurley, and Ralph had a son Ralph Leo, both sons about the same age. For them to be first cousins, Patrick and Ralph would have to be brothers.

The 1871 census recorded Patrick as age 37 and Ralph as age 29, both RC born in Ireland. They would have been born therefore about 1834 and 1842 respectively.