Born: about 1861, Pennsylvania Died: 1916, Pennsylvania (exact location not yet identified) Parents: Matthew Nowlan (1820–1892) and Mary Shea (1830–1908) Family Origin: Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania — New Castle, Broad Mountain, Wadesville
John was born around 1861 in Pennsylvania, part of a large Irish Catholic coal‑region family. His childhood and early adulthood are documented in the 1870 and 1880 U.S. Federal Censuses, placing him consistently in the Schuylkill County mining communities of New Castle, Broad Mountain, and Wadesville.
1870 – New Castle, Schuylkill County, PA Listed with parents Matthew & Mary; Post Office: Broad Mountain.
1880 – Wadesville, Schuylkill County, PA Age ~19, single, living with parents; relation to head: son.
These are the only confirmed residences, but they anchor him firmly in the coal‑region communities where the Nowlan/Shea family lived for decades.
Father: Matthew Nowlan (1820–14 Sep 1892, Pottsville, PA)
Mother: Mary Shea (1830–14 Jan 1908, New Castle, PA)
John survived both parents, living at least until 1908.
John was one of at least seven documented children:
Mary Nolan (1855–1904)
James Nolan (1856–1934)
Margaret Nolan (b. abt 1863)
Matthew Nolan (b. 21 Aug 1866)
Kate Nolan (1870–1953)
Elizabeth Nolan (b. abt 1873)
All siblings appear in the same Schuylkill County records and life events.
1861 – Birth in Pennsylvania
1870 – Residence in New Castle
1880 – Residence in Wadesville
1892 – Death of father
1904 – Death of sister Mary
1908 – Death of mother
1916 – Death of John Nolan (your confirmed update)