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The Letters of the Donovan’s of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today, is the third anniversary of our founder Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) death. If Danny was still with us he would be pouring over the University of Galway’s recently launched digital repository of thousands of Irish emigrant letters from the late 17th century to the mid-20th century. These letters and documents were collected by Kerby A. Miller. Known as the IMIRICE project it is an on line archive of correspondence and documents to and from the Irish diaspora in North America. Kerby A. Miller, similar to our own Danny Dowling collected the letters and documents for over five decades. Professor Miller donated his collection to the University of Galway Library.
The Library is now seeking contributions of other emigrant letters, in particular those written in Irish, and letters and memoirs written in any language by emigrants from the Gaeltacht. So if you have old letters, cards etc. from emigrated kin in North America please consider providing a copy to the University of Galway Library.
Glenmore Letters
Placing Glenmore in the search feature on the site revealed three letters:
1. 3 May 1878—Bridget Donovan née Sheehan of Gaulstown, Glenmore to her brother James Sheehan, Fort Dodge, Iowa.
2. 3 October 1884—Mary Donovan, Gaulstown, Glenmore to her uncle James Sheehy [Sheehan], Fort Dodge, Iowa.
3. 28 March 1895—Maggie Donovan, of Gaulstown, Glenmore to her cousin Edward [Philip Edmond] Sheehan, US.
James Sheehan/Sheehy (1837-1892) native of Deerpark, Mullinavat
In addition to the letter itself the archivist recorded information provided by the letter donor. James Sheehan (1837-1892) was the son of Philip and Mary Sheehan, born on 15 Feb. 1837 at Deerpark, Mullinavat. Additionally there are 19 others letters to James Sheehan in the collection that were written by his parents, cousins and friends. James was apprenticed into the coopers’ trade (barrel maker) at an early age. James emigrated c. 1858 first to Newfoundland where he remained for 4 years. He moved to Boston in 1862, where he had relatives at Ipsich. He then went to Albany, New York. In 1868, he went to Dubuque, Iowa to another cousin and on to Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1871. [Fort Dodge was established as a town in 1869.] On 25 November 1873 James married Catherine Loftus of County Mayo, and the couple reared five sons. He died in Fort Dodge in April 1892 and is buried in Corpus Christi Cemetery of Fort Dodge.
Glenmore Authors
What we are going to focus on today are the Glenmore authors and the information provided in these letters concerning the Donnovan family of Gaulstown, Glenmore. We have attempted to maintain the spellings and punctuation of the IMIRCE transcriptions of these letters, however this has proven challenging with auto correct. Please refer back to IMIRICE. It is a wonderful resource.
Bridget Donovan née Sheehy (c. 1829-1902) of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Letter 1 dated 3 May 1878. The author of this letter if Bridget Donovan née Sheehan/Sheehy (c. 1829-1902) of Gaulstown, Glenmore to her brother James Sheehan, Fort Dodge, Iowa. The body of the letter is 287 words, and reflects the struggles Bridget was experiencing in Glenmore. Although Bridget lived through the Great Famine she wrote in 1878, “Last year was about the worst I ever remember in Ireland.” “I never knew what it was to be in want until now.”
Notwithstanding the information supplied by the donor of the letter, the Mullinavat parish records reveal that James Sheehy was baptised at Mullinavat on 27 January 1837. He was the son of Philip Sheehy and Mary Maddigan of “Park.” Interestingly an identical baptismal record is in the Kilmacow parish records. We were unable to find a baptismal record for his sister Bridget Donovan née Sheehy/Sheehan (c. 1829-1902) or their brother Edmond Sheehy.
We did find Bridget’s marriage record. Bridget Sheehy married Patrick Donovan (c. 1817-1900) of Gaulstown, Glenmore on 12 February 1861 at Mullinavat. Witnesses were Edmund Aylward and Nancy Sheehy. In a letter dated 4 September 1861, their father Philip Sheehy, of Deerpark, Mullinavat wrote to James “I wish to tell you that Bridget is happy and her husband Patrick Donovan is as kind a man as you could wish your sister to be married to … I wish to tell you that Bridget lives within a mile and a half of Glanmore on the road between Ross and Waterford & in Gaulstown about 6 miles from Deerpark.”
Thus, at the time Bridget wrote to her brother James in 1878 she was about 49 years of age and had been married 17 years. Interestingly, in the 1901 Census although Bridget recorded that she could speak Irish and English and could read, she declared that she could not write. Who wrote the letter for her and why did her father in his own letters to James state that “his sister” would be writing to him?
Glenmore Letter 1
Dear Brother James;
After a long, long silence I again chance this letter to you, hoping it may find in good health. I often wonder at how you would not write to me, as you cant but know what comfort a letter from you would give me. I trust you will answer this when you receive it, and let me know how you are going on. I am sure you would like to know how myself and family are, but I regret to say that I have no cheerful account to give you. My poor husband is always delicate; the pains are continually tormenting him. You are aware that our family is large and helpless. Last year was about the worst I ever remember in Ireland. The crops had little produce—the potatoes were an entire failure. By great struggling we got to put down the crops this year bit I don’t know how we can live util harvest time. My brother has my eldest girl, and he helps me with a horse but that is all he can afford to do. I just thought if you were aware of our great poverty you would in charity try to send me some relief. God know my poverty, and He would reward you abundantly if you would kindly assist me. May God help us. I never knew what it was to be in want until now. Oh, my dear Brother if this letter reach you don’t be unmindful of your poor sister’s distress if you can help me. We join in love and prayers for you, and hope to hear from you soon.
I remain your fond sister Bridget Donovan. We send our love and wishes to your mistress.
Family of Patrick and Bridget Donovan of Gaulstown, Glenmore
We know that Patrick and Bridget Donovan had 7 daughters and 1 son perhaps the large number of daughters is what Bridget referred to as her family being “helpless.” We were able to locate birth records for 5 of the children: [1] Mary Donovan (b. 18 Feb. 1862); [2] John Donovan (b. 24 Oct. 1863-January 1905); [3] Alice Donovan (b. 13 Feb. 1870); [4] Johanna Donovan (b. 5 April 1872) and [5] Margaret Donovan (b. 5 April 1872) twin to Johanna.
Glenmore Letter 2
Letter 2 dated 3 October 1884. Written by Mary Donovan (b. 1862) Gaulstown, Glenmore to her uncle James Sheehan of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Mary was the eldest daughter of Patrick Donovan and Bridget Donovan née Sheehy. The body of this letter is 326 words. Based upon the letters in the collection, Mary did not have the writing and spelling skills of her grandfather Philip Sheehy or her mother or the person who wrote for her mother.
Dear uncle I take the liberty of sending you these few lines hoping to find you and your family in good health as those lines lave me and my Mother and Father and Brother and Sisters at present thank God for his mercy to us all dear uncle I am treting with a long time to rite to you for my Mother often speaks of you and she would like to hear from you and your wife and to now how you are getting on in the world or have you any family for herself has her family all reared the youngest is ten years we are gone on well in the world now thank God but she got her one share of the world while she was rearing us for Father was very delicate but now my Brother is able to take his part he is as big a man as is in one parish with him. John is his name. She have only one sun and seven daughters. I am the eldest cald after your mother and the second is with her uncle Ned [Edmond Sheehy, Bridget Donovan’s brother in Deerpark, Mullinavat] he have no family there is another serving her time to be a dress maker and fore gone to school my Mother is wering very well and my uncle also there is no one in Park but himself Pat is gone to Australia about two years ago I will tell you all about Park in my next letter.
Dear Uncle the land lague is gone on very strong now in Ireland we had a grate meeting in Mullinat on Sunday dear Uncle don’t think that it is expecting any thing from you that I am only a letter and send me that if you please and let me now have you any family my Mother wish to be remembered to your wife no more at present from yours true nees Mary Donovan, Gaulestown, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny rite soon if you plase.
Glenmore Letter 3
Letter 3 dated 28 March 1895. This letter was written by Maggie Donovan, the second youngest child of Patrick Donovan and Bridget Donovan (McDonald) (1872 -1951) of Gaulstown, Glenmore, to her first cousin (eldest son of her Uncle James Sheehan of Fort Dodge, Iowa). The body of the letter is 406 words. Maggie in this letter provides that out of the 8 children she is the sole child at home. All of her sisters emigrated to the United States. She provides the married names of her four married sisters and reveals that her brother John had to be institutionalised after falling ill.
March 28th 1895
Dear Cousin Edward,
I suppose you will be surprised to get a letter from me. I am your Aunt Bridget’s daughter and I had a letter from my Uncle he sent me your address and tol me torite to you. I was very sorry to hear of your Father’s death the poor man did not hold long. My mother wishes to now all about his death how he took sick and what happened to him. Please rite when you receive this note and let me know all about your family how many are there and how is your mama. Our family consists of eight. Seven girls and a boy. Six girls in America. Four married two in Brooklyn Mrs. James O’Keeffe, and Mrs. Edward Dunphy, one in New York Mrs. F.C. Donnely, and the other married girl has a farm of 170 acres in Florida. She live their in winter and in New York in summer her name is Mrs. T.C. Huntington they all have family my other two sisters are working in New York. I had but one brother he went to America also and staid only 8 months he came home got sick and lost his mind he is very bad in the Asylum 2 years next June he was a heart brake to us all they are no one at home only me out of all. I live with my Father, Mother, and Aunt and we have a little farm and is doing the best we can to keep it for Brother as we have hopes he will be home soon with the help of God. My Father is a man of 76 years, Mother is 64 and Aunt is 74. So you see they are three old feeble people I have on my care. I am the second youngest of the family. I am twenty years last mounth. Unkle expect a letter from you every day he is very well all my friends are well and war sorry for your Father’s death may he rest in peace. Will you please rite by return of post and let me know all about yea. My Mother wishes to get a picture of you if you have any one taken please send it in the letter. I will send all our pictures as soon as I get them taken. I will expect a letter by the last of next month please don’t riting.
I remain Dear Edward your cousin Maggie O’Donovan (Gaulstown, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, via Waterford). Please excuse my scribbling as I am in a hurray. Goodbye XXXXX
Margaret “Maggie” McDonald née Donovan (1872 -1951) of Gaulstown, Glenmore
Maggie’s brother John Donovan (1863-1905) does not appear to have ever left the Asylum from when he entered circa 1893. He died of TB in the Kilkenny Lunatic Asylum on the first of January 1905. His age at death was recorded as 40, his marital status was bachelor, and he was listed as a farmer from Mullinavat rather than Glenmore.
The delicate Patrick Donovan died at the age of 82 on 14 November 1900 at his home in Gaulstown, Glenmore. His widow, Bridget Donovan née Sheehy died on 21 June 1902 at the age of 71. Five months later their daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Donovan, of Gaulstown, Glenmore married John McDonald (c. 1869-1945) of Slieverue on 17 November 1902 at Glenmore. John McDonald was the son of William McDonald (deceased farmer).
John McDonald and Maggie McDonald née Donovan, of Gaulstown, Glenmore had at least four children: [1] Alice McDonald (b. 7 Jan. 1904); [2] Patrick McDonald (b. 28 Aug. 1906); [3] Catherine McDonald (b. 8 Aug. 1908); and [4] Bridget McDonald (b. 6 Oct. 1910).
Margaret McDonald née Donovan lost her husband John McDonald on 15 January 1945. John McDonald was 76 when he died. Margaret died on 28 November 1951, aged 78.
For further information on members of the McDonald family see our M Glenmore surname page.
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Please send corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com. For further information regarding Fort Dodge, Iowa see, fortdodgehistory.com. The featured photo above is an old post card of Fort Dodge, Iowa c. 1900.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Natives in San Francisco
On the 16th of December 1969, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Nicky the Miller Forristal (1888-1979) regarding Nicky’s father’s siblings. In this interview Nicky identified four Glenmore natives that emigrated to San Francisco. Three remained in San Francisco and one returned to Glenmore (DD Notebook 2). Today we are featuring Jack Raftis (1862-?); Laurence Forristal (1863-1906); Bridget Forristal née Dowling (1860-1929); and John Forristal (1865-c. 1915). See our previous post of 14 January 2024 for other Glenmore natives who emigrated to San Francisco.
Jack Raftis (1862- before 1925) of Rochestown, Glenmore
Jack Raftis was the son of Robin Raftis (c. 1826 -1908) & Bridget Raftis née Mullally (c. 1827-1881) of Davidstown, Glenmore. Robert “Robin” Raftiss (sic) married Bridget Mullally of Davidstown, Glenmore, on 4 February 1856. Robin was a native of Burkstown, Mullinavat. The couple reared six known children in Davidstown including: (1) Patrick Raftiss (sic) (b. 1857; (2) Richard Raftis (b. 1860); (3) John “Jack” Raftis (b. 1862); (3) William Raftis (b. 1864); (4) Mary Raftis (b. 1865); (5) Bridget Raftis (b.1868); and (6) Margaret Raftis (b. 1870).
According to Nicky the Miller Forristal, Jack Raftis as a young man went out to San Francisco and worked with Nicky’s uncles Larry Forristal and John Forristal.
The San Francisco Years
Jack Raftis went to San Franciso and worked with Larry and John Forristal on the docks. “He was not able to stick it.” Jack then took a job working for a farmer who lived 3 or 4 days by horseback from San Francisco. There were only a few roads and they were really only rough tracks. Jack’s day started at 4 a.m. and he worked till 10 p.m. He worked a four horse team pulling a double sodded plough. The fields he ploughed were 5 or 6 miles long (DD Notebook 2).
If Jack showed up five minutes late for breakfast at 4 a.m. he would be abused by the farmer. He spent 4 or 5 years with this farmer and saved his money which was £60 per year. Jack found it easy to save his wages as he had no way to spend them. There was no Mass to attend nor could he meet friends. Jack was only able to get into San Francisco about once a year. He came home in the 1890’s with about £300 (DD Notebook 2).
Nicky described Jack Raftis as a big, able man. His brother Pat was called Pod and farmed the home farm in Davidstown (DD Notebook 2).
Return to Glenmore
After Jack returned to Glenmore he married Catherine “Kate” Gahan (1859 -1925) of Rochestown on 27 February 1900. The bride’s father was Joseph Gahan (c. 1814-1896) of Rochestown.
Jack and Kate farmed the Gahan farm in Rochestown. Kate was known for her temper and was also known for placing curses on neighbours who annoyed her. Kate is also locally remembered for how she handled her husband Jack’s death. Jack died before 1925 in their home in Rochestown. Jack’s brother Pod (Patrick) came down from Davidstown to cut the corn. Kate never told her brother-in-law that his brother was dead in the house. Pod worked that day within sight of the house where his brother laid dead and only learned of his brother’s death later.
Laurence Forristal (1863-1906) & Bridget Forristal née Dowling (1860-1929)
Nicky the Miller Forristal’s uncle, Laurence “Larry” Forristal married Danny Dowling’s great-aunt, Bridget Dowling of Jamestown, Glenmore. Nicky described his Uncle Larry as a big man and he emigrated to the USA right after getting married.
Laurence Forrestal married Bridget Dooling of Jamestown on 7 June 1883 at Glenmore. Laurence was the son of Patrick Forrestal (farmer)(Ballyverneen) and Bridget was the daughter of Patrick Dooling (farmer). Laurence was baptised 30 Oct. 1863 at Ballyverneen son of Patrick Foristal and Ellen Kennedy. Bridget Dowling was born 6 January 1860 at Jamestown the daughter of Patrick Dowling and Biddy Neddy Coady. For further information on the Widow Dowling (Biddy Neddy Coady (1831-1916)) see our post of 7 November 2021.
1900 in San Francisco
No records could be located indicating how the Glenmore newlyweds journeyed to San Francisco. The first US Census that survives containing the newlyweds is the 1900 Census. This Census provides that Larry and Bridget were living at 25 Bryant St., in San Francisco. Both reported their ages as 35 although we know from the Glenmore baptismal records that Bridget was 3 years older than her husband. Larry reported that he was born in December 1864 and Bridget was born in October 1864. The couple had 13 children but only 6 were alive in 1900. They were married 19 years, and they had been in the US 19 years. Larry worked as a Long Ironworker.
Their six surviving children were: (1) William Forristal (b.c. 1882); (2) Mabel Forristal (b.c. 1883); (3) Edward Forristal (b.c. 1888); (4) Laurence Forristal (b.c.1889); (5) Patrick Forristal (b.c. 1894); and (6) Catherine Forristal (b.c. 1896).
Larry’s brother, John Forristal (1865-c. 1915) was the youngest of the Ballyverneen Forristal family. Nicky the Miller Forristal described his Uncle John as a big man. John attended St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny City. “His father was thinking of making a priest out of him.” John instead emigrated to San Francisco and joined his brother Larry working on the docks (DD Notebook 2).
John Forristal in the 1900 Census was aged 34. He reported that he was born in August 1865, and lived as a boarder on Howard St. He emigrated to the US 13 years earlier and was naturalized. John worked as a longshoreman and in the previous year he was out of work for 6 months.
John Forristal never married and died in San Francisco when he was 50 or 60 years of age according to his nephew Nicky the Miller Forristal. We were not able to find a death record or obituary for John in San Francisco.
San Francisco 1906
The 1903 City Directory lists John Forristal residing at 48 Federal St., and Lawrence (sic) and his family living at 47 Federal St. In 1905 young Patrick Forristal was 13 and employed with other boys to clean a boiler on a steamship in the harbour. The boiler exploded and Patrick was injured, but managed to drag one friend to safety. An inquiry ensued regarding why young boys were exposed to such dangers and the newspaper noted that the employer said that Patrick was big for his age (The San Francisco Examiner, 10 Dec.1905 p. 1). We know from the 1940 Census that Patrick left school to go to work when he was about ten years of age.
Lawrence Forristal died in March 1906, a little over a month before the earthquake that destroyed the city. He was aged 43 years and six months old. He was survived by his wife Bridget and his six children: Edward; Lawrence; William; Patrick; Katie and Mabel. His death notice stated that he was a native of County Kilkenny and was a member of the Riggers and Stevedores’ Union (The San Francisco Examiner, Mon. 12 Mar. 1906, p. 6). Larry was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and his grave has no marker.
The Kilkenny People (Sat. 28 April 1906, p. 5) noted that over 100 people from Thomastown were residents of San Francisco when the earthquake struck. Many Thomastown families anxiously awaited news after the earthquake. Rev. Thomas Comerford, sent a cable to his brother Edward Comerford stating “all well here..”
Given that Patrick Forristal was working at age 10 it appears that the family finances were difficult even before Larry’s death. Undoubtedly even with the help of John Forristal, the Widow Forristal struggled after her husband’s death. The 1909 City Directory lists Bridget as a widow living at 553 Texas St., Edward and Laurence lived at home and were working as stevedores. Her brother-in-law John was residing at 311 Main St. However, by 1920 Bridget owned her home on Texas St. Unfortunately prior to her death in 1929 she buried her son Laurence in 1925 and watched her son Edward’s marriage fall apart after Laurence’s death.
The San Francisco Forristal Children
(1) William Forristal (b.c. 1882).
Very few records could be found regarding William. We were able to locate records that William was employed in the US Panama Zone from 1910 to 1912. William Forristal entered duty on 22 April 1910 in the US Panama Zone. He worked in the Engineering Department earning $83 per month as a steamship fireman. He was discharged on 3 June 1912.
The 1921 City Directory lists William as living at home at 534 Texas St. and employed as a steamship fireman.
(2) Mabel Forristal (1897-1963) (Sr. Mary of the Angels)
In the 1920 Census was aged 22 and working as a stenographer for a hardware company. The 1921 City Directory provides that she was living with her mother at 534 Texas and was employed as a bookkeeper. Sometime before 1925 Mabel entered the Poor Clare’s Order and became Sister Mary of the Angels. In the 1930 Census, of Oakland Calif., Mabel was residing in St. Joseph’s Monastery of Poor Clare’s, on 34th Ave. Per the California Death Index (1940-1997) Mabel Forrestal was born on 6 July 1897 and died 11 Dec. 1963 at Santa Clara, California. Her mother’s maiden name was Dowling
(3) Edward Francis Forristal (b. 1886)
Edward Forristal married Mary Roche in 1917 (San Francisco Examiner, Thurs 27 Sept. 1917, p. 4). When Edward registered for the WW1 Draft he gave his address as 3454 17th St., San Francisco. He listed his birthdate as 16 Nov. 1886, and his next of kin was his wife, Mary Forristal. He was aged 32, worked as a Rigger and Stevedore, but he did not provide the name of any employer. In late 1925 Mary filed for divorce (The Recorder, 14 Nov. 1925, p. 6). It is not known if the couple had any children.
(4) Laurence Forristal (c.1889-1925)
In the 1920 Census, Laurence was single, living with his mother at 534 Texas and working as a fireman on a steamship. Very little is known about Laurence other than he died at the age of 37. His obituary provides few details concerning his life or death.
The San Francisco Examiner, Thurs. 24 Sept. 1925—In this city, Sept. 22, 1925, Laurence beloved son of Bridget Forristal, loving brother of Edward, William and Patrick Forristal, Mrs. D.W. Allman and Sister Mary of the Angels, Poor Clara’s Convent, a native of San Francisco, aged 37 years.
Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend the funeral Thursday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral parlors of Ryan and Carroll, 435 Valencia St. thence to St. Teresa’s Church, where a requiem high mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul, commencing at 10 a.m. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery.
(5) Patrick Joseph Forristal (1892-1944)
In the 1920 Census Patrick was living with his mother at 534 Texas, was single, and working as a fireman on a steamship. His WWI Draft Registration Card provides his date of birth as September 9, 1892. He was employed as a Rigger and Stevedore. He claimed an exemption as he supported his mother. Patrick was single of medium build, medium height, brown hair and brown eyes. Patrick served in the military.
In an application for Seaman’s Protection Certificate, PJ Forristal, discharged from the US Army, aged 26 on 3/17/1919 was 5 feet 11 inches tall, and served aboard the American vessel Kinta. He was described as having a ruddy complexion with brown hair and brown eyes. He had a tattoo on his right arm.
In the 1940 Census Patrick reported that he left school after the 5th grade. He would have been about 10 years of age. Patrick’s WWII Draft Registration Card provides that he was aged 50 and residing at 27 Clay St, San Francisco. He gave his date of birth as 17 March 1892, and stated he worked as a longshoreman for Waterfront Employers. His next of kin was his nephew, Paul Allsman, of 2244 Kirkham St., San Francisco.
The California Death Index provides that Patrick Forristal (17 March 1892-17 May 1944) died in San Francisco. His mother’s maiden name was Dowling. Patrick’s obituary was short. The San Francisco Examiner (Tue. 23 May 1944, p. 15)—Forrestal —in this city, May 17, 1944, Patrick J., beloved son of the late Bridget Forrestal, loving brother of Sister Mary of the Angels and Katherine Hagan, uncle of Paul Allsmen; a native of San Francisco, a member of I.L.W. U., Local 110. Friends are invited to attend the funeral Wednesday. Time announcement later from Duggans; 3434 17th St.
(6) Catherine Elizabeth Allsman Hagan née Forristal (1895-1975)
On 14 October 1914 Catherine married Daniel Webster Allsman (1884-1937) a native of Missouri. Their only child, Paul Edward Allsman (1916-1994) was born 10 June 1916 at San Francisco. Daniel Webster Allsman died 19 June 1937 leaving Catherine a widow at the age of 42. Catherine on 30 January 1941 married Willam “Bill” Hagan who died 8 October 1951 in Capitola, Santa Cruz, California (Santa Cruz Sentinel, Wed. 5 Feb.1941, p. 3).
A year after her first husband died Catherine travelled to Ireland with her son. They passed through Ellis Island on 24 July 1938. Catherine recorded that she was 42 and a widow. Her address was 2244 Kirkham, San Francisco. Her son Paul Edward Allsman travelled with her. Paul’s WWII Draft Registration Card indicates that he was a student at the University of San Francisco.
It is not known if Catherine and Paul while in Ireland in 1938 visited their kin in Glenmore.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The featured photo is courtesy of the Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. (1862 – 1963). San Francisco from the bay Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5e66b3e8-b0eb-d471-e040-e00a180654d7
Dr. Katheen Moore Walsh
Glenmore Emigrants to San Francisco
Prior to the California gold rush, that commenced in 1848, it is estimated that only 1,000 residents lived in San Francisco. By December 1849 the population was approximately 25,000. The growth of the city continued into the 1850’s and rapidly increased again with the Comstock Silver Lode discovery in 1859.
Travelling to San Francisco
Although San Francisco was a far greater journey for Irish emigrants than cities on the east coast of the US they still journeyed to San Francisco. Irish emigration was fueled by the gold and silver strikes, and was aided by the opening of the Panama Railroad in 1855. In approximately 40 days passengers could journey between the east and west coasts of the United States. From 1861-1864, San Francisco also had the lure of being far removed from the Civil War that was raging in the east. In 1869, the Overland Route, the first transcontinental railroad that linked the east and west coasts, terminated across the bay from San Francisco.
The two largest European groups that settled in San Francisco were Germans and Irish. By 1870, 13% of the population were Irish that made up 21% of the workforce. Three years before an Irish mayor was elected. By the turn of the century 75% of the Catholic Clergy were Irish emigrants (Found SF: The San Francisco Digital Archive).
San Francisco 1906
Due to poor sanitation and the port, epidemics flourished in San Francisco. Additionally, earthquakes struck the area in 1864, 1890 and 1898. However, the most famous and destructive earthquake was the San Francisco earthquake that occurred on 18 April 1906. It shook the western seaboard from Los Angelos to Coos Bay, Oregon. The San Francisco City Hall collapsed and cable cars stopped.
A massive fire then destroyed the business district and spread over four days. Rain finally put out the fire that destroyed 500 city blocks covering 4 square miles. The fire destroyed 28,000 buildings with an estimated loss of $350 million. Today, it is estimated that 3,000 people perished between the earth quake and fire. A quarter of a million people were left homeless.
Glenmore Emigrants
Uniquely several 19th century Glenmore emigrants had their birthplace proclaimed in their obituaries. More often in other cities it was merely recorded that the deceased was a native of County Kilkenny.
Mrs. Mary Costello (?-1918)
The San Francisco Bulletin (Sat. 6 April 1918, p. 22) published the following short obituary: Costello—In this city, April 4, Mary, beloved wife of Thomas Costello, and loving mother of May C. Beston and loving grandmother of Imelda Beston, a native of Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. A member of the Third Order of St. Francis of St. Boniface.
We were able to find the death notice of her husband Thomas Costello who died 18 April 1922. Although the obit noted Thomas was from County Kilkenny no further detail was provided concerning his birthplace (San Francisco Journal & Daily Journal of Commerce, Thur. 20 April 1922, p. 12.) We were not able to find a marriage record in Kilkenny or San Francisco for this couple and do not know Mary Costello’s (?-1918) maiden name.
We did find the other family mentioned in Mary Costollo’s obituary (?-1918). Her daughter Mary (May) Beston née Costello (1880-1935) was born in California. Therefore, her parents had to be in California by 1885. Mary’s husband was Thomas Beston (1875-1945). Interestingly, in the 1930 Census May Beston (1880-1935) recorded that she was a widow and worked at the phone company. Their daughter Imelda Beston (1908-2001) married twice and died in 2001.
Miss Margaret Murphy (c. 1841-1912) & Her Siblings
The San Franciso Bulletin, (Mon. 23 Sept. 1912, p. 10) published the following obituary; “Murphy—In this city, September 21, Margaret Murphy, beloved sister of Edward and John Murphy, Mrs. Mary Wall and the late William Murphy, a native of Glenmore, County Kilkenny, Ireland, aged 71 years.”
Further funeral details and the address of the deceased were published in The San Francisco Call and Post (Mon. 23 Sept. 1912, p. 8). “Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend the funeral today (Monday), at 8:30 o’clock a.m., from her late residence 1223 Kentucky street, thence to St. Teresa’s church, where a requiem high mass will be celebrated for the repose of her soul, commencing at 9 o’clock a.m. Interment Holy Cross cemetery.”
James Murphy (1852-?)
Further newspaper searches revealed information concerning Margaret’s brother James. In 1915, “James Murphy, 1223 Kentucky Street, was run down by a jitney bus at Third and Market Streets” (San Francisco Bulletin, Wed. 10 Feb. 1915, p. 4).
John Murphy (1850-1915)
Later in 1915, John Murphy died and the San Francisco Examiner (Mon. 15 Nov. 1915, p. 4) published the a short obituary. “Murphy in this city, November 12, John beloved brother of Edward Murphy, Mrs. Mary Wall and the late William and Margaret Murphy, a native of the parish of Glenmore, County Kilkenny, Ireland, aged 65 years. The funeral will take place today (Monday) at 8:30 o’clock a.m., from his late residence, 1223 Kentucky street; thence to St. Teresa’s Church, where a requiem high mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul, commencing at 9 o’clock, a.m., Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery by carriage.”
Children of Patrick Murphy & Catherine Grace of Davidstown, Glenmore
Armed with the information from the obituaries we believe that Miss Margaret Murphy was the daughter of Patrick Murphy & his wife, Catherine Grace, of Davidstown, Glenmore. The children of this couple include:
[1] Margaret Murphy (bapt. 29 May 1842); [2] Edmund Murphy (bapt 29 April 1841); [3] Mary Murphy (bapt 2 Oct. 1843); [4] Bridget Murphy (bapt 14 July 1845); [5] William Murphy (bapt 26 Dec. 1846); [6] John Murphy (bapt 27 Jan. 1850) and [7] James Murphy, (bapt 22 June 1852).
Luke Murphy (1855-1898) of Balybrahee, Glenmore
In the San Francisco Chronicle (Thu. 15 Sept. 1898, p. 10) the following death notice was published. “Murphy—In this city, Sept. 14, Luke Murphy, beloved brother of Michael Murphy, a native of the parish of Glenmore County Kilkenny, Ireland, aged 36 years.”
Luke Murphy was baptised at Ballybrahee, Glenmore on 5 Aug 1855, but the age provided by the obituary provides that his year of birth should have been about 1862. No Luke Murphy could be located baptized in Glenmore around 1862. Luke Murphy (b. 1855) was the son of John Murphy and his wife, Mary Walsh. They were also the parents of Michael Murphy who was baptized at Ballybrahee, Glenmore on 30 Dec. 1850.]
The San Francisco City Directory, outlines the movements and employment of the Murphy brothers. The 1887 Directory lists a Luke and Michael Murphy working as labourers and living at 213 Perry Street. By 1890, Michael was working for National Iron Works and still residing at 213 Perry. The 1896 Directory provides that Luke was employed as a longshoreman living with Michael at 150 Perry. Michael was a labourer at the Golden State & Miners Iron Works. We believe that this is the correct Luke Murphy because he is not present in the 1899 Directory.
The 1903 Directory notes that Michael was an ironworker with George E. Dow Plumbing Engineering Co. and living at 150 Perry. Michael continued residing at 150 Perry in 1905, but after that date it is not clear where he resided or if he survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.
Brother Peter Haberlin (1845-1934) of Rochestown, Glenmore
See our post of 24 June 2021, regarding Peter Haberlin (1845-1934) of Rochestown, Glenmore, who resided in San Francisco for a short period of time.
In our next post we will provide further Glenmore natives that settle in San Francisco.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo is entitled “San Francisco from the Bay” and is courtesy of the New York Public Library, (Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. (1862 – 1963). San Francisco from the bay Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5e66b3e8-b0eb-d471-e040-e00a180654d7).
Glenmore Character: Martin Walsh (1918-1996)
Today, we have the pleasure of posting our first Glenmore character profile. This first character profile is of Martin Walsh, and is primarily from the writings of Brian Forristal, of Waterford City. Martin spent his entire life in the house where he was born in Ballylogue, Rochestown, Glenmore, on Christmas Day 1918. Martin never married, and although he had two sisters who nursed in England it is believed he never left Ireland. Hopefully, readers will share their memories or stories regarding Martin.
Editor’s Memories of Martin Walsh
I only met Martin shortly before his death when I first moved to Glenmore, but he made a lasting impression. He was constantly driving around the area in a little red van and stopped to speak to everyone he encountered along the road. I often wondered how long it must have taken him to drive the two or three miles to Glenmore Village.
One day I was asked to drop something to Martin, and found Martin cleaning coal in his yard. He explained to me that hosing off the coal dust made his coal burn hotter in his opinion. Sometime later Danny Dowling (1927-2021) was talking about a curse made by Kit Rafftis née Gahan of Rochestown. In trying to identify the Walsh family for me Danny mentioned Martin, and I related the coal cleaning. Danny laughed, took a few notes and said that Martin never held an opinion that he did not share.
Rogue or Hero? by Brian Forristal
Over Glenmore down through the years Dad and I met many characters, none more interesting than Martin Walsh of Ballilogue. Small in stature and wiry looking with a big nose he always wore a homemade woolen hat that looked like a tea cosy. He spoke with a loud booming voice and was opinionated on every subject under the sun.
While at times he was irritating he was a mine of information and a joy to listen to. Dad and himself bounced off each other, Dad knew how to rise Martin and would throw in a statement right at the right point and Martin would go mad and enter a vocal range that would send you running for cover.
He once told us that his grandfather used to read the Freeman’s Journal to the gathered masses at Ballilogue bridge on a Sunday evening. We would often meet him with his sister Maureen, she seemed to take a shine to Stephen and Seán when they were with us. Though at times Martin would give out to them if they were messing on the roadside.
On the political front Martin hated the Government no matter who was in office, always calling them “a shower of f***ing bastards.” He always played the card, “of the hard done by farmer who worked for nothing,” and could never get Government help when needed.
On the contrary he owned a large farm and from what I have heard from others he had plenty of money, though you would never tell by looking at him as his clothes looked threadbare and worn. A bit like Compo in ‘Last of the Summer Wine.’
But as a character he was witty, at times funny, never boring. He had funny sayings like:
“Cigars on a Sunday,
Woodbines on a Monday.”
He smoked Woodbines [cheapest, unfiltered, strong cigarettes available] all week and treated himself to a cigar on the Sabbath.
In 1993 he told us a saying from his father:
“Three days of easterly wind,
Would do a years’ work.”
Meaning that it would dry hay and straw and would let them get the work finished fast, otherwise it would be dragged out and hold up other jobs.
Martin died on the 6th January 1996 aged 78. By an amazing coincidence he is buried head to toe with Dad in Glenmore graveyard. Bantering friends in life and now forever death (Brian Forristal, 8 May 2011).
Martin Walsh, In His Box
On 1 May 2021 Brian Forristal stopped and spoke with Billy Heffernan of Rochestown, Glenmore. Billy related some stories that his father Paddy Heffernan (1924-2013) had shared. At the funeral in 1974 of Tom Foran (1885-1974) of Kearneybay, Glenmore, Martin Walsh (1918-1996) commented to Paddy Heffernan that Tom Foran had been fond of the drink. “Paddy fired back that ‘if he was he never missed a day’s work with me.’ That put Martin in his box, as he could be a contrary fellow at the best of times.”
Martin Walsh—The Non-Poetic Farmer
by Brian Forristal
Arise old Martin Walsh from famed old Ballilogue,
Spring is on the air and the woods ready for the crows.
Your Tam O’Shanter is hanging in the hall, and Maureen is drying the breakfast dishes,
A long haul to the top of Sandy lane,
No time for catching fishes.
Your steel wheeled mount waits in the yard,
Your dirty little sheepdog sitting on top.
The wheeling and the dealing of a true farmer’s son,
The only thing missing was a two barrel gun.
Your grudge against rich farmers was a famous peddled line,
The bank manage could not count all your money on your vine.
Hoary talk and spitted words you despised them all around,
For you their word was sacred beyond the distant town.
Oh Martin you were one of a kind,
Your roadside manner was sublime,
Be prepared to take the flak,
How close you came to many a smack,
But I saw in you a trait of old,
Going back generations into a different fold.
Society may not bare you now
To me your voice a sacred cow,
And still heard on that roadside bare,
Graveside weeds and death like stares.
The roads are barren and now and the way foul,
No more I see you there only a mighty owl.
And Dad and I did wonder when you left
There for better men, did you foresee
You’re ending in that grave in the big glen?
Now head to toe you both lay,
Conversations flowing through,
Headstones are your pillows
The soil a blanket cruel.
But in jest you both lay there,
Away from the hard live and the public glare.
I miss you both on those roadsides
Of yesteryear where tears of joy did flow,
Good joking and good cheer.
Rest well great men of roadsides,
You have earned your long calm sleep.
The steams and woods do meet.
I will see you again along the way,
In dreams and worlds God’s and men.
(Brian Forristal, 9 April 2013)
For other Glenmore verses collected by Dick Claridge see our guest author’s page.
********************
We have been unable to locate a photo of Martin in his later years. If anyone has a photo of Martin that they would like to share please send it to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Please place your memories of Martin in the comment section below or feel free to send to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
For further information on Rochestown see our post of 3 December 2023.
For other writings of Brian Forristal, see our guest author’s page. “The Tans Are Coming” and “A Place to Hide From the Black and Tans.”
To all our readers, Happy New Year!
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Interesting Life of Hugh Mahon (1857-1931)
Below is an article written by John Dowling, Danny Dowling’s nephew, concerning the interesting life of Hugh Mahon (1857-1931). Hugh Mahon was the “special reporter” who interviewed the Widow Doolan, of Jamestown, Glenmore, on 8 August 1880 the day that Charles Boyd was murdered. After exposing various abuses perpetrated again the Widow Doolan, and the local men accused of the murder, Mahon also raised funds for their defence. Mahon later emigrated to Australia where he became a politician and to this date is the only MP to be expelled from the Australian Parliament.
For an account of the plight of the Widow Doolan (Bridget Dowling née Cody (1831-1916)) and the murder of Charles Boyd see our post of 7 November 2021 .
Hugh Mahon (1857-1931)
Hugh Mahon was born at Killurin, County Offaly, in 1857, the 13th of 14 children of James and Anna Mahon. At the time James Mahon farmed a sizeable holding in the barony of Geashill owned by Edward St. Vincent Digby. From 1856 onwards there was ever increasing tension between the new Baron Digby and his tenants. James Mahon was caught up in these tensions but increased his lands under rent from 114 acres to 264 acres by 1866. His son Patrick farmed approximately 68 of these acres.
The North American Years
For unknown reasons, James and Anna Mahon and eight of their children emigrated to America in 1869, leaving behind Patrick to continue farming.
The Mahon family arrived in New York in March 1869, but by October they were farming a 50 acre farm close to Toronto, Canada. They lasted less than 4 years in Canada when they moved to Albany, New York.
Albany, at that time, was a thriving rail connection attracting many emigrants looking for work. James Mahon purchased a house for $1900 in May 1873. However, the American dream continued to turn sour for the Mahon family as an economic panic struck America in 1873 with many railroad companies going bankrupt. Also, the construction of rail bridges across the Hudson River reduced rail activity in East Albany.
During this time Hugh Mahon started to learn the printing and newspaper trades, and eventually at the age of 20 started working for himself selling printing materials. However, he was not left with good memories. Later in life he commented in a letter about the long workhours, poor conditions and clients who refused to pay for services rendered.
It is not clear when the Mahon family left Albany but in 1878 their name disappeared from the Albany Directories, and the house they bought for $1900 in 1873 was sold in approximately 1880 for $1000.
Return to Ireland
By 1880, with James Mahon in his 73rd year, he and his wife were facing a very uncertain twilight to their lives. Their fate must also have been experienced by many other emigrants, but the Mahon’s had one option that was not available to others. They still had a son living and farming in Ireland, and at some stage between 1878 and 1880 they decided to return to Ireland with their son Hugh.
In 1880 Hugh Mahon ended up as editor and manager of the New Ross Standard and a reporter for the Wexford People. The owner of both newspapers, Edward Walsh, was an outspoken critic of the local landlords. Walsh served three prison terms for articles that were printed in his newspapers.
The Irish Land league was formed in 1879 and was initially led by Charles Stewart Parnell and Michael Davitt. Hugh Mahon became Assistant Secretary of the New Ross branch of the Land League. Mahon was forced to leave Ireland in late March 1882, but in the two years he spent in New Ross he was a considerable thorn in the side of local landlords.
Mahon Involvement in Boyd Murder Trial
Mahon became acquainted with Walter Phelan of Shanbogh in the summer of 1880. Walter made Mahon aware of the situation of the Widow Doolan (Bridget Dowling) of Jamestown, Glenmore. On the evening of the 7th August, Walter Phelan met with Hugh Mahon in his New Ross office and agreed to go with him the following day to meet the Widow Doolan. Hugh Mahon was interested in publishing her plight in his newspaper.
On the evening of the 8th of August after meeting the Widow Doolan, Charles Boyd, nephew of local landlord Thomas Boyd was shot, and died the morning of the 9th of August.
John and Walter Phelan were identified by Evans Boyd as two of the men in the attack. They were arrested, along with ten others, and remanded first to Rosbercon and then to Kilkenny.
Hugh Mahon organised a defence fund to help the two Phelan brothers, Walter and John, who were charged with the crime. He used his newspaper to criticise the police and prosecution authorities, whom he accused of intimidation and coercive practices. He was also an important witness at the trial, providing an alibi for Walter who accompanied him to visit the Widow Doolan on the day of the assassination. The trial of the Phelan brothers was delayed to June 1881 and moved to Dublin due to the tension in the area.
Various witnesses were also moved to Dublin. These included young girls who were working as servant girls in the area. They were taken against their families wishes and held in Dublin and attempts to coerce them in giving damning evidence against the Phelan brothers was carried out (reported by Mahon in The Wexford People, Oct. 16 1880, p. 6). The girls did not succumb to the Crown coercion, nor to the offer of money.
The two Phelan brothers were acquitted in June 1881, largely based on the alibi provided by Hugh Mahon and a lack of credible evidence.
Hugh Mahon was an instrumental figure in the defence of the Phelan brothers due to
- The report of the killing of Charles Boyd, “one of the most atrocious deeds of blood”, [i] which was published on the 11 August 1880 in the Wexford People, was accompanied, on the same page, by his report of the mistreatment of Evans Boyd towards the Widow Doolan and her orphaned family. The reporting of the Boyd killing throughout Ireland and Great Britain was nearly always accompanied by the reference of mistreatment of the Widow Doolan.
- The continual criticism of local landlords by Mahon in his newspaper reports and organised boycotts of local landlords, in particular Thomas Boyd
- The raising of £765 to cover the costs of legal defence
- Providing an alibi for Walter Phelan on the day of the murder, due to both being together to interview the Widow Doolan.
One can start to think how the accused would have fared without the agitation of Hugh Mahon and his fundraising efforts.
Mahon’s Involvement in New Ross Land League
Mahon used his printing skills to print and post boycott notices around the New Ross area. Thomas Boyd was one of the landlords targeted and in September 1881 Boyd wrote to the Under-Secretary of Ireland calling for Mahon to be arrested under the Protection of Person and Property Act. Mahon was eventually arrested on 27 October 1881 and imprisoned in Naas. Mahon was suffering from tuberculosis and the prison authorities were worried that his delicate health conditions could cause his premature death whilst in their custody. He was offered a release based on his commitment to leave Ireland to move to sunnier climes to help his health condition. Eventually in late March 1882 Mahon left Ireland. He eventually arrived in Melbourne on 22 May 1882.
Australian Journalist, Activist & Politician
Upon landing in Australia Mahon quickly resumed his Land League Activist role amongst the Australian Irish. In 1883 he accompanied William and John Redmond on their 10-month tour of Australia, where he organised many of their events.
However, after the Redmond’s left Australia Mahon quickly parted company with the Land League activities to concentrate on his own journalist career, and in supporting his new wife and family.
Gold was discovered in Western Australia in the early 1890´s. Mahon decided to move there to run a newspaper covering activities in the newly formed gold districts in 1895. Over the next 5 years he would run various newspapers providing news to the local miners, expose corruption in mining and government and actively support the miner’s interests. He ran for local government on various occasions but was only successful when the Australian colonies joined together in 1901 to form the Australian Commonwealth. He was elected as the representative for Coolgardie as the Labour Party´s candidate. Over the next twenty years he would serve as Minister on four occasions, including the Minister for External Affairs during the First World War.
Mahon became active again in Irish affairs and was an ardent support of the Irish Parliamentary Party and Home Rule, but his outlook was changed by the events of 1916. The aftermath of the 1916 Rising, and the executions of the leaders was a moment when “All Changed, Changed Utterly” with “A terrible beauty … born.”[ii]
Over the next few years Mahon moved from Home Ruler to Sinn Fein supporter, and by 1919 was president of the Irish-Ireland League of Victoria. When Terence MacSwiney, Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Cork, died on 25 October 1920, after 74 days on hunger strike, Mahon attempted to have the Irish situation debated in Australian parliament but was refused. At a meeting on 7 November 1920 in Melbourne, Mahon attacked British policy in Ireland,
“Never in Russia under the worst [rule] of the Czars had there been such an infamous murder as that of the late Alderman McSwiney. They were told in the papers that Alderman McSwiney’s poor widow sobbed over his coffin. If there was a just God in heaven that sob would reach round the world, and one day would shake the foundations of this bloody and accursed Empire.”[iii]
Mahon´s outburst came just four days before the second anniversary of the end of the First World War. Australia was still mourning the deaths of approximately 60,000 of its sons and daughters, and its Empire loyal population was not willing to accept such criticism as expressed by Mahon.
The Prime Minister, Billy Fisher, was one seat short of a majority with Mahon´s Labour party in opposition. Seeing an opportunity to secure a government majority he moved a motion, which was successful, to expel Hugh Mahon from Parliament due to his “seditious and disloyal utterances at a public meeting”[iv] and being “guilty of conduct unfitting him to remain a member of this House.”[v]
Mahon failed to win back his seat in the subsequent by-election in December 1920. To this day he remains the only MP ever to have been expelled from the Australian Parliament.
Outside of politics he continued to run the Catholic Church Property Insurance Co. He died on 28 August 1931, eventually succumbing to the lung disease that had affected him during much of his life.
John Dowling
Further reading:
Jeff Kildea (2017) Hugh Mahon Patriot, Pressman, Politician: Vol. 1 The Years from 1857 to 1901, Anchor Books: Melbourne, Australia
H.J. Gibbney (1986) “Hugh Mahon (1957-1931)” in the Australian Dictionary of Biographies, vol. 10.
Frank Sweeney (ed) (2005) Hanging Crimes: When Ireland Used the Gallows, Mercier Press: Cork
[i] Wexford People, 11 Aug. 1880, p. 4
[ii] William Butler Yeats (1997) “Easter 1916” and Other Poems, Dover Publications
[iii] Jeff Kildea (2020) Hugh Mahon; Patriot, Pressman, Politician: Vol 2 The Years from 1901 to 1931, Anchor Books: Melbourne, Australia
[iv] Kildea (2020) supra n. iii
[v] Kildea (2020) supra n. iii
The Glenmore Volunteer at the 1914 Howth Gun Running
Last week we featured the Aylwardstown, Glenmore family of Mon. William Heffernan (1895-1973). This week we located the obituary for his brother Michael Heffernan (1890-1974) (Kilkenny People, Fri. 22 Feb. 1974, p. 7) and learned some interesting facts about Michael Heffernan. One of the most important was that he was one the Volunteers at the Howth Gun Running in 1914 that sought to arm the Dublin Regiment of the Irish Volunteers. He was also falsely accused of a crime at the end of the Civil War and played a significant part in Kilkenny GAA.
Michael Heffernan (7 Oct. 1890-19 Feb. 1974) Native of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
For details concerning Michael Heffernan’s immediate Aylwardstown family see our post of 15 October 2023.
Michael was born on 7 Oct. 1890. His obituary recites that as a young man Michael served an apprenticeship with a cabinet making business in Waterford and later moved to Dublin. While living in Dublin he joined the Irish Volunteers. The 1911 Census reveals that Michael was living in Aylwardstown, Glenmore and his profession was listed as cabinet maker. Thus, sometime after the Census of 1911 and July 1914 Michael moved to Dublin.
Howth Gun Running
The winds of war were sweeping across Europe in 1914, the Irish Volunteers determined that they needed to arm themselves. The Unionists at Larne, Co. Antrim, landed their own weapons comprised of 25,000 rifles and three million rounds of ammunition with no opposition from the authorities on the night of the 24th of April 1914 (Alvin, Jackson (1993) “The Larne Gun Running of 1914.” 1(1) History Ireland, p. 35–38 available at http://www.jstor.org/stable/27724046.)
Efforts to secure weapons for the Dublin Volunteers in France and Belgium failed, but Darryll Figgis and Roger Casement finally bought 1,500 obsolete 1871 vintage Mauser rifles in Germany. Off the Irish coast a yacht owned by Erskine Childers named the Asgard met a Hamburg tugboat and took some of the guns ashore at Howth in broad daylight. The Asgard was said to have been captained by Mollie Childers née Osgood, Eskinne’s wife, and it had a cargo of 900 rifles and 30,000 rounds of ammunition (John Dorney (2014) “The Howth Gun Running,” The Irish Story Website.
Early on Sunday the 26th of July 1914, around a thousand Dublin Irish Volunteers marched the nine miles from Dublin to Howth. The Volunteers were under the command of Tomás MacDonagh and Bulmer Hobson. They unloaded the Asgard. The Coast Guard attempted to intervene but could do nothing. The Coast Guard attempted to telephone Dublin Castle, but the Volunteers had cut the phone wires. After one of the uniformed local R.I.C. had been stopped trying to leave on a bicycle a second man not in uniform set out for Dublin Castle (Geraldine Dillon (1964) “The Howth Gun Running” 3(4) University Review, 48–57, p. 48, available at http://www.jstor.org/stable/25504609).
D.I. Heard of the R.I.C. and a few of his men followed the Volunteers as they started back toward Dublin. The ammunition for the rifles and some of the rifles were loaded into vehicles. At the junction of Howth Road and Farview the marching Volunteers were met with a force of 160 armed R.I.C., a few Dublin Metropolitan Police, and two companies of British Soldiers. The officer in charge of the soldiers was Major Haig. Assistant Commissioner W.V. Harrell was in charge of the police.
The Volunteers were told to surrender the guns and allow themselves to be arrested. MacDonagh refused and the D.M.P. were ordered to disarm the Volunteers. To the apparent surprise of both sides, the D.M.P. refused to attempt this and “went back to the sea wall and lent on it.” Dublin Castle officials later determined that the police resented the unfair discrimination between the Unionist and Irish Volunteers (Dillon, p. 49).
Harrell told Major Haig to order his men to disarm the Volunteers, but Haig ordered his men to charge with fixed bayonets. The Volunteers stood firm and defended themselves with walking sticks and rifle butts. A machine gun which was in an army ambulance was brought forward but never fired.
The soldiers managed to retrieve 8 rifles from the volunteers. The action paused while the leaders argued. During the entire charge and exchange Hobson drilled the Volunteers, all but those in the front rank, up and down the road as if they were restless horses. He gradually increased the distance and while the police and soldiers were distracted he marched the majority of the Volunteers round the turn in the road and ordered them to disperse and hide the rifles.
When Harrel realised that the Volunteers and guns were gone he exclaimed, “This is a disgraceful manoeuvre!” The police and army withdrew. Although there were injuries at the crossroad no fatalities occurred (Dillon, p. 50). Due to various misinformation and claims Tomás MacDonagh found it necessary to publish an official account. It was published as a supplement to the Irish Review, July/Aug. 1914 (Dillon, p. 50).
Killings at Bachelor’s Walk, Dublin
When the British soldiers marched back into Dublin they were met by a jeering crowd at Bachelor’s Walk. It was alleged that stones were thrown at the soldiers and Major Haig ordered his men to fire into the crowd and then followed with an order to charge with fixed bayonets. Three people were killed and 30 wounded (Dillon, p. 50).
At the Inquiry that followed Major Haig stated that he had not given an order to fire into the crowd. He lamely stated that his men must have mistaken his raising of his hand to speak to the crowd as an order to fire. Witnesses disputed his version stating they heard him yelling, “Fire, men, fire!” In the Report dated 21 October 1914, it was concluded that Assistant Commissioner of Police, Harrell should not have called out the military. Although the Inquiry concluded that the military were not under threat at Bachelor’s Walk justifying the use of firearms they concluded amazingly that Major Haig was not informed that the rifles of his men were loaded. Thus, they could conclude that Haig did not give an order to fire and twenty-one soldiers “promiscuously fired” (Dillon, p. 53-54).
Life in Kilkenny City
According to Michael’s obituary he moved to Kilkenny City in 1915 and took up employment in the Kilkenny woodwork factory at Talbot’s Inch. This industry was started by the late Countess of Desart. Michael’s brother, William was attending St. Kieran’s College, in Kilkenny City, at the time.
On 11 February 1918 Michael (cabinet maker) of Michael St., Kilkenny married Teresa Byrne (c. 1894-c. 1973) (nurse) of Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Michael was the son of Michael Heffernan (farmer) and Teresa was the daughter of Michael Bryne (farmer). The couple were married at St. John’s of Kilkenny City. The witnesses were Andrew Heffernan and Alice Byrne. The 1911 Census reveals that Michael Byrne (69) and his wife Mary (55) had been married for 34 years and had had 6 children and 5 were alive in 1911. Teresa was 17 in 1911 and Alice was 23. The farm was located at Coneygar, Clara, Kilkenny. Coneygar is a townland in the Civil parish of Clara located about 4 miles east of Kilkenny City.
Michael opened his own business as a cabinet maker in John St. in 1922 and from these premises also conducted the business of funeral undertaker, building contractor and or a period operated a fresh milk depot.
Children
Michael and Teresa Heffernan reared a large family. According to Cissy Kennedy ( 94) native of Rathinure, Glenmore, during holidays the children were brought to Glenmore. The girls would stay with their Aunt Alice Roche née Heffernan in Rathinure, and the boys would stay at the Heffernan home place in nearby Aylwardstown.
From Michael’s obituary there were at least 10 children, and we discovered another daughter that died in 1948. Similar to the preceding Heffernan generation by the time of his death Michael’s children were scattered across the world.
Sons
[1] Comdt. Michael Heffernan, Defence Forces, Cork; Among the 29 cadets who received their commissions as second Lieutenants in the Irish Army at the Curragh in October 1941 there were 5 Kilkennymen including Michael Heffernan of John St. It was reported that Heffernan and three of the others attended the Christian Brothers School on James’s St. (Kilkenny People, Sat. 1 Nov. 1941, p. 5) .
[2] William Heffernan, John St., Kilkenny;
[3] Anthony Heffernan, London;
[4] Andrew Heffernan, Kilkenny;
[5] Patrick Heffernan, London; (c. 1935-1980) Patrick Heffernan (45) died on 3 July 1980 at his residence 40 Coniston Road, Muswell Hill, London. Educated by the Christian Bros, and member of Dicksboro minor hurling club. In England met and married Ita Hannigan, a native of Dunhill, Co. Waterford. Survived by widow and son, Richard (Kilkenny People, Fri. 18 July 1980, p. 5)
Daughters
[6] Mrs. B. Leaning, London, [Brother Patrick’s obit in 1980 provides he was survived by his sister Brenda Little of Archer’s Crescent, Kilkenny]
[7] Mrs. Stephen Lalor, Australia; Special thanks to Deirdre Doherty Barron for identifying that Mrs. Lalor is Alice Heffernan (b. 1923) who celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year in Queensland, Australia.
[8] Mrs. Theresa Sutcliffe, Buckinghamshore; [married to Charles Sutcliffe]
[9] Mrs. Carmel Ryan, New York; [Married to John Ryan and living in 1980 in Long Island, N.Y.].
[10] Mrs. Ann Ryan, Middlesex; [Married to Andrew Ryan]
[11] Mary “Mollie” Heffernan (c. 1921-1948) died the 17th of December 1948 of “Tubercular hip joint disease” at the age of 27. Her brother Paddy was present when she died. According to her obituary Mollie was unwell for some time and was employed in the Drapery establishment of Messrs A. and T. Piert, Roseinn St. (Kilkenny People, Sat. 25 Dec.1948, p. 5).
Milk Depot
In October 1921 Michael Heffernan opened a fresh milk depot from his John St. premises. The following announcement appeared in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 8 Oct. 1921, p. 5).
Fresh New Milk—From Coneygar Farm Twice Daily. Michael Heffernan wishes to announce that his New Milk Depot is now in full swing, and he is selling New Milk at 5 d per quart at Depot and 6 d per quart delivered in City. Having arranged for a constant supply during the winter months, consumers wishing to benefit by this low price are earnestly requested to hand in their names immediately and I will guarantee there will be no disappointment. Address: 6 Lower John Street (Gate Entrance), Kilkenny. Depot Open—Morning 8:30 till 10 o’clock; Evening 5:30 till 7 o’clock.
Coneygar was the townland where his wife was from so it is likely that he was buying milk or distributing and selling milk for his brother-in-law.
Charged in Kilmogar Cattle Driving Case
In April 1923 Michael Heffernan of John St., was arrested for allegedly inducing others to drive cattle off of the lands of Mrs. Mary Murphy, the widow of Thomas Murphy who died 16 November 1921. Michael Heffernan when arrested protested that he was innocent. When he was brought before the Court he again protested his innocence. “It is very unfair against me—it is not fair at all. All the charges are false as far as I am concerned. I am a man with a business, and my wife is invalided and has nobody to sleep in the house with her. Some blackguards came and broke in the windows…I am prepared to stand in any court—there can’t be a shadow of evidence got against me” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 14 April 1923, p. 8).
Michael’s solicitor, Mr. N. Shortal, argued that there was only hearsay against his client, yet the trial judge refused to set any bail and remanded Michael to jail until the next court date. The facts of the Kilmogar Cattle Driving Case are similar to the Shanbogh Land Cases of July 1923. During the violence and upheaval of the War of Independence and the Civil War some people attempted to exploit old grievances or exploit the lawlessness gain the property of others.
The 291 acre farm in dispute was purchased by Mrs. Mary Murphy’s father-in-law. To extinguish any possible claim from a prior evicted tenant named Dalton £450 was paid to Dalton in 1891. The Murphy family farmed the land without difficulties until Mrs. Murphy was widowed in November 1921. It was alleged that Dalton, an elderly man, and others drove cattle from the land, removed agricultural equipment and threatened tenants. On 2 April 1923 thirty head of cattle were driven from the farm.
At the District Court of Kilkenny City, before Justice Liam Price, Michael Heffernan got his day in court. He and his brother-in-law were represented by N. Shortall, solicitor and Mr. Bacon, K.C. The State was represented by Dr. M.J. Cotty, State Solicitor.
There was no evidence presented against Michael Heffernan. In fact, most witnesses stated that they did not know him. When questioned by the judge, Michael was asked if he was prepared to give an undertaking in open court that he would not do anything prejudicial to Mrs. Murphy’s interests, directly or indirectly. Michael responded, “I never caused any interference, and I am not going to start now.” Michael and his brother-in-law were found not guilty. (Kilkenny People, Sat. 21 April 1923, p. 3; Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 21 April 1923, p. 8).
Kilkenny GAA
According to his obituary Michael Heffernan was “a staunch Irishman and GAA enthusiast he served as vice chairman of Kilkenny Co. Board for a number of years. At that time Ald. Jim Nowlan was chairman.” Michael was chairman of the football Board for 39 years. He represented Kilkenny at GAA Central Council and Leinster Council levels. He was responsible for the organization of GAA games in every parish in the county in defiance of the ban imposed by Dublin Castle in 1921.
Michael was the last surviving member of the small committee which negotiated the purchase of Nowlan Park and arranged early Development work.
Advocating For a New Park
In 1926 the Kilkenny People (Sat. 18 Sept. 1926, p. 4) published an account of the meeting of the Co. Kilkenny GAA in the City Hall on Sunday the 12th. It appears from this article that Michael was, in fact, a moving force on the Committee to find a new Park.
It all seems to have come to a head over a letter received from the Kilkenny Agricultural Society. The GAA were requested to remove the barbed wire it had placed on the railing around the playing pitch it rented from the Society. Below are excerpts from that newspaper article.
Michael Heffernan—“It is nearly time that we should be looking out for a ground of our own. We are tinkering with this thing too long altogether, and I think we should be in earnest about getting a field. So far we have never made a serious effort in that direction. We have approached the Agricultural Society time after time to have certain things done that would improve the Park from our point of view; they promised us everything but did nothing, and when we ourselves make a move to make the Park fit for matches they step in and object…It is nearly time that we cleared out of the Park and got a field of our own. You might as well go into any country field as into the Park as far as the accommodation provided for us is concerned…they always promised to repair the railing but they never did so.”
In response to another committee member that “there is no use taking up this bullying attitude,” Michael Heffernan responded, “Oh no! Keep on crawling to them for the next 40 years as we have been doing for years past. How much rent did the Agricultural Society get from the GAA since the Park was first rented from them?”
Chairman—It would have bought a new ground and equipped for us anyway.
Heffernan—”Their attitude reminds me of the old landlord days when a landlord came to an industrious tenant and ordered him to knock down a house he was after building. They are the same, this crowd, only worse.”
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com. It is likely Michael Heffernan (1890-1974) is in the above family photo and his brother William’s ordination in June 1919.
Again thanks to Patty Lee Brown for locating Michael’s marriage record.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh