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Nicholas Forristal Phelan (1857-1941): From Ballyfacey to the Big Apple
When we came across Glenmore native Nicholas F. Phelan’s 1941 obituary in the Munster Express, it was unusual because it was noted that Nicholas had subscribed to that newspaper for over 50 years after he emigrated to the United States. He was a member of the Ballyfacey Phelan family and was 82 years of age at the time of his death which occurred eleven months before the U.S. entered World War II. The Munster Express in February 1941 published a short notice of his death. Then on the 7th of March 1941 the Munster Express published excerpts from obituaries for Nicholas that appeared in the New York Times and Brooklyn Eagle newspapers. Below are excerpts from the Munster Express obituary published 7 March 1941 (p. 8) followed by information concerning Nicholas and his second wife, Dr. Mary Sutton Phelan of Waterford, who served with the French Flag Nursing Corps during World War I . We shall highlight his accomplished sister, Mother Marie Gerard (Anastasia Phelan), in our next blog post.
“In a previous issue of the ‘Munster Express’ we briefly reported the sad news which we had received of the death in Brooklyn, New York, of an old friend and valued yearly subscriber in the person of Mr. Nicholas F. Phelan a native of Ballyfacey, Glenmore, and who in his early years was known and esteemed in business circles in Waterford…Nicholas F. Phelan, of 165 Hull St., a retired importer and brother of Mother Gerard, president of Marymount College, Tarrytown, N.Y., died [the 25th of January 1941] after a brief illness. Mr. Phelan was born in Ireland, and lived in Brooklyn for more than half a century. In addition to his sister, he is survived by his widow, Mary Sutton Phelan; a daughter, Anastasia, and four sons, John, Nicholas J., Patrick and Thomas Phelan. The funeral will be held from the Fairchild Chapel, 86 Lefferts Place, at 9.30 a.m. Wednesday, with a Solemn Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes R. C. Church, Broadway and Aberdeen Sts., at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
WATERFORD ASSOCIATIONS—It is with feelings of the deepest regret we take this opportunity to tender our sincerest sympathy to his bereaved widow and relatives in the States and at home here in Ireland. As for ourselves, we feel deeply the loss of a sincere life time friend, apart from his being the oldest of the yearly subscribers. His personal letters to us when forwarding the yearly postal subscription in advance were a treat and breathed deep feeling and love for his native land and enquiries regarding the friends he knew who, alas, are every year growing less in number.
Mrs. Mary Sutton Phelan, his widow, is daughter of the late Mr. Sutton, of the once-important firm of Murphy, Sutton and Quinn, 40 and 41 Merchants’ Quay, Waterford, who for more than half a century carried on an extensive grocery and spirit business in the olden days. Mrs. Phelan was sister of the late Rev. Father Sutton, an honoured and esteemed member of the Redemptorist Order of priests in Ireland.
The late Mr. Phelan was widely connected here, and was brother-in-law of the late Mr. John Ennett, D.C., P.L.G., Cappagh Glenmore, whose death we recorded about a year ago, and who was an active member of the old Waterford Board of Guardians and District Council. Mr. Phelan was also brother-in-law of Mrs. Grant, for many years residing at Knocknarea, Priest Road, Tramore, and was widely connected with families in his native townland, Ballyfacey, and adjoining districts, to all of whom we extend our sympathy on the death of one who in life was a lovable true and exemplary man.—R.I.P.”
From Ballyfacey via Waterford to New York
Nicholas Forristal Phelan (1857-1941) was the son of John Phelan and Catherine Phelan née Forristal who were married on the 20th of February 1855 at Glenmore. It is not clear when or why Nicholas began using his mother’s maiden name as his middle name, but it is found in U.S. documents such as censuses, the birth records of his children, and his passport. The parish records indicate that both of his parents were from Ballyfacey and unfortunately the father’s of John and Catherine are not listed in the records. Nicholas’s father, John Phelan, was baptized in Ballyfacy on 10 February 1832 the son of Richard Phelan and Judith Dunphy.
According to the Glenmore parish records and the Civil Birth Register, John Phelan and his wife Catherine Phelan née Forristal had at least ten children: (1) Richard Phelan, bapt. 20 Dec. 1855; (2) Nicholas Phelan, born 10 June 1857; (3) Edmund Phelan, born 14 Feb. 1861; (4) Johanna Phelan, born 25 Mar. 1862—died 1896; (5) James Phelan, born 15 April 1864; (6) Margaret Phelan, born 1 April 1866; (7) & (8) Twins John & Michael Phelan, born 2 April 1868; (9) Denis Phelan, born 15 Feb. 1870 and (10) Anastasia Phelan, born 18 Jan. 1872.
As a young man Nicholas went to Waterford and opened a business. It is believed that it was a grocery business. On the 29th of September 1882, at St. Patrick’s in Waterford, Nicholas Phelan, of George’s Street, married Catherine Condon (c. 1961-1919) of Clonmel. The groom’s father is recorded as John Phelan, farmer, and the bride’s father is recorded as Jeremiah Condon, victualler. The witnesses were James Hayes and Elizabeth Flavin. Immediately after the wedding the newlyweds emigrated to New York.
The city directories indicate that Nicholas’s business premises were at 6 Barclay St. in Manhattan, he worked as a salesman and the family home was at 635 4th Avenue (1889 New York City Directory) Sometime around 1907 the family was renting a house at 165 Hull in Brooklyn and by the time of the 1930 Census owned the home.
According to the 1900 Census Nicholas F. and Catherine Phelan had 9 children and 6 were living. The children listed in the census include: (1) Catherine J. Phelan, born 31 Oct 1861; (2) Anastasia Phelan, born 4 Nov. 1887—died 29 Oct. 1950; (3) John C. Phelan, born 6 Dec. 1888; (4) Nicholas Phelan, born 3 Jan 1893; (5) Patrick C. Phelan, born 15 April 1895– died 29 May 1968; (6) Thomas C. Phelan, born 30 Nov. 1896.
On the 2nd of September 1919, Catherine J. Phelan née Condon died at the home at 165 Hull St. of pneumonia. She and Nicholas had been married for 30 years. Her New York death certificate lists her parents as Jeremiah Condon and Mary Anne Condon. The 1920 Census reveals that his daughter Anastasia and the younger children although grown were still living in the family home and his nephew Dennis Phelan had immigrated in 1919 and was residing with the family. In 1921 Nicholas applied for his first passport. He is recorded as being 54 years of age; 5 feet 3 inches tall with blue eyes and black and grey hair. He recorded that he was born at Ballyfacy, Co. Kilkenny on 10th June 1857 and his father John was deceased. From his emigration in September 1882 until 1921 he was only out of the country in 1913 when he was in England on the 21st and 22nd June and from the 24th of June to the 22nd of July he was in Ireland. According to the application he intended to travel in 1922 to Ireland, England and France.
The Second Wife: Dr. Mary Sutton Phelan (1875-?) a native of Waterford
Sometime after Catherine died in 1919 and 1922 Nicholas F. Phelan married Mary Sutton, a native of Waterford. How or where the couple met is not known. The first record we could find indicating a marriage had taken place were records from the SS France. In June 1922 the couple sailed from Le Harve, France to New York.
Waterford birth records provide that Mary Sutton was the daughter of John Sutton (c. 1847-1898) and Johanna Sutton née O’Brien (c.1853-1928). The known children of this union include: (1) & (2) Twins, Thomas Amary Sutton and Mary were born on the 15th of December 1875; (3) Thomas Moses Sutton was born on 10 September 1877; (4) John Alex Sutton was born on the 15th of July 1883; (5) Anne M. Sutton was born on the 26th of November 1881; and (6) Margaret Sutton, was born on the 2nd of August 1886.
In 1927, the Munster Express (Fri, 22 April 1927, p. 8) published an article entitled, “Distinction for Waterford Lady in U.S.A.” Citing the March 1927 British Journal of Nursing the newspaper revealed that Mary Sutton Phelan was to be conferred a Master of Arts in June… “Mrs. Sutton Phelan quite recently took the degree of a Bachelor of Science, and in addition to this is a fully qualified and State Registered Nurse. Mrs. Sutton-Phelan is well-known among the pioneers of nursing organisations as a lady of great enterprise and initiative. She has a splendid record in her own profession, particularly in the field of welfare work, both at home and abroad. Her work as a member of the French Flag Nursing Corps was specially conspicuous for its excellence—both in French Military Hospitals and in Welfare Work after the War…
Mrs. Phelan is daughter of Mrs. J. Sutton, Lombard Street, Waterford, and formerly of the firm of Messrs. Murphy, Sutton & Co., Quay, Waterford. She is sister of Rev. T. Sutton, of the Redemptorist Order, who from time to time has conducted Retreats and Missions here in his native City of Waterford. Mr. N. F. Phelan is a native of Glenmore parish, and in his early manhood, was in business here, in this city. He is proprietor of an extensive wholesale tea and, wine business in New York, and more than once in recent years, revisited the scenes of his boyhood in and around Glenmore and Waterford. …” [For general information on the French Flag Nursing Corps, see http://www.scarletfinders.co.uk/167.html ]
We believe that Mary continued with her education until she earned a doctorate. In the obituary of her step-daughter Anastatia Phelan (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Mon. 30 October 1950) Mary was listed as Dr. Mary Sutton Phelan, Ed.D. Unfortunately we were unable to locate an obituary for Mary. However, we did locate one article from 1916 that reveals information regarding Mary’s work with the French Flag Nursing Corps. We have not been able to verify whether she was a nursing sister or a nun as stated in the article. The following article was published in New Ross Standard, on Friday the 25th of February 1916 (p. 4 ).
“CO. WEXFORD NUNS’ BRAVERY HAIL FROM THE ARTRURSTOWN DISTRICTS. Amongst the brave Irish Nuns ministering to the wants of the soldiers at the front and whose work have won the gratitude and admiration of both doctors soldiers are Sister Mary Sutton of Waterford, who is a first cousin to Mr John Murphy, merchant, Arthurstown; niece to Mrs Johanna Murphy, of Murphy, Sutton and Co., Arthurstown, and sister of the Rev Thomas Sutton, C.SS.R., who was one of the Fathers conducting the Mission in Ramsgrange in 1908, is now siting as Superior of the Rebeval Hospital in the Vosges and her charm of matter and warm heart made her a favourite with all. Sister Sutton has been a member of the Nursing Corps since 1914. She was one of the heroines of the Bruges and after helping to bring order out of the chaos was terribly disappointed when owing to the German bombardment, the Sisters were compelled to leave their hospitals and abandon all the comforts they had gathered together for the well-being of their patients. The Sisters who worked through the Typhoid epidemic at Bruges in the spring of last year, will never forget the terrible sufferings they relieved. Sister Sutton joined the French Flag Nursing Corps two months after the outbreak of hostilities and is now, as stated, in charge of the base hospital at Vosges. Nurse Sutton’s parents are natives of Horeswood parish to which their ancestors have given a name by which it is generally known. She is ably assisted by another Co. Wexford lady. Nurse Carmichael, who was born in Duncannon R.I.C. barrack of which her father was sergeant in charge some years ago.”
The featured photo is a postcard of Fulton Ferry and Brooklyn Bridge–N.Y. side (1900-1909) New York Public Library; NYPL catalog ID (B-number): b17538085.
Barclay St. –3rd Ward Plat Map 1855, New York Public Library Digital Collection (Image No. 1648061) 6 Barclay Street is in the Tribecca Neighborhood of Manhatton. The current building on the site was built in 2006 and has 58 stories with 400 units.
The photo of Nicholas F. Phelan is from his 1921 U.S. passport application.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
[Updated] Rev. Maurice Hoyne (1865-1930): His Time Down Under
Thanks to Michael Hoyne providing his research we are able today to present some information concerning a Glenmore native who was ordained and spent his religious life in Australia at the end of the nineteenth century and early decades of the twentieth century.
According to the short bio written by Father Michael Mernagh for Glenmore Times (2000). Maurice Hoyne was the eldest of a family of eighteen. He attended Glenmore National School and St. Kieran’s College. According to Fr. Mernagh, “Tradition has it that while out ploughing the family land he was inspired by the singing of a strange bird to devote his life to God.” According to Fr. Maurice’s 1930 obituary and the records obtained from the Melbourne Diocesan Historical Commission Fr. Maurice was educated St. John’s College, Waterford.
Fr. Maurice’s parents were John Hoyne, of Ballybrahee, Glenmore and Margaret Hoyne née Aylward, of Ballinclar, Glenmore. John and Margaret married on the 16th of February 1865 at Glenmore. Maurice was born on the 29th of November 1865. Luckily, his father registered his birth on the 5th of December as the baptisms from November 1865 are missing from the Glenmore Parish records. [Correction: Only missing from one of the online versions.]
Fr. Maurice was ordained at Waterford by Bishop Egan on the 16th of August 1890 for the Sale Diocese, Australia. Maurice sailed from London on the 21st of November 1890 on board the ship Cuzco. He arrived at Melbourne on the 5th of January 1891. The Diocese of Sale was established by Pope Leo XIII on the 26th of April 1887. The diocese covers south east Victoria, from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to the New South Wales border including all of Gippsland.
As soon as he arrived in Australia, Fr. Maurice became the first parish priest for Bairnsdale, Victoria. The following note appears in the Diocese records:
The extensive mission having Bairnsdale for its headquarters has been divided by the Bishop, through the erection of Omeo into a separate mission. His Lordship will formally induct Fr. Hoyne as first pastor of the new but important mission. Fr. Hoyne, since his arrival in the colony some 18 months ago, has been stationed continuously at Bairnsdale, from which place the Omeo district until now has been ministered from. For some months past the residents of the latter place have been making preparations for the reception of their pastor. A house was secured, and is now fitted up with suitable furniture.
After the mission was divided Fr. Maurice served as the parish priest for Omeo from 1892 to 1900. In a Diocese note it is revealed that Fr. Maurice was a good horseman. He rode 60 miles from Omeo to Castleburn in eight hours, on rough roads, to make sick calls. While serving at Omeo, Fr. Maurice learned that his mother died in Glenmore on the 5th of May 1896 at the age of 52. Two years later, on the 6th of August 1898, Fr. Maurice narrowly escaped drowning in the flooded Mitchell River. When Fr. Maurice was leaving for Cowwarr in 1900 the parishioners of Omeo gave him a gift of 80 to 90 sovereigns.
Fr. Maurice from 1900 to 1901 was assigned to Cowwarr and then to Warragul. He was assigned to Morwell for a year and then in 1906 he went to New Norcia in Western Australia. New Norcia is the only monistic town in Australia. In 1846 a Benedictine mission was sent to this area in Western Australia, 86 km north of Perth, to convert the local Aboriginals. In 1856 Bishop Salvado acquired land and established the outstation of Wyening to provide a network of pastoral stations to provide the Benedictine Monastery at New Norcia with food and income.
Fr. Maurice appears to have been based at a Wyening Mission Farm [Correction: Fr. Maurice while employed by the Monastery from 1905 to 1909 was based near Toodyay*] that he named “Glenmore” after his home parish in Ireland. In addition to managing the farm he was the parish priest for a huge parish. In 1909 Fr. Maurice sold “Glenmore” farm to Mr. Chitty. While in Western Australia Fr. Maurice’s brother John Hoyne and his wife, Ellen née Doherty moved to Australia. John and Ellen were married at Glenmore on the 7th of June 1899. Ellen was the daughter of Richard Doherty (deceased farmer) of Milltown, Glenmore. It is not known exactly when John and Ellen arrived, but we found a listing for them in the 1910 Western Australia Post Office Directory: “Hoyne Maurice (R.C.) Goomalling; and Hoyne, Jno. Farmer, Goomalling.” Thus, John and Ellen joined Fr. Maurice before 1910.
Fr. Maurice registered a brand for his livestock “8MH” and provided his address as Hoyne, M., “Glenmore” Wyening. John also registered a brand, “Y5H,” for Hoyne, John, “Carrigcloney” Yulgering Mail via Toodyay. The farm named “Carrigcloney” was comprised of 1765 acres.
To my query as to why John and Ellen Hoyne named their farm Carrigcloney my husband stated that his father (Tom Walsh (1908-1992)) stated that the Hoynes of Ballybrahee and Carrigcloney “were all the one.” He reported that the Hoynes originated in Carrigcloney and one moved to Ballybrahee to care for a farm and the previous tenant never returned from the U.S. The naming of the farms reflects an affection for Glenmore.
According to the son of a neighbour of John and Ellen (who corresponds with Michael Hoyne), when John and Ellen settled in the Yulegering area the land was not cleared. “They would have started with all bush property” which they had to clear and develop from scratch. Carrigcloney farm was located 7 miles northeast of Ealingir. Ellen Hoyne died on the 15th October 1940 and John Hoyne suffered a stroke in 1945, sold the farm, and died on the 26th of October 1950. The couple had no living children.
In the 1920’s Fr. Maurice was assigned to Broome, Wagga-Wagga, and in 1925 he was at St. Patrick’s in Brisbane. In 1929, Fr. Maurice visited Ireland. It was the only time he came home after being ordained. Fr. Maurice left London on board the Orontes and arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia on the 25th of November 1929. He travelled third class, listed his age as 63. (Fremantle, Western Australia, Passenger Lists). Five months after his return to Australia, Fr. Maurice died on the 24th of April 1930. Fr. Maurice’s obituary was carried in the New Ross Standard (30 May 1930); Munster Express (6 June 1930) and the Kilkenny People (31 May 1930). [A copy of the New Ross Standard obit is on the “H” family page.]
This would normally be the end of the story, but last summer Jo Doyle née Mernagh told a story about her aunt Mary Mernagh (1904-1973). Although Jo did not know the first name of Fr. Hoyne she related that Fr. Hoyne came home from Australia for a visit. Mary Mernagh was working at the Hoyne home in Ballybrahee. Mary was the second youngest daughter of John “Jack” Mernagh (c. 1858-1911) of Ballyverneen, who died tragically in 1911 in a threshing accident. Just before Fr. Hoyne left to return to Australia he asked Mary if she would go out to Australia to become his housekeeper. Jo said her aunt thought long and hard and finally decided she would go. Fr. Hoyne sent the fare and the ship records reveal that Miss Mary Mernagh, of Weatherstown, Glenmore, aged 24, sailed on the Themistocles from Liverpool to Melbourne leaving Liverpool on the 8th of March 1930. When Mary arrived in Melbourne she learned that Father Maurice had died the day before her arrival. Mary stayed in Australia for a number of years although little is known about her time there. The last record found was in 1949. From obituaries of two of her siblings we found that she moved to Lancashire, England where she died in 1973.
Apologies for any misspelled Australian towns or areas. Special thanks to Michael Hoyne for sharing his research and photo of Fr. Maurice. Special thanks to Peter Hocking, Archivist, of the Benedictine Community of New Norcia for further information concerning Fr. Maurice.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
* Peter Hocking, Archivist, of the Benedictine Community of New Norcia provided that the Monastry Chronicle notes that Fr. Maurice Hoyne served from 1905-1909. He arrived from Melbourne and was station at New Norcia in 1905 as one of six or seven diocesan priests. He did not reside at Wyening. Glenmore was a property outside Toodyay which is about 90km southeast of New Norcia. Wyenning is about mid-way between New Norcia and Toodyay. [Updated 24 January 2021]
[Updated] From Glenmore to Clerk of the Carrick-on-Suir Union
Today, we are going to highlight James Mullins (1841-1912) a native of Flemingstown, Glenmore, who for over four decades held the post of Clerk of the Carrick-on-Suir Union. James Mullins was the eldest of fourteen children of Patrick Mullins (c. 1817-1884) of Flemingstown, Glenmore and his wife Julia Mullins née Brenan (c. 1812-1891).
Clerk of the Union
In 1834 the Poor Law came into effect. Civil parishes were grouped together to form Unions. The Catholic parish of Glenmore is made up of multiple civil parishes and because it lies between two urban centres was split. The western portion of the Catholic parish of Glenmore was in the Waterford Union and a small portion of the eastern part belonged in the New Ross union. Each union had to provide a workhouse for the housing and relief of the poor and provided medical care. Each Union was operated by the Board of Guardians. The Poor Law Guardians (PLG) were elected. The clerk of a Poor Law Union was a civil servant responsible for organising meetings and taking minutes of the Board of Guardians, organising the elections and submitting reports to the national officials. From 1871-1919 the national officials were the Local Government Board.
The obituary for James Mullin published in 1912 is very long even for that period of time. Interestingly it reflects that the deceased was still working after the age of 70. It also provides a lot of detail concerning how the funeral proceeded etc., but the obituary fails to mention that the deceased never married. His numerous sisters are mentioned, but no first names were provided for his sisters. According to the death register James Mullins died on the 10th of June 1912, at his home on Castle St., Carrick-in-Suir, County Tipperary of “acute nephrites uremia.” Margaret Walsh was present at his death. What her relationship was to James Mullins is not recorded. However, the 1911 Census identifies three women in James Mullin’s home. His sister Johanna, aged 53, is listed as a housekeeper as is Margaret Walsh who is aged 46. Another servant Johanna Flynn is 24 years of age. All four inhabitants are single and it is recorded that they were all natives of Kilkenny.
Excerpts from the Obituary of James Mullins (1841-1912)
Munster Express (Fri. 15 June 1912, p. 5) Death of a Well Known and Popular Poor Law Official–It is with deep regret we have to announce the death of Mr. James Mullins, the well-known, efficient and popular Clerk of Carrick-on-Suir Union. The sad event took place rather unexpectedly on Monday morning last at deceased’s late residence, Castle street, Carrick-on-Suir. Deceased had been forty-three years Clerk of Carrick Union. His conspicuous ability and integrity and firmness as an official during all these years won for him the esteem and admiration and confidence of the various Boards with which his important position brought him in contact. Prior to coming to Carrick-on-Suir he served for a short time as Clerk of Thomastown Union. The late Mr. Mullins was born at Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, a few miles from Waterford City, a little over 70 years ago. He belonged to an old well-known and highly respected family, which is most respectably connected in the Counties of Kilkenny and Waterford. Deceased had been engaged at his post as Clerk of Carrick Union with his wonted devotion to duty up to Saturday week, on which day at the Guardians’ meeting he was granted a fortnight’s leave of absence. When applying for the leave he mentioned that he had been suffering for some days previously from a cold. The Guardians then present at the meeting little thought that it was to be the last which their late Clerk, who had served them with such devotion for nearly half a century, would ever attend. The Guardians and ratepayers of Carrick Union have lost in the late Mr. Mullins a most conscientious and able official, whose sole ambition in life was to serve them faithfully. Much sympathy is felt, for the relatives of the deceased in their bereavement.
The remains were conveyed on Wednesday morning last from deceased’s late residence to St. Nicholas’s Catholic Church, Carrick-on-Suir, where a Requiem High Mass was celebrated for the repose of the soul of the deceased, in the presence of a large number of relatives and sympathisers. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rev. M. Cheasty, C.C., Carrick-on-Suir assisted by two other priests. [The obit then lists 14 other priests making up the choir…The-coffin was borne to the hearse from the church by six of the senior members of the Carrick-on-Suir Board of Guardians.]
The chief mourners were:—Mrs. Garvey, Waterford; Mrs. Stapleton, Glenmore; Mrs. Hassett, Glenstown; Mrs. Duggan, Clonassy; Miss Mullins, Whitestown; Miss Mullins, Flemingstown, sisters.; Messrs. Felix Mullins, Flemingstown; Walter Mullins, Whitestown; John Mullins, London, brothers; Messrs. N. Garvey, John and Pat Hassett. P. Mullins, nephews; the Misses E. and M. Terry and Miss Fox, nieces; Messrs. Thos. Terry, Rathgormac; Michael Hassett. Glenstown; Michael Stapleton, Glenmore; J. Fox, Carrick-on-Suir, brothers-in-law.
Amongst those who sent wreaths were: Mrs. Garvey, Mrs. Stapleton, Mr. and Mrs. Fox, Dr. J. Dwan, N. Garvey and Paddy, Aggie, Julia, and Willy; Sisters of Mercy, Carrick-on-Suir: Mrs. Hassett, Messrs. W. J. and T. Mullins, the Misses E. und M. Terry; Mr. and Mrs. Vickery. Provincial Bank, Carrick-on-Suir; etc.
The funeral started from Carrick for Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, at 12.30. It was the largest and most Representative seen in the district for many years past. All the members of the Carrick-on-Suir Board of Guardians and District Council and the intern and extern officials of Carrick Union walked in the cortege. There were also present all the professional and principal merchants of Carrick, and a very large number from the Co. Waterford and from South Tipperary and South Kilkenny. On the way to Glenmore large numbers joined the cortege at Piltown, Fiddown, Mooncoin and Waterford. Mr. James Hurley, Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, had charge of the funeral arrangements.
As the cortege passed through Waterford it was joined by the following, amongst many others whose names we were unable to ascertain:—Dr. J. H. J. Jackman; John Mackey, Clerk of the Waterford Union; Mr. David Hyland, Chairman Waterford Board of Guardians, and Mrs. Hyland; Edward Walsh, T.C., Editor “Munster Express;” Patrick Grant, J.P., Slieverue, Chairman, No. 2 District Council; the employees at Garveys, Johnstown; John Kavanagh. John Walsh, and J. and K. Walsh, George’s Street, City; Felix Walsh, Thomastown; Walter Dower, Thomas Casey, Maurice Power. DC. Moonamintra: Patrick Kennedy. Assistant Clerk. Waterford Union: Robert Moloney, do.; J. Cosgrave, Master of the Union; M. Dunphy, Assistant Master: P. Walsh and William Healy, R.O.’s; M. Walsh, Master. Carrick Union; Thomas H. Doolan, Waterford: Michael Curran, D.C., Ballincrea; Richard Mullins, Gaulstown; John Irish, Ballinlammy; Matthew O’Keeffe, John Vereker. D.C; Lloyd Hutchinson, Jas. Kirwan, Gaulestown; Tobias Vereker. Ed. Vereker, Mr. Kennedy, Raheenara: Mr. Rrowne (of Messrs. Flynn and Young; J. Mullins, E. and M. Terry, Carrick; Michael Brennan, Walter Bishop. W. Aylward, John Hartley, Slieverue: Andrew Irish, Rathpatrick; Mrs. and Miss Keating and Miss Grant, Rathpatrick: Richard A. Dee, Frank Ryan, Ringville: John O’Neill, D.C. Ullid; James Farrell D.C.; John Hynes, Milepost; P. McDonnell, Ballintlea; T. Morrissey, Carrick-on-Suir; Michael Maher. D.C.; Dr. M. P. Coghlan, and many others who joined the funeral between Waterford and the family burial ground at Glenmore. We tender our sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives of the deceased, whom we had the pleasure of knowing for a long number of years in his official capacity.—R.l.P. (Munster Express, Sat. 15 June 1912, p. 5).
The Leinster Reporter (Sat. 26 Oct. 1912, p. 3) reported that James Mullins left a personal estate valued at £8,112. He left £100 for the celebration of Masses; £200 to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the poor of Carrick-on-Suir, and the residue he left among members of his family. According to the Calendar Wills & Administrations (1858-1922) on the 26th of July 1912 at Waterford the Will was probated and “granted to Julia Garvey, Widow; Walter Mullins and Thomas Terry, Farmers. Effects £3,112 18s. 7d.”
The Family of James Mullins (1841-1912)
Luckily details concerning the ancestors of James Mullins were recorded by Danny Dowling in 1971 when he interviewed Mary Stapleton of Slieverue. Mary Stapleton was a niece of James. Further details were obtained from Mullins headstones in the Glenmore cemetery, parish records and the death register. As was common in the 19th century when a daughter named Mary died a later child born to the couple was also named Mary. As is often the case the given names of some of the children was not the name that the child used during his or her lifetime.
Partial Inscription from the headstone at Glenmore [dates need to be verified]
Erected by Patrick Mullins of Flemingstown
In memory of his mother Margaret Mullins alias Croak
Who Died SepT 1st 1827 Aged 71 years
James his son who Died Nov 1st 1883 Aged 16 yrs
Keyran his son who Died Dec 15th 1835 Aged 22 years
And James his brother who Died April 27th 1886 Aged 34 years
Above named Patrick Mullins
Died in the year 1848 Aged 59 years
And his wife Margaret Mullins nee Howley
Died in Sept 1863 Aged 87 years
Great-Grandparents—Keiran Mullins, of Flemingstown, Glenmore married Margaret Croak (c. 1756?-1827) of Tullogher. Margaret Mullins née Croak died 1 Sept. 1827 at age 71.
Grandparents—Patrick Mullins (c. 1784-1848) of Flemingstown, Glenmore married Margaret Howley (c. 1776?-1863) of Ballytarsney, Mooncoin. [Editor’s note–Patty Brown & Ann Fitzgerald located the baptismal record for Patrick Mullins, of Flemingtown, baptized on 30 January 1784, son of Kyran Mullins & Margaret Croake. The parents of Patrick (1784-1848) have been corrected above. Updated 30 Jan. 2021]
Parents—Patrick Mullins (c. 1817-1884) of Flemingstown, Glenmore married Julia Brenan (c. 1812-1891) of Ashgrove, Mooncoin on the 2nd of March 1840 at Mooncoin.
There are 14 known children of Patrick Mullins and Julia Mullins née Brennan and include:
- [1] James Mullins (bapt. 30 July 1841-10 June 1912) Clerk of the Carrick-on-Suir Union
- [2] Mary Mullins (bapt. 31 Dec. 1842-1863) Never married.
- [3] Patrick Mullins (bapt. 17 June 1844-1852) Never married.
- [4] Felix Mullins (bapt. 11 April 1846- 24 Jan. 1919) Farmer in Flemingstown, Glenmore, never married.
- [5] Margaret Mullins (bapt. 15 Dec. 1847- 3 Aug. 1923) Margaret Mullins married Thomas Terry (farmer) of Rathgormac Castle, Co. Waterford.
- [6] Catherine Mullins (bapt. 23 June 1849– ) Catherine Mullins married Patrick Duggan (farmer) of Clonassy, Mullinavat on the 9th of March 1886.
- [7] Alicia Mullins (bapt. 2 March 1851- ) Alice Mullins married Michael Hassett (c. 1854) (farmer) of Clenstown on 4 March 1889 at Glenmore. The bride gave her age as 30 when she was actually 38.
- [8] Kieran Mullins (bapt. 26 Dec. 1852–22 April 1912). Kieran Mullins (farmer) of Whitestown married Johanna Phelan, of Carbally, Tramore, Co. Waterford. They had at least one son.
- [9] Judith Mullins (bapt. 17 May 1854– ) Could this be Johanna Mullins who died on 19 September 1917, aged 62 and is buried with her brother Felix in Glenmore?
- [10] John Mullins, (bapt. 19 April 1856-Nov. 1942) Customs & Excise Officer—never married.
- [11] Walter Mullins (4 Dec. 1859-8 April 1921) Farmer at Whitestown, never married.
- [12] Elizabeth Mullins (16 Sept. 1861-
- [13] Mary Mullins (17 May 1865-16 March 1946). Married Michael Stapleton, a sergeant in the R.I.C. on 26 Nov. 1903.
- [14] Ellen Mullins (4 March 1867- )
From the various obituaries we know that one of the girls, who went by the name Julia, married an N. Garvey, and another seems to have married a man named Power. Unfortunately we could not locate the correct marriage records.
[Per P. Walsh after Felix Mullins died this Mullin’s farm in Flemingstown was sold.]
The featured photo above is from an old postcard depicting the bridge at Carrick-on-Suir. Both Mullins headstones are located in St. James Cemetery, Glenmore.
Readers are encouraged to send further information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
[Updated & corrections on 30 January 2021]
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
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
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
The 1937 Wedding of Etta Walsh of Glenmore Village
Most wedding announcements in the local newspapers in the early decades of the twentieth century provided very few details concerning the wedding reception, if any, and guests or gifts. A long article covering the marriage of Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh published in the Munster Express on Friday the 19th of November 1937 (p. 8) is most unusual and provides an interesting glimpse into the wedding that took place a little over 80 years ago. In addition to details regarding the wedding reception, this article provides a long list of gifts the couple received from people across Glenmore parish and there are a few references to the political situation of the country. Included in the list of gifts the newlyweds received are “turkeys.” Special thanks to Kelvin Johnson Treacy for finding and sharing this detailed article.
Bridget Mary “Etta” Walsh, of Glenmore, was the only daughter of James “J.K.” Walsh (1891-1934) and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955). The former premises of the Gaffney’s shop sometime prior to the 1911 census was acquired by the Heffernan family. In 1913 Lizzie married James Walsh, a farmer from Ballybrahee, Glenmore and they ran the business together until his untimely death in 1934 just three years before Etta’s wedding. Lizzie continued to run the business for several years eventually turning it over to her son Patrick “Eric” Walsh.
PRETTY WEDDING AT GLENMORE. (Munster Express, Fri, 19 Nov. 1937)
A pretty Ulster and Leinster alliance took place at St. James’s Church, Glenmore, on Monday morning last when members of two well-known Cavan and Kilkenny families were united in matrimony. The contracting parties were Garda Patk. J. Fitzpatrick, Barrack St., Waterford, and Miss Bridget Mary (Etta) Walsh, only daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth and the late Mr. J. K. Walsh, Glenmore. The ceremony was performed by Very Rev. Thos. Heffernan, C.P., Rector, St. Patrick’s Retreat, Wheatfield House, Crumlin Road, Belfast (uncle of the bride), who celebrated Nuptial Mass and imparted the Papal Blessing. He was assisted by Rev. W. Brennan, C.C, Glenmore. The best man was Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick, Belturbet, Co. Cavan (brother of the bridegroom), and the bride, who was attired in oyster satin with tulle veil and shoes to tone, was attended by her cousin, Miss Mai McLoughlin, Tullow, Co. Carlow, who wore rust velvet with turban to match. The bride had as train-bearers her two little cousins, Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore, wearing pink taffeta frocks with Juliet caps. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee, carried a bouquet of white and pink chrysanthemums, and her attendants mixed chrysanthemums. Miss Peggy Curran. Glenmore, presided at the organ, and during the ceremony sang Handel’s Largo, “O Love Divine,” in a beautiful and impressive manner, and as the happy couple walked down the aisle played the bridal march from Lochingrin.
A reception was subsequently held at the home of the bride’s mother, where over 60 guests were entertained to a sumptuous dejeuner. Mrs. Walsh, wearing black crepe-de-chine trimmed with gold applique, received the guests and conducted them to the spacious hall recently constructed by this enterprising family, and which was specially decorated for the occasion with a profusion of flowers and bunting.
Guests
Those present in addition to the bride and bridegroom were—Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P. (presiding) ; Rev. Wm. Brennan, C.C.; Mrs. E. Walsh, Glenmore (mother of the bride) ; Mr. and Mrs. M. Fitzpatrick, Belturbet (parents of the groom); Messrs Hugh and Ed. Fitzpatrick, do; Miss Anna Fitzpatrick. do; Sergt. Francis and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Limerick; Messrs. Eric and Ml. Walsh, Glenmore; Mrs. M. Heffernan, N.T., do; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do; Miss M. McLoughlin , Tullow; Mrs. H. Curran, N.T., Glenmore; Miss Hetty Curran, do; Miss Peggy Curran , do; Miss M. Walsh, do; Miss N. Prendergast, do; Mrs. Fluskey, P.O., do: Mr. Frank Heffernan, do.. Mr. M. Hanrahan, do.; Mr. Ml. Heffernan, do; Garda J. Coakley, do; Garda K. Cummins, Waterford; Garda B. Gilsinan, do; Garda P. Dervan , do; Garda J. J. McCarthy, do; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin; Mrs. Jack McLoughlin, Ballycullane, Co. Wexford; Mrs. Prendergast, The Quay, New Ross; Mr John Dunphy, Ballyverneen; Mrs. K. Forristal , do; Mr. Patk. Forristal, do; Miss Margt. Holden, Glenmore; the Misses Bridget and Mary Brennan, do; the Misses Mary and Nell Dillon, do; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown; Mr. Martin Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. Patrick Walsh, do; Mrs. J. Dunphy, Ballyverneen ; Mrs. O’Mullane, Bannow, Co. Wexford; Mr. T. McGrath, Clonmel; Mr. Daniel Coady, Carrigcloney; Mrs. Coady, do; Mrs L. Dillon, Fahee; Mrs. E. Fitzgerald, Flemingstown; Mr. Wm. Fitzgerald, Weatherstown; Miss Mary Fitzgerald, do; the Misses Teresa Heffernan and Maura Walsh, Glenmore; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, Ballybrahee; Mr. J. Cleere , Kilmacow; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, Waterford; Miss May Walsh, Poleberry, do: Miss Bridie Walsh, Waterford; Mr. Wm. Brophy, do; Miss Annie Brophy, do; etc., etc.
Toasts
Rev. Fr. Brennan, in proposing a toast to the health of the bride and bridegroom, referred to the great Gaelic traditions of Kilkenny and Cavan and said that both teams had gone down in the All-Ireland finals, but they would rise again. He welcomed the people from Cavan and paid a warm tribute to both families. In conclusion he wished the bride and bridegroom every joy in the future, and hoped that God would prosper them. Very Rev. Fr. Heffernan proposed the toast of the health of the visitors and said that as one who had spent over ten years in Belfast he had a great regard for his native Glenmore and was delighted to be associated with such a happy event. He paid a special tribute to Miss Peggy Curran for her beautiful singing during the ceremony and for the lovely music provided. He wished the happy couple every success in their wedded career. Mr. McLoughlin proposed the toast of “Eire,” and said if North and South could not be united politically they could at least be united in matrimony. Mr. John Dunphy also spoke, and the bridegroom, on behalf of Mrs. Fitzpatrick and himself, suitably replied amidst hearty applause.
A few enjoyable hours, followed , vocal items being contributed by Mrs. Curran, N.T.; Miss Peggy Curran, Gardai Cummins, Coakley and McCarthy; Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick and Mr. Con McLoughlin, which were greatly appreciated. The happy couple later left by the 4-20 p.m. train from Waterford in route for Dublin, Belfast and London on the honeymoon, and were given a cordial send-off. At night large numbers of friends and well-wishers assembled at Glenmore to join in the wedding festivities and were royally entertained at the home of the bride, where dancing continued until early on Tuesday morning to the strains of the splendid music supplied by the Glenmore Band, directed by Mr. James Walsh. Songs and step-dancing items were interspersed throughout the programme, the social being thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The bridegroom is a native of Belturbet, Co. Cavan, and has been attached to the Garda force since its inception, being at present Inspector of Public Service Vehicles at the Waterford-Kilkenny Divisional Headquarters, Barrack Street [Waterford], where he is very popular with his colleagues; and the general public. His bride comes of a well-known South Kilkenny family and is a popular figure amongst a wide circle of friends both in her native district and in Tramore, where she is the genial proprietress of the well-known “Prom Cafe.”
Perhaps the greatest tribute to the popularity of both was the beautiful array of expensive and serviceable wedding gifts which were on view at the bride’s home and were the synosure (sic) of all eyes. Congratulatory telegrams were received from the Rev. Mother and Community, Sacred Heart Convent, Ferrybank; Madame Martha, do; Thomas Power , Esq., The Quay, Waterford ; Jack McLoughlin, Ballyduff ; J. B. Hearne, Esq., Belfast; Mac. Giolla Brigde, Esq., Waterford.
LIST OF PRESENTS.
Included in the list of presents were the following—From bride to bridegroom, signet ring, engraved: bridegroom to bride, wristlet watch, engraved; bridegroom to bridesmaid leather handbag; Mrs. Elizabeth Walsh, Glenmore, half dozen pictures and coffee service ; Mr. A.H. Walsh, do, bed linen, brass candlesticks and match box holder; Mr. Eric Walsh, do., oak clock; Miss Maureen Walsh , do, table linen; Mr. and Mrs. Patk. Hanrahan, do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. D. Cody, Carrigcloney, silver dish and spoons; Dr. and Mrs. ‘ Coghlan, Newrath, fireside set; Garda Dervan, Waterford , silver entrée dish; Garda and Mrs. Naughton , do, silver fruit dish; Garda McCarthy, do, breakfast service; Garda K. Cummins, do., silver entree dish; Mr. P. Forristal, Ballyverneen, silver cake dish; Mr. J. Dunphy, do, silver-mounted salad bowl: Mrs. Donovan, Rosbercon, embroidered table cloth and serviettes; Miss M. Walsh, Graignakill, silk table cover; Mr. and Mrs. J. Hartley, Weatherstown, Irish linen table cloth; Miss Hartley, do, silk bedspread; Mrs. Mernagh, do, glass drinking set; Mrs. Holden, do, statue; Mr. and Mrs. M. Hoynes, Ballybrahee, set of carvers; Mr. and Mrs. M. Walsh, do, cheque; Mr. Thos. Heffernan, Carney Bay, Indian silk cloth and serviettes; Miss Stasia Heffernan, do, silver bowel; Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Jamestown, pyrex dish with silver stand; the Fitzgerald family, do, bed linen; Miss B. Power, do, cruet; Mrs. E. Power, do, crucifix; Mrs. Curran, N.T., Robinstown, tea service; Miss P. Curran, do, hand-painted picture: Mrs. Bevans, do, bed linen; Mrs. Power, do, bed linen; Miss M. Walsh, do, Irish linen table cloth; the Misses O’Neill, Slievecorrig, linen table cloth; the Sparks family, Tramore, coffee set; Miss May Power, Waterford, silk lingerie; the Misses Kiely, Upton and Walsh, do, dinner mats; the Misses Bridie and May Walsh, do, bed linen ; Mr. Ed. Dreelan, do, ivory-handle carvers; Garda. B Gilsenan, do, staghorn handle carvers; Mr. and Mrs. Barry, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Dean Walsh, Australia, crystal manicure set; Very Rev. T. Heffernan, C.P., Belfast, leather suit case and cigarette case; the Rev. Mother, S.H.M. Convent, Ferrybank, night dress case; Madame Martha, do, hand-embroidered tea cosy and table runner; Val and Maisie Connolly, New Ross, fancy fruit dish; P. J. Connolly, do, candlesticks; Mrs. Prendergast, do, altar set; R. Heffernan and family, Killarney, coffee service; Mrs. Doolan, Glenmore, 21-piece tea set; Mrs. Fluskey, do, brush and comb set; Miss Minnie Heffernan, do, dinner service; Mrs. Hennessy, do, silver serviette rings; Garda and Mrs. Coakley, do, taffeta bedspread; Mrs. P. Dowling, do., blankets; the Heffernan family, do, armchair; Mrs. Cuddihy, do, butterfly-wing tray; Miss Molly Walsh, do, tea cosy ; the Brennan family, do, dressing gown; the Jones family, do, Irish linen tablecloth ; Mr. F. Heffernan, do, bed linen; Mrs. A. Forristal, do, hand-embroidered tea cloth; Miss A. Bergin, do, lingerie set; Mrs. Mernagh, do, dressing table set; the Cassin family, do, lingerie set; the Creamery Staff, do, Irish linen table cloth; Miss K. Mullins, Flemingstown, bedspread: Mrs. Fitzpatrick and family, Belturbet, Beleek china; Mr. and Mrs. Graham , do, cutlery; Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Reilly, do, silver cake dish; Mr. and Mrs. Murtan, do, cut-glass drinking set; Mr. and Mrs. J. Blake, Main St., Wexford, hand-embroidered tea cloth and serviettes ; Sergeant and Mrs. Mullane, Bannow, tea cosy: Sergeant and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Kilmeedy, Limerick, case of cutlery; Miss M. Fitzgerald , Weatherstown, bedroom toilet set; Miss Polly Power, Busherstown, crepe-de-chine handkerchiefs ; Miss H. Walsh, do, bed linen; Miss Bridget Murphy, Mullinahone, silver mounted jam dish; Mrs. Gordon, do, cruet; Mrs. Murphy, do, statue, Infant of Prague; Mrs. P. Walsh, do, point-lace clothes; Miss Peggy Power, Jamestown, bed linen; Mrs. J. Cottrell, Ballycroney, bed linen; Mr. L. Hennessy, do, tea cosy; Mr. and Mrs. J. McLoughlin, Ballycullane, eiderdown; Miss B. Cardiff, Sally and Mary McLoughlin, do, turkeys; Mr. and Mrs. Conran, do., chenille table cloth and house shoes; Miss Babs Sinnott, do, embroidered table cloth; Mr. J. Scanlon, Glenmore, tea pot; the Cody family, do, cut-glass rose bowel; Mr. J. McLoughlin, Tullow, blankets; Miss M. McLoughlin, do, eiderdown; Mr. Con McLoughlin, Dublin , oil painting; Messrs. Holden and Hanrahan, New Ross, pair of cushions; Miss Margaret Gaule, Slievecorrig, cut-glass fruit dish; Mr. T. McGrath, Russellstown, Clonmel, tea cosy; Messrs. Jameson and Co., Jewellers, Dublin, cut-glass salad bowl; Miss M. Holden, Clune, bed linen; Miss Margt. Holden, do, night-dress case; the Misses Kelly, Graiguakill, bed linen; Mr. P. O’Connell, Mallow, tea cosy; Mrs. Hehir, Carrick-on-Suir , manicure set., etc.. etc.
Five months after their marriage the groom was notified that he was transferred to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway after having served three years in Waterford. “He did not come into very close contact with the public in the ordinary way as a Guard, because of the fact that his principal work was in connection with the examination and testing of motor lorries and cars under the Road Act regulations. These tasks he carried out with great efficiency and success, and in the courts was regarded as an expert in all matters relating to the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and their proper conditioning for use on the roads. ” (Waterford Standard, 16 April 1938)
Further details regarding the Heffernan and Walsh family members can be found on the family and obituary pages.
The feature photo is Glenmore Village taken between 1920 and 1925. This photo can be dated because the Glenmore Barrack’s roof is missing. The JK Walsh shop is the large, long white building. The taller building to the left in the photo is the old Gaffney mill.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh