Chapter 18/Peter Soden 1878-1961

Peter Soden ‘s premises and house in Cavan town , now owned by the supermarket chain, TESCO

10-    – PETER SODEN , 1878-1961, Cavan and Dublin

The Family of Peter Soden , Behy , Cavan and Glasnevin , Dublin

(1878 – 1961)

Peter Soden was born in 1878 in the townland of Behy,Cavan south of Cavan town. His father,

Peter was a poor tenant farmer on 11 acres of land married to Catherine Magee (McGhee) . They had 7 children,4 boys,Owen,Patrick,Bernhard,Peter and 3 girls,Katie , Alice and Bridget.

Some of these children stayed on the land ,others ,particularly the girls went abroad to America Both Peter and Patrick remained in Cavan ,though Peter travelled to London and Dublin serving his time to the drapery business before returning to Cavan town to set up his own drapery business .

He served his time to Fays Drapery in Pearse Street,Cavan , going to Arnotts in Dublin and finally to Snyders of London. After a number of years with these two prestigious companies he returned to Cavan to take over Fays in 1930.

 During this time he became deeply involved in the local social, political and ecclesiastical life of the area. He with Patrick was an urban councillor for a number of years,on the Cavan and Monaghan Hospital Boards.a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Stradone Gaelic Athletic Association. He was a passionate supporter of Clann na Gaedhal and James Dillon.

He married Christina Coyle of Abbeyleix, a farmer’s daughter , in the Pro-Cathedral ,Dublin in 1915.

Both Peggy and Josie became nursing sisters in Dublin, Mary was mentally handicapped but received a full secondary education from her parents,Christina (Ina) married and lived in England and both Seamus and Peter worked as commerical representatives in the Wine/Spirit trade.

Peter Soden died in St. Marys Hospital,Dublin in 1961 at the age of 83. Christina ,his wife,my grandmother survived him by 6 years. Both Grandparents had a charm and attraction which earned love and respect from all their children and the grandchildren always recognising the great achievement that was theirs .

1915 Marriage of Peter Soden ,Beaghey,Lavey and Christina Coyle,Abbeyleix,Offaly

in the Pro – Cathedral ,Marlboro St.,Dublin

February 11th,1915

Fathers: Peter Soden,Farmer

James Coyle,Farmer

J.Smith and Elizabeth McEvoy were bestman and bridesmaid

Fr. M..C.Kelly C.C.was the officiating priest

Certificate No. 2427GRO

Copyright Felix Soden 2023

Cavan Cathedral

Peter Soden , Arnotts, Dublin, 1911

Wedding of Peter Soden, Jnr. 1954

Mary and Peggy Soden, Cavan town, 1930s