The Family of Lawyers

Learn the History of Munley Law

The Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys firm has been around since 1959, but our history in this area goes back much farther than that. For more than 150 years, Northeast PA has been our family’s home, and standing up for what’s right has been a principle passed down for generations. This summer, we’ll be taking a look back at the history of our region, our family, and our firm to celebrate the ones who came before us and to remember their stories.

Most of our ancestors first came to this region in the mid-nineteenth century, when the Lackawanna Valley was transforming into a booming industrial center, thanks to the anthracite coal, steel, and rail industries. Lackawanna Iron and Coal employed thousands of people.

Irish, Polish, Italian and Russian immigrants came to our region in search of employment and a better life. Like so many other families, our ancestors came to this region to build a new life after being forced from their homeland by famine. Our ancestors entered the Lackawanna County region from Ireland in the 19th century; they worked in the steel mills in Scranton, and the coal mines in Minooka and Carbondale.

Robert W. Munley’s maternal great-grandparents John and Marog Walsh arrived in the United States from the Port of Galway, Ireland.  The Walshes first settled in Boston before seeking prosperity in Minooka, Pennsylvania, where John worked in the mines. His other maternal great-grandparents Thomas and Mary Langan also came over from Ireland, settling in Newberg, New York and later in Buffalo before moving to Scranton. Thomas Langan soon got a job working in the Scranton steel mills.

On Robert’s father’s side, Michael Munley entered in the U.S. from Ireland in 1848. Michael Munley ended up in Archbald, PA, where he worked in the coal mines.

On our mother’s side, Bernadine Munley’s paternal great-grandparents Thomas and Ann McNulty arrived in Carbondale from Ireland in 1863. Bernadine’s maternal great-grandparents were Samuel and Elizabeth Bates, whose families had been in the United States since the American Revolution.

Our courageous forbears helped to transform the region and contributed to the valley’s rich culture and history. This summer we will be sharing some more of their stories of resilience and innovation – follow along on social media! We hope this might inspire you to look into your own family’s history or family tree. Even a conversation with an older relative or friend can teach you so much.