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Vol. VIII, No.1 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society January· February 1996

DeValera pleaded Ireland's cause in Hartford visit

More than 3,000 Connecticut American govemment, recognition The Irish republicans paid a visit Irish-Americans tumed out to greet that would have gone a long way to Gov. Holcomb at the state Capitol Eamon DeValera when he came to toward guaranteeing the inde­ and then were taken to City Hall Hartford on Jan. 3, 1920, to seek pendence of Ireland. where Mayor Richard J. Kinsella support for the embattled Irish Re­ DeValera and his party arrived at welcomed them, commenting, "Mr. public. Union station in Hartford on a train DeValera, it is a great pleasure for DeValera was the president of from Bridgeport about 10 a.m. on me to extend to you the welcome Dail Eireann, the Irish parliament Saturday, Jan. 3. One newspaper of the citY of Hartford. I know the which republicans had brought into reported that the majority of passen­ people appreciate your visit and existence after their landslide vic­ gers on the train were members of your message on the hopes and tory at the polls in December 1918. the Friends of Irish Freedom coming aspirations of Ireland. I hope that the Accompanied by Liam Mellows, to Hartford to hear DeValera speak. visit will be a pleasant one, that the one of the military leaders of the The Irish diplomats were taken by memory of it will linger and that the republican movement, DaValera had limousine to the Heublein Hotel. The purpose of your visit will be fruitful. arrived in the United States in June cars were decorated with It is a grreat honor to have with us 1919. Their delegation came both to green, white and orange bunting, the the president of the Republic of Ire­ seek funds for the Republic, which colors of the tricolor flag of the Irish land." in a strategy of passive resistance Republic. "It is a happy augury of the fu­ was functioning as a government The Irish delegation was greeted ture," DeValera replied, "that the despite the continuing British pres­ by hundreds of admirers both at the representative of Ireland is received ence in Ireland, and to seek diplo­ depot and the hotel. in this state and particularly in Hart­ matic recognition from the DeValera, said one reporter, indi­ ford in such a way. I will preserve government of the United States. cating the Irish leader's mixed Span­ the accounts of my reception as The fund-raising effort was an ish-Irish ancestry, "has the tall, thin permanent documents which will be unqualified success, raising more figure of the Castilion, the light cherished by the Irish people. If the than £1 million for the Irish Republic, brown hair and voice of an Irishman United States will recognize Ireland but DeValera was unable to secure and a coolheadedness in speaking as a republic, other countries will the diplomatic recognition of the that is characteristic of neither." follow suit and England can no longer hold our country by brute force. Each nation has a right to govern itself. I thank you for the Renewal time great honor done me." After a luncheon at the Heublein, It's that time of year again. time to the Irish delegation was taken by renew your membership. We need motorcade to Foot Guard Hall. The the support of all our members to military escort included Major John publish the newsletter. to sponsor Purcell, commander of Rau-Locke such events as the well-attended Post, American Legion, and Capt. Irish breakfast that we had at Thomas J. Brannigan, state secre­ Kenny G's in Wallingford just be­ tary of the Legion. fore Christmas. to organize geneal­ Frederick J. Corbett was chair­ ogy workshops. to print the man of the affair at Foot Guard Hall Famine Journal. to prepare and and began the meeting by pointing present slide shows on Irish and out that over the years Irish people Irish-American topics and for all had left their native land by the our other programs. Please con­ hundreds of thousands and "trav­ tinue to support the Connecticut eled like wind throughout the world Irish-American Historical Society shedding their blood for the freedom with your membership renewals. And while you're at it. is thel'e another of others (and) are now fighting for family member. neighbor or fellow worker who is interested in his or freedom for themselves. " her Irish heritage and might want to join us? If each of us brought in The first of the Irish delegation to just one new member this year, we would go well over the 500 mark. speak was Mellows, who stated, (Please turn to Page 2) Page 2 Funds and recognition sought for Irish Republic (Continu.ed from Page 1) and that he had 45,000 propaganda last and all the time," DeValera told that while the English described the agents scattered throughout the the audience of 3,000 in an emo­ unrest in Ireland as the Irish Ques­ United States to speak propaganda tional appeal for the United States tion, the Irish referred to it as the against Ireland. But I am happy to to recognize the republic. "By rec­ English Question. "The whole mat­ say it was money wasted. I have ognizing Ireland's government now, ter," he said, "is simply this: Who is every confidence in the American you will not be interfering more than to shape the destinies of Ireland? people and this confidence has been at present by officially recognizing Will the people of that country rule, more than justified. We came to another government with no claim or shall it be as it is now, might America to appeal to all Americans, to govern Ireland at all. makes right? It should be solved by Catholic and Protestant, Republi­ "Lord Grey cannot speak as the the Irish people themselves. They cans and Democrats. We appeal on representative of Ireland. We protest have declared in all the world the broad grounds of justice and are against a treaty signed by Lloyd form of government they want to ready to appear on any platform in George in behalf of the people of live under. We have an Irish Repub­ the country, before any American Ireland whom he has no right to lic and an Irish Republic it shall re­ audience and let the audience judge represent. main. We drew up a declaration of as to the justice of the claims of "We notified Morgan & Co. that independence shaped something like Ireland and England. by issuing bonds in the name of your own declaration...... What nation in the world England and Ireland, they were do­ "If majority rule means anything, would rather be shackled to a foreign ing something without the consent then it means that Ireland is free. The power than govern themselves? of the Irish people as it is an obliga­ minority that wants connections That is the position we were in until with England is less than the number we freed ourselves from England. tion we would repudiate. It of Tories in this country when you The fighting in 1916 was just a DeValera disputed arguments freed yourselves from the yoke of continuation of the fighting that has that the issue of an independent English rule. been going on for seven centuries for Ireland was a Question of internal "During the trouble, during Easter our freedom. British politics and that it would vio­ Week 1916, men, women and chil­ "Ireland was never vanquished late "international civility" for the dren were put in jail for distributing and never will be. General elections United States to recognize the Re­ Irish literature. 'We were known as held in 191 8 showed that 80 per­ public. pro-German then. cent of the people wanted a republic "It is civility you give to a bully, "In the 15th century, when Eng­ and the republic was formed. civility you give to a robber. That's land was fighting Spain for the free­ "The Congress of the Republic of how we regard the matter, It he said. dom of the seas, we were known as Ireland has been suppressed four or "England has not the right to resent pro-Spaniards. five times by Lloyd George already the expression of your opinion and "And when England was fighting and will probably be suppressed four even if England pretends resentment France, we were known as pro­ or five times more during the next she will dare do nothing for it has French. And if by a chance, diplo­ few months." been truthfully said that if England matic relations would cease The climax of the visit to Hartford had to fight you now she would have between this country and England, was a rally that evening at St. Pe­ to borrow the money from you to the Irish would be known as pro­ ter's Hall. "Ireland is a republic first, carry on the fight. " American. "The English always have an ex­ cuse to call us something while we are fighting for our freedom, as we Dispute followed DeValera's visit have been doing for the past two years." A local sidelight to the DeValera which, time and again, sought ac­ When DeValera was introduced, visit to Hartford was the resignation tively to aid the German cause be­ he spoke first in Gaelic. When that several days later of Major Emerson tween 1914 and 1918; this man was greeted with applause from the G. Taylor from Rau-Locke American declared in Hartford that Irish troops audience, he commented that he Legion Post in protest of its com­ who fought with England in the war was pleased to see that in virtually mander, Major John Purcell, and oth­ were disloyal to their country - an every city in the United States there ers serving as a military escort for impudent assertion which reflects on were many who understood the Irish the Irish delegation. thousands of gallant men who gave language. In his letter of resignation, Taylor their lives for the common cause of "On the Question of Irish free- said he was giving up his member­ liberty and on the loyalty of Ameri­ dom, it is all nonsense to say that ship because, "It is contrary to what can troops of Irish descent and par­ we are traitors to England," he said. I had supposed were fundamental entage, like the 101 st Infantry of "You might as well say Americans principles of the American Legion Boston or the 165th Infantry of New are traitors to France. There is no for the commander and a consider­ York. And yet there are members of allegiance between the Irish and the able number of members of the local Rau-Locke Post in the uniform of the English. We have our own republic, post to act as escort of honor for the United States, marching in proces­ which has come to stay. representative of a foreign revolu- sion behind the banner of this man, "I came to this country six tionary movement. This happened whose associates did all they could months ago with full knowledge of on the occasion of DeValera's visit to hamper and hinder the success of the fact that Lord Northcliffe had - to Hartford, Jan. 3. This man heads (Please turn to Page 4) spent $1,500,000 in propaganda an organization and a propaganda FAMINE JOURNAL January - Febroary 1846 #3

An Appeal To Queen Victoria Perspective Windsor - Sunday, and tbus to fall the victims At the beginning Jan, 4, 1846 - The Queen of famine and pestilence if of 1846, .Ireland was held a Court yesterday af- immediate measures are like a stricken ship temoon at the Castle for not resorted to to avert poised to plunge into the reception on the throne the calamity ... but we the deep. There was of addresses from the Cor- ask not alms. we desire no starvation, but poration of the cities of nol the dolings out of many reports of a London and Dublin ... The charity ... Such, we sub- worsening situation. Lord Mayor read the fol- mit, :!!e the leading The lord mayor of lowing address from the measures to be promptly Dublin took the occa­ Corporation of the City of resorted to, - employ- sion of a ceremonial Dublin:- ment of the people on na- new year's audience " ... We, the Lord tionaJ works; wages com- with Queen Victoria Mayor. Aldermen and Bur- Qruen VktoriiJ mensurate with the cost of to plead for help for gesse of Dublin ... impelled by an impera- living; freedom for import of provi ion ; mer- Ireland. Later in the live sense of duty, cannot refrain longer from cantiJe enterprises will supply the rest. month the queen ad­ laying before your Majesty that which must "May it therefore graciou Iy please your dressed ParJjament at cause much pain and anguish to a monarch Majesty to cause your Parliament to be sum- its opening and spoke who feels acutely for the sufferings of her peo- mooed at an early day, that such measures first ofcrime in Ire­ pie. may be passed as may enable your Majesty land and then of the ,.... We are deeply impressed with the aw- under an aU-wise Providence to be the saviour failure of the potato ful responsibility that would attach to us in of your Iri h people from the scourge of fam- crop. the eyes of an all ruling Providence ifwe ine ..... An observer were ilent, and did not make bown to your whom the London Majesty the melancholy situation to which the Times bad sent to Ire­ inhabitants ofI.reland may be reduced, and land in the autumn 10 the danger that exists of a whole people under Her Majesty's Response report on the situation your Majesty's sway falling victims to the returned to England scourge of famine and pestilence ... if meas­ Queen Victoria to the House of Com­ after filing numerous ures hall not be promptly taken by your Maj­ mons, Jan. 22 - "J have observed with dispatches. The esty's Government, under the blessing of a great regret the very frequent instances in Times commissioner, merciful God, to avert from Ireland such a ca­ which the crime ofdeHberate a sassinatioD as he was known, lamity ...The agricultural laborers oflreland has been of late committed in Ireland. It wiU wrote a letter to the and their families are calculated to amount to be your duty to consider whether any meas­ newspaper on Feb. more than 4,000,000 of human beings, whose ures can be devised, calculated to give in­ 25, 1846. expressing only food is the potato, whose only drink: is creased protection to life and to bring to skepticism about water, whose houses are pervious to the rain. justice the perpetrators of 0 dreadful a alarming reports from to whom a bed or a blanket is a luxury un­ crime. Ireland and about pre­ known and who are more wretched than any "I have to lament that in consequence of dictions that the Irish other people in Europe. the failure of the potato crop in several parts peasants were go.ing ,. '" Such, may it please your Majesty Lo of the United Kingdom there will be a defi­ to starve. be informed, was the situation of the Irish pe0­ cient supply of an article of food which ple at the commencement of the late autumn. forms the chief subsistence of great numbers of my people. The disease by which the FamiM JoumoJ The wise Ruler of All ... for His own pur­ poses blighted the potato crop and destroyed plant has heen affected has prevailed to the at least one-third of their sole, their only sup­ greatest extent in Ireland. Published bimonthly dur­ port for one year aDd this involves a state of "J have adopted all uch precautions as it iIIg the lSOth anniversary utter destitution for four months of a great ma­ was in my power to adopt for the purpose of of the Irish Potalo Pamine by the CoMccticUl Irish­ jority of your Irish people. alleviating the sufferings which may be American Historical Soci­ "May it please your Majesty, we have reo caused by tbi calamity; and I hall confi­ ety, P.O. Box 120-020 flected on the awful truth. a vast number of dently rely on your cooperation in devising East Haven, CT 06512. fellow-beings. created for the same wise pur­ such other means for effecting the same be­ o 1996 Connecticut Irish­ poses, destined for the same great end, are in nevolent purpo e as may require the sanction American Historical Soci­ of the Legislature. ,. ety. danger of being without food for four months Likely Destitotion Roscommon Bad Dingle Stricken They Won't Starve

Dub6n, Jan. 4, 1846 ­ Extracts From the Min­ Dingle, Co. Kerry, Feb. London Times COIIIIIDi­ The Carlow Sentinel reports utes of the CorrunSiooers 19, 1846 - Resolutions simer, Feb. 15, 1846 - It the proceedings of an influen­ or Inquiry Into Matters adopted at a meeting of the is because the people ofire­ tial meeting of magistrates Connected With the Fail­ gentry and clergy of aU per­ land generally do not labour, and landholders held on ure or the Potato Crop, suasions: either physically or men­ Monday at BaUickmayler in Jan. 23, 1846 - Colonel That since the meeting of tally, in anything like the the Queen's County to in­ Jones stales that having been the committee on the 4th day proportion that the people of quire into the state of the obliged to visit the opera­ of December last, the dis­ England do that they are not peasantry and "to propose tions going forward at the ease is manifestly on the in­ generally near so wealthy. such measures as may ap­ Shannon, he took the oppor­ crease and that one-third of Nay, it is because they are ~d pear most practicable for pro­ tunity ofbeing in that neigh­ the crop, then apparently generally absolutely.1azy viding relief in case of bourhood to inspect sound, has been lost since apathetic ... that thelJ" land IS urgent necessity aDd means personally the district of Kil­ throughout the barony of so wretchedly cultivated, for giving employment to the glass, County of Roscom­ Corkaguiney, making a loss their cottages are so dirty population ... " mon, and he feels himself on the entire crop of two­ and their hovels so miserable Proposed by Mr. J. Fish­ bound to report that its condi­ thirds since the commence­ ... We must remember also bourne and seconded by Mr. tion is extremely bad. He ment of the season. that the cry of "famine" found families using potatoes does not proceed from unin­ E. Dowling, "That in the That there is DQt more that were quite unfit for hu­ terested parties. The Irish . opinion of this meeting than a sufficiency of potatoes man food; and in some of peasantry wiU make a "poor though there is at present no in this barony for use until the pits and fields that he vis­ mouth" because they hope want of food or a deficiency the middle of April next gen­ ited the whole of the pota­ to get some of England'S ofemployment as compared erally, and the conacre por­ toes were seriously injured. bounty and to escape paying with the former years, yet tion of the population are in that great distress is likely to their rent. The Irish land­ a state of almost utter destitu­ lords generally have DO rea­ arise from the consumption Plenty Of Corn tion at present, without provi­ of potatoes, the staple food son to contradict the cry in sions or employment to this country for ifJohn Bull of the peasantry, much ear­ To the Editor of the enable them to procure any. lier than at any former sea­ is persuaded that the Irish Dublin Evening Post, Feb. They are likewise of opin­ son, caused by the prevailing are starving, bis sympathies 9, 184() - There is in the ion that disease to a very disease in the potato crop will be roused and whatever country at this moment com great extent, such as dyse~ and that this meeting hope he pays or gives to Ireland more than enough to feed tery and fever, which pre­ and expect that the Govern­ will find its way to tb.e land­ our entire population; by es­ vails in the town and barony, ment will provide some lords' pockets eventually... tablishing stores or granaries has been superinduced by the means of employment in ad­ That the peasantry will in the poorhouses and other use of tainted potatoes. dition to the usual sources to places, into which the farm­ suffer a heavy loss by this ca­ meet the destitution that is ers would send their com, re­ Scarcity Sets In lamity there can be DO likely to arise in this dis­ ceiving in return a DOte as to doubt. But 1 do very much trict. " the quantity, it would pre­ doubt that on that account London Times, Jan. 28, they will starve. Th.e small vent the great loss which 184() - The reports from Greatest Distress takes place every year by farmers wretchedly as they the county of Sligo in the choose to Jive (for they want of proper com stands west and from Waterford in Kells, Jan. 18, 184() ­ know no better) have most or barns through the country the south are extremely unfa­ Yesterday when the guardi­ - it would be at hand if of them small sums in the vourable. In the former, the ans were assembled for their savings banks or elsewhere. wanted and if not it could be scarcity has, it seems, actu­ weekly meeting at the poor­ sold in Mayor June at prob­ At Cork, the manager of the ally set in and the people are house here a body of from savings bank there told me ably an advanced price beginning to be compelled 150 to 200 unemployed la­ that the small farmers in a ra­ which would pay all ex­ by dire necessity to eat the bourers proceeded to the dius of 20 miles round Cork pense.... I have advocated diseased potatoes; almost as house and stated that they had deposited the enormous the establishment of public a consequence many have came to request the guardi­ granaries for many years sum of nearly £200,000 in ans to procure them either been seized with sickness the bank: and that the average from a knowledge of their from thus partaking of the employment or other means deposits of these small farm­ great utility in many parts pf unwholesome food. Several ofgetting provisions for in ers was £34 a head. The cost the Continent and in DO coun­ cases of illness ari ing from their present circumstances try would they be so benefi­ ofa whole year's living to they were suffering the great­ the same cause have taken one of these small farmers is cial as in Ireland where place in the county of Kil­ est distres ... some of them almost all the farming not above £30 so that famine added that for the last six dare. In Dungarvan destitu­ to them in a period of four classes are unprovided with tion and starvation, weeks they bad daily waited or five mooths is out of the the necessary com stands according to a local paper, in the market-place seeking and stores. question. employment ... have made their appearance. Lord CloDCUITY Page 3 Ansonia Irish flocked to see cakewalk competition The cakewalk was a 8 o'clock when on culty that the dance floor could be traditional folk dance of other evenings the cleared enough for the cakewalk African-Americans. It people would be just participants to do their strutting. was a promenade in commencing to Nine couples took part in the com­ which the couples per­ gather, every seat was petition: Michael Lane and Mrs. forming the most com­ taken and standing James Devine, William J. McCarthy plex and unusual steps room was at a pre­ and Mrs. John Lane, John M. Collins won cakes as prizes. mium. The big gallery and Mrs. William Hall, Philip Caffrey During the late 1800s, which circles the hall and Mrs. John Crowley, Thomas the cakewalk became was also thrown open Farley and Mrs. Edward Gaffney, so popular that it found and even then not a John P. Driscoll and Mrs. Michael J. a place at dances spon­ vacant seat could be Collins, John Lewis and Mrs. James sored by all Americans. found. The crowd Flood, Richard Stott and Mrs. Frank In November 1896, numbered about McKenna, John Murray and Miss a cakewalk sponsored 2,000. The crowd was Joan Hine. by a group of Ansonia not from this city Referees for the event were Irish in connection with alone. but Derby, Shel­ James A. McEnerney, James a parish fair attracted a ton, Seymour and Nau­ Shortell and John F. McGrath of huge crowd of specta­ gatuck were well Ansonia, Edward Larkin of Shelton tors. "The crowd in at­ represented.' • and Thomas F. Barry of Derby. Ed- tendance at the The Collins Brothers .ward Bailey led the procession of Catholic fair last eve­ entertained the crowd cakewalkers. ning," reported The with songs and dances After two "trials." the best cake­ Sentinel. "was the larg­ and there was some at­ walkers were declared to be William est yet recorded and tempt at ballroom McCarthy and Mrs. John Lane. The was by far the largest dancing early in the decision, said The Sentinel, "gave ever admitted to the evening although the universal satisfaction, though the rink. The attraction was the cake­ floor was so packed that few cou­ couples were evenly matched and walk and being somewhat of a nov­ ples ventured out. the costumes were most catchy." elty in this city, everybody was At 10 p.m. when preparations anxious to see it. The crowd began began for "the event of the eve­ (Source: Ansonia Sentinel. Nov. 17, to arrive early in the evening and at ning," it was only with great diffi- 1896.) Frenchman had long career as sea captain in New Haven

A Frenchman who was born to a cabin boy for voyages from the settled in New Haven, but continued seafaring life ended up making his French port of Le Havre across the his seafaring career. home in New Haven in the middle of Atlantic when only 14 years old. He For a number of years, he sailed the 19th century. sailed both to the West Indies and to on New Haven owned cargo ships John G. Hervey was born at Paim­ the southern states. plying the coastal trade between pol in northern France in 1825. His In 1845, he settled in Charleston, Connecticut and Virginia. He father was both a farmer and a sea­ S.C., and shortly thereafter sailed on worked his way up to first mate and man who annually made a fishing the schooner Dr. Franklin under then to captain and finally pur­ trip to the Grand Banks off New­ Capt. John Lines of New Haven' chased his own ships. foundland. John followed in his fa­ Finding Connecticut to his liking, he For many years, he owned and ther's footsteps, signing on as a commanded the Ovetta, a two­ masted schooner in which he brought shipments of oysters from Family History Virginia to New Haven. The Ovetta originally was used as a mortar boat during the Civil War and Hervey Heritage Books Inc. of Bowie, Md., stocks a number of books of interest bought it from the federal govern­ to Irish genealogists. Among the books in its latest catalog are: ment after the war. "Marriages in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tuam, Ireland, 1821­ 1829," by Helen M. Murphy and James R. Reilly, containing 4,000 marriage (Source: New Haven Register, April records organized by groom, by bride and by parish. 14, 1892.) "Pioneer Irish in New England," by Michael J. O'Brien, identifying more Editor's note: In recognition of the than 600 Irish men and women in America before 1700 as found in New bond between our historical society England records. and the other societies in the Ethnic "Tombstones of the Irish Born: Cemetery of the Holy Cross, Flatbush, Heritage Center and to foster appre­ BrOOklyn," by Joseph M. Silinonte, alphabetic listing of all tombstones ciation for a/lraces andnationalities, where there is an association with Ireland. we print in each issue of The Shana­ For these books and for a catalog write: Heritage Books Inc., 1540-E chie one story about another ethnic Pointer Ridge Pl., Bowie, Md 20716. group. Page 4 DeValera visit Briefly Noted ended with protest

SLIDE SHOW SUCCESS - We received many compliments on the (Continued from Page 2) slide show we presented in conjunction with the Gaelic Players our ally and loyal friend on the battle production of the Famine drama, "The Black Stranger," at the fields. Irish-American CommunitY Center in East Haven in late November. A "As no protest has been entered number of play goers commented that the slide show, which used by the local executive committee or pictures and text from that era to depict the horrors of the Famine, by Rau-Locke Post generally against added depth and perspective to the events portrayed in the play. Our such public participation in the re­ thanks to those who researched and presented the slide show: Neil ception of a foreign revolutionary ... Hogan, Pat Heslin, Jeanne Hickey, Maureen Delahunt and George I think I had best withdraw from Waldron. Our congratulations and thanks to the Gaelic Players for their active membership." commemoration of the Famine and for giving us the opportunitY to The executive committee of the work with them. Legion post accepted Taylor's resig· nation without comment, but Purcell FAMINE EXHIBIT - In connection with "The Black Stranger," we did not let the matter drop without also put together an exhibit in the lounge at the Irish-American responding to Taylor's charges in a CommunitY Center. The exhibit consisted of four large panels of letter dated Jan. 12: "After careful artwork and text about the Famine. Our special thanks to artist-de­ consideration of the reasons as· signer Karen Burgess for working with us to present the exhibit. signed which compel you to take this step, I am convinced that I should WELL DONE - To the 95 hearty members and friends who braved not permit the incident to close with­ the ice and snow on Dec. 10 to attend our Irish breakfast at Kenny out addressing an answer to that G's pub in Wallingford. Thanks to Joan and Pat Kennedy for sharing portion of your letter. remembrances of Christmas in Ireland (and special recipes, too). "I do not intend to discuss the Thanks to Maureen Delahunt and her bountiful basket of Christmas affairs of Ireland or the motives and decorations, we had a very successful raffle to help support future aims of the representatives of that programs. Our Irish breakfasts are rapidly becoming a tradition. nation with you, but I challenge the truth of the statement in your letter VIDEOS - Additions to our video library, donated by Pat Heslin, that 'this man declared in Hartford include: "Out of Ireland," the program on emigration shown recently that Irish troops who fought with on public television; "Grosse lie: Gateway and Graveyard," descen­ England in the war were disloyal to dants of the survivors return to this tragic gateway to the New World; their country.' "The Penal Days," focusing on the effect of the penal laws on every "Mr. DeValera stated irrevocably aspect of Irish Catholic life. Members may arrange to borrow these that the Irish nation had offered Eng­ and other videos from the library by contacting Pat Heslin, 248-6050. land, if England would withdraw the 250,000 trained English soldiers do­ ing police dutY in Ireland and use them on the western front in Europe Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society that Ireland would furnish 250.000 loyal Irishmen as volunteers for the P.O. Box 120-020 western front and would raise an additional force for home dutY of East Haven, Connecticut 06512 250.000 and that no foreign foe would ever set foot on Irish soil "We have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the fu­ unless it was over the dead bodies ture." Padralc Pearse. of this entire force. "I assume that even you will not President Patricia Heslin, 143 Haverford St., Hamden 06517. 248·6050. be impudent enough to question the claim that the Irish people always Vice Pres. Jeanne Hickey, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ respect their pledges and that nei­ 0426. ther disloyalty, trickery. subterfuge or chicanery can be found in the Irish Secretary Maureen Delahunt, 15 Brubaker Road, Cheshire 06410. 272­ character... " 7144. Purcell suggested that Taylor was Treasurer Tom Slater. 55 Robertson Dr.. Hamden 06518.248-4826. either ignorant of the realities of the political situation in Ireland or held to Shanachie Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terr., Wallingford 06492. 269­ "convictions which are at variance 9154. with the principles for which our armies fought and for which our Merr.bershlp: .10 Individual••15 family. Send name, address and check soldiers died." made out to Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society to above address. (Source: Hartford Courant, Jan. 4 The Shanachle: In Ireland, a shanachle Is a folklorist, historian and keeper and Jan. 14, 1920) of the people's traditions. Vol. VIII. No.2 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society March - April 1996 Waterbury Irishman was Babe Ruth's predecessor

Only two natives of Connecticut runs, it was Connor's mark of 136 10 years before moving on, first to have been honored with selection to that he broke. Connor played mostly Philadelphia and then to St. Louis. the Baseball Hall of at first base al­ In those days, minor league base­ Fame, which is in though he occa­ ball was flourishing and after Con­ Cooperstown, N.Y. sionally played nor left the majors, he returned Both are Irish­ other infield po­ home in 1902 and took over the Americans. sitions and even Waterbury club in the Connecticut The May-June played a few League, managing and playing as 1989 issue of The games in the well as being a part owner. Shanachie con­ outfield. In his early years reticent about tained an article on As a boy, he interviews, Connor in 1902 talked one of them, James played sandlot about his long career with a Water­ "Orator" O'Rourke, baseball in Wa­ bury Republican reporter who de­ who was born in terbury from the scribed Connor as "the king of all Bridgeport in. 1852 time he was first basemen in the serious baseball and who played 19 eight years old leagues of this country." years in the big and developed a '" can recall my first days of leagues, wrapping reputation as amateur baseball as vividly as if they up his career at the one of the best were but a week ago," Connor told age of 52 playing for young players in the reporter, "Way back in '76 were the New York Gi­ the state. When my first days at the game and I ants of the John his father, Kerry played with the old Monitors all McGraw era. native Mortimer about this vicinity. Those were good The other Con­ Connor died just old times then and I never dreamed necticut Hall of before his 11 th that I would follow the game for a Famer is Roger Con­ Roger Connor child was born, living ... nor who was born in Roger at the age "I was h'olding down third base Waterbury of immigrant Irish par­ of 14 was forced to go to work in a in those days and I remember how ents on July 1, 1857. Connor played brass factory to support his mother, glad I felt when I had the chance to 18 seasons in the major leagues, had Catherine Sullivan Connor and his go to New Bedford and play third a career baning average of .317 and siblings. In 1874, he signed with the base for a real professional team for was in his day the home run king of New Bedford team in the Eastern money ... I received a lener to go professional baseball. Playing in the League and after two years there, he with Holyoke and accepted it. I fin­ dead ball era, he set the record of 17 joined the Troy, N.Y" club and after ished the season there and was home runs in a season in 1887 and two years went to the New York there the next summer. ,. During the three times led the National League Giants. seasons of '80, '81 and '82, I in home runs. And when Babe Ruth He played with the Giants at the (Please turn to Page 3) set a new record for career home old Polo Grounds at 11 Oth Street for

Tuesday, March 19 Sunday, April 21

John Whelan, 7-time all-4reland button accordion A 9 a.m. service for peace in Northern Ireland will champion, will present a concert of traditional Irish highlight the annual raising of the Irish flag on the music at 7:30 p.m. at Alumni Hall, Ouinnipiac New Haven Green in commemoration of the anni­ College in Hamden. The concert is part of the versary of the Easter Rising in Ireland in 1916. This Evenings at Ouinnipiac series and is being spon­ year, on the 80th anniversary of the rising, the sored by the Connecticut Irish-American Historical commemoration will focus on the need for good­ Society and the Cultural Affairs Committee at faith efforts on the part of all parties to end the Ouinnipiac. Coffee, tea and soda bread will be troubles in Northem Ireland. Chairmen for the event served. The evening will also feature a slide pres­ are Michael V. Lynch and James K. Reardon. The entation on the Potato Famine ahd an exhibit about annual pancake breakfast will follow at the Knights the Famine. Information: 288-5251. of St. Patrick home on State Street. Page 2 Norwich gravestones tell of Irish immigrants St. Mary's Cemetery on Boswell Avenue in Norwich might well be a Patrick Sullivan, eon of Jaremiah and Ellan John Hourigan, d. Feb. 28, 1870. His wifa. Sullivan. d. April 30, 1872, aged 30 yaars. Ellen Neagle. d. Deo. 13. 1874. native. of cemetery in County Kerry or County nlltive of the parish of Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Co. Umerick. Ireland. Limerick in Ireland. Dozens of head­ Irellnd. stones in St. Mary's tell the story of Williem Trermly, b. Dec. 24, 1809. d. June 8. the huge immigration of Irish people Michael CoonlY, d, July 8. 1878. aged 80 1870. a native of the parish of (Lyemil...7I. Ylare. Nanoy. wife of Mlohael Cooney. d. Co. Roscommon. His wife Bridget Mahan, d. to America and to Connecticut dur­ Slpt.9. 1872. aged 40 yeare. natives of Co. MlIY 8. 1879, aged 58. ing the latter half of the 19th cen­ Umeriok. Ireland. tury. Julia, wife of Richard Good, d. MlIY 7. 1870. Paul Keroack, a member of our Daniel O'Leary, d. June 15, 1873, aged 23. aged 82 yaars, a native of ClIItlelsland, Co. board of directors, has spent many nlltive of Cahirdaniel, Co. Kerry. Kerry. Ireland. hours transcribing inscriptions from Anne Dillan. wife of Matthaw Galligan, a Patrick Caffery. d. June 4. 1870. aged 30 the headstones in St. Mary's and has native of the parish of Hospitel. Co. Umerick. years. native of the parish of Hightown m, graciously provided us with four Ireland. d. Oct. 22. 1871. aged 58 years. Co. Umerick. Irelend. pages of listings. In memory of John Creighton, d. Jan. 27, Margaret McNelly, wife of John Donnelly, To the right are reprinted two of 1875, aged 50 yelrs. Mary Byme. his wife. nltive of the parish of Ballymacnab, Co. the pages. Space permitting, we will d. Oct. 2. 1904. aged 79 years. native. of Armagh, Irellnd, d. Baltic, Conn.• Sept. 7. reprint the other two pages in com­ Rush, Co. Dublin. Ireland. 1874. aged 44 years. ing issues of our newsletter. Johanna. daughter of Michael and Bridget Miohael Moriarty. 1834-1889. his wife Julia St. Mary's in Norwich is not O'Connell, d. Sept. 1, 1871. aged 11 years. Donahue, 1844-1899. nlltives of Co. Kerry, unique in its headstone inscriptions. natives of Valencia. Co. Kerry, Ireland. Ireland. In the mid and late 19th century, it Patrick McNamara, native of Co. TIpperary, John C.• son of Denis & c.therine Curran. d. was customary among Irish immi­ Ireland, d. Sept. 13. 1870, aged 85 years. Jan. 3. 1889. aged 33 yelrs, native of the grants, fortunately for those of us parish of Kilcrohana. Co. Kerry. Ireland. who have come later, to have the Thomas Ring. d. Mlrch 27,1875. aged 83 parish and county of their nativity years. native of Charleville. Co. Cork, Ire­ Patrick McNamara. d. Sept. 4. 188m. agad land. Johanna Ryan, wife of Thomas Ring, 38. native of Ballinagh..m. Co. Umerick. inscribed on their headstones. d. May 2. 1879, aged 71 yaars. Mary McCarthy. wifa of Patrick McNamara. As a result, there are scattered d. July 5, 1872, aged 39 years. nlltive of m throughout Connecticut and other James Leary, d. July 1, 1872, aged 49 yelrs. Co. Cork, Irellnd. states, in cities and in hamlets alike, Mary, d. Dec. 7, 1870. aged 20 yelrs. Catherine. d. Feb. 1, 1875, aged 17 yelrs' Ellen Sullivan. wife of James Shea, d. Aug. Catholic cemeteries filled with nlltives of the parish of LlIl1ice (1), Co. Kerry, 14, 1871, aged 55 years, native of the stones that tell the origin of those Ireland. parish of Templenoe, Co. Kerry, Ireland. buried there. From both historical and genea­ Mary, dlughter of Michael and Mary McCar- Julia, wife of Timothy Gallivan. d. Aug. 2, thy, d. Jen. 8. 1870, aged 22 years and 4 1888. aged 65 years, nativa of Killamey, Co. logical standpoints, such grave­ monthe, a native of Valentia. Co. Kerry. Kerry. Iraland. stones are invaluable as records of Irelend. the Irish diaspora of the 19th cen­ Jame. McGrllth. d. July 29. 1865. aged 33 tury. They tell where the Irish settled In memory of Ellan. daughter of TImothy & ylars, Herbertstown, Co. Umerick. Ellan Houlihan, a nativa of the parish of and they often show remarkable pat­ TIlarnore (7) Co. Karry. Irellnd. Catherine Skally, wife of Patrick Murtha, d. terns of immigration from particular Aug. 6, 1863, -aged 55 YOlrs; eleo their counties to particular destinations in Michael Brennan. d. Sapt. 4. 1870. aged 77 daughter Catherine. d. Aug, 12, 1863, aged Connecticut. The Norwich inscrip­ years, his daughter Bridget. d. May 1883, 25 yelrs. nlltivas of Errl. Co. Roscommon. aged 36 yea,.. native of ValentiI. Co. Kerry. tions recorded by Paul show a large Thomls Whalen, d. Sept. 25, 1870, Iged 98 number of Kerry and Limerick people. Patrick Sullivan. d. Aug. 15, 1874. aged 98 years, his wife Alice, d. Nov. 9. 1853. aged Of 35 stones listed here, 17, or 48 yelrs. Julil his wife, d. Nov. 8, 1873. Iged 80 years. native. of Co. Kilkenny. lrellnd. percent, are of Kerry natives, while 74 yel"" nltivlS of the parish of Templenoe, Co. Kerry. In memory of Michael. son of Frlncls & Clth­ seven, or 20 percent, are of Limerick erina Counihan. who d. May 10. 1870. 19ad natives. Thus, those two adjoining James O'Sullivln, d. Aug. 17, 1870, aged 52. 23 years & 7 months. native of Killamey. Co. counties account for almost three­ nlltive of parieh of TerJ1)lenoe. Co. Kerry. Kerry. Ireland. quarters of this sampling. erected by hie wlfa Hlnneh. Daniel Phelan. d. Nov. 21, 1872. aged 88 Similar phenomena can be found Erected by ClItharina O'Reilly in memory of her yeers. Bridgat, wife of Daniel Phelln, d. Feb. in other cemeteries such as St. eister. Ann O'Reilly. d. in thayelr 1869. Oct. 19. 1869. eged 62 year., nltives of the John's in Middletown, where a large 8. aged 66 years, nltive of the perish of parish of Upperuoods (7), Queens Co. number of those interred were na­ Inillkeer (7) nere Kings Court, Co. ClIVin, (.ic) Ire. Hugh McNernay. native of the perish of Colu­ tives of Co. Cork. mill (7), Co. Longford. Irolend, d. May 1. If other members are interested in Erected by Patrick Quinn in memory of his 1872, Iged 49 year•. Bridget Conlon, his copying 'Information from the grave­ wife. Bridget, d. April 12, 18-. aged 80 wife. d. Oct. 3. 1897, Iged 76 yal",. stones of Irish immigrants in other years. nlltives of the parish of Ardpuh, (7 Ard­ agh7), Umerick, Ireland. John Kelly, bom in Kilcolman, Co. Kerry, Ire­ cemeteries, we would print some of 'Ind, d. April 5. 1879, eged 38 Yllll",. Mary them regularly to help members in Dlnie' Sweeney, killed by the ce", In New Kelly. b. in Kilcolman, Co. Kerry. Irellnd. d. their genealogical searches. If London, March 31. 1863, aged 41 yelrs. Aug. 11. 1898. aged 80 yelrs. enough members would do so, we nlltive of Middleton, Co. Cork. Irellnd. Miry, daughter of Daniel and Ellen Sweeney. d. Dennis Shee. d. June 1870, Iged 32 yelrs, would build up a very useful file of July 24. 1889. aged 20 years. nlltive of Co. Kerry. Ireland. Bridget LlIIIry his immigrant data around the state. wife. FAMINE JOURNAL Ma.rdl - April 1846 #4

Perspective Fearful Rapidity Let Them Eat Bacon London Times, Monday, Connaughl Ranger, The noose was March 16, 1846 - The fol­ April 1846 - We are in­ tighteDios around the lowing is extracted from the clined to smile at some of neck of the Irish pe0­ Cork market report of Fri­ the prescriptions we read in ple in the spring of day, the English papers as in­ 1846. The loss of a structions to the starving "The mildne8S of the large portioo ofthe Irish to supply themselves weather by no means coo­ potato crop the pre­ with food as a substitute for duces to the preservatioo of vious autumn meant potatoes. We find the fol­ the potato crop, in which dis­ that several millioo lowing in the Agricultural ease is day by day making peasants would have Gazette: sad ravages. Our advices rep­ virtually nothing to "I strongly recommClld eat for at least four resent the plague to be ad­ vancing with fearful rapidity the poor man, who bas only months beginning in in every quarter. From dis­ a smaU piece of ground, to late spring and the tricts even where compara­ give up potatoes altogether govemment seemed tively little damage was They Are Gone 000 this year, and substitute car­ to be doing little rots or parsnip , or a propor­ thought to have been sus­ Sir -In reply to your let­ about it. tiOD of both; these well tained, the reports now re­ ter of the 27th February, for­ Already doctors boiled and mixed with rice, ceived bring the distressing warding to me a copy of a were reporting an in­ with the addition of a bit of intelligence that the injury is resolution, adopted by the crease in dysentery baCOD and a modicum of far more serious and exten­ board ofguardians on and fever as families pepper and salt, will prove sive than it was thought to Wednesday last, I beg to state bied to make do by be. Many who had wrapped a most exceUCllt dish. " consuming the dis­ that my report as to the stale. themselves up in a false secu­ el~tor~ We shant charge the eased potatoes. ofpotatoes in my di­ rity now find, in opening vision can be composed m a I writer with a desire of hum­ The hungry people their pits, a heap of rotten­ very few words. They are all bugging the Irish, but his became more insis­ ness where they looked for gooe. Many poor persons are recommendation to them to tent in their demands sound and wholesome food without one; some have suffi­ give up potatoes altogether for either food or em­ ... ,The period is rapidly ap­ cient for a fortnight, but very t4is year is quite superflu­ ployment on public proaching when the complete few have more than will suf­ ous, as they have none to works. In Tipperary's fulfillment ofour prophecy fice for a month; and as to give up; but we wish he Golden Vale, mobs will, while it proves the cor­ the seed for next season, no would prescribe how they of the unemployed rectness ofour informatioo, one can say they have a couJd get means to obtain raided bakeries and bring with it misery and dis­ soWld one to put in the anyone of the ingredients in flour mills, their hun­ tress to our labouring popula­ ground. Your obedient ser­ his savoury dish. He writes, ger and their anger tion ... vant, like most of his country- sharpened by the "From Kinsale, Youghal men, in perfect ignorance of knowledge that tons and MidJeton and the sur­ Bryan O'Logblen the real stale ofthe impover- of food was being rounding districts we have Ennis, Co. Clare isbed Irish. shipped out of the cootinued inquiries for the in­ CO\Dltry every week. ferior descriptions (of flour) 000 Or Are They? Price Gouging and this, confessedly, with a London Morllini Herald, Tipperary, April 13, view to supply the deficiency March 1, 1846 - All the of food caused by the deplor­ 1846 - The destitutioo .Fambu JounuJl private accounts that we b:-ve here is much increased by able condition of the potato received from Ireland poSI­ crop ... With all these facts the price of fuel, ten shil­ tively deny that there is in lings being the price ofa Published bimonthly dur­ before us, surely nooe will that COlUltry any deficiency of ing the 150th anniversary any longer doubt the exist­ small load of turf, which is of the lriah Potalo famine food threatening famine, or retailed to the poor at ooe by the Q)Mecticut Iriah­ ence of that scarcity which even scarcity. The failure of we have loog foretold, and half-penny the sod. The pa­ American Hiatorical Sod­ the potato crop, our corre­ tience and forbearance of «Y, P.O. Box 120-020, which is DOW unhappily has been Hut HaverI, CT 06512. spondents say, enor­ the starving people is won­ come upon us. Heaven grant mously (one, with some o 1996 Connccticullrish­ that it may not prove all that derfu1lUlder such privations American Historical Sod­ anger, says wickedly) exag­ and no efforts made to pnr our fears would lead us to an­ gerated ... «y. ticipate. ,. cure employment for them. Doctors'Reports No Lack Of Food Theft Of Flour Evictions Limerick Reporter, Fri­ London Times, March Clonnel. Co. Tipperary House of COI11II1Om, day, March 20, 1846 ­ 27, 1846 - The following April 13. 1846 - At nine Man:h 18,1846. Mr. P. The Irish people want DOt is the list ofprovisions o'clock this morning a mob Saope - The RoscoDllDOn­ the charity ofEngland, but which have been imported consisting of4,000 or 5,000 Journal cOntains the foUow­ employment to develope from the principal ports of of the 1Dlemployed and desti­ ing harrowing statement: their own resources. It is DOt Ireland during the past week: tute poor coUected on the "To add to the misery of the generosity they require, but On the 18th inst. three ships road about 2 miles from the wretched peasantry of this simple justice. Even a small arrived in the River Thames town of ClonmeJ and did not unfortunate C01Dltry, day af­ portion of their own would bringing collectively about proceed to any violence until ter day we hear of families, satisfy their present demand 353 packages pf beef, 150 of 12 o'clock when a police of­ aye, hundreds ofwretches, ... Not ooJy did the govern­ butter, 2,0:50 barrels ofoats, ficer rode into town for the turned out. No later than yes­ ment commit the fatal error 450 ofbacon and 193 of military in consequence of terday we are told one lady ofneglecting to open the lard. On the following day Mrs. Shanahan's mill having di.spo6sessed not fewer than ports for foreign gnain, and 11 ships arrived at the port been attacked and several 447 wretched beings, razing to keep the food of the coun­ of London from the same sacks of flour carried off ... their huts to the earth .... try at home, but they have quarter, having on board, When the soldiers were pro­ A poor woman with child at put off the pressing duty of 4,477 barrels, 4,113 quarters ceeding 1D1der arms through her breast was not even al­ providing employment for a and 104 tons weight of oats, the town together with lowed time to quit her domi­ starving population 1Dltil it is 1,152 packages ofbutter, mo1Dlted artillery with their cile and in the act of running aImost too late ... The parlia­ 3,339 of bacon, 415 oflard, cannon, they were passed by out, a beam feU and we are mentary return recently laid 20 of flour, 401 ofpork, 42 at least 250 carts laden with told killed the infant in her upon the table of the House ofhams, 250 of seed, 138 of flour for exportation (the arms ..." Prayer ofCommons ... describes eggs, 50 ofmerchandise ... property principally of the population ofentire vil­ 6,272 quarters of oats were Messrs. Grubb and Sargent) lages as either starving or also imported into R1Dlcom coming from Caber under a Tuam Herald. April. 1846 - The earth is thine, struggling for a miserable ex­ from Ballina of the same day heavy escort of cavalry and Lord ... We heartily pray istence upon rotten potatoes ... On the 20th the arrivals infantry ... o thee to send thy Holy Spirit ... This is borne testimony to comprised 527 paclcage& of Clonnel, April 14, 1846 by hundreds of medical men bacon, 356 of pork, 238 of into the heart of them that - The town is in a state of po6Se5S the gro1Dlds, pasture ... We subjoin the return for butter, 243 of lard, 29 of siege. Whilst I write the the county oflimerick ... hams, 18 of beef and 812 and dwelling places of the main street is full of horse, earth; that they remembering Pallaskenry Dispensary: barrels and 1,2S0 quarters of foot artillery and ordnance, oats ... themselves to be thy tenants, "Bowel complaints have ap­ 50 ofus have been sworn in may not rack and stretch out peared, which he attributes as special coDStables. Every the rents of their houses and to UDS01Dldness of food ... Double The Price baker's shop in town has lands; nor yet take unreason­ Believes the potatoe crop to been attacked and ransacked. London Times, March able fines and incomes after be getting worse. ', Tubberaheena Mills have 26, 1846 - The following the manner ofcovetous also suffered and 30 tons of Kilpeacon Dispensary: potato statistics are given in worldlings but so let them flour taken. The police were •'Fever and dysentery have a Cork piper: On Wednes­ out to others that the inhabi­ attacked and several of them appeared within the last day, March 19, 1845, the tants thereof may be able knocked down, cut and month or six weeks. Increase supply amounted to 103 both to pay the rents and wOlmded ... The military, ofdysentery cases attributed loads, the price ranging from also honestly live to nourish to UDS01Dld potatoes...,. police and magistrates are de­ 3d. to 5 1/2d. per weight of their families and to relieve serving of every praise for Murro Dispensary: "Fe­ 21 lb. On Wednesday, the poor. Give them grace to their merciful condoct. The ver of a fatal character is March 18, 1846, but 17 consider that they are but people are savage, their more prevalent than usual, loads while the price ranged strangers and pilgrims ... which he attributea to the use C01Dltenances bear in livid that they remembering the from 6<1. to 10 1/2d. Thws­ colours the impress of hun­ ofunwholesome food, ex­ day, March 20, 1845, 137 short continuance of their ger ... treme wetness of the winter, loads, price 3d. to 5 IJ2d. life, may be cootent with together with bad night cov­ ThUlllday, March 19, 1846, Kilsheelan, Co. Tippe­ what is sufficient and DOt ering, and confined air. Pota­ 53 loads, price 6 1/2d. to 10 rary, April 16, 1846- join house to house, nor cou­ toes not fit food for man or 1/2d. Thus we have fJ two The boats coming up from ple land to land to the impov­ e~~tofothers; beast ... II days in 1845, 240 loads at an Waterford were attacked on bot 80 Kilma1Jock Dispensary: average price of4 1/2 per ThUlllday by a band of men, behave themselves in letting ,'Fever and smallpox have weight, while for the corre­ women and children .. The out their tenements, lands lately appeared, which seem sponding days of the present military and police were im­ and pastures. that after this to have been generated by year we have but 70 loads at mediately on the spot; a con­ life they may be received the use ofdiseased pota- an average price of 8 l/2d. siderable quantity ofwheat into everlasting dwelling toes. " belonging to Messrs. Hughes places. was recovered and 13 per­ sons made priso~rs. Page 3 Hall of Famer hailed from Waterbury (Continued from Page 1) ker, Eddie Talcott, was so impressed played with the Troy team as third that he took up a collection that led baseman and the last season I was to the purchase of the gold watch. there I dislocated my shoulder in A lefthander, the 6 foot, 3 inch sliding into one of the bases. Connor weighed 220 pounds and "In spite of the injury, I played all was known for his feats of strength. the time and never lost a game on One story that was told of him was account of it. In '93, several of us that a Broadway actress named He­ had a chance to go to New York and len Dauvray was standing with the work out there. Manager John B. team on the platform of the railroad Digging for roots Day told us all to get as mueh as we depot in Pittsburgh when a steel could elsewhere from other manag­ girde above gave way and was ers and then to go to New York and about to crush her. Connor de­ In response to a number of he would give us more. Well, I went flected the girder, earning the lady's requests, we are beginning with to New York and that was where I unending gratitude. the next issue a genealogical made a reputation. My shoulder still Connor met his wife, Angeline queries column to help mem­ pained me when I went there and I Meir, a German immigrant, while he bers trace their ancestors. threw a ball as if shoulderbound. A was playing in Troy. She was work­ Hopefully the column will physician noticed my stiffness one ing in a clothing factory when he match members who are seek­ day and walked out on the field to went there to be measured for his ing information about a family, parish or town with other mem­ see me. He fixed me up in good uniform. After Connor had moved shape and then I commenced to play on to play in New York, he returned bers who may have such infor­ mation. ball like a fiend. to Troy, renewed their acquaintance "I remained with the New Yorks and eventually proposed. They had Because space is limited, for several years and made many a daughter, Lulu, who died when queries should be restricted to friends in the big city. I used to nail only an infant, and then adopted one paragraph and contain as the horsehide over the fence into the another daughter, Cecilia. much specific information as tall grass and that would tickle some After retiring from baseball, Con­ possible. We have listed below of the old stockbrokers. One day I nor took a job as school inspector a few common abbreviations was hitting pretty heavily and sev­ for Waterbury. He retired in 1921 that will help to ensure brevity. eral members of the stock exchange and died on Jan. 4, 1931. A typical query might read: were in the club box. After the game Writing in the New York TImes at Seek info. on family of Mary they went to a jeweler's store and the time of Connor's death, colum­ O'Malley, b. co. Galway ca. bought me this gold watch and nist John Kieran commented, "I al­ 1851 came to Waterbury, chain. On the inside of the case are ways liked Roger Connor. He was a Conn., 1874, unm. D. Water­ the words inscribed, 'Presented to fine player and he had what you bury 1897. Roger Connor, the first baseman of might call dignity ... A big, tall, Paul Keroaek has agreed to the New York baseball club, for his fine-looking broth of a boy was serve as the contact person and unprecedented feat in batting the Roger Connor ... One of the best." editor both for queries and re­ ball over the 112th street fence, sponses. Anyone who wishes September 11, 1888, by the mem­ Sources: Article "Dear Old Roger, " to place a query in the newslet­ bers of the club box.'" by Bernllrd J. Crowley; Waterbury ter or respond to a query which The unprecedented feat was ac­ Republican, Dec. 16, 1902; Meriden appeared, should contact Paul tually the first time anyone had hit Record, Jan. 5, 1931; New York at 527 Chapel Street, New Ha­ the ball over the rightfield wall at the Times, Jan. 7, 1931. ven 06511-6906. 11 Oth Street park. One stock bro- We may have to edit queries for clarity and brevity and post­ pone publication of some que~ Irish deserters sought in New London ries because of lack of space. If Some Irish immigrants in colonial of a brown complexion, wears a wig the demand is great enough, we times had their pas.sage to the New or cap, with many scars on his head will consider publishing the que­ World paid by the British Navy as and an Irishman. ries on a separate insert. indicated by this advertisement that ., Miles Murphy, twenty-four Abbreviations which should was published in the Connecticut years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high, be used include: anc. for ances­ Gazette in New London on March of a swarthy complexion, wears his tor; b. for born; bpt. for bap­ 16,1764: own short, black hair alld an Irish­ tized; bro. for brother; bur. for "This is to give notice that the man. buried; ca. for circa; co. for undermentioned men deserted from "William L'ockhart, twenty-five county; d. for died; dau. for His Majesty's Frigate Cygnet, under years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, daughter; div. for divorced; my command, at New London, and of a dark complexion, much pitted info. for information; m. for whoever will apprehend or give in­ with small pox, and wears his own­ married; par. for parent; pass. telligence where they, or anyone of short, black hair,and an Irishman." for possibly; prob. for probably; them, can be found '" shall receive sis. for sister; s. for son; unm. a reward of two pounds sterling ... Source: Connecticut Gazette, March for unmarried; wid. for widow, Daniel McCean, twenty-seven 16, 1764. widower; w. for wife; yr. for years of age; 5 feet 5 inches high, year. Page 4 Spanish cOlony Briefly Noted grew in New Britain

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Do you have an IBM compatible computer The Spanish immigration to Amer­ and some free time to help the society? Volunteers are needed to enter ica and Connecticut was never as the data being gathered by the volunteer team compiling information large as that of such groups as the on Irish-born persons from the death registers of several Connecticut Italians. Germans and Irish, but in communities. You will be provided with the disk and full instructions 191 9. a small colony of natives of on format, as well as the data, handwritten but proofread. Please send Spain grew up on Commercial Street the particulars on your computer, software you are using, time in New Britain. availability (hours per month) and any other information you feel is The colony apparently began with pertinent to Pat Heslin, 143 HaverfordlSt., Hamden 06517. the immigration of a Spaniard named Fernando Zaragosa who arrived in LIBRARY EXHIBITS - As we have done in past years, we are New Britain about 1917. Not long sponsoring exhibits at a number of public libraries during Irish Heritage after he arrived, Zaragosa was able Month in March. The exhibits this year focus on the Potato Famine. to lease a five-story building at 20 Exhibits are on display at the main public library in West Haven, the Commercial St. He gave the building Hagaman Memorial Library in East Haven, the Miller Memorial Library the name of "EI Fonda Espanola," or in Hamden and the Edward Smith Library in the Northford section of the Spanish Hotel, encouraged a fel­ North Branford. low immigrant to open a restaurant serving Spanish food there and be­ FAMINE SLIDE SHOW - Our slide show about the Potato Famine gan to write back to Spain to urge will be presented twice during March to groups outside the Irish countrymen to join him in New Brit­ community. The show will be presented by Neil Hogan at the ain. Bridgeport Public Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, and at the Within several years, 80 men and New Haven Colony Historical Society at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. a small number of women had taken Our society members and guests are welcome to attend either his advice about the economic op­ program. portunities in Connecticut and were boarding at the Spanish Hotel. VIDEOS - Additions to our video library, donated by Pat Heslin, "They came in such a rush that include: "Out of Ireland," the program on emigration shown recently Fernando was at first at a loss as to on public television; "Grosse lie: Gateway and Graveyard," descen­ what to do with them," wrote the dants of the survivors return to this tragic gateway to the New World; Hartford Courant, which published a "The Penal Days," focusing on the effect of the penal laws on every story about them on Nov. 30, 1919. aspect of Irish Catholic life. Members may arrange to borrow these The Courant described the arrival of and other videos from the library by contacting Pat Heslin, 248-6050. a new group of young women from Valencia in Spain. Zaragosa made arrangements for them to be met at the dock in New York and to be brought to New Britain. They ar­ Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society rived, the Courant said. "with their earrings, their scarfs, their shawls P.O. Box 120-020 and their cumbersome luggage." After arriving in New Britain, they East Haven, Connecticut 06512 were able to secure employment at a neighborhood factory, the Land­ "We have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the fu­ ers, Frary and Clark Co., where they ture. .. Padralc Pearse. were put to work securing handles to knives. President Patricia Healln, 143 Haverford St., Hamden 06517. 248·6050. "And so," said the Courant, "on Commercial Street in the heart of the Vice Pr... Jeanne Hickey. 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ industrial district in New Britain is a 0426. bit of old Spain, a whiff of the Medi­ terranean Sea from the town of Va­ Secretary Maureen Delahunt, 15 Brubaker Road. Cheshire 06410. 272­ lencia." 7144. Treasurer Tom Slater. 55 Robertson Dr., Hamdenp6S18.248-4826. Editor's note: In recognition of the­ Shanachle Editor: Nell Hogan, 26 Crestview Terr., Wallingford 06492. 269­ bond between our historical society 9154. and the other societies in the Ethnic Memberahlp: .10 Individual••15 family. Send name. address and check Heritage Center and to foster appre­ made out to Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society to above addr.... ciation for a//races andnationalities, we print in each issue of the ShIJnS­ The Shanachle: In Ireland, a shanechle I. a foUdorl.t, historian end keeper chie one story about another ethnic of the people'. tradition•. group. che shana.ch1€

Vol. VIII, No.3 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society May - June 1996 Irish Crimean War veterans settled in Connecticut . , At least two, and prob­ The country is quite ably more, Irish veterans rough and we had to get of the Crimean War, over rocks and stones ended their days in Con­ and the like in the dark ... necticut It was Sunday morning One of them, Thomas and not yet daybreak. All Haley witnessed the fa­ at once a bugler some dis­ mous Charge of the Light tance ahead of us Brigade, immortalized in sounded 'assembly.' the poem of that name. A Then he came running in native of County Kerry, as it was his duty to do. Haley enlisted in the Brit­ Having heard him, I also ish army at the age of 17 sounded assembly and in and was assigned to the this way the call was car­ 16th Infantry Regiment ried in by one bugler after stationed in Kent, Eng­ another until it reached land. the camp... When the Crimean War The Battle of Inkerman in the Crimean War, Nov. 5, 1854 ., Before we turned broke out in 1854, he was back we listened and transferred to the 33rd Infantry, Haley lived briefly in Springfield, could distinctly hear the noise of known as the Duke of Wellington's Mass., before settling in Manches­ men and horses coming forward in Own, in the First Brigade and sent ter, Conn., where he found employ­ great numbers. They turned out to to Russia. The regiment took part in ment in the silk mills. be the Russians under Prince most of the major battles of the war, Haley died in March 1908 and Cortschakoff and there were about including that of Balaclava when the was survived by his wife and six 30,000 of them. Light Brigade was ordered on what children. "Lord Raglan who was our com­ was in effect a suicide mission ad­ Another veteran of the Crimean mander, had not more than 10,000 vancing through a long defile with War was David O'Keefe, a native of men. They would be, I should say, Russians on all sides. Fermoy, Co. Cone At the age of 15, about equally divided between Eng­ Haley saw combat also at the 0'Keefe enlisted as a bugler in the lish, Irish and Scotch ... battles of Inkerman and Sebastopol, 47th Lancashire Regiment in 1853. "Well, when I sounded assembly,

the last battle of the war. At Sebas­ 0'Keefe I s regiment sailed from we came running in and none too topol he was wounded and he car­ Cork at the outbreak of the Crimean soon, for the Russians were advanc­ ried a Russian bullet in his right hlp War, landed at Varna, a Bulgarian ing closer and closer. until his death half a century later. port on the Black Sea, and marched "It was hardly daylight yet and His conduct won for him medals for inland to the Crimea. the battle had fairly begun. The Rus­ valor from both the British and Turk­ In later years, O'Keefe described sians were quite strong in cavalry ish governments. his role in the Battle of Inkerman and had a number of heavy guns. After his service in the Crimea, thus: The battle raged all day long and we Haley saw duty in India with the "The night before several of us might have lost were it not for the 33rd Infantry for five years until his were sent on outpost duty. This French who came to our assistance discharge in 1863. work was a regular thing and lasted late in the aftemoon ... We fost He then came to the United 24 hours at a stretch. We went in about 5,000 men or nearly half of States, arriving here in the spring of twos a certain distance from the 1865 just before the assassination main body ... Inkerman is in a valley (Please turn to Page 4) of President Lincoln. about six miles from Sebastopol. Congratulations

The Irish History Roundtable held its 300th consecutive meeting in March. The Roundtable sponsors monthly presentations on Irish and Irish-American history and culture on the third Tuesday of each month at 8:30 p.m. at the Knights of St. Patrick on State Street in New Haven. Page 2 Irish-born priest built Norwich stones tell of immigrants Fairfield Co. churches We are continuing below the publication of the inscriptions copied from gravestones in St. Mary's Cemetery in Norwich by Paul Keroack. The In the mid-19th century. the stones contain a significant amount of important information about family Catholic Church in Connecticut was history and Irish immigration to the United States. There are similar treasure primarily an immigrant Irish church troves of genealogical information in Catholic cemeteries scattered and most of the priests were Irish throughout the state. If any members copy inscriptions from stones in born. The priests came at the request other cemeteries, we will be happy to publish them in future issues. of the early bishops of the diocese Michael Murphy, d. Aug. 30, 1894, agad 73, who sent appeals back to Ireland for nativa of Co. Kildare, Ire. Ro,anne hi, wife, Mery Malone, d. June 7. 1885, agad 82 yee"" men to serve in what was then a d. Dac. 15, 1904, aged 79. native 01 Commirll (n, Queen, Co., Ife. missionary outpost. Typical was Father T.J. Synnott, Erected by J.D. Sullivan in memory of Thomes Jersmieh Sculley, netiva 01 the peri8h of Erey­ Reidy, d. Feb. 28, 1864, age 45, netiva of gi, (1), Baar Havan, Co. Colli., d. Aug. 9, pastor of St. Augustine's Church in the parish 01 Kilgarvin, C. Kerry, Ire. 1870, agad 40 years. Bridgeport. Born in 1818 in County Kilkenny, John Murphy, d. Aug. 21, 1888, aged 80 John Shsa, d. May 2, 1865, aged 23. Myhltl Synnott studied at Carlow College year8, native of the pari8h of (illegible), Co. ShSll, Co. H, 7 Conn. Vol .. d. June 4,1871, umerick, Ire. eged 25 yeerll, natives of ths parish of before immigrating to the United Templsnoe, Co. Kerry, I,e. States. He was ordained in Provi­ Timothy, .on of J8me8 & Hanora Sullivan, d. dence in 1850 when Connecticut Aug. 20, 1873, agad 32 years, native of the Thomes Hanley, d. OCI. 11, 1868, aged 33 and Rhode Island were both part of pari8h of TuoiS!, Co. Kerry, Ire. ye8fa, native of the pari.h of Bunilla-m Co. Ro,common, Ire. the Hartford Diocese and the bishop Ellen OrillColI, wile of Thoml8 Caffery, d. Feb. resided in the Rhode Island city. 19, 1885, egad 33 yeanl, native of V~encia, Margelel Reilly, wife 01 Michllal Kelley, d. He remained in Providence for sev­ Co. Kerry. March 26, 1873, aged 30 yeefS. Johanna eral years as pastor of St. Patrick's Collins, wife of Timothy Kellay,d. Malch 12, In memory of P8trick Ahearn. native 01 Co. 1867, aged 62 yeefl, nlltlVe8 of the pari,h Church before being assigned to Cork;, Ire., who died May 6, 1873, aged 82 of Kilm-e, Co. Colli.. Bridgeport in August 1852 to be­ yeer•. come pastor of the old St. James Erected by Patrick Welden in memory of John Church. Micheel O'Rourk;e, native 01 the pari8h of Weldsn. nativs of ths pari8h 01 Trim, Co. Kilteedy, Co, umerick, d, May 7, 1910. MlIlIth, who died Dec. 5, 1872, aged 40 Because of the small number of Catherina McGrath, hi. wife, d. Jan. 27, yeerll. priests and churches in the state at 1907, aged 80yeals (Kilk&8dy or Kilmeadyl. that time, Father Synnott traveled to John T. O'Sullivlln, a native of 1M County Milford, Fairfield and Stepney to min­ John McGuinneu, d. June 6, 1884, nativa of Kelry, Ire .. who d. Jen. 21, 1882, aged 89 Co. Claire (sic). Ire. yeers. Elizabeth Hallisey, native of the ister to small groups of Catholics in County Kerry, d. April 18, 1870. aged 54 addition to serving the larger congre· Bernard VlIIlaly, nanve of the parish of Coal ye8f8. gation in Bridgeport. IlIland. Co. Tyrone, d. April 30, 1884, aged A significant task of priests in 75 yellrs. Erected by Michael Doyls, in memory of his wifll Rose Doyle, who died July 19, 1886, those days was to build churches for In memory 01 Mary Davern who d. Norwich. aged 26 ysars. Born in Ihe pari,h of Bord,mill the rapidly expanding Catholic popu­ Jan. 11, 1863 (1), aged 16 yeafl, 4 mo., (n, Co. Meeth, Ire. (Bollrd9l0wn, Co. We,t­ lation of the state. As soon as he netive of Harbartstown, Co. Limerick; mellthn arrived in Bridgeport, Father Synnott ereCled by John and Michael Davarn. Mergerst, wife of John Gill. who died Fsb. 19, began construction of an addition to Elected by Manin Smith in memory of hi8 wife 1867, aged 80 yea,., native of the parish of St. James Church. Then he built St. Honora, born in Bellinvreen, parish 01 Ballin­ Spiddls, Co. Galway. Mary's Church in East Bridgeport, St. canll fBellinvreena in parish of BaUing/llryn. Thomas Church in Fairfield and St. Co. Umerick, Ire., March 17, 1833, died in Mary C., wife of Thomaa Ryan, d. Nov. 24, NOlwich, CI .. Nov. 7, 1867, aged 34 yee" 1867, lIged 57 years, native of tha pari,h of Augustine's Church in Bridgeport. lind 8 mo. Kil--n (Killoran~l Co. G81way. At the time of his death in May 1884, he was busy supervising com­ TimothyHeneford, d. Oct. 14,1880, aged 76, frscted by Bridgat Hanlsy in memory of her pletion of a convent adjacent to St. native 01 the parish of Kilmicheel, Co. Cork. si8lel Mery. wifa of John Newman. nativtl Elected by Michael Henefofd. Michael Hen­ 01 the pariah 01 Herbsn,town, Co. Umerick. Augustine's Church and planning for nilord, 1816-1898; HlInnah Foisy, wifa. Ire., d. Nov. 22, 1866, agsd 39 years. still another new parish in Bridge­ 1821·1901. port's northern section, Erecl8d by fdwllrd Riley in memory of hi, wifs In addition to his construction ac­ In memory of Patrick Quinlen, d. Jan. 13, Mary Brey, d. Sept. 12, 1868, aged 23 186-, aged 35 yeals, nalive of Ihe parish of yaafl, netive of Ihe pariah of OldcIIStle, Co. tivities, the Kilkenny native was an --/llrery, Co. Cork, Ira. Maath, Ira. ardent supporter of education and actually served on the Bridgeport Johanna, d. Aug. 9, 1869, eged 38, native 01 Simon Srey, netive 01 the parish of OldcIIStle, Board of Education for a period of 10 the pari,h of Rockhill, Co. Umsriek; erecled Co. Msalh, died Aug. 9, 1868, egad 73 by her hU8band John Cooney. years. yeara. At the time of his death at the end Margarst, wife of Thomll9 Field, nativs of the laWfenea Kin,lsy, d. July 15,1866, age 36, of April in 1884, the Bridgeport parish of Rockhill, Co. Umerick, d. Aplil 16, nlllive of the perish of &Ily--an, Co. newspapers, it was said, "spoke in 1866, aged 40. Cork;. Ire. terms of the highest praise of his Eracted by Ann Carrell in msmory of her Nicholas Spellman, native 01 the pariah of worth as a citizen and as a priest." blother John Cerrall who dilld March 10, Kilm--, Co. umerick,lre_, d. Nov. 30, 1871, 1866, aaed 35, netive 01 Killewilling UGH­ agad 63 ySllf9. (Source; New Haven Evening Regis­ awillin, lownlend or town). Co. Cork;. Ira. ter, May " 1884.J FAMINE JOURNAL May - June 1846 #5

Perspective Condition Of A Limerick Parish In The Spring Of 1846 Conditions in To The Rigbt Honorable And Honorable The Knigbl8, Citizens, And mucb of the west, BUlJesse5 In Parliament Assembled. The HlD'Dble Petition or The Inbabi­ south and midlands of tanl8 or BaUinlarry Parish And ~trict In The County or Limerick. Ireland were not mucb different in Sbeweth, by country gentlemen does common calamity has fallen May and June of That of 1321 inhabited not exceed in this perish, ex­ so heavily on this parish that 1846 from those in bouses cootained in this par­ cept in a single in lance, few, even of the farmers the parisb of Ballin­ isb, more than 300 are occu­ eight pence per diem. ­ will have sufficient potat0e8 garry, Co. Limerick. pied by agricultural laborers' GentJe.men never give any for their own consumption By the end of 100 more are occupied by diet to their labourers, as after the month of June. It May, a substantial the bolders of small or bar­ farmers ~"U8Uy do. In many further appears that after the portion of the peas­ ren lots ... whose conditioo or rather in most cases the 10th ofJune there will be in ants bad neither pota­ is little, if at all, raised gentlemen of this district pay this parisb more than 400 toe8 to eat nor the above that of the common la­ their labourer but six pence families or 2200 persons means to purcbase bourers. That from 80 to per diem in the winter half­ without potatoes or any other food. "Pamine 100 are occupied by a class year, thus making the aver­ means whatever of procur: and pestilence," sti II lower ... composed of age of seven pence per diem ing food ... It further ap­ were, as a correspon­ widows, of sick and imp0­ the year rolUJd. pears that there are at this dent writing in the tent poor, and of those who That as it frequently hap­ moment over 200 families of Waterford Freeman subsist by habitual or occa­ pen that labourers living 00 the poorest class who have said, beginning to sional mendicancy. such wages cannot afford to not potatoes or means of pro­ curing other food ... prey "00 the vitals That there are in the town buy potatoes and other neces­ of the people. " of Ballingarry and its imme­ saries at ready money prices, That the sums subscribed StiU there was a diate vicinity, over 100 fami­ their wages are sometimes re­ (for relief) up to Sunday the notable absence of re­ lies who subsist by weaviilg duced much below their 3rd of May having amounted ports of death by tar­ coarse flannels ... nominal amount by obtaining to little more than £100 ... from or through their em­ the principal farmers met .. valioo. Hoping to just That of all the agricul­ ployers agricultural produce at the chapel of Grenagh, get by the next couple tural labourers some subsist 00 usurious credit at 20, 50 when it was unanimously months, everyone by fixed employment, by or 80 per cent above the agreed on that six or eight waited anxiously for contract with farmers, or ready money prices. bundred pounds would be the barvest. Early re-­ country gentlemen, and the smallest sum that would ports suggested the some by casual employment That '" tbe food of the la­ be required to rescue from potato crop would be .... That the coDdition of bourer in this parish is the starvation and disease the good, those casual labourers is lumper, or worst species of multitudes reduced to destitu­ Meanwhile, in from the frequent absence of potato. The cup potato is tioo .. , London the Conserva­ all employment, much worse never seen on the table of tive government fell than that of the fixed labour­ that class in this district. The That the rental of the non­ and Lord John Rus­ ers commonly called score-­ drink of that class is nOlle resident landlords of this dis­ sell, a Whig, replaced men. other than water, for at least trict amounts to at least seven months in the year. 14,000 pounds a year, about Sir Robert Peel as That the wages per diem Turf is a dear article in this three-fourths of the whole prime minister. of a farmer's labourer in this district and the poor cannot rent of the district, and that district is sixpence, with two without great difficulty, pro­ up to this date the contribu­ Famine Jounu:d meals of potat0e8 and sour cure sufficient for the essen­ tion of DOn-resident land­ milk. That out of his wages tial purpose of boiling their lords amounts to the sum of be has to satisfy for the rent potatoes. Five Pounds in a district Published bimonlhly dur­ of a cottage, generally of a ing lhe lSOlh annivenary where more than 2,000 per­ wretched description aDd of That a Relief Committee of lhe Irish Polalo Famine sons will have to be sup­ a small plot of land attacbed was formed on the 24th of by the Connecticut lrish­ ported for three months by American Historical Soci­ to the cottage and rarely 'ex­ April aDd the di fferent mem­ the Relief Committee ... ety, P.O. Box 120-020, ceeding halfa rood. This bers requested to report on East Haven, 06512. cr rent varies from 50 shillings the state of the poor in the o 1996 Conneaicullrish­ to three pounds ... That the different localities ... That Limerick Reporter American Historical Soci­ from the returns thus ob­ ety. wages of labourers employed May 26,1846 tained, it appears that the Deplorable Seed Threatened Absence Of Vitality Waterford Freeman, Kerry Examiner, June Mosstown, Co. Long­ May 2, 1846 -A Dungar­ 1846 - Every day the coun­ ford, May 9, 1846 - A p0­ van correspondent writes as try is improving in appear­ tato with perfect eyes or follows - The Rev. Doctor ance giving rich promise of even one perfect eye, will re­ HaUy declared on Sunday an abundant harvest. As yet, main sound during the time last from that altar that he we thinlc there is little likeli­ the germinating principle re­ knew some poor famil ies in hood ofa failure in the po­ mains in the eye ... A potalo the country to be living for talo crop similar to that of without any perfect eye is an several days on a meal of the crop of last year. - We aboTtioo and useless in na­ bran in the twenty-four regret, however, to have to ture. So the fleshy part hours! say that the housed potatoes sloughs away, or decays, covered with fungi, which is "The condition of the which have so long escaped not disease, but produced by people in the rural dis­ the ravages of disease and decay in itself. tricts, " said the rev. gentle­ In A Volcano had been thought to be quite man, "is far more safe have suddenly within The non-ripening of the deplorable and beart-rending Relief Conunittee of the last few weeks been rot­ eye, and consequent rot, than in the town." Human Clonrusb, Co. Galway, ted in some parts of the coun­ may be attributed to the wet endurance has, in this de­ May 9, 1846 - This is a try. This has proved a great and cold seasons, which year voted country, been une­ complete solitude - a poor evil where, in case of late after year have been affect­ qualled in any other part of unproductive soil - no gen­ sowing, those potatoes were ing the plant, generally weak­ the civilised world. try and myriads ofan impov­ intended for seed. ening the seed by only partially ripening the eyes, Famine and pestilence are eri hed people, mostly as often all the stages ... preying on the vitals of the squatters, the refuse and may be seen on the same people. evicted of other districts. Luxuriant Crops You wiU easily conceive our root, the crown perfectly rip­ Hundreds of human be­ deplorable situation wben I Nenagb Guardian, June ened, those lower down im­ ings, honest. industrious inform you that there are 1846 - It is many years perfectly ripened,and those men, go forth in search of here, on the report of trust­ since we had so long a con­ at the other end not ripened employment and again return worthy persons, appointed tinuance of sultry dry at all ... to their wretched, provision­ for the purpose, 236 fami­ weather as we have experi­ The conclusion to be les cabins 10 witnes the lies, amounting to 1307 indi­ enced for more than four drawn is that the rot in pota­ heart-breaking and madden­ viduals, totally unemployed, weeks past. Notwithstanding toes is an absence of vitality ing scene of children crying without money or provi­ the total absence of rain or and not a disease; therefore, out, "Mother, give me some­ sions, and therefore are daily dew, the crops up to the pre­ the remedy is by previous thing to eat. I am hungry;" becoming victims of pesti­ sent time are most luxuriant (not after) management,viz. but ala ! the mother has noth­ and promising. lence and famine. Parishes Use only crown eyes for ing! having resident peer, baron­ In almost every instanw, seed, the remainder any Her husband is idle and use ets, &C. have received large the Wheat is strong and in way else. could get no work, and so sums from the Government; full ear - the Oats fair and Plant only on naturally the big scalded tear that but, by a strange perversion abundant - the meadows dry, or very well drained, marks her paUid and emaci­ ofjustice and charity, only a and grass lands heavy and land. ated cheek, ilently answers miserable pittance i doled rich - the former being the heart-piercing appeal of out to feed the fami bing nearly aU cut down, or in Plant early so as to allow the hungry child. poor of a district not blessed progress of mowing. time for ripenng. with a title or wealthy ari ­ They go to bed supperless The potato crop, notwith­ Clover lightly at first, so and morning sun rises and toeracy. standing the want of rain, as to aUow the un and air to casts its bright beams on the We are in a volcano and I looks remarkably well and act on the cuts. gloomy cabin only to am thoroughly convinced promises abundance. Choose dry weather, and awaken them to a more that ere long this whole coun­ The Field Turnips are not the manure not wet when poignant feeling of their con­ try would be in a blaze were doing well from excessive planting. dition and to make their mis­ it not for Rev. Mr. Huleat heat, and Carrots have failed Ridge planting, by reason ery look them more vividly, and Rev. Mr. O'Brien, the in most places ... of the furrow, is safest in ghastly in the face, for they Protestant and Roman Cath~ wet seasons. have Do brea.lcfast. lic clergymen who are unre­ On the whole, we have to This is the condition of mitting in the exertions to congratulate our fellow men Moor or gravel soil being thousands. su lain the people in the on the prospect of plenty and porous and dry, affords most mo t awful emergency. abundance which a kind and eyes sound ... Fever is very prevalent in merciful Providence has in this part of the country. our Michael Joyce prospective placed before us. hospitals are crowded. Acting Secretary A.J. Kingstone Page -'

Slave bore smallpox Connections with noble patience In this issue, we are beginning our genealogical queries column The scourge that smallpox was using responses to our story about such a column in the March-April well into the 19th century is obvious Shanachie. The responses from that article were gratifying, not only in the story of an African-American in number, but especially in geographical origin. We had a total of woman who lived in Connecticut. seven responses, five from a variety of communities in Connecticut Membo Cheesmond was born into and two from out of state. One of the latter was from all the way the African Mandango nation in across the country in the state of Washington. 1735. She was brought to Middle­ town about 1747 as a slave by a The queries received thus far include: Capt. Gleason, who by the name would seem to have been Irish. Seek info. on family of Mary Elizabeth HENDRICK, b. Co. Wexford, She was purchased by Seth Wet­ 1841. Bro. Hugh, b. 1840; sis (prob.) Augusta Hendrick & Elizabeth more and served his family for many Hendrick HURLEY. Par. James & Elizabeth Hendrick. Grandpar. Hugh years. In 1778, Wetmore contracted & Polly Hendrick (b. 1795, Ire.) Family in Plymouth, CT, 1863. Mary smallpox. Membo faithfully attended m. Emory Gould, 1865; they lived 108 Hazel St., New Haven CT. him during his illness, which proved Mary d. 1896, bur. Hamden CT. Reply to: Barbara Stone, 38 Old to be fatal. Turnpike, Northford CT 06472. When she'did not contract the disease, it was assumed that she Seek desc Thomas & Catherine CONRAN, arr. NYC from Ire. May must have had it in childhood in Af­ 17, 1850on "Cambridge," with ch. James, 14; Richard, 11; Michael, rica and developed an immunity to it. 8; Thomas, 18. Settled Naugatuck CT with older s. Patrick. Reply to Apparently, Cheesmond was given Beverfy Tabak, 63 Flora Drive, Stratford CT 06497-2329. her freedom after Wetmore's death and continued to live in Middletown Seek any connection to Thomas MALAY/MALEYI MALLEY bef. or as a free woman. aft. 1814, when he was in East Windsor CT. B. 1784, place unknown, Years later, in 1813, after she had d. Ontario Co., NY, 1837. M. Mary Richardson, b. 1785, place taken a transient person into her unknown, who died Ontario Co. NY 1834. Known ch. Elizabeth, home, she did contract smallpox. Edward, Lucinda. Reply to Gloria Brown, 5808 Lake Wash. Blvd. SE, Even though ·she fought off the dis­ Belt&vue, WA 9800&2633. ease itself, she shortly thereafter be­ came totally blind. Katherine Shea DALEY was b. to John SHEA and Abbie SULLIVAN Cheesmond lived out her days in in Derreensillagh, parish of Kilcrohane, Co. Kerry. She d. April 26, Middletown as a free woman, per­ 1938, age 87, wid. of Crohane Daley, at 275 Windsor St., Hartford, haps working as a domestic servant CT, bur. Mt. St. Benedict Cem., Bloomfield. Seek to contract following for the same family that had once survivors, all of Hartford, or their desc.: Mrs. Mary MACK, 153 owned her as a slave. Her manner and Edgewood St.; Mrs. Michael McCarthy MACK, 399 Sigourney St.; civic spirit won the respect of the Nellie McCarthy BRADLEY, 79 Edgewood St.; John McCARTHY, 132 entire community. Branford St.; Michael McCARTHY, 74 Sterling St.; Geraldine & At the time of her death in 1828, Margaret O'LEARY, 150 Brown St. Reply to Richard J. Gleason, P.O. she was a highly regarded resident of Box 276, Croton Falls, NY 10519. the town. She was described as hav­ ing "a firm constitution, great pa­ Seek info. and dese. for family of Patrick & Margaret (MEAGHER) tience of fatigue and a peculiar regard RUTH, both b. in Ire. Date of Patrick's d. unknown; Margaret d. for truth. " Ansonia, CT, May 13, 1902; s. Thomas Francis RUTH b. Naugatuck. In her blindness, she was said to CT, June 18, 1857, d. New Haven, CT, April 24, 1915. Reply to be "a remarkable instance of humble Bonnie M. Smolskis, 111 Mohican Ave. (Unit 4), Waterbury, CT piety, an example Of cheerful confi­ 06708. dence in the Supreme Being and of resignation to his will. How much Wish to share info on EARLY, McNULTY, SHANLY, HEALY, would society be improved if all pos­ McLAUGHLIN, McGRAIL & FAUGHNAN families, emigrated from sessed the devotional feelings, the Mohill, Co. Leitrim, ca. 1850 to New Haven, CT, and SHEEHAN, also uniformly benevolent and correct de­ to New Haven from Ire. Data from Mohill b. & m. rec., New Haven portment of Membo Cheesmond." bapt. rec., U.S. Civil War service rec., oral tradition, etc. Reply to Jerome Mayer, 115 Center Rd., Easton, CT 06612. (Source: Middletown Gszette, July 16, 1828) Seek info. on Mary C. SCHRECK, b. New Haven, CT, Oct. 12, 1907, dau. Catherine A. HESLIN and George Schreck. Family resided at 37 Editor's note: In recognition of the Arthur St. when Mary was bom. Catherine was pass. George's 2nd bond between our historical society wife. Reply to Pat Heslin, 143 Ha verford St., Hamden 0651 7. and the other societies in the Ethnic Heritsge Center and to foster appre­ Anyone wishing to place a query in the next issue of the newsletter ciation for all races and nationalities, should contact Paul Keroack, 527 Chapel St.reet, New Haven 06511­ we print in each issue of The Shana­ 6906. chie one story about another ethnic group. Page 4 Crimean War vets Briefly Noted settled in state

(Continued from Page 1) our total, while I believe the enemy THANKS - To the West Haven, Hamden, Northford and East Haven lost 10,000. libraries for celebrating Irish Heritage Month in March by displaying "It was well on in the afternoon our exhibits on the Famine. We donated to each library a copy of "The when I was wounded. A company of Irish Famine, An Illustrated History," by Helen Litton. Russian cavalry ran into us cutting right and left with their sabers. Of SURFERS - Seen anything of interest to CIAHS members on the course, an infantryman in such a Internet? If so, send information to Pat Heslin, 143 Haverford St., case is no match for a man on horse­ Hamden 06517 for inclusion in a future issue of The Shanachie. back. So most of us either dropped down or fell or were knocked down. EASTER RISING - The CIAHS distributed 200 white ribbons for While I was on the way, I remember peace at the Mass and flag raising on the New Haven Green April 21 a Russian trooper slashing in the commemorating the 80th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rebellion. direction of my face with his sword. Thanks to Mike Lynch, Jim Reardon and their committee for organizing "The blade struck my lower jaw the event and including us among the sponsoring organizations. midway between my lip and chin. A surgeon afterwards put several GENEALOGY WORKSHOPS - Thanks to all who made our two spring stitches in the wound. I was sent to genealogy workshops so successful: guest speaker Mary McKeon; the hospital where I remained about members Maureen Delahunt, Paul Keroack, Janet Pestey, Tom Slater, 10 days. It was there that I met and Jeanne Hickey, Eve Madigan, Tom Guerin, Ray Donahue and Dorothy spoke to Aorence Nightingale. She Heslin; Jack Quinn of the Clarion and the New Haven Register was a great nurse and accomplished Weekend Guide. great things during the Crimean War and is deserving of all the good that COMPUTER VOLUNTEERS - Volunteers are needed to enter the is spoken of her." data being gathered by the volunteer team compiling information on O'Keefe returned to active duty lrish-bom persons from the death registers of several Connecticut and saw action at the Battle of Se­ communities. You will be provided with the disk and full instructions bastopol, the final battle of the war. on format, as well as the data, handwritten but proofread. Please send For his Crimean War service, the particulars on your computer, software you are using, time O'Keefe was awarded two medals availability (hours per month) and any other information you feel is and a clasp, the latter being awarded pertinent to Pat Heslin, 143 Haverford St., Hamden 06517. by Queen Victoria. He was then posted to Malta, Greece and Gibraltar before being sent back to Dublin. After seven years in uniform, he retired from the British army and immigrated to Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society America. During the American Civil War, he was employed as a black­ P.O. Box 120-020 smith in Washington, D.C. Eventually, he settled in New Ha­ East Haven, Connecticut 06512 ven and bought a home at 98 Elliott St. In New Haven, he graduated "W. have kept faith with the past; w. have handed a tradition to the fu· from Lapstone College, a local tech­ tur•." Padraic P•••e. nical and trade school. When interviewed in 1913 about Presldant Patricia HesUn, 143 Hav"ord St., Hamden 06517. 248-6050. his Crimean War experiences, O'Keefe was 76 years old and de­ Vlc. Pr••. J.anne Hlck.y, 58 Florenc. Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ scribed as "a very interesting man 0426. to talk to and always ready to con­ verse with a friend about the Cri· Secr.tary Maureen Delahunt, 15 Brubaker Roed, Cheshlr. 06410. 272­ mean War which forms such an 7144. important chapter in his life ... Treaurer Tom Slater, 55 Robert.on Dr., Hamden 06518. 248-4826. IIAlthough nearing the 80-year mark, O'Keefe enjoys good health. Shanachi. Editor: Nail Hogan, 26 Cr••tvl.w Terr., Wallingford 06492. 269­ He has all his faculties and consider­ 9164. able of his one-time physical strength and is able to be about the Membership: .10 individual, .15 family. Send name, addras. and check city every day ... His home is at No. med. out to Connecticut IrI.h·Amerlcan HI.toricai Society to ~ov. addr•••. 98 Elliott street."

Th. Shanechl.: In Ireland, a .hanechle I. a folklorl.t, historian and k.eper (Source: H8rtford Cour8nt, M8rch 4, of the p.opl.'. tradhlon•. 1908; New H8ven Sund8Y Union, April 6, 1913.) Vol. VIII, No.4 Connecticut Irish-Amerl.can Historical Society July - August 1996 Novel depicts Irish enclave in Hartford in 1820s

Works of fiction can some­ and they wanted a better meet­ times supplement history, adding 'ng-house ...They sold the house details not available in factual re­ :0 the Catholics, who had begun cords. Such seems to be the case to congregate in the city. But we with a 19th century novel that were a small body; we did not provides some insights into the :. half fill the church. We were very Catholic and Irish history of Hart- unfashionable; in fact,the good ford. ~: {~ ~. people were afraid of us, and The novel is titled, "John few liked to pass our church O'Brien, Or, The Orphan of Bos­ after dark. Good souls peered ton. " It relates the trials and curiously and fearfully at the tribulations of an Irish orphan in priest's boots, his head and his the Boston of the 1820s. It was ,.::'.. coattail to see if there were a written by the Rev. John T. Rod­ sign of a hoof, a tail, or a horn. dan, a Boston priest, and publish­ I was an altar boy and I was ed in 1850 by Patrick Donahoe, often reminded of it in the street. editor of the Boston Pilot, to I was walking through Main which Roddan was a frequent Street, one day, with a compan­ contributor. ion, also an altar boy. A young Born in'1819, Roddan was, girl was leading two smaller like the John O'Brien of his novel, ones by the hand. As soon as an orphan and the book may be she saw us, she gathered them partly autobiographical. together against the wall and The novel focuses strongly on shrank aside to let us pass, as religion and, as might be ex­ you or I would the devil ... The pected in an age of little tolerance boys would often follow me, for other faiths and much verbal calling me Papist and such fencing between various Chris­ names. I was only thankful that tian sects, a lot of the religious they did not throw stones ... content is catechetical. One of the most common names The value from the historical I got in the streets was 'apostle,' perspective is that Roddan is writing time. There were about 25 persons for among the other crazy notions of of events and scenes that he himself confirmed, and I was one of them... " the Protestants they have got it into grew up with and was in a position Of the 25, he explains that 16 their heads that the altar boys are to describe accurately. were converts and that growth in apostles ... At one time, disillusioned with his Catholicism he attributes to the work .,And so the grown-up people, life In Boston, O'Brien takes a stage­ of Father James Fitton, a real life who ought to have been ashamed of coach to Hartford, which was then priest who left a detailed account of themselves, plagued me when I went part of the Diocese of Boston, and his missionary efforts in Connecticut into their houses and shops. spends a year and a half there. The during that era. Through O'Brien, "One man asked me what St. chapter dealing with his year and a Roddan pays this tribute to Father Patrick did with the snakes when he half in Hartford may actually describe Fitton: "But God blesses the labor of drove them out of Ireland. I told him an interlude or a visit made there by a true apostle and such was Father that he sent them to Hartford, where Roddan. Whatever the case, there is Fitton. Thousands and thousands in they grew up Protestants. This was every reason to believe that it pro­ these regions enjoy some blessing a saucy answer, but it was a silly vides an accurate account of that that makes them thank God that He question. Connecticut city through the eyes of raised up this good man and sent him "No doubt that a fool ought to be an Irish Catholic in that era. into the vineyard that was so much answered according to his folly; but During his stay there, O'Brien in need of men like him. " when the fool is a man, it is better says in Roddan's novel, "The great­ O'Brien describes the single for a boy to say nothing. Besides, he est event that came off so far as I Catholic church in Hartford as "dedi· may get cuffed, as I would have was concerned, was my admission cated to the Holy Trinity. It was a been, if I had not taken to my heels." to the sacraments which I had so neat wooden building and it formerly long needed ... Bishop Fenwick came belonged to the Episcopalians. But (To be continued in the next issue) to Hartford that summer for the first these were a wealthy congregation, Page 2

Connections Family History

Seek contact with McMA­ GENEALOGY CONFERENCE - The New England Historic Genealogical HON family, came to U.S. from Society will present its second Irish Genealogical Conference on Friday County Cavan. ca. 1860-70; and Saturday, Sept.13 and 14 at the Sheraton Tara Hotel, 37 Forbes Sylvester, d. 1901, dau Mary Road, Braintree, Mass. The conference will feature more than 20 lectures Kelly d. 1957; John, d. 1924, on Irish family research topics. son Owen; and Patrick, sons James and Patrick; settled Me­ PRINCIPAL SPEAKER - Nora M. Hickey, a professional genealogist riden, Hartford, New Haven, Re­ residing in Kinsale, Co. Cork. Hickey is a founding director of the Irish ply to Barbara Cole, 65 Marstan Genealogical Project, a founder of the Federation of Local History Trail, New Hartford. CT 06098. Societies and honorary editor of Local History Review. This year she is 18601 379-6533. serving as Ireland's adviser for the International Society for British Genealogy & Family History. Her topic for the Friday evening banquet, Seek info on parents (b. N.V.) which will follow a welcoming reception from 6 to 7 p.m., will be "Are and siblings of John L CAR­ Vou Looking for the Right Surname7 A Lighthearted Look at Irish SON, d. Feb. 1836, N.Y.; m. Surname Confusion." She will also be the lecturer at several of the 1857 in Newark. N.J., to Cath­ workshops. The workshops and speakers are as follows: erine CAHilL. He died there 1873. Reply to L. Hamersma, FRIDAY, 9-10 a.m. "To the Ould Sod: Beginning Your Irish Genealogical 535 Holmes Ave. So., Forked Research,"Suzanne McVetty, professional genealogist based in New River, N.J. 08731. Vork. "Irish Genealogy in the Boston Area: Repositories and How to Use Them," Richard Andrew Pierce, genealogist specializing in 19th century Seek info & desc. for family New England Irish research. 10:15-11:15 a.m.: "The Boundary Problem of John & Mary CANNON. both in Irish Research," Nora M. Hickey. "Researching Irish Families in Early born Ire. Children in birth order, Maine," Edward McCarron. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. "Using Irish Tax Thomas, b. , 844; John, Mary Lists: Griffith's Valuation and the Tithe Applotment," Jerome E. Ander~ A., Catherine. James, b. 1855 son, New England Historic Genealogical Society reference librarian. in Greenwich, CT. He m. ca. "Computers & Genealogy; The Current Options," Stephen B. Kyner, 1883, Mary BRADY. Children. editor of the New England Historic Genealogical Society computer b. Greenwich, Walter Jerome newsletter. 12:30 p.m. Luncheon. "Finding the Needle in the Haystack: Cannon, Aug. 8, 1885, and The Origin of Your Irish Immigrant Ancestor," Marie E. Daly, co-founder James. Reply to L. Hamersma, of The Irish Ancestral Research Association. 2-3 p.m. "An Open Door 535 Holmes Ave. So., Forked to Irish Records: Where Griffith's Valuation Can Lead You," Suzanne River, N.J. 08731. McVetty. "Using Genealogical Periodicals for Vour Irish Research," Jerome E. Anderson. 3:15-4:15 p.m. "Sources for Irish Genealogy from Seek info on my aunt, Mary the Collections of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter~day Saints, GLEESON, who d. on June 28, Richard Andrew Pierce. 1907, age 19, at St. Francis Hospital. Hartford. Last resi­ SATURDAY, 9-10 a.m. "Locating Your Irish Ancestor: The Next Step," dence was 383 Windsor St., Marie E. Daly. "Missing Friends, the Civil War Vears," B. Emer O'Keeffe, Hartford. Born in 1888, Skehan­ co-editor of "The Search for Missing Friends." 10: 15-11 :15 a.m. "Irish agh, Castlecove, Co. Kerry, Ire., Historical Primary Sources & Their Role in Irish Genealogy," Nora M. to Richard Gleeson and Abbey Hickey. "Articles & Books on the Descendants of Vour 19th Century SHEA. Reply to Richard J. Glea­ Immigrant Ancestor: How to Write & Edit Them," Jane Fletcher Fiske, son, P.O. Box 276, Croton Falls, New England Historic Genealogical Society director of publica­ N.Y. 10519. tions.l 1:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. "Case Studies in 19th Century Irish Immigrant Families," Richard Andrew Pierce. "Researching the Scots­ Seek info & desc. Terrence Irish in New England," Jerome E. Anderson.12:30 p.m. Luncheon. "The KING, b. 1879, Ire., of James Present State of Genealogical Research in Ireland, "Nora M. Hickey. 2-3 King and Winifred BUCKLEY. p.m. "Community Studies of Irish Immigration: Charlestown, Mass., lived in Ansonia, CT, with bro. Marie E. Daly. "The Irish Connection: Research On-Line," Stephen B. Wm. B. King and Catherine Kyner. 3:15-4:15 p.m. "The Other Port of Entry: The Irish Into the Port lCoppinger) King, who both d. of New York," Suzanne McVetty. "Researching the Scots-Irish in of typhoid 1903 leaving 6 chil­ Scotland and Ireland," Robert C. Starratt, genealogist in Scotland. dren under age 9. Reply to Bar­ bara King Stone, 39 Old Tpke, BOOK SALE - Throughout the conference, an extensive selection of Northford, CT 06472, (203) books, periodicals and genealogical software will be on sale. 484-9659. INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS - Information may be obtained To place a Query, contact by calling NEHGS, (617) 536-5740, ext. 202, or writing NEHGS Irish Paul Keroack, 527 Chapel St., Genealogical Conference, NEHGS Education Department, 101 Newberry New Haven 0651 1-6906. St., Boston, MA 02116-3007. FAMINE JOURNAL July. August 1846 #6

Perspective Death By Starvation ... The Blight Again From autumn Clare Journal, July 1846 ­ Dublin Enning Post, 1845, when the p0­ An instance of the destitution that Saturday, Aug. 9,1846­ tato crop failed, to prevails in the county Clare oc­ 10 fact, there is DO longer mid-summer 1846, curred last week in the case ofa any room for disguise or there were numerou family of the name of St. Leger, glossing. The accounts reports ofdestitution in the parish oflnagh, who, for a which reached us yesterday and deprivation. Peas­ length of lime, had nothing to eat and this moming place the ants had been pushed but cabbage plants. A poor fellow question beyond yea or nay. to the very edge. But, who lived with the family and who was rather imbecile in 10 the counties of Roscom­ contemporary newspa­ mind was unable to make use of this diet. But after fa ling mon, Mayo, Sligo and in a pers carried almost for some days, until natore was becoming quite ex­ great part of Galway, we no reports of actual hausted, hunger forced him to eat a large quantity of this may state roundly that the death by starvation. food, which ended fatally, and he was found lying beside Potatoe is gone. In Cavan, One exception ­ a ditch in the agonies of death. He survived but a very Down and a large part of perhaps the first case hort time. An inquest was afterwards held on the body, Antrim, the same may be ofstarvatioo of the when a post mortem examination was made by Dr: Mol­ said. We have no direct intel­ Famine - was that, ony of Ennis, and a verdict of death from starvation re­ ligence from Londonderry printed at right, first turned. It is unnecessary to add ooe word ofcomment to and Donegal, but we leam, published in the Clare this sickening detail. It speaks with a trumpet voice the from sufficient authority, Journal in mid-July sad reality of the distress around us, and which we have that the blight has shown it­ and then picked up had repeatedly to bring before the notice of the public. self in the latter county. and reprinted by the Meath as far as we can Limerick Reporter on Work Demanded Total Failure gather, bas not suffered so July 31, 1846. much as last year; but in Mayo Telegraph, Au­ Limerick Reporter, Westmeath, Longford, Much more alarm­ gust 1846 - On Monday Aug. 11, 1846 - We have King' ,Queen' counties ing than that single last, upwards of 500 poor, it 00 the most unquestion­ and Carlow, it is awful. death, however, were wretched, emaciated human able authority ... that in the Louth has heen visited, and reports in mid-August beings assembled with loys, di tricts around KillaJoe, Wexford. We have only par­ that the potato crop shovels, etc. at Greenhills, O'Brien's Bridge, Ballina, tiaJ accounts from Kilkenny, was failing again. the residence of Dominick &c., the Potatoe Crop wiJI but we know that the pesti­ The reports came Burke Esq., J.P., demand­ be nearly a total failure, that lence has appeared in sev­ from English officials ing work to keep them from by November there will not eral parts ofTipperary. such as Relief Com­ dying of starvation. Their be a Potatoe remaining, if Clare is also stricken and so missioner Sir Ran­ appearance and their declara­ they last so long ... This are Limerick and Kerry, but dolph Routh and tions before the God of state of things is the more we cannot say to what ex­ from newspaper cor­ Heaven, that unless speedily melancholy as nearly the en­ tent. Waterford and Cork to respondents. relieved, they and their fami­ tire of the small farmers in an extent very alarming. And, ominously, lies would be all dead from these parishes, who are noth­ they came from virtu­ starvation, elicited much ing better than cottiers, are Prayer ally every county in commiseration from all who deeply involved in conse­ Ireland. beheld them ... 500 beads of quences of their privations To the clergy or the families were assembled on and the purchase of provi­ archdiocese or Dublin, Aug. 10, 1846: I am di­ Famine JourMI. the Queen's high way,tar­ sioos during the past season. varian in their countenances, There are very many of rected by his Grace the hunger dragging their very them still indebted to their Archbishop to request that Published bimonthly dur­ vitals aSlUlder, their wives landlords for the past year's you will continue each day ing !he ISOth anniversary and children not able to rent and likewise to others at mass the collect Pro of the Irish Polato Famine crawl from their houses for from whom they received quacumque tribulalione, and by the CoMecticut lrish­ that you will beg the prayers American Historical Soci­ want of food. We tell the. credit for the support of ety, P.O. Box 120-020, landlords in their present their families in anticipation of your coogregations that East Haven, CT 06512. contingency it is foolishness of better prospects from the God, in his mercy, would • 1996 Connecticut lrish­ to talk of law or to threaten crops this year, but which avert the threatened evils of American Historical Soci­ their pauper or starving ten­ are now, already, annihi­ famine and pestilence that ety. antry with military force. lated. seem pending over us. In All Its Stages Beyond Hope Political Economy Nearly Every Field Letter from Sir. R. Letter from Capt. Perci­ Letter from Col. McGre­ Evening Post, Erumkil­ Routh to Mr. Trevelyan, val to Sir R. Routh, West­ gor to Mr. Trevelyan, Con­ len, Aug. 6 - Since our Dublin Castle, Aug. 11, port, Co. Mayo, Aug. "n, stabulary OfJ"ace, Dublin last a blight in the vegetable 1846 -I went this morning 1846 -I yesterday had an Castle, Aug. IS, 1846 ­ kingdom ... bas taken place about eight miles 00 the opportunity ofvisiting the You must now be fuUy in this part of Ireland. On Drogbeda Railway to exam­ district around Louisburg, aware of the gloomy pros­ Friday the potato crop ine about a dozen potato which may be considered as pect presented by the failure looked healthy and well and fields. The greater number the principal source of sup­ of this year's potato crop in "on Saturday morning nearly of these fields were, a week ply for potatoes in this dis­ Ireland, the blight upoo every field was destroyed as ago, in the highest possible trict ... Between this and which has begun much ear­ if by frost or fire. condition, and some of them Louisburg, a distance of II lier, and wiU, I fear, be Banner of Ulster, Bel­ even last Sunday were un­ Irish miles, every crop is much more extended than it fast Aug. 7, 1846 - Not­ touched, Ibis being Tuesday. more or less blighted and was last season, while lap­ withstanding the high I saw it, therefore, in all its most are withered and black­ prebend ... you wiU not have temperature of the last few stages. I allude to the late ened beyond hope of recov­ the same facilities for coun­ days the ravages of the po­ crop only. The first appear­ ery. teracting the coming calam­ tato blight are not checked. ance is a little brown spot on At Louisburg, their ap­ ity; yet unless speedy We have recently observed the leaf which is hardly per­ pearance is rather worse measures be adopted the its development in the hardi­ ceptible, and which gradu­ than around Westport, and most serious consequences est species of the potato and ally increases in number, the stalks have more gener­ will ensue ... both in Antrim and Down a and then affects the stem, as­ ally withered away, andjudg­ But you hould DOt be ig­ very heavy loss is already ex­ suming by degrees a darker ing from the external DOrant ... that traders in aU perienced. colour until it presents to appearance nothing can be descriptions of food have ac­ Leinst.er Express, Mary­ you an appearance as if it worse; but I also examined cused you of violating the borough, Aug. 8, 1846­ had been burnt. The tem the tate of the tubers in sev­ first principles of political We regret to be obliged to snaps off immediately it is eral plots where the people economy by thus interfering declare the fact ... that the touched and is quite brittle. were digging them up, and I with the natural course of strongest fears may be enter­ On examining the potato it found, in many instances, commerce and insist that a tained as to the healthy yield was not larger than a mar­ that the potato itself still con­ continued competition with of the potato crop. In bort ble, varying from that to a pi­ tinued sound, though under a the regular traders would that the produce fit for hu­ geon's egg. After this blight perfectly blackened stalk, have the effect of defeating man food will fall beneath ha seized the leaves and whilst in others the tubers their best calcuJations or even that of last year, from stem, it communicates with were quite rotten. probably paraly ing their ef­ the circumstances of the dis­ the potato, which ceases to This would appear to de­ forts altogether. ease having manife ted itself grow, and the whole plant pend entirely on the descrip­ The problem, therefore, at a much earlier period than above ground wither away tion of seed; for in the same which you will soon be last season, and from its hav­ rapidly. In ome in lances piece of ground and under called upon to solve is ing attacked those varieties the diseased potato throws similar treatment, I saw whether you can venture to which were heretofore coo­ out a fibre, and at the end of sound specimens of the red avow that the supplies re~ sidered safe of which accord­ it a small potato about the potato called 'Peelers,' and quired for the Irish people ingly a greater breadth had size of a pea, and a corre­ some of the white kind com­ shaU in future be left at the been sown. sponding germ above pletely rotten, whilst others, mercy of private speculation, ground; but there i no fur­ Telegraph, Newry, Aug. also white, but ofa different or you will undertake the ther growth in the plant. In 7, 1846 - The early planted sort, were sound as the red. enormous task of feeding the less than a week the whole potatoes are in many places people yourselves, or adopt process is accompli hed ... These facts lead me to affected with the disease of bope that there may yet re­ a medium course, by post­ last year, but the later and The only part of the coun­ main a considerable quantity poning your intervention un­ hardier kinds remain mostly try in which I have not heard which will not decay, though til provi ions have reacbed a safe as yet in this part of the of the presence of the dis­ at present it is too soon to certain specified price. country. ease is in some parts of the form a decided opinion, for ... Unlike last season, DOrth, but the plant is there Guardian, Nenagh, the fuji effects of the blast which only produced an un­ not so much advanced. An­ Aug. 8, 1846 - It is with may DOt yet have developed equal distribution ofabun­ other fortnight will deter­ sadness and sorrow that we themselves ... dant food, the next spring mine the question learn that the fate of the po­ and summer will witness a everywhere. All the small p0­ AJtogether the prospect is tato is again doomed, and positive scarcity of it. tatoes I saw where the plant a gloomy ooe, yet it is sur­ the staple food of our peas­ was touched, I found dis­ prising bow cheerfuJly the The disease i more gen­ antry will, for the second eased; and the smell ofde­ peasantry look forward to eral, the breadth of land season, be snatched from composed or decomposing the sufferings they anticipate. planted with potatoes is prob­ their hopes hy the pe tiJen­ vegetable matter is undeni­ ably ooe-fifth less, and the tial disease that affects them. able. crop less productive 00 the land planted ... Page 3 Connecticut O'Connell immigrants were kinfolk of the Liberator By Paul R. Keroack the Glenmore Valley, in Kilcrohane working life by United Illuminating. A combination of oral and docu­ parish. Daniel O'Connell's wife was 80th men also later moved to Ham­ mentary sources has preserved the Barbara Sullivan, daughter of Eoin den. They were distinguished among history of a branch of the O'Connell Sullivan or Behaghane. Richard mar· the family by the sobriQuets Big John family of Co. Kerry, some members ried her cousin, Mary Sullivan of and Linle John, Two of Linle John's of which immigrated to Connecticut Castle Cove. sons may be recalled by New Haven cities and towns during the 19th and Life in these mountainside ham­ readers because of their public ca­ early 20th centuries. lets revolved around sheep herding reers. O'Connell is one of the best more than potato farming. Until the Richard M. O'Connell, born in known surnames of Kerry, along road to Waterville was completed New Haven in 1931, entered the with O'Sullivan, O'Shea and McGil­ about 1880, supplies came on U.S. Navy aher his graduation in licuddy. among others, and is better horseback over a mountain pass 1953 from Yale and became a known than most due to the fame of from West Cove on the coast near fighter pilot. On a second tour in the Daniel O'Connell 11775-18471. law­ Caherdaniel. Vietnam War, his plane was acciden­ yar and statesman, known as the As with many Kerry residents, tally shot down during maneuvers "Liberator" for his leadership in se­ members of the O'Connell family near the Philippines on Nov. 22, curing Catholic Emancipation in began to immigrate to the United 1968. He was 37 at the time of his 1829. His immediate ancestors had States. Though the most traditional death. survived the penal law era as land­ western Irish resisted emigration un­ His funeral was at St. Mary's owners and grew wealthy trading til the 188Cs, a series of crop failures Church in New Haven and the Mass with the Continent, what the British and overpopulation, threatening a was celebrated by his brother, the authorities were inclined to describe new famine, led to massive emigra­ Rev. Robert O'Connell, a Dominican as "smuggling." The O'Connelis tion from Kerry. The first immigrant missionary teaching at a seminary in were an unusual "blending of Gaelic in this family I have record of is Nairobi, Kenya. tn later years, Father clansmen and local Catholic gen­ Bridget, a daughter of Daniel and O'Connell taught at seminaries and try, " Barbara Connell. In 1882, in Nor­ colleges in the United States, includ­ In the mountains of the Iverah wich, Conn., she married a neighbor, ing Albertus Magnus in New Haven. peninsula, above the coastal Derry­ Eugene Sullivan. Father O'Connell traveled to Ire­ nane seat of the leading family lived Eugene became a paving com­ land to research his family back­ others of the name, including Geof­ pany foreman, arranging jobs for his ground, eventually sharing his frey (Sheartha, in Irish) Connell, as relatives who emigrated in succeed­ findings with his cousin, Mary the name was frequently spelled in ing years. These included his neph­ O'Connell O'Shea, a teacher in a that era. Geoffrey was born in the ews Patrick, Daniel and John O'Neil, rural school in Kerry. Father O'Con­ townland of Baslickane in the sons of Bridget's sister, Julia O'Con· nell became afflicted with multiple 1790s. Baslickane and Derrynane nell Neil of Dereenauliff, my great­ sclerosis and died of complications were located in the civil parish of grandmother, who came to Norwich on March 21, 1994, at St. Mary's Kilcrohane, extending over 40 in the 1890s. Bridget's sister, Nora, rectory. He was 51. SQuare miles. Oral tradition gives married John Moriarty and settled in Some of the O'Connell descen­ Geoffrey's father as Daniel, or Windham. Other Connell cousins (in­ dants in Connecticut have kept up Donal, and grandfather as Michael, creasingly resuming the use of the ties with Daniel and Teresa O'Con­ or Mical. Geoffrey and his wife, Nora "0" in their surname) arrived in Nor­ nell, the present occupants of the (0) Sullivan had 10 children, seven wich and other Connecticut towns. two-story stone farmhouse hugging sons and three daughters. As was becoming common even the steep hillside, though they have In the 1820s, James Butler of in Kerry, only one son inherited the turned over operation of the farm to Waterville, a landowner with large farm of Daniel and Barbara Connell's their son Michael. holdings, raised the rent on his ten­ sons. It was Geoffrey, who married (Sources: Griffith's Valuation, Kerry, ants in Baslickane. Geoffrey, his Mary Moran. In turn, most of their Barony of Dunkeron South, brother Bartholomew, or Batt, and children emigrated, many of them to Toureens, 1852. Census of Ire­ their neighbor Thomas Fenton, origi­ Connecticut. Daughters Johanna /and, 1901,Co. Kerry, Toureens. nally Finaghty, in Irish, refused to (Mrs. Edward Sullivan), Nora IMrs. Hamden, Conn., Vital Records. New pay and were evicted. Tradition George Roberts), and Delia (Bridge, Haven Register obituaries, June 27, says they went to Derrynane to seek who became Mrs. John Fenton), and 1980, Nov. 14, 1989. TitheApp/ot­ assistance of Daniel O'ConnelL He son Daniel came to Norwich. Kate ment Survey, Co. Kerry, Barony of was able to obtain rents for them (Mrs. John Burke) went to New Lon­ /veragh, Cloghvoola. Vi She, Maire on land he leased from the Hart­ don. Julia (Mrs. Charles lavery), to Bean, "An ghlaise ghle. II Woulfe, topps, another leading landholding Bridgeport; Ellen (Mrs. John Smith) Patrick, "Surnames of Ireland." family, in Cloughvoola. The 1826 to Worcester, Mass., and son John Reminiscences of Daniel O'Connell, tithe applotment survey lists Geof· to New Haven. Margaret O'Connell, John O'Con­ frey in this place, an isolated town­ The latter, born in 1887, married nell, Cornelius McGillicuddy.' land, far from any road, in the parish Bridget (Bertha) Walsh and was em­ of Dromod. ployed by the New Haven Railroad. Editor's note: Paul R. Keraack is a Some years later, Geoffrey's eld­ He had a younger cousin, son of member of the board of directors of est sons, Daniel and Richard, need­ Patrick O'Connell, also named John the Connecticut Irish·American His­ ing land to begin their own families, O'Connell, who also emigrated to torical Society. Our society is always again applied to Daniel O'Connell. New Haven. This John, born in looking for stories of Connecticut As a result, the brothers settled in 1902, married Catherine Hannafin Irish-American famJ1ies. Tooreens, a townland at the head of and was employed for most of his Page 4 Armenian refugees Briefly Noted find way to state

THANKS - We thank everyone who visited our table at the Fairfield Among the immigrants arriving in and New Haven Irish festivals and to the CIAHS members who staffed Connecticut during the early years of the tables: Jeanne Hickey, Frank Whalen, Tom Slater, Tom Guerin, the 20th cenutry were Armenians Diana O'Brien, Maureen Delahunt, Nancy Stackpole and Ed Ahern. fleeing from persecution at the We're looking forward to seeing everyone at the festival in Glaston­ hands of the Turks. bury July 26-28. Call Pat Heslin, (203) 248-6050, if you want to In 1921, for example, there ar­ volunteer some time to meet and greet people at Glastonbury. The rived in Hartford an Armenian father festivals are an excellent means to introduce people to our society and and son, Zakar and Charles Zartar­ its work. ian. The two were all that remained of a family of five. INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - The CIAHS hosted an exhibition of Zakar, a blacksmith by trade, and the works of Irish-American artists at the International Festival of Arts his wife, two daughters and two & Ideas in New Haven in June. The artists were Jim Sheehan, Karen sons had been driven from their Burgess, Maryellen Considine, William McCarthy and Barbara Hayden. home in the Harpoot district of Ar­ Thanks to these very talented artists for sharing their art and their menia by the Turks in 1915. Before ideas. Thanks also to all those who visited the exhibit. Special thanks the family could settle in another to Karen Burgess for organizing the exhibit and discussing Irish art and district, winter set in and the two history with the visitors. Thanks to Jeanne Hickey, Kenny O'Brien, girls died of hunger and exhaustion. Sean O'Brien and Brendan O'Brien for publicizing the event under the Zakar settled the family briefly in auspices of the Ethnic Heritage Center. And thanks to Maureen a Russian village, but the Turks cap­ Delahunt for serving as hostess and to the priests, staff and parish­ tured that village and the Armenians ioners of St. Mary's Church for their support and for the use of the' had to flee again. church facilities. Young Charles lost the fingers of one hand when they were hacked off SORRY - "Riverdance" trip is sold out. by a Turkish soldier. Eventually the family reached the VIDEOS - Additions to our video library, donated by Pat Heslin, Russian city of Sari Kamish where include: "Out of Ireland," the program on emigration shown recently they were hospitalized for exhaus­ on public television; "Grosse lie: Gateway and Graveyard," descen­ tion. Zakar's wife and other son died dants of the survivors return to this tragic gateway to the New World; in the hospital, leaving only the fa­ "The Penal Days," focusing on the effect of the penal laws on every ther and the son. aspect of Irish Catholic life. Members may arrange to borrow these After the Bolshevik Revolution in and other videos from the library by contacting Pat Heslin, 248-6050. Russia, Zakar decided to attempt to flee to the United States with his son. They set out for the port city of Constantinople with Zakar stopping at cities along the route and working Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society for months at a time to make more money for their passage. P.O. Box 120-020 Eventually with the financial as­ sistance of a Hartford Armenian East Haven, Connecticut 06512 family named Kallarian, they were able to come to Connecticut. They "We have kept faith with the past; we have handad a tradition to the fu- arrived in Hartford in June of 1921 ture. .. Padraic Pearse. and took up residence with their fellow Armenians, the Kallarians President Patricia Heslin, 143 Haverford St., Hamden 06517. 248·6050. who lived at 71 Madison St. in Hart­ ford. Vice Pres. Jeanne Hickey, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ 0426. (Source: Hartford Courant, Feb. 25, Secretary Maureen Delahunt. 15 Brubaker Road, Cheshire 06410. 272­ 1922.) 7144. Editor's note: In recognition of the Treasurer Tom Slater, 55 Robertson Dr., Hamden 06518.248-4826. bond between our historical society Sh8nachie Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terr., Wallingford 06492. 269­ and the other societies in the Ethnic 9154. Heritage Center and to foster appre­ iation for all races and nationalities, Membership: .10 individual, .15 family. Send name. address and check made out to Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society to above address. we print in each issue of The Shana­ hie one story about another ethnic The Shanachie: In Ireland. a shanachie is a folklorist, historian and keeper group. of tha people's traditions. Vol. VIII, No.5 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society September - October 1996 Many Irish among state's 'oldest folks' in 1884

In 1884, an antiquarian named Frederick Nash went about the state collecting information about Con­ necticut's oldest residents. He then published the results of his research in a slim book with the prodigious title, "Ye Names and Ages of All Ye Oldest Folks in Every Hamlet, City and Town in the State of Connecti­ cut Now Living ... " In the book, Nash listed the names and ages of hundreds of eld­ erly residents by town and wrote several paragraphs of biographical material on the centenarians he came across. The book is both delightful to read and important historically and gene­ alogically. Below is a sampling of the Irish "old folks" living in Connecticut in As might be expected in that era 1884. The listings are not complete for the towns nor is every town when they were still the largest im­ or city in the state included. migrant group, the Irish are well represented in the Nash book. Doz­ Avon: John McKee, 81. Mldd&.town: Mery O'Keefe, 83; Williem ens of the state's oldest citizens Whelen, 80; Ellen Btennen, 83; Petrick bear typical Irish names and can be Beacon Filii.: Martin Meloney, 90. Murrey, 80; Ketherine Ahern, 86; Cor­ assumed to be immigrants or chil­ nelius Cronin, 83; Mary Aynn, 84. dren of immigrants. And three of the Bloomfield: Petrick Cavenah, 82. biographical profiles done by Nash New Briteln: Williem O'Brien, 90; Anne feature natives of Ireland. Branfofd: Margaret McNulty, 81. Coffey, 90; Mary McCarthy, 87; Annie Connelly, 84. Of the three, Bridget Farley of Bridgeport: Grace Mcintyre, 94; Catherine Stratford was, at 103, the oldest, New HartfOl'd: Joseph Hagerty, 81; Mi­ and indeed among the oldest per­ McNemere, 92: Mery Mcintyre, 92; Pat­ rick Donehue, 92; Bridget Kernen, 86; cheel Ronan, 84, sons in the state, Farley, said Nash, Jamas Donnelly, 83; Michael McCerty, 81. not displaying a great understanding New Haven: Sally Cennon, 94; Ellen of Ireland's geography, was born "in Farmington: William Rourk, 94; Richard Bree, 93; Btidget Gunney, 92; Mergaret the town of Kent, Co. Mayo, 30 O'Connor, 82. Keenen, 91; Ellen Cremin, 90; Johenna miles from Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 20, Ahern, 84; Mary Bohan, 88: Petrick Do­ 1781." Granby: Catherine Hayes, 84 herty, 82; Petrick Gallagher, 80; Wllliem In 1800, Bridget, whose maiden Patrick O'Brien, 84. name is not listed, married William G,.anwid1: Micheel Donovan, 81 Farley and in 1820 they sailed from Naw Milford: Sophia McMahon, 88. Dublin to New York on the ship Hartford: Ellen Hoyes, 94; Bridget Hickey, Charity. Their voyage took six 90; Frank Kilday, 94; Ann Bolen, 80; Timo­ Newtown: Margaret Holihan, 88; Rich­ erd Reilly, 84. weeks. The Farleys' passage was thy Cronin, 80; Florence McCarthy, 83; Rosa Donahue, 84; Mery Donovan, 81; paid apparently by some form of Norfolk: Philip Ryan, 80. indenture agreement or other in­ Patrick Dillon, 80; Dennis O'Flaherty, 84; ducement, Mary Guinan, 82, Margaret O'Hara, 80; Mary Synnon, 84; John Sullivan. 80. Norwalk: Cetherine Feeney, 92; Ann They settted on the lower part of Downes, 88; Catherine McDonald, 82; Broad Street in New York City where Utchlield: Bridget Levin, 86 Richard Maloney, 84. William conducted a hoisery busi­ ness. After her husband's death, the Mariden: Mary O'Brien, 83; Bridget McMe­ (Please turn to Pege 2) date of which unfortunately is not hon. 80; Bridget Roech, 87; Bridget Lacy, given, Bridget moved to Augusta, 88. (Please tum to Page 21 Page 2

State's oldest residents enumerated Family History (Continued from Page 1) on Nov. 17. 1783, Unlike the other Maine. for several years, although two Irish centenarians. Green did not IRISH RESEARCH FORUM - The no reason is suggested for her move, emigrate as a young man, but came Irish Family History Forum of and then came to Stratford. Conn.. to America, according to Nash, in Rockville Centre. N.Y.• will spon­ to live with her youngest son, law­ 1864 when he was already 81 years sor its second annual Irish Re­ rence. old. Nash also noted that Green was search Seminar on Saturday. Of her nine children, two were a Gaelic speaker and "cannot speak Oct. 19, at the Student Center on living in 1884 and she had six grand­ a word of English." the North Campus of Hofstra Uni­ children and eight great-grandchil­ Green was described as "small in versity in Hempstead. long Is­ dren. stature and his general appearance land. At a party in Stratford celebrating indicates great tenacity to life." her 103rd birthday, 20 of her friends Green's wife died in 1873. but in IRISH GENEALOGIST - The fea­ and family members were present Redding. the old gentleman was tured speaker will be Nora M. and she was nimble enough that "surrounded by seven sons. the eld­ Hickey, research director of the "when the music began and there est of whom is 65. His grandchildren Cork Heritage Center and founder was a call for an old-fashioned number 24. Of great-grandchildren and former director of the Irish breakdown, Mrs. Farley took the he has five," Genealogical Project. floor with Miss Annie Hutchinson as partner. bent on going through the (Source: "Ye Names and Ages of OTHER SPEAKERS _. Also speak­ figures of a genuine 'fore and af­ All Ye Old Folks in Every Hamlet. City ing will be Daniel J. Tonerv, the ter.'" and Town in Ye State of Connecticut Forum's vice president for mem­ At that time, she said she retained Now Living ...." by Frederick Nash;' bership, and Suzanne McVetty. "three objects as reminders of her 1884. New Haven, Price & lee Co.) nationally known author and lec­ affection of the 'ould sad' - a deal turer on genealogy. trencher, given her by her mother in 1800 when she went to housekeep­ THE SCHEDULE -- The schedule ing; an iron frying pan in daily use by for the seminar is: 8:30 to 10 herdaughter, and an iron shoe pulled Ripe old age a.m., registration. 9 to 9:50 a.m,. from the hoof of her favorite and "Beginner Workshop." by Daniel only donkey just before taking ship. (Continued from Page 1) J. Tonery. 10 to 10:15 a.m., an animal which she wanted to bring welcome. 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., along but couldn't." PI.unom: Petrick BredV, 80; John B. "An Overview of the Present The second Irish-born centenarian Cer,oll. 84. State of Genealogical Research in profiled by Nash was William Hamil­ Ireland," by Nora M. Hickey. ton. a 102-year-old resident of Hart­ Soulhington: Timothv Higgins, 83; M,a. 11 :30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.• "Are ford. Hamilton. whose name Timothv Higgins. 81. You looking in the Right loca­ suggests he may have been Scots­ tion? Boundary Problems in Irish Slom'ord: Milry Nolan, 84; MarV Fin­ Irish. died on July 26. 1884. just Research." by Nora M. Hickey. prior to publication of Nash's book. nerv. 84: John Rvan, 81; Daniel KennedV, 84; Pat DVllr, 84: John Dillon, Of him. the author wrote: "William 81; MarV Nolan, 84. AFTERNOON -- 12:30 p.m. to Hamilton was born in Ireland during 1:45 p.m. lunch. 1:45 to 2:45 the month of May 1782. of humble Vernon: Arthur O'Kaafa, 98: James p.m., "Broadway lights: New parents, receiving a limited educa­ Allgan, 84. York City Research," by Suzanne tion. At the age of 20 years. he came McVetty. 3 to 4 p,m.• "Irish His­ to this country, and after turning his Wallingford: Patrick larkin, 83. torical Primary Sources and Their mind to various occupations. con­ Role in Irish Genealogy: 171h­ cluded to try farming. He went to Waterbury: Charlell Eaglin. 92; Morgen 19th Centuries." by Nora M. Hartford 75 years ago and bought a O'Blien. 88; Fergua McClen, 86: Mer­ Hickey. tract of land occupying it until his ge/Ill Shllnnehan. 84; Bridget Moren. 83: Mery Fitzglllllld. 81. death ... He was a steady. honest REGISTRATION •• Early registra­ man and attended strictly to his own Waterford: Polly Meddlln. 93. tion for the seminar may be made affairs and was respected by all who until Oct. 1 by sending checks to knew him ... His house was on Zion Weeton: Petrick MalonllV, 99; Mrs. the Irish Family History Forum. street and his neighbors delighted to Pellick MaloneV, 97. P.O. Box 351, Rockville Centre. be in his society that they might NY 11571-0351. listen to the quaint stories he was WllItport: Thom88 F. Glynn, 92; John inclined to tell of himself and the Mclarney, 91; Johanna MurphV, 80. FEES •• Fees for early registrants people he was acquainted with so are $25 for Forum members and WiltOl'l: Bridgllt McMllhon Brown. 91. long ago." $30 for non-members. After Oct. Darby Green. 101. was the third 1, the fee will be $35. including native Irish centenarian in Connecti­ Willimantic: Marga,el McNamera, 80; Pilter O'B,ian, 85; John HaleV. 84. walk-ins. cut in 1884. A resident of Redding, Green was born in Kibaha. Co. Clare. at the mouth of the Shannon River FAMINE JOURNAL Seprember. October 1846 #7

Riot In YoughaJ Death In Skibereen Even The Birds Die Perspective YoughaJ, Co. Cork, Skibereen, Co. Cork, Philipstnwn, King's Sept. 22, 1846 -It would County, Ocl. lJ, 1846 ­ Oct, 24, 1846 - DeDis Male.­ be impossible to coovey any In the neigbbourhood of Bal­ By early autwno 1846, enedy had been three weeks idea of the alarming stale of Iyoorney, between this town it was evident that Ireland working for the Board of this town since yesterday's and Edenderry, there is a faced • secood consecu­ Works OD tbe Canagb road, meeting. The people were grove of large trees whicb. tive year ofdeprivation. and during that time be re­ dissatisfied al the proceed­ from time immemorial, bas Dr. John Lindley, editor ceivedjust two shillings and ings there. as not a single been the resting place of of the authoritative Gar­ two pence ... Two and six­ an resolution except the last, immeDse number ofcrows. dener's Chronicle, dis­ pence to support a man in which was proposed by Mr. missed all the remedies these times for three weeks! Last night the people of Barry, was at all capable of for saving the potato, say­ On the Wednesday before his this locality were alarmed ing the question was no beiog carried into effect for a death, he became languid and and kepi awake by the con­ month or six weeks, wbi..le longer bow to save it, but unable to work and the merci­ tinuous cries and screamings the pe:;ople are at this mo­ what to do in tbe fulUre. ful task masters of the BOllrd of these birds; at day break ment driven to freR2.y and to His cooclusioD: Don't of Works fined him a quarter this morning (Tuesday) despair. Like men maddened plant potatoes. of a day! On Saturday morn­ many people repaired to the with hunger. they ran Frantic pleas came ing he crawled to his work, place to asceruin tbe cause through the streets. They from aU over Ireland for and continued at it till 9 of the disturbance wben to rushed into the bread assistance. Members of shops o'clock drenched to the skin. their astonishment and and flung the loaves amongst Parliament, newspaper He went to a fITe - he trem­ alann, they beheld large the famished crowd. The editors, parish priests and bled violently - a piece of numbers ofdead crows lying military were called oul ­ others urged the govern­ bread was offered to him ­ On the ground, which, OIl re+ cavalry, infantry, and police, ment to provide either he clencbed it convulsively, ing examined, appeared to but half the shops wert plun­ food or work for 1rish and fell, to rise no more ­ have been reduced to skele­ dered before they arrived. peasants. Good Heavens, do we live in tons by bunger, and to have On this morning, an im­ a Christian country, that such heen actually starved to People in Voughal and mense number of people barbarous atrocities can be death. Dungarvan rioted and from the adjoining parishes practiced without compunc­ This circumstance. trivial looted food stores, while came in, with hunger de­ tion and with impunity? ... as it may appear, bas ex­ in Skillereen, Co. Cork, picled in their faces. The The fate of this unforlUnate cited the most melancholy an Irishman employed On military are now marching man is no solitary instance of sensation. It shows the utter the public works starved lhrough the tOwn and the UQ­ starvation unto death. He bas destruction of the. root, on to death, and in Mount~ fortunate people are at this left a wife and children be­ which those poor birds, as shannon, Co. Galway, an moment, while I write, in hind him and Heaven knows well as our unfortunate pe0­ Irishman hanged himself hundreds learing the bread how it fares with them. ple chieny lived ... rather than starve. Qut of the shops. The town is Meanwhile, the govern­ in the roost dreadful state of ment of WUriemberg in excitement - the shops Skibereen, Mnnday, Nov. Government Concern GerlTUUly sent agents to closed, business suspended, 2, 1846 - An inquest was Gazette de Cologne, Sep­ America to buy all the groups assemblying in a few held before Franklin Baldwin, tember 1846 -The govern­ food necessary to protect places, nOi. knowing what the Esq., Coroner for the ment of Wurtemburk has its peasants in a bad sea- result will be; and unless the County, and a respectable despatched agents to Hun+ "'". Relief Committee act jury, on the body of Denis gary and America to make promptly in getting a supply McKenedy, who died from purchases of grain to the of food and giving employ­ want on the Caherah road. Af­ value of two million norms Famine Journal ment until the Public Works ter a lengthened investigation or guilders (about £170,Q(X) an: in operation, God only and the most soul-harrowing sterling). 11 is intended that knows what the starving peo­ details, lbe Jury returned the these supplies be furnished Published bimonthly dur­ ple will do. following verdict: - to the poorer classes at a low ing the ISOth anniversary price. The govenunent has of lhe Irish Potato Famine .•• J trust the Relief Com­ 1l\at the said Denis McK­ by the Connecticut Irish­ mittee will now see the oe­ enedy, on the 24th day of Oc­ determined to sacrifice American Historical Soci­ cessity ofacting promptly tober, in the year aforesaid, 500,000 norins to this laud­ ety, P.O. Box 120-020, and decisively and expend died ofstarvation, owing to able endeavour to mitigate East Haven, cr 06S 12. this money, for hunger will the gross negligence of the the effects of the present sea­ • 1996 Connecticut Irish­ admit of no delay ... Board of Works. son ofscarcity on the gen­ American Historical Sod­ eral population. dy. Cork Examioc:r No More Potatoes Parliamentary Plea Starvation Suicide The Imminent Peril Gardener's Chronicle ­ Sept. I, 1846 - The Earl Mountshannon, Co. Gal­ Letter to the editor or The time has plIssed for at­ of Roden regretted his ab­ way, Sept. 24, 1846 - J the London Daily News ­ tempting to ward off the Po­ sence the other evening when send you by way of news an Kilkee, Co. Clare, Sept. 7, tato disease of 1846. if it Ministers brought forward account of a dreadful event 1846 - My Dear Sir, As ever was possible to do so, their mesaure for the relief of which took place here last the distressed poor of Kilkee which we do nOI believe; and the approaching distress in week. A man named Evans, and Doonbeg have, 00 more it now behooves us to set Ireland....He felt it his duty­ being out of employment, than one occasion, experi­ about gathering together our before parliament separated, penoyless, and in a state of enced the benefit of your experience with a view to the having been an eyewitness to extreme destitution, put a pe­ powerful advocacy, you future. tbe cicrcumstance, to come riod to his suffering by bang­ wiU, I trust. not only give What should we do? is the over and stale to parliament ing himself. I fear, ere long, publicity to the accompany­ enquiry that m~ts us at and through parliament the many such tragical events ing abstracts detailing the every tum. Plant on hOI dry country the lamentable situ­ will occur here, for the pe0­ amount of population in land, says one; dress your ation in which a large portion ple are starving and there is those perishes and the very land with lime cries a sec­ of their fellow-subjects were 00 employment. We have me­ limited supply of food avail­ ond; lime and salt are better, likely to be placed by the fail~ morialed the Lord Lieuten­ able for their support during writes a third; use plenty of ure of the present potato crop. ant, and shortly expect one tbe coming year,but also potash or sods, urges an­ He had traversed a great of these prOClamations in fa­ lend us the aid of your ear­ other. Raise seedlings, shun part of the province of Mun­ vour of the people; but be­ nest cooperation in impress­ guano, get seaweed, fetch ster and was not guilty of fore this Whig recipe can be ing on the authorities the selS from Peru, plant on any exaggeration when be administered under the 10th imminent peril to which the slopes facing the sun, plant stated that during the whole Victoria, many will as­ lives of from 14 to 16 thou­ on slopes facing the north, progress of that journey, he suredly go to their graves the sand people are exposed . buy Professor Hook-the-Sim­ did not see one field that was victims of famine. The coun­ (having no more than three pie's steep, and twenty more not either decaying or had try here is so poor and unpro­ or four weeks provision to panaceas are offered to the not actually decayed from the ductive and tbe pauper subsist on) unless instant and poor public which stands be­ disease. population so large, that tbe bountiful relief is afforded means necessary to support them by inunediate employ­ wildered ... This calamity was accom­ them for 12 months would ment on public works of per­ For ourselves we feel it to panied with another evil, the purchase the fee simple of manent utility, such as the be presumptuous in our­ great deficiency in the oat the soil, reclamation of waste bogs selves as in others to haUlrd crop in that part of the coun­ for the growth of rye the fol­ any recommendations where try ... P. O'Brien lowing year, our burned and all is confessedly most uncer­ The people regarded this Parish Priest tain; nevertheless we cannot stiff upland being perfectly calamity as a visitation from incapable of producing it ow­ shoo the responsihility wbich heaven, but they murmured Impending Famine attaches to our position ... ing to its constant reproduc­ not; and in whatever direc­ Letter fcom Smith tion without the aid of Our first advice, then, is tion any person traveled in what it was in the spring of O'Brien, M.P., to Lord draining, sUbsoiling or the Ireland he could not but be John Russell, Prime Minis­ use of fitting manures for the the present year - not to struck with the manner in plant potatoes at all. It is im~ ter, Sept. 9, 1846 - Your last 60 years... which they bore their distress. lordship cannot be ignorant possible for any man to fore­ The ordinary setting in Only that morning had he tell whether the disease will of the nature or extent of the our stubborn soil is from the received a letter, confirming, continue or disappear ... So demands of the Irish people 10th to tbe 15th or 20th of as to the north of Ireland, the great, indeed, is the uncer­ in reference to political fran­ May. The potato blight set in statement which the noble tainty, that we ... urge the chise ... but I greatly fear here about the 4th of Au­ Lord Monteagle had made a necessity of prohibiting the your government are not yet gust, so that the seed had not few days ago as to the south; further cultivation of the po­ alive to the dangers con­ been committed to the earth and, he mentioned these tato for the present ... We nected with the imminent ap­ over three months when its things to induce their lord­ are by no means insensible proach of impending famine growth was irretrievably ships 10 he more anxious and to the value of a potato to a ... the duty which lowe to checked; the result then is more zealous, if advisable, to poor man - if he can get those whom I represent re· that the bulb does not excud remedy these evils and with them; but any vegetable that quires me to do all in my the size of a marble, not a the hope also that it would can he grown with certainty power to awaken attention to quarter ripe, with aU black call forth the sympathies of will be heUer under existing the appalling nature of the and hastening instantly to de­ those who might be able to circumstances. Nor will the difficulties by which we are composition, when taken out assist the people of Ireland. absence of potatoes be felt so at present surrounded and to of the ground. You wiU, I severely as timid persons the necessity of making im­ am sure, admit this to be think. Men formerly did well mediate and effectual provi­ food not fit for human use ... sions for the future enough without them and so Michael Comyn they will again. sustenance of tbe population of Ireland. Parish Priest Professor Lindley Page 3 19th century novel tells of Boston Irish lad's sojourn in Hartford In this issue, we continue the in their plan: they have left lrish­ there were sheets of friars. As a story of the adventures of a fictional Catholics in every village; they have compositor, I didn't set up matter Irish lad. John O'Brien in Hartford in dropped them, like seeds, all along cleanly; and to make the matter the lat8 18205 and earty 18305. The the roadi and, crosier of St. Patrick, worse, I distributed foully. Then I story is taken from the novel, "John how the seeds have become trees! could see that 4,000 ems would O'Brien. Or, The Orphan of Boston," You find a cluster of them in every always be the extent of a day's by Father John T. Roddan, a Boston town. performance which would not bring priest of that 8ra. "In villages where an irish-Catho­ more than a dollar, at good prices ... Speaking of Holy Trinity Church lic was thought twentY years ago to At all events, two years' experience in Hartford. the first Catholic Church be a curiosity worth travelling five taught me that I would not get a in Connecticut, Father Roddan has miles to see, you will find that they good living at it. so I tried something the protagonist of his novel. young make, in some instances, one third else. I always liked the trade though John O'Brien, state: of the population. At their rate of and I was sorry to leave it. "Our church caught fire one day. increase, they will soon be a major­ "The foreman of the office was a The fire began in a barn, which was ity. Their churches begin to cover genius. I don't know that genuises a hundred feet or so from the church. the land; by and by you will travel are uncommon in a printing office, But the wind blew in our direction from one end of Massachusetts to though. My experience inclines me and one comer of the building was the other without losing sight of the to think that they are not. Whether already in flames. It was a dry, cross... Well, our Lord can always they find their way there naturally, wooden house. and there was only make the devices of man so many or whether the air of the place is one chance. which was that the instruments in bringing about His peculiarly favorable to their growth, wind might change. It was not very own designs upon earth. Here were I cannot tell ... likely to happen; but it did, for all the villages to be filled with Catho­ "The paper stopped in Hartford that, and just at the right moment. lics. A hundred years would scarcely and shortly after I returned to Bos­ Five minutes more would have made do it, under the e>'d state of things; ton. any change quite immaterial. So the but the iron horse has done it in less "I was sorry to leave Hartford, for fire was easily subdued. than twenty. God is greatl it was a pretty place. It was so clean "There was a great crowd there, •'There was a Catholic paper pub­ and so quiet. The streets looked as and many of the people were very lished in Hartford. The Lord knows if they were washed every Saturday. glad to see that the church would how it was started in such a nest of "There was not business enough surely bum and very sorry that the hornets and how it lived ... It did live, done in the town to make it dirty. wind shifted when it did. I heard one though ... I was employed in the You could not hear any thing stirring man say that it was a burning shame office and for some time it seemed from Saturday night to Monday to see the d-- old church stand­ to me that the trade was just the morning, but the people going to and ing, and the poor man's barn burn­ thing, It wasn't though. As a rolter from meeting. ing. The poor man was Ellsworth, boy, I didn't distribute, and there "They were puritanical observers member of Congress, and since gov­ were lots of monks; I didn't roll and of the Sabbath." ernor of the state. He could afford to lose a barn better than we could a church. "The Hartford mission in 1832 was a very small one. There was no Information sought on 9th Regiment other church in the state. In New Haven there were a few Catholics, A Virginia historian, Allan L. Tischler, is writing a book about the but they had to meet in a poor place. Civil War Battle of Winchester, Va., which was fought on Sept. 19, There were very few stations in the 1864, and is seeking information on the role of Connecticut's 9th whole mission. In Springfield and in Volunteer Regiment - the state's Irish regiment - in that engage­ a few other towns, there were a ment. handful, scattered quite sparsely. In The Battle of Winchester was one engagement in Union Maj.Gen. Northampton, a number of Irishmen Philip H. Sheridan's 1864 campaign which broke Confederate resis­ were digging a canal and they had tance in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The 9th Connecticut, an occasional Mass. But there was under Col. Thomas W. Cahill, was one of six regiments in the 1st no room in the inn, or anywhere else. Brigade of Sheridan's 2nd Division in the banle. The division bore a No matter, the sky is a good roof, heavy share of the fighting at Winchester, where Sheridan defeated the grass is a good floor, and an the Confederate Army of the Valley under Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early. old-time elm tree is a good shelter. In the battle, however, the 9th Connecticut was detached from the Let us have Mass under its shade; brigade early in the day and posted as a flanking regiment along Red and so we did. Bud Run. "Railroads were not then in fash­ Tischler is seeking newspaper accounts, letters, diaries and ion. They have done a good work in recollections of officers and men of the 9th that may shed light on Massachusetts. The projectors the activities of the regiment that day. meant to make money in the first Anyone with information should contact Pat Heslin, 248·6050, place, and to accommodate travel­ or Neil Hogan, 269-9154. lers in the next. They have not al­ ways succeeded. But they have done a thing which was not included Page 4 New Britain Swedes Briefly Noted angered by ouster

FINAL FESTIVAL - The final Irish festival of the summer season will When New Britain's City Council be held in Danbury in September and the historical society will be attempted to oust the chairman of represented as it was in the Fairfield. New Haven and Glastonbury its Health Board, a Swede named Dr. festivals. The Greater Danbury Irish Festival will be held in Rogers Parte K. Arvin Enlind in 1895, it stirred up on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-22. In addition to having a a hornet's nest among that commu­ booth in the festival's cultural tent, we will present an abbreviated nity's Swedish population. version of our slide show on the Potato Famine. Volunteers are needed The council fired Dr. Enlind for to help out at the booth. Anyone who will attend the festival and is alleged inefficiency, but his fellow willing to help out for an hour or two should contact Pat Heslin, Swedes rose up in his defense. 248-6050. Between 400 and 500 Swedes attended a mass meeting at Turner VIDEOS - Additions to our video library, donated by Pat Heslin. Hall organized by five of the city's include: "Out of Ireland," the program on emigration shown recently leading Swedish citizens to protest on public television; "Grosse lie: Gateway and Graveyard," descen­ the ouster. dants of the survivors return to this tragic gateway to the New World; Frank Anderson was selected as "The Penal Days," focusing on the effect of the penal laws on every chairman of the meeting with Char­ aspect of Irish Catholic life. Members may arrange to borrow these les M. Oquest as secretary. Andrew and other videos from the library by contacting Pat Heslin, 248-6050. Anderson made a short speech cas­ tigating the councilmen for deposing TALK ON FENIANS - James J. Gallagher of East Lyme, an activist Dr. Entind. in the state and national Ancient Order of Hibernians and in the Potato He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Famine commemoration, will be one of the speakers at the annual Ohman of the Swedish Lutheran New England Conference of the American Conference for Irish Studies Church and by the Rev. Mr. Hjerp of at Providence College on Oct. 11-12. Gallagher is scheduled to deliver the Swedish Bethany Church. a lecture on "John P. Holland and the Fenians," on Friday afternoon, The meeting then passed the fol­ Oct. 11. The theme of the conference is "Ireland and Western lowing resolution: Civilization." Information on the conference can be obtained from "Whereas we believe the action Professor Charles F. Duffy, Department of English, Providence Col­ of the common council in deposing lege, Providence, RI 02918-0001. the chairman of the Health Board is an injustice and an intended injury to Dr. K, Arvin Enlind and a direct insult IRISH HISTORY ROUNDTABLE - Speakers on topics of Irish history, to the Swedish-Americans of the culture and current events. Third Tuesday of every month, Knights of town and city of New Britain, St. Patrick, State Street, New Haven, 8:30 p.m. "Be it resolved that the acts of the common council referred to, meet with our decided disapproval and condemnation and that we spare no Connecticut Irish·American Historical Society efforts to show our disapproval and in future pledge not to sustain any P.O. Box 120-020 of the officers whom we consider as having brought about this deplorable East Haven, Connecticut 06512 state of affairs. "Be it further resolved that a copy of the foregoing be published "We heve kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the fu­ in the daily papers of New Britain and ture." Padraic Petlfse. that a copy be presented to the President Patricia Heslln, 143 Haverford St., Hamden 06517. 248-6050. common council at its next meet­ ing. " Vice Pres. Jeanne Hickey. 58 FIOl'8nce Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ 0426. (Source: Hartford Courant, Nov. 26, 5eClet8fy Maureen Delahunt, 15 Brubak8f Road, Cheshire 06410. 272­ '895i 7144. Tr88$urer Tom Slater, 55 Robertson Dr., Hamden 06518. 248-4826. Editor's note: In recognition of the bond between our historical society Sh8f1achie EditOl: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terr., WalJingfOid 06492. 269­ and the other societies in the Ethnic 9154. Heritage Center and to foster appre­ Membership: $10 individual, $15 family. Send name, address and check ciation for all races and nationalities, made out to Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society to above address. we print in each issue of The Shana­ chie one story about another ethnic The Shanachie; In beland, a shanachie is e folklorist, hlstori8f1 end keep6f group. of the people', traditions. Vol. VIII, No.6 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society November - December 1996

New Haven Irishman awarded Medal of Honor A New Haven Irishman. James T. constructed around the city. Fort Virginia he must flee to the south­ Murphy, won the Medal of Honor Stedman, named for a Connecticut west. for his valor in helping to stop one officer, Col. Griffin A. Stedman, In his report of the action, Lt. of the last assaults of Confederate killed during the siege, was vulner­ Robert Lewis, commanding officer Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of North­ able, Gordon believed, because t of Co. L, wrote: '" would also rec­ ern Virginia in the Civil War. that point only 150 yards separated ommend to your notice Pvt. James Murphy played a heroic role at the the two armies. T. Murphy ... for distinguished brav­ Bante of Fort Stedman on Saturday, Gordon attacked at 4: 15 a.m. on ery during the engagement. he hav­ March 25. 1865. when Confeder­ the morning of March 25. His troops ing been in charge of a light ates under Gen. John B. Gordon Quickly captured the fort itself and , 2-pounder gun of the 3rd New made a last-ditch effort to break several of the artillery battaries sur­ Jersey battery, after most of the through the federal lines surround­ rounding it. One of the positions cannoneers belonging to the piece ing the city of Petersburg, Va. overrun by the rebel attack was Bat­ were disabled. " Born in Canada, most likely of tery , 2 where Murphy was sta­ The citation accompanying Mur­ immigrant parents, Murphy was a tioned with Company L. The phy's Medal of Honor stated: "A blacksmith in New Haven when the company retreated to Fort Haskell piece of artillery having been si­ Civil War broke out. He enlisted in which was also being assaulted. lenced by the enemy. this soldier Company L of the First Connecticut There, Murphy single-handedly took voluntarily assisted in working the Artillery. a company raised by a for­ over the firing of a cannon manned piece. conducting himself through­ mer New Haven city judge, Capt. by the 3rd New Jersey Light Artillery out the engagement in a gallant and Edwin C. Dow. after its crew had been wounded or fearless manner." He was with the company in en­ killed. He kept the Rebels at bay. Murphy remained in the military gagements throughout the war and The Confederate attack caught after the war and was sent.with a when Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant the Yankees by surprise and came force of 50,000 Union troops, to the finally was able to trap Lee's army close to achieving its objective, but Texas-Mexico border in a show of at Petersburg, just south of Rich­ the determination of Murphy and force aimed to stave off the French mond. others to stand by their posts who were supporting Maximilian, By late winter 1865. the situation stopped the Confederates from the archduke of Austria as emperor was desperate for the Confederate breaking through the Union lines. of Mexico. army as Grant gradually tightened Other Union units were Quickly Murphy got himself in trouble in the circle around it. In early March, massed and retook Fort Stedman Texas when he and some other sol­ Lee asked Gordon to draw up a plan and all the artillery positions by mid­ diers who were stationed on the Rio for an attack that would have a morning. Grande River concocted a scheme chance of puncturing the Union The next day Gen. Lee notified to hijack a schooner flying the flag lines. Gordon decided the best Confederate President Jefferson of Mexico. After the successful hi­ chance for the Confederates was to Davis that Richmond and Petersburg jacking, Murphy and his fellow con­ strike at Fort Stedman. one of 40 could no longer be held and that in spirators were court-martialed and strong points Grant's engineers had order to save his Army of Northern (Please turn to Page 41

Shanachie completes eighth year

Four years ago this month, we were proud to announce that our newsletter had completed four years of publication. We're even more proud to announce now that it has completed eight years of publication. We never could have done it without the loyal support, financial and otherwise, of the members. When our first issue was published in January' 989. we sent it to several college libraries asking them if they wished to be put on our mailing list. We told them that if The Shanachie folded after an issue or two they wouldn't miss much, but that if it continued for 20 years or so, they would end up with a significant collection of Connecticut Irish history. We're more optimistic now than we were then that that may come to pass. On Page 2. we've compiled an eight-year index that we hope will be helpful. Page 2 Index of The Shanachie for 48 issues from 1989 through 1996 Editor's note: The initials represent the bimonthlyissue in which the item appeared; the numbers represent tile year. J-A92 means the July-August issue in 1992.

Acadian .xil•• - ~F93 G.n••logy worlcthop. - M-A93. S.093. ~A94. S­ Old LMltlormen - 8-089 Actllm•• C. Robetta - ~A92 094 Or,I hinory - JAN979, 8-089 Afrlcan-~Ic.n pl•• - S.092 Gen.... A.HmbIy. ell."... for kith oocieti.. - ~F96 O·Sri J.erri.h. fIIlvoMionety W. - M-J94 A~'IIl. John W.• doughboy - N·D95 Germ.n tinging f..wel - J-A92 O·Bri John. eIl.act.. in nov" - M911, J-A911 Allan. Wd&em - M-A90 Germen•• Hlttford - &-095 O'Bri MichMl J .• hinorien - M-AeO. M-JIIO, S. Am.ican Ordinance Co. - M-A90 Germ.ns. in 91h Regiment. Civil W.. - J·A95 090. N-D90 Ami.ted .ff.i, - 5-089 G..lton. Henry. lrioll .t.t.anan - ~F92 O·Brien. Pn•• Oenbury - M-A95 Andanl Ord. of Hib...ni..... - M-J92. M-J93 Grelk Oub - 5·090 O·Bri... T.rranc. - J-A90 AOH .uxal-V - 5·090; 8-091 "Gr.en SFrjg. from the Em..e1d Ill.... book - N·D94 O·Connell. D.ni.l. cent..nial - ~A90 Anlon.Vi. Selv.tore••'P''''' - S·091 Groc.ry Itor. - 5·091 O·Conn"l. fmly. In Conn. - ~AlMl ~. WiNi.,.,.,. !;quOI Indian - M-J93 G'Ollan. J.,.,.,.•• flbor lead.r - M-A89 Oldm folks in Conn.. 1984 - &-0911 Arm....i...... fug .. - ~A911 G'OIl. II•• Quebec - N-D92 O·N.ill. Andr.w. patent I-V" - M·J80 A.h•• Thom••. G..lic Leagu. - J·A90 Homillon. T.F .. peddlor - S.089 O'Nedl, Ch.... walchmaker - M-A91 Au.l..lie. S.099 H.tc~.tt. Molly. Indion baoket. - M-A92 O·Neill. I.mily - ~F93 Be.Ib.II. M-A89; J·A91 Hartford Dark Blu••• b•••bell team - J·A94 O·Nlili. SUI.n, "WVer - .1-1490 Beegan. Offic.. Bicrl - ~A90 Healy. John J .. truant offic.r - M-A90 Or.1 hoatory - 5·094 Bill. lI.v. - M-J93 H.mpl1.od. Jo.hu•• diary - M-J90 O·Rourk•. Jam.s. bu.b.1I - M-J89 Bond.Tommv. be"bell pley.. - J-A94 H.nehan. Petrick. Fenian - J·F91 O'Sullivan family - ~F93 Bonner. Robert. Scot.·..loh journ..i.t - N·D95 Hick.y. Norman. obiluary - 5-092 Paddy .. Bridg.1 .Iori.s - J·A94 Bo.ton "1101. n_.pap.. - ~A94 Hi ..lI~y. Timot~y. R.volulion..v W.. loyelisl - M·J85 Pequol Indion. - M·J93 Boyl•• Williem. Civil War - M-J92 Holy Trinity Church. H.,lford - J·A96 P..sonol ad - J·F96 Bredy. Fr. John - J·A91. S·094 Huguenot. - M-J94 Pickponny - 5-089 Brannjg.n. Jame. F.. Civil War - N·D90 Hurling - M-A91 Pol... D.rby - S.093 Brennen. John. recluH - S-089 Hyn.s.•urnam. - M·A89 Polio Sylv"I". lIali., I.ed.. - S.092 Burk•• Wm.• Ea.t Heddem etor.k..p.r - M·A95 Irish f111g - M-A90. M-J9l. J·F92 Portugu.se. ,ailrood work... - M-A93 Bu.ok•• Jo... f1ighl pion... - N·D95 Irish H..itllg' Month - M·A91; M-A92 Prejudice. IIci.t ....d .thnic - S·092 CIk.w.lk. An.oni, lri.h - J.F96 Iri.h HIslo­ pay their rent. around us. markets. lice. Page 3 Jews held parade Family History to celebrate peace When New Haven's parade Books provide basic data for beginners celebrating the end of Wortd War I fell on a Jewish holiday, the By Paul R. Keroack Brian Mitchell's "Pocket Guide to Jews of New Haven organized a Having recently attended an Irish Irish Genealogy," (1991) are writ­ special parade of their own on genealogical conference in Massa­ ten by genealogists working in Ire­ Dec. 2, 1918. chusetts and assisted at an Irish land. Both concentrate on Several thousand marchers genealogical workshop co-spon­ researching "average" ancestors participated in the parade which sored by our society in Montville, I rather than the leading families. An­ was reviewed by Mayor David came away with the feeling that other paperback, John Grenham's Fiugerald at the Green. persons researching their Irish an­ "Tracing Your Irish Ancestors" The Jewish flag of white and cestry would be greatly assisted by (1992), goes into greater detail on blue stripes with a six-pointed some short, practical essays on various information sources to be Star of David was prominently how to proceed in their quests. found in Ireland. For instance, this displayed by the marching units While I claim no expertise, I will is the only book I am aware of which and every marcher carried a small attempt to discuss a few sources includes outline drawings of Roman American flag. Women marchers which I believe would benefit the Catholic parish boundaries in Ire­ were dressed in frocks of light relative beginner as well as the tand. One drawback to each is that blue. The women and the men, more experienced researcher. they presume aGcess to archives in said the New Haven Union, The first problem many people Ireland and give only brief advice to "made a splendid showing in pa­ have is that they do not know their overseas descendants. triotism and numbers" despite ancestors' place of origin in Ireland. "Ireland: A Genealogical Guide strong winds that buffeted them. All possible sources in America for North Americans," by Kyle J. Samuel Eskin and Jacob Isen­ should be searched for mentior. of Betit and Dwight A. Radford berg were the grand marshals a place of origin, including marriage (1996), answers this problem by and the units included: Ohavi and death records, tombstones, laying out in an organized way Zion, Mirrachi, B'nai Zion, Ruma­ naturalization papers, church re­ where and how to access the infor­ nia Aid Society, Zion District cords and extended family. Failing mation sources. The authors ex­ Board, Congregation Beth Israel, this, the surname, if not too com­ plain the use of the Family History Jewish Home' for the Aged, He­ mon, may itself offer clues. Library of the Church of Jesus brew Ladies Orphan Society, There are several books which Christ of Latter Day Saints, with its Haddasah, B'nai Rochal, Keser discuss the derivation and origin of branches nationwide in which mi­ Israel, Jewish National Work­ Irish surnames. Dr. Edward crofilm from the central library in man's Alliance, Bradley Street MacLysaght's "The Surnames ~f Utah can be used. Salmud Torah, G.O. Israel, Inde­ Ireland," (4th edition, 19851, and Also useful in conjunction with pendent Brothers Association, Patrick Woulfe's "Irish Names and each of the above titles is Brian Hebrew Institute and Ladies Aux­ Surnames," (1923, reprinted Mitchell's" A New Genealogical At­ iliary, Hebrew Ladies Relief; Sis­ 19931, suggest that most Irish liv­ las of Ireland" (1986). Mitchell ters of David; Knights of Joseph, ing in the 19th century still re­ draws, on outline maps of each Connecticut Lodge 70; Ezra mained in the areas where their county, the boundary lines of Lodge, Adath Israel, Shevah surnames originated or were estab­ smaller jurisdictions, down to the Achim; Sisters of David; United lished before the 16th century. civil parish level. This is helpful in Relief, Yale Lodge, Columbus Robert Matheson's "Special Re­ understanding which Irish records Lodge. port on Surnames in Ireland," and sources may be relevant to you. The officers of the committee (1909, reprinted in 1968) has the Many of these books may be in charge of the parade included: particular usefulness of showing in available in some libraries and in our Charles Cohen, chairman; which province and sometimes in society's collection, but the avid Samuel Eskin, secretary; Barnett which county the number of births researcher will probably want to Berman, treasurer. occurred in 1890 for each surname own several or all of them. Most of After the parade, the marchers numerous enough to have had five them are published by small or spe­ convened at the Hyperion for a births that year. cialized presses and may not be mass meeting. The guest speaker While not every surname is available in local bookstores. Four for the meeting was Rabbi Leven­ listed, some people may find outlets for Irish genealogical books berg. enough information in these three are listed below: books to justify searches of some Irish Bookshop, 580 Broadway, Source: New Haven Union, Dec. counties rather than others. Even Room 1103, New York, NY 10012. 2, 1918. some popular surnames are fre­ Quinton Publishing Co., 28 Fels­ Editor's note: In recognition of quently localized, such as O'Sulli­ mere Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02861­ the bond between our historical van in Cork and Kerry. 2903. society and the other societies in There are several recently pub­ Genealogical Publishing Co., 1001 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD the Ethnic Heritage Center and to lished books which offer easy-to­ read overviews and guides to the 21202. foster appreciation for all races research process. Tony McCarthy's Heritage Quest Inc., Box 40, Ort­ 8ndnationalities, we print in each "Irish Roots Guide," (1993), and ing, WA 98360-0040 issue of The Shanachie one story 8bout another ethnic group. Page 4 New Haven soldier Briefly Noted won Medal of Honor FAMINE CROSS EXHIBIT - ;he only known surviving cross made (Continued from Page 1) from a hinged or sliding coffin during the Irish Famine will be on display dishonorably discharged from the in Fairfield on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairfield service, their Civil War records not­ Public Library and on Sunday, Nov. 24, from noon to 6 p.m. at the withstanding. Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Road. Fairfield. The cross is part of Instead of going back to black­ an exhibit on the Famine that is touring the United States, sponsored smithing after his return to New Ha­ by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the National Museum of Ireland ven, Murphy became a prize fighter, and Aer Lingus. The exhibit is free and open to the public. gaining a reputation as one of the best "rough-and-tumble fighters" in ON THE ROAD - Thanks to the Greater Danbury Irish Festival for the city. inviting the CIAHS to have our display at their festival and to present In one instance. he was even pit­ our slide show on the Famine. They had a wonderful schedule of ted against the famous lightweight cultural events; we were pleased to participate.Thanks also to the boxer, Patsy Shepard. who ran a New London AOH for inviting us to host a genealogy workshop in saloon and taught boxing to Yale Montville. The 80-plus people who attended heard June French of the students in an emporium on Crown Warwick, R.I., Mormon library speak on Irish records and worked with Street in New Haven. CIAHS members Janet Pestey, Paul Keroack, Tom Slater and Pat The fight took place in the Foxon Heslin during the help session. section of East Haven and although he was defeated, Murphy was "by LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES DONATION - Thanks to member Dan no means easily defeated." Kirby for contributing books and photos to the society. We will be A problem with alcohol dogged trying to identify those in the photos, which include the first Holy Murphy in the later years of his life Communion breakfast of the St. Francis Holy Name Society, Jan. 11, and he died in the almshouse in New 1925. and graduation pictures from Clinton Avenue School. 1917. Haven around the turn of the cen­ Strong School, 1915. and Ezekiel Cheever School. 1913. all in New tury. Haven. It was said that his comrades from army days raised a purse to give him ANSWERING THE CALL - Thanks to society members who have a decent burial and a former army offered their help: Linda Perna for donating computer assistance with officer read over his grave the record our death record compilation project lLinda would love to have you of his brave deed at Fort Stedman in join her) and Charlotte MacGregor and Jerome Mayer for sharing ideas March 1865. and info on the 9th Connecticut Regiment research. We are still looking Of him, Capt. Dow commented. for information on the 9th. Please contact Neil Hogan or Pat Heslin if "There was not a cowardly streak in you can help. Murphy. He was good-hearted and as brave as they make men."

Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society Connections P.O. Box 120-020

East Haven, Connecticut 06512 Seeking immigration ship data. naturalization and citizen­ "We have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the fu­ ship information on Johanna ture." Padraic Pearse. (O'BRIEN) FENTON and/or her children, Jeremiah. Thomas, President Patricia Heslin. 143 Haverford St.. Hamden 06517. 248-6050. John. Dennis, Honora, William, who settled in Norwich. CT, in Vice Pres. Jeanne Hickey. 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ 1854 from Kilmallock. County 0426. Limerick. Son Jeremiah mar­ ried Catherine CANNON in Vir­ Secretary Maureen Delahunt, 15 Brubaker Road, Cheshire 06410. 212­ ginia in 1862. with daughter 1144. born in Connecticut. All moved Treasurer Tom Slater. 55 Robertson Dr., Hamden 06518. 2484826. to Nebraska in 1867. Two sons held elective office in Ne­ Shanachie Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terr., Wallingford 06492. 269­ braska. Reply to Ann Fenton 9154. Pongratz, RR1, Box 25. O'Neill, NE 68763. Membership: $10 individual. $15 family. Send name, address and check made out to Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society to above address. (To place Queries. contact Paul R. Keroack, 165 Pear St., 31­ The Shanachie: In Ireland, a shanachie is a folklorist, historian and keeper C, Seymour. CT 06483-3741.) of the people's traditions.