Creary Family History
by Dennis Kurt Creary, July 2025
Why does the story of The Creary Family – proud Jamaicans – begin in Rome? Well, let’s go on a strange journey that examines how Catholic Creary’s migrated from one emerald isle to another, settling in the mountainous section of St. Catherine. Above the Rocks.
Origin and meaning of the Creary surname
The surname Creary has its historical roots primarily in Ireland, particularly in the province of Ulster. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name Mac Ríora, which translates to son of Ríor, with Ríor possibly meaning king or ruler. The name first appeared in historical records during the medieval period, and its bearers were often associated with agricultural and pastoral occupations, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of early Irish society. Over time, the surname evolved, with variations in spelling and pronunciation emerging, influenced by regional dialects and the anglicization process that occurred during British rule in Ireland. Culturally, the surname Creary has seen variations such as Creary, McCreary, and MacCreary, each reflecting different linguistic and regional influences.
Papal Decree
During the 17th–19th centuries, many Scots and Irish (both Protestant and Catholic) came to the Caribbean, either:
Voluntarily – as planters, soldiers, merchants, or overseers.
Involuntarily – as indentured servants, political prisoners, or poor migrants sent by British authorities.
Now onto the Pope. In July 1767, Pope Clement XIV, under pressure from other European powers like France and Portugal, issued the papal brief which officially suppressed the Society of Jesus worldwide. This meant the order was disbanded, and Jesuits were required to renounce their vows and go into exile. Viewed as too powerful and politically influential, these learned priests and educators were cast out, forced to seek refuge wherever sympathetic soil could be found.
A small group of them, determined and devout, journeyed across the Atlantic and found sanctuary in the British colony of Jamaica in the West Indies. Though the island was Protestant-controlled, the Jesuits were welcomed by some Catholic families and Irish settlers who respected their discipline and knowledge.
They settled primarily in Kingston and in the rural hills of St. Catherine. In Kingston, they established St. George’s College in 1850—first as a humble school for boys in the corner of a church sacristy. It quickly became a beacon of academic excellence and moral instruction, drawing students of all backgrounds. Over time, it grew into one of Jamaica’s premier secondary institutions, shaping leaders for generations.
Farther inland, in the quiet village of Above Rocks, the Jesuits worked with devout Catholic families to build St. Mary’s Church in the hills. It served not just as a place of worship but also as a center for community gathering, literacy, and spiritual guidance. With the help of local families notably the Creary’s—the church was built by hand, a testament to faith, resilience, and shared purpose.
The Legend of Ironside: John Ivanhoe Creary
John Ivanhoe Creary, known far and wide as Ironside was born in the 1842, Ironside was a man of extraordinary strength and unshakable will. A boxer and cultivator by trade, he traveled the length and breadth of Jamaica, taking on challengers in every parish. His fists were like thunderclaps—people swore he once knocked out a cow with a single punch. In farming circles, they still speak in awe of how he could plant a yam hill stick with one swift thrust, as if the earth itself stepped aside out of respect.
The Creary’s were pillars of the community, owning and operating all the businesses from Parks Road to Industry. His home stood proudly on Creary’s Road, surrounded by kin and legacy. But Ironside wasn’t only a fighter and farmer—he was a builder of foundations, both physical and spiritual.
When the Jesuits arrived in the community to establish a house of worship, it was Ironside who helped them build it— beam by beam. That church would become St. Mary’s, a sacred place that still stands today as a testament to faith and community. His hands, calloused from the ring and the field, helped raise the walls that would cradle generations in worship.
John Ivanhoe Creary died in 1917, leaving behind seven children and his wife Elizabeth Gowe who carried forward his name and his values. His legacy lives on in every Sunday bell that rings from St. Mary’s Church, in the quiet strength of the land he loved, and in the stories whispered with pride by his descendants.
Emmanuel Creary (1866-1922) and Evanna Graham (1872 – 1956)
Emmanuel and Evanna Creary were pillars of Above Rocks, Jamaica, cherished for their unwavering commitment to family and community. Over the years, they raised eleven children—Ambrosine, Raphael, George Berchman, Hermena "Mina", Agnes Louise, Julia, Marie, Herman, Clotilda "Mumsie", Adassa "Dassy", and Ruby - each growing into individuals of strength and kindness.
Their households were bustling with love and laughter, filled with lively family gatherings, joyous parties, and spirited domino games that echoed through the hills of Above Rocks. Emmanuel and Evanna’s example of integrity and service inspired generations, as they continued their tradition of being community leaders—organizing events, supporting neighbors, and always lending a helping hand.
They remain an enduring presence unity and resilience, embodying the spirit of Above Rocks and passing on a legacy of love, leadership, and communal pride that endures to this day.
Charles Ross and Double Creary (circa 1790 – 1860)
If you flip a coin in this family – heads or tails – either side would land on Creary. Yes! As descendants of Dennis Creary and Norma McCormack – both came from Creary’s. Same Above Rocks, same Road that bears the name.
To get this bit of history, we have to go back to 1790 – “Do you remember the days of slavery!!!” Born around that time was Charles - a slave (property of English descendant William Ross, joint owner of Ross Isle located in St. Thomas-in-the-East, Surrey County.) Slavery was abolished in Jamaica, as part of the British West Indies, on August 1, 1831, with the implementation of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. However, a system of apprenticeship, requiring formerly enslaved people to work for their former masters, continued until August 1, 1838. Around this time, Charles changed his surname from Ross and took on his wife’s surname – becoming Charles Creary. They had two sons Edward and John Creary. One of Edwards' sons was named Robert Creary, great grandfather of mom Norma. She fondly called him “Pu-Paw”. Pu-Paw’s daughter was Christiana Creary, the Post Mistress and General Registrar of the Post Office. Her name appears on birth, death and marriage certificates during her long tenure. This line of Creary’s also owned shops along Creary’s Road. Mom spoke loads about her cousins Arnold Creary, Peter (Badah-P) Creary - the baker was famous from his “Cutthroat Bread” - his French wife Miss Tet, and Herman.