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Thomas Keane: The Last Waterford Tobacco Spinner
One of the best things about transcribing Danny Dowling’s handwritten notebooks is reading about the interesting people Danny interviewed over the years. Most were from Glenmore, had Glenmore connections, or had some historical fact or story that Danny found interesting and thought should be recorded. Today’s blog falls into the last category.
While working as a Housing Officer in Waterford, Danny met and later in 1975 interviewed Jack Keane, British Railway Cottage, Adelphi Quay, Waterford. Jack Keane informed Danny that his father, Thomas Keane was the last man to make handmade tobacco in Waterford. His grandfather was also a tobacco twister.
Thomas Keane worked for the Slaney Tobacco and Snuff Manufacturers. The Slaney firm was the last tobacco manufacturers in Waterford. The Slaney premises were on Broad Street where the gas showrooms were in 1975. The Slaney factory was in the same building at the rear of the retail shop and overhead in the lofts. From the stalks of the tobacco leaves, which were waste after the manufacture of tobacco, snuff would be made. The business had three apprentices and another man named Walsh also worked with Thomas Keane. Slaney also made what was called “pigtail” chewing tobacco from Cavendish Leaf. It was very mild. Unfortunately I could not find any advert in a local newspaper or business directory concerning Slaney.
Jack Keane told Danny that his father was a good cricketer, and played for the Ballytruckle team. The Keane’s lived on Poleberry Street as did an uncle of Jack Keane’s named McConnell who was a carpenter.
In 1979 Danny again interviewed Jack Keane who provided more information about his father and spoke of his own life. Jack Keane’s father, Thomas Keane, died in the 1930’s aged 84 years. The Slaney firm was bought out by Carroll’s of Dundalk. The manufacturer of tobacco and snuff discontinued in Waterford just prior to the outbreak of World War I.
Jack Keane worked all his life with British Rail as an inspector. Jack explained to Danny that he served in the first World War in the Royal Irish Regiment. Jack served from 14 December 1915 until 21 March 1918. Jack was taken prisoner at Messines Ridge, and worked as a POW in Duisburg.
After the war Jack Keane went to work for British Rail which acquired control of the Waterford Steamship Company. Its headquarters were on the Mall near the old Adelphi Hotel. The old Waterford Steamship Company had its berthage opposite Reginald’s Towner. British Rail had ships plying to Southhampton, London, Bristol, Glasgow and Liverpool. Bristol and Waterford, and Liverpool and Waterford had direct sailings.
Although Jack Keane referred to his father and grandfather’s profession as tobacco twisters according to the 14 October 1899 edition of the Waterford Standard the profession was known as “tobacco spinners.” The article notes that Waterford City since 1663 had a number of ancient Guilds or Fraternities including buttonmakers, weavers, tobacco spinners, rollers and cutters. The 1899 article bemoans the fact that some of the ancient trades had disappeared altogether from the city such as the buttonmakers, tobacco spinners, rollers and cutters. Notwithstanding the 1899 newspaper article, census records from 1911 support that his father, Thomas Keane, was employed in 1911 as a “tobacco spinner.”
Although Jack Keane did not provide a lot of information to Danny concerning his personal life the census helps piece together his early circumstances. In 1911 Jack or John, aged 13, was living at 76 Poleberry with his father Thomas Keane, aged 54, a widower. Thomas declared his profession as “tobacco spinner.” Thomas and Jack Keane were boarders in the house of Patrick and Mary Ellen Keily. The only clue as to Jack’s mother is his reference to his uncle being named McConnell, a carpenter, who also lived on Poleberry. The 1911 census provides two McConnell’s who are carpenters in Waterford. Patrick McConnell is living alone and James McConnell is 24. In 1911 neither lived on Poleberry. The 1901 Census does show that a McConnell family was living at 67 Poleberry. Patrick McConnell, carpenter, was 48; his wife Alice McConnell was 49, and James McConnell was 15.
In the two short interviews Danny recorded information concerning a profession and industry that had flourished in Waterford for over 200 years and disappeared from Waterford in the first decade of the twentieth century. The interviewee was a soldier and POW in the Great War and returned to Waterford.
Update, we have just surpassed 10,000 views. Thank you all for your continued support and queries. The transcription of Notebook 22 is complete and we will update the family pages etc. as time permits.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore’s WW1 Military Marker for Private J. Gaule [Updated]
A reader recently asked about a military marker in the Glenmore church yard of a Private J. Gaule (service number 29019), who died on the 4th of July 1918, at the age of 21. Our reader said that he has wondered about J. Gaule for years. A quick check of Danny Dowling’s notebooks revealed that this military marker is for John Gaule, of Haggard, Glenmore who served in the British Infantry in WWI, with the Machine Gun Corps. Danny in notebook 21 made notes regarding John Gaule, but there is no indication where Danny obtained the information recorded. According to Danny’s notes John Gaule was the son of Richard Gaule and Mary O’Brien and the grandson of Michael Gaule and Bridget Power.
The military marker is on the right hand side of the front entrance against the front wall of the churchyard. There are two other Gaule markers that provide clues concerning John’s family. The three Gaule markers against the front wall of the Glenmore churchyard provide the following information.
Marker 1:
29019 Private J. Gaule, Machine Gun Corps (Inf), 4th July 1918, aged 21
Marker 2:
In loving memory of Mary Gaule, died 26th of April 1902,
Richard Gaule, died 28th of January 1940,
My dearest husband James Gaule, died 26th November 1912, aged 71
Interred Kensal Green, London
Marker 3:
In loving memory of our dear parents,
Martin Gaule died 25th of June 1981, aged 80 years,
His wife Ellie, died 12th June 1986, aged 84 years,
Also their twin son, Bill who died in his second year,
His brother Martin died 15 August 2014, aged 85 years,
His wife Eileen, neé Murray, died 18th July 2005, aged 84 years.
According to the birth register John Gaule was born on 15 May 1896 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The 1911 Census reveals that John Gaule was living with his family in Knockbrack, Glenmore. The Head of the household was Bridget Gaule, age 77. The rest of the members of the household are as follows: Patrick Gaule, age 38, single, son of the head of household; Richard Gaule, age 44, widower, son of the head of household, agricultural labourer; John Gaule, age 15; Martin Gaule, age 10; James Gaule, age 8 and Michael Power, age 11 (cousin).
The 1901 Census reveals further information. John Gaul (sic) was 5 years of age and living with his family in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The head of household was his father Richard Gaul, aged 40, and employed as an agricultural labourer. John’s mother is listed as Mary, aged 39. The other members of the family include: Stasia, aged 11; Maggie, aged 8; John, aged 5; Anne, aged 3 and Martin, aged 8 months.
The census records support that the three markers in the Glenmore church yard refer to the same family. For example marker 3 contains John’s brother Martin (c. 1900-1981) and Martin’s family. Marker 2 contains John’s parents Richard (c.1861-1940) and Mary (c. 1862-1902).
British military records reveal that John Gaule was awarded two medals: the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The National Archives of Ireland contains John’s handwritten Will. On the 2nd of June 1916, John wrote the following simple Will, “After my death leave all to my father Richard Gaule, Haggard, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.” The Will was processed on the 29th of January 1919. Other records in the file reveal that John enlisted at Waterford. John died from wounds sustained in France/Flanders and died at the Belton Park Military Hospital, Granthan, Lincolnshire, England. Belton Park was also where WWI machine gunmen training camps and depots were located. To view John’s Will held by the National Archives see, http://soldierswills.nationalarchives.ie/reels/sw/1918_22/GauleJ_E669256.pdf.
A quick walk around the Glenmore churchyard today did not reveal additional British military markers, but according to Danny’s notebooks another Glenmore man John Ryan, of Rochestown, served in the British Army during WWI and died in 1919. We will feature John Ryan and the mystery surrounding him in a future post.
Update of 3 Sept. 2021–Catherine Davies née Kearney, aged 92, made contact via her son Stephen Davies and shared a verse written by John Gaule which he gave to his father before he went off to join the war. The verse was given to Catherine by her mother Anastatia Kearney nee Gaule (the sister of John Gaule). John Gaule was called “Jack” by his family.
Remember dearest father, Remember days gone by, Your son he is a solider, And he's not afraid to die.
From the information provided we were able to find further information regarding some of the siblings of John Gaule ( 1896-1918). His sister Maggie Gaule (b. 26 Jan. 1894) married James Treacy on 12 January 1914 at Mullinavat. James Treacy was the son of William Treacy and Mary Treacy née Dee. Annie Gaule was the maid of honour. His sister Anastatia Gaule was born on 2 May 1890 per the Glenmore parish register. However, the civil register lists her birth as occuring on 1 April 1890 and her mother is listed as Mary Murphy. The information for the civil registration was provided by Bridget Gaule who was present at the birth. Anastatia Gaule married Michael Kearney (smith) on 8 July 1912 at St. Patrick’s of Waterford City. Michael was the son of Tom Kearney (smith). Witnesses to the wedding were William Hartley and Katie Meany. The addresses of the bride and groom are “The Square.” Some of the children of this marriage were found in the publically available records including: [1] Michael Kearny (b. 5 Aug. 1912); [2] Bridget Kearney (b. 9 Feb. 1914); and [3] Mary Kearney (b. 10 Aug. 1915). We know from the birth records that the family resided in Arundal Square, Waterford City when Michael was born and then moved to Gurteens, Slieverue where the father continued to work as a blacksmith.
Update: 13 October 2021, Stephen Davies indicated that Michael Kearney and Anastatia “Statia” Kearney née Gaule had a total of 14 children. The following names were supplied by Stephen: [4] John Kearney; [5] Anastatia “Daney” Kearney; [6] Ellen “Nell” Kearney; [7] Richard “Dick” Kearney; [8] Maggie Kearney; [9] Andrew Kearney; [10] Agnes Kearney; [11] Johanna Kearney; [12] Catherine “Katie” Kearney; [13] Angela Kearney.
Michael Kearney died when his daughter Catherine “Katie” was 13. When her father died the family moved to Rathpatrick and a year later Catherine “Katie” Kearney went to her sister Mary in England.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
After the Ballyfacey Evictions: The End of the Father Neary Story
As contained in a previous post Father Patrick Neary (1828-1887), the parish priest of Mullinavat, played a prominent role in the formation of local Land Leagues branches and more importantly in the failed Ballyfacey, Glenmore evictions in August 1885. The local people remained on alert until a settlement was reached. The terms of this settlement can be found in the 11th of September 1885 edition of the Waterford News. “It appears that in those cases the evictions will not be carried out, an amicable arrangement having been made through the exertions of the respected pastor, Father Neary, which will enable the tenants under sentence of death to hold their homes, by the payment of a year’s rent, wiping away all arrears and legal costs.”
Local contemporary newspapers reveal that Father Neary continued to speak at rallies and other Land League events. For example, it was reported in the 18th September 1885 edition of the Waterford News, that Father Neary, during the National League Meeting in Portlaw, publicly stated that land agent Major Hamilton had lied and produced copies of correspondence to that effect. Father Neary continued working and supporting the Land League until his sudden death on the 20th of February 1887 a few weeks before his 59th birthday.
The following obituary was published in the Freeman’s Journal on Thursday the 24th of February 1887. The obituary contains the names of 65 clergy from across County Kilkenny and the southeast.
DEATH OF THE REV. P. NEARY, P.P., of MULLINAVAT
The death of the above reverend gentleman, which took place at Galmoy, in the north of the county Killkenny, on Sunday last, was startling news all over the diocese of Ossory, and indeed all over the south of Ireland. As an archaeologist the rev gentleman’s ability was most distinguished, which was often evidenced by the numerous papers which he contributed from time to time upon archaeological subjects. The funeral passed through Kilkenny on Monday at 3 o’clock. All the business houses were closed as a mark of respect for the deceased gentleman. As a patriot the gallant stand which Father Neary made upon a recent occasion against the cruel evictions in Mullinavat was generally believed to be one of the pluckiest and most successful which has been made during the whole land struggle. The remains were conveyed from Kilkenny to Mullinavat on Monday, and on Tuesday after the Office and High Mass the interment took place. At the Requiem Mass and Office solemnised in the parish church, there were His Lordship Most Rev. Dr Brownrigg, Bishop of Ossory, presiding; Rev. John Carroll, P.P., Kilmacow, celebrant; Rev. John Roe, C.C., deacon; Rev. R. Knaresborouglh, C. C., sub-deacon ; Rev. James Shortall, C.C., Templeorum, master of ceremonies. In the chair were: Very Rev. Edward M’Donald, P.P. V.G. ; Very Rev. Canon Kelly, P.P. Castlecomer; Rev. Walter Keoghan, Adm., St John’s, Kilkenny; Rev. M. O’Connor, C.C., Tallogher; Very Rev. M. Barry, President St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny; Rev. D. O’Halloran, C.C., Callan; Rev. Walter Walsh, C. C., Slieverue; Rev. James Dunphy, C.C., Glenmore; Rev. Patrick Tracey, C.C., Rathdowney; Rev. P. Meany, C.C., Mullinavat; Rev. John Ryan, C.C., Tullaron; Rev. J. Lynagh, C.C., Inistioge; Rev. Edward Delahunty, P.P. Thomastown; Rev. Thomas Feehan, C.C., Thomastown; Rev. Peter Doyle, C.C. Callan; Rev. J. Dillon, C.C. Ferrybank; Rev. Maurice Hawe, C.C. Mooncoin; Rev. Edward Walsh, P.P. Clara; Rev. Patrick Sheehan, Admn. Cathedral, Waterford, Rev. James Henneberry, Chaplain, Kilkenny Union; Rev. P. Aylward, C.C. St Patrick’s; Rev. Martin Keoghan, P.P. Lisdowney; Rev. Michael Murphy, Professor, St Kieran’s College; Rev. Michael Cody, P.P. Castletown; Rev. P. Hoyne, C.C., Aghavillar; Rev. J. Purcell, P.P. Temploreum; Rev. John M’Grath, Adm, St Patrick’s, Kilkenny; Rev. M. Rowe, C.C., Bennett’s Bridge; Rev. Patrick Walsh, C.C., Ballyfoyle; Rev. Edward Murphy, C.C., Temploreum, Rev. T. Grant, C.C., St. Canices; Rev. Bowe, C.C., Rosbercon; Rev. Philip Power, C.C., St John’s, Waterford; Rev. E. Walsh, C.C.; Rev. James Cosgrave, Principal, the College, Kilmacow; Rev. Peter Nowlan, C.C., Conahy; Rev. Joseph Tiothy, Professor, St Kieran’s College; Rev. T.R. Walsh. Admin., St Mary’s; Rev. John Bow, C.C., Gowran ; Rev. John Prendergast, C.C., Urlingford; Rev. John Grace, C.C., Castlecomer: Rev. J Downey, C.C, Ballyuskill; Rev. James Holohan, P P. Tullaherin; Rev. W. Egan, C. C, Waterford; Rev. M. Dalton, C.C, St Canice’s, Kilkenny; Rev. Wm. Connelly, C.C, Ballycallan; Rev Wm. Cassin, C.C, St. Mary’s, Kilkenny; Rev. P. O’Keeffe, C.C. Galmay; Rev. P. Phelan, C.C., Cullohill: Rev. Edward Butler, C.C., St. John’s, Kilkenny; Rev. John Shortal, P.P. Durrow; Rev. John Walsh, P.P., Slieverue, Rev. James Purcell, C.C., Slieverue; Rev. James Shortall, C.C., Templeorum; Rev. James Doyle, Adm.,Baflyhale; Rev. Father Bannan, 0 P, Black Abbey, Kilkenny; Rev. M. M’Grath, C.C., St. John’s, Kilkenny; Rev. Joseph Canon Dunphy, P.P. Mooncoin, Rev. Thomas Kennedy, C.C., Kilmacow; Very Rev Father Matthew, O S F C; Very Rev. Father Bernard, O S F C, The Friary. The chief mourners following the coffin were- Rev. P. O’Keeffe, C.C. Galmoy; Mr. J B. Hogan and Mr. M.A. Hogan, Ormonde House, Kilkenny; and the Right Worshipful P.M. Egan, Mayor Kilkenny.
The Wexford People of Saturday the 26th of February 1887 reported the following was on the breastplate of the coffin:Rev. P. Neary
Mullinavat
Died
20th February 1887
R.I.P.
Soon after Father Neary’s death an appeal went out internationally for funds to place a fitting memorial on his grave. A large, impressive, granite Celtic cross was acquired from William Collins and Sons, Waterford and the following inscriptions are on the granite marker:
(Side 1)
Rev. Patrick Neary
Born 2nd March 1828
Died 20th February 1887
R.I.P.
(Side 2)
Erected to the memory of a devoted priest and patriotic Irishman
By his numerous admirers at home and abroad.
Although chief mourners are generally family members there is no obvious family link between Father Neary and Rev. P. O’Keeffe, C.C. Galmoy; Mr. J B. Hogan and Mr. M.A. Hogan, Ormonde House, Kilkenny; and the Right Worshipful P.M. Egan, Mayor Kilkenny.
The Hogans were auctioneers and also dealt in painting and decorating per the advertisement found in P.M. Egan’s 1884 book listed below with a link. It appears that most of the listed chief mourners shared Father Neary’s interest in history and archaeology.
John Hogan (1884) Kilkenny: The Ancient City of Ossory, published and printed by P.M. Egan. http://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/digital-book-collection/digital-books-by-county/kilkenny/hogan-kilkenny/ John Hogan was elected Mayor of Kilkenny in 1883.
P.M. Egan (Patrick McEgan Egan) (1884) The Illustrated Guide to the City and County of Kilkenny, http://www.askaboutireland.ie/aai-files/assets/ebooks/82-Egan-Kilkenny/82-Kilkenny.pdf was written, published and printed by P.M. Egan. P.M. Egan was twice elected Mayor of Kilkenny in 1887 and 1888. P.M. Egan died in 1903 at the age of 60 and his obituary provides that he was a National School Teacher and gave that up to go into the printing business in Kilkenny. He also had a book and stationary shop in Waterford.
Father Neary is referenced in both of the books above.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
To Rhode Island and Back: John J. Curran (1889-1976) of Glenmore
Much has been written about the conditions the people of Ireland faced in the 1840’s, the voluntary and forced emigration during that time, and the difficulties and often hostility faced at their destination. Most who went to North America went to large cities and never returned to Ireland. Danny Dowling’s research has uncovered and recorded unusual emigration circumstances. For example, in 1977 Danny wrote to Fr. John Lahey providing requested information concerning the Edward Doherty family of Milltown, Glenmore. Danny’s research revealed that contrary to the norm of a man emigrating with his family, or going alone and later sending for his wife and children, in this case Edward Doherty’s wife went out to America on her own, settled in Peoria, Illinois where she worked in a laundry. After a couple of years she sent home the fares for her husband and children to join her. When the family reunited they settled in Pike Township, Livingston County, Illinois where they “took a farm.”
John J. Curran’s Early Life
In 1971 Danny Dowling interviewed a Glenmore born man, John J. Curran (1889-1976) about his immigration to the US in December 1911. Six decades after the Famine, John Curran chose to immigrate to the US although he was educated and employed. Six decades after immigrating to the US John J. Curran chose to return to live in Ireland.
John J. Curran, formerly of Robinstown, Glenmore, was the son of John Curran and his wife Margaret Curran née Conway. It is believed that John J was their youngest child. Margaret was from Mooncoin. Her family were evicted from their farm and ended up in Mooncoin, Village.
The 1911 census was taken on Sunday the 2nd of April 1911 just eight months before John left. The census reveals that the father, John Curran, was 62 years of age and employed as a National Teacher. Margaret Curran was 63 years of age and was an “ex National Teacher.” The census also reveals that the couple had been married for 36 years and they had had 13 children, but only 9 were alive in 1911. The children living at home in 1911 include: Alice Curran, age 29; Nicholas Curran, age 27; Margaret Curran, age 24 and John Curran age 21. Alice and Nicholas were both National Teachers, no employment was listed for Margaret, and John J. Curran was employed as a draper’s assistant.
A draper was originally the maker of fabric, but later the occupation turned to dealing in fabric and sewing supplies. It is believed by 1911 the draper also dealt with the selling of ready-made clothing. John Curran, before going to America served his time to the drapery trade in Clery’s of Dublin where he had to live in. While in Dublin he played Gaelic Football with the C.J. Kickham’s Team. He was a full back with the Dublin team that defeated Kildare in the All Ireland Final held in Kildare about 1910. The Dublin team was comprised of 15 men and they won by 2 points. John also noted that he played Mayo in Ballina and Sligo in Sligo. John related that he also played on St. James’s team.
Emigration
In his 1971 interview John J. Curran recalled that he set off for America in December 1911. He travelled on board the S.S. Cedric from Cobh to Boston in a steerage cabin. The journey took 8 days and the fare cost £7-10-0. While on board ship John met a middle aged Irish American man from Laurence Massachusetts. For a joke the man took John’s money and travel papers etc. and kept him in suspense until the ship arrived in Boston when he returned all to him. He was a very decent man and treated John very well on the voyage.
John stated that when he arrived in Boston he was met “off the boat” by his uncle James Conway. John was then taken by his uncle James to a restaurant for a meal. When it was served John took off his cap and made the sign of the cross in the usual Irish manner whereupon his uncle rebuked him saying, “They don’t do that in America. They don’t bless themselves at meals.”
John stayed with his uncle Billy Conway for some time after his arrival. Billy Conway lived in Everitt Massachusetts a town about eight miles outside of Boston. John reported that his uncle James Conway worked in Lexington Massachusetts. The first job that John J. Curran obtained upon his arrival in the US was in a drapery store in Boyleston St., in Boston, where he earned 12 dollars a week.
John next went to work for the Jordan Marsh Department store which was the biggest store in Boston at that time. John earned 15 dollars a week. He stayed at the Jordan March Department store for about a year. John recalled that he moved to Providence, Rhode Island and on arrival he stayed in the Narraganset Hotel. His first job in Providence was with the Outlet Co. at 18 dollars a week plus commissions based on a percentage of his sales. The store superintendent was a man named Steiner and John stayed in this job for eight years.
John informed Danny that in his time in Glenmore Fr. William Walsh was the C.C. and afterwards he became the parish priest of Tullaroan. In John’s time Father Walsh was called Wild Father Walsh because he used to break up dancers with a whip. Father McGrath was another C.C. in Glenmore and John recalled that he was a gentle type of man.
Return to Live and Die in Ireland
Today, Danny said that John J. Curran returned to Ireland as an elderly man and at the time of his interview was living on the Quay in Waterford with his sister Alice Power née Curran. At that time Alice was the widow of Wattie Power of Jamestown, Glenmore and her niece was married to Henry Bevins who was a national teacher in Glenmore. In addition to teaching, Master Bevins also had a bookshop on the Quay in Waterford. The extended family lived above the bookshop. John J. Curran is buried in Glenmore. Danny described John J. Curran as a very nice, decent man.
US Records Add to the Story
Online US records were examined to determine if there were other facts available for John’s time in the US and the records located highlight the turmoil of the era.
All men in the US in 1917 were required to register for the WWI draft. On 5 June 1917 John J. Curran registered. His registration card provides that he was 27 and living at 54 Rowan St. Providence, Rhode Island. He stated that he was born on the 6 of September 1889 in Glenmore, Co. Waterford, Ireland. John recorded that he was a salesman for the Outlet Co., was married and had one child. The registrar recorded that John was of medium height, slender build, grey eyes and brown hair.
On 20 November 1917 John Joseph Curran filed a Petition for Naturalisation in the Federal Court in Providence, Rhode Island and thereby sought to become a US citizen. At that time he still was living at 54 Rowan St. in Providence and listed his occupation as a dry goods salesman. He reported that he was born on 6 September 1889 in Glenmore, Ireland and emigrated from Queenstown on the 17th of November 1911 and arrived in Boston on 7 December 1911 on the vessel Franconia.
John recorded on his petition that on the 13th of December 1911, less than a week after landing, he went to the Boston Court House and declared his intention to become a US citizen. John recorded that he was married to Alice whose date of birth was 7 February 1892, and they had one child also named Alice who was born on 6 July 1915. He declared that he had lived continuously in Rhode Island since 12 August 1912. John in his affidavit revealed that he had first applied for naturalization on 29 December 1916 but was unable to obtain required depositions and requested the court to dismiss his application to allow him to reapply at a later date. For his 20 November 1917 petition John presented an affidavit from the US Department of Labor, and two witnesses, Lewis Clarke (insurance agent) and Laurence Walsh (police officer).
The next significant US record located was John Curran’s passport application of 18 June 1922 when he applied for a passport for himself and his wife Alice and two minor children (Alice, aged 6 and Margaret D. aged 4). He noted that his father John Curran was dead, but he wanted to sail on the Adriatic on the 24th of June and intended to return to the US within 6 weeks.
John stated that he was a dry good merchant and the family intended to visit Ireland, England and France. He described himself as being aged 32, 5 feet 10 ½ inches in height, with no distinguishing marks, blue eyes, straight nose, medium mouth, long face, fair complexion and brown hair. Two photos were attached to the passport application; one was a photo of John J. Curran and the other was a group photo of his wife and daughters.
The US Federal Census of 1930 reveals that John J. Curran was living at 124 Whitford Lane in Providence and he was 40 years of age and the proprietor of a dry goods shop. Thus at the beginning of the Great Depression John J. Curran owned a shop and was an employer. His wife, Alice was 36 and in addition to their two daughters both of Alice’s parents were living with them. John’s father-in-law, John W. Shea was 62 and employed as a teamster of dry goods. John’s mother-in-law was aged 62, had been born in Ireland, spoke Gaelic and immigrated to the US in 1870.
The last available census is the US Federal Census of 1940 which provides that the Curran family was living at 58 Quincy Street in Providence. John’s daughter Alice was aged 24 and employed as a public school teacher, and daughter Margaret was aged 21 and employed as a file clerk. John’s wife Alice is listed as head of house and aged 48. John is not listed in the home although his father-in-law, widower, John W. Shea is present and aged 78. In 1942 John J. Curran registered for the WWII draft. This document reflects that John named his wife Alice as his next of kin with the 58 Quincy Street address listed as his home address. John J. Curran recorded that he was employed for the State of Rhode Island at the Howard State Infirmary in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Lastly, the Social Security Death Index provides that John J. Curran died in August 1976 and his last known address was in Ireland.
It is truly amazing the variety of documents and information that are available on line today.
Curran Headstone, St. James’s Cemetery, Glenmore
(Added 1 December 2019) The Curran headstone in St. James’s Churchyard, Glenmore provides the following:
John Curran died on 13 June 1912 aged 65; his wife, Margaret died on 15 January 1917 aged 67; both for many years National School Teachers of Glenmore. Their children: Joseph died young; Mary died on the 4th of September 1900 aged 24; Richard died on the 28th of December 1903 aged 23; Laurence died on the 21 of January 1922 aged 45; Nicholas died on 25 January 1925 aged 40; (side of stone) Annie Curran died on 30 January 1942; her sister Margaret Bevin died on 4 May 1946, aged 56 and John J. Curran died on 4 August 1976, aged 86.
Special thanks to my husband Peter Walsh for locating the Curran headstone.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Took to the Road Around Glenmore
In 1955 Danny Dowling recorded a list of men and women who “took to the road” and regularly visited the Glenmore area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These usually homeless people were often referred to as tramps or beggars. In the days before social welfare, they travelled from place to place stopping and staying, and perhaps doing odd jobs, for a day or two in exchange for food and a place to sleep. They were usually accomodated in an outbuilding, stable loft or boiler house. Some of the names recorded by Danny include: Mick the Sweep; Corduroy Hat (Pat O’Hara); and Jack the Barrow (who travelled with a wheelbarrow).
Danny obtained details concerning some of these men and women when he interviewed Nicholas Forristal of the Mill, Graiguenakill, on 17 November 1974. Nicky Forristal was born in Glenmore on 1 February 1888. He worked at his family mill in Graiguenakill which was near the main road. He was well placed to speak to and observe people travelling to and around Glenmore.
Dicky “The Stallion” Walsh
Dicky the Stallion was a harmless man. His name was Dick Walsh, and was so called Dicky the Stallion from the fact that his father kept a stallion horse. Paddy the Stallion was his brother. Paddy the Stallion was also a harmless man but not as much so as Dicky. Dicky and Paddy were natives of around Bigwood, Mullinavat area. Their father had a farm, got broke and lost it.
Dicky the Stallion, after his father lost the farm, stayed at the Mill in Graiguenakill, where he got lodging. Dicky also used to stay at Johnnie Ennetts of Cappagh, sometimes. On one occasion he was in Ennetts in the barn, one morning after staying the night when Johnnie asked him, “is he gone yet?” Dickie replied, “I’ll be gone soon sir.” After some time Johnnie called again and said “You’re not gone yet,” to which Dickie replied “Sure I must stand on Ireland’s proud anyway boy—as I have nowhere to go.” Dicky and Paddy Walsh were going around until about 1900. Nicky described them as low size blocks of men with cropped beards. Nicky stated that they had plenty of talk but never spoke ill of anybody.
Paddy “Go Easy” Gorman
Paddy Gorman, known as Paddy Go Easy was a native of New Ross. Paddy Go Easy came out about once a fortnight to the Glenmore area. He always called to the mill. Nicky Forristal noted that “he was in it about 70 to 80 years ago.” Nicky described Paddy Go Easy as a big tall man who walked fast and was clean shaven. He carried a big long stick like a pike handle and wore a wide Jerry Hat. Paddy Go Easy didn’t talk much.
Paddy Pencil
Paddy Pencil, was from the Rower where his father had a farm. Paddy Pencil was in it before Nicky Forristal’s time. Paddy came to Ross to work and got fond of the drink. He remained on in Ross. He was not a travelling man, only hung about the town getting an odd job holding horses and carrying parcels all for a few pence to buy drink.
When Paddy’s father died he left the farm to Paddy’s brother. The brother then gave Paddy the father’s clothes to wear for his soul. Paddy returned from Ross one night shortly afterwards wearing his father’s clothes. He went into the yard and stood in the middle of it and called his brother—imitating his father’s voice.
Paddy’s brother came to the window and thinking it was his father calling from the dead, and he asked his father, “What trouble are you in?” Paddy replied—still imitating his father, “Give the money of the two stacks of wheat in Haggard to Paddy in Ross.” Paddy’s poor brother thought he’d never have the stacks of wheat threshed soon enough in order to give the money to Paddy. He thought this necessary so his father’s soul would rest. When Paddy’s brother had the wheat threshed and sold he immediately gave the money to Paddy. Paddy had a great time drinking for about 3 weeks.
Jack the Ink
Jack the Ink moved around Glenmore before Nicky Forristal’s time. Peggy Gaffney, who had the little shop in Glenmore, told Nicky that Jack the Ink called to her shop. On one occasion Jack bought and ate 12 penny buns in the shop. Jack used to talk to himself and lodged here and there around Glenmore. Jack was regarded as clever. “As clever as Jack the Ink,” the people used say. He made straw hats for 1 ½ d. each.
John “Tail of the Comet” Dalton
John Dalton was known as Tail of the Comet and was from “up Co. Kilkenny.” A big tall man about 6 feet tall. John had a bit of a meegle (goatee). John Dalton “used be after the wedding cee caws in Glenmore.” (This was a custom after a wedding where coins were thrown into the air.) John Dalton carried a switch and used to belt the women on the knuckles in the scramble. He was a clever old daw and was in circulation until the 1930’s. He was about 70 years of age then. Paddy Forristal, Nicky’s son, saw him calling to Glenmore School, when Paddy was a pupil. John used to lift the latch and open the door and put in his head and say “How you Mister Beevins?” He called Mr. Bevans, the headmaster, Mr. Beevins. John always got a couple of pence from Mr. Bevans. After getting the money John would say, “Happy harvest to you now sir” and remove his hat. John also called to the priests, and was reasonably well dressed.
Gentle Annie
Gentle Annie was going when Nicky Forristal was a young man, and he remembered her as “The Lady All Round.” She appeared to be old then and she was called Nurse Whelan. She lived and died at Nelly Grawsheens, where Hanrahan’s shop is now, in Robinstown, Glenmore. She was a big, tall, old woman when Nicky Forristal knew her. It appeared she was a nurse in a hospital in her time. After her death, the union hearse came from Waterford and took her away. Nicky Forristal was going to school when she died about 74 years ago. They had a great night at her wake even though there was no drink. Nicky Forristal related that they “had a bonfire inside, they tore the boards down off the loft and burned” them. All the local boys were there and there was a dance as well. That same night they nearly roasted Mick Breen of Graiguenakill, and Nicky noted that Breen’s real name was Butler.
Others
Other persons Nicky Forristal recalled in 1974 were: Foxy Ned Grace (a Crimea War Pensioner); Blind Woman (who was dead over 70 years); George Lackey (who had been in India) and Jim Arse who “was in it” about 80 years ago, and worked with Tom Nolan at the Redhouse in Shanbogh.
Biddy the Pipes was an old woman when Nicky Forristal was a chap. She used have about three pipes on her for smoking. She used to regularly call to the mill for a bit to eat.
Billy and Jane Fleming lived in a lime kiln in Graiguenakill. Billy and Jane used to pick furze seed in order to get a bit to eat. Billy once carried 4 stones of furze seed to Kilkenny and back to Waterford on his back. Billy used to say, “Shut the door and let me in.” He died before 1890.
Jack the Bird McGrath was a cattle drover. In the Glenmore area he stopped in Whelan’s Bog, Shanbough; Grants, Ballyvarring and Mullin’s of Flemingstown. In 1974, Nicky Forristal noted he was dead about 50 years or more.
Bolliky Bill’s real name was Bill Coffey. Nicky Forristal when interviewed stated that “he was one of the last tramps to roam this area,” and was in it up to about 20 years ago. He was usually dressed in rags, almost in his skin. Bill had a kind of English accent, but never spoke very much.
First Burial in St. James
It is believed that the first person to be buried in the cemetery attached to St. James, the present Glenmore church, was a woman named Reilly who took to the roads and travelled around the Glenmore area. She was stopped at Dunphy’s in Ballyverneen, Glenmore when she died. This information was provided to Danny Dowling by the late Luke Gaule of Slieveconagh, Rosbercon, who heard it from Michael Gaule of Killespy, Slieverue and late of Jamestown, Glenmore. The present churchyard opened in 1805 eight years before St. James was built in 1813.
The feature black and white photo was taken of a Rathinure local in 2019 on the Kilcolumb Church Lane. The other photo is courtesy of the digital collection of the New York Public Library. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “”Bum blockade.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1936. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/4adae4b0-73d3-0136-0397-1ba7cc681344
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Introducing Glenmore Historian: Danny Dowling (1927-2021)
Daniel Dowling, more popularly known in the parish of Glenmore as Danny, has been interviewing and recording the information provided by a range of people concerning events and people of the South East for nearly 7 decades. Danny has become the recognised historian of Glenmore, and both local and people from all over the world, have sought his help in tracing their ancestors. On 28 September 2019 the tables were turned and Danny was interviewed.
Danny’s Early Life
Danny was born on 15 February 1927, the eldest of l2 children of Patrick Dowling of Jamestown, Glenmore and his wife Hannah Murphy Dowling who was originally from Ballinlammy, Glenmore.
Danny candidly admits that he was not interested in education as a boy. He attended the boys’ National School in Glenmore and was sent as a day student to Good Council in New Ross for secondary school. Danny only lasted a year or two at Good Council and then went to work on the Dowling farm in Jamestown. Eventually, after the death of his father in 1945, Danny went to Dublin to take a course in Public Health at the National College. Upon graduation he sat a civil service exam and did very well. He was offered four jobs and took a post in County Kildare where he stayed for a year. He then transferred to Waterford in 1951 or 1952 where he remained employed as a Public Health Inspector until his retirement in 1988.
Public Health Inspector
Danny described his job as a Public Health Inspector as requiring him to enforce laws regarding housing. His duties included all housing, not just council houses, as well as trying to find housing for the homeless. He noted that he observed some terrible living conditions in the early years of his career. Danny recorded the condition of the housing and made recommendations concerning it.
Interest in Local History
Notwithstanding his disinterest in education as a boy, from an early age Danny had an interest in history particularly local history. He evolved from listening to the stories told by the older inhabitants of the area to jotting down notes. To date, 15 of Danny’s notebooks have been transcribed and a number more have yet to be transcribed. These notebooks contain a treasure trove of information concerning local customs, events, families, local Irish words, Irish field names etc. Danny recalls that he began taking notes and interviewing people before he went to work in Waterford. In addition to writing two books for the Waterford Corporation, historical articles by Danny have been published Kilkenny and Waterford journals.
When asked to give advice to any person who is interested in local history, Danny responded that the best approach is to start talking and recording the memories of people you know.
Glenmore History Blog will contain weekly articles from the notes that Danny has taken over the years and Danny hopes that his work will be shared, preserved and generate interest among younger people.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh