Vol. IX, NO.1 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society January-February 1997

Heritage Center to open at SCSU A longtime dream will come true Irish society - will share the this spring when the Ethnic Heritage Wintergreen facilities. Center of New Haven moves into its Heritage Center Director Jeanne expanded quarters on the campus Roche Whalen will have her office of Southern Connecticut State in the facility and there will be University. ample room for educational Announcing the details of a five­ programs and exhibits and for year extension of the center's lease research. The center will be staffed at the university, Southern President by volunteers. Members of the Irish Michael Adanti indicated he has Historical Society who wish to Irishman struck allocated Room 117 in the serve as volunteers should contact Wintergreen Building next to the President Pat Heslin. Training will cool notes at Yale Moore Fieldhouse and Jess Dow be provided. If Edward J. Gavegan hadn't Field for the center's headquarters. The CIAHS is seeking donations become a justice of the It is expected the new facilities will of historical and cultural books, Supreme Court of the State of be open in the spring. articles, photographs, documents, New York, he might well have Adanti cited the opportunity to family histories and memorabilia for become a famous entertainer. advance the mutual goals of both our archives. In addition to personal Born in Windsor, Conn., on the university and the Ethnic artifacts, school, church and April 5, 1863, the son of Heritage Center of Mpromoting organizational pictures, yearbooks, Matthew and Helen J. Barry multicultural education through an programs, anniversary albums, Gavegan, young Gavegan was understanding of the contributions newspaper clippings and any other working in a cotton mill before of all ethnic groups to the items that shed light on the Irish in he reached the age of 10. In his development of American society ... Connecticut are being sought for spare moments, however, he through the sharing of resources '" the archives. took up playing the cornet and and the study of ethnic heritage." Donated items may be dedicated when he was 17, he went to The archives, libraries and to a loved one or to the donor and New York City where he collections of the five organizations all donations will be acknowledged. worked as a bellboy in the that comprise the Ethnic Heritage The impetus for the founding of Buckingham Hotel and played Center the Afro-American our society was the organization of his cornet in pickup bands. Historical Society, the Italian­ the Ethnic Heritage Center in 1988 His talent won for him an American Historical Society, the to serve as an umbrella for and to opportunity to play with the Jewish Historical Society, the promote cooperation among ethnic famous Gilmore's Band. It Ukrainian Historical Society and our historical groups in New Haven. appeared that Gavegan's prospects for a musical career were excellent, except that he Legislature mulls bill on Famine studies had his heart set on the law. Four state legislators have Gaffey of Meriden, Sen. Brian Using the money he had submitted to the General Assembly McDermott of Wallingford, Rep. saved from his performances, a bill that would encourage local James McCavanagh of Manchester Gavegan entered Yale in the and regional school boards to and Rep. Brian Flaherty of class of 1889. He roomed in include Mthe historical events Waterbury. the famed brick row on Temple surrounding the Great Famine in Historian W.R. Aykroyd wrote, Street opposite Grove Street Ireland" as part of the program of "When all is said, the Irish Famine (Please turn to Page 3) instruction ... It The proposal, Committee Bill 81, (Please turn to Page 2) was submitted by Sen. Thomas Page 2 Famine legislation Family History (Continued from Page 1J remains one of the most painful and CATHOLIC PARISH RECORDS IN IRELAND - The vast majority of distressing episodes in European Roman Catholic parish records in Ireland still exist. Those burned in the history... 1922 explosion in Dublin's Public Records Office were primarily It is painful and distressing Church of Ireland records. However, most Catholic baptisms and because, while the loss of the marriages did not begin to be recorded in Ireland until early in the 19th potato crop in Ireland in the late century. There are published lists of available Catholic records and 1840s was a natural disaster, the almost all have been microfilmed by the National Library of Ireland, fact that more than a million Irish but access is restricted by the dioceses of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, people died and another million fled Cloyne, Down and Connor, Galway, Kerry, Limerick. In these dioceses, their homeland was the result of a written permission from the parish priest is reQuired to view blatant failure of government over microfilms. In Cashel and Emly no access is permitted except through the course of several centuries to Heritage Centers. ensure the well being of the weakest of those entrusted to its MORMON LIBRARIES - Some parish records have also been care. microfilmed by the Mormons. The listing of those microfilmed can be It is important for Connecticut found in the catalog at Mormon Family History Centers, under ·Ireland­ students to be aware of this terrible County-Civil Parish." Many of the filmed pages can be difficult to read. human tragedy just as it is important for them to learn about BOUNDARY CHANGES - When the Catholic Church re-established other instances of the failure of the full parish structure early in the 19th century, older ·civil parish'" government to treat people boundaries were often disregarded in favor of new ones. As the humanely, be those instances century wore on and population increased or decreased locally, new parishes were formed or boundaries adjusted. While there is no fully slavery, the virtual destruction of Native American tribes during the authoritative guide to parish boundaries for the 19th century, some course of American history, the books have gathered information from several sources, primarily from inhumanity of the Turkish introductory pages filmed with the Householders' Index to the Griffith's and Tithe Applotment surveys and from Samuel Lewis' 1837 government to Armenians, the Nazi slaughter of Gypsies, Jews and "A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland.· As a result. the researcher Slavs, the similar slaughter of must consider searching parishes adjacent to the one assumed to be Cambodians by their government or correct, because of the boundary Questions. Another reason to search adjacent parishes is that prior to the establishment of a given parish, recent famines in Africa where government inaction has led to the residents may have been served by the nearest existing parish. Several recent books list and describe Catholic parish records: widespread starvation and disease, We urge members to write their "A Guide to Irish Pt:orish Registers," by Brian Mitchell (Baltimore, state representatives and senators 1988) lists each civil parish alphabetically under its county and, in an encouraging them to support this adjacent column, the n3me of the Catholic parish or parishes which legislation. served it. Each of the civil parishes is identified by two numbers. one keyed to the "New Genalogical Atlas of Ireland," also by Mitchell, Memorial contributions which includes outline maps of all civil parishes; the other, a reference Our society is instituting a number used on the maps accompanying the filmed Householders' program which will enable members Index. These numbers may be of value to those who need to determine to honor living persons; to celebrate the location of the civil parish to find the Catholic one. birthdays. anniversaries and "Irish Records: Sources for Family and Locel History," by Or. John graduations: and to remember Ryan (Salt Lake City: 1988) includes a listing of parish records similar deceased loved ones, Monetary to that of Mitchell. Along with the name of each Catholic parish is contributions can be dedicated to given its address and the name of the resident priest. its diocese (the the person in whose name the ancient dioceses used by the Church of Ireland), the month and year contribution is given. A notice of the of the earliest birth or marriage record and the dates of gaps in the contribution will be published in The records. The number given for each parish is keyed to a grid map. Shanachie. Please consider giving a donation to honor or to remember a "Tracing Your Irish Ancestors,- by John Grenham (Baltimore: 1992) is loved one when renewing your a series of small sketch maps of each county. within which are drawn membership. the Catholic parish boundaries, accompanied by lists of their names. Memorial contributions should The names are alphabetized under each Romal'l Catholic diocese with include the name and address of the a numerical key to the map. The year of the earliest records is given, person honored or, in the case of a but there is no reference to the civil parishes in the listing of Catholic deceased person, the name and parishes. address of the family. All gifts will be acknowledged. - Paul R. Karosek FAMINE JOURNAL January· February 1847 #9

Perspective Nothing To Eat Livestock Exports Weather Did It The Britlnnl., Jln. 2, 1847 The full fwy of the famine The Condition Ind Lobdon Tlmn. Jib. 21, - The condition ofthe Irish that had been building since Protpects or lrellnd by 1847 - Finding ofGalway peasantry appears to be the autumn of 1845 burst Jonltbln Plm - Exports by coroner'sjlll)': 'We find that growing worse. The stock of upon Ireland in the winter of steam vessel from the ports of the deceaw, Mary Cooun0n9, food is diminishing and one 184647. Dublin, Cork and Waterl'ord in died from the effects of account says pigs, poultry and the fltSt two months of 1847: After two consecutive st8nIalion and destitution, all things eatable are potato crop failures, there January: Cattle, 4,564 head; caused by a want ofcommon disappearing from the land ... were no resources 00 \Which pigs. 13,812 head; eggs, 813 necessaries of life; and as Lord The wife ofa clergyman the people could draw. crates. Febnwy: Cattle, 4,207 John Russell, the head ofHer writes from Belmullett, Erris, Reports that had previously head; pigs, 9,302 head; eggs, Majesty's government. has Mayo: - 'Alas! The distress is I,O()) crates. described hardship and combined with Sir Randolph beyond any description and the Routh to starve the Irish scarcity now told of death by most frequent sights that meet Tipperary Distre•• starvation and by fever and people by not, as was their our view are funerals, numbers duty. taking measures to oUter diseases that ravaged 8 London Times. Jln. 13. dying such as I have Dever people too long hungry. 1847 - Mr. 8eljeant Hawley prevent the present truly awful witnessed before. In fact, all (admitted by all parties to be a rondition ofthe country, we And as if even nature was the old whose strength is most impartial authority) in fmd Lord John RusseU and Sir conspiring against them, the insufficient to bear up against opening Quarter Sessions at Randolph Routh are guilty of winter was the coldest in their sufferings are going, and Nenagh on Friday, drew the the willful murder of said Mary memory. Snow three-feet positively the people are following sketch ofthe state of Commons.' deep blanketed parts of the from offthe face of wasting affairs ofthat district: The coroner refused to accept country adding to the misery this part ofthe earth.' of the peaS4flls, many of 'Writern offiction have the verdict. The jill)' fmally The disl:ress is rapidly agreed to the wording, •on her whom had pawned virtually drawn the terrors. the spreading in mster: 'It is not way to admission to Galway all their clothing. desolation, the sufferings alone in the south and west of attendanl on the plague of union workhouse died from In Galway, a coroner's jury Ireland,' says the Tyrone former times, but those want and the inclemency of the held British Prime Minister Constitution. 'that the horrors pictures ofthe imagination, weather.' John Russell and Sir ofstarvation are experienced. highly coloured as they may Randolph Routh, head of the , In our own immediate be, do nol equal those simple relief effort in Dublin. Plague in Clare neighbourhood the pressure of recitals ofreal suffering and responsible for a woman's want is now severely felt, and misery which the chronicle of Umerick Chronicle., death. Needless 10 say, the the number ofunfortunate the times daily presents .... Jlnulry 1847 - The verdict did not stand, workhouse at ScariIT, COWlty individuals who stale, too 'Robust men worn and gaunt whatever its justification. Clare (within 16 miles ofthis truly, with hunger pktured in with famine - weak women One ominous sign detected city) is so overcrowded with their careworn faces that they and helpless children sinking and commented on by shrewd paupers that a disease almost have neither meat nor money, down from want offood­ observers was that the people amounting to a plague has is at present alarming ... v.'e famished human beings were so disheartened thai in broken out amongst its inmates fear that in a briefperiod uttering the cry ofhWlger until lIUlJly places they were doing the deaths averaging from four scenes ofdeath by starvation that cry is stopped by death ­ nothing to prepare the fields to 12 daily. will not alone be confmed to even the decent forms ofburial for the coming year. It is borrifying 10 behold a the south.' obliged. to be dispensed with donkey cart laden with five and A letter from Randalstown. and the 1UlShrouded victims six bodies, piled over each FAMINE JOURNAL in the COWlty ofAntrim. says: consigned uncolfmed to the other, going to be interred, and - 'The fever continues to rage grave. Published bimoolhly during the in some parts about here, and not a person attending the 110lh amiven.aryof!he lrUh Potalo The spring sowing is at hand starvation to stare the people in 'Wretched cortege except the Famine. 01997 by !he Corxnedieut and if the land be nol sown driver. The graves are 90 dug Irish-Ammu,n Historical Socidy. the face ... They say the with such white or green crops that the coffms are barely P.O. Bo~ 1:2()'():20, East Haven, CT carpentern are up all night as are suitable we will have a 06H:2. covered with earth, rendering making coffms and the hearse sucussion ofscarcity.' is always in request ... ' the air infecled. No Breath Of Life Deaths In Leitrim Diary Of A Doctor Sligo Inquests The Spectator, Jail. 16, 1847 Bell'. Ufe In lDftdorl, Feb. To Ihe Editor of Ibe The 511&:0 Chulplorl, - The accoWlts from Mayo 11,1847 -Ourcorrespondent Southem ReporUr, !Uventowrl, Feb. 8, 1847­ given in the Freeman's Journal Shamrock fOfWBJ"ds us the S1dbbereerl, J• .II. 23, 1841­ Sir. Halfa dozen starvation arc very painful. following extract from a letter The only difficulty that 1 deaths have been reported to In the parish orCana, 27 received by him from the very experience in renewing my Mr. Grant this evening and he diary is to flJ\d language to deaths occurred wilhin 8 week; Rev. Thomas Maguire, vicar­ directed me to write to request describe the every day in 8 neighbouring parish, 8 like genera.1. Ballinamore, county you attend here carly tomorrow number in throe weeks. Leitrim: - 'The people in this increasing misery, frightful morning to hold inquests. James distress and dreadful scenes The Reverend Patrick county are dying at the rate of Hay, Head Constable. which are now ofsuch Fitzgerald, Roman Catholic six bundred per day. WI:, had We have just seen one ofthe common occurrence in this cumte of Kilgeever, thus six who died ofstarvation in coroners, Alexander Burrows, neighbourhood as scarcely to illustrates the intensity ofthe the mountain district last week, Esq., and it is with the deepest but they are dying of bowel attract notice. famine- anguish we announce that complaints and ofslow fever Legions of halfnaked, 'r shall never forget the matters are much worse than by hlUldreds. The population starving people parade the they are described in the impression made on my mind 8 oflreland will be lessened by streets ofthis town from paragraph above. he was few days ago by 8 most heart­ two millions before August morning until night ... a~le rending case ofstarvation. I have only to hold five inquests next, so sure as I live to write. Starvation is stamped upon witnessed the poor mother of yesterday, he will resume his The snow is three feet deep on every countenance; men that five in a family, sending her awful duties to day. There were the ground. were once athletic thrust out little children, almost lifeless forty dead bodies in the district We have a soup kitchen by their fieshless hands to implore from hunger. to bed. and ofMaugharow kept waiting for which we relieve four hundred assistance and the cry of'l am despairing of ever seeing them the coroner. families twice a week, giving starving,' 'I am hungry,' is alive, she took her last leave of The following are the D8IIICS soup and oatmeal to each dinned into your ears by hosts them. In the morning her rIrS! act ofthe five persons upon whose offamishing women and dying was to touch their lips with her house, according to the number bodies Mr. Burrows held children. The sufferings ofthe hand to see if the breath of life ofeach family ..' inquests: - John Hagerty, Mary poor from cold are more still remained; but the poor M'Guiness, Mary Conway, poignant, ifpossible, than from molher', fears were not Brian Nelin and Mary Costello. Soup Kitchens h1J!lger. To what extent they groundless, for nol 8 breeth These deaths all occurred in must suffer privations from could she feel from some ofher Umertck Reporter. Feb. the parish ofDrumcliffe, up to want ofclothing may be judged dear little children; that night 16, 1841- We learn that the the 10th inst. In the four fint of from the fact that in this buried them in the night of Government have resolved to cases, the verdicts were­ town with a population eternity.• despatch Mr. Soyer, the chef 'died ofstarvation.' de cuisine ofthe Refonn Club, considerably under five The facts of the last case are to Ireland with ample thousand persons, forty particularly touching. The instructions to provide his thousand pawn lickets, some Aid From St. John family ofMary Costello were in soups for the starving millions representing eight or ten a stlUVing state for the last three The Nova SCOtllrt. HaUru, oflrish people. Pursuant to this articles, have been issued weeks. 'The deceased had not Feb. 8. 1847 - We learn from wise and considerable resolve, within three months. any food for the two day! our New Brunswick exchanges artificers are at present busied The people are at the previous to her death. that on saturday week last 8 day and night constructing the commencement of what are large number of the poorer class necessary kitchens, apparatus, generally the two most severe One of her brothen procured ofrrish natives residing in the &C.... The soup has been months in this climate, almost the price ofa stone of meaJ, for which she was sent to town. city orst. John, remitted to their served to several ofthe best literally naked ... When such friends in Ireland by the Mail for judges of the noble art of is the condition ofthe poor On the following morning she England through the banks the gastronomy ... M.. Soyer has who are able to leave their was found by the roadside with aggregate stun of £700 in swns satisfied the Goverrunent that homes, some idea may be the Iinle bag ofmeal, grasped of£5 and upwards. The drafts he can serve enough and to fonned of the condition of tightly in her hand. were upon the Provincial Bank spare of most nourishing food those who, from sickness, are The verdict in this case was oflreland. May this kindness be for the poor ofthese realms, confined in their miserable 'died from exposure to cold, returned to the donors hearts a and it is confidently anticipated cabins. Disease in every hovel and previous want of the thousandfold. that there will soon be no !;nare and death in every hamlet. necessaries oflife. ' deaths from starvation in Corpses, in many instances, Ireland. remain uninterred until they become black and bloated ... Pagel Hartford Irish affected by welfare reform of 1891 Welfare reformers were active a a city official, Forrest Morgan made brother and also a boarder who pays century ago as they are today. "a thorough and conscientious $4.50 per week, The widow's health In Hartford in 1891. they went investigation in order to ascertain is good. Her brother is able to go after those 'who were receiving rent whether any real distress has about some. The town paid $5 on subsidies from the city. Some Irish resulted to those whose rent has rent and coal. Both the widow and people were caught in the belt­ been cut off by the order.· her brother can be comfortably cared tightening. Morgan investigated 16 cases for at the town house. From the distance of 100 years that were affected, five of them ·Case 0 - An Irishman and his and without knowing all the facts, it involving people identified as Irish. wife received $5 per month rent. is difficult to judge whether the Irish Morgan reported the people to be in Each is 45 years old. The woman is who lost the subsidy truly did not real need in four of the five cases, in good health, but the man is insane deserve assistance or whether they but judged that aid could be more and was once at Middletown. He is were made scapegoats of zealots efficiently given in other ways than considered a dangerous person to be who were willing to cut a municipal by providing rent money. The cases at large, but was kept at home by his budget at the expense of those least involving the Irish were summarized wife in order to secure town aid. He able to take care of themselves. as follows by the Hartford Courant: should be sent back to Middletown, At a town meeting in early "Case A- An Irishman, 64 His wife is able to support herself. summer that year, it was voted, on years old, in fair health, with no "Case E- An Irish woman, 50 the recommendation of a special occupation, has had his rent paid by years old, ha~ a daughter. aged 22, committee appointed to study the the town. He has received for this who is in poor health. The woman situation. ·that the selectmen purpose $5 per month. He has two does housework and gets from $3 to should not pay money on account grown up daughters able to help $4 per week in this way. The town of rent after July 1, 1891. to any him. and town aid. if given at all, paid $5 per month toward rent and family except such as have one or should be given at the town house. coal. The woman has two or three more children under fourteen years His wife is dead. shiftless sons who contribute of age." "Case B- An Irish widow, 60 After the order went into effect, years old, has in her family a blind (Please turn to Page 4)

Windsor-born judge used cornet to pay bills at Yale

(Continued from Psge 1) Gavegan won the Munson Prize the principle of self-determination Cemetery but when classes for his graduation thesis at Yale on which the war was fought. Such ended he wasn't often seen on and when he received his degree, a repudiation, he said, would be "a campus ... ·Many of the students he went on to the law school, betrayal to the confidence of thought Gavegan was burning a graduating in 1891. He was America who responded to their great Quantity of the midnight oil.· admitted to the New York bar in appeal without Question and sprang commented one New Haven 1892 and practiced in New York to their rescue.· newspaper, ·for seldom during his City for many years. "We are confident," he said, school days did he turn in until long In 1897. he married Anna "that with the consciousness of after midnight. The dean of the Walters O'Mara, and in 1910 he nationhood and independence, the school had a different notion of the was elected to the New York people of Ireland, North and South, boy's owl-like conduct, and Supreme Court. will put aside their differences and accordingly he brought him up on Gavegan was very active in that as typified on that symbolic the green carpet for a reprimand. Irish-American affairs in New York. flag the white of peace wilt always "Gavegan explained that he was After World War I, he was among prevail between the orange and the obliged to remain out late because he the prominent Americans who green," was playing first cornet in the lobbied unsuccessfully for Ireland Judge Gavegan lived to see an Hyperion Theater in New Haven and to get a hearing in the peace independent Ireland. but not a that the money he was receiving was settlement of the war that united one. being cautiously expended for meal supposedly was fought to make He died on Feb. 6, 1943, at the tickets and books, The dean readily the world safe for democracy. age of 79. and, after a funeral Mass forgave him and offered a blessing." In a rally for Irish independence at St. Patrick's Cathedral, was In addition to playing in city held at Madison SQuare Garden in buried in Calvary Cemetery in New orchestras, Gavegan gave cornet December 1918, for example, York City. lessons to other students, thus Judge Gavegan delivered one of (Sources: New Hsven Journal­ earning more funds for his expenses. the main speeches, He called on Courier, Nov. 4. 1909; The Irish "His early struggle story: said the President Woodrow Wilson to World, Dec. 14, 1918; New York New Haven paper in admiration, "will ensure at the peace conference in Times, Feb. 7. 1943; ·Ysle College compare favorably with that of any Versailles that the victorious Class of '89,· 1904; "Who Was typical self-made American." European powers did not repudiate Who in Americs, • Vol. IV,) Page 4

Briefly noted Former slave lived to ripe old age here PARADE - We will be represented in the New Haven St. Patrick's Born into slavery in the South, Day parade on Sunday, March 16, with a float commemorating the William Winter ended his days at Irish Famine. Member Jim Sheehan, the Claddagh Carver, is creating the ripe old age of 105 as a a banner depicting the logo he designed for us along with the slogans, substantial landowner in Deep ~Black '47" and "Remember Skibereen .... The float will be piloted by River. Frank and Jeanne Whalen. Born in 1795 in South Carolina as a slave to a man named Henry LIBRARY DISPLAYS - Pat Heslin, Maureen Delahunt, Eva Madigan, Cox, Winter escaped at the age of Frank and Jeanne Whalen will prepare displays for libraries in celebra­ 20 and came north by means of the tion of Irish Heritage Month in March. Our displays will be shown at underground railroad. He was the public libraries in Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, New hidden in the home of Deacon Haven, Northford and West Haven. A book about our heritage and George Read in Deep River when culture will be donated to each library. Cox came looking for him. Winter senled in Deep River and TEA - On Jan. 26, our society and the Irish History Roundtable eventually acquired 20 acres of hosted a tea at the home of member Elizabeth Dalton. Twenty-five land with two homes, He died in "'volunteers" attended this trial run for what will hopefully become an 1900, having lived in three annual event on a larger scale. Thanks to Elizabeth and her husband centuries. Bob, to Virginia McClelland, president of the Roundtable, to Maureen (Source: Hartford Courant, July Delahunt and Pat Heslin for planning the event and program, which 2, 1904.J included the history of tea, reading tea leaves, the Irish traditions of Editor's note: In recognition of celebrating "women's Christmas'" at Epiphany and St. Bridget's Day the bond between our society and on Feb. 1, and readings of works by Irish poets and writers. the other members of the Ethnic Heritage Center, and to foster THANKS - To Eva Madigan for donating the video "Derry to Kerry, appreciation for all races and Michael Palin's Irish Railway Journey," in memory of her late hus­ nationalities, we print in each issue band, Jim. of The Shanachie one story about another ethnic group. EVENING AT aUINNIPIAC - The New Haven Gaelic Players will pre­ sent ~Spreading the News· by Lady Gregory at The Buckman Theater on the Ouinnipiac College campus at 7:30 p.m. on March 27. We will Hartford cut rent aid have an exhibit and provide refreshments. Early arrival is suggested. (Continued from Page 31

Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society nothing for her support. In every P.O. Box 120-020 way, she and her daughter could be better cared for at the East Haven, Connecticut 06512 almshouse. "Case I An Irish woman, aged 30, and in good health, has ~We have kept faith with the past; wa have handed a tradition to the future. ~ Pedraic Pearse three children, nine. eight and five respectively. She has received help President: Patricia Heslin, 143 Haverford St., Hamden 06517. 248-6050. from the town and others. Her husband is shiftless and was Vice Pres. Jeanne Roche Whalen, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ recently in police court for non­ 0426. support of family. There may be another woman in the case.The Secretary: Maureen Oelahunt, 15 Brubaker Rd., Cheshire 06410. 272-7144. man is able to support his family.... Of the other 11 people whose Treasurer: Tom Slatar, 55 Robenson Or., Hamdan 06518. 248-4826. cases were discussed, four were identified as Americans and one Sh&nachie Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Tetr., Wallingford 06492. 269­ each as colored, French, English 9154. and German. In the remaining two cases, no mention was made of MembershIp: $10 individual; $15 family. Send nama, address and check the race or ethnic background of made out to CIAHS 81 above address. those cut off from the rent subsidy received from the town. The Shanachie: In Ireland, a shanachle 15 a folklorist, historian and keepflr of {Source: Hartford Courant, the traditions of the people. July 17, 1891J Vol. IX, No.2 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society March - April 1997

Middletown had its own immigrant 'poet laureate' Middletown may be ~ of years in the foundry In December 1885, for unique among Connecticut of the Stiles & Parker example, the Penny Press towns in having its own Press Co. located in published a Barre~ poem in honor Irish poet. Middletown, but his of the Irish politi~al leader Charles For almost. 30 years, real love was in the Stewart Parnell who was at that Edward Barrett was a composing of verse. time visiting America. Six years regular contributor of From at least 1885 on, later, i~ published his thoughts on verse to newspapers in and perhaps before, "Parnell's Downfall." Middletown, earning for his poems appeared In March 1890, it printed a St. himself the title of ·poet periodically, if not Patrick's Day poem by Barrett and laureate of the South frequently, in the in November of that year, his ode Farms,· the section of columns of the Penny to two visiting Irish patriots, town where he lived. Press, the Sentinel .. America's Welcome to O'Brien Barrett was born in and the Witness, and Dillon," was published. Ireland in May 1825 and came to Middletown's three newspapers. Sometimes, his offerings the United States in 1869. He The topics he chose ranged revolved around happenings in apparently sojourned in England from the changing seasons to Middletown's Irish community. He for some time before- that, for his current events, but his love for wrote a poem, for example, on the daughter, Catherine, was born in Ireland was evident in his frequent occasion of the founding of a England in 1855. selection of Irish themes for his He was employed for a number verse. (P(ease turn to Page 3J New Haven Irishman carried Civil War 'trophy' for 20 years For more than 20 years, a New siege of Vicksburg, Miss., was location of the bullet. Crowley was Haven veteran carried with him designed to wrest control of the discharged in November of 1864, everywhere he went a reminder of Mississippi River from the and for the next 20 years the leg his service in the Civil War. Then in Confederates. was a source of great pain. 1884, Cornelius Crowley had the On July 8, 1863, in the In 1884, he consulted a New reminder, a two-ounce minie ball, assault on Port Hudson, the 19· Haven surgeon, Dr. Thomas removed from his thigh bone. '(ear-old Crowley's regiment was Russell, who theorized that the Crowley enlisted in the 9th in the thick of the fighting, and ,bullet had traveled upward and Connecticut Regiment in 1861 and most of the members of his gun away from the spot of its entry was at the capture of New Orleans crew and 33 members of his near Crowley's knee. Crowley in 1862 and the unsuccessful company were kille~. He himself agreed to another operation and campaign against Vicksburg on the was wounded when the minie ball Russell found the minie ball Mississippi River that same year. In entered his left leg just above the embedded deep in the veteran's November 1862, he was knee. thigh. The bone was chisled away transferred to Co. A of the First He was taken to ~05pitals at and 21 years, three months and 15 Regiment of U.S. Artillery. In Baton Rouge, New Orleans and days after it entered Crowley's leg, 1863, that unit was involved in the Governor's Island in New York the Confederate bullet was Union's campaign against Port where surgical probes by army removed. Hudson, La., which, along with the doctors failed to discover the (Source: New Haven Evening Register, Oct. 27, 1884.J Page 2 Irish girl was a first Fsmily History When it decided to hire its first woman employee just before World WHERE TO FIND BOOKS- In the last issue of The Shanachie, I War I, Hartford's Society for mentioned some valuable books about Irish genealogy. For those who Savings picked an Irish girl, might wish to consult those books, here is a list of Connecticut Catherine Sheedy. libraries which own them. Some libraries may have them only for Sheedy, described as "a reference, while others may have circulation copies, Public libraries are charming, rather. buxom girl," listed by town name only: became secretary to Sidney Crofut, "Guide to Irish Parish Registers," by Brian Mitchell, 1988: Bridgeport, the assistant treasurer. Connecticut State library in Hartford. The only woman among 20 employees, Sheedy created some "New Genealogical Atlas of Ireland," by Brian Mitchell, 1988: logistical difficulties, according to Bridgeport, Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford, Connecticut the bank's history: "Where could State library, Stamford, Southington. she keep her valuables? Mr. Crofut "Irish Records," by James Ryan, 1988. Bristol, Bridgeport, bought her a metal locker and Connecticut Historical Society, Connecticut State Library, Danbury, placed it by her desk, Then there Hartford College for Women, Greenwich, Hamden, Kensington, was the problem of the washroom. Middletown, New London, Orange, Southport, Simsbury, Southington, She certainly could not share that Wallingford, Waterbury. with the men. So the bank's "Tracing Your Irish Ancestors," by John Grenham, 1992, 1993: treasurer, A. Elisha Hart, offered Branford, Bristol, Central Connecticut State University (Manchester her his own private lavatory. Center). Connecticut State library, Greenwich, Hartford, Kensington, Another crisis was the annual May Meriden, Middletown, Shelton, Southbury, South Windsor, Suffield, outing held in a cabin on the Wallingford, Waterford, Westport. Farmington River ... In order to PARISH RECORDS - Once they have determined which parish in insure adequate chaperonage, the Ireland their ancestor resided in, Americans may write directly to the bank management also invited parish priest. However, such requests, as I understand it, are being Miss Sheedy's sister and brother­ increasingly referred to heritage centers. These government·sponsored in-law. ~ agencies have been given permission to copy and index a variety of (Source: "Passbook to a Proud records, including Roman Catholic parish registers. For a fee, the staff Past and a Promising Future," will research for specific names or under a full research report. The page 7B,) centers vary in the level of service available to date, Addresses can be found in the journal Irish Roots, from the Irish Genealogical Society International, St, Paul, Minn.. on the Internet (http://www.mayo· ireland.ie/roots.htm), or by contacting this writer through The Connections Shanachie. HERITAGE CENTER LIMITATIONS - There are limitations to Seek information on Mary GORMAN commissioning research through the heritage centers. Even assuming (Gormon?), born Ireland ca 1835; they have finished assembling a given county's key records, one is arrived U.S. prior to 1855, to Penfield, dependent on the staff for the interpretation of the original handwritten N.Y., near Rochester. Married William documents, and spelling variations found for most surnames. Each Spall ca 1855. Need birthplace in stage of extracting and copying data allows for errors or omissions to Ireland. Joseph Michael KEARNS, born occur, However, unless the records you are seeking happen to have Ireland ca 1830; arrived U.S. prior to been already compiled in books or journals, or filmed for the Mormon libraries, the heritage centers may be the most accessible source for 1855, to Pomeroy, Meigs, Ohio. what could be the most complete record available of your ancestors in Married Mary Monteith. Nov. II, 1855. Ireland, Need birthplace in Ireland. Mary MONTEITH. born Ireland ca 1833, PAMPHLET - The Irish Genealogical Society International publishes arrived U.S. prior to 1855, to Pomeroy, an updated pamphlet describing heritage centers in Ireland. The Meigs, Ohio. Married Joseph Michael pamphlet, entitled "Ireland's Genealogical & Historical Research Centres," is available for $8 from the Irish Genealogical Society Kearns, Nov. II, 1855. Brother James International, P.O. Box 16585, St, Paul, MN 55116, Monteith also lived in Pomeroy per 1860 census. Need birthplace in Ireland. Reply to Carolann Keames Leskovec, - Paul R. Karoaek 10829 Tibbetts Road. Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5194. FAMINE JOURNAL March - April 1847 #10

Perspective Death By Starving Tbousands Perisb Frightful Spectacle In County Mayo In County Cork OfWretcbedness Accounts became more gruesome. Thousands were Brlttania, Mlrch 6, 1847­ Sunday'. Well, Cork, From tbe Journll of Father dying of starvation and Mayo still SUffCTll most. The Marcb 6, 1847 -It is Jobn Sheehln, Workhouse disease and corpses were local pepers published on impossible to describe to Cblpilln, Ennbtymon, being left unburied. The ports Tuesday give the following English minds the actual County Clare., Marcb 22, 1847 were crowded with those summary ofthe previous week: condition ofthe miserable, - The two little girls, sisters, fleeing the country and grand On Tue~y last John dying people throughout this whom I have this moment schemes were proposed to Atkinson, Esq., ooroner, held district ... Many thousands are attended, present the most remove millioos of Irish an inquest on the body of already beyond the reach of frightful spectacle of people to canada or put them Eleanor Walsh. On Wednesday, effectual aid and must \\Ifetchedness I have witnessed under harsh military rule for at Balli.na, on the body of inevitably perish. Thousands yet. Attenuated, emaciated, years since they obviously Andrew Kelly. On Thursday, more arc hastening to death famine-stricken, they are as yet could not govern lbcmselves. at DenyvicneaJ, on the body of ... There are greater sufferings nothing but breathing skeletons; and more numerous deaths in and the sUIpri.se is how they Led by their bishop, Dr. Anthony Carden. IJreuased was this one distri~ than I had Manginn, the Catholic clergy fifth child ofws family who could have outlived so much calculated or supposed to be of County Deny pledged feU a victim to famine; a child, hunger and cold and Wilnt. They possible in the whole country themselves "to have all the about five years old, who was were brought to the workhouse ... But the sight, the shocking last night in a car, more dead deaths whicb occurred in the the only survivor, was reduced site ofcold, naked, squalid, than alive - in truth starved­ diocese since the lst of to a mere skeleton. On Friday filthy, diseased, dying, dead Their parents died ofstarvation. November lISt accurately at Killala, on the body of feUow-tteatures, strikes an Two sisters fell victim to the de9Cribed in the parochial Martin M'OoMell. On indescribable horror ... registries ... distinguislUq Saturday. at Crossmolina, 011 same calamity. Yesterday, within less than 30 those who may have fallen the body ofMargaret Murphy. The survivors were kept alive miles ofthis city,l spent victim 10 starvation; that on Same day at Caraclogbe:ty, on by contributioOJl sent from the seventl hours going through the 1st of May next the the body ofBridget M'Dermot. Chapel on Sundays, until it 'N8S the most wretched hovels I records of said deaths be Same day at Coraghbeg, near thought they were weU. In the ever saw ... I found human placed in the archives of the Crossmolina, on the bodies of multitude ofapplicatiOIl!J for beings huddled together ­ diocese, lhat the regiMes be James Fleming and Edward relief, they were entirely lost diseased, dead and dying ... rolled in black crape bearing Fleming, father and son, the sight of. DO one dared at Jast to These miserable dens this inscription - 'The former about 60 yean of age go near the doomed cabin where contained an average ofover Records ofthe MUl'dersoftbe and the latter 13. It WllS truly they lay, until by accident it was seven inmates each; more than Irish Peasantry. perpetrated awful to see these wretched discovered that one ofthe three one-third ofwhom were ill of in AD. 1846~7. in the 9th beings, once strong and able to was dead ... and the two fever and dysente!y, and all of and 10th Victoria, under the work, till worn away by hunger, SlUYi ving girls, after six oc whom were starving ... name ofeconomy, during the stretchod side by side in death. .seven days fasting. were administration of a The survivors ofthis In a miserable but, 00 the snatched from the jaw ofdeath professedly Liberal Whig unfortunate family, thJee in side oftI mountain road ... I only to linger out ... some short Government of which Lord number, must very soon have to found a poor man apparently period ofmiseBble existence ... lohn Russell wu the endure the same horrible fate, dying on the Ooor in fever, his Premier," such is their emaciated wife sitting by the hearth like Vast Emigration appearance, unless they are a corpse, unable to rise to Cork EumlDer, April 1847 speedily relieved On SWlday, open the cabin door, a child FAMINE JOURNAL - Still our are quays thronged at Fortfie1d on the body of about eight years old, as ... It would seem as ifthe ruJll! Anthony Gallagher. This man's miserable looking as the population ofall MW'Ister had Publi:thod bimotlthly during tbe family consists ofeight mother, and - most horrible UOtb m:U-..ry of u.e Irish assembled in our city, per9On9, all suffering from ofall- partly concealed foUta FamiDe. Cop)TiBbt 1997 by preparatory to their bidding an 1ho Connediall triIb-Ameril:an extreme want, and no &pc for beneath some straw on the eternal farewell to the land of Himlrical Society, P.O. Box 12()" theI!I, but instant death unless floor, the corp3CS oftwo 020. Eat HlvaI, 06512. their fathers and affections. cr speedily relieved. In all these younger children ... cases verdict3 of'death by starvation' were retw1:Ied ... A. "''' Colonization Or Need For Famine Death Data Debated 'I Am Fainting Now Militarization III P.rll.meDl, Tueld.y, M.rch 9, 1847 With Hunger' MR. SMI1lI O'BRIEN: In moving for a return ofthe number of Letter to Prime MJ_lster Letter from Couaty LoDgford, pcrwns who have died in each parish in Ireland, during each Jobn Russell, Mucb 31, 1847 Much S, 1847 -Ishall here month since the 1st ofNovcmber 1846 insofar as the same can be - We have the honour to relate a case I witnessed the other ascertained by information derived from inquiries ofthe present to your Lordship the day, I might relate twenty such constabulary and from officiating clergymen ... specifying the enclosed Memoria! .. The main seen within a week. number who have died ofstarvation or disease consequent upon proposition which it embodies, Seven men were in a field ... the insufficiency offood .. and 10 which those who have employed in breaking the clods of signed it consider themselves earth ... the whole seven v.'C1"C pledged lire -1st The necessity (pRIME MINISTER) LORD JOHN RUSSELL Said as far as the doing less than one man's work ... ofsystematic colonization on a govcnunenl were concerned, there could be no objection whatever I was soon convinced that the men very large scale, from Ireland to to the returns from the constabulary. He feared, however. that the were, some ofthem, leaning on Canada, and nfthe assistance of house would most probably be led into error by My such retwns. their implements of work, and the State 10 promote it; 2d. The others staggering among the necessity ofmaking religious MR. SMI1lI O'BRIEN: Said it had been calculated that as many as clods, from sheer weakness and provision for the Emigrants; 3d. 240,000 persons had been already allowed 10 die ofstarvation in hunger ... The advantage ofenlisting Ireland, and if such were the fact, or even if the number were but One of the men ... crawled private enterprise. in the Conn of 2,000, he wished it to go forth that such things were permitted in through a gap in the hedge, came agency. to carry oul the plan; the wealthiest nation in the world. He believed it was in the power out upon the road on his hands and 4th. A willingness to accept oflegislature and ofgovernment 10 prevent a single death from and knees, and then tried to rise, an Income and Property tax for starvalion in Ireland; and ifthe present state ofthings were got up bit by bit as a feeble old the pwpose ofdefraying the cost permitted 10 continue, he would do his utmosl to endeavor to draw man ... He was nol an old man.. of the emigration. the attention of the civilized world to the fact thai his countI)men He was under 40 years ofage, London Morning Post, were allowed 10 perish like vennin .. was tall and sinewy, and had all Much 31, 1847 - There are the appearances of what would large tracts ofcountry in IrelllJld Thund.y, M.rch II, 1847 have been a mong man ifthere - whole colU\lies - which we had been flesh on his body. But LORD GEORGE BENTINCK: ... It had been stated, and he had should reconunend the he bowed down, his cheeks were not heard any contradiction ofthe fact, that 240,000 persons had legislative govenunent to seize sunken and his skin sallow­ died ofstarvation in Ireland, and also that out of 110,000 in the upon for a period 0[20 or 30 coloured, as ifdeath were a.lready workhouses, the number thai had died in them was at the rate of years .. Ofthese districts, within him ... 'It's the hunger, n,ooo for the year. Now il was a matter ofdeep regret that this militaJy possession should be your honour, nothing but the country should be left in ignorance on the subject ... taken. The population should be hunger,' he said in a feeble voice. subjected to a discipline 'I stayed at the work liII I could MR. lABOUCHERE (representing the government): ... He analogus to the military, their stay no longer. I am fainting now thought it was dangerous to ask for those retwns, as they might labour being to a ronsiderable with hunger. I must go home to mislead the house and the public ... For his part, he was not aware extent compulsory, and their lie down. There is six children ofany source from which such a horrible account could reach the reward being in proportion to and my wife and myself. We had govcnunenl. But he could not hear such imputations thrown oul the diligence with which they nothing all yesterday ... and should contribute vohmtary against the govcmment in that house, without protesting in the this morning we had only a labour in addition to that which strongest possible manner ... handful ofyellow meal among us was compulsory ... a CTowd of all ... Sure this hunger will be the people ofwtom indolence. MR. DISRAELI: He would beg leave 10 remind him that 1M death ofall ofus. God have mercy cwming, dirt and despair are the number ofdeaths in the Irish workhouses mentioned by the noble upon me and my poor family.' prominent characteristics, will lord had been taken from a return furnished to that house ... that on I saw the poor man at home and never get the good out of the the week ending on the 30th ofJanwuy this year, there had been his poor family, and truly might land til they are compelled to it. 1,493 deaths in Irish workhouses whereas in the corresponding he say, 'God have mercy!' They Once establish discipline and week oflast year the number ofdeaths in those workhouses had were skeletons all ofthem ... a the Irish will gel on very well. been only 162. The noble lord had staled that there was a report, mother skeleton and baby Establish il and keep it for 20 which ifnot accurate, had at least excited considerable notice, to skeleton; a tall boy skeleton ... or 30 years, Md then perhaps, the effect that the number ofdeaths in Ireland from famine and its Four female children skeletons, habits being formed, we may consequences amounted to 2<\0,000. The right honourable and the tall father skeleton, not trust the Irish with liberties and gentleman opposite had said that there were no grounds for that able to work to get food for them . franchises, and the privilege of report. But he (Mr. Disraeli) might say. he believed the number of taking care ofthemsclves. deaths was even gre&1.er ... AJe:a:..der Somervtl1e Page 3

Middletown poet St. Patrick's Day

(Con/inuedfrom Page J) In ,pill of coercion. we'~ raile Iha will be framed. gr.en banner. Alike for all ."tions and And wava It aloft on our pllron denomlnetions. chapter of the Ladies of Erin, an Saint'l day; D.vold of dl,tlncllon of creed. or of auxiliary to the Ancient Order of Alltru••onl and deught.r, of Erin cI...... Hibernians, in that city in 1899. wlfl honor Whelher native or forailln, which.ver The chapter was organized in Tt-i, fe.tiv.1 gloriou,. Ihll ne'er ehaU thev clalmed. decay. Imp.rtiellv treeting of all tim.. the March that year and when the With Ihem It II blended, till life will b. m...... unveiling of its charter took place on endad. Fr•• Erin. mOlt ,ur.lv, at the•• will May 11 at the McDonough theater, It. el'ri)/em. the ehamrock. unfaded have aimed. s recitation of Barren's poem, -The remainl; Though Iraltorl have Ihamed it. end Then t0811 10 tni. day full of faith and Ladies of Erin This Time,· by Miss raiden defamed it. devotion. Slavin was one of the main features It, lIinll and It' IIga., ill bard. and A day ever-.ecred in Erin', Green of the program. ile heroel, 1,le. Barren's poems on Irish topics Were gibbllled. lortured or benieheel Her million. of exil" beyond the In chain•. broed oc.en. are filled with allusions to Irish So often, for agel, they fought Erin'e Will )oin in ill raplurel of plu8ure history. He mentions the mythical Naroe" end .mlll Milesians from whom Ireland's Celts TheIr gore ulUrated the mountalnl o .ham. on Ihll Britein. for long and plalnl. thou helt .mitfln supposedly descended, Strongbow ThV li.t.r ille Erin. uneble to cope who led the Anglo-Norman invasion St. Palrick', Day dawnl loon on With IhV valt fighting force. or giant of Ireland and Tara. the ancient freedom bright beaming, resourc" palace of Irish kings. See Erin 10 hopeful. 10 cheerful of Who" .mplre il widelpread ell over Barrett continued to write in the 1.18, lhi, P1enel Of Ub.rty'. ,hadow no longar ,he', While still il inCreell1 in people end Penny Press until 1912 when four of draeming. Icope his poems appeared. By that time, In light I, lhi, godde", appro.ching Vel thy heen lowlrdl Erin wei he was 87 years old and his eyesight In ,tele. herder then grenile Till Gladltone came forw.rd with was failing. That year he moved to Pa.t wrongl will be righted and ju,tic. dellghtad. . mellurel of hope. Brooklyn, N.V., to live with his son, Banlllih her prolaction. wi.. I.w, Edwerd Barrell Robert. March 1891 In what was perhaps the most autobiographical of his poems, -Those Youthful Days," he wrote in 1911 nostalgically of his youth: The Irish Exile's Dream "Those youtnful days of Homesick. Idr..",,·d of Motherl.nd. Un.teinfld bV fickle fortune'. wlillh, innocence Compolld .whil. bv Ileap; Thet glillen 10 enll\lre. Unknown to care or woe, I thought It looked again .0 grand Are stamp'd upon my memory That Erin cealed to waap. I gri.v. to lie III Imiting ICIM With all their joys aglow, And .illing on h.r ancient throne By Ilrlngen rude dem'd. The f,aelt of Ih. frel. Which ClU.ed me in my liripling Until defunct and wilt be laid In Tar.'1 grendelt palaca known teanl In mother earth to rest. Unrivalled in It I glee. To be from there exiled. May it be nigh to my birthplace But in mv vilion thev ,eem.d gled That spot I loved the best.- So freeh and fair It. green-clad nill,. Arrayed in green again ItI vaileV' al of vore. Without one haert complaining. IItd And heard the muic of ite rille or bound in Ihralldom'l chain. Barren died in Brooklyn on April AI forwerd prelled the mower 4, 1914. He was returned to Wilh merry .ong and lpirile QIIV. Wh.n from my ,lumber I ewoke. Middletown and buried in the family Unchelnad. he lovel to loil. end found 'IWes but a dream I cuned dirk fele', degraded voke. plot in St. John's Cemetery. How tweet to besk in freadom's rav. MV angul.h wal axtreme On one', own netiva ,oil. But freedom'l banner wava. era (Source: Middletown Penny long Press•.. Dec. 1£I. 1885; Jan. 13, My childhood', cot appearad to me, Oesplla grim tyranu' mlghl With all itl cheti,hed tiel; In all known landi, uprooting wrong 1891; March 13. 1891; May 1,. 'Twit Ihere I prayad at mother', For liberty and ri"ht. 1899; Nov. 11, 1890; Dec. 26. knee. 1885; Feb. 3, 1905; Feb. 16, Each morn 18 I did rill. Edward Barrell 1905; March 9. 1911; Nov. 7, A ru.tic lull of life and health, F.bruary 1905 1911; April4, 1914.1 Blithe, hapPV, without care. Page 4

Briefly noted Immigrant cultivated Chinese vegetables SPRING FESTIVAL- The Connecticut Historical Society's Interna­ The city of Bristol in 1904 was tional Spring Festival will be on Sunday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. able to boast what was probably Our society. as always. will be represented by an exhibit and a table the only Chinese garden in of Irish scones. bread and cookies for sale. Pat Heslin, Maureen De­ Connecticut. lahunt and Eva Madigan will represent us. Frank and Jeanne Whalen It was the product of a Chinese will set up the Ethnic Heritage Center exhibit. "The Actual Enumera­ immigrant named Willie Lee Sing tion: An Ethnic History of New Haven 1790-1990,· and have a table who came to America in 1876. with ethnic items for sale. Sing began operating a laundry on North Main Street in Bristol in GLIMPSE OF THE PAST - Thanks to Hugh Faughnan and his family 1891. for participating in our oral history project. Faughnan. born in Ireland In 1897, Sing purchased one of in 1897. is a retired New Haven policeman. a number of building lots on Jacobs Street, but instead of putting up a THANKS - To Dorothy Byrne Lashinsky for donating copies of her residence on the third·of-an-acre father's military records and photos to our archives. Cornelius J. lot. he turned it into a garden. Byrne served in the Fighting 69th New York Infantry National Guard In his garden, Sing grew, and was drafted with his unit in 1917 into the U.S. Army where the according to one newspaper unit was designated the 165th Infantry. Please consider adding your account. "Chinese squashes. and family's history - military, genealogy, oral history. political. social they bear some resemblance to our organization, school, etc. - to our archives. summer squashes. Early in May, he plants seeds in a small flower pot. OLD MAGAZINES AND BOOKS - Don't throw them out. An artist is When the sprouts appear, he seeking photos. magazines and books about Irish history and the Irish. transplants them to the beds Can M. Quinn. 203-397-0101, or send the material to 23 Overlook arranged for them in the garden. He Road. Woodbridge. CT 06525. Also, our library accepts donations of usually has several thousands of books. particularly those needing archival protection and preservation. these and beside each one he sticks a pole in the ground. much as the IF YOU LIVE in Hamden. West Haven, East Haven, Milford, Guilford American farmer prepares for or Stony Creek, check your library for "Of Irish Ways· by Mary De­ raising lima beans. The vegetable laney. Her book WIS donated to these libraries by CIAHS in conjunc­ follows the pole until it is a good­ tion with March is Irish Heritage Month. It's a charming book of Irish sized plant and bears fruit.· history and folk customs that is fun to read. The squashes, which were the shape of a cucumber. but much larger and longer, were harvested Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society about the middle of August. Sing P.O. 80x 120-020 discovered a ready market for them East Haven, Connecticut 06512 in the cities of Waterbury. Hartford and New Haven. Around the edge of the garden ·We have kept fllfth with the peat; we have handed a tredltJon to the futur.... Sing grew a Chinese green which Pad,e1c P.... was a favorite with his countrymen living in Connecticut cities. And Pr••ldent: Patrida Heslin, 143 Haverford St.• Hemden 06517. 248-6050. because the Chinese vegetables grew late in the season, he also VIce Pres.: J.."... Roche Whalen. 58 Fkwenc. Ave., N.w Heven 06512. grew about 12.000 lettuce plants 468..0426. each year.

Secretery: M...... D".t\unt. 15 BNbeIt. Rd.• Cheshir. 06410. 272·7144. (Source: Hartford Courant, May 26, 1904) Tr••ur.: Tom Slat•• 55 Robert.on Dr., Hemden 06518. 248~26. Editor's note: In recognition of Sh.,echI. EdtOf': Nel HogBn. 26 Crutvl.w T.,..• Wllllngford 06492. 269­ the bond between our historicsl 9154. society snd the other members of the Ethnic Heritsge Center, snd to Memb••hJp: .'0 IndMdual; .'5 flmlly. Send neme, addr... and check foster sppreciiJtion for sll rsces snd mad. out to CIAHS 8t .v...... nstionslities, we print in esch issue of The Shsnschie one story about Th. Shenachl.: In .....end. a .henachle II • folldorilt. hi.torian and k.eper of another ethnic group. the treditlon. of the J*lPf•. ch£ sh~a.ch1e

Vol. IX, No. 3 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society May - June 1997

Trip home to Ireland got Hartford cop in trouble

All his friends and neighbors "Then, too, the Americans have thought police officer John a day's work done before they get O'Sullivan was the luckiest man in started over there. Until I got used the world when he won the first to it, I was half dead from hunger prize at the Hibernian Fair in every day waiting for breakfast till Hartford in the winter of 1903·04. 8 or 9 0'clock. The prize was a trip back to In Dublin, I went into all· the Ireland by ocean liner and what museums and such places and immigrant wouldn't love the they were all crowded. The parks chance to return to the land of his were all full of people lying around or her birth? asleep under the trees. I says to O'Sullivan, who lived at 123 Rooney of the Freeman's Journal, Babcock St. and was known as one of the leading papers in "the chief of police of Parkville" Ireland, 'How in thunder do these due to his long years on the beat people live?' there, made his voyage home in Officer O'Sullivan "'Well, you know Mr. the summer of 1904. After a two· O'Sullivan,' says he, 'Dublin is a month stay, he returned at the end home. "They haven't got any center for Ireland and lots of of August on the liner Teutonic. hustle over there," he complained. people come here to study.' No sooner had he returned, "They want to go and join in '"Are these people in the parks however, than O'Sullivan got sports, running and leaping and so studying? How do they live?' says himself in hot water with the entire on, all the time, instead of l. Hartford Irish community when, in working. "'Well,' says he. 'They're some an interview with a reporter, he '" says to a farmer one day, pensioners, you know, but most of disparaged just about everything in 'Why you're not going off today, them stay out there all day and Ireland. are you? This is a fine day to get tonight they go to the poorhouse Emphasizing that he was glad your hay in that's laying on the and get some porridge and the to be back in the United States, ground,' same thing tomorrow night.'" the policeman went on to "'Well,' says he, 'we want to Vagrancy wasn't the only comment, "They can talk to me all go and see the sports today.' No problem that bothered O'Sullivan. they want about Ireland's American farmer would do like "They try to rob all the Yankees," improving, but I didn't see it. that. Ireland's what I call a depopulated (Please turn to Page 2) country. Everybody that's got any energy leaves the country when young to come here or to go to Australia or Africa. The interior of Festival time! the country is deserted. The farmers can't get any help so all The Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society will be the land they can till is what they represented again this year at the summer festivals sponsored are able to take care of themselves by various Irish clubs around the state. We will have an with the help of the women and inform'.ition booth and display at the Fairfield County Irish children. " Festival on June 13 and 14, at the Connecticut Irish Festival at In itself, that assessment might the North Haven Fairgrounds on June 21-22, at the Irish­ not have caused O'Sullivan a American Home Society Festival at Glastonbury on July 25·26; problem, but then he launched into and at the Danbury Irish Festival on Sept. 19-21. Volunteers are a lengthy diatribe about the work needed to man the booths. Anyone interested in volunteering habits of the Irish who remained at should contact Jeanne Roche Whalen, 468-0426. Page 2 Hartford cop's comments about Ireland got him in hot water

(Continued from Page 1) Balfe pronounced O'Sullivan's often they are people who had no remarks "amusing, '" but the tenor opponunity of acquiring an Irish he said. ·You have to be paying of his own comments indicated he education before they leh, and somebody all the time. Everything found them anything but that. '"I instead of repairing that misfonune you get at a hotel is extra service. lived quite a few years on an Irish here, acquire the American slang It's passing the hat all the time. farm and never saw hay that and vulgarisms of the 'bully gee' "We went up to the top of should be taken in left on the boys. As they misrepresent Ireland Howth's Head, but there's no ground while the farmer and his here, so they misrepresent America pavilion there. By paying a little, help all went to 'the sports.' I in Ireland. you coukf get into a cottage and often saw the farmers compelled "In the light of Officer Nve some tea. Over here was a to work on Sundavs tafter church) O'Sullivan's interview we can readly fenow with a fiddle and he passed as well as on week days to save understand his aversion to those the Nt. Another man had bagpipes the hay. owing to the uncenain whom he wu told were students in and I hat and another fenow was weather. On the contrary, an Irish Dublin, and to the numbers he saw running a phonograph and a hat." farmer, at first glance at least, in the museums, for these are The transporuoon system also would be surprised beyond historical and educational bothered O'Sullivan. ·The trains measure to see the amount of instttutions. Why a quite wonderful run just as they want to and don't waste and neglect on farms here number of Americans here in try to follow the schedules. They in New England, the profusion of Hartford actualty waste their time in don't try to make connections rocks and weeds in tilled fields the public library!" between drtferent roads either and and valuable farm implements leh Another correspondent, Mary they all come into different stations out on the farm any old place for Donlon, began her reply, "Kindly Another thing about the months. The Irish farmer allow me space in your columns to railroads is the baggage. You can't cultivates every yard of his correct some of the errors of an check a trunk. You just lend tt to ground and keeps tt clean. There Irishman (in name only) recently the baggage man. At every stiltion, doubtless are exceptions which returned from his native land.'" you have to watch to see that they prove the rule. Among other things, Donlon don't throw it off. When you get to '"The shiftlessness, laziness, disputed O'Sullivan's comment that where you're going they don't put etc. alleged by this staunch the Irish people were not diligent it off for you. You have to go and American citizen is made difficult workers. "I've been in Ireland quite get it. Then they lift it off and of belief by his own words, to say recently and in a small, but thriving, charge you tuppence... '" nothing of the conflicting town on the banks of the Shannon, "Most of the people are testimony of others. He says 1,000 men and women were shiftless," said O'Sullivan. "We farmers find it difficult to get wending their way to the mills at 6 hired jaunting cars lots of times, sufficient help because of a.m. to work. True they don't but we couldn't get the driver to go emigration, which is true in the breakfast till 9, but that's quite at any speed at all unless we main, with the result that there stylish, you know. '" stopped at every public house ... are better wages and better Donlon made fun of O'Sullivan's It's bad in Ireland, but it's just as conditions than ever before for charge that he could not get the bad or worse in England ... The farm hands. If the people are so driver of a jaunting car to go fast. people are lust as shiftless and very lazy, 'will not work: 'are "Ah, '" she said, "it was not the pOor lazy. The women go out in the field satisfied,' what is it that makes driver; twas the load of intelligence and work like the men and then go them leave these comparatively such as Irish horses are not home and drink worse than the good conditions within their accustomed to that caused the poor men. I says to a fellow, 'Why don't possession to trY their fonunes in animal to go slow. '" you people hustle around, get up America7 That savors rather of Another correspondent, T.J. early and do some work, like we ambition than lazy contentment." Morkam, took O'Sullivan to task for d07' Balfe argued that far from being "a very poor judge of the "'Why I think you Americans being preyed upon, Americans condition of things at home or hustle too much.' were the most popular foreigners abroad. I lived in the city of Dublin "'Well,' says I. 'I'd rather hustle in Ireland because they were 20 years, '" he said, "and I never and get a decent living than sit idle ·found to be broadminded and knew of a Yankee or anybody and get no living.' democratic." He added, with a not robbed. Mr. O'Sullivan says he was "'Well, we're satisfied: says very subtle jab at O'Sullivan, paying something all the time for he." ·Unfonunately. however, some extra service. I know that in the city It 'didn't take long fOf some of go over from here - many of of Dublin, you have to pay for what Hartford's Irish people to respond them our own countrymen - who you get as everywhere in any hotel, to O'Sullivan. His comments are not in that class, and who by and passing the hat is out of the appeared in the Courant on their swagger, braggadocio, slang question." Monday, Aug. 29, and the next and vulgarism make themselves (Source: Hartford Courant, Aug. day, Winiam J. Balfe, president of very unpopular and are doubless 29-3', /904./ the citYs Gaelic Society, replied. 'fleeced' into the bargain. Very FAMINE JOURNAL May - June 1847 #11

Perspective The Famine Spills Over To America Ireland was too small to 170 Irish Die In Shipwreck contain such an awful trag. edy as the Famine. Hun­ Umerick Reporter - By BJTivals from Quebec, we hear that a most distressing ship1M"cck has dreds of thoUSlUlds of Irish occurred in the river St. Lawrence to an English government chartered emigrant ship, with a loss people saved themselves of 170 of its iJl-fated passengers. The vessel is called the Carrick, a brig between 200 and 300 tons from starvation by fleeing burthen, Captain Thompson, master, belonging to Sutherland. She was chartered, we undentand, the COWltry. for Irish emigration early in April last, and left Sligo for Quebec in the later part of that month 'Nith a living freight of nearly 200 emigrants. The voyage up to the time of the ship's amlval in the Newspapers described river 5t. Lawrence appeared to have been desirable as could be wished at that period of the sea~ the long columns of country son, excepting the sad condition of the emigrants, most of them suffering greatly from fever. On people wending their way the night of the 19th of May, she encountered a heavy gale of wind, which at about two on the toward seaports and the following morning drove her ashore on a dangerous shoal, situated about 60 miles eastward of crowded quays in those Cape Rossiers, when in the course of two hours she went to pieces. The scene is described to have ports as the emigrants been one truly appalling. Out of 200 poor creatures not more than 22 were saved - the remainder waitod for ships 10 take perished. them to Liverpool or Bos· ton, Quebec or Australia. Most of those who fled were already weakened from Mutiny On An Emigrant Ship At Boston two years of hunger. Thou· BoltOD liberator- The British brig Mary, Capt. Wyman, from Cork, arrived at this port on the sands of them died on the 17th of May, with 45 steerage passengers. The city authorities would not suITer them to be landed, voyages in the infamOl.L~ owing to their destitute condition, unless the master gave bonds that they should nol become a "coffin" ships. Others losl burthen to the city. Th.is he was unable or unwilling to do, and CllJIle to the conclusion that he their lives in shipwrecks. must take them to Halifax for which port he lICCOTdingly cleared on Saturday. The passengers Those who survived the were naturally much exasperated at the tum matters were taking, and when the pilot ordered the voyage were left to make crew to weigh anchor, the passengers took possession of the handspikes and Ylindlass. and as­ their way with little or no saulted Captain Wyman, who called to his assistance Captain Josias Sturgis of the revenue cutter money 10 sustain them once Hamilton, whence a boat's crew, anned with cutlasses came on board. Capt. Sturgis ordered the they reached their destina­ women and children to go aft, and the men to fall back from the windlass, which they did. He then tion. got the brig under weigh and accompanied her some distance, leaving her with a fair and fresh An editor who returned breeze. The resistance of the unfortunate passengers is not to be wondered at, when it is consid· to Liverpool from the United ered that they were not landed at the termination of the voyage, but forced to go in an entirely dif­ Stales wrote: "llte scene in ferent direction from what they contemplated. New York is truly lamen­ table. The Irish are there walking and begging in the Bishop OfQuebec Warns OfEmigration Hazards streets in as numerous Letter to tbe C.lbollc Arcbblsbops And Bisbops Of[rYland - The voice of religion and hu· groups as you will fmd manity impose on me the sacred and imperative duty of exposing to your Lordships the dismal them in Liverpool.· fate that awaits thousands of the unfortunate children of Ireland who come to seek in Canada an And at home the death asylwn from the countless evils afllicting them in their native land ... Already a considerable nwn­ toll mOW1ted both from star­ her of vessels overloaded with emigrants from Ireland have arrived in the waters of the Saint vation and from disease. La'WTel'lce. During the passage, many of them weakened beforehand by misery and starvation, have contracted fatal diseases, and fOT the greoter part have thus become the victims of an un­ timely death ... Anchoring at Grosse De, about thirty miles below Quebec, where they are com­ FAMlNEJOURNAL pelled to perfonn a quarantine, the transatlantic vessels were most commonly infccted with sick and dying emigrants ... Already more than a thousand human beings have been consigned to their Published bimonlttly during the eternal rest in the Catholic Cemetery, precursors of thousands of others who will rejoin them there ISOth 1Illliven.uy of the Irish ifthe stream of emign¥ion continues to flow ... I submit these facts to your considentioo that YOUT P<*10 Famine. Copyright 1991, Lordships may use every endeavour to dissuade your diocesans from emigrating in such nwnber9 the Connecticut Irish-Americ.n to Canada, where they will but too often meet with either a premature death or a fate as deplorable Historical Society, P.O. Box as the heartrending condition under which they groan in their unhappy country ... 120-020, East Haven Cf06S12. Jol. Slgn.y, Archbishop of Quebec. 9th JUDe 1847 Fever At Work Sickening Scenes 6 In Family Die Most Horrifying London TImes. May ~. London Times. May 10, TIppenry VllldlCltor, May Cork Eumlncr, May 2, 1847 - Deaths by famine arc 1841 - Destitution in the hith- 1847 - In a house in the Old 1847 - We today witnessed a happily becoming rare, but fever mo flourishing county of Fer- Turnpike, Nenagh, on Wednes- most horrifying and appalling is rapidly doing the wort of rnanash is rapidly increasing. At day. a family consisting of six spectacle at the Shandon guard- decimation. The accounts from the last meeting of Enniskillen per3OIlS, occupied one wretched house, at the foot of Mallow Kerry, Galway, Roscommon Board of Poor Law Guardians a bed. Two children lay dead at lane. Under the sheds attached and Longford arc of an ex- proposition to bury the: paupers the foot of the miserable pallet to that building lay some 38 hu- tremcly unfavout8blc character. without coffins was gnavely dis- of stnlw. Three othen were in man beings - old and young In the wtion workhouse of the cussed, but eventua.lly the r~ typhus fever, the disease of men, women, children and in- lattcrCOUllty, the number of Julion was abandoned. which the othen had died, and Cants of the tenderest age - all deaths in the year ending the 1st One of the local papers thus the father who had been, we UD- huddled together like so many ofApril 1846 was 112, while describes a scene while the dcrstand, an expert journeyman pigs or dogs, Ob the ground for the corresponding period this guardians were engaged in their tailor a few months ago, but without any other covering but year they amounted to 677. deliberations: The miserable ~o had no employment, v.'llS the rags on their persons and uDdoD Times. May 6, creaturcs fuuiin8 the door unable to crawl about the dark these in the last stage of filth 1847 - Sir, As I have been for opened rushed in ... The implor. cabin, quickly sinking as he was and hideousness. the last thTee weeks engaged in ing and agonizing looks of the under starvation Not a soul was J1!ere they lay - some ely- making an inspoction of a por- unfortunate creatuJes but too to be found to enteT that awful ing, some dead - all gaunt and tion of the south-west of county buly indicated the increase of abode of siclcness and death .. yellow and hideous with famine Cork., perhaps the testimony of disease and hardship in this por- Scenes like these are frequent, and disease. We have seen an eye-witncss on the subject of tion of the country, the children sufferings as intense arc daily many sights ofhorror within tbe the distress may be interesting appeared to be dying in the act met with by the clergy in their last month, but never anything ... lhc number of ca.ses of fever of endeavouring to extract SU5- avocations in several districts .. equal to this congregated mass in (Bantry) t have estimated at tenance from the dried-up of human debasement 180; and ofdysentery at 270, breasts of their parents, others, Food Exported The smeU that came from giving a total of450 cases of more mature in ycars were Umertck Reporter, JUDe the unfortunate was offensive disease out of a population of propped up by some relative or 1!§, 1847 - It would appear in the extreme and was suffi- about 3,200 inhabitants, nearly acquaintance who was fast has-- from the continued importa. cient of itselfto propagate dis- ono-scventh of the entire. lening to a similar stale of tions of food into Liverpool The condition of the fever weakness. The general appear. from Ireland that the speculaton """. ance was buly sickening ... Two of these wretched patients is indeed deplorable, in this country have been some- people died this morning - a living in close, ill·ventilated what disappointed. Prices of man and a child. How many huts, !lUJTOUI\ded by a dense at- Encyclical Issued food arc still enonnously high, will follow them before the mosphere of smoke and seldom Venerable Bretbern - ... yet the speculators do not ap- evening to their home of eternal separated from the other mem- We recommend that in the dio-- pear to be satisfied or cannot peace we may not calculate. ben their of the family, lIS there is no ceseB or districts subject to your realise profits equal to ex- Several dead bodies - princi- hospital accommodation outside jurisdiction, you should appoint b11vagllllt expectations ... paUy of childrerl- were found the worll:house ... In several tbrcc: days for Public Prayer, in According to the doctrines of this morning in various parts of cases, I have seen the poor suf- chUl'Ches or other holy places political economy, these specu- the city. Hundreds of wretched fcrcrs obliged to sit crouching whereby the Father of Mercies laton may not be interfered objects lie about under sheds over the fire, from the want of W'Ouid be sought to avert this with, but are at full liberty to without food or clothing. mtIicient clothes to cover them dreadful calamity from lrdand drive the most lucrative tnadc or even straw to lie upon ... In as well as from the rest of Eu- they can in the food for the Nettles Devoured the greater number of cases, rope. And that this may be the want of which the people arc A Waterford paper states that they are for one halfof the more cheerfully and the more starving ... week without drink or nourish- advantageously effected, we no nettles or water-crcsses can Here is a list of Irish exports ~ ment ofany sort except cold hereby grant an indulgence of now be found in neighbour- water ... to Liverpool alone from the hood of Dungarvan, as the seven years: to all those who 20th of May to the 3d instant ... The mortality of Bantry is wiU have been present at these starving peasants have devoured 168 tons of wheat, 302 quarters all those plants. yet very high, (the last day of prayers even once; but to those same, 485 barrels same, 380 April I saw three pits, in one of ~o shall have attended on sacks same, 570 loads of Ollt- which were buried 232, in the each of the three days and that meal,loo baJTelssame, 481 second 215, and the third, 75, within that week devoutly rc- sacks same, 20 barrels same, Kerry Reduced .11 from the workhouse ... The ceiving the Holy Sacraments of )50 quarters oats, 637 barrels It has been calculated that weekly mortality rate in the Penance and Eucharist we im- same,4 tons same, 3I sacks the constituency of the caunty town alone is yet upwards of part, in virtue of our apostolic same, 67 quarters beans, 70 Kerry has been reduced by half 100 or I in 32 which is 70 times authority, a Plenary Indulgence sacb same, 718 quarters malt, through death, emigration and higher than in London ... n sacks barley meal, 92 barrels lapsed qualification. Joseph Kidd Pope Pius IX Indian meal. Page 3

Family History AOH picnic featured shaved pig race Sports were a major part of NEWSPAPER OBITUARIES -The obituary columns of newspapers can the festivities at the annual be valuable sources of genealogical information. Modern-day papers, Ancient Order of Hibernian picnics of course, provide a wealth of information about a person's parents in Hartford in the 1870s. and frequently grandparents, brothers and sisters and children as well Baseball, horse racing, and an as about his or her education, employment and leisure-time interests assortment of other competitions and associations. were on the agenda at the AOH picnic at Charter Oak Park on Obituaries in earlier newspapers are much more chancy. Frequently, Wednesday, Aug. 25. 1875. they contain only one or two lines and merely mention the name of the The picnic began at 10 a.m, deceased with linle or no information about parents or other relatives. with a "Grand Game of Base Ball" Still, it is usually worth the time and effort to track down obituaries between teams selected from the from whatever period because they occasionally provide clues to first and second divisions of the relationships or fascinating details about the deceased or the family. Hartford AOH. For example. the three-line obituary of an infant. Martha S. Carroll. the The horse racing was 2-year·old daughter of Thomas and Almira Carroll. was accompanied restricted, said an advertisement by a loving. five-verse poem when it appeared in the New London for the picnic, to animals that had Morning News on Nov. 13. 1844. never before raced and were Similarly, the obituary of Mrs. Mary Flynn of Terryville in the Hartford entered by members only, Courant of March 4. 1908, is filled with interesting information both Sack and wheelbarrow' races about family ties and her personal life. She was born 60 years ago. it were also held and the program of said, in the city of Waterford. Ireland, and came to America at the age sports culminated with the "Grand of 30, "marrying James Flynn at New York. Their married life was Chase After a Shaved Pig" with spent here upon Town Hill where Mr. Flynn died about 20 years ago.· the prize of the pig going to the After his death, his widow moved to Terryville Center, "her home person who could hold it by the being next to the Church of the Immaculate Conception." Mrs. Flynn. tail. the paper related, "was a friend of the friendless and an active worker. Music for the picnic was Her name was known far and wide among the tramps whom she was provided by the St. Peter's Band never known to turn away without a square meal.· The obituary goes and admission was 50 cents. on to list all Mrs. Flynn's survivors, including a sister in New Jersey, Train fair to the picnic grounds was an extra 20 cents.

OLDEST IRISHMEN? WELL. MAYBE - One sure way to get extra (Source: Hartford Courant, Aug. obituary space in the old days was to have a reputation as the oldest 24, 18751 Irish resident of a community. It is difficult to know how much credence to place in "oldest Irish resident· obituaries because their authenticity frequently depended on the memory of other old-timers in town rather than on any comparison of vital records or census data, Still, if an ancestor was known to have lived to a ripe, old age and to Connections have been among the earliest Irish in a community, that ancestor may have gotten some extra space in the obituary column. When John J. Seek ancestors of Michael DOWNEY, lynch died at his home in Portland on July 10, 1899, at the age of 100, he was said to be "probably the oldest Irish-American resident born Limerick., Ire., died Stamford, cr, of Middlesex County." The obituary for Lynch contained little 1896, age 51. Also his wife, Margaret additional information about lynch other than the fact that he was DALTON, born ireland, died born in Ireland, came to Connecticut at an early age and was survived Greenwich, CT, 1870. Children: John by two sons and four daughters. When Patrick McNally died in New T., born 1864; Lizzie, 1866·1870; Haven in September 1876. he was described as "one of the oldest Daniel, 1870-1916, died Slamford. citizens in New Haven ... He came to this country in 1832 ... land) Michael remarried in 1872 in Stamford was employed in a number of well-known families and for a few years to Mary Glynn and had other children. was sexton of St. Bernard's cemetery." Also, seek ancestors of Bridget WHERE TO FIND OLD NEWSPAPERS - The majority of public O'FARRELL, daughter of Patrick libraries maintain either microfilms or bound volumes of newspapers FARRELL and Bridget O'ROURKE. serving their communities, In addition, the state library in Hartford has Married Oct. 27, 1867, in Stamford, an extensive collection of microfilms of old Connecticut newspapers. cr, to Artimus BOATMAN; died April librarians are always willing to help a researcher find and get set up 10, 1932. Reply to both queries: Sister with a microfilm. Before attempting to research such papers, it is wise Roberta Downey, 947 Lakloey Drive, to have as accurate a date of death as possible since browsing takes North Pole, Alaska. a long time. Page 4

Briefly noted French-Canadian overcame disability MEMORIALS - The following memorials have been received: dona­ People who have disabilities are tion in memory of Gertrude Hines by niece Helen Donarum, donation always proving both their talents in memory of the Gildea and Heslin families by Patricia Heslin, dona­ and their mettle in the world of tion in memory of Archie 0'Donnell by Carolyn Westerfield, donation sports. in memory of the Roche and Whalen families by Francis and Jeanne Such was the case in the early Whalen. 1900s with Amede Blanchette, a French-Canadian native of the DONATIONS - We thank members who included donations with eastern Connecticut town of their membership renewals. Bill & Rosemary Barrett, Patrick W. Bo­ Taftville. han, Rita Breese, Robert & Mary Colburn, Stephen Collins, Joseph & While playing baseball near Ihe Susanne Bowery, James & Catherine Condron, Raymond J. Donahue Iracks of the Norwich and Sr., Helen Donarum, John & Mildred Doody, John P. Droney, John & Worcester Railroad at an early age, Helen Farrell, Paul R. Farrell, Edward Fox, Thomas Gallagher, William Blanchette was knocked down by a & Audrey Gallogly, Mary Ford Griffin, Cornelius J. Healy, Patricia Hes­ Irain. His right leg was severely lin, Vincent Hines, Neil Hogan, Patrick M. Hogan, David C. Howe, injured and had to be amputated. Judith Ellen Johnson, Paul R. Keroack, Colleen Kissane Tierney, Not willing to give up the game Stephen & Kathlyn Kraffmiller, Diane B. Lenti, Bob lingane, Ellen, he loved, Blanchette learned not Martin and Michael Looney, Joan & Thomas D. Luby, William & only to get along wilh one wooden Nathalie Nugent Mannie!, Francis McRickard, Mary Ellen Mininberg, leg, but to continue to play William J. O'Brien, Philip Paolella, Janet F. Pestey, Helen K. Quinn, baseball. James & Patricia Reardon & Family, Maureen Rynne, Tom & Noreen During his college days at St. Slater, Bohdan & Ella Sowa, Mary Beth Stevens, Winston Suitor, Cesaire in Canada from 1890 to George Waldron, John & Rosemary Waldron, Carolyn E. Westerfield, 1894, he won a majority of the Francis & Jeanne Whalen, Mrs. Frances C. Winston. games he pitched and when he returned to Connecticut, he became GIFTS OF MEMBERSHIP - From John Sullivan of Niantic to Claire a slar catcher and pitcher for what Donahue, Carol French, John O'Leary, Ellen Sullivan & Emmet Sulli­ was described as "the crack van; from Rosemary Palmer of Guilford to John J. McDonald & Uza E. amateur team, the Andems of Palmer; from Francis & Jeanne Whalen of New Haven to David & North Grosvenordale." Stephanie Ewart & Family, Jim & Margie Ewart & Family and Stephen In one July 4th doubleheader, & Caroline Ewart & Family; from Mary Florence Lillis of West Haven, Blanchette caught the morning a happy birthday to Thomas F. Lillis IV. game, had one hit, scored a run and made 12 putouts and four assists. In the afternoon, he pilched his Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society team to a 5-3 victory over Putnam, P.O. Box 120-020 holding opposing batters to only East Haven, Connecticut 06512 five hits. Blanchette worked as a weaver in one of the North Grosvenordale ·We h.ve kept felth with the palt; we hev. handed a tradition to the futur.... mills, but despite his handicap, Padr..eP..... baseball continued to be his first love. "Baseball men who have seen Pruldent: JeMne Roche Whelen, 58 FJorence Ave., New Heven 06512. Blanchette work," said the Hartford 468-0426. Courant, "say he is equal to most of the catchers with two legs and Vice Pre,.: George Wektron, 145 Corbin Road, Hemden 06517. superior to many who are drawing big salaries in the Connecticut Secretery: Maur.en Delahunl, 15 Brubaker Rd., Chuhh 06410.272-7144. League."

TrHlurer: Tom Slater, 55 Robert.on Dr., Hemden 06518. 248-4826. (Source: Hartford Courant, July 12, 19041 Shanachl. Editor: Nell Hogen, 26 c..utv'-w T...., WelWngfOfd 06492. 269­ 9154. Editor's note: In recognition of the bond between our historical Mem'*,hlp: .,0 IndIvklu"; '15 femlly. Send nem., addre.. and check society and "the other members of mad. ouIlo CIAHS at above addr.... the Ethnic HeritBQe Center, and to foster appreciation for all rsces and The Shenachle: In If.end, a IhMaChI.lI a foiklori.t. hlslorian and keeper of nationalities, we print in each issue the tradiUOI\I: of th. peopI•• of The Shsnachie one story about another ethnic group. a.ch1~

Vol. IX, No.4 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society July - August 1997

Aug. 24 marks centennial of New Haven Fenian hero

One hundred years ago, on Sun­ court in Dublin of six Fenians ­ day, Aug. 22, 1897, James Robert Cranston, James Darragh, Reynolds, one of Connecticut's Michael Harrington, Thomas Has­ leading Irishmen and one of the sett, Martin Hogan and James Wil­ foremost Fenians in America, died son - to life imprisonment for par­ at his home at 557 East St. in New ticipating in a plot to overthrow Haven. English rule in Ireland. The plotters Active in many Irish and Irish­ were transported to Western Aus­ American causes, Reynolds was tralia to serve their sentences in best known for his role in the free­ the prison at Freemantle. ing in 1876 of six convicts whose An unsuccessful escape attempt sentence for Fenian activities in by one of the six, Thomas Has­ Ireland had been transportation sett, in 1870, and letters from the for life to a British prison in West­ convicts detailing their circum­ ern Australia. That escapade won stances led to the appointment at for. him the nickname MCatalpa the Fenian Brotherhood's annual Jim- in memory of the New Bed­ convention in Baltimore in 1874 of ford whaling ship of that name a committee to explore the possi­ which was used in the rescue. bility of an escape effort directed Reynolds was born on Oct. 20, from the United States. Reynolds 1831, in County Cavan. the son of James Reynolds was appointed treasurer of the Michael and Ann Reynolds, and committee. immigrated to the United States But if Reynolds' work was brass After consulting with other Feni­ with four cousins in the depths of molding, his life's blood was the ans who had at one time been im­ the Potato Famine in 1847. cause of Irish freedom. In 1854, he prisoned at Freemantle, the com­ He settled in Patterson, N.J., was a delegate from New Britain to mittee concluded that discipline at where he learned the trade of the convention which assembled in the prison there was so lax that if brass molding, and then moved to New York to develop plans for a a ship could reach Australia unde­ New Britain where he became a monument to Robert Emmet and he tected, there was a good chance foreman in the J.B. Sargent Co.'s later was active in the national Em­ of spiriting the prisoners away. brass foundry. met and Phoenix associations of A secretive fund-raising effort In 1851, he married Ann Eagan Irish-Americans promoting the inde­ was undertaken by Reynolds and of New Britain and when the Sar­ pendence of Ireland. When the Fe­ sufficient funds were raised to gent company moved to New nian Brotherhood was organized in purchase a New Bedford whaler Haven a few years later, the the United 'States in the 1860s un­ named the Catalpa. The committee Reynolds bought a home in the der the name Clan na Gael, Reynolds hired a sea captain, George An­ Elm City. became a leader in that movement thony, of New Bedford, and set Reynolds later established his among Connecticut's Irish. about refitting the Catalpa for its own brass foundry, located first The event which earned him the long voyage. At one point, funds on Orange and then on East sobriquet ·Catalpa Jim,• had its ran low and Reynolds stepped for- Street. roots in the sentencing in 1866 by a (Please turn to Page 3) Page 2

Family History

A WORD' ABOUT SPELLING - There are enough serious hurdles to WEEKEND WORKSHOP - The overcome in tracing family history without letting spelling problems New England Historic Genealogical that are not really problems at all get us bogged down. Here are two Society will sponsor its third an­ examples of problems that should not, but ohen do, stand in the way nual Irish Genealogical Conference of family researchers. on Sept. 12-13 at the Ramada MAC AND MC - It is not uncommon to hear someone say, "We're Rolling Green Inn, Andover, Mass. Irish because we spell our name 'Mc' and they're Scottish because they spell it 'Mac,''' You may be Irish and they may be Scottish, but it PRINCIPAL SPEAKER - The main is not because of the way the name is spelled. It is a mistaken notion speaker wrll be Kevin Whelan, visit­ that "Mac" is Scottish and "Mc" is Irish. In fact, the ancient Irish ing history professor at Notre names that use that prefix are almost always written ·Mac" or "Mag." Dame University. Whelan will ad­ As the eminent Irish genealogist Edward MacLysaght (notice the dress the opening session on Fri­ "Mac") pointed out in 1969, "The practice of differentiating between day, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m. on the 'Mac' and 'Mc' is fortunately dying out. There is no difference: 'Mc' topic: "The Cultural Background of is simply an abbreviation of 'Mac.' So if you are a modern-day McDermott or McMahon, your ancestors were undoubtedly Your Irish Ancestor." At the ban­ MacDermott and MacMahon and you needn't let that stand in the way quet on Friday evening, he will dis­ of your research. cuss"A lighthearted Look at Irish History." On Saturday, Sept. 13, MAC AND 0 - Just for the record, ·Mac" means ·son." Thus he will speak about Irish genealogi­ ·MacDonald" means "son of Donald." ·0" signifies "grandson," or in cal resources for the 18th and a wider sense "descendant of." "O'Brien" means "grandson of Brien" or "descendant of Brien." 19th centuries.

REMEMBER DAN QUAYLE - When you are getting confused about TOPICS - Topics that other Irish names, it is good to recall former Vice President Dan Quayle who speakers will address include: "The got into trouble when he insisted on 'potatoe' rather than 'potato.' The Immigrant Child in 19th Century fact of the matter is that a century or so ago what we today spell America," "Cork Immigration in 'potato' was commonly spelled 'potatoe: so Quayle was not entirely wrong, but just hadn't kept up with the changes. What happened with Boston," "The Irish in 18th Cen­ that word happens frequently with family names. There was a time tvry America," "Tracing the Ori­ when Gaelic Irish names almost universally began with "Mac" or "0." gins of Scots-Irish Immigrants to Over the centuries, the "Mac" and "0" frequently were dropped, America," "Finding an Ancestral especially since most of those doing the recordkeeping were not Irish Homesite Using Valuation and had no interest in maintaining Irish customs. In some cases, there Records," and "Researching Your was a renewal of the Irish ways of naming and the old prefixes were Irish Maid Ancestor." restored, but in other cases not. That is why such Irish names as Kennedy, Quinn and Nolan are seldom found today with their original REGISTRATION - The basic con­ "0" prefix. ference registration without meals VARIATIONS - The second problem is that of common variations in is $99 for members of the New spelling. Sometimes people will say, '" know we are not connected to England Historic Genealogical Soci­ that family because they spell their name 'Daley' and we spell ours ety and $125 for non-members 'Daly,''' Here again that is creating a problem where there really is with various options for meals, the none because spelling is a highly evolutionary art. banquet and one-day attendance. WHAT'S THE POINT? - The point is that when doing family research, Registration may be made through we Irish need to keep an open mind about spellings. We need to be the Irish Conference, NEHGS Edu­ aware that when a surname is spelled differently it does not cation Department, 101 Newbury automatically rule out a relationship with our family. Names, like St., Boston, MA 02116-3007. language itself, are living things that are constantly changing. Witness "Connolly," "Connelly," ·Conly," "Conley," and "McEneaney," BOOKS - One source for Irish "McAneaney." "McEneany," etc. If we are a "Gilbride," we must keep in mind that our ancestors in Ireland may well have been known as books is The Irish Bookshop, 580 "MacGilbride." If we are a Hanahan, we need to realize that Broadway, R. 1103, New York, NY genealogists have found numerous variations in the spelling of that 10012. Tel., 212-274-1923. name, that we may indeed be related to someone named Hannaghan, Hours: Monday through Friday 11 Hanneghan or Hanehan, and that the family records may be under any a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. one of those names. to 4 p.m. FAMINE JOURNAL July. August 1847 #12

Perspective Destitution In Galway In The Summer Of 1847 New Orle.DI Ph:.yuDe, pend it and thus deprive their In July and August 1847, July 3, 1847 - The following families ofcertainty of food for there were those who consid­ circular from the Galway Indus­ even a short time. All are in ered the Famine to be over. bial Society gives an appaUing debt for one, two or three Yean! Their optimistic view was picture of the western coast of rent and many for meal and 1IUi­ encouraged by reports of a Ireland ... nure last season. These people good harvest in Ireland. Re­ are afraid to WI as their entire cipients of temporary relief "Sir - Destitution in this l

captain of that vessel frred a shot mated.• (Continued from Pilge I J Reynolds' role in Fenian activi­ ward to mortgage his own home to across the Catalpa's bow and or· dered Anthony to lower his sails, ties was so substantial and the make sur. the expedition went for· the New Bedford captain pointed Catalpa affair itself so distress· ward. to the flag flying from his mast lng to the English that in May On April 29, t 875. Reynolds was and replted. 1llis ship is sailing 1897, just two months before at New Bedford when the Catalpa under an American flag and she is his death. the English govern­ sailed. To preserve appearances, the on the h~h seas. If you ftre on ment reportedly hired detectives first six months of the voyage were me. I warn you that you are firing to spy on a banquet given in his spent hunting whales in the Atlantic honor in New Haven. and stops were made in the 'Thirteen detectives Azores and Canary Islands were here.· reponed before the Catalpa finally .. the New Haven set course for Australia in leader. ·three from November. Thill's ageney in Meanwhile. the comminee ' .. Chicago and 10 from sent two Irish·Americans, Pinkerton's agency. In James Breslin and Thomas the last-named batch Desmond, ahead to Aus· were some from Scot· traJia by a ship that saiMld land Yard.· from San Francisco. Pre· In its eulogy for tending to be a wealthy Reynolds twO months American interested in in· .:._- later. the New Haven vesting in Western Aus· Palladium stated: ualia. Breslin put up at a 11lot: Catalpa 'Few deaths win be so hotel in Freemantle. So con- generally and so sin­ vincingly did he play his part on the Amer;can flag.· cerely regrened by the Irish­ that he was treated to a gutded tour Anxious minutes passed as the Americans in this city and this of the prison. Georgene steamed alongside the state ... Endeared to all Irishmen When the Catalpa docked at Sun­ whaler until finally turning away by his unselfish sacrifices in t~e bury. the nearest port to Freemantle, and returning to Sunbury. interests of that cause when stilI in late March 1876. Breslin con· Four months later, the Catalpa a young man. he had by fair tacted Anthony to make final ar· reached New York City to a tumul­ dealing with all men and a life of rangements. The prisoners were to tous wekome by that citY's Irish probity, come to be even more walk way from their work details community. Among those greet­ honored in his old age. In New and meet Breslin and Desmond who ing the ship was the New Havener Haven. James Reynolds' name would hire carriages. They would primarily responsible for the fi· stood for much that was good then make a dash for a deserted sec· nancing of the rescue mission, the and honorable. In business, it tion of beach 20 miles from the man who from that tIme on was stood for square dealing and as­ prison. There Anthony would be known as Catalpa Jim. The rescue sociated with any movement it waiting with a rowboat from the ship reached its home port of New stood for honesty, fairness and Catalpa. while the ship itself would Bedford on Aug. 24, 1876. justice... remain outside territorial waters. Years later, an Irish-American A funeral Mass for Reynolds On Easter Monday. April 17. four newspaper commented, ·While was celebrated at St. Patrick's of the prisoners leh their cells on the fame of this daring rescue Church and he was buried in St. normal work duties. One of them shall last; while the name of lawrence Cemetery. The monu· had to return with a forged note say· Catalpa shall wake and fan the ment over his grave there con­ ing the other two. Wilson and Har­ fires of Irish enthusiasm. so long tains a replica of the ship which rington. were needed to move fumi· wm the name of James ReynoldS won the freedom of six Irish ture to a prison official's residence. be held in fond and loving remem­ Fenians and the inscription Breslin and Desmond were waiting brance. For it was he who mort­ 'Catalpa Jim.· as planned and drove at breakneck gaged his home, who placed a (Sources: 'The Fenians in speed to the rendezvous with crew­ charde upon his househokt goods. Austr~i8· by Keith Amo.s; Ifhe men from the Catalpa. Hopes for a who beggared himself for the EmeJ'Md Whalei" by William J. speedy getaway were dashed when time, that the sinews might be Laubenstein; "The CatalIM Ex­ a storm blew up and the rescuers forthcoming to inaugurate and pedition" by Zephaniah Pease; and the rescued spent 18 hours in sustain the expedition. Other MeJ'iden Morning Record. June the wind-tossed rowboat before choice spirits lent him their coun­ , and Aug. 24, 1S97; New they reached the Catalpa at 3 p.m. sels and their fortunes, but James Haven Register, March 16. the next day. Reynolds gave his all that the 1986; Waterbury American, They arrived just ahead of a British Catalpa rescue m~ht be consu- M..ch 3. , 908.1 gunboat. the Georgene. When the Page 4

Briefly noted Turkish evangelical visited Meriden GROSSE IlE PilGRIMAGE - On Aug. 15·17, thousands of Irish­ Americans from the United States and Canada will make a Famine memorial pilgrimage to Grosse lie, the island in the St. Lawrence River about 20 miles from Quebec City. During the Irish Famine in the late 1840s, Grosse lie was a quarantine station where ships from Ireland and England stopped and immigrants had to pass physical examina­ tions before being allowed to enter the Canadian provinces. In the particularly terrible year of 1847 - 150 years ago this summer ­ thousands of Irish immigrants died either during the At antic crossing, at the hospital sheds on Grosse lie or on their way down along the St. Lawrence River to Montreal and Toronto and the United States. Today there is a small patch of cemetery with white crosses without names marking the graves of some of those Irish people. The ceme­ tery extends to a far larger area of the island, but has never been cleared. The island also contains some immigration buildings of later date and a large Celtic cross in memory of those who died there that year. A bus will leave New Haven on the morning of Aug. 15 to take part in the pilgrimage. The bus will return late on Aug. 17. Information and reservations may be obtained by contacting Sean Canning, 288­ 8347. ~ THANKS - Belated, but heartfelt thanks to Jim Sheehan for the mag­ Capt. Garabad nificent banner commemorating the Great Hunger which we displayed on our float in the St. Patrick's Day parade in New Haven; to Chris A large crowd turned out in Meri­ Morgan for donating his truck for the float and actually driving it in the den in July 1909 to hear a speech parade; to Jeanne Whalen for designing and constructing the statue and a concert by one of the Salva­ of three famine victims; to Francis Whalen for his assistance; anci, to tion Army's most interesting offi­ the judges for selecting our float as the best in the parade. cers - Capt. Garabad, otherwise known as "Joe the Turk. " MEMBERSHIPS - If you haven't done so, don't forget to renew .,our Garabad was a native of Con­ membership and remember us for gifts and memorials. stantinople and the son of an Arme­ nian priest-..- He immigrated to the United States in the 1880s and was converted to the Salvation Army Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society cause in San Francisco. P.O. Box 120..Q20 Coming from an exotic back­ East Haven. Connecticut 06512 ground, he was used as a visiting speaker. Garabad, said the Meriden Record, -is not only a fine speaker, ·W. have kept f8lth with the put; w. have handed • tradition to the futur•.­ but a musician of more than usual Pedr8lc P.... ability. He plays the cornet, claironet and saxaphone and his Preaktent: Junne Roche Wh8len, 58 Florence Av•., H.w Haven 06512. music is a strong feature of the 468-0426. meetings he conducts. A large crowd heard him on Crown street VIc. Prea.: George Wakkon, 146 CorbIn Road, Hamden 06517. square Wednesday evening and the Army hall was crowded." Secretery: Maureen Oe"lbunt, 15 lltubak.. Rd., Cheahlr. 06410.272-7144. (Source: Meriden Record, July T,...ur..: Tom Slat.., 55 Robert.on Dr., H8f11den 06518.248-4826. 15, 1909)

Shenachte EdItor: HeM Hogen, 26 C,eatvlew Ten'., W"'gford 06492. 269­ Editor's note: In recognition of 9154. the bond between our historical society and the other members of Member.hIp: .10 Individual; .15 f8ll1lly. send nerne, addrea. end check the Ethnic Heritage Center, and to made out to CIAHS at above addr.... foster appreciation for all races and nationalities. we print in each issue The Shanacht.: In Jrelend, a .hanachole I, a folklorist, hI.torian end kHl*' of of The Shanachie one story about the tradltiona of the people. another ethnic group. Vol. IX, No.5 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society September-October 1997

Open house at Ethnic Heritage Center on Sept. 28

President Jeanne Roche Wh~en ture manuscripts, books, periodi­ versity's Sterling Library is acting as has extended an invitation to all cals, and other materials docu­ archival consultant for the project. members of the Connecticut Irish­ menting the history of Irish people . Philip Paolella, past president of American Historical Society to an in Connecticut. both the heritage center and the open house on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Refreshments will be served. Italian-American Historical Society the Ethnic Heritage Center's new Whalen also announced that the of Greater New Haven, is fiscal headquarters at Southern Connecti­ center has received a $5,000 tech­ agent for the grant. cut State University. nical assistance grant from the Whalen is also establishing a pro­ The center's offices, exhibit Connecticut Humanities Council. gram for volunteers to participate in space and activity hall are located in The purpose of the grant is to a ­ implementing the work of the her­ the Wintergreen Building, adjacent sess, evaluate, review and plan for itage center. Members of the Irish to Moore Fieldhouse and Jess Dow use of the archives.that are being history society interested in becom­ Field. set up at the center by the Irish ing involved should contact Whalen Whelan, who also serves I' ex­ history society and the other mem­ at The Ethnic Heritage Center at ecutive director of the Ethnic Her­ bers of the Ethnic Heritage Center Southern Connecticut State Univer­ itage Center, said the open house - the Ukrainian, Jewish, Italian sity, Wintergreen Building #117, will commence at 2 p.m. It will fea­ and Afro-American historical soci­ 501 Crescent St., New Haven ture tours of the facilities by volun­ eties - and to plan the physical 06515; telephone, (203) 392­ teers representing the Connecticut layout of the center. 6126. Irish history society, an explanation Or. John Sutherland, historian Office hours at the center are of the programs and exhibits which and profeaaor of history at Manch­ Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. will be featured at the center and eater Community College i. con­ to 12:30 p.m. Those interested in displays of the Irish society's ducting the survey. Judith A. visiting the center should call ahead archives. The growing archives fea- Schiff, chief archivist at Yale Uni- to make an appointment.

Tragic 1880 murder left legacy in Connecticut courtrooms

On the first day of September in man and Co. factory where he had but Smith resisted, saying he would 1882, a tragedy in which both the been rejected for employment. go if Hayes released his arm. victim and his assailant were Irish EventuaHy, he weAt home and got ·Hayes released his hold upon his ended with a hanging in New into a heated argument with his prisoner,· reported the New Haven Haven in a case that has left a mother. When he left, she sent Register, "and the latter immediately legacy in Connecticut's legal sys­ word to Ansonia Police Chief drew his pistol and shot him. The tem. Daniet J. Hayes asking him to ap­ ball entered his abdomen.· Two years earlier, the tragedy prehend her son before he got into Although wounded, Hayes was began when a wild young Irish lad serious trouble. able, with the assistance of a by­ named James Smith - known by Hayes caught up with Smith at stander, to drag the youth off to the the nickname ·Chip· - got drunk the Railroad Hotel near the depot lockup. On the way, there was an­ in a saloon in Ansonia. and asked him to surrender his other scuffle and a second gunshot Smith fired a pistol in the saloon gun. Smith denied that he was car­ "the bullet whistling harmlessly by and later threatened to use it on a rying a weapon. Hayes took the Smith's captors, but coming very foreman at the Osborne, Cheese- youth by the arm to lead him away, (Please turn to Page 3) Page 2 Immigrants recruited Family History for Russian army

TAX LISTS - Because of the almost complete destruction of the Irish Immigrants of all nationalities of­ census records of the 19th century. researchers use two land tax ten have found themselves involved surveys taken in mid-century as the nearest substitutes for information in the politics of their native lands. these censuses would have provided us today on the mass of Irish population before and during the period of greatest emigration. The In 1904, shortly after a simmering Tithe Applotment Survey (ca. 1823·18401 is a description of each dispute between Russia and Japan plot of rural land on which the occupier. usually the renter, was led to a declaration of war, Russian responsible for paving an annual tax to the established Church of agents were reported to be recruit­ Ireland. even if not a member of that church, as most Irish were not. ing soldiers among Connecticut's As a listing of heads of households. the survey is often incomplete. For immigrants who had not yet become instance, one person may be the taxpayer for several households American citizens. which shared the land. Also missing are persons who rendered service "In New Britain a few days ago," directly to a landlord in lieu of rent. However, this remains the earliest surviving record which places names of non-landowning Irish on one newspaper reported, "an agent specific plots of land for almost the entire island. The Griffith's of the Russian government worked Valuation (ca. 1848-1864) is a survey of all land in Ireland, rural and among the Russian and Polish labor­ urban, taken to determine the amount each occupant would pay to ers with considerable success .,. It support Poor Law Unions, jurisdictions first authorized in 1838 to is expected that a number of the provide relief to paupers. The "primary valuation," as the initial survey czar's subjects will go back to th.eir was called, listed almost aU heads of households, along with the name native land and enlist in the army." of the immediate landlord (tenants often subleased from another The agent reportedly went tenant or agent), the size and condition of the property, its valuation through the factories where the im­ and the tax due, printed on a standard form. migrants worked in New Britain of­ HOUSEHOLDER'S INDEX - Since it would be difficult to locate a fering free transpo,'tation back to family in either of these records without knowing where they lived, the Russia along with higher pay than National library of Ireland created, several decades ago, a they were making plus such benefits "Householder's Index," to surnames in both surveys. The index is the as board, clothing and medical treat­ key to finding an ancestor. For each county, an alphabetized list of ment. surnames found in both surveys was created. Following each name is the barony it appears in (a barony is a now-obsolete division of a Russian agents also visited Meri­ county, comprising a number of civil parishes). If a surname appears den where they were said to have in more than one barony, it is repeated, Following the barony name is arranged appointments to talk with a letter "G" if the surname appears in Griffith's Valuation in that the immigrants in their homes rather barony and a '"T" if it appears in the Tithe Applotment Survey. A than at their workplaces. number following the -G" indicates how many times the name appears The agents also were very careful. in that barony, but no such numbering accompanies a -T." it was reported, to approach only PARISHES - After the list of names by barony is another listing those Russians and Poles who had showing the same names distributed within each civil parish of each not yet become naturalized U.S. citi­ barony, also in alphabetical sequence. Maps of county and barony zens, so as not to arouse any oppo­ boundaries accompany the index. Many immigrants accompanied or sition because of American neutral­ followed others from the same or neighboring parishes and settled in ity in the war. the same American town. Searching the Householder's Index for the The agents also steered clear of surnames of in-laws, cousins, marriage and baptismal witnesses may the significant number of Russian increase the chance of locating your ancestral parish and townland. natives who were not at all sympa­ MICROFILMS - The Householder's Index and the two surveys have thetic to the czar's government and been microfilmed and are available in the Mormon Family History who actually hoped that Japan Library. Find the parishes to be searched by checking the index which would win the war, is listed alphabetically by county on seven rolls of film numbered 919,001 to 919,007. The Family History Library catalog will help you (Source: Meriden Record, Aug. determine which reels of film to rent. The Tithe Applotment Survey is 16. '904.J catalogued under "Ireland, land and Property," then within that, Editor's note: In recognition of -Ireland, land Commission," then "Applotment ~ks." It is filmed the bond between our historical alphabetically by parish and within each parish by townland. The society and the other members of Griffith's Valuation is catalogued under "Ireland, Land and Property," the Ethnic Heritage Center, IJnd to then, "Ireland, General Valuation Office." It is filmed by county, then foster IJPpreclstion for all races IJnd barony, Poor law Union, civil parish and townland. nlJtionall'ties, we print in elJch issue of The ShtJnlJchie one story about - Paul R. Keroack another ethnic group. FAMINE JOURNAL September-October 1847 #13

Perspective Leitrim Decimated By Deaths •.• English Viewpoint The LoDdoD Spectator, With most public works Dublin, September 18,1847 - The cbainnan then read the re­ Oc:l16, 1847 - The wnonnal" closed down and with a ply returned to the queries forwarded from the General Central Re­ state of Ireland is an enormity: it smaUer crop because of the liefCommittee by the rector ofAnnadutT, county Leitrim, who had is that ofa fertile country with scarcity of seed, the Irish the authority of the Rev. Mr. Geraghty, the Catholic clergyman of abundant labour, which does not people awaited with trepida· the parish, for putting his name to the retwn. It appeared from it grow food enough to support tion the third winter of the that the population of the parish was 5,000; the gi'oss number of the people and which makes no Famine period. persons totally destitute about one halfor two thirds~ deaths from real effort to supply the defi­ Reports from throughout starvation since the commencement of the disease in the potato ciency ... the country told of extreme crop until the 25th of Irish property will not pay destitution, of people dying September,l847, for Irish pauperism., the land­ by the thousands and of about 400; deaths owners say they can't afford i~ almost no employment by from disease pro­ and so England is called upon which the people might earn duced by starvation to maintain the destitute ofIre:­ money for food. during the same pc­ land. The season of begging for Added to the woes of the riodabout 300; nwn­ Ireland reopens tomorrow, the peasants, the British Parlia­ ber of persons now 17th instant, with a collection in ment had approved a new affected \\oith disease, the churches under the Queen's Poor Law which contained a fever, dysentery, &c., letter. Indignation is felt by provision, proposed by land­ probably 800 and many hwnane persons in lords, that was to multiply scarcely a house free Cram fever in the parish; perhaps not one­ England because they cannot the suffering. twentieth part ofthe arable land has been cultivated, say about 500 forget the claims ofour own The "quarter-acre clause" acres ... the crop would not support the population ofthe parish, hard-working poor, so long provided that any Irish ten­ even ifthe landlord, poor rllte or cess collectors get nothing from postponed in favour of the semi­ ants who occupied more than them he did not see how the poor could live during the ensuing voluntary destitution of the Irish a quarter acre of land could winter Few parishes are in a more distressed condition than this. poor, who won't work even not be eligible to receive The failure of crops, both potatoes and oats, has now gone on for when they may ... The English public assistance. The provi­ several years in succession. and utterly impoverished the poor farm­ labourer submits to intense tou, sion forced the tenants to ers as well as the cottiers ... because he labours under the give up their lands to receive dread of starvation: that which assistance and encouraged .•• And By Forced Emigration is to the English labourer a pen­ alty "in terrorem" has been actu­ landlords to begin wholesale SwOrD berore IDe at Grone hie, In the dlstridor Quebec, evictions from their property. this 11th day orSeptember 1847 - Bryan Prior,labourer, late of ally incurred by the apathetic in­ The evictions quickened the parish ofDrumreiJly, county Leitrim, Ireland, and being duly dolence of the Irish labourer, the pace of flight from Ire­ sworn on the Holy Evangelists, deposeth and saith, That he was a who is content to run the risk of land with ports like Liver­ tenant ofDr. Collins, in the parish of Drumreilly, and occupied a starvation in order to avoid .bard pool becoming havens for piece of land of five acres; that he has a wife and four children, the and incessant work:; and it is not masses ofstarving Irish. eldest Wlder 12 years; that upwards ofsix weeks previous to his just to exempt the Irishman Influential London jour­ leaving home, he and his family were wholly deprived of relief; from a penalty which the nals fumed about the burden that, when in an actually state of starvation, Mr. Benson, agent to Englishman avoids by his own being placed upon the En­ Dr. Collins, demanded of this deponent the surrender of his piece of exertion. During the summer, glish people and the indo­ land, and promised to give him immediate reliefifhe gave up his the apathetic creatures, counting lence ofthe suffering Irish. land; being in a state ofstarvation, he did give up his land and his on future aid from England if house was immediately pulled down to the ground, leaving his wife extorted by "necessity" have ne­ and four children standing in the field, without a covering or any glected even to store peat for FAMINEJOURNAL other place to lay their heads. The land being of insufficient value, their winter fuel. as estimated by Mr. Benson, the agent, he refused to send depo­ True, yet England cannot de­ PublUbt.d bimonlhly during 1hc nenfs wife and children withbun to America, saying, at the same liberately suffer the people to ISOtb IIBlivenary or 1hc Irilll time that it was quite expensive enough to send him and that be starve unhelped, even from their Potato FUDine. Copyright 1997, might be thankful for it. The wife and children of this deponent are own fau1~ besides, the poor tblI Coonocticul Irish-American now in Ireland, without a house or home, as far as this deponent has cannot get effective employment Historial Society, P.O. Box any knowledge of their condition, and in a most distressed state of sufficient to maintain them, be­ 120-020, Eut H.vaI CT 06S 12. mind, without money, clothing or food. cause there is no employment .. R Symes, Justice or the Peace Society In Chaos Liverpool Invaded Most Appalling Evictions Increase "lUaakUl,curdeD, Co. BeU. Ute I. LoDdoa, Oct. Umertck Reporter. Oct. 8, I.oIldo. n-. Od.1I, Galway, sept. 19, 1847 - Sir, 31,1847 - The Liverpool 1s.t7 -A letterreceived from 1s.t7 - Two cues of (the I gratefully IlCknoWledgc your Standard says: We noticed last a high personage in Dungarvan, deannce system) are mentioned favour of the 16th enclosing week the increasing influx of (Co. Waterford)wbOlJe heart in the provincial papcn ... The balfnotea to the amoWlt of £3 paupers from the sister island, bleeds for the state of thing.s he first is from the Tuam Herald for the poor of this district ... and remarked that those now ar­ depicts, contains the following and runs as foUows "... Mr. Society is on the verge of being riving were the wont class, and inteUigcoce - "Our state of O'Hara subsequently proceeded reduced to chaos ... AJJ to la­ never likely, ifindeed willing, famine here is most appe1ling. to the village ofSlicyard, putof bour. there is no public works in to become a self..supporting The buzz of business 'NIlS com­ the Belmont property ... and dis­ this district except one pier, at population. This week we have pletely hushed, our square once possessed Ig familics. wbOlJe which twenty men scarcely fInd to notice a further arrival of so animated, silent as the desert, hOWlCS were leveUed with the employment ... and IllI to private 1.723 men, 935 women and 475 more than one thousand postu­ ground leaving over 100 unfor­ labour among landlords and ten· childten- in all 3,133 persons. l8Jlts yesterday for the reliefat tw1ate human beings 'Nitbout a ant fanners there is no more to which make up the nwnber, the poor house gate; which with place of sbeltel". on the approech be found because the landlords from the lsi to the 24th, of the adjoinins premillCS, is of the bleak winter's blast....• arc non-resident and the few of lI,m, aaainst 10,369, the total guarded by police. horse and The second is rc:mukable as them who art resident arc not arrivalS in all September ... Not foot the guardians being occwring in a county wbcrc Wl­ able or willing to employ any ... only are the bulk of them of the obliged to make their entrance due geverity to tenants is :tel­ the potato crop is gone and most confirmed description of through a file of armed men. dam or never heard of, harsh grain sowing is late and not paupers,l1IB8ed, filthy and half­ Where will all this end? At least landlordism in Wexford being avwllble for present use, one­ starved, but from the moment of I5,000 of the poor people of the exception to the rule: "It is third of lbc soil ill lying waste ". their arrival. the women and this parish have been lost within with deep pain and alarm: says Taking all the tillage of any children especially, commence the lut year. By next Christmas the Wexford lndcpendent, "we kind 1 in this district., am cer­ the practice ofpetty pilfering 1very much fear one halfofthc bear it stated that 30IDC land­ tain it will not be sufficient to around our docb IJ\d in our population will be swept away lords of our county, who took feed even for one month the streets. They stlITOund the carts • and received credit for their in­ remnant of the population which and waggons laden with cotton dulgence to their tenants during has survived the the the ravages of or make their way to bales the past year are now availing famine .. as they are l8Jldcd on the quays About To Perish themselvcs of the helpless coo­ The landlords and the guard­ or are hoisted into the ware­ B.lllqury, COUJI,ty u....er­ dition of thoae teo8Jlts by taking ian5 will insist on the quartcl" houses in such swarms 8Jld with Ick, Sept. 18, 1847 - Dear Sir, proceedings for eviction, as the acre clause and already the such detennination that it is poor people owe 8rTear3 which found impossible to prevent por­ t beg leave to submit to you, as uk.uc has been issued by one chairman of the Newcastle they are W18ble to pay. We have that 700 tcoanls should be re­ tions of the contents being ab­ Board ofGuardians, the abso­ been told of one 1andlord hav­ duced to 120 holdings ... How stracted ... They are still more ing already turned out six fami­ eager in their attempts upon lute necessity of prompt relief awful to sec those creatw"es for the very many who are on lies and several notices to quit who were thus banished from 8Jlything in the shape of food ­ the point of perishing for want upon several othcn. A still more their cabins. which were demol­ wheat, India com, &C, .... To a in this Electoral Divisioo. The distressing case, though only ClUT}'ing nwnber of tho:Jc brought up on ished a few days ago, a able-bodied cannot fmd employ­ that of a single family, bas been few lOOt)' sticks on their backs Saturday week at the police: ment, the harvest is over. there COOIunicated to us. It is the case and p1Icing them and a few court, Mr. Rushton put the que8-­ is no drainage to employ a of a poor widow with six cl'lil­ IenWS o\'¢ pita, sunk by them tioo whetbcr they were wishful single man, the threshing as you dten, turned out of a holding into the IllOlmWn to shelter to be sent back to their own know is effected by the SCfVant which she had occupied for 40 them as loog as they arc pennit­ COWltJy. 10 every case, however. men and sons of the fanner and years and obliged to seck inuI» ted to remain in thollC pits ... fe­ an evasive answer was returned by the threshing machine of the diate refuge in the workbousc. ver is lUre to IlCCOOlpany them and the magistrate sent them to gentleman and in hundreds of T.....enty yean ago, we are told, in those abodes of death, and gaol for a month ... That to the cases the labourer 8Jld his fam­ her then 1andlord when he 'NIlS ofte:D in the day I am obliged to bulle of the prisoncn thus com­ ily are living on cabbage, with­ dying recommended her to the creep into those dcm to admin­ mitted imprisonment in a gaol is out a morsel of farinaceous food protection of his successor. ister the sacraments to the dying no punishment, may be inferred once a week; in very many whom he enjoined never to turn aeaturcs. Tn one hovel, I found from the fact that as fast as they cases, he mwrl beg even for the her out or raise the rent on her. five pc:rsoDS sick of fever. all have been rclcaxd hitherto, cabbage ... 1 again entreat you This injunction was faithfully stretched on the wet boggy they have rusbcd to the tom­ and your colleagues not to lose observed by the gentleman to earth, without coYefins over millSion of some petty crime to a moment in rescuing the poor whom it was addressed. But them ... I can assure you this is entitle them to a fcw weeks from death and the community DOW he is dead and bas boe:D DOt an isolated cax of distress more of the comfortable lodging from the dreadful results of de­ SllC'«'"led by another who knew but is nearly the c:a!Je with the and good food which anyone spair .. not the poor widow and paid no whole population. of our gaols affords. compared attentioo. to her claims. Such is with the wr~hedness to which MJdlad F1tz..Genld Willi•• FI•••lly the me1ancboly s1atement.lIlllde they have been accustomed. P.rbh Priest to US." PageJ 'Chip Smith charge' originated in shooting of Irish policeman

(Continued from Page 1) near striking a farmer on the same side of the street." Some said the second shot came from Hayes' gun. After locking Smith up, Hayes went home. A doctor looked at the wound and pronounced it life­ threatening. Several attempts were made to locate the bullet that evening, but were unsuccessful. Doctors were brought in from New Haven to lend their expertise, but Hayes' condi­ tion gradually worsened and he died on Monday afternoon, Dec. 27. An autopsy revealed that the bullet had lacerated his intestines in four places and that anyone of the ChiefDoniel J. Hayes James "Chip" Smith wounds would have been fatal. Smith was charged with first de­ On that point, the Supreme Court under the name of "the Chip Smith gree murder and brought to trial in of Errors ruled, contrary to what charge." Superior Court in New Haven in Smith's lawyers arqued, that jurors To this day, in cases where jurors April 1881 wnh Chief Justice C.J. who find themselves in the minor­ have deliberated for a considerable Park presiding. He was represented ity do have an obligation to listen time without arriving at a verdict, by L.N. B1ydenburgh and T.J. Fox. to and weigh carefully the argu­ Connecticut judges instruct them who attempted to convince the jury ments of the majority. about the Supreme Court of Errors that Hayes had been shot by his "If much the larger number of the finding in the Chip Smith case, own weapon during the scuffle on panel are for conviction," said the namely that those jurors who are in the way to the jail. appeals court, "a dissenting juror the minority should give serious After hearing the evidence, the ,hould con.tder whether the doubt thought to the logic of the majority jury deliberated 4 1/2 hour. and in hi. own mind i, a reaaonable one position, then asked for an explanation of which malt.. no impreuion upon For his part, Smith was sentenced "deliberate intent" one of the requi­ the minda of 10 many men ~ to be hanged at New Haven on Sept. sites for a fir.t-degree murder con­ honut, equaHy intelligent with him­ 1,1882. viction. The jury then retired and self, who have heard the same evi­ The day before, he was visited for returned within half an hour with a dence, with the .ame attention, a final time by his mother and father, verdict of guilty. and with equal de,.,e to ..-rive at aistera, brother and aunt and by Fa­ Smith's lawyer. appealed the the truth, and under the sanction of ther Daily and some Sisters of Mercy verdict on several grounda, one In­ the same oath. from AOionia. volving the question of jurors being "And on the other h8nd, if I mil­ On the morning of his execution, influenced bv each other. joAty are for acquittal, the minority he waa attended by several priests Even though there had been no ought aerioualy to alk themselves including Father Michael McGivney serious or prolonged disagreement, whether they may not rtNIsooabfy, of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Smith's lawyers a.ked that the VII­ and ought not to, doubt the conclu­ the moving force behind the found­ diet be overturned bee..... Park lions of I judgment which is not ing of the Knights of Columbus. had not complied with their r~t concurred in by most of those with "Father McGivney," said the Reg­ that jurors be told "each j~or in whom they are associated ..." ister, "blessed him and they tenderly th~ case mUlt be go't"8t"l'Wtd by his The appeals coon found no rea­ kiased each other. There were tears own judgment, founded upon the son to overturn the verdict ren­ on the father's f.ce when he turned law and the evidence, and must not dered by the jury, and its reasoning away," be governed, controlled or influ­ on the specifIC question of jurors (Source: New HllVen Register, enced by the judgment or opinions influencing other jurors has come ~t. t, t882) of others in agreeing to a verdict." down in Connecticut legal practice Page 4

Briefly noted Irish immigrant 'mothered' Yalies DANBURY FESTIVAL - Our society will have a table at the Greater 20-~ ~'. Danbury Irish Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Sep.!. at The return of collegians to Con­ Rogers Park in Danbury. The festival is sponsored by Gildea DIVISIon necticut universities for the fall 3, Ancient Order of Hibernians semester brings to mind the story of one 19th century Irish immigrant MEMORlAL - The following memorial has been received: donation in who played a major role in the lives memory of Uncle Cornelius Fitzgerald by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. of many New Haven students. Hughes Jr. to purchase a book related to Irish history and to Con's Miss Mary Kalaher - more fre­ heroes, Michael Collins, Liam Lynch and Terence MacSwiney, to be quently wrinen "Kelleher" - was inscribed according to the donors' request. reportedly the first woman to oper­ ate a boarding house for Yale Uni­ CELEBRATION OF UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY - Jeanne Roche versity students. Whelan will be the leader for a six-week study group program entitled, Kalaher came to America from Ire­ "The Actual Enumeration: The Ethnic History of New Haven from land in the 1830s or , 840s when 1790 to 1990," in Albertus Magnus College's Institute for Learning in she was just a girl and a few years Retirement. The program will be on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m later opened a boardinghouse at from Sept. 30 to Nov. 4. For information, call Jeanne Alterman, 865­ 387 Temple St. 6744; Augusta Thomas, 288-7282; or Larry Tiven. 795-3651. Eventually she operated several boardinghouses for the students,. YALE GOES GREEN - An exhibit titled "Irish Paintings from the Col­ one of which was known as lection of Brian P. Burns" will be featured at the Yale Center for British "Sheffield Freshman Row," be­ Art, '080 Chapel St., New Haven. from SePt. 25 through Jan. 4. cause many students from the 1998. The 70 paintings in the exhibit will cover a period from 1840 Sheffield Scientific School roomed to the early years of the 20th century. The center is open Tuesday there. through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 During 38 years of operating the p.m. For information. call (203) 432-2800. homes, Kalaher became a legend at Yale. BUS TRIP - The Retirees Group of the Irish-American Community At the time of her death at the age Center in New Haven will sponsor a fall foliage bus trip to Woodstock, of 85 in 1917, one New Haven Vt.• on Oct. 2. The bus will leave from the lower parking lot of Our newspaper wrote: "She practically Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Hamden. For information, call Joan mothered many struggling Sheff Atzbach, 288-8519. men and for years she had more students clamoring after rooms in her house than she could accom­ Irlah~American Connecticut Historical Society modate." P.O. Box 120-020 "'Mother' Kalaher, as she was East Haven, Connecticut 06512 familiarly known," the paper contin­ ued. "was always resorted to for advice and comfort by the Yale men "We hewe k..n f8lth with ttM ~; we hlWe handed e tfadltlon to tN fun.e... in their student days and twenty PaIlleP.... years afterwards, it is said, Sheff men have sent their sons to her Pralclent: JNr'IN Roche WMIen. 58 Florence Aw•.• New Hew.., 08612. with a note saying that they wished 468-0428. their sons to live with her, remem­ bering the treatment of their own Vice Pr".: George Wlktron. 145 COIb6n ROMt. HM'Iden 06517. college days and their life in ·Kalaher·s.· .. Secretary: ...... DtlIIItuM:, 1& 8fubek. Rd., ChNhire 06410. 272-7144. Several years before her death. Kalaher went to California to visit a Tre..ur.: Tom Slet8I'. 56 Rob.-t.on Dr., Harnden 06518. 248-4826. sister, Anna Wall, and "at that time she met scores of Yale men who Sh~EdltOl': N" Hogen. 28 Crutv"w T...... , WeMlngford 06492. 289­ had spent many a night under her 9154. roof, She related upon her return how she had been royally treated Memben~: no 1ndIw~: .15 fMnlly. Send nerne, addr... and ch.ck by her "boys" on the trip out and mIld8 out to ClAHS at lIbowe eddr.... back.

The Shanechle: In Ireland•••hanechM ... folklori.t, hI.tori_ and keeper of (Source; New Haven Union, June the tracNtlon. of the people. 11. 19I1.! Vol. IX, No.6 Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society November-!)ecember 1997

New London Puritan had problem with Irish servant girl While the employment of Irish apparently just returned from a trip women as domestic servants in the \ to New London. homes of well-to-do Americans is as­ "Says he saw you Wednesday sociated mostly with the late 19th last," Wait wrote, "he lives at and early 20th centuries, the practice Capt. Lattimers farm, I doubt a began long before that. palavering fellow, says you use An exchange of letters in the early Rachel hardly. She was to have 50 1700s between members of the shillings when her 4 years ware up, prominent and powerful Winthrop . by her owne and her masters family of Massachusetts and Con­ agreement. I doubt he or som oth­ necticut attests to that and says a ers give her no good advice ... That great deal about the relationship and fellow says you threaten to send the conditions under which the Irish Rachel to Virginia; a little prudence women worked. will make her easy. " The first letter was written on The tone of the letter suggests Aug. 28, 1717, by Wait Winthrop of that Wait puts some credence in Boston, son of John Winthrop Jr., an what Hambleton says about Rachel early governor of Connecticut. Wait .- -- :.: being used "hardly" since he does wrote the letter to his son, John, not consider him to be an idle gos­ who was then living in New London. After opening with some casual siper. John had an indentured Irish servant conversation about selling a cow, Gentle as it was, however, the named Rachel and she is discussed Wait tells his son that he has talked admonition - fortunately for the at length in the letter. with a man named Hambleton who (Continued on page 2)

SundaYI Jan. 4, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

The CIAHS and the Irish History Roundtable will host a tea to celebrate Nollaig na mBan, or Women's Christmas. The Christmas season ends in Ireland on Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany when it is customary to serve a more "feminine" version of the Christmas Day meal SundaYI Dec. 141 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by offering tea and dainties. Our Nollaig na mBan will be held at the home of Noreen and Champagne brunch at the Irish-American Commu­ Tom Slater, 82 Deer Hill Road, Hamden, and nity Center, Venice Place, East Haven. We will have will include a short program on Christmas cus· a booth and will be selling books on Irish topics, toms in Ireland. Tickets are $10 each and space children's books and our own books, "The Wearin' is limited. For reservations, call: Maureen De­ 0' the Green," and "Green Sprigs from the Emerald lahunt, 272-7144; Pat Heslin, 248-6050, after Isle." We will also accept orders for memberships as 6 p.m. please; Elizabeth Dalton, 288-9035; or Christmas gifts. Virginia McClelland, 239-2417 after 7 p.m. Page 2

New London Puritan complained of pernicious Irish servant

(Co7llinwedfrompage J) r------..., that mean that historical record - Winthrop family had ties with Ireland John was holding was sufficient to her as a servant trigger a lengthy after her indenture defense by John The Winthrop family, which in- had expired or that in a return lener. eluded John Winthrop (1588-16491. he was refusing to "It is not conve- the first governor of Massachusens, give her the 50 nient now to write and his son John, sometimes shillings that ap- the trouble & known as Fitz-John or John the parently were due plague we have younger, (1606-1676) an early gov- her by provisions had with this Irish ernor of Connecticut, had interest- of her indenture creature the year ing ties with Ireland. Fitz-John stud- agreement? past," the son ied at Trinity College in Dublin in And does the wrote from New 1632-33. Upon his return to Mas- fact that he threat- London. "Lying & sachusens, he received from a ened to ship her off unfaithfull; would friend, Edward Howes, a gift of Irish to Virginia indicate doe things on pur- wolfhounds - "3 woolfe doggs that she was being pose in contradic- and a bitch with an Irish boy to tend held in such servi- tion & vexation to JOHN WINTHROP. THE YOUNGER them." Of the boy, Howe told tude that he had Founder of New Lonllon. May 6. 164G. Cov- Winthrop, "This is a very tractable h d her mistress; lye ernor of ConneoUcut. IG57. IG5~·1676 t e power to 0 out of the house fellow and yet of a hardie and stout just that if he anights and have corage. I am persuaded he is very honest ... " In 1634, Fitz-John wanted? contrivances with sailed for England, but his ship was driven ashore at Galway and he And, if Rachel fellows that have spent some months traveling in Ireland and taking a special interest was as much trou- been stealing from in its ironworks. Upon his return t? America, he established iron- ble as John claims our estate & gen works first at Lynn, Mass., and subsequently in New Haven at Lake _ lying, dressing drink out of ye cel- 5altonstall in what is today East Haven. Among the workmen he up in her mistress' lar for them; saucy brought to New Haven from Lynne to operate the ironworks were clothing, cavoning & impudent, as Patrick Moran, who was clerk of the works, and John Rylie. with male compan- when we have ions and, if not ac- taken her to task (Source: "Irelsnd & Americs, • Their Esrly Associstions, 1500-1640, tually stealing, at for her wicked- by Dsvid B. Quinn, pp. 33-35. "The Younger John Winthrop,· by least looking the ness she has gone Robert C. Blsck III, pp. 79-B1. New Hsven Colony Records, Msy 7, other way while away to complain 1667, psge 204, snd Jsnusry 1667, psges 117ft.) others stole from of cruell usage. L...- .-I the Winthrops - "I can truly say we have used this ties of cyder, metheglin & palme why didn't he dismiss her? Cenainly base creature with a great deal of wine out of the cellar amongst the with his family wealth and position, kindness & lenity. She would fre- servants of the towne, and meat he could have easily replaced her quently take her mistresses capps & and I know not what. The bonles with another servant, Irish or other­ stockings, hanckerchers, &c., and they broke & threw away after they wise. dress herselfe, and away without had drank up the liquor and they The lener to John was the last leave among her companions. I may got up our sheep anight, kill'd a fan that Wait wrote. He fell ill on Nov. 3 have said some time or other when one and roasted and made merry and died on Nov. 7, and it is not she has been in fault, that she was with it before morning." even known if he saw the reply writ­ fin to live nowhere bun in Virginia Looking back from the distance ten by his son to his prodding about and if she would not mend her ways, of 260 years and having only onf' Rachel. I should send her thither; tho I am side of the story makes it difficuh: John eventually went to London sure no body would give her passage to sort everything out. Whatever to contest some land claims and died thither to have her service for 20 grievances John Winthro .ld there in the 1740s. What became of years, shb is such a high spirited per- against the Irish woman, it seems Rachel is unknown. nicious jade. possible she may have had some of ·Robin has run away near ten her own. (Source: Collections of the Mss­ days, as you will see by the inclosed, In his lener, for example, Wait sschusetts Historical Society, Sixth and this creature knew of his going says she ·was to have 50 shillings Series, Vol. V, 1892, pp. 352-354.) and of his carrying out 4 dozen bot- when her 4 years ware up." Does FAMINE JOURNAL November-December 1847 #14

Perspective Disease And Death In Workhouses Strokestown Owner KUnath Union, Co. Clare. Is Assassinated Their facilities stretched Nov. 18, 1847 - The admis-­ London Times, Nov. 8, far beyond capacity and op­ sions to the workhouse 1847 - Major Mahon was re­ erating on the verge of bank· amounted to nearly 200. Such a turning from Rosconunon ... in ruptcy, the workhouses of tangled mass of poverty, filth an open carriage, accompanied Ireland had by the winter of and disease, as the applicants by Dr. Shanly of Strokestown 1847-48 be'come charnel presented, I have never seen. and a servant when within about houses. Disease and death Numbers in all stages of fever four miles of that town he was often awaited the thousands and small-pox mingling indis­ fired at and shot dead. We have of peasants who flocked to criminately with the crowd.and Rotcommon Union, Co. been informed that three men the workhouses with the all clamouring for admission. I Roscommon, Dec. 16,1847­ armed with guns, lay behind Ute closing of the public works. had them separated as quickly I arrived here on Tuesday last ditch waiting his arrival. On the The despair of the peas­ as possible. Their misery and and immediately waited on the carriage coming up, the first ants boiled over in threats utter helplessness baffies de­ Vice Chairman of the Board of fired and slightly wounded Dr. and violence against land· scription. The parents of a large Guardians ... I then iIispected Shanly. Almost at the same in­ lords. In one notorious case family often displaying hardly the workhouse. and from what I stant, the second fired, hitting three assassins shot and the sagacity of an llJlimai. It was could hear, everything con· the major in the neck and chest killed Major Denis Mahon of really an appalling sight. The nected with the workhouse is in with heavy duck shot ... He only Strokestown in Roscommon. Chairman and Guardians a deplorable state. The house uttered the expression. "Oh Officials and newspapers present, regardless of personal has nearly 200 over the number God," and was dead. were quick to blame the danger, examined and admitted for which it was built, and up­ Strokestown parish priest for them to the house or hospital. I wards of 100 fever patients in inciting the assassins with was in the house from II Priest Denies the body of it. The house is in accusations against Mahon in o'clock A.M. till 6 1/2 o'clock debt £6,222 out of which there Inciting Murder a sennon and to point out P.M. and relumed to my lodg­ is upwards of £3,000 due the that Mahon had paid the ings covered with vennin. Strokestown, December baker. He has just been with me passage of many of his starv­ 1847 - Sir, As a Roman Captain Kennedy and has infonned me that unless ing tenants to America. The Catholic priest ... I have now to there is something done for him, priest, Michael M'Dermott assure the public ... that the late he must discontinue the supply denied the charges and ;ug~ Ballina Union, Co. Mayo, Major Mahon was never de­ which would close the house ... gested that the inhumanities Dec. 12, 1847 - The number nounced, nor even his name suffered by the peasants were of inmates in the workhouse Captain Evans mentioned, from any chapel al­ the true cause ofthe murder. makes its condition so very tar in Strokestown or within 20 alarming that I feel myself miles of Strokestown ... It is not The plight of immigrants Carrick-on-ShaDnon bound to call on you, ifyou fleeing the Famine was por­ Union, Co. Leitrim, Nov. 14, true that the exterminated ten­ think you have authority to do ants ofMajor Mahon have been trayed poignantly in letters 1847 -I beg to call the atten­ so, to remove from the house in all sent to There are from seaports in America. tion of the Poor Law Commis­ America. such way as you think best. the hundreds as yet who survived Those who survived the up­ sioners to the state of this extra number beyond what it their expulsion after seeing their rooting, described the hard­ Union, as one requiring the was built to acconunodate. crops carried away from their ships of the voyage and most prompt and energetic inter­ There are at present, as I under­ doors and safely deposited sadly listed the names of ference. It is unnecessary to call stand. 1,500 individuals in a within the landlord's haggard ­ their companions who had to their recollection the deaths house intended, as you are left to subsist on the precarious died en route. in this workhouse during last aware, to contain not more than alms of their neighbours, roving winter ... I write not to complain 1,200. I found, on going as houseless wanderers ... Is it of the past, but to beg that the through the house to-day, that not then easy to imagine per­ FAMINEJOURNAL commissioners will assist in fever has become very prevalent sons labouring under such pri­ saving human life ... There were among the children. The manner vations and affiictions, having more than 200 applicants for ad­ in which paupers are crowded no food or shelter and fUlding Published bimonlhly during the mission yesterday, many of together in their sleeping apart­ no refuge ... should become 150th anniversuy 0 f the Irish them evidently starving; not one ments, is so very frightful that I frantic from despair and lose all Potato Famine. Copyrighl 1997. could be admitted from the state apprehend the most shockingly reasonable control over the bad the Conneclicul Irish-American of the funds. fatal con5e(Juences ... Historical Society, P.O. Box passions of our nature? Rev. P. Dawton 120-020, East Haven CT 06512. Mr. Devlin Micbael M'Dermott Cofrm Makers Letters Describe Horrors OfImmigration Wexford Landlord Kept Very Busy SL John. New Brunswick, Nov. 17, 1847 - Dear mother and Ignores Pleas brother. 1 take the favourable opportunity of writing these few lines Tippen.,. Free Pres.... ~ Wuford Guardian, De­ to you hoping to fll\d you are all in as good health as this leaves me cember 1847 -A gentleman cember 1847 - Moran hdd a and my sister at present thanks be to God for all IUs mercies 10 us. named O'Brien ... state!l that in farm of about 20 acres in the Dear mother. we are very uneasy for ever coming to this country for the electonll division of Michel­ parish of Adamstown. His land­ we were in a bad state of health. During the voyage there was a slown and Menha1stown, lord's name is Whitney. Mo­ very bad fever aboard. Pebby was taken to the cabin by the cap­ county Cork. a contractor sup­ ran's father and grandfather and tain's wife and was there from we were a week on sea lilI we came plied the reliefcommittee with great-grandfather. his ancest0f3 to q\l8fllIlline and took the fever on the ship. Then all the passengen: the frightful number of 2,400 for upwards of 200 years, tilled thai did nol pass the doclor was sent to the island and she was kepi coffms in five months. Th.is out that farm and lived comfortably by the captain's wife then. On leaving the ship, Pebby was relapsed ora population of 14,000 souls. in it ... again and sent 10 hospital and remained there nine or ten days bUI thanks be to God we got over aU the disorders belonging 10 the ship The sum of £34 or !her. Famine Census ... Mary took. a very bad feveT" and was despaired of both by priest abouts was due on the farm on and doctor. And as soon as she gol well Andy look the same dis­ July last. Therj:: was a good crop In Elpbin Diocese east. I am soil')' to relate thai poor Biddy Clancy and Catharine of com on the ground. which Umerick Reporter. Nov. S, M'Gowan died in hospital and a greal many of our friends. There is the poor man and his distressed 1847 - The flnt topic is 10 a prospect ofthe winter being very bad and I often wished 10 be al family laboured hard, through save the people's lives, to re­ home again, bad and all as we were. We often wished we neVeT" hunger and poverty. to sow. lieve the distress which is accu­ seen St. John ... The governmenl are about 10 send all the passen­ The sheriffappeared on the mulating every day. In the pa­ gers thai were senl out here by Lord Pa.lmerston and Sir Robert lands in July last 10 give posses· pers of last week, we have the home again because they are sure that all of them that did not per­ sion 10 the landlord. Moran had fU"St returns made to our rever· ish they surely will this winter ... I am very glad that Catharine did no lease, he offered to give com end bishops in pursuance of the nol come 10 this place for a great deal of our neighbours died here. I to the full amount of rent 8Jld resolution come to by them (to am sony to infonn ye that James Connolly of Glaniffand wife died arrears; the com was refused make 8 teI1SIl3 of the starving in and three children. Thady Freely died in hospital and Daniel Gal­ and money demanded, which each parish). At present, we langher and wife of Coolagrapy and Roger M'Gowan of Drinaghan. Moran could not give them. He have only a partial return from Pan Giblin and his brother Dominick and I was very (sad) when I proposed to bring a part of his the diocese of the amiable and heard that Thady Giblin died ... I am SOfT)' to tell that a great deal of com to the landlord's haggard beloved bishop of Elphin ... the our ... passengers died in hospital. Mich Walters ofGrange died and and leave it there as a security number of families who are al James Gilmartin of Ne'Ntown ... Bridgel Conoly was given up and - com for his family. This of­ this moment perishing from was in the quaranline island six weeks and her child died in the is­ fer was rejected and the law want of food: land. should take its COW'Se. Bryan Clancy Ind sister Moran was pul out in July. Tavanagh, Co. Sligo 300 but he lingered about the place and reaped some of the com for 51. John's &C 1.353 Saint John, New Brunswick, Dec. 25. 1847 - Brother Roger. J food for his family. He take the opportunity of sending you these few line!l hoping to fmd was still Aharnlish 450 expecting some settlement, and you all in as good health as this leaves us at present, thanks be to that he might be left in posses­ Kilcorkery, Roscommon.... 98 God for his mercy towards us. As for the time past. I cannot lell you sion of his linle farm. He Ki1roess 370 the one halfof my sickness 8Jld disease. When I left Irel8Jld I never continued about the premises was stronger or in belter health unlil'we were IS days on ship Fuerty 294 unlil the first of September, board. Moly Mew died which lay in the berth under mine 8Jld I look Elphin 750 when the sheriffappeared again. the fevour of her 8Jld Biddy Conolly and also Catherine Relly. And Aughana 350 Catherine tom own, neitherofus was able to bring the other a drop His house was thrown down. his com reaped and carried away ... Bashek 600 of drink. for nine days. And each of us was relapsed only as tug dan and the poor unfortunate wouJd bring it to us and Honour M'Gowans children. I took the man, Clofenlough&Lisanuffy... 300 his wife and six children and an bowel complaint 8Jld continued with me for 3 weeks on the ship WI­ Athlone 1,500 til we landed at the end of five weeks and one day ... we had to go aged father, 85 yean: old. driven Killeemad 491 to q\l8fllIltine island to the hospita.l and 1was given up by the doc­ on the world, without a roof to shelter them. without a day's BaiJintubber 487 10r.1 passed blood through me for three days and the skin and flesh busted off my teeth and gave blood on my mouth. I was anend by food 10 sustain life, without one Kilkeevan 430 hope except from death, to re­ one Doclor Mwfy from County Galway cured me in six days and lease them from their miseries. Roscommon 1.015 also Betty ... After being five weeks on the island. I came out to Ogula 620 saint John and was warmly received by Andrew Kerrigan who died He constructed a sort of shed Athleague 300 of a fevour and buryed on the twenty-second of this month . with some old boards and a Roger. ifin the case you inlend to come out here, come early in the winnowing sheet, but of thai Creeve 200 spring and let me know aboul it .. It is sorrowful to hear all of your lUxury we are informed, he was Boyle 730 neighbours that died here which was already dear to us ... threatened 10 be deprived. PaU aDd Catborine M'G)"an Ethnic center aided Family History by $5.000 grant With a $5,000 grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council, Old city directories are full of genealogical material, such as the names the Ethnic Heritage Center at of entire families together with street addresse!t and occupations. Our genealogist Paul R. Keroack has undertaken a project to rescue some Southern Connecticut State Uni­ of this material for Connecticut Irish people seeking their ancestors. Irish~ versity, and the Connecticut Paul has begun the daunting task of extracting and listing Irish names American Historical Society which from the Norwich city directory of 1867. Compiling the list il a difficult is a partner in the center, have and inexact science because many names, such as Brown, Smith, been able to lay the groundwork Carey, etc., may be Irish or English in origin. Other names have for development of archives and numerOUl spelling variations, some of which appear not to be Irish. In future programs. his work, Paul is uling Irish surname reference works and his The grant enabled the center to knowledge of the Irish in Norwich from previous projects to sort out the Irish namas. He intends to begin copying some names from Bridgeport hire Dr. John Sutherland. history and New Heven directories end we will, from time to time, print listings professor emeritus at Manchester of the names he extracts. Anyone who wishes to help out in this Community College and a re­ project, either with those three cities. or other Connecticut towns, searcher of ethnic history, to as­ should get in touch with Paul through The Shanachie. The names below sess, evaluate and make recom­ are from the Norwich directory of 1867. mendations for the use of the col­ lections of historical societies that Barnett, Daniel, laborar, Roath Rd. Brennan, Mllry, domestic, 23 Broedwey form the heritage center, John, Illborer, Whila G. Michael, laborer, 11 Summil Sutherland recommended that Barry, Daniel, laborllr, 119 Yantic Bresnahen, Cornelius, laborer, Roalh rd our historical society collect more Dllvid, laborer, . 3 G rd David, blackamith, Roath rd Edmund, paper-maker, 8 n Main G Michaal, baggaga maalar, 12 Boswell documents, photos. yearbooks, Elilln, WllaVllr, High G Mra, Mergaret, 41h ab Proapecl G organizational records, letters, di­ Mrs. Elilln, G rd Brickley, John, currier, NT aries, family histories, etc. As part James, laborer, G rd Brown, Dllniel J., mechinisl, Elizllbelh of his work, Sutherland on Nov. John, laborar, G rd Joseph, laborer, 58 Thamas Mary, domastic, 6 Broadway Mary, fac op, ab G n PT 16 presented a lecture and work­ Michaal, laborar, Whila G Patrick, leborar, G rd shop on how to record family his­ Mrs. Nelly, wid Plltrick, High G Pelrick, currier, NT tory, Bagley, John, laborar, 61h lib Prospacl G William, papermaker, Main c 41h In addition·to funding Suther­ Balkary, James, laborer, G rd Bucklay, Graca, domlntic, 41 Broadway Barklay, Michalll, SIlloon, 271 Main, h do John, laborer, Tafls land's work, the grant made possi­ Barnard, Mary, domastic, Main n 101h G Mary, Wllllver, bds High G ble the hiring of Judith Schiff, Birt.ary, James,laborllr, NT Mary, domastic, 6 Broadway chief archivist at Yale's Sterling Thomlls, farmer, BH Michaal, laborer, bels 52 Yanlic library, to examine the collections Birracrea, Mich&lll, gardanar, 14 Cedar Patrick, spinner, NT Bowlar, Ellan, lac. op., bels 119 Yantic Thomas, laborar, bels Main n 8th G of member societies of the Ethnic Mich'l, Isborar, 8th ab Proapact G Burka, A.J., spaculalor, Asylum n Falls Heritage Center from the stand­ Boyla, Edmund, laborar, 43 Union Chas., oversear, bds lafayelle point of an archivist and to make John, laborar, Aqueducl wid Ellan, Mt. P1easanl recommendations for the storage Thomas, teamstar, 9 Summil Frank, horsashoer, 240 Main, h 105 Bradv, Catharina, wid, ROlllh rd Thames of archival materials, Jllmlls, laCllmllkar, Main lH wid Horaca, 3 lafayatte The center is in the process of Jamall, hostllillr, bels 22 Sachem Msrgstet, domeslic, 52 Washington cataloguing and organizing its col­ Patrick, machinist, 15 Sllcham Mra, Michaal, 74 Union lections and volunteers are needed Terence, Illborllr, Harvy av Patrick, coachman, 62 Washinglon Brllnin, CorneliulI, fac op, Main n 9th G Robllrt W .. csrpanler, bda 90 Wash. to help with the sorting and filing. Plltrick, Illborer, NT Thomlls, grocer, 20 Watar, h do Volunteers are also needed to help PlIlrick, pllpaf'fTlIIkar, Mllin sl n Thomas,llIborer, 255 Main with the library, exhibits and dis­ 91h G. Thomlls,llIborar, Thamasvilla plays, clerical duties and some re­ Brannin, Bridgal, fac op, bel. 109 Yantic Wm., saloon, 29 Franklin Hannah, domastic, 19 Union ceptionist duties, Anyone inter­ Humphrlly, laborar, High n 6th G Abbrllvilllions: Ab, IIbova; al, allay; bel, ested in volunteering should con­ James, lllrmer, 25 Yanlic below; b or bat, balwaan; c, cornllr; bdll, tact ethnic center director Jeanne Michalll, Illborer, High clOth G bOllrd.; do, ditto; G, Greenville; h, housa; Roche Whalen, 392-6126. Brassil, Michalll, coachman, 69 Broadway ft, 1001; la, lana; opp, opposita; n, naar; r, Bray, Joseph, 23 3d G rallr; sq, squaro; st, slroet; W, wast; E, The grant also helped the her­ Mary, domestic, 72 Washinglon allst; N, north; 5, Ilouth; NlT Nllw Lon· itage center to conduct an open Pal, blacksmith, 6th lib Prospact G don Turnpike; NT Norwich Town; WS, house on Sept. 28, introducing Bralill, Jllmes, laborar, 16 eadar wellt sidll; P, Prellton; PH, Pillin Hill; CT, the public as well as members to Brannan, Mrs. Cath., wellver, 49 Yantic Canterbury Turnpike; lH, llural Hill; 0, Dllnia', laborer, G rd Old; BH, Ba8n Hill; SR, Scolland Road; PT the new headquarters at Southern Jamllll, laborar, bat Sr and CT Providence Turnpika. Connecticut State University, Page 4

Briefly noted Viking clues sought in East Lyme FESTIVAL OF TREES - Our society is participating in the Wadsworth Atheneum's Annual Festival of Trees with the contribution of a St. Connecticut ethnic history be­ Stephen's Day tree depicting the Irish custom of the Wren Boys who came a major news story this past carry an effigy of a wren through the streets on St. Stephen's Day, September when it was revealed Dec. 26, chanting a rhyme and collecting money to "bury the wren." that researchers from Denmark The idea for the tree was conceived by Maureen Delahunt. Thanks to were visiting East Lyme in search of Maureen and her assistants, Pat Heslin, Mimi Perrotti, Jim and Essie traces of 11 th century Vikings. Condron, Cathy Nicefaro, John Condron and Teresa Bramble for their The researchers, Jorgen D. efforts and for introducing our society and an Irish custom to a new Siemonsen and Johannes Hertz, are audience. members of the Committee for Re­ search on Norse Activities in North MEMORIAL -A memorial has been received in memory of Edward America AD 1000-1500. Their trip Brassil and dedicated to his great interest in things Irish and his work to Connecticut was sparked by to promote Irish history and culture. It was donated by Francis and coming across accounts of a metal Jeanne Roche Whalen on the occasion of Eddie's untimely passing. spoon that was uneartlied near the Shaw Manson in New london EARLY IRISH LITERATURE AND MYTHOLOGY -A class on this topic about 140 years ago. is being offered in the spring semester at Gateway Community College According to one account, the in New Haven by arrangement with the CIAHS. The class includes spoon, decorated with Norse-stYle four two-hour classes and is a non-credit, continuing education engravings, was sent to Copen­ course. The fee is $40. For information and to register, call Gateway hagen for study. Its whereabouts Community College, 789-7071. now are unknown. The Danes said that an area YALE GOES GREEN - An exhibit titled "Irish Paintings from the Cot­ around the Niantic River closely lection of Brian P. Burns" is being featured at the Yale Center for matches the characteristics of the British Art, 1080 Chapel St., New Haven, from Sept. 25 through Jan. Vinland described in ancient Norse 4, 1998. The 70 paintings in the exhibit cover a period from 1840 to sagas. The sagas say that Norse­ the early years of the 20th century. The center is open Tuesday men built a settlement at Vinland on through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 a tidal raiver with a sandbar at its p.m. For information, call (203) 432-2800. mouth and near a source of fresh water. The ancient manuscripts de­ scribe a land with a mild enough climate that cattle could be pas­ tured all year and a land where Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society grapes grew in abundance. The P.O. Box 120-020 sagas also speak of a strong cur­ East Haven, Connecticut 06512 rent flowing between islands which might fit the area of Block Island and Fishers Island on Long Island ·We heve kept felth wtth the put; we heye handed a tradition to the future... Sound. Padralc Pa... The Danish researchers were es­ pecially interested in the Smith's Pfetident: Jeanne Rocha Whaten, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. Cove area of East Lyme. Home: 468-0426; office: 392-6126 Connecticut state archaeologist Nicholas Bellantoni was quoted as Vice Pre•.: George WllIdron, 145 Corbin Road, Hamden 06517. welcoming the Viking quest even though no concrete evidence has Secretery: M...r.., Delahunt, 15 Brubaker Rd., Cha,hlra 06410. 272·7144. ever come to light to connect the '/inland saga with Connecticut. Treuurer: Tom Slat., 82 D.... HID Rd., Hamden 06518. 248-4826. (Source: Meriden Record-Journal, Shenachia Edhor: Nail Hogen, 26 Crestview Terr., WaUlngford 06492. 26 Sept. 27. 7997.1 9154. Editor's note: In recognition of the bond between our historical society Member.hlp: .,0 Individual; .,5 family. Sand neme, lIddre.. and check and the other societies in the Ethnic made out to CIAHS at above addr.... Heritage Center and to foster appre­ ciation for a/l races and nationali· The Shenechle: In ireland, ••henechle I•• follloo.t, .....torten and keeper of ties, we print in each issue of The the tradition. of the people. Shanachie one story about another ethnic group.