Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 10:12 am
Hi Jimbo
I am taking a break from Genealogy for a while.
Sheila
I am taking a break from Genealogy for a while.
Sheila
A partnership of Clare County Library and Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library
http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/
Below is an old postcard of the Hotel Brevoort on S South Carolina Avenue in Atlantic City. A "Morris L Johnson" was listed on the postcard as proprietor. This is because the postcard was sent by Annie McElhenny to her sister Mae in Centralia, PA in 1909. By 1909 Margaret Walsh had already moved on since the Hotel Brevoort was just a little small for someone with her ambition.The Brevoort, on South Carolina avenue between Atlantic and Pacific avenues, is one of the best moderate-priced hotels here [Atlantic City]. It is conducted by Miss Margaret Walsh, the proprietress, who has built up an enviable reputation for this home.
Evening Star, Washington D.C., 2 April 1905
The Duncan family of New Castle, Delaware appear to have gotten an inside scoop on this real estate transaction:Several important real estate deals were consummated in hoteldom this week. Miss Margaret Walsh, an enterprising hotel woman conducting the Brevoort for a number of years, has purchased the Cumberland Hotel on Tennessee avenue for a consideration of $47,000. After making $10,000 worth of improvements she will open it in December as the New Brevoort.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 25 November 1906
Most likely after a discussion with her lawyers, Margaret Walsh realized she could not rename the newly purchased hotel on Tennessee Avenue as "The New Brevoort" since that name was already being used a few blocks over on South Carolina avenue. She settled upon the far more grand sounding "The Continental Hotel". Her multiple contracts for the ambitious remodel, budgeted at $10,000, came in at $15,000. Fifty percent over budget— some things have never changed.Word was received here yesterday of a large real estate deal at Atlantic City. Miss Margaret Walsh, proprietor of the Brevoort, on South Carolina avenue, south, has purchased the Hotel Cumberland, located on Tennessee avenue below Atlantic avenue [the dividing street between north and south in Atlantic City street], at a cost of $47,000. Miss Walsh, who is well known here, having visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Duncan and other members of the family on numerous occasions, is progressive and will introduce vast improvements at the new hotel. Contracts for an entire new front, making it more attractive, a new dining room and hall, remodeling of the buffet, and other features, at a cost of $10,000, are some of the features. Miss Walsh expects to open the hotel on March 1st. She will not continue The Brevoort, but will name the new hotel The New Brevoort.
The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, 27 November 1906
Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan always retained her maiden name in newspaper advertising for the Continental Hotel. She, not her husband, was listed as the proprietor and owner, as in the below postcard:Notices of the wedding of T. Parks Duncan, of this city, and Miss Margaret Walsh, of Atlantic City, at that resort have been received here.
The Philadelphia Enquirer, Philadelphia, PA, 18 June 1907
The Atlantic City newspapers would probably have had more detail. The Duncan family of New Castle, Delaware were Protestants. While I am sure that Mrs. Duncan of Delaware loved her daughter-in-law, she would not have wanted readers to get any ideas that the Duncan family were Catholic. Thus, there was no mention that "Mrs. Parks Duncan" was born in Ireland, or that she was known as "Mrs. Walsh Duncan", Walsh being a very Irish surname, or that the funeral mass would be held at St. Nicholas Tolentine Catholic Church just down the street from the Continental Hotel. However, just a few weeks later, the newspaper reporting of the probate of the will left by Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan would certainly leave no doubt that she was a Roman Catholic:Mrs. George Duncan received word today of the death of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Parks Duncan, at her home in Atlantic City, N.J. Mrs. Duncan, who is well known here [New Castle, Delaware], with her husband, operated the Continental Hotel in Atlantic City. She had been in failing health for several months. The funeral will take place from the Duncan residence on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Duncan is a sister-in-law of Major S.B.I. Duncan, Miss Susan Duncan, of this city, and George and James Duncan, of Wilmington.
The Morning News, Wilmington, Delaware, 2 October 1928
It is fascinating to compare the wills of John Harrison of County Clare (page 27) and Margaret Walsh Duncan of Atlantic City. The power had completely shifted from the husband in the relationship (John Harrison, husband of Johanna Walsh) to the wife in the relationship (Margaret Walsh Duncan, niece of Johanna Walsh). Margaret Walsh Duncan was a very savvy business woman and after her death she wanted to ensure that her own Irish relatives were the beneficiaries and that Catholic charities of her choosing would also be rewarded. It is very clear from the will that Margaret Walsh even after her marriage retained ownership of the Continental Hotel.SHORE HOTEL WOMAN LEAVES BIG ESTATE
Catholic Church to Benefit Largely in $250,000 Bequests
Mays Landing, Oct. 16.—An estate valued at $250,000 is left by Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan, owner of the Continental Hotel, Atlantic City, who died October 1 after a short illness.
The will, probated today by Surrogate Albert C. Abbott, creates a trust fund from the bulk of the estate for her husband, T. Parks Duncan, after bequests totalling $25,000 are paid to other relatives and friends.
Two nieces, Elizabeth Brassil and Josephine Tracy, are given $2,000 each while two nephews, Michael Walsh and Michael Russell are similarly rewarded.
Margaret Walsh is another recipient of $2,000 while a $10,000 bequest is made to Mary K. Brady, of Atlantic City. Mary Walsh, another relative, will receive $5,000 from the estate.
At the death of the husband, the will provides that half of his estate will be divided between the seven persons already mentioned, while the other half will go to charity. A $2,000 bequest is made to St. Nicholas Catholic church of Atlantic City, which is to be paid from Mrs. Duncan's estate [this type of bequest is a good indicator where the funeral was held, the church in only one block from the Continental Hotel].
Upon the death of Duncan, St. Michael's Orphanage and Industrial School of Hopewell will get $10,000. The Francescan Monastery of the Poor Clare, Bordentown, will receive $5,000 while the St. Joseph's Home of the Providence for the Aged, Beverly, will be given $10,000.
One quarter of what is left of her husband's estate will then go to the Augustinian College at Villanova, Pa., and the remaining quarter will be awarded to the Apostolic College, at Cornwallis, Pa.
Courier-Post, Camden, New Jersey, 16 October 1928
If you read between the lines of the above "personal", Thomas Walsh is looking for a wife while on furlough from the army. Like many personal ads, some points were not actually true. In 1908 Thomas would have only served 10 years in the army and had considerably more than eight years to go prior to retirement.Personal — Parks Duncan of Atlantic City has been a guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Duncan, at the lighthouse. Mr. Duncan had as his guest, Thomas Walsh, who has recently been furloughed for four months and who recently left the Philippines. He has served 20 years in the army and will be placed on the retired list within eight years.
The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, 6 May 1908
The Walsh surname is among the ten most common surnames in Ireland.Miss Josephine Walsh, of Atlantic City, a niece of T. Parks Duncan, is in Dr. Bainbridge's sanitarium, Philadelphia. She is recovering from an operation of appendicitis. Miss Walsh has been a frequent visitor here.
The Evening Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, 1 May 1912
Lighthouse Keeper George W. Duncan has received a telegram, announcing Sergeant Thomas Walsh of Troop A, Twelfth Cavalry, U.S.A., shot in the left side in Mexico, and it is feared the wound may prove serious. Two members of the company and two civilians were killed. The shooting occurred on Tuesday. The injured sergeant is known to many persons here, because of his visits to the Duncan home. He is a brother-in-law of T. Parks Duncan, of Atlantic City, N.J., who married a sister of his. The injured man married the head waitress at the [Continental] hotel kept by Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, at Atlantic City.
The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, 20 September 1915
The attack on American troops at the border by Mexican banditos was heavily reported in the press. Most press reports only referred to the wounded soldier as "Sergeant Walsh", so an easy mistake by the Duncan family. One newspaper chronicling the escalation of violence, included his first name, "September 13.—Privates Anthony Kraft and Harold Forney killed and Sergeant Joseph Walsh wounded during battle with Mexicans at the Galveston ranch. Mexicans surrounded the place at night and fired upon soldiers while they were asleep." (The Houston Post, 29 October 1915). Sergeant Joseph Walsh was in Troop A, Twelfth Cavalry. Sergeant Thomas J. Walsh had fought for Troop C, Second Cavalry. While the initial Delaware news regarding Thomas Walsh was incorrect, at least we learn that he had success in finding a bride. And he didn't look past the Continental Hotel marrying the "head waitress" who most likely poured his coffee every morning during his Atlantic City stay.Letters have been received by Captain and Mrs. George W. Duncan from their son, T. Parks Duncan of Atlantic City, stating that the report received showing that Sergeant Thomas Walsh, a brother-in-law of the latter, and a member of the Twelfth Cavalry, U.S.A., reported shot, while on the firing line at Texas, refers to another Thomas Walsh in the same company. Sergeant Walsh, who is known to many persons here, and who made himself a great favorite with everybody, because of his genial manner and personality, is not on the firing line, having been assigned to other special duties. The report will be pleasing to many friends of the sergeant.
The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, 16 October 1915
The Walsh family must have used "Sammy" as a nickname for their son Thomas J. born in 1913 to avoid confusion with the father (or perhaps nickname was "Tommy" and the newspaper made an error?). Thomas J. Walsh, Jr., was a Lieutenant Colonel during the Korean War and his 1955 obituary included "Colonel Walsh was an expert polo player, and gained considerable attention in that sport while at OMA and later at OU, where he graduated in 1935."FORT RENO WILL FURNISH HORSES FOR CAVALRY UNIT
To Supply 60 Animals for Oklahoma Military Academy at Claremore
Fort Reno will furnish 60 cavalry horses for the Oklahoma Military Academy at Claremore, it was learned today. . . A cavalry unit is being added to the school at Claremore this year, through permission granted by the United States Congress. . . This cavalry unit will mean a great deal to the academy as well as to the state, in that there is only one other state-owned military academy in the United States, the one at Rosewell, New Mexico. . . . Thomas J. Walsh, W.O. U.S.A., of Fort Reno, recently sent the following to Col. Downs:
"A telegram from the 8th Corps has been received by the commanding officers, asking depot to furnish sixty (60) riding horses for the Military Academy uses. He replied that the depot could furnish horses purchased in this zone.
"Having been stationed here for a number of years in charge of shipping all horses sent from this depot, I'm familiar with the type of horse that passes through Ft. Reno and concur with the commanding officer's statement.
"I am personally interested in good horses that will be a benefit and a credit to the academy, as my son, Sammy Walsh, is one of your students.
"The officers here and myself are convinced that we can purchase a more suitable type in our zone (Oklahoma and Texas) that elsewhere in the United States, and for that reason we are pleased that the Corps Areas have given us this assignment."
The El Reno Daily Tribune, El Reno, Oklahoma, 11 June 1930
Initially, I thought it would be impossible for any Thomas Walsh descendant to trace their ancestry backwards to Ireland. Until I saw the obituary that included his siblings Patrick Walsh and Joanna Brady in County Clare, then it seemed so simple. But with such a large gap in years between when Thomas Walsh reported his year of birth as 1875 and his actual birth in 1869, and being so consistent in doing so, it would still be very difficult. Plus, Walsh is an extremely common surname. If Thomas had reported his birthplace as Ballynahinch, instead of Sabren, the task would be much easier. His wife Mary Cummins Walsh died in October 1938, and her obituary stated that she had a brother Thomas Cummins in County Mayo. Cummins is a common surname in County Mayo and finding the correct Thomas Cummins in the Irish census and civil records might be a little tricky for when a Walsh descendant stumbles upon this posting.ROSARY SERVICES PLANNED TONIGHT
Walsh To Be Buried At El Reno Thursday
Rosary services for Thomas J. Walsh, El Reno resident who died early Tuesday will be conducted at 3 p.m. tonight in the home, 639 South Miles avenue.
His body will lie in state at the residence until time for the funeral which will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday from the Sacred Heart church with Father Victor Van Durme, pastor, officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be made at El Reno Catholic cemetery under the direction of Benson funeral home.
Mr. Walsh, 63 years of age, died at his residence from uremic poisoning and complications. He had been in poor health several years and was seriously ill 24 hours before his death.
Mr. Walsh was a native of Ireland, but served 37 years in the United States army. He was transferred from El Paso, Texas to Fort Reno [Oklahoma] in 1921, and he remained at Fort Reno until his retirement as a warrant officer in 1935 when he moved to El Reno.
Mrs. Walsh died four months ago.
Survivors include three daughters, Miss Mary Walsh of El Reno, Mrs. Jim E. Smith [Margaret] of Union City, and Miss Betty Walsh of Halstead, Kansas, and two sons, Tom Walsh, Jr., of El Reno and Jack Walsh of Oklahoma City.
He is also survived by a brother, Patrick Walsh, and a sister, Mrs. Joehanna Brady, both of County Clare, Ireland.
The El Reno Daily Tribune, El Reno, Oklahoma, Wednesday, 25 January 1939
From the above article, Edward Walsh had an operation "15 years ago". In the 1900 census, he was most likely the Edward Walsh, born in Ireland in February 1874, who was a patient at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Edward J. Walsh was a teamster in Philadelphia and president of the United States Express Mutual Relief Association.There comes a somewhat peculiar story from Atlantic City. It is to the effect that Edward Walsh a brother of Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan, wife of T. Parks Duncan, of this city, has gone under a successful operation which is remarkable in medical science.
Mr. Walsh is probably the only living person with only one jugular vein, the greater portion of the other having been removed through an operation to which he submitted fifteen years ago.
In the latter part of February, Mr. Walsh became seriously ill, and an operation was decided to be the only thing to save his life. Following the operation the patient bled slowly from the incision made for the removal of his jugular vein years ago. Every means to stop the bleeding which was slowly sapping the life of the man away was tried in vain. Finally it was decided blood infusion alone would suffice and three robust men were picked out of those volunteering.
Each of them on two separate occasions gave eight ounces of their life fluid. Saline solutions given to keep up the vitality of the patient prevented for a time the coagulation necessary for the success of the operation, but within the last two days this difficulty has been overcome, and the chances of recovery by Mr. Walsh are excellent.
The Evening Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, 5 May 1913
At the January 1904 annual ball, Edward Walsh met Margaret M. Murphy, who was born in Pennsylvania of Irish parents. They married three months later, on 14 April 1904 in Philadelphia. The marriage certificate states that Edward J. Walsh was born in Clare, Ireland on 6 April 1876; Margaret M. Murphy was born in Lewisburg, PA on 26 February 1876. Sadly, their two children both died young (see updated Walsh family tree on page 27). Edward and Margaret Walsh were living at 2015 Bainbridge Street in Philadelphia in the 1910 census.Expressmen Ready for Annual Ball
Although in existence but three years, the United States Express Mutual Relief Association has done much good in assisting the sick and disabled. The annual ball, which will be held on Friday evening next at Musical Fund Hall, is the social feature of the organization to which the members look forward with anticipation. This year it is in charge of a committee of which Charles Monk is chairman, and R.J. Forbes, secretary. The floor arrangements will be looked after by D. Johnson. Edward Walsh is president of the organization, F.J. McGinnis, secretary and treasurer, and C.G. Rust, general agent, acts as adviser.
Philadelphia Enquirer, Philadelphia, PA, 10 January 1904
Sadly, Edward Walsh did not recover from his illness and died the following month. His PA death certificate states that Edward Joseph Walsh was born in Ireland in 1877; occupation, "Boss Teamster"; wife Margaret M. Walsh; father, Patrick Walsh, and mother, Josephine McMahon of Ireland.SAVED BY FRIENDS' BLOOD
[Special to the Newark Star]
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., May 5.—Kept alive only by blood transfusions from a relay of friends who volunteered for the rare operation to which he submitted at the University Hospital, Philadelphia, during the past week, Edward Walsh, brother of Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan, of the Hotel Continental, this city, is reported today as considerably improved. Hope is now held out for his recovery.
Newark Evening Star and Advertiser, Newark, NJ, 5 May 1913
WALSH.—18th inst. EDWARD J. husband of Margaret Murphy Walsh. Relatives and friends, also Philadelphia Council No. 196 K. of C. [Knights of Columbus]; members United States Expressmen Association and Progressive Assembly No. 4; A.O.M.P. [Artisans Order of Mutual Protection] invited to funeral. Saturday 7:30 A.M. residence 2015 Bainbridge St. Solemn requiem at St. Charles, 9 A M. Internment at Holy Cross.
Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA, Friday, 20 June 1913
Had less success with the Walsh family of Ballynahinch/Kilnoe. From Scariff registration, Anne Walsh, married, age 36 years, wife of a farmer, from Kilnoe, died on 2 July 1871; informant Edmond Walsh of Kilnoe. This was anticipated.Edmond McNamara (≈1797 — 1883), was a laborer and does not appear on Griffiths Valuation. Edmund McNamara, from Killuran, widower, labourer, 86 years, died at Tulla workhouse on 6 June 1883. Edmond's wife is unknown. However, based upon Mary McNamara Slattery naming her first born daughter, Catherine, there is a good chance that Edmond's wife was named Catherine. The early Tulla death records are not yet available online; the Catherine McNamara who died in 1877 at the age of 78 is very promising to be the wife of Edmond McNamara. They had at least two children: . . . .
In researching the connections of the Walsh family of Ballynahinch to Atlantic City, I was a bit slow to pick up that the streets and railroad stations of Atlantic City were used in the board game Monopoly, at least in the original American version created in 1935. The Continental Hotel on South Tennessee was a medium-priced hotel, just like in Monopoly, and only a short distance from Pennsylvania railroad station, and south of Atlantic avenue. Margaret Walsh Duncan bought a home in Ventnor City (Ventnor Avenue in Monopoly), a well-heeled suburb just south of Atlantic City. John Devoy, the Irish Fenian leader, died at the Ambassador Hotel located on the Boardwalk, where, along with Park Place, the most expensive hotels were located in Atlantic City. Now there are hundreds of Monopoly versions, but I believe outside of North America the British version based upon London would have been most popular. Tennessee Avenue is Marlborough Street in the British version.The Continental Hotel, on South Tennessee avenue, with its central location near to the Pennsylvania steam and electric depots and the Reading station, and in the midst of Atlantic City's shopping and amusement district, yet but a step from the Boardwalk, has rapidly forced itself to the front as one of Atlantic City's leading hotels under the ownership and management of Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA, 26 March 1911
The obituary provides new information in that her eldest brother, Michael Walsh born in 1859, was still living in 1928. And that her siblings, Maria born in 1860, and John born in 1863, had died prior to 1928. I suspect, since Patrick Walsh (born in 1865) inherited the farm from their father, that Michael Walsh may have also immigrated to America? If so, a city location in the obituary would have been helpful. America is a big place and Michael Walsh is a very common Irish name.MRS. MARGARET WALSH DUNCAN
Atlantic City. Oct. 2 — Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan, one of the resort's prominent hotel women, died yesterday at her home, 105 South Cambridge avenue, Ventnor City, following a long illness. She was 58.
Mrs. Duncan had been proprietress of the Continental Hotel for 22 years. She was treasurer of the Travelers' Aid Society here, and was chairman of the board of trustees of the Catholic Daughters of America when the Stella Maris home was built. She was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, the auxiliary of the Spanish American War Veterans and the World War Veterans.
She is survived by her husband, T. Parkes Duncan, three brothers, Thomas J. Walsh, Michael P. Walsh and Patrick Walsh, and two sisters, Mrs. Kate Brassill and Mrs. Josephine Brady.
The funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday from the Continental Hotel. Mass will be conducted at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church. Interment will be in Pleasantville Cemetery.
Courier-Post, Camden, New Jersey, 2 October 1928
The 44th G.A.R. National Encampment was also held in Atlantic City the following year in September 1910. The Spanish War veterans encampment was held in Atlantic City in 1912. For each of the reunions, the activities would include a parade where the veterans would march wearing a specially designed medal with ribbon made just for their "encampment". These are now collector's items; the Atlantic City G.A.R. encampment medals incorporate a lighthouse inside a seashell and are very attractive (and expensive, about $100 to $150 on ebay). Amazing to consider that Margaret Walsh Duncan, although born in Ballynahinch in 1867 after the end of the American Civil War, through her ownership of the Continental Hotel and membership in the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, would have met hundreds of Civil War veterans during her lifetime. I reckon many of these veterans would have also been born in Ireland. Could one of the Irish veterans in attendance at the 44th G.A.R. encampment of 1910 in Atlantic City have been the missing Civil War soldier Thomas McNamara of Glandree?BIG RECEPTION FOR VETERANS
Atlantic City in Gala Attire in Honor of G.A.R. Encampment
Atlantic City will be gay with bunting to-morrow in response to Mayor Stoy's proclamation requesting everyone to decorate in honor of the G.A.R. veterans of New Jersey, who will assemble for their annual reunion and encampment. Department Commander Foran is already on the ground and has established Department Headquarters at the Chalfonte.
The Camden Posts' headquarters will be at the Continental Hotel on Tennessee avenue just below Atlantic avenue and in sight of the Pennsylvania railroad depot. Mrs. Margaret Walsh Duncan, proprietress, has made every preparation to give the Camden veterans and their friends a royal welcome. The hotel has been elaborately decorated, the work being done by Mr. James Walsh, the well-known expert decorator of the city.
The feature of the veteran's parade that takes place tomorrow afternoon, will be the famous Filipino military band of eighty-six pieces, which will head the line of march by courtesy of Captain John Young, of the million-dollar pier. The big social event of the reunion will be the "camp-fire" to be held on Young's new million-dollar pier to-morrow night. The encampment will close on Friday with the election of officers.
The Morning Post, Camden, New Jersey, 19 May 1909
It is very fortunate that the obituary for Margaret Walsh Duncan states that her brother was "Michael P. Walsh". In the 1886 City Directory for Philadelphia, there were 15 men named "Michael Walsh", but there was only one "Michael P. Walsh". His occupation was "special officer" and home residence was the "Continental Hotel" owned by the Kingsley family. The Continental Hotel (1857 - 1924) was the most famous hotel in Philadelphia and where president-elect Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in February 1861 prior to his inauguration on 4 March 1861. The Continental Hotel was demolished in 1924 and replaced by the Benjamin Franklin Hotel.Well, they blew up the Chicken Man in Philly last night
Now they blew up his house too
Down on the boardwalk they're gettin' ready for a fight
Gonna see what them racket boys can do
Atlantic City (Nebraska album, 1982):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3eu1gW ... rt_radio=1
Michael P. Walsh was most likely a "special officer" at the bar located in the Continental Hotel, a hotel for the elite, and not at a "concert dive". "Old Time Drinking Places of Philadelphia" stated that the Continental bar at Ninth and Chestnut, then under the control of the Kingsleys, was for "men about town". https://www.ushistory.org/philadelphia/ ... places.htmThe principal concert dives are located in the territory which includes the block bounded by Eighth and Ninths and Race and Vine streets. It is known as the "coast". The concert dives have pianos, violins, cornets and tenors as the principal attractions. Between acts the tenors shuffle bad beer and vile whisky. Every dive has a "special officer," who is sworn in by the Mayor to preserve peace in the dives. These "special officers" wear uniforms and tin badges with "Special Officer" stamped on them. The officers mostly wear moustaches dyed black. They carry canes with which they rap on the tables when there is an unusual amount of boisterousness and shout: "Order, gentlemen."
The "special officers" look very fierce. They are mostly broken-down pugilists. If a customer gets very drunk and complains that the beer shuffler didn't give him the right change the "special officer" preserves peace by throwing the customer out into the street.
The Times, Philadelphia, 3 December 1886
In the 1900 census, Michael Walsh, his wife Daisy E. Walsh (age 35), and daughter Daisy E. Walsh (age 11) are reported as living at 4410 Lancaster Avenue. His occupation was "saloon keeper" who rented the property. Michael Walsh was reported as age 41 and born in Ireland in February 1859 — amazingly accurate as his baptism was on 20 February 1859.LIQUOR CHANGES
Many Transfers Were Granted Yesterday by License Court Judges
At yesterday's session of the License Court Judges Wiltbank and McCarthy disposed of an unusually large number of applications pertaining to liquor license matters. There were in all eighty-three cases on the list, sixty-nine retail and twelve wholesale.
Retail Granted:
34th Ward: Christian Hoehn, 4412-14 Lancaster avenue to M.P. Walsh
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 19 November 1899
Michael Walsh appears to have hired a young Irishman named Joseph Quigley, quite possibly from County Clare. We can't be sure of Michael Walsh's reasoning, but he decided to sell the shuffle board only about one year after hiring Quigley.WANT YOUNG MAN to attend shuffle board in saloon some experience preferred. M.P. Walsh. 4412 Lancaster avenue.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 8 December 1900
While Quigley had the job at Walsh's saloon, he tried to put some money away, but he had debts that no honest man could pay:A SINGLE SHUFFLEBOARD in good order, for cash. Address 4412 Lancaster ave.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2 February 1902
Michael Walsh appears to have struggled in hiring good employees for his saloon. His sister, Margaret Walsh Duncan, would hire their many Irish born nieces from three separate families to work at the Continental Hotel in Atlantic City. But I doubt these same Irish families would allow their daughters to go to America and work at a saloon. Therefore, Michael Walsh had to frequently place want ads in the Philadelphia newspapers and you can sense his growing frustration:FOUND NEAR THE SAFE
Saloonkeeper Discovered Former Employee in His Place of Business
Discovered on Thursday evening in a room over the saloon of Michael P. Walsh, 4412 Lancaster avenue, Joseph Quigley, a young man of Cherry Street, below Sixteenth, fought desperately to escape. He was formerly employed at the place and the police charge that he went there for the purpose of committing robbery. In the room where he was found was a safe containing nearly $1,000.
The saloonkeeper went to the room about 6 o'clock in the evening to deposit the day's receipts in the safe, and after doing so he heard a noise, which resulted in the discovery of Quigley. The latter, after pleading with his former employer to allow him to go, fought for freedom and he and the saloonkeeper were rolling over each other on the floor when the bartender, attracted by the scuffle, reached the room. A policeman was summoned and he arrested Quigley, who was committed to jail yesterday by Magistrate Thornton pending another hearing.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, 29 November 1902
In June 1906, Michael Walsh obtained a new liquor license for a property at 2100 Market Street in the Ninth Ward. He would leave West Philly behind — in looking up his old address at 4412 Lancaster Avenue on google maps, this was a very wise decision.WOMAN—Wanted, steady woman: plain cooking and downstairs work in saloon; small family; steady place; good wages. Apply 4412 Lancaster Ave.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 30 June 1903
HOUSEWORK—Wanted, competent steady woman to cook and general housework in saloon; small family; steady place and good wages; references. Apply Monday, 4412 Lancaster ave.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 19 March 1906
In the 1910 census, the Walsh family was living at 2100 Market Street. His daughter Daisy was reported as "Nox". The occupation of Michael Walsh was reported as "hotel proprietor + owner". He was a saloon keeper. Did he report to the census taker that he was as a hotel proprietor and owner because he had invested in 1906 with his sister Margaret Walsh to purchase the Hotel Continental in Atlantic City for $47,000?LIQUOR LICENSES
OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS.
Philadelphia, June 26, 1906.
The following petitions for transfer of liquor licenses have been filed in this office...
RETAIL
Ninth Ward—Boyle, Michael. S.W. corner 21st and Market streets to Michael P. Walsh.
Thirty-fourth Ward—Walsh, Michael P.. 4412-14 Lancaster ave. to Michael J. Fay.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 28 June 1906
The building at 2100 Market Street, now over a century old, has been remarkably well taken care of and the ground floor is now a Dunkin Donuts. The three-story building looks very similar to the two-story corner shop of James W. Halpin of Brooklyn, who, I'm fairly certain, is a first cousin of Michael P. Walsh (see page 27).Other Central Transactions
Record was made of the sale of the saloon property and three-story residence at 2100 Market street by Henry McGee to Michael P. Walsh for $39,000. There is a one-story brick shop in the rear. The property occupies a lot, 20 by 125 feet, at the southwest corner of Twenty-first and Market streets. The assessed value is $32,000.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2 August 1914
BREWERY OFFICIALS FACE ARREST WHILE POLICE RAID BARS
Surprise Drive Against Saloons in City Centre Yields Much Liquor
Criminal prosecutions were launched yesterday by Federal prohibition authorities against forty-one officials of ten breweries now under seizure. . . .
While this action was being taken by Federal officials, police were making one of the most comprehensive drives so far attempted on downtown saloons. Beginning at 7:30 A.M. a squad of thirty-five men kept at work most of the day, visiting more than a score of places and confiscating huge quantities of alleged liquor. Detective Beckman directed the raids.
The police raids came as a complete surprise to all the saloon owners and their patrons. Even when they were in full swing the news seemed to travel slowly, or else the "tipsters" thought each visitation would be the last. As a consequence the raiding party found plenty of customers as spectators at each place visited.
Long before noon patrol wagons loaded with barrels of alleged beer and cases containing all varieties of hard stuff were rolling toward Fifteenth and Locust streets station, which is one of the district headquarters abandoned under Director Butler's redistricting plan. Within a short time this looked like a wholesale liquor house, and passing motorists and pedestrians sniffed the air with a far-away look in their eyes.
The places raided by Detective Beckman's squad include the following:
(list including). . . Michael P. Walsh, Twenty-first and Market streets; . . .
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 30 August 1924
That same month, "The American Stores Company has taken a ten years' lease on the first floor and basement of the premises 2100 Market street from M.P. Walsh". (Philadelphia Inquirer, 27 January 1925). He also sold two of his properties. A three-story dwelling, at the southwest corner of Twenty-first and Commerce streets, to S. Kravitz for $31,000, which was $14,000 in excess of the assessed valuation. (18 January 1925). Also, a two-story brick building at 2039 Ranstead Street was sold to J.J. Murphy for $26,000, which was also $14,000 in excess of assessed valuation (28 April 1925).24 PADLOCK WRITS SOUGHT BY POLICE
Dry Goods and Cigar Stores, Several Restaurants and Saloons Are on List
Called Common Nuisances
A dry goods store, a cigar store, several restaurants, and saloons, are affected by the new petitions. The police department seeks to close these places on the ground that they have violated the common nuisance clause of the Snyder act, the State prohibition law. . . . Under the legal requirements, the owner of the establishment is given an opportunity to show cause at an open hearing why the padlock petition should not be granted.
The places named in the petitions are: (list of establishments)
John J. O'Malley, saloon, Twenty-first and Market streets; Thomas Daly, employee; Michael P. Walsh, owner.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 4 January 1925
Arriving back in New York on the SS Leviathan out of Cherbourg, France, were T. Parks Duncan and Margaret Duncan. Their last permanent address was the Hotel Continental, Atlantic City, New Jersey. T. Parks Duncan (age 54) born in New Castle, Delaware on 8 August 1871. Margaret Duncan (age 56) was a U.S. citizen by marriage; passport #132241.Mr. and Mrs. T. Parks Duncan, proprietors of the Continental Hotel, have sailed for Europe for a three-month tour of England, Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. They will not return before Easter.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 27 December 1925
Holy Year pilgrims would arrive in Rome throughout 1925 from all over the world. Philadelphia did appear to have had a large number of pilgrims compared to other U.S. cities. The "special devotion" of Cardinal Dougherty of Philadelphia to the canonization of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux on 17 May 1925 likely led to the high number of Philadelphians going to Rome.500 ROME PILGRIMS START VOYAGE AMID TUMULTUOUS ADIEUS
Thousands Throng Pier as Holy Year Tourists Depart on Ohio
By Richard J. Beamish
Old Glory mingled with the gold and white Papal flag at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon as two bands played their mightiest, and as thousands of relatives and friends shouted farewells to more than 500 Catholic pilgrims Romeward bound for a visit to the Vatican in devout observance of the Holy Year.
As the Royal Mail steamship Ohio swung into midstream from its berth at the foot of Washington avenue [Philadelphia], every inch of space along the pier that would give footing became alive with waving flags. The Ohio, fairly beaming with vari-colored bannerets, called a hoarse good-bye through its big-throated siren. The bugles of St. Monica's cadets sang golden notes across the stream. The band of St. Philip's Boys' Battalion on the ferry boat Haddonfield, chartered by the Philadelphia Tourist Club, sent the blood tingling with a merry air. The noonday sun vied with the white and gold of the myriad Papal flags as Monsignor Nevin F. Fisher, spiritual director of the pilgrimage, stood bare-headed at the stern, and let the voyage in a parting cheer.
Many From Other Places in Party
For the most part, the pilgrims came from Philadelphia, but some came from up-State towns and even from other States. Shenandoah, Mahoney City, Tamaqua and other Schuylkill county towns were especially represented. A number of dignitaries of the Church were in the party and a large representation of priests and nuns.
The Tourists Club, with James A. Freeman and John A. Crowley at its head, accompanied the Ohio to the Pennsylvania State lane at Chester where the ferryboat broke out a final salute of flags and a last salvo of cheers. By that time the pilgrims had found their steamer chairs, their cabins and had made their dining room seating arrangements for the long voyage. The seasoned ocean travelers had aided the neophytes to make themselves comfortable.
Cardinal to Present Party to Pope
Several of the lectures will concern the life and works of the Carmelite nun, known to the Catholic world as "The Little Flower" whose canonization as Saint Therese, of Lisieux on Sunday, May 17, in St. Peter's will be witnessed by the pilgrims.
Cardinal Dougherty, who sailed last week for Rome, will present the pilgrims to Pope Pius XI. They also will have the good fortune to witness and hear the participation by the Cardinal in the canonization ceremony for the Saint to whom he has a special devotion.
Steamer Sets River Record
The Ohio, as it left the pier, was the heaviest-laden ship ever to make the trip down the Delaware. It is of 19,000 tons burden. Under the direction of Captain W.H. Parker the departure on the scheduled minute was accomplished smoothly and without untoward incident.
Former State Senator John J. Coyle, a papal chamberlain, is president of the pilgrimage. He will lead visits to the four basilicas in Rome set apart for devotion during the Holy Year. These are St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Paul's Outside the Wall and St. Mary Major.
The first stop of the pilgrims will be at the island of Madeira on May 5. An opportunity will be given for a brief trip through the beautiful town. Gibraltar will be the next stop, on May 7, and there will be an excursion ashore. There will be another break in the voyage when the Ohio calls at Algiers on May 9. The pilgrims will say good-bye to the ship on May 11 when Naples is reached.
After two days sightseeing in Naples and its magnificent environs, a train will be taken May 13 to Rome. Visits to the four basilicas and the audience with the Pope will follow a schedule to be worked out after Msgr. Fisher shall have conferred with Cardinal Dougherty.
Cardinal Devoted to Saintly Nun
The Cardinal's devotion to "The Little Flower" dates back to the time when he was Bishop of Jolo in the Philippines. A Carmelite nun there requested him to bring a message to a sister of the same order in Philadelphia. His visit to the Philadelphia convent resulted in a conversation about the young nun who died November 30, 1897, at the age of 24, in Lisieux, France. So impressed was he with her saintly character that he placed a collection he was about to be placed under her protection. The success of that undertaking was prodigious. He interested the Pope in the remarkable career of Therese. The Cardinal's argument was to such good purpose that he was called to celebrate mass in the Lisieux convent on the occasion of the beatification April 29, 1923.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9r ... nonization
https://www.littleflower.org/therese/life-story/
Pope's Invitation Inspired Trip
The pilgrimage goes to Rome in response to this invitation by the Pope:
"Nothing remains to us now, beloved children, but to ask you all most lovingly to Rome, that you may profit by the treasures which Holy Mother Church holds out to you. And do not delay, in these times when all are hastening after material gain, to hasten also for faith and duty of conscience . . . (another four paragraphs) . . .
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 28 April 1925
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart had an interesting method of awarding medals, for most categories they picked the top three students and had a drawing to choose the winner. Daisy Walsh got very lucky and won three medals. Was surprised that crayon drawing had already made it into the curriculum as crayola crayons had only been invented in 1903. It would be interesting to compare the American and Irish curriculum for girls during the early 20th century. Daisy Walsh was 18 years old when she graduated in 1907 from the Villa Maria academy. Her Irish cousins back in County Clare appear to have been "scholars" through 16 years old according to the 1911 Irish census. Her 17 year old cousin Josephine Brady was a "monitress" in 1911 which sounds like it may have been associated with the national schools.MEDALS AWARDED AT VILLA MARIA
WEST CHESTER. June 25.—The closing feature of the annual commencement of the Convent of the Immaculate Heart, Villa Maria, in this place, last evening, was the awarding of medals and other tokens of appreciation to those selected for the honors.
The following young women, having reached a term average of 96 or more, were entitled to draw for the General Average Medal awarded in the Graduating Class: Miss Daisy E. Walsh, Miss Gladys Wilbraham, Miss Edith Meade. Medal was won by Miss Daisy E. Walsh, Philadelphia.
The following young women were entitled to draw for the gold medal in Christian doctrine: Miss Daisy E. Walsh, Miss Katherine Hastings, Miss Gertrude Caldwell. Medal was won by Daisy E. Walsh.
The following young women were entitled to draw for the gold medal in mathematics: Misses Daisy E. Walsh, Gladys Wilbraham, Edith W. Meade. Medal was won by Miss Gladys Wilbraham, Chicago, Illinois.
The following young women were entitled to draw for the gold medal crayon drawing: Misses Daisy E. Walsh, Katherine Hastings, Regina Sullivan, Edith Meade, Gladys Wilbraham, Marguerite Campbell, Regina Flannery, Ada Arundel, Helen Carsley, Gertrude Caldwell, Elizabeth McGrath. Medal was won by Miss Ada Arundel, Philadelphia.
The following young women were entitled to draw for the elocution medal: Misses Daisy E. Walsh, Marguerite Campbell, Ada Arundell. Medal was won by Miss Daisy E. Walsh.
. . . (other medals awarded, that Daisy Walsh was not entitled to the drawing, included "Spencerian penmanship", "ornamental pen drawing", and "amiability, politeness, and correct deportment") . . .
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 26 June 1907, page 3
PILGRIMS AT MADEIRA
Cablegram Announces Safe Arrival of Philadelphia Holy Year Party
The Philadelphia delegation of Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome to take part in the Holy Year celebration, reached Madeira on the steamship Ohio on Tuesday, according to the cablegram received from George W. Crowley, 1237 North Sixtieth street, secretary of the Lay Papal Dignitaries Committee.
Mr. Crowley cabled his son, John A. Crowley, 2100 Market street, of his arrival. The cable read "Arrived safely at Madeira. Had a wonderful visit. Leaving for Gibraltar. Everything running smoothly." The pilgrims expect to reach Rome on May 12. They left this city April 27.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 7 May 1925, page 8
George W. Crowley would leave Cherbourg on the Orca on the 6th of June, and not continue to Ireland.PILGRIMS REACH PARIS
One Group to Tour Ireland, Other Sails for Home June 6
According to a cablegram received by John Crowley, 2100 Market street, from his father George W. Crowley, secretary of the Philadelphia Pilgrimage to Rome, the party of 270 Philadelphians arrived safely in Paris yesterday noon. Mr. Crowley said the party intended dividing itself into two units, one unit to make an extended trip to Ireland, the other to set sail for home June 6. The latter party is expected to arrive in this city June 16.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 3 June 1925, page 7
The Orduna did indeed arrive in New York the following week on 23 June 1925:120 MORE PILGRIMS BACK FROM ROME
Philadelphia Catholics Profoundly Impressed by Visits to Famed Shrines
Last of Company to Sail from Queenstown Sunday, After Touring Green Isle
"An appreciation of the glory and the grandeur of the Catholic Church was far and above the most significant impression of our Holy Year pilgrimage to Rome."
This was the comment of George W. Crowley, secretary of the lay papal dignitaries' committee in charge of the pilgrimage which left Philadelphia on the S.S. Ohio, on April 27, on his return yesterday morning on the Royal Mail packer Orca and arrived in Philadelphia yesterday afternoon.
By a special dispensation, the local pilgrims were permitted to complete their visit in Rome in seven days, instead of ten, and spent the remainder of the time visiting famous old cities of Italy and France, stopping particularly at the famed cathedrals. . .
Mr. Crowley admitted that the maitres d'hotels, the guides and the shopkeepers had their own prices for their cousins from the Western Hemisphere, and they were not reduced ones. . .
The remainder of the pilgrims, who are now touring England and Ireland, will sail from Queenstown on Sunday night, on the Orduna, and will arrive at New York late next week.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 17 June 1925, page 9
SheilaAmerican Soldiers tried for Fenian Sympathies. Buffalo, N.Y., July 30. – By order of the Secretary of War the following officers have been detained on court-martial duty at Fort Porter: Colonel Hamilton, First Artillery; Captain Huxford, Forty-second Infantry; Captain Thying, First Artillery; Lieutenant Stewart, Fourth Artillery; Capt Payne, Forty-second infantry, Judge Advocate. The court assembled this morning, when 17 privates of Battery M, Fourth Artillery, were arraigned for parading in procession with a body of Fenians at their pic-nic. The prisoners are charged with conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline. In the specification they are charged with joining, without authority, a Fenian festival, and discarding the uniform, or parts of the uniform, of the United States soldier, and dressing in the uniform, or parts of the uniform of a Fenian association; that they paraded with said association under arms, said Fenian association being an institution reported to be in armed hostility to the Government of Great Britain and Ireland, with which the United States is at peace – all this at Blackrock, New York, and on the 17th of July. These charges and specifications are signed by John Mendenhall, Brevet Colonel, Fourth Artillery.
Two of the Fenians in Buffalo, F B Gallagher and James Whelan, we've already discovered at the start of the search for the missing Thomas McNamara of Glandee — see page 1.Fenians and the Church—Funeral of the Fenian Sergeant Lynch—Father Gleason Refuses to Administer the Last Rites in the Cathedral
[From the Buffalo Express]
Sergeant John Lynch, of Captain Grace's company of Fenians from Cincinnati, who was wounded in the groin at the battle of Limestone Bridge, June 2nd, 1866, died in the Hospital of the Sisters of Charity last Saturday morning
Yesterday afternoon an uniformed body of Fenians, designated as the Seventh Regiment, I.R.A., assembled at 1 o'clock in No. 41 Pearl street, for the purpose of burying the body with military honors. The troop left the armory between three and four hundred strong, accompanied by Young's Brass Band, and marched to the Hospital, where the body was placed in Mr. Crowley's hearse by six Fenian sergeants. The regiment then reformed and escorted the remains down Main street to Court street, thence to Franklin street, halting in front of St. Joseph's Cathedral, at about 3 o'clock.
It is said that a committee of Fenians, consisting of Messrs. [Frank B] Gallagher, Walen [James Whelan], and [William] Clingen had waited on the Rev. Father Gleason, the Administrator of the Diocese, last Saturday evening, when they were given to understand that the funeral service could be performed in the Cathedral. [Gallagher and Whelan appear on the 1866 receipt for Fenian uniforms on page one]
In accordance with this understanding, the bearers, under the direction of the Sexton, conveyed the corpse into the church, Mr. Crowley then announced to Father Gleason that all was in readiness for the final prayers for the soul of the dead. The Prelate informed the Sexton that he could not perform the last rites unless the men in green uniforms should first leave the church.
On this answer being made known to those having the funeral charge, the pall bearers were at once ordered to take up the coffin and leave the church. They did so and were followed out by a large number of the friends of the deceased, and the uniformed portion of the Brotherhood who were present. The remains were placed in the hearse, after which the column proceeded along the Terrace to Main street, down Main to Ohio, out Ohio street towards Limestone Hill Cemetery as far as the Plank road, when all returned to the city but the party detailed to fire three volleys over the grave, and a few friends. The prayers at the grave were read by a layman, all present kneeling around the grave with uncovered heads.
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, New York, 1 August 1867, page 2
Why was Father Gleeson so obsessed with secret societies? I reckoned there must have been something in his childhood in Ireland that led Father Gleeson of Buffalo in 1867 to ban a Fenian funeral from taking place in a Catholic Church and twenty two years later in 1889 to discourage young Catholic women of the First Ward from joining what would appear to be a rather harmless fraternal aid society (one that obviously allowed women). But what?FIRST WARD GIRLS
Monsignor Gleeson Tells Them it is Not Nice to Join Oath-Bound Societies
A number of young ladies are in a flutter over some remarks made by the Rev. Monsignor Gleeson in St. Bridget's pulpit last Sunday.
The Monsignor said it was not a nice thing for young Catholic girls to join an oath-bound society, and this was quite an interesting statement to several who have recently joined the Equitable Aid Union, a fraternal society that started a branch in the First Ward.
"I was in the church at the time," said John J. Hynes, "and heard the Monsignor, and of course everybody knew that he meant the Equitable Aid Union, for the names of several young Catholic ladies have recently been printed as officers of the society."
"Did he demand that they withdrew?"
"Oh, no. He simply said it was not a nice thing for them to join a secret, oath-bound society."
"The church does not countenance secret societies?"
"No. Of course labor organizations are exempt, and in reference to fraternal societies that is a matter that all the Bishops are not agreed upon. It is a matter for their individual judgment. In one diocese a Bishop might advise against joining such societies, and in another it might be countenanced."
"Did the Monsignor advise all against joining the Equitable Aid Union?"
"No, he said nothing about the men."
"Is there anything of a religious nature about the society?"
"No. It is non-sectarian."
. . .
Buffalo Evening News, 27 March 1889, page 1
In the House of Commons of 30 March, 1846, the "Protection of Life (Ireland) Bill", a coercion act, was discussed in length after objections by several members. William Smith O'Brien, then MP for Limerick, wished to postpone the measure as "it was bad policy, when the people were starving, to press such a measure forward with so much haste." Discussion of the coercion act went ahead, including a large number of examples of crime in Ireland, including the attack on the Michael Gleeson family:STATE OF THE COUNTRY—TIPPERARY—The threats of a "coercion act" have as yet produced no effect on the old race of agrarian disturbers. Every day's report from the midland counties produces new proofs of this established point. In the Nenagh paper of this morning, there are the following records on this subject.—
On Sunday evening last, about the hour of six o'clock five armed men, with their faces blackened, entered by rushing into the house of Mr. Michael Gleeson, of Kilcoleman, within four miles of Nenagh—they then placed all the inmates on their faces upon the floor—some of them remained in the room as sentries—others went through the house searching for arms, in which they were successful, having got two guns and some powder, which they carried off, firing shots on their departure.
The Morning Post, London, 20 February, 1846
There was a discrepancy between the two newspaper accounts whether the Gleeson attack of February 1846 occurred at 6 o'clock in the evening or else 7 or 8 o'clock in the morning. I'd of thought an evening attack more likely. Also, that Michael Gleeson had five sons home at the time? More likely, that he had five sons and daughters home during the attack? His son, Edward M. Gleeson, was already living in Knutsford, Cheshire, England in the 1851 census, where he was reported as born in Ireland, 34 years old, single, and "Member of the R.C.S. London . . .". Most likely already a doctor by 1846 (or a medical student) and thus unlikely to be living in Kilcolman townland when the attack occurred.. . . I shall trouble the house [of Commons] with one more case. This is a remarkable case, which shows in the strongest light, and under circumstances the most atrocious, the fear which pervades every member of the family attacked, and which prevents each from giving any evidence against the persons guilty of such savage acts. At 7 or 8 o'clock on a morning in February, a party of men, all armed with bludgeons, entered the house of Michael Gleeson, who was in bed, as also were the rest of his family, except a daughter of his, who opened the door. The party entered, and drew him out of his bed, and inflicted two wounds on his hand. Gleeson had a son, who slept in the same room, and on hearing the uproar, the latter got out of bed, and was immediately attacked on his opposing the ingress of the party. Mind, this was at eight o'clock in the morning. The son offered some resistance; but, after some struggling, the party forced their way into the room, and treated him in a manner similar to that in which they treated his father, inflicting three severe cuts on his head. They then made an attack upon the house, and destroyed all the furniture. The cause of this was, that Gleeson, three years ago, came into the possession of land, of which a man was dispossessed for non-payment of rent. This [the Gleeson's] was a house inhabited by a father with his five sons. Though the five [Gleeson] sons were present, not one of them informed the police of this occurrence, though, as the informant states, the daughter and one of the sons could have given sufficient evidence to convict the parties concerned. The resident magistrate (Mr. O'Hea), in speaking of these matters, says "Such is the system of terror in this district that my belief is, that if the gang had murdered old Gleeson, not one of his family would have ventured to point out the offenders, or would have come forward to vindicate the law." (Hear, hear). . . .
The Daily News, London, 31 March 1846, page 4
John Hogan pleaded guilty. A jury found Joseph Spain guilty in March 1847. Both were transported for fourteen years, presumably to Australia.IRELAND.
The accounts from the North Riding of Tipperary show no symptoms of improvement, the local papers, as usual, furnishing a fearful catalogue of agrarian outrage of every kind, save the actual commission of the worst crime. The following is the account of the attack on Mrs. Finch, of Kilcoleman, as supplied by the Tipperary Vindicator—
As Mrs. Finch, of Kilcoleman, was proceeding home, from Nenagh Church on Sunday, her carriage was met at the cross of Solsborough by three men, one of whom was armed with a pistol; the others were without arms. The coachman, perceiving that they were approaching, quickly drove on, when one of the fellows went to the horses' heads, and another to the windows of the carriage, whilst a third stood at a short distance looking on. Mrs. Finch was accompanied by her sister, Miss Parker. The man who went to the carriage window said he had a notice for Mrs. Finch to turn away Quinlisk, her steward, and handed in a paper. Mrs. Finch immediately rejected it, stating that she would not be dictated to as to what she should do with those in her employment. It appears that she had been more than once warned before to dismiss the steward, who, we have heard, is a faithful servant. The notice was then handed to Miss Parker, in order, it is supposed, that she would retain and give it to Mrs. Finch to read; but Miss Parker determinedly threw it out of the window, and in the meantime the coachman made every effort to drive on the horses, most spirited animals, when the man at the horses' head fired of a pistol at the horses. One of the slugs with which it was loaded penetrated the coachman's leg, whilst others of the slugs went through his coat. No further injury was inflicted but Mrs. Finch and Miss Parker, very naturally, were greatly frightened. There were many persons on the road at the moment. Immediate chase was given to the three fellows, two of whom were returned in the direction of Nenagh, and one of whom actually went through the town, passed one of the police stations, and was taken in one of the most crowded thoroughfares by the police. Another was pursued by Mrs. Finch's herd's son and the coachman. In going over a wall in a field belonging to Mr. Kilkelly, he fell and fractured his ankle, which was subsequently reduced by Dr. Quin, the physician in the county gaol, where two of the prisoners, namely, Joseph Spain and John Hogan, both of whom were very drunk, had been lodged. We understand that Spain's brother was tried at the last assizes for appearing in arms by night, and was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment. Hogan, we are assured, has been frequently in custody upon suspicion, and many charges brought against him, but none have been proved. The third person has not yet been discovered, but the police are in active search for him.
The Ipswich Journal, Suffolk, England, 7 November 1846, page 3
Monsignor William Gleeson, of Buffalo (who was born in Nenagh, county Tipperary), has arrived in Ireland on a visit to his friends, after an absence of forty years.
The Freeman's Journal, Dublin, 26 August 1889
Monsignor Gleeson's comment in 1889 how Ireland had a "much more fraternal feeling" was set against a very low bar given that the Gleeson family of Kilcolman townland and their neighbor Mrs. Finch had been attacked in 1846."One thing that impressed me greatly in Ireland," Monsignor Gleeson said to me in a chat about his trip to his native land, "was the great scarcity of tilled land. The fields looked as green as an emerald, and everywhere I went I saw grazing lands." Father Gleeson, who is Vicar-General of this diocese, went abroad 3½ months ago, suffering somewhat in health and considerably with his eyes, and I am very glad to note that he is quite recovered. He told me that another thing that came under his observation and which gave him great pleasure was that there is much more fraternal feeling among the people of Ireland now than there was when he left there 41 years ago.
The Buffalo Sunday Morning News, 17 November 1889
☛ At a meeting of the Fenian Brotherhood of Buffalo, held at their hall, 41 Pearl street, on Wednesday evening, July 31st, preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, expressive of the indignation of the members of the Brotherhood, at the conduct of Rev. Wm. Gleason of St. Joseph's Cathedral, in refusing to perform the funeral services of the Church over the remains of Sergeant John Lynch.
The Buffalo Evening Post, 2 August 1867, page 2