January, 2021
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The Prologue: Henry “Bounce” Walsh, of Catsrock, Glenmore
As previously published Henry “Bounce” Walsh was hanged on 1 September 1847 for the murder of John Walsh near Bishop’s Hall, in what was sometimes referred to as the Black Corner murder. Notwithstanding the circumstantial evidence presented in the court, Henry “Bounce” Walsh asserted to the very end that he was not guilty of the murder. Thanks to Beth Tykodi who shared the article on the “Bouncer” Walshes, which was published on 20 January 1846, as it led to locating other pre-murder newspaper articles with information concerning Henry “Bounce” Walsh as well as the name of his father and a brother. These newspaper accounts are often contradictory and confusing. Unfortunately this was common in newspaper accounts from the mid-nineteenth century. For the previous blog posts concerning the murder trial see; https://glenmore-history.com/the-murder-trial-of-henry-bounce-walsh-of-knockbrach-glenmore/ and for the execution see: https://glenmore-history.com/the-public-execution-of-henry-bounce-walsh-in-1847/ .
Convicted of Assault
In July 1845, Henry “Bounce” Walsh was arrested and charged with assaulting Mr. Gregory Lymbery. The following article appeared in the Waterford Chronicle and reveals that Bounce and another defendant both committed assaults and received similar sentences with one distinction. The other defendant assaulted a constable and was sentenced to hard labour.
“COUNTY COURT-Tuesday…Chief Justice Doherty” heard the following: “Daniel Maher, stood charged with an assault of a policeman at Abbeyside, while in the discharge of his duty. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and said, that but for being drunk on the night in question, he would not have interfered. Six months imprisonment, with bard labour. Henry Walsh was next put forward for an assault on Mr. Gregory Lymbery. He also pleaded as an excuse, that he was drunk on the night he committed the assault, and could not recollect, whether he committed the assault or not, but supposed he did. Six months imprisonment.” (Waterford Chronicle, Wed. 16 July 1845, p. 3)
Release from Jail & Victim of an Assault
On the day Henry “Bounce” Walsh was released from jail, the 15th of January 1846, having served his time for the assault on Mr. Lymbery, his brother John and his father Walter brought him some clothes. (Waterford Mail, 3 March 1846, p. 2) Thereafter, Bounce, John and Walter Walsh went drinking. On their way home “Bounce,” his father and brother were the victims of serious assaults. The article from Saunder’s New Letter (Dublin) (20 January 1846, p. 3) provides:
“DESPERATE ASSAULT—An assault, which, we regret to say, is in one instance likely to prove fatal, was committed Thursday night, about ten o’clock, on the persons of Walter Walsh, John Walsh, and Henry Walsh, the father and two sons, better known by the nickname of “The Bouncers,” and famous for their pugnacious propensities. They are residents of a place called Catsrock, about six miles from this city, in the County of Kilkenny. The occurrence took place at the county Kilkenny side of the bridge, near Alderman Forristal’s residence, and the parties by whom the injuries were inflicted are named Thomas Grant, John Halligan, James Power and James Brien. The weapon used was a bar of iron about three and a half feet long by two inches broad. Those parties are also natives of the county Kilkenny, and it appears the affray arose from a dispute of long standing. The Walshes are desperately wounded. Henry’s life is almost despaired of, and it is strange fact that he was only after being discharged from gaol on the same day, where he was confined for a wanton assault on Gregory Lymbery, Esq. Intimation of the circumstances having been given to Sergeant M’Coy, who was on duty on the Quay, he immediately proceeded to the opposite side of the bridge, and aided by his party, removed the wounded man to the police barrack, and then pursued the other parties, whom he succeeded in arresting. Grant was identified as the person who had used the bar of iron. The Walshes were removed to the Leper Hospital, and the others were on yesterday brought before the magistrates at petty sessions, and committed until the result of the injuries will be known.—Waterford Mail”
The Waterford Chronicle provided a slightly different account and falsely reported that Walter Walsh died of his injuries. This account provides that Grant, Bryan, Halligan or Hannigan and Power resided in Curraghmore, Slieverue.
“MURDER. On Thursday night about 10 o’clock four men named Thomas Grant, John Halligan, James Bryan, James Power, were proceeding from Waterford to Curraghmore, in the County Kilkenny, their residence, they had not proceeded far beyond the bridge when they overtook three men named John Walsh, Henry Walsh, and Walter Walsh. On coming up with the Walshes the attack commenced, and is stated that one the persons now in custody named Thomas Grant committed fearful havoc on the Walshes, whom he strewed about the road, with a heavy piece of new iron he had in his car. As soon as the alarm was given, Constable M’Coy and some of his men pursued the assailants, whom they succeeded in capturing, and conveyed them hack to the police barracks at Ferrybank, and also the sufferers whom they found bleeding on the road. After arriving at the barracks the sufferers identified prisoners as the persons who assaulted them. On seeing one the prisoners (Thomas Grant), Walter in identifying him said, “oh, it was you who slaughtered all with the bar of iron.” On yesterday, the prisoners were brought before the magistrates, they were identified by constable M’Coy, whose evidence corresponds with what we have stated. The prisoners were remanded. One of the Walsh’s an old man, died yesterday evening in the Leper Hospital, where his fellow sufferers are lying in a hopeless state. (Waterford Chronicle, Sat. 17, 1846, p. 3)
The trial of Thomas Grant and James Brien was held on Friday the 27th of February 1846 in the City Court of Waterford. Although the previous accounts implied that there were three Walsh victims and four defendants only two men stood trial for a “felonious assault, with intent to do some bodily injury, on the person of Walter Walsh.” The following account is from the Waterford Mail (3 March 1846, p. 2).
“Spring Assizes (City Court—Friday, before Honourable Justice Ball). Thomas Grant and James Brien were indicted for a felonious assault, with intent to do some bodily injury, on the person of Walter Walsh.
Walter Walsh examined—Is a farmer; lives at Cat’s Rock; has six sons; was in Waterford on the 15th January last; went to bring his son some clothes, as he was coming that day out of jail for having committed an assault on Mr. Lymbery; left Waterford about 8 o’clock that evening in company with two sons, Henry and John; when he came to the bridge; at the end where Mr. Forristal lives, witness was beaten on the head with a bar of iron by four men whom he met there; believes he got but one blow; when witness got the blow; Henry was struck and knocked down; he saw his sons that night in the police barrack, and they were sent to the hospital.
Henry Walsh examined—Is son to Watt Walsh; was coming from Waterford with his father and brother, and went over the bridge; when opposite Forristal’s house, witness was struck on the head with a bar of iron by Thomas Grant; Brien was with Grant, and was the first person who caught witness by the coat—[witness here identified the prisoners]—after witness was struck down with the bar of iron he became insensible, and did not speak until the morning after.
John Walsh deposed that he was with his father and brother going over the bridge on the evening in question; when at the other side of the bridge he saw three men together, the two prisoner and John Hannigan; witness caught hold of the bar of iron to defend himself when Tom Grant was about striking him with it; immediately he let go the iron bar, and was struck on the head with it and knocked down; his father and brother were down before himself; he was waiting for his father and brother at the old hotel of Mr. Forristal, when, thinking his father and brother were delaying too long, witness turned back and saw five men together his father, brother, the two traversers, and Hannigan; his father and brother were struck down, and witness was knocked down afterwards.
James Power examined—Saw Hannigan and Henry Walsh coming over the bridge staggering; they handled each other when they came over the bridge opposite Forristal’s door; Tom Grant and Jimmy Brien stood by; saw a bar of iron in Tom Grant’s hand; saw Hannigan strike John Walsh with the iron bar; he was the last man knocked down; all the parties had been drinking; heard nothing of a quarrel between them.
Laurence Sullivan examined—Remembers the night when the Walshs were beaten; accompanied the traversers over the bridge; was shaking hands with Henry Walsh and bidding him goodbye, when Hannigan struck Henry Walsh two blows with his fist; saw a bar of iron in the hands of Grant, but did not see him use it; witness was trying to make peace; was going away when Kennedy pulled him back; witness turned round and saw a man fall; saw Grant and Brien before—they were all tipsey that night—able to walk and no more.
Constable M’Coy proved the arrest of the prisoners and two others at the Mile post, in the County Kilkenny; they had a car, in which were two bars of iron [one was produced with which the injuries seemed to be inflicted]—Grant said the iron was his; when brought to the police station the prisoners were identified by the Walshes, and John Walsh stated that Grant was the man who slaughtered them all with the bar of iron.
Dr. J. Mackesy deposed to the nature and extent of the injuries inflicted, which were of so serious a nature that their lives were endangered. Mr. Rollestone addressed the jury for the prisoners. Henry Bolton, Esq., gave the prisoner Brien a character for quiet, orderly conduct. Nicholas Henneberry, a farmer, gave a good character of Grant. The Judge charged the jury at much length, who retired, and after a considerable delay, acquitted the prisoners of all the counts.”
It is not clear what defence the defendants employed, but given the acquittal it is likely that self-defence may have been plead. It is not clear, what role, if any, the life threatening head injury Henry “Bounce” Walsh suffered in 1846 played in his alleged killing of John Walsh in 1847.
Siblings of Henry “Bounce” Walsh
A quick review of the early parish records and we were able to locate six children of Walter Walsh and Mary Baldwin, of Catsrock, Glenmore. Unfortunately, we could not locate a baptism for Henry although we believe he may have been born between 1823 to 1830.
[1] John Walsh, was baptized on 11 July 1823 at Glenmore the son of Walter Walsh and Mary Beldon (sic). [2] Patrick Walsh, was baptized on 29 March 1830 at Glenmore. [3] Michael Walsh, was baptized on 17 May 1832 at Glenmore. [4] Mary Walsh, was baptized on 17 April 1834 at Glenmore. [5] Mary Walsh, was baptized on 16 July 1836 at Glenmore. [6] Anastatia Walsh, was baptized on 12 Aug. 1839 at Glenmore.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
100 YEARS AGO: January 1921
On the 23rd of December 1920, the long awaited Home Rule for Ireland became law, however the War of Independence was continuing with no sign of a truce. Below are some of the local events recorded in local newspapers 100 years ago.
CO. KILKENNY TRAGEDY—Mrs. Ryan, the heavily pregnant wife of Michael Ryan, Bridge St., Callan, Co. Kilkenny, was wounded on Tuesday evening of last week (21st of Dec.), and died Thursday (the 23rd of Dec.) in the local hospital, following an operation. Tuesday evening the residents of Callan were ordered to keep their houses closed and remain indoors while the funeral of Sergeant Thomas Walsh, killed in one of Monday’s ambushes, was passing through the streets. After the funeral passed Mrs. Ryan was letting a customer out of the door, a shot rang out, and Mrs. Ryan was wounded. A military inquest commenced on the 24th of December but was adjourned to gather witnesses. (Munster Express, Sat. 1 Jan. 1921, p. 6; Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 1 Jan. 1921, p. 4.) It was later determined that RIC Sergeant Thomas Walsh had been shot and killed by “friendly fire” from other Crown forces at the ambush on the 20th.
CO. KILKENNY PRIEST SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IMPRIONMENT WITH HARD LABOUR—Rev. Patrick H. Delahunty (c. 1880-195) C.C. Callan, Co. Kilkenny was arrested the 4th of December 1920 for being in possession of seditious publications and documents likely to cause disaffection. Fr. Delahunty’s home had been searched on the 3rd of September 1920 and several documents were seized including letters from Dail Eireann, Department of Finance. One of the letters was signed by Michael Collins. After his arrest in December Fr. Delahunty was transferred from Kilkenny under military escort and tried by court martial in Waterford Prison on the 17th of December. On Christmas Eve he was sentenced to imprisonment for two years with hard labour. (Munster Express, 8 January 1921, p. 4; Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 18 Dec. 1920, p. 4)
After the sentence it was reported that Fr. Delahunty was transported to England, by military escort, but eventually it was reported that “[i]t has been intimated to Rev. Patrick H. Delahunty that the hard labour portion of the sentence has been remitted along with the fifth charge that he repudiated.” He always repudiated that he was an officer of the then unlawful association Sinn Fein. The article concluded, “He is still under hospital treatment in the Waterford prison, but is in good spirits.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 22 January 1921, p. 7) Thereafter, Fr. Delahunty was returned to Kilkenny gaol and remained there until he and 43 other political prisoners escaped by tunneling out of the goal in November 1921. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 26 Nov. 1921) After the Irish Civil War Father Delahunty moved to Kansas, U.S.A. where he ironically became a chaplain of the penitentiary at Lansing, Kansas (Kansas City Times, 7 Nov. 1968, p. 13). For further information regarding Fr. Patrick Delahunty see, http://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/father-patrick-delahunty/ . For further information regarding the escape from the Kilkenny gaol see, http://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/kilkenny-jail-escape/ .
Bishop of Ossory’s Christmas Message—Most Rev. Abraham Brownrigg (1836-1928) Bishop of Ossory, on Christmas Eve, 1920 had a Christmas message read out in all churches of the diocese. The message was printed in the Kilkenny Moderator as well as the Munster Express. The following excerpts are from that message that was read out at Christmas mass in Glenmore and other churches.
“…Let us in the true spirit of Christian charity sympathise deeply with, and pray for, all those who have lost friends, relatives, or dependents, whose property has been destroyed, and whose prospects in life have been blighted and ruined for ever. If an opportunity should offer, and, if called upon, let us, as generously as we can, help them in their wants and privations.
Let us not forget and pray, too for the magnitude of our countrymen—the very flower of our youth and manhood—who are languishing at this Christmas time in jails throughout Great Britain and Ireland, that they may have strength to bear their suffering and privations and be soon restored to their homes and friends.
In the spirit of Christ-like forgiveness, let us pray also for the cruel men, who direct the present regime of death and destruction on our county, asking God to open their eyes to the wrong they do our people to stay their hand.”
AUXILIARIES & SINN FEIN FLAG–On Christmas Day three members of the auxiliary police force visited the City Hall Waterford, and demanded of the caretaker (Mrs. Collins) that the Sinn Fein flag which was flying over the building be taken down. Mrs. Collins informed them that none of the Corporate officials or employees were on the premises. Munster Express, Sat. 1 January 1921, p. 6.
EDITORIAL, IRELAND’S NEW YEAR—The following editorial appeared in the Waterford News & Star, summed up 1920 and expressed hope for 1921.
“1920 was a dark and desperate year for Ireland. But her resolution has been strengthened by the ordeal, and her spirit remains unbroken. Sinn Fein has won those victories of the heart and the intellect—victories such as that achieved by Terence MacSwiney—victories which prepare the body politic to make the best and highest uses of the material victory which is at hand. England’s foreign and domestic difficulties render an Irish Peace Conference and an Irish Peace Treaty essential to British interests. Industrial unrest grows apace in England, whilst her economic situation cause her serious thought. Abroad, she has India, where as Young Ireland put it in today’s issue, ‘her Redmond’s can no longer restrain the anger of centuries.’ In Turkey, Mesopotamia, and Egypt there is trouble for England. And there is her unpopularity in America and on the Continent, Ireland on the contrary, ‘has every reason to envisage the coming of the new year with gladness in her heart, for the dark hour which we traverse forebodes the dawn.’ We quote these last words from Young Ireland, which stands for what the Irish people voted for at the last general election—an Irish Republic.” Waterford News & Star, Fri. 7 Jan. 1921, p. 4.
Martial Law for Kilkenny—On the 4th of January 1921 martial law that had been imposed in Cork was expanded and imposed on various counties including Kilkenny. The terms were:
(a) All arms, ammunition, and explosives had to be surrendered by the 11th of January 1921. Any person in possession of same who was not a member of His Majesty’s armed forces or police forces, or who did not have a permit would be liable, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer death.
(b) Wearing the uniform or equipment of His Majesty’s armed forces or police forces, or wearing similar clothing likely to deceive will be liable, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer death. Being in possession of the banned items, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer Penal Servitude.
“NOTE WELL: That a state of armed insurrection exists; that any person taking part therein, or harbouring any person who has taken part therein, or procuring, inviting, aiding or abetting any person to take part therein, is guilty of levying war against His Majesty the King, and is liable, on conviction by a Military Court, to suffer death.”
All Law Courts, Corporations, Councils and Boards are directed to continue to carry out their functions. Signed by General Macready, Commander-in-Chief the Forces in Ireland. (The Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 8 Jan. 1921, p. 3)
CURFEW—Further restrictions were applied. On the 11th of January, Major-General Strickland, Cork, the Military Governor, prohibited the use of motor cars, motor-bicycles, and pedal bicycles between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the martial law areas, which included the whole of Munster and Counties of Wexford and Kilkenny. (Munster Express, Sat. 15 Jan. 1921, p. 7) FUNERALS—During the funeral of Michael McGrath, one of the I.R.A. men killed outside of Tramore during the Pickardstown Ambush, only 40 persons were allowed to attend his funeral that proceeded from St. John’s Church in Waterford City to Carbally cemetery. Vehicles not containing immediate family members were prevented from joining the funeral procession. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 14 Jan. 1921, p. 2) For details of the Pickardstown Ambush posted by Waterford County Museum see, https://www.facebook.com/waterfordcountymuseum/posts/10160809436494012
EARLY MORNING TROUBLE AT GLENMORE & ARRESTS—”Considerable unpleasant activity was evinced early yesterday morning (13th of January) in the little village of Glenmore and its surroundings. A large number of houses were visited and the male occupants ordered up from their beds. It is stated that two arrests were by the auxiliary. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 14 January 1921, p. 4) GLENMORE MEN ARRESTED—Military arrested J. Walsh and J. Mernagh of Glenmore (Co. Kilkenny). The military were very active in Glenmore district on Thursday morning. (Munster Express, Sat. 15 Jan. 1921, p. 5).
ROBINSTOWN, GLENMORE: LANDLORD’S COUSIN IN THE NEWS—It is not clear why the story was newsworthy, but all local newspapers covered it. “Miss Ponsonby, a cousin of the Earl of Bessborough, has assumed the stage name of Ninette Corday, and is now playing in the Gaiety Theatre, London in Maeterlinek’s new fairy play. Miss Corday is the daughter of Mr. Arthur Ponsonby who died three years ago. Arthur was the brother of Lord Bessborough who died a few weeks ago.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri 14 Jan. 1921, p. 13)
COW KILLED BY TRAIN AT ALYWARDSTOWN, GLENMORE—At the Quarter Sessions in Kilkenny on Wednesday, the 26th of January 1921, Richard Delahunty, Glenmore claimed £50 damages from the Dublin and South Eastern Railway Company in respect of the killing of a heifer through the alleged negligence of the defendants or their servants. Plaintiff stated that in common with five other families he had a right of way across the railway line near Glenmore. There was a gate lodge at the level crossing, and on the 4th October he found one of his milch cows dead on the line, it having been run over by a goods train. Further evidence given included that of Stephen Heffernan, who valued the cow at £35. Richard Delahunty was awarded £30 damages. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 29 Jan. 1921, p. 5). Thanks to Brian Forristal we know that Stephen Heffernan was very active at this time in the Old I.R.A. which begs the question why he traveled to Kilkenny regarding a neighbour’s cow. Was it an opportunity to pass messages or gather intelligence? For two stories regarding Stephen Heffernan from this time see Brian Forristal’s articles accessed via the guest author button on the home page.
The featured photo depicts the Waterford gaol or sometimes referred to as Waterford prison. It stood in Ballybricken until the 1940’s when he was demolished. A decade earlier several people were killed when one of its walls collapsed on adjacent houses. The photo is from the Munster Express.
The photograph of Bishop Abraham Brownrigg, of Ossory, taken from the Atlas and Cyclopedia of Ireland (1900) by the Library of Ireland available at https://www.libraryireland.com/Atlas/Bishop-Brownrigg-Ossory.php .
The photograph of Fr. Patrick Delahunty is from the Kansas City Times.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Outspoken Exile: Rev. Patrick O’Brien (1844-1930) of Toledo, Ohio
In performing family research tracing women can be particularly difficult. Recently a reader sought information regarding Mrs. Brigid O’Brien who died in April 1899 in Toledo, Ohio at the age of 75. The obituary for Mrs. O’Brien provides that she was born in Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. Mrs. O’Brien’s son, was the well-known and outspoken, Rev. Patrick O’Brien (1844-1930) of Toledo, Ohio. During his lifetime Rev. Patrick O’Brien was often in the newspapers for his sermons, lectures and as the President of the Catholic Total Abstinence Movement of America. Even on this side of the Atlantic, the New Ross Standard often published his exploits such as when he publicly challenged the Cardinal of England regarding Catholic teachings and the Boer War. In 1929 he publicly denounced President W.T. Cosgrave. Father O’Brien’s words give one insight into how one self-proclaimed exile viewed events in Ireland.
Mrs. Brigid O’Brien (15 March 1824-10 April 1899)
The New Ross Standard published Mrs. O’Brien’s obituary on the 13th of May 1899. Mrs. O’Brien died on the 11th of April at her home at 749 Orchard Street in Toledo, Ohio. She was aged 75 and had been born in Glenmore, County Kilkenny. She emigrated from Ireland in 1857, first living in Elyria, Ohio (about 20 miles west of Cleveland) and in 1879 moved to Toledo (about 90 miles west of Elyria).
Mrs. O’Brien was survived by her husband, William O’Brien, who was 95 years of age. In her obituary it is noted that Mr. O’Brien was a native of Piltown, Sutton’s Parish (Wexford). The poor widower was so overcome with grief that he collapsed at his wife’s funeral Mass and could not attend the burial. In addition to her husband, Mrs. O’Brien was survived by two sons: Rev. Patrick O’Brien, pastor of the Good Shepherd Church on the East Side of Toledo; Mr. Michael O’Brien, who lived at home; and two daughters: Mrs. H F Tiernan, of 630 Oakwood Avenue; and Mrs. John Bradley, of 1118 Oak Street. Another daughter did not survive but her two children were Miss Belle Haywood, who resides with Mrs. Bradley and Master Alfred Haywood who lived at the pastoral residence of Father O’Brien. The obituary went on to announce that Mr. O’Brien would now be in the care of Father O’Brien. “In spite of the great grief, the old gentleman bears up well, as his fine physique gives promise of reaching his I00th milestone.”
Father O’Brien conducted the funeral and was assisted by Rev. McCarthy, Rev. McCloskey, Rev. Lamb, and Rev. Wm. McMahan of Cleveland. Rev. McMahan preached a beautiful and eloquent funeral sermon and said among other things: “The greatest honour that could be conferred upon the deceased was to raise the son who stands at the altar to celebrate her funeral mass.” “The attendance was very large, the big church being filled to the doors. Besides the son of the deceased there were sixteen priests present, representing the city and surrounding country; six nuns from the Ursuline Convent; four nuns from the Little Sisters of the Poor and two from the St. Vincent’s Orphan Asylum.” The pall-bearers were—George Sheets, Patrick Ford, James Moroney, John O’Grady, Michael F. O’Sullivan, Edward F. Fischer, John C. Phelan and John E. Collins.
Although there are similarities between the description of Mrs. O’Brien’s funeral and some local funerals of that time there is one aspect that we have not encountered in a local obituary or funeral. Mrs. O’Brien was interred in Calvary Cemetery, of Toledo and the obituary noted that the remains of Miss Annie O’Brien and Mrs. A. J. Haywood, daughters of the deceased, which were interred in a cemetery in Cleveland, would be taken up and brought to Toledo for burial in the family lot in Calvary.
Unfortunately, in none of the obituaries were we able to locate the maiden name of Mrs. O’Brien. Her maiden name is also not recorded on the family headstone.
Mr. William O’Brien (3 May 1804-25 Sept. 1902)
Mr. O’Brien’s obituary appeared in the Toledo Bee newspaper (25 Sept. 1902, p. 4). Mr. O’Brien died on the 25th of Sept. 1902 at the age of 98 years, 4 months and 22 days. Mr. O’Brien was born in Sutton’s Parish, Wexford. He was the eldest of five children and was the last of his generation. His last brother died just three years previously in Ireland. His father is not identified in the obituary, but it is noted that his father played a prominent role in the 1798 Rebellion. In 1855, Mr. Wm. O’Brien emigrated to Ohio from Wexford. He worked and sent for his wife and children. They arrived in 1857. The family settled in Elyria, Ohio.
When the U.S. Civil War broke out in 1861 Mr. O’Brien tried to enlist, but was rejected due to his age. He obtained a job working for the quartermaster’s department, where he worked for three years in and around Nashville, Tennessee. The Enniscorthy Guardian (25 Oct. 1902, p.5) in reporting on Mr. William O’Brien’s death stated that he had visited Wexford in 1890 at the age of 86 and had travelled on his own.
About five weeks prior to his death in 1902, Mr. O’Brien fell. His obituary strangely states that he died from indigestion. He was survived by four of his children who were all resident in Toledo and at his bedside when he died: Rev. Patrick O’Brien, pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd; Michael O’Brien, of Prouty Avenue Mrs. J.H. Bradley, of Oak Street and Mrs. Hugh Tiernan, of Oakwood Avenue.
Rev. Patrick O’Brien (20 Feb. 1844—22 June 1930)
Rev. Patrick O’Brien was born on the 20th of February 1844 at Piltown, County Wexford just across the River Barrow from Glenmore. Patrick was baptised on the day of his birth in the old parish of Sutton’s that later became Ballykelly and Horeswood (National Library of Ireland, Diocese of Ferns, Co. Wexford, Suttons: Variant forms of parish name: Ballykelly, Horeswood; Microfilm 04261/040). His parents are listed in the parish records as William Bryan and Bridget Dugan (although some have deciphered the name as Deegan. Dugan is a common name in Glenmore and Deegan is not.) No baptismal for either a Bridget Dugan or Deegan could be located in the combined Slieverue/Glenmore Church records. Father O’Brien’s godparents were James Bryan and Mary Hunter(?). In a letter to the editor published in the New Ross Standard (9 Oct. 1897, p. 8) Father O’Brien wrote that before he was ordained, he wrote and asked for a copy of his baptismal record that was “preserved in Duganstown.”
Due to the high profile that Father O’Brien enjoyed, in addition to his parish work in Ohio, and published poems, we are able to track a lot of his activities. In an article dubbing Father O’Brien a “Brave Temperance Hero” (New Ross Standard, 27 July 1895) it was reported that as a young man he enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War. However, we know from other articles that although Father O’Brien enlisted in the 103rd Volunteers of Ohio he was discharged from the army after only 6 weeks due to a physical disability. He returned to school and was ordained by Bishop Gilmour (Bishop of Cleveland) on 21 July 1872. (New Ross Standard, 29 Jan. 1915, p. 4).
In 1893-1894, Father O’Brien took a leave of absence to travel. Several letters he wrote outlining his travels were published. He first sailed to Ireland where he met and joined a group of pilgrims who were going to Rome and the Holy Land. Upon landing at Cobh, Father O’Brien went for a walk and found that he was booked into a hotel that bore the name of a queen. Father O’Brien noted in his writings that he had nothing against the hotel “except its name.” Father O’Brien intended to visit Wexford on his return from the Holy Land, but fell ill with rheumatic fever while there and had to go back to the U.S. (New Ross Standard, 6 Jan. 1894, p. 2). In the lead up to the 1798 centennial Father O’Brien became the Chaplain of the New York ’98 club and planned to attend the ’98 ceremonies in Wexford. However, the group became reluctant to travel after the Spanish-American war broke out (New Ross Standard, Sat. 28 May 1898). It is not known if Father O’Brien ever made it to Wexford, but in an article concerning his ruby jubilee (40th anniversary as a priest) it was stated that he was a native of Abbeybraney, Wexford (New Ross Standard, 2 Aug. 1912, p. 4). Father O’Brien applied for a U.S. passport in 1913, and from the application we have a description of him. At the time of the application, he was 69 years of age 5’6” tall, with dark grey hair, grey-blue eyes, florid complexion, and a round face.
As President of the Catholic Total Abstinence Movement in America, Father O’Brien made headlines in various cities where he spoke, but his views on abstinence were considered “brave” by the New Ross Standard. Most of his lectures appear to have conformed to Church teachings such as his stance on divorce. From time to time, he also gave patriotic speeches and encouraged young American men to defend the country. In 1900, Father O’Brien made headlines when he publicly argued that Cardinal Vaughan, the Archbishop of Westminster, was wrong in asserting that England’s conduct in the Boer War was justifiable. Relying and quoting teachings of Catholic Theology on War, Father O’Brien challenged the statement that England’s conduct was justified (New Ross Standard, 20 Feb. 1900, p. 6). In 1906, in a speech covered by the Irish Standard he is quoted as advising prospective Irish emigrants, “Stay at home, in your dear land, where you have faith and grace, and a hope of salvation; bear the pangs of poverty; don’t face the indescribable horrors of emigration; for your own sake, for the sake of your country, and for God’s sake, stay at home” (17 March 1906, p.6).
In 1915, at the age of 71, Father O’Brien retired from parish work, but continued to speak out. His last major headline was achieved on the 19th of March 1929. “Father O’Brien of Toledo, former pastor of St. Ann’s church in Fremont has broken into the limelight as a result of his denunciation of President W.T. Cosgrave of the Irish Free state, who wired a message of greeting to the American republic on St. Patrick’s day, the Irish Leader’s proclamation” appeared in newspapers across the U.S. Father O’Brien’s reply was sent by cable, “I read in our Toledo papers your greeting to the Irish in America. The Irish in America do not want any greeting from you. They look upon you and the members of your government as traitors to Ireland.”
“You call yourself president of the Irish Free state. Ireland is not a free state. Under the present Irish government Ireland is controlled by England just as firmly as she ever was. Your government is the tool of England. You have betrayed Ireland.”
“You and your government murdered 70 young Irish patriots in cold blood. England never did anything worse than this. May the blood of these martyred young patriots descend upon your heads and may their departed spirits haunt you night and day while you live. Rev. Patrick O’Brien” (The News-Messenger (Fremont, Ohio) 19 March 1929, p. 3).
We could not locate a notice or obituary in the New Ross Standard after Father O’Brien’s death in 1930. Father O’Brien was buried in Calvary Cemetery, of Toledo, in the family lot. He was survived by his brother Michael.
The featured image is an old postcard from the early 20th century of Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Toledo, Ohio.
To view the gravestone of the O’Brien family via findagrave, see, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102851343/patrick-o’brien.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh