In the 1911 census Matthew (Matt) Keane, son of John and Susan (nee McMahon) Keane, Ballyashea, Kilnamona lived as a farm servant, aged 20, with the Cullinan family of Derroolagh, Dysert (now Kilnamona). Aged 23 years in 1914, he emigrated to the USA (see Ellis Island records, where his address is given as Ennis, and surname Keane). He settled in Waterbury, Connecticut. Matt adopted the surname of Kane in the US. Matt first worked at Seth Thomas Clocks in Thomaston (probably employment secured through his aunt Katherine (see Aunt Lauriet), and in 1916* moved to McCoy’s, Waterbury, Connecticut, where he was employed polishing, refinishing and otherwise restoring pianos to their original lustre . He was experienced with walnut, mahogany, fumed oak, golden oak, ebony and other finishes. Matt became an institution at McCoy’s Inc. where he was employed for 42 years until his retirement in 1958. Matt was married to Mary Kennelly from County Limerick and they had five in family:- John, Donald, Catherine (Kay), Tommie and Frankie.

*Matt was a veteran of World War I, having served with the Army Medical Corps in France. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans (suggesting he was wounded in the war!), a member of the American Legion, Charter member of Irish American Social Club, and a member of Washington Park Community Clubs and the Earbenders. Matt died in February 20th, 1961 and Mary died in 1968; both are buried in Waterbury.

Copy of Newspaper reproduction of Matt in his fourth floor workshop at McCoy’s seen putting the finishing sheen on a mahogany upright piano.