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Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868) a Native of Rochestown, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard (1 March 1804-12 Feb. 1868) a native of Rochestown, Glenmore. Patrick was the younger brother of John Dollard (1801-1888) who was featured last week as the man who named Glenmore, Wisconsin. Fr. Patrick Dollard built St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario, Canada and became its first rector. The painting to the left of Fr. Dollard hangs in the Cathedral’s Rectory and was graciously sent to us by Angela Gambin, the Office Manager of St. Mary’s.
Unfortunately, the Arch-Diocese of Kingston closed its archives in 2023 as a new building to house the collection was planned. When we queried when the archives will re-open we were informed that the new building has not yet commenced. Undoubtedly at some point in the future we will update this post and share whatever other information we can find regarding Fr. Dollard. Until then we have relied heavily on newspaper searches that revealed a detailed obituary and interesting description of his funeral.
Early Life
According to his obituary, Fr. Dollard was born in Glaumore (sic) County Kilkenny, Ireland, in March 1804. Over the years Glenmore has been spelled in a variety ways, but Glaumore is most unusual. Fr. Dollard was educated at an ecclesiastical seminary in Waterford. We believe that Fr. Dollard probably attended St. John’s Seminary in Waterford City. St. John’s was established c. 1807 for the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. Per Danny’s notes St. John’s was established from the merger of a classical school and an academy. St. John’s was originally on Manor Hill and in 1868 relocated to John’s Hill. In the 1830’s, St. John’s established a mission to Newfoundland, Canada.
Emigration to Canada
After “finishing his collegiate course” Fr. Dollard sailed to Canada. “having from an early period of his life devoted himself to the Church, began and completed his theological studies at Montreal.” Fr. Dollard was ordained by Bishop Lartique, on the Feast of the Ascension, 1836. Fr. Dollard was appointed to the Diocese of Kingston. Montreal is about 800 miles southwest of Newfoundland. Kingston is about 280 miles further west and almost half way between Montreal and Toronto (The Weekly British Whig, Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1). It is not clear why Fr. Dollard went further west than Newfoundland if he was sent by the seminary in Waterford.
At Kingston Fr. Dollard cared for his brother John’s young family when they emigrated around 1850. John Dollard left his wife and children in Kingston while he crossed into the United States and travelled west to Wisconsin where he obtained land and cleared the wilderness to establish a farm. See our post of 17 February 2025 for further details of John Dollard’s trip and life in Wisconsin.
Although a great distance separated the Dollard brothers, we were able to ascertain that they kept in contact. In fact, Fr. Dollard, in September 1863 was the Vicar General of Kingston. It was reported that he was in Brown County, Wisconsin “visiting relatives.” He celebrated the last Mass at St. Ignatius. A week or so later the church was destroyed by fire. See, Mary Kay & Dan Milquet (2006) De Pere of Yesteryear, vol. 1, Zander Press, Brillion (Wisconsin) p. 43.
Priest of the People
According to contemporary newspaper accounts Fr. Dollard often rolled up his sleeves to help care for the sick and dying particularly during epidemics that swept through Canada in the 19th century. “He was instrumental in caring for typhus victims when they arrived after the Famine,” (Angela Gambin, email of 18 Feb. 2025). Fr. Dollard served in Kingston for 32 years and is credited with building St. Mary’s Cathedral , being its first rector, becoming the Vicar General and working tirelessly on improving education.
The Kingston Whig-Standard (Mon. 10 Feb. 1868, p. 3) reported two days before his death, “We regret to say that the Very Revd. Mr. Dollard, so long Vicar General and Parish Priest of Kingston, is very ill, and may probably be no more when this sees the eye of the reader. Father Dollard is truly a good man.” For a concise biography of Fr. Patrick Dollard see, B. J. Price, “DOLLARD, PATRICK,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 9, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed February 15, 2025. .
The Weekly British Whig (Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1) published the following editorial after his death.
Kingston has lost in the death of Very Rev. Father Dollard one of the best men that ever lived in it. For a long time (upwards of thirty years) he was Parish Priest, and in the performance of that arduous duty gained the love and good will of all his many Parishioners. On two occasions he administered the affairs of the Diocese when the See became vacant, to the great satisfaction of his superiors, and it was at the time greatly regretted that he had not been promoted to the vacancy. He was in every sense of the word an exemplary priest.
However, it is from his obituary that we found the most details regarding Fr. Dollard’s work. The Weekly British Whig (Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1) published a lengthy detailed obituary that was republished in the Weekly Register & Catholic Standard (London) (Sat. 14 March 1868, p. 5). The obituary is below and the sub-headings are not part of the original obituary.
Obituary of the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868)
It is with profound regret we record the death of the Very Rev. P. Dollard, V.G., at the Bishop’s residence, after a severe illness of four weeks. He was a truly good and pious Priest, and dies deeply lamented by all classes of the community.
Zealous Priest
How many varied acts of kindness he performed in that long period are known only to those for whom they were done. During the trying scenes of the Rebellion—the epidemics of cholera and typhus fever, he laboured unceasingly for the benefit of the people, and nobly performed the part of zealous priest, a loyal subject, and a good and charitable citizen. In alluding to his conduct during the dread ship fever, Mr. Maguire, in his recent book on “The Irish in America,” pays the following tribute to him:
‘Father Dollard, an Irish Clergyman, had to bear the chief share of the priestly duty, and from the first moment that the fever broke out, until the earth was beaten down on top of the grave mound, he was in the midst of the danger.’
Building of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
He was entrusted with the entire management of the building of the Cathedral, a task, it is needless to say, he performed with singular prudence and economy. He also laboured strenuously in the struggle of Roman Catholics of Upper Canada for their educational rights begun in 1841. He took the liveliest interest in the working of the schools, and for the last year and several years previous was chairman of the Catholic School Board.
By the amiability of his character, but above all, by the purity of his life, he won the esteem and admiration of his fellow citizens of all denominations—and they particularly the old ones, will regret the departure from amongst them of one, whoa after so long a residence, leaves a record unsullied by the slightest suspicion. To almost every Catholic family he was endeared by the strongest ties, and they regarded him with most filial affection. His loss leaves a large blank in their ranks, and one very difficult to fill.
Death
His death was befitting his character—calm and tranquil—and his last days on earth were made as pleasing as possible by the unvaried kindness of the Bishop and the unceasing attention of his many friends (The Weekly British Whig, Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1).
Funeral Services
The following interesting article describes in detail the funeral services for Fr. Dollard (The Kingston-Whig Standard, Mon 17 Feb. 1868, p. 2).
On Saturday morning the last rights of the Catholic Church were accorded to the remains of the late Father Dollard. St. Mary’s Cathedral was tastefully draped, the altars, pulpit, ornaments, windows, pillars, etc. being covered with black, festoons and draperies falling from the roof.
The chancel window was hidden by a black curtain, bearing on it a large white cross. The whole Church bore a sombre appearance. The body was laying on a platform erected within the rails of the Sanctuary while the ceremony was being performed. A Grand Requiem Mass was sung by the Right Rev. Bishop Horan, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Rooney, of Toronto, as Archdeacon, with the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Napanee, as Deacon, and the Rev. Mr. O’Kean, of Port Hope, as Sub-deacon, the Rev. Mr. Gothier, of Regiopolis College officiating as Master of Ceremonies.
The funeral sermon was preached by the Right Rev. Dr. Farrell, Bishop of Hamilton, who from the time of his ordination as a Priest until his elevation to the Bishoprie (sic), served under the direction of Father Dollard. During the Mass the Choir, mostly composed of male voices, sung the solemn music incident to the service in a very fine style.
After Mass a procession was formed, headed by the crucifix and censor bearers, composed of the students of Regiopolis College, wearing surplices and soutanes, and all the clergy present, each person carrying in his hand a lighted candle and being bare-headed, preceding the body, which was borne on the shoulders of Messrs. James Harty, Michael Flanagan, Michal Macnamara, James Bermingham, Maurice Dinn and Wm. Hartey, four aged Priests acting as pall bearers.
The procession proceeded from the Sanctuary out of the Cathredral, and passed around to the side of the building, where it entered the passage leading to the vault underneath. Here the ceremony was brought to a close by a reading of prayers for the dead and sprinkling the coffin with Holy Water and incensing it. The vault is built immediately under the grand altar, and directly opposite that contains the remains of the late Bishops McDonell, Goulin and Phalin.
To say that the Cathedral was crowded throughout the ceremony would give no adequate idea of the numbers present, and the many tears shed by both Priests and people, as they followed his remains to their last resting place, spoke most eloquently of the worth of the late Father Dollard. He is gone from among us, and it is much to be hoped that whoever succeeds him as a Parish Priest of Kingston, will exhibit that same spirit of religious toleration and uprightness of character that have won for him the high esteem of all good men. [The article ends with a long list of priests who attended the funeral.]
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The photo of Fr. Dollard’s tomb was provided by Angela Gambin. For further photos of the tomb and nearby tombs in the crypt see Find a Grave. The photos on Find a Grave were taken by Callan Murphy.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Angela Gambin, the Office Manager of St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, for sharing a photo of Fr. Dollard’s portrait, the photo of his tomb and other information.
The photos of St. Mary’s Cathedral exterior and interior are from old post cards.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Man Who Named Glenmore, Wisconsin: John Dollard (1801-1888)
Thanks to a reader’s query last week our post concerned James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore who emigrated, married, raised a family, farmed and died in Glenmore, Brown County, Wisconsin. We wondered if James named Glenmore, Wisconsin after his native parish in Co. Kilkenny. Happily, this query stirred the curiosity of Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, the Local History Specialist, of the Brown County Library who found the answer and identified other Glenmore emigrants. Special thanks to Jeff Gilderson-Duwe for going the extra mile!
The library has an unpublished manuscript concerning the origins of Brown County place names. In this manuscript Mr. Gilderson-Duwe found the following statement, “The name [Glenmore] was given by John Dollard of De Pere, County Supervisor, for a place near his birthplace in Ireland.”
Mr. Gilderson-Duwe also provided a biographical sketch of John Dollard from an 1885 Commemorative Biographical Record of the Fox River Valley Counties of Brown, Outagamie and Winnebago [Wisconsin]: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families (J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago). With that title it had to be a heavy tome and best seller. The biographical sketch of John Dollard is found on pages 373 and 374 as follows, the sub-titles below are not in the original text:
Emigration to the Wisconsin Wilderness
Patrick E. and John Dollard, well known progressive farmers of De Pere township, Brown County, were born on the farm where they yet make their home, the former in August 1851, the later in August 1854.
Their father, John Dollard, was born June 5, 1801, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, where he married Bridget Heffernan, and while in Ireland two children were born to them, viz,: Kate, now the wife of Joseph Whalen, postmaster at South Milwaukee, Wis., and Ellen, Mrs. Michael Murray, of St. Paul, Minn. About 1850 John Dollard set out with his family, for America, and sailing from Waterford, landed at Quebec after a long voyage. His brother Patrick was a priest in Kingston, Canada, and there the family remained while John proceeded farther west, seeking a home for them.
After journeying over the State of Michigan, he crossed Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wis., and thence came on foot to Green Bay, a distance of thirty-five miles, through the wood, during which trip he met the first wolves he had ever seen, and other wild animals were also numerous. The only road was the one over which the United States mail was carried, and frequently there was nothing to guide him and point out the way except blazed trees. After looking over the land around Green Bay, Mr. Dollard selected a tract of 160 acres, in Section 31, De Pere Township, Brown County, for which he paid five hundred dollars. [From this biography it appears that John Dollard travelled alone, yet we believe that his brother-in-law James Heffernan (1825-1891) also came to the area circa 1850.]
Taming the Wisconsin Wilderness
The place was uncleared and totally unimproved, and Mr. Dollard made a few rude preparations for his family before returning to Canada and bringing them to their new home in the midst of the forest. The first cabin stood about twenty rods from the spot where the present substantial brick residence was built in 1885.
The father commenced the work of clearing the farm, an arduous task, and more especially so as during the first year he had no beasts of burden, and he hauled 100,000 feet of lumber to a point on East river, with a hired team of cattle, before he became the owner of a pair of oxen. The first crops raised on the farm consisted of oats and potatoes, and for some time their only farming implement was a hoe. On this place, Mr. Dollard passed the remainder of his life, dying January 30, 1888; he was buried in De Pere cemetery.
Civic Roles
In his political affiliations he was a staunch Democrat, and he held almost every office in the gift of the township. He was chairman of the township, and, of the county board; was the first township superintendent of schools elected under the new school laws, and continued to hold the office until it was abolished, being thus the only man to serve in that position in De Pere township. In whatever capacity he acted, his service was ever marked by the highest ability and integrity and satisfactory discharge of his duties.
He was a self-made man in the strictest sense, having won abundant success from a small beginning, by hard work and energy and application to his business. In his early life he had received a thorough education attending school until he was twenty-four years old, and few, if any, farmers of his time and section were his equals in this respect. From the time of his settlement he resided continually on the same farm, and saw it transformed from a wilderness abounding with wild animals to the fertile and productive tract it now is, taking, also, an active and prominent part in every movement of interest or benefit to his township generally, and was always ready and willing to assist any worthy enterprise.
Popular Settler
He was widely and favourably known all over the county, and had considerable influence in his community, his advice being sought on many questions. He also took a leading interest in Church matters, and was treasurer and trustee of St. Francis Catholic Church, of which he and his wife were both members. Mrs. Dollard survived her husband until April 22, 1891, when she was laid to rest by his side in De Pere cemetery. [It is not clear how a publication published in 1888 recorded an 1891 death].
Patrick E. and John Dollard were reared on the home farm, and received an education in the common schools of the home district. They have always remained on the homestead, which they now own, and where they carry on a general farming and stock raising business, in connection with the latter branch being extensive breeders of sheep. In their political affiliations they follow in the footsteps of their father, manifesting great interest in the welfare of the Democratic party, but having no aspirations for office, as they devote their time exclusively to the farm. They are systematic, industrious and prosperous agriculturalists, and quiet, unassuming men. Both are unmarried.
Glenmore Parish Records
John Dollard of Rochestown, Glenmore, married Bridget Heffernan, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore , on 15 February 1840. The witnesses were John Forestal and Mary Delaney. The marriage does not provide the names of the fathers of the bride and groom. From the year of birth recorded on the marker in De Pere, Wisconsin, Bridget was born in 1811. It is recorded in the Slieverue/Glenmore Parish records that Bridget Hefrin (sic) was baptized 7 July 1811 at Aylverstown (sic), Glenmore, daughter of James Hefrin (sic) and Mary Delaney. Her sponsors were Joane Strange and Honor Delany. [We know that her brother James Heffernan was born in 1825 and his father’s name was listed as John and his mother was Mary Delaney].
Children of John Dollard and Bridget Dollard née Heffernan born in Ireland
[1] Catherine Dollard , bapt. 27 June 1842 at Roachistown (sic) daughter of John Dollard and Bridget Heffernan. Sponsors: Richard Viracre [Vereker] and Alice Irish.
[2] Mary Dollard, bapt. 26 June 1845 at Rochestown, Glenmore daughter of John Dollard and Bridget Hefernan. Sponsors Patrick Heffernan and Ellen Murphy. [This child was not mentioned in the 1886 biography.]
[3] Ellen Dollard, bapt. 12 Nov. 1846, at Rochestown, daughter of John Dollard and Bridget Heffernan. Sponsors: James Forestal and Jude Heffernan.
[4] Patrick Dollard, bapt. 1 Feb. 1850 at Roachestown (sic), son of John Dollard and Bridget Heifernan. Sponsors: John Murphy and Mary Heifernan. [This child has a different year of birth than Patrick E. Dollard who was said to have been born in August 1851 on the Wisconsin farm. However, an obituary in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (2 Oct. 1925) records that Patrick was born in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland]. Patrick Dollard never married.
John & Patrick Dollards Parents?
Unfortunately, it is not clear from the surviving parish records who were the parents of John Dollard (5 June 1801-20 Jan. 1888) and his brother Rev. Patrick Dollard (1 March 1804- 12 Feb. 1868). We are awaiting further information from Ontario regarding the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard which we hope to be able to publish soon. It also seems apparent that if John Dollard was in education until the age of 24 he was most likely being trained to become a priest. How or why he left his education in 1825 is not apparent. It is also interesting that of the four Dollard children born in Glenmore during the Famine none of their sponsors were Dollard’s.
In terms of Rochestown records, we found that in the Tithe Applotment Books (1829) Edward Dollard farmed 36 acres. He was the only Dollard recorded in Rochestown. Griffith’s Valuation (1847-1864) also only records one Dollard in Rochestown, John Dollard, who leased a house, offices and 34 acres from Landlord Conn. The buildings were valued at £3 15s.
Per the biographical sketch it was stated that John Dollard stayed in education until he was 24. If his year of birth was 1801 he was in education until 1825, and he was about 50 when he began clearing his farm in Wisconsin. He and his wife named their eldest child Patrick which traditionally the eldest male child was named after the paternal grandfather. Hopefully, the records of the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard may shed some light on their parents.
Dollard Markers
Unfortunately, I was not able to find an obituary for John Dollard (5 June 1801-20 Jan. 1888). John Dollard is buried in Mount Olive Catholic Cemetery, De Pere, Brown County, Wisconsin. See, Find a Grave to view his marker .
I did locate a death notice for Bridget Dollard, née Heffernan. Green Bay Press-Gazette, (Fri. 24 April 1891, p. 3)—The funeral of Mrs. J. Dollard, of the town of De Pere, took place this morning, at De Pere. She was 80 years of age. Bridget Dollard née Heffernan (bapt. 7 July 1811-22 April 1891) is buried beside her husband in the Mount Olive Catholic Cemetery. See Find a Grave .
Katherine Marie Whalen née Dollard (1844-1928) died and is buried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Katherine married Joseph Whalen (1844-1928) in 1869. The couple had at least four children. See, Find a Grave .
Ellen Alice Murray née Dollard (1846-1924) married Michael Norbert Murray (1840-1886) in 1871 in Brown County, Wisconsin. The couple had at least six children. Ellen died in Los Angelos and is buried in St. Paul Minnesota. See, Find a Grave.
Patrick E. Dollard (1850-1925) was born in Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny and was taken to Wisconsin as an infant. He farmed with his brother John and never married.
John Dollard (1853-1943) never married and outlived all of his siblings. He was the only sibling born in Wisconsin. When he gave up farming he lived with two nieces Mrs. M.E. Harty and Miss Stella Whalen in South Milwaukee. He is buried in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery of De Pere Brown, County, Wisconsin. See, Find a Grave .
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The feature photo above is an old postcard from before 1900 depicting a business area on Broadway in De Pere with the Fox River visible behind the buildings.
An unusual fact that surfaced during research…author Stephen King lived in De Pere, Wisconsin for three years when he was a child.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
James Heffernan (1825-1891) from Aylwardstown, Glenmore to Glenmore, Wisconsin
Recently a reader in the US, Lucy Neale Duke, found glenmore-history.com and we were able to provide some information on her ancestor’s family the Heffernan’s of Aylwardstown, Glenmore and she shared an amazing letter that was written on 1 February 1874 to her ancestor James Heffernan. James Heffernan emigrated to Glenmore, Wisconsin in 1850. We have attempted to determine whether James had a hand in the naming of Glenmore, Wisconsin or whether he was attracted to the name and settled there. We reached out to the city clerk as well as the local Brown County library but are still searching for an answer to that question. We were provided with a copy of a photo on the left of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin that James Heffernan helped to establish.
James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
It was difficult to find a baptismal record for James Heffernan. However, his death cert in 1891 (information was usually provided by the widow) provided several important facts and dates. James Heffernan was the son of Mary Delaney and John Heffernan. He was a farmer with a date of birth listed as 20 March 1829. He was born at Glenmore, Kilkenny, Ireland. He married Bridget O’Leary. He died on 14 November 1891 at his home in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin and was buried in St. Mary’s cemetery. (Wisconsin US Death Records, 1872-2004 for James Heffernan, Brown Co. , Vol 1-Vol 2 NO. 1744). See, Find Grave to view his headstone.
Slieverue/Glenmore Parish Records
For whatever reason no Heffernan baptism could be located in 1829 for James. However, utilizing his mother’s name on 13 September 1825 at Aylwardstown, Glenmore, a James was baptized the son of Mary Delaney and John //. The sponsors were Michael Delany and Ellen//.
John Heffernan and his wife Mary Delaney married 17 February 1808. Their eldest child was Patrick Heffernan was baptized 1 April 1809. Thus, at the time of his birth James’s eldest brother was 16 years older than James.
Aylwardstown Glenmore Farm
Patrick Heffernan married Alicia “Ally” Irish on 7 February 1842. Alicia “Ally” was from Nicholastown, Slieverue. The witnesses were Patrick Delaney and Catherine Hickey. The couple had at least 5 children. [1] John Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1842); [2] Mary Heffernan (bapt 23 Nov. 1844); [3] Michael Heffernan (bapt. 2 Sept. 1847); [4] James Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1852); and [5] Thomas Heffernan (bapt 1855).
It is not clear what happened to John Heffernan (bapt 1842), but Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) got the Aylwardstown farm. He married on 13 February 1879, Bridget Kennedy (1854-1947) of the Pierce Kennedy family of Rathinure, Glenmore. The couple had at least 14 children. There was an awful blizzard that winter of ‘47 when Bridgie died. According to Danny Dowling (1927-2021) Bridgie was the last deceased person in Glenmore carried across the fields to the Church in Glenmore for Mass and burial. The trek was over 2 miles and she was carried by her sons, grandsons and neighbours through the drifted fields.
The Children of Michael Heffernan and Bridgie Kennedy
[1] Patrick Heffernan (bapt 18 Jan. 1880) (Lived in London when his mother died in 1947).
[2] John Heffernan (b. 13 June 1881) married and moved to Chicago. His wife tragically died and he brought his two small children home. His parents reared them until they were teenagers and he remarried and brought them back to Chicago. His son Raymond was shortly after returning to Chicago hit and killed by a car.
[3] James Heffernan (b. 10 July 1882)
[4] Peter Heffernan (b. 31 Dec. 1883-1966) was Garda Superintendent
[5] Mary Heffernan (b. 10 May 1855] married an O’Connor from Ballyfacey.
[6] Alice Heffernan (bapt. 21 Nov. 1886) married Ned Roche of Rathinure.
[7] Thomas Heffernan (b. 28 March 1888) married into a farm in Kearneybay, Glenmore.
[8] Richard Heffernan (b. 12 June 1889)
[9] Michael Heffernan (b. 7 Oct. 1890-1974) lived in Kilkenny City. See our post of 22 October 2023.
[10] Bridget Heffernan (22 May 1892)
[11] Andrew Heffernan (20 Nov. 1893-1975) married Bridget Roche (1896-1987). He farmed
the Aylwardstown farm.
[12] Nicholas Heffernan (b. 27 June 1896) (lived in Dublin when his mother died in 1947).
[13] Mon. William Heffernan (1893-1973) ministered and died in Australia. See our post of 15 October 2023 and family photo at his ordination.
[14] Stephan Heffernan (b. 15 Jan. 1898) Baby of the family. After the War of Independence, Stephen moved to Chicago, married and had two daughters. See guest author Brian Forristal, “A Place to Hide” & “The Tans are Coming.“
Quite a lot of information can be found on our H Glenmore Surnames regarding the Heffernan’s https://glenmore-history.com/families/h-surnames/
The Early Years of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin
From a brief history provided by Glenmore, Wisconsin it appears that forests originally covered Glenmore. As the forests were removed the land was sold to settlers who established farms. James Heffernan was one of the early settlers who established a farm. See, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976). We know from James Heffernan’s 1891 obituaries that he emigrated in 1850 and settled in Glenmore on a farm he farmed for the rest of his life.
“The first settlers to come to Glenmore, or in that vicinity, are said to have located there as early as 1850. Those who were Catholic among that number were provided with no particular place of worship at that time, but were attended by visiting priests.” Mass was said in private homes The first Mass is said to have been held in the residence of Mr. O’Leary. [We believe this was James’s father-in-law’s home]. This continued until 1874 when a church was erected. It was torn down in 1886 and entirely rebuilt (The Catholic Church in Wisconsin: A History of the Catholic Church in Wisconsin from the Earliest Time to the Present Day, Catholic Historical Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI. (1895-1898) p. 640).
The 1873 Letter
On 1 February 1873, Thomas Heffernan (1856-1876) of Aylwardstown wrote to his Uncle James Heffernan in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin. The letter is below and provides some fascinating details regarding the death of Peter Strange as well as the terrible weather. Tragically, Thomas died of TB at Aylwardstown at the age of 21 of TB. The death register (online) provides Thomas died 29 Oct. 1876 and his brother, James Heffernan (bapt. 1852) was present when he died. Thomas was employed as a draper’s assistant.
Aylwardstown Glenmore
Ferrybank
Ireland
February 1st, 1873
My dear uncle James,
It is under my fathers fond directions and kind permission I now take the opportunity of sending to you this little messenger of inquiry hoping to learn by it that you and all your family and friends are in quite as perfect a state of health as this leaves me and all our family in at present thank God.
Though there are numbers of people here in Ireland dying around us with all sorts of sickness in consequence of the most unwholesome air which nearly overspread the whole land all caused by a continual fall of rain for the past two years without scarcely getting one month together fine. You may easily guess how the people stand here and what a position they hold when you hear that there is no less than Nine families living in one of our neighboring Parish Chapels all driven from their homes by the immence torrents of rain and floods of water that knocked and swept away their houses and far worse still, there is no prospect of cultivation whatsoever.
It is thought by all here that there will be a famine amongst us and even the priests are of the same opinion though they are nearly tired from praying for fine weather but now we have nothing more to do than to hope for better days to come which I am personally looking out for in my new career of life which I must suppose it is totally unknown to you as there was no communication between you and my father for the past few years with the exception of a few words The Rev. P. Dollan told of you and also a newspaper came from your sister Mary immediately after the burning of Chicago [the Great Chicago fire burned 8-10 October 1871] and even then she but merely wrote her name without any address then we could even return thanks for her persevering remembrance of the dear people and land that gave her birth. We would have written to you long before this time but for anxiously waiting daily for a letter from some of you as an answer to one my father sent some time long previous to this and then by not receiving it we were more than astonished why you could be so ungreatful (sic) as not even to drop us a line no matter how trifeling the news may be anything from you is interesting to us.
I am the youngest of the family and I am serving my Apprenticeship in one of the oldest and largest Drapery houses in Waterford Walter O’Donnell and company Quay and have about eighteen months more to serve. There is three more brothers in Aylwardstown still and one sister all of which are too old to fill any situation respectable enough to live in Ireland. Some of them say they will follow your footsteps and fly to that land where there is freedom and plenty for all.
I am sorry for having to relate to you a sad tale of Mr. Peter Strange who was interred in Kilmacavogue on Christmas day last and deplorable it is, to explain that he did not receive the blessed Sacraments since his confirmation and for the past six years did not even go to Church or Chapel but used to ride on one of his horses off to Rochestown on Sundays when the public join in union to go to Mass so that Rochestown proved fatal to him in the end and Mr. Conn invited. him to Supper on the very Sunday night before Christmas and at ten O’clock that night he walked out of Mr. Conn’s parlour and breathed his last in the Hall. The inquest was held in his own house and the verdict was he died with the disease of the heart some of his own friends begged of the Parish priest to pray for him but the application was in vain the priest’s reply was, he was a man that broke the Commandments and died as he lived and it was not his duty to pray or even bless the clay for such a man!
Dear uncle James I suppose you will think it very strange when you get this letter from me, a person that you never saw and though I never saw you there is still within me a fatherly love for you in consequence of hearing you so often praised and spoken of among all our friends and surrounding neighbors. Here as a small token of my affection I enclose my likeness which I hope you will accept not for its value but as a memorial of your own boyhood among all your dearly loved friends here in Ireland though I may be somewhat changed contrary to the picture as it is more than two years taken but in any case it will give you an idea of the person who is now communicating with you and sincerely hoping you will send your likeness also at your earliest convenience and you will bring much happiness to the mind of my father not alone to him but all the members of the family.
Dear Uncle – my father and mother are quite as strong as ever and met with but very little sickness I may say while I remember and we are fighting hard through life which is very difficult on account of the climate being so very much changed so much so that if you were to return here again I don’t suppose you would know the dear old spot, as for the people there is none of them here to be found unless a few that would be no good elsewhere. They are leaving this country in thousands daily and now wonder when they would not get freedom which is so long due to them, but left in Slavery that which the Christ Heart could not go through.
Dear Uncle – I have nothing more of any importance to communicate at present as it is my first time in addressing you but that my father and all the family join me in sending their tenderest love to you and wishing you all the compliments the present season can afford. Sincerely hoping will send a letter soon and let us know all particulars of yourself and my Aunts position in life you and state of health.
I am
Yours Sincerely affectionate Nephew
Thomas Heffernan
Obituaries of James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
We have included two obituaries for James Heffernan as they provide additional information including that James was 6 feet 3 inches tall considered a very tall height in the 19th century.
Death of Another Old Settler–De Pere News, 21 Nov. 1891, p. 1
James Heffernan died at his home in Glenmore Saturday, the outcome of a severe attack of grip last winter. He was 63 years of age. James Heffernan was born in Ireland, and removed to this country in 1850, making his home at Glenmore, in this country, up to the time of his death. He was a public spirited citizen, and a good neighhour and a man not found wanting in any of the relations of life. His wife and eight children are left to mourn his loss. The funeral was held at the Glenmore Catholic Church, Monday morning, Rev Pellegrin, assisted by Revs. Rice and Masschelein, officiating.
An Old Settler Gone–Green Bay Advocate, 26 Nov. 1891, p. 3
An Old Settler Gone—On Saturday, November 14th, Mr. James Heffernan passed away at his home in the town of Glenmore after an illness of several months duration, his suffering having caused by a complication of diseases.
Mr. Heffernan was an Irishman by birth, and at death was about sixty-five years of age. He left his native land in 1850 and came to the United States. Soon after arriving in America, he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in the town of Glenmore, Brown Co. where he has since resided. He was a splendid specimen of old Irish stock, standing about 6 ft. 3 inches in height, and fashioned in a strong and robust mould. He was a man of broad character and in all walks of life was a true type of manhood. He was a very popular man and took deep interest in the affairs of his town.
The funeral occurred from the Glenmore Catholic Church Monday and was a very large one. Deceased leaves a wife, six daughters and two sons to mourn the demise of a kind and indulgent husband and parent. One of his daughters, Miss Stella Heffernan, is a teacher in one of the public schools of this city.
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Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Lucy Neale Duke for reaching out and sharing the 1873 letter.
We also would like to thank Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, Local History Specialist of the Brown County Library for locating and sending on the obituaries as well as the excerpt regarding the church and photo of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin.
Also thanks to Cindy Ossmann, Glenmore, WI. City Clerk for forwarding, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976).
The Boyle Family of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Last week we posted a post card of the Glenmore Post Office when it was in Fluskey’s shop. This generated an effort to identify people who worked in the second Glenmore post office. One employee I met in the Hanrahan Post office of Glenmore told me that she worked in Fluskey’s. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking several times to Gaulstown native Eily Durney née Boyle (c. 1937-2011).
Eily worked in Fluskey’s as a postal worker and operated the Glenmore telephone exchange. Eily told me that her mother died when she was an infant and she loved to visit neighbour’s houses. One house she particularly liked to visit as a child was Walsh’s of Davidstown. Mrs. Walsh wore long skirts and Eily was always afraid that Mrs Walsh would fall down her circular iron staircase. Mrs. Walsh always seemed to have sweets waiting for Eily to visit. Today, we are going to feature Eily’s dedicated father, Jim Boyle of Gaulstown.
James Boyle (1888-1958) of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Eily’s father was James Boyle. He was born on 24 April 1888 at Gaulstown to Patrick Boyle (farm labourer) and his wife Ellen Hall. (Civil record records her maiden name as Hawe). His sponsors or godparents were Kyran Mullins and Bridget Mullins. A bizarre note on James’s baptismal record states that Patrick (sic) Boyle married Ellen Hall (Slieverue) on 19 February 1936. We believe the note should read that James Boyle married Ellen “Nellie” Phelan, of Ballinamona, Slieverue at Slieverue on 19 February 1936 (Munster Express, Fri. 21 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
James Boyle’s Parents & Sibling
Patrick Boyle (c. 1853-1927) and his wife Ellen née Hall/Hulle/ Hawe/Hanly (c. 1849-1937) were married on 17 October 1887 at Glenmore. The parish marriage record provides Ellen’s surname as Hanly. Both Patrick and Ellen were from Gaulstown. Both said they were 30. Patrick was employed as a laborer, and Ellen was employed as a servant. Per the civil record, Patrick’s father was James Boyle and Ellen’s father was James Hawl.
Given the name Hanly was used in the parish records where the parties were best known we believe that Patrick’s wife was Ellen Boyle née Hanly the daughter of James Hanly and his wife Catherine Walsh. If this is true Ellen was born in 1848 rather than 1857. Given that there were only two children from this union it seems likely that Ellen was older than 30 when she married.
In addition to their son James the couple had a daughter Mary Boyle (1890-1961). Mary Boyle was born 27 September 1890 at Gaulstown and her mother’s maiden name is listed as Halle. Her father, Patrick registered her birth on the 9th of December and told the authorities Mary was born 3 November 1890. He obviously wanted to avoid any fines for the late registration, however, her baptismal record reveals she was baptised on the 29th of September.
Very little could be found about Patrick Boyle in local newspapers except the editor of the Munster Express thought he had talent picking winners or perhaps it was a joke. “Paddy Boyle, anyone wanting a straight tip on a horserace cannot do better than have a chat with Mr. Paddy Boyle of Gaulstown, He will set you straight all right. Take my tip for it” (Munster Express, 15 Sept. 1900).
The 1911 census provides that Patrick Butler was 57 and employed as an agricultural labourer. He and his wife reported being married for 24 years. His wife, Ellen’s age was given as 66 they were residing in Gaulstown with their single, 21 year-old, daughter Mary. Their son James was 23, and he was living and working for their neighbour James Kirwan (farmer) aged 55 of Ballyrahan, Glenmore.
Patrick Boyle (c.1853-1927) died aged 74 in 1927. His niece Ellen Power, of Robinstown, was present when he died. Ellen Boyle née Hanly(? ) died 9 February 1937 at the age of 77. Her son James Boyle was present when she died.
James Boyle Member of the Old IRA
Although it is not mentioned in his obituary, nor on his headstone, James was an officer in Co. C the Glenmore Company of the 6th Battalion of the Kilkenny Brigade of the Irish Republican Army. James or Jim, as he was known, served as the Quarter Master from May 1919 to June 1922. During his years in the Old IRA Jim was observed at Kirwan’s threshing where the outline of a revolver was observed under his coat (Thomas Walsh (1908-1992) native of Davidstown, Glenmore). Jim was a well liked and respected person. For further information on Co. C see our list of officers and men.
After independence Jim joined the Irish Free State Army. It is not clear when he left the army, but per the Co. C. records in 1935 he was back in Gaulstown. From his obituary we know that James also worked for D.J. Gorey, T.D., of Burnchurch after leaving the National Army. Ultimately, he secured employment at Clover Meats where he stayed until his retirement (Munster Express, Fri. 13 June 1958, p. 8).
James’s son Paddy was interviewed in 1994 and stated that his father was one of three men selected by the manager of Clover Meats when it was being set up and sent the three to Wall’s bacon factory in London to be trained in bacon curing. After his training in London James returned to Clover Meats. In addition to his work at Clover Meats he also butchered pigs for local farmers. He was paid in meat which he often traded for other needed groceries. (Newark Advertiser, Fri. 4 Feb. 1994, p. 90).
Marriage & Tragedy
In 1936, after all his adventures, Jim got married at the age of 48. John Kirwan was his best man. He married Ellen “Nellie” Phelan (c. 1906 -1938) of Ballinamona at Slieverue.
An article in the Munster Express in addition to providing details of the wedding noted that “the bridegroom is a popular member of the staff of Waterford Meat Factory since its inception, and was the recipient of a valuable presentation from his colleagues on the auspicious occasion. He has been also frequently seen on the concert stage with the Slieverue Dramatic Class of which he is a popular member. Their numerous friends wish Jim and his bride many years of connubial bliss” (Fri. 21 Feb. 1936, p. 8).
The couple had Eileen or Eily in 1937 and Patrick or Paddy in 1938. A short time later tragedy struck. On 6 July 1938 Nellie died from influenza and a pulmonary embolism. Jim was in disbelief as he had believed that God would save his wife (Thomas Walsh (1908-1992) native of Davidstown, Glenmore).
Jim had two infants to care for on his own. His parents were both dead, and his sister Mary was in Waterford working. The neighbours helped, and Mary came back to live in Gaulstown and opened a small shop in their Gaulstown cottage. Somewhere along the line the Boyle cottage also became a polling place where locals cast their ballots. The Boyle cottage continued to be a polling place until at least 1977 (Peter Walsh of Rathinure, Glenmore).
Brushes With the Law
By all accounts Jim was a dedicated father and worked at the factory and after work on local farms. However, Jim had a couple of minor brushes with the law that ended up in the newspapers.
Jim Boyle was convicted in 1944 of cycling without due care and attention, at Rocklands, on the way from his work at Clover Meats Factory. Jim was fined 2/6. “The prosecution resulted from a collision between the defendant and a motor car driven by Dr. Myles Shelly, Waterford. Dr. Shelly said that although he pulled up the car, Boyle struck the headlamp which was smashed, and went spinning off his bicycle, turning practically a compete somersault on the green margin.”
Boyle was represented by Mr. F.H. Hutchinson, solr. In the course of the statement Garda Sergeant Dalton, said that just before the accident Jim was holding onto a companion’s shoulder, as Jim’s brakes were not good (Munster Express, Fri. 26 May 1944, p. 4.) Jim was 55 years of age when he went spinning off his faulty bicycle.
Five years’ later, Jim, was summoned for being in possession of a single barrelled shotgun and one 12 bore cartridge on 5 February1949, without having a firearms certificate. Jim admitted the charge, and explained there was a fox covert at the back of his place. A few times he hung up a lantern at night to frighten away the fox. This failed, so he got the gun from a man named Kirwan, for whom he had worked from the year 1904 until 1921, and for whom he used to do any kind of work in Spring or the Summer time.
“Supt. Slavin, Thomastown, who prosecuted, said the defendant was a most excellently well conducted man. The Judge said he would mark the case P.O.A. Supt. Slavin intimated that he did not want any order in respect of the gun” (Munster Express, Fri. 4 March 1949, p. 8).
The End of Boyle’s in Gaulstown, Glenmore
James Boyle (1888-1958) died on 5 June 1958, his son Paddy was with him when he died at home. Paddy was 20 when his father died and his sister Eily was 21. Three years later Jim’s sister Mary died on 10 November 1961, aged 71 years.
Patrick “Paddy” Boyle (1938-2014)
Jim’s son Paddy at the age of 16 signed up for the building construction course at the technical college in Slieverue. “They got the pupils to build an extension to the college—we cut out the roof timbers and did some of the bricklaying”. After successfully completing the four year course, Paddy found there were no building jobs. Through his father’s connections, Paddy got a job at Clover Meat (Newark Advertiser, Friday 4 Feb. 1994, p. 90).
After a few years Paddy took the boat from Rosslare on a cold January evening in 1961. He said he carried two empty suitcases. Later that year his Aunt Mary Boyle died. Paddy with the help of a friend of his father obtained a construction job. For 3 years he worked all over London and the South East of England. Then in 1965 he attended an Irish dance in London and met his future wife Breda also a native of Ireland. By 1994 the couple were running Boyle Construction for over 3 decades and had two raised married daughters. (Newark Advertiser, Friday 4 Feb. 1994, p. 90). We believe Paddy died in 2014.
Eileen “Eily” Durney née Boyle (c. 1937-2011)
Eily appears to have been the last of the Boyles to reside in Gaulstown. From the newspaper account of her wedding we know that Eily worked four years in the Glenmore post office and afterwards two years in the Graiguenamanagh post office. Eily married Tim Durney in September 1962 at Glenmore. She was given away by her brother Paddy. Tim Durney was a farmer from Jamestown, Piltown and that is where they lived and raised their family. (Kilkenny People, Fri. 21 Sept. 1962, p. 7).
Although in 1962 Eily had to give up work she later returned to the post office and in her later years filled in for people on holidays etc. Eily was involved in the Irish Countrywomen’s Association and held county and national offices.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The featured photo above is Clover Meats Factory in 1941. (Irish Independent, Fri. 24 Jan. 1941, p. 8)
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
E.V. Drea (1858-1929) Native of Hugginstown & Author of Carrickshock: A History of the Tithe War
Edmond V. Drea (1858-1929) was a retired school teacher and employed as a journalist for the Munster Express in 1924. He often used the name “E.V. Drea” or “Ned of the Hill.” He was also author of Carrickshock: A History of the Tithe War. The battle of Carrickshock took place on 14 December 1831. Ninety-three years later, the Carrickshock Memorial Committee, raised funds for a memorial for the scene of the battle and the foundation stone was set on 14 December 1924. The secretary of the Committee was Ed Walsh (1862-1946) the proprietor and editor of the Munster Express (20 Dec. 1924, p. 8). Today, we feature a short story that Drea recorded and published 100 years ago about a young lad who participated in the Carrickshock battle and some of Drea’s other work.
Young Fitzpatrick
One humorous incident connected with the Battle of Carrickshock related by friends to Drea concerned a Fitzpatrick boy from Ballinaraha, Mullinavat. The Fitzpatrick boy was a near relative of the late Mr. William Fitzpatrick, T.C., Blackfriars, Waterford. “This boy took part in the Battle, and was consequently on his keeping. Like all young men of the Mountains he was very fond of playing tricks and to his many other humorous accomplishments he added that of crowing like a cock. This feat, my informant tells me, he could perform to the ‘veins of nicety.’” [William Fitzpatrick (c. 1836-1919) was a grocer, wine and spirits merchant at 7 Blackfriars, Waterford.]
When finally arrested in connection with the Carrickshock affair the young Fitzpatrick was placed in the Waterford Jail. He was not long incarcerated when one night at the witching hour of 12 o’clock the jail authorities were “startled out of their seven senses” by the loud crowing of a cock which went echoing and re-echoing through the corridors and cells of the jail. The warders, when their surprise somewhat abated, proceeded to search for the rooster, whose clarion tones were still ringing through the jail.
On opening young Fitzpatrick’s cell they found the poor fellow on his knees trembling with fright. He made the most piteous appeals to them to remove him from the cell, or to have some of them remain with him. He said that the cell was haunted by a crowing cock. The jail authorities pooh-poohed the idea that the jail was haunted by a cock and “set it down to rank Popish superstition.” No one else could see the crowing cock except Fitzpatrick who was ready to swear on a stack of bibles that the demon of a cock was in the cell with him.
No matter which cell young Fitzpatrick was moved the cock accompanied him. Eventually the case became so serious “they laid the whole circumstances before Dublin Castle, who at once sent a special Commissioner to conduct a searching inquiry into the origin and genesis of this truculent ‘jail bird’ that was kicking up such an unseemly row in his Majesty’s Prison at Waterford.” The investigation was still going on when the news of the acquittal of the Carrickshock prisoners reached Waterford prison.
Fitzpatrick was released. The crowing cock was never heard after in Waterford prison although many people still living will tell you it was plainly and clearly heard for years afterwards around Acres and the Milltown hills [Mullinavat] (Munster Express, 13 Dec. 1924, p. 7).
Who Was Young Fitzpatrick?
Ballynaraha, Mullinavat, was divided into Ballynaraha north and south. It was located in the Barony of Knocktopher, Civil Parish of Killahy in the Waterford Poor Law Union. The 1850 Griffith’s Valuation lists several Fitzpatrick’s in Ballyknockbeg and Moneyhenry, but only James Fitzpatrick of Ballynaraha south was the only Fitzpatrick in either of the Ballynaraha townlands. Thomas Boyce was the landlord.
The only other clue that we have regarding the young Fitzpatrick from Drea was that Mr. William Fitzpatrick, T.C., Blackfriars, Waterford was an undisclosed near relative. William Fitzpatrick (c. 1836-1919) was a successful grocer, wine and spirit merchant at 7 Blackfriars (Waterford New & Star, Fri. 15 Aug. 1919, p. 5). He married Ellen Lee on 3 July 1901 at Carbally, Woodstown, Waterford. Her father was John Lee (farmer) and his father was James Fitzpatrick (famer). The 1911 Census revealed that Fitzpatrick was born in Kilkenny.
Was the young Fitzpatrick who participated in the Battle of Carrickshock and haunted the Waterford Jail William Fitzpatrick’s (c. 1836-1919) father James Fitzpatrick?
Obituary of Edmond V. Drea
The Munster Express published a lengthy obituary (Fri. 7 June 1929, p. 8) here are excerpts reflecting Drea’s work.
It is with feelings of deep and heartfelt regret we record the death of Mr. Edmond V. Drea, which took place on Sunday morning last at his residence, St. John’s Hill Waterford. Though deceased had been up and about the previous day, yet it had been noticed by his family and more intimate friends that he did not enjoy his usual robust health for some time past. Nevertheless, the news of his death came with a shock, and occasioned deep and widespread regret amongst his numerous friends in the city and far outside it. His passing has removed one who gave a long life to the service of his country in various ways.
The late Mr. Drea, who was aged over 70 years, was born near Hugginstown, Co Kilkenny, and came to Waterford as a young teacher some fifty year ago on his appointment to the workhouse male school, and following the death of Mr. Felix Moss, the Principal, he was appointed his successor. He retained that position up until the Amalgamation Act, under which he retired on a pension a few years ago.
Mr. Drea had not been long in Waterford when he began to take a prominent part in the politics of his day. Aiding the fight for Home Rule, he contributed to the Waterford and Dublin Press many stirring articles written with all the fire which characterised his deep love of country. To the Munster Express he was for many long years, under the pen name of Ned of the Hill, a prolific contributor. “Tales of the Walsh Mountains,” a serial from his pen, was followed by “Rambles Through the Walsh Mountains,” two remarkable pen pictures with a wealth of folklore and traditional incident.
He was also a lyrist of no mean order. His verses appeared regularly for years in The Shamrock, The Irish Emerald, and other publications. His verses were principally in the patriotic strain and full of genuine poetic feeling. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the GAA from its earliest foundation, and wrote many graphic descriptions of matches and article on the national games.
It was only natural a South Kilkenny man so gifted would commemorate Carrickshock, of which only a few years ago the deceased wrote a history descriptive of the gallant and bloody fight made during the Tithe War. The men who fell on Carrickshock still live in the pages of Mr. Drea’s history. It was only last week, as our readers will remember, a splendid tribute was paid to this work, published in our printing work, from a Walsh Mountaineer, at present in a prominent position in San Francisco. To the erection of the splendid monument now standing on the historic site of the decisive battle.
Mr. Drea gave a strong helping hand by tongue and pen and by none will his death be more lamented than by the surviving colleagues of the Carrickshock Memorial Committee. His interest in education led to the compilation of a School Reader which was accepted by the old National Board of Education and known in their schools as the Munster Reader.
In politics the deceased was foremost among the loyal supporters of Charles Stuart Parnell. Later his allegiance was given to his successor Mr John E. Redmond, and in recent years to his son, Captain W. A. Redmond. Years ago the late Mr. Drea was connected with many political societies in the city. He was a member of the Young Ireland Society and on the committee who made arrangements to receive the relics of Thomas Francis Meagher…
When the National Teachers’ Congress first met here over 23 years ago, Mr. Drea was instrumental in arranging the venue. He was the promoter last year, when at the Corporation, he got a resolution passed inviting the Congress to Waterford for 1929. On the former occasion he compiled a souvenir of Waterford, a guide to the city, which was much appreciated by the visitors. On the last occasion he was a constant attendant at the meeting of the reception committee where, despite increasing old age he was as enthusiastic as the youngest.
After his retirement from active teaching the deceased concerned himself with public affairs. He became a member of the Corporation and was unseated at the last election by only a few votes…It was the night of the teacher’s reception in Waterford for the Congress his health failed…He was prevented from attending the Congress having taken suddenly ill on the Mall, and was confined to bed for several weeks. He rallied and was out again, acting to the last. He worked in his garden up to Saturday evening. In the early hours of Sunday morning he summoned his daughter, whom he told the end had come. Within half an hour it did come peacefully. ..
The late Mr. Drea, who was twice married, leaves a large family…
Personal Life
Edmond Drea was born 28 July 1858 at Huggintown to John Drea and Nelly Voss. Interestingly, one of the defendants who stood trial and was acquitted for the murder of Edmund Butler at Carrickshock was William Voss. Sometime before 1885 Edmond Drea moved to Waterford. He married his first wife Margaret Caulfield on 3 February 1885 at St. John’s, Waterford. He was employed as a teacher and was 27. The bride was 22. His father, John Drea, was a carman and her father, James Caulfield, was a ship’s carpenter. The groom’s mother was listed as Ellen Bass (sic) and bride’s mother was listed as Mary Morrissey. In the Church notes the word Hugginstown is recorded.
Drea and his first wife had five children. Tragedy struck in 1901 when Margaret Drea died of TB. She was 36 years of age. Drea married his second wife on 18 February 1903. His second wife was a spinster named Eleanor O’Leary. She worked as a nurse and lived at the Waterford Union Workhouse Hospital. The bride’s father was James O’Leary, RUC. The groom was working as and living at the Waterford Union Workhouse as a teacher. His father, John Drea, was listed as a farmer. Drea and his second wife had 3 children. Eleanor Drea died the 14th of August 1912 at the age of 31. She died of a sarcomia of the neck.
E.V. Drea died on 2 June 1929 and was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner, Waterford. Although his age at death was recorded as 61 he was actually 70. He died of heart disease, and his daughter Alice was present at his death at John’s Hill.
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For further information on Edward Walsh (1862-1946) Proprietor & Editor of the Munster Express see our post of 24 January 2022.
For further information on Carrickshock and the tithe war see, our post of 23 September 2020 (A Glenmore Version of the Ballad of Carrickshock) and our post of 6 March 2023 (Glenmore’s Secret Society of Whitefeet).
See generally, “The Brave Men of Carrickshock” (2020) Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The above photo of E.V. Drea (1858-1929) was published in the Munster Express on 20 Dec. 1924, p. 8. The featured drawing above of the Battle of Carrickshock was by Rev. E.A. Foran, O.S. A., New Ross, published in the Munster Express (20 Dec. 1924, p. 8).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore POW: Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) of Ballinlammy
Today, we are going to feature the early life and family of a native of Ballinlammy, Glenmore, Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977). His nephew, Leo Walsh wrote a book called “Rough Justice” (Dec. 2023) “which is an account of how a simple mistake led to a near death sentence for Uncle Tom on the Burma-Siam railway.” (p. 7.) Thomas Kieran Walsh (1917-1977) was a WWII prisoner of war held by the Japanese. In our next post we will highlight his military service, internment and life after the war. Ironically, another man with Glenmore connections, also named Thomas Walsh (1911-1945) was a Japanese POW in Burma. See our post of 25 July 2020. Both men survived their internments.
Thomas Kieran Walsh, Tom, as he was called, was born 11 July 1917. He was the eldest child of William Walsh (1892-1971) and his wife, Bridget Dooley (1884-1958). Walsh is a common name in Glenmore and this family was nick-named the “Game Keeper Walsh’s” because William worked part time as a game keeper (Walsh, p. 14) around Davidstown, Ballinlammy, and Ballinclare. The farmers in the area clubbed together to create “a preserve” to stop people from hunting, and they hired William Walsh (1892-1971) as their gamekeeper.
Parents
William Walsh (1892-1971) of Jamestown, Glenmore married Bridget Dooley (1884-1958) of Ballylammy (sic) on 9 October 1916 at Glenmore. William was the son of Thomas Walsh (labourer) and Bridget was the daughter of John Dooley (labourer). According to the civil records William Walsh was born 1 September 1892 at Jamestown to Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) (labourer) and his wife Mary Roche. According to the Glenmore baptismal records he was born 23 August 1892 and baptized the following day.
Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) was born 11 October 1884 at Ballinlammy the daughter of John Dooley (labourer) and his wife Anne Kennedy. Per the death register Brigid Walsh née Dooley died in 1958 of a cerebral thrombosis, her husband, William Walsh, was present when she died at home in Ballinlammy.
Siblings of Thomas Kieran Walsh
In his book, Leo Walsh noted there were five brothers and two unnamed siblings who died in infancy. The five brothers were Tom, Jack, Patrick, Bill and Joe (p. 13). From the Dooley Glenmore headstone were found the names of the children who died in infancy, Mary and Edward Walsh.
Mary Walsh (9 Nov. 1919-4 March 1924) died on 4 March 1924 at the age of 4. Her death cert noted that she was delicate from birth. Her father William Walsh was present at her death in Ballylammy (sic). Edward Walsh (c. 1924-22 July 1928) died on 22 July 1928 aged 4, of suspected sunstroke. His father William Walsh was present at his death in Ballinlammy.
Glenmore Ancestors: Walsh, Dooley, Roche and Kennedy
Paternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s paternal grandparents were Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) and his wife Mary Roche (b. 1856 ). Thomas Walsh, aged 26, of Haggard and Mary Roche, of Jamestown, were married at Glenmore on 21 January 1886. Thomas was a labourer and son of Edmund Walsh. Mary Roche was a 29 year old servant and the daughter of William Roche (labourer). Known children born to this union include: [1] Mary Walsh (b. 2 Nov. 1886); [2] Ellen Walsh (b. 19 Feb. 1888); [3] Hannah Walsh (b. 9 March 1889); [4] Edward Walsh (29 Dec. 1890); and [5] William Walsh (b. 23 August 1892). The father, Thomas Walsh (c. 1856-1893) died a year after William’s birth leaving his wife of 7 years with five young children.
A newer headstone in Glenmore recites that Thomas Walsh died in 1894 at the age of 38. According to the death register a Thomas Walsh died on 22 October 1893 of bronchitis at Haggard, Glenmore. He was 32 years of age and his father Edmond Walsh was present at his death.
Mary Walsh née Roche (1856- ?) was baptized at Forristalstown on 9 July 1856 the daughter of William Roche and his wife Mary Murphy. Two years later her brother Patrick Roche was born at Jamestown. Today, there are still Roches in Jamestown.
Maternal Grandparents
Thomas Kieran Walsh’s maternal grandparents were John Dooley (c.1839 -1889) and his wife Anne Kennedy (c. 1843-1913). The couple were married at Glenmore on 7 February 1881. John was the son of Michael Dooley (labourer) and Anne was the daughter of William Kennedy (mason). At the time of the wedding both fathers were deceased, and John’s profession was “pensioner.” The couple were only married 8 years before his death.
Anne Dooley née Kennedy died, widowed, aged 70, on 2 January 1913 at Ballinlammy. Her son Michael Moore (?) was present at her death. John Dooley died on the 28th of December 1889 at Ballinlammy. He was 50 years of age, and his profession was listed as “Army Pensioner.” It was noted he died of natural causes “probably heart disease.” His widow, Anne Dooley was present at his death.
From the Dooley Glenmore Headstone in addition to Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884 -1958) there were at least two other children of John Dooley and his wife Anne Dooley née Kennedy: Patrick Dooley (c. 1882- 1956) died 9 October 1956, aged 74; William Dooley (?-1963) died 10 March 1963, aged 63?, in Santa Barbara California.
In the 1911 Census Anne Dooley was aged 68 and farming in Ballinlammy. Her son William was aged 24 and working as an agricultural labourer and her daughter Bridget was 26. We believe that William Walsh married into the Dooley holding in Ballinlammy.
Tough Times in Ballinlammy
Leo Walsh described the cottage where Thomas Kieran Walsh was raised in Ballinlammy as isolated with no running water, no electricity and no sanitation. The cottage had a thatched roof that was leaky and it was upgraded to a slate roof. There were no ceilings, just the rafters and at night stars could be seen. The floors were concrete with no luxuries such as carpeting or a rug. There were no windows just window openings fitted with removeable wooden panels to help keep the cold out. The front door was called a half door. The bottom could be closed to keep out animals while the top half could be opened to let in light and air (Walsh, p. 14-15).
As was the custom of the time the family kept a cow, some goats, chickens and a pig. The cows and goats provided milk and cream and a pig was slaughtered every year with some meat being kept back for the family to consume. Although they produced eggs they were not usually consumed. Only at Easter they would each be given a boiled egg (Walsh, p. 15). It appears that most of what was produced on the small holding was sold.
Their father William Walsh (1892-1971) worked elsewhere as a farm labourer and thought his sons would also become farm labourers. Their mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley (1884-1958) recognised her children’s intellectual potential and encouraged them to do well in school. The school they attended was a good few miles away. After doing their chores they would walk to school in bare feet in warm weather.
“The Walsh boys were a humble bunch without an aggressive bone in their bodies, but their frugal and challenging up-bringing may have given Tom the fortitude and skills necessary to walk away alive from the jungles of Thailand, after three and a half years of imprisonment as a POW. He was born to survive” (Walsh, p. 16).
The Sugar Beet Factory Opportunity & Disappointment
Early in the 1930’s Tom went to a vocational school and earned a trade certificate. He applied for 1 of 3 apprenticeships offered by the newly nationalised sugar beet factories. The whole world was impacted by the Great Depression and jobs were scarce. Tom was awarded one of the five-year apprenticeships to train to become an electrician. Tom was assigned to the Tuam factory. He worked 9 hour days and earned a quarter of what electricians made. In his second year, in 1935, he bought a bicycle for 5 shillings.
Unfortunately, the bicycle had been stolen, and Tom’s protests of innocence were ignored by the arresting officer and the judge who found him guilty. The verdict was published in the local newspaper and Tom’s apprenticeship was terminated. Mortified he decided to go to London rather than return home (Walsh, p. 20-21). In 1936, at the age of 19 Tom said goodbye to his apprehensive family and sailed from Rosslare to Fishguard (Walsh, p. 21).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Leo Walsh for writing “Rough Justice” and to Martin Gahan for sharing his copy of the excellent book. The photos are from the book. The featured photo of Thomas Kieran Walsh in uniform is from the front cover. The photo of his mother Bridget Walsh née Dooley is from page 18.