The three generations of the Naylon family now resident in Schenectady, New York, descend from an ancient and honorable family for centuries seated in county Clare, Ireland, well-to-do agriculturalists and tradesmen. Donald Naylon, grandfather of the American progenitor, lived in the parish of Clare, village of Killmore, where he died at an advanced age. He, as well as his forebears, was a member of the Catholic church; was a man of education and respected for his upright life. He was twice married, the Naylons of Schenectady descending from the first marriage. Children: Thomas, see forward; Sarah, married Thomas Spelesey, a resident of the same parish and county. Their daughter, Mary Spelesey, married ———— Kennedy, emigrated to the United States where she died, leaving no issue.
(II) Thomas, son of Donald Naylon, was born in Killmore, county Clare, Ireland, where he lived all his ninety years, respected and honored. He married Mary Chase, who survived him ten years, dying in her native parish aged nearly one hundred years. Thomas was a farmer, prominent in the church and its work, and intellectually of more than average ability. Children:
- Daniel, see forward.
- Michael, born 1829; emigrated to Australia, where he attained success in business, returned to Ireland; married a Miss Conlon; then again went to Australia, where he became a successful agriculturist and the head of a large family.
- Mary, deceased, came to the United States; married Simon McCarthy; settled in Ballston, Saratoga county, New York, and died at an advanced age, leaving five sons, Martin, Charles, Thomas, James, Patrick, and a daughter Anna, all living except Martin, and all married except Anna. This branch of the family (McCarthy) reside in Saratoga county.
- James, emigrated to Australia, where he became a successful farmer and wool grower; married and left a family.
- Martin, emigrated to Australia; was a farmer, and head of a family.
(III) Daniel, eldest son of Thomas and Mary (Chase) Naylon, was born in county Clare, Ireland, May 1, 1827. He grew to manhood in his native parish, and in 1852 joined in the tide of emigration then flowing toward the United States. He sailed on the vessel "Antarctic," landing in New York City after a long voyage even for that day of slow sailing vessels. After an unpleasant experience at railroad construction he resolved to seek skilled employment. At Schoharie Court House there was a hat factory, and there he secured employment, learned the trade of hatter, became a skilled workman and followed that occupation during his active years. He was unusually well informed and by thrift and economy acquired a comfortable competency. Now (1910), at the age of eighty-three, he is in perfect health and spending his last years at the home of his only surviving child, Daniel (2), at Schenectady, where he is tenderly and lovingly cared for. He married, in Guilderland, Albany county, New York, April, 1856, Anna Morrissey, born in county Kilkenny, Ireland, about 1827, died April 29, 1881; she came to the United States in 1852, was a devout Catholic, a loving wife and devoted mother. Seven children were born of this marriage, six of whom died in childhood, carried away in an epidemic, three of them dying within a few days of one another.
(IV) Daniel (2), son of Daniel (1) and Anna (Morrissey) Naylon, was born in Guilderland, Albany county, New York, January 2, 1860, and received his preparatory education in the Schenectady public schools. He then entered Union College, where he was graduated, class of 1884. He decided on the profession of law, for which he prepared in the office of Judge Alonzo P. Strong, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1886, since which time l e has carried on a general law practice in Schenectady. He gives preference to corporation law and practice, for which his long experience and legal attainments render him peculiarly well fitted. He is a successful practitioner and stands high at the bar and in public estimation. He is director of Union National Bank. He has always been active in public affairs in his city. Served five years as supervisor of his ward and two terms as corporation counsel and district attorney. January 1, 1910, he was again appointed corporation counsel. He is an active member of the Democratic party, for several years chairman of the county committee and often a delegate to city, county and state conventions of the Democratic party. He is a member of the State Bar Association. He served as district deputy of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and holds membership in Schenectady Lodge, No. 480. He also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and to the social clubs, Mohawk and Schenectady. He is trustee of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and with his wife is active in the religious and social life of that church. He married, August 9, 1888, in Schenectady, Delia Barry, born in that city, August 23, 1860, daughter of Michael and Sarah (Hawkins) Barry, both of Ireland. Michael Barry was born in Rosscommon county, Ireland; his wife Sarah (Hawkins) Barry, in Galway. They were married in Schenectady, where he died February, 1863, aged thirty-four years. Mrs. Barry survives her husband and resides in Schenectady with her daughter Theresa, who married Joseph H. Bernardi, city treasurer of Schenectady, died February 22, 1901, leaving daughters: Mary, Geneva and Helena. Although well advanced in years, Mrs. Barry retains her mental and physical activity to an unusual degree. Children of Daniel (2) and Delia (Barry) Naylon:
- Alice, born July 27, 1889, now (1910) a student at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, New York City.
- Anna S., April 26, 1892.
- Daniel (3), August 20, 1893.
- Ruth T., June 3, 1897.
- Gertrude, February 21, 1899.
- Edmond Barry, November 18, 1900.