Ceallaigh, more commonly known as Kelly, but occasionally written Kaley
and Kiley. The experience of the father and son is a remarkable
illustration of the vigor of the old Gaelic blood, for with equal
opportunities the men in whose veins it runs, let them be Irish or
Highland Scotch, take no second place in the varied walks of life. The
birthplace of Timothy Kaley was not a great distance from that of the
ancestors of the Sullivans of New Hampshire, who also came from the
south of Ireland.
Dr. Nathaniel Kelly was an eminent physician in the town of Plaistow, N.
H., where he was born in 1800. He represented his town in the state
Legislature. Dr. Langley Kelly was another distinguished physician
residing in Weare, N. H., in 1878.
In placing the foregoing names before the reader, one cannot help being
surprised at the number of men bearing a distinctive Irish name
appearing in either the Town, Provincial or State records of New
Hampshire. Even in our day but comparatively few men have their names
printed in the public records. It is safe, therefore, to say that the
greater part of these men had done something to specially merit them a
place in the records.
Again, a good idea can be formed of the number of men bearing
distinctively Irish names, as the number of persons bearing this one
name figured in New Hampshire affairs, or a greater part of them, before
1800, an unusually large proportion of them having seen service in the
Provincial wars or in the war for independence. Assuredly, a most
fitting conclusion to this article will be Mr. Joseph I. C. Clarke’s
poem:
THE FIGHTING RACE.
“Read out the names!” and Burke sat back,
And Kelly dropped his head,
While Shea—they called him Scholar Jack—
Went down the list of the dead:
Officers, seamen, gunners, marines,
The crews of the gig and the yawl,
The bearded man and the lad in his ’teens,
Carpenters, coal passers—all.
Then, knocking the ashes from out his pipe,
Said Burke, in an off-hand way:
“We’re all in that dead-man’s list, by cripe!—
Kelly and Burke and Shea.”
“Well, here’s to the Maine, and I’m sorry for Spain,”
Said Kelly and Burke and Shea.
“Wherever there’s Kellys there’s trouble,” said Burke,
“Wherever fighting’s the game,
Or a spice of danger in grown man’s work,”
Said Kelly, “you’ll find my name.”
“And do we fall short,” said Burke, getting mad,
“When it’s touch and go for life?”
Said Shea: “It’s thirty odd years, bedad,
Since I charged, to drum and fife,
Up Marye’s Heights, and my old canteen
Stopped a rebel ball on its way.
There were blossoms of blood on our sprigs of green—
Kelly and Burke and Shea—
And the dead didn’t brag!” “Well, here’s to the flag!”
Said Kelly and Burke and Shea.
“I wish ’twas in Ireland—for, there’s the place,”
Said Burke, “that we’d die by right—
In the cradle of our soldier race,
After one good stand-up fight.
My grandfather fell on Vinegar Hill,
And fighting was not his trade;
But his rusty pike’s in the cabin still,
With Hessian blood on the blade.”
“Aye, aye,” said Kelly, “the pikes were great
When the word was ‘Clear the way!’
We were thick on the roll in 98—
Kelly and Burke and Shea.”
“Well, here’s to the pike and the sword and the like,”
Said Kelly and Burke and Shea.
And Shea, the Scholar, with rising joy,
Said: “We were at Ramillies;
We left our bones at Fontenoy,
And up in the Pyrennees;
Before Dunkirk, on Landen’s plain,
Cremona, Lille and Ghent:
We’re all over Austria, France, and Spain,
Wherever they pitched a tent.
We’ve died for England, from Waterloo
To Egypt and Dargai;
And still there’s enough for a corps or a crew—
Kelly and Burke and Shea.”
“Well, here’s to good, honest fighting blood!”
Said Kelly and Burke and Shea.
“Oh, the fighting races don’t die out,
If they seldom die in bed—
For love is first in their hearts, no doubt,”
Said Burke; then Kelly said:
“When Michael, the high Archangel, stands,
The Angel with the sword,
And the battle-dead from a hundred lands
Are ranged in one big horde—
Our line, that for Gabriel’s trumpet waits,
Will stretch three deep that day,
From Jehosephat to the Golden Gates—
Kelly and Burke and Shea.”
“Well, here’s thank God for the race and the sod!”
Said Kelly and Burke and Shea.
SOME EARLY CELEBRATIONS OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN NEW YORK CITY,
1762–1788.
BY HON. JOHN D. CRIMMINS.[8]
St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in New York City as early as 1762. Of
this fact we have a record. But the anniversary was, doubtless, observed
here even at a much earlier period, if not by organization, then by
groups of congenial friends. Irish residents of Boston, Mass.,
celebrated St. Patrick’s Day as far back as 1737, and, we have no doubt,
the anniversary was as early recognized in New York.
Thomas Dongan, an Irish Roman Catholic, became governor of the Province
of New York in 1683 and held the office until 1688. There is little
doubt that during this period the anniversary of St. Patrick was, in
some manner, observed by the governor and his friends and countrymen in
these parts. It would be strange if this were not so, and we shall not
be surprised if, one of these days, evidence confirmatory of this comes
to light.
As a matter of established fact, however, we for the present date St.
Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York City from 1762. In the New York
_Mercury_, under date of March 15, 1762, we find the following notice:
“The anniversary Feast of St. Patrick is to be celebrated on Wednesday
the 17th instant, at the house of Mr. John Marshall, at Mount Pleasant,
near the College; Gentlemen that please to attend will meet with the
best Usage.” We find no further mention of the event, but the same was,
undoubtedly, a complete success.
A notable celebration took place in New York City in 1766. Some of the
toasts offered on that occasion appear very strange in these days. It
should be remembered, however, that British influence dominated the
gathering and that if any of the assembled company disagreed with “The
Glorious Memory of King William,” for instance, they very wisely kept
their opinions to themselves. Some of the toasts, however, appear to
have been quite commendable. The New York _Gazette_, March 20, 1766, and
the New York _Mercury_, March 24, 1766, have the following account of
the celebration:
Monday last being the Day of St. Patrick, tutelar Saint of Ireland,
was ushered in at the Dawn, with Fifes and Drums, which produced a
very agreeable Harmony before the Doors of many Gentlemen of that
Nation, and others.
Many of them assembled, and spent a joyous tho’ orderly Evening, at
the House of Mr. Bardin in this City, where the following Healths
were drank, Viz.
1. The King and Royal House of Hanover.
2. The Governor and Council of the Province.
3. The glorious memory of King William, &c.
4. The Memory of the late Duke of Cumberland.
5. The Day; and Prosperity to Ireland.
6. Success to the Sons of Liberty in America, may they never want
Money, Interest, nor Courage to Maintain their Just Rights.
7. Mr. Pitt.
8. General Conway.
9. May the Enemies of America be branded with Infamy and Disdain.
10. May the honest Heart never know Distress.
11. The Protestant Interest.
12. May all Acts of Parliament Contrary to the American Interest be
laid aside.
13. Success to American Manufacturers.
14. May the true Sons of Liberty never want Roast Beef nor Claret.
15. More Friends and less need.
16. Conquest to the Lover and Honour to the Brave.
17. May we never want Courage when we come to the Trial.
18. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
19. May the Enemies of Ireland never eat the Bread nor drink the
Whisky of it, but be tormented with Itching without the
benefit of Scratching.
20. _Our Noble Selves._
The next celebration of which we find mention took place in 1768,
concerning which the New York _Gazette_, March 14, that year, had the
following:
THE GENTLEMEN OF IRELAND
Who intend dining together on St. Patrick’s Day, are desired to send
their Names to Bolton and Sigell’s that Dinner may be prepared
accordingly.
In the same issue of the _Gazette_ we also find a statement to the
effect that “The Members of the most ancient and truly benevolent Order
of St. Patrick intend to celebrate the anniversary of that Saint, at the
House of John Marshall, at the ancient Mason’s Arms, near the Hon.
William Walton’s, Esq.; on Thursday the 17th Instant, for which Purpose
Tickets are now delivered at the said John Marshall’s.”
Now comes into view an organization known as the “Friendly Brothers of
St. Patrick.” It appears to have been divided into “knots” and to have
been largely, or entirely, composed of men in the British service. In
the New York _Gazette_ of March 13, 1769, a notice appears, stating
that:
The principal Knot of the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick, in the
XVIth Regiment of Foot, will meet at Messieurs Bolton and Sigel’s,
on Friday the 17th Inst. being the Patron Day of the Order, at 2
o’Clock, to dine and transact Business. Such Gentlemen in this City
as are of the Order, are desired to attend.
Signed by Order,
W. F. M. P. S.
In the New York _Journal_, March 30, 1769, is a notice reading as
follows: “The Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick, and several Gentlemen of
this City intend dining together at Bolton and Sigel’s Next Monday, and
from thence to go to the Play in the Evening; such Gentlemen as propose
to join them will be pleased to send in their Names to the Bar of said
Tavern two Days before. New York, March 28, 1769.”
If this latter event was intended as a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day
it is strange that it was held at so late a date after the anniversary.
However, there may have been a special reason for this. It is possible,
too, that it was a union celebration by the Friendly Brothers instead of
by a single “knot” of the organization as was that held on the 17th of
the month.
In 1770, members of “the 16th Regiment of Foot” again paid honor to the
memory of St. Patrick as the following notice in the New York _Gazette_
of March 12th, that year, indicated they would:
The Principal Knot of the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick, in the
16th Regiment of Foot, will meet at Bolton’s on Saturday the 17th
Instant, being the Patron Day of the Order, at 9 o’Clock in the
Forenoon to breakfast, transact Business and dine. Such Gentlemen in
this City as are of the Order, are desired to attend. Signed by
Order,
J. F. J. P. S.
We again find mention of the Friendly Brothers in the New York _Gazette_
of March 25, 1771, it being there stated that “at the usual celebration
of the repeal of the Stamp Act on 18 March, the assemblage on 18 March
1771, drank the usual toast ‘Prosperity to Ireland and the worthy Sons
and Daughters of St. Patrick.’ Messages of civil Compliments were
exchanged by those Gentlemen and the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick,
who dined at the Queen’s-Head Tavern; as also with a Number of other
Gentlemen who dined at Protestant Hall, at Mr. Samuel Waldron’s, on Long
Island.”
In Rivington’s New York _Gazette_, March 10, 1774, we find a notice to
the effect that “The Friendly Brothers are desired to meet at Hull’s
Tavern, on Thursday the 17th instant. Dinner to be on table precisely at
three o’clock.—F. T. M.”
The same paper under date of March 17, 1774, says “This morning the
Gentlemen who compose the most benevolent society of the Friendly
Brothers of St. Patrick will give a very elegant breakfast, at Hull’s to
the principal Ladies and Gentlemen of this city, in commemoration of the
tutelar Saint of Ireland, it being their Patron Day,” and the same issue
of the _Gazette_ announces that “The Concert which was to have been
performed at the Assembly Room, as usual this Evening, is deferred until
next Monday Evening, on Account of a public Breakfast, given by the
Gentlemen, who compose the Society of The Friendly Brothers.”
On March 16, 1775, Rivington’s New York _Gazette_ announced that
“To-morrow being the anniversary of St. Patrick, Tutelar Saint of
Ireland, will be observed with the usual respect and attention, by his
generous sons and their descendants.”
The British evacuated New York Nov. 25, 1783. Thenceforth, the St.
Patrick’s Day celebrations there took place under the inspiring presence
of a different order of things.
The evacuation of New York by the enemy was attended by many interesting
features. Preceding it, a conference took place at Dobb’s Ferry between
Washington, Governor Clinton and Sir Guy Carleton. At this conference,
it was arranged that the British were to get out of New York on the date
above mentioned. On the morning of Nov. 25, General Knox, who was of
Irish parentage, marched his men in from Harlem as far as “Bowery Lane.”
There he halted, at what is now the junction of Third Avenue and the
Bowery. The Americans remained here until about 1 p. m., as the enemy
had claimed the right of possession until noon. Before 3 p. m., Knox had
taken control of the city and of Fort George, amid the acclamations of a
great concourse. Washington located at Fraunces’ Tavern, where during
the afternoon a public dinner to the officers of the army was given by
Governor Clinton. In the evening the city was illuminated by rockets,
bonfires and other evidences of rejoicing. The British flag at Fort
George had been nailed to the staff and the latter was then made as
slippery as possible. The emblem of tyranny was soon removed, however,
and the American flag hoisted in its place.
On St. Patrick’s Day, 1784, the year following the British evacuation of
New York, a celebration took place in that city under the auspices of
the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a society organized that year and
which is still in existence. The exercises comprised a banquet at Cape’s
Tavern. Speaking of this event, the New York _Packet and Advertiser_, of
the next day, says:
Yesterday, being the anniversary of St. Patrick, his patriotic sons
met at Cape’s Tavern, where they gave an elegant entertainment to
His Excellency the Governor, Lieut.-Governor, Chancellor, and a
number of other respectable gentlemen of this State. The day and
evening were spent in festivity and mirth, and a number of suitable
toasts were drank upon this joyful occasion. The greatest unanimity
and conviviality pervaded this numerous and jovial company, and
perhaps this great Saint was never honored with a concourse of more
generous and truly patriotic sons than this assembly afforded.
In 1785, the same organization observed St. Patrick’s Day by dining at
“The Coffee House,” conducted by Mr. Bradford, in Water Street, near
Wall Street. The society dined there again in 1786, the New York _Daily
Advertiser_ stating that “Yesterday the Society of the Friendly Sons of
St. Patrick held their anniversary meeting at the Coffee-House, where an
elegant dinner was provided by Mr. Bradford.—The company were numerous
and respectable; and the day spent with that decorum and hilarity, so
truly characteristic of this friendly society.”
Speaking of this observance, the _Independent Journal_, March 18, and
the New York _Packet_, March 20, 1786, inform their readers that “The
anniversary of St. Patrick, patron of the Irish nation, was on Friday
celebrated with great festivity by our worthy friends of that kingdom: A
very elegant entertainment was provided at Mr. Bradford’s Coffee-House,
at which were present His Excellency the Governor, the Lieutenant
Governor, the Chancellor, Chief Justice, Judge Hobart, the Mayor,
Recorder, and many other persons of distinction.—The day and evening
passed with that convivial spirit which ever distinguished the true
Milesian.”
In 1788, the Friendly Sons, it is stated, dined at the Merchants’ Coffee
House, at the southeast corner of Wall and Water streets. The New York
_Journal & Patriotic Register_, March 18, that year notes two
celebrations, the first of which is believed to refer to the Friendly
Sons. The _Register’s_ mention thus reads:
ST. PATRICK.
Yesterday, being the anniversary of the Tutelar Saint of Ireland, a
number of gentlemen of that nation, assembled at the Merchants’
Coffee House, in this city, where they partook of an elegant
entertainment, drank a number of toasts, and “liberally good cheer
did bestow.”
A company also met at Corre’s.
The New York _Packet_ speaking of the observance in 1788, states that a
large company assembled “at the Coffee house” but does not mention
“Merchants’.” The reference appears in the _Packet_ of March 18, that
year, and states that “Yesterday being the anniversary of St. Patrick,
the Tutelar Saint of Ireland, a large company of gentlemen, natives of
that country, assembled at the Coffee-House; where a genteel
entertainment was provided, and which was well conducted. True festive
mirth and hilarity were displayed at this convivial board.”
WILLIAM PRENDERGAST, A PIONEER OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
BY MISS HELEN PRENDERGAST.[9]
About one mile back of the west shore of Lake Chautauqua, N. Y., and
almost directly behind the present Chautauqua Assembly ground, lies a
farm now occupied by Chauncey Moses. This farm was formerly the home of
William Prendergast, one of the pioneers of Chautauqua County.
To the rear of the house, and on a hill, is an old family graveyard
where are buried the pioneer, his wife and many of their children and
other descendants. The pioneer’s tombstone bears an inscription stating
that he was born in Kilkenny County, Ireland, Feb. 2, 1727, that he was
a son of Thomas and Mary Prendergast, and that he died Feb. 14, 1811.
His wife, Mehitable (Wing) Prendergast, is buried beside him. The
inscription on her tombstone states that she was the daughter of
Jedediah and Elizabeth Wing of Beeker, Dutchess County, N. Y., that she
was born March 20, 1737, and died Sept. 14, 1811.
For some years after their marriage, Mr. Prendergast and his wife
resided at Pawlings, Dutchess County. I have heard it said that William,
the pioneer, came to America when he was but nineteen years of age. He
continued to live at Pawlings until the year 1766. At that time the
inhabitants of Rensselaer, Dutchess and Columbia counties who rented
their lands, instead of owning them, became dissatisfied by what they
considered the unreasonable demands of the proprietors, and broke out in
open revolt.
Prendergast, who was looked upon as a leader of the disaffected, was
taken prisoner, tried for treason and sentenced to death. He was,
however, pardoned by the British king, George IV, on taking an oath
never again to bear arms against the government of England. This oath he
kept, so that during the Revolution neither he nor his sons were
actively engaged in the Patriot cause, although sympathizing therewith.
After his pardon, he removed to Pittstown, Rensselaer County, twenty-two
miles above Albany, N. Y., where he lived until 1805. At this time the
family decided to remove to Tennessee, and departed for thence,
traveling in wagons and on horseback. Not liking the place, they
returned through Ohio and Pennsylvania to New York state. When they had
reached a point some miles within New York, the horse ridden by Thomas
Prendergast, one of the sons, became lame. Being near a settler’s log
cabin, Thomas entered the latter and soon prevailed upon the settler to
sell him his claim. Thomas, therefore, decided to go no further but to
settle there and make the locality his home, which he accordingly did.
William Prendergast, the pioneer, and his wife, were the parents of
seven sons and six daughters. All but one of these children arrived at
maturity, and all but one settled in Chautauqua County, N. Y. The
children just mentioned were:
1. Matthew, born Aug. 5, 1756; died July 24, 1838.
2. Thomas, born Sept, 11, 1757; died June 3, 1842.
3. Mary, born 1760; died July 11, 1845.
4. Elizabeth, born Aug. 30, 1762; died Aug. 31, 1824.
5. James, born March 9, 1764; died June 18, 1846.
6. Jedediah, born May 13, 1766; died March 1, 1848.
7. Martin, born April 22, 1769; died June 21, 1835.
8. John Jeffrey, born 1771; date of death unknown.
9. Susanna, born April 22, 1773; died Aug. 8, 1847.
10. Elinor, died in infancy.
11. Martha, born March 18, 1777; died Dec. 9, 1849.
12. William, born 1779; died Nov. 11, 1857.
13. Minerva, born Aug. 26, 1782; died March 30, 1858.
The foregoing data, relating to the births and deaths of the children,
while possibly not exact in every instance, is approximately so, and is
the best it is now possible to procure. Of the children here mentioned:
1. Matthew became associate judge of Niagara County, N. Y., from
which Chautauqua County was taken.
2. Thomas became a successful farmer.
3. Mary married William Bemus.
4. Elizabeth died unmarried.
5. James founded Jamestown, N. Y., built and operated mills,
conducted a store, and became judge of the Court of Common
Pleas.
6. Jedediah became a physician. He also engaged, with his brother
Martin, in mercantile pursuits. He was of scholarly tastes, took
special interest in geology, and at the invitation of DeWitt
Clinton once wrote several articles on the geology of that
section of New York state. These articles were afterward
published by Governor Clinton just mentioned. Jedediah has one
grandson living in Canada. Jedediah’s only daughter, Catharine,
wedded Hon. Hamilton Merritt.
7. Martin was associate judge of Niagara County and was supervisor
for Chautauqua township for eighteen terms.
8. Susanna became the wife of Oliver Whiteside, but was a widow with
two daughters when she came to Chautauqua County.
11. Martha died unmarried.
12. William was a farmer, but is best known as Colonel Prendergast. He
enlisted in the army during the War of 1812, took part in the
battle of Black Rock, under Col. James McMahan, and won
promotion.
13. Minerva became the wife of Elihu Marvin, but was soon left a widow
with a son and daughter of tender years.
I can remember when I was a child of six or seven years of visiting
Colonel Prendergast’s house on Christmas Day and seeing his wife roast
the turkey in a tin oven before the fireplace, cooking the vegetables in
kettles hung on a crane over the blaze and pounding coffee in a mortar.
She also “dipped” her candles and cooked in a brick oven.
She had a red broadcloth cloak, trimmed with red satin, which I was
allowed to wear if I would sit still, and at the end of the visit my
great-great uncle always gave me a piece of gold or silver money. One
yet in my possession bears the date 1776.
Alexander T. Prendergast was a son of James Prendergast, the founder of
Jamestown, N. Y., and of his wife, whose maiden name was Agnes Thompson.
This Alexander had one son, James, who was a lawyer by profession and
served as a member of the State Assembly. His parents founded the James
Prendergast Free Library at Jamestown, an Episcopal church there called
the Prendergast Memorial, gave a public drinking fountain, a window in
the Congregational church, scholarships in the Jamestown schools, and
other benefactions. There are no living descendants of James, John,
William, Minerva, Martha, Elizabeth, or Elinor—children of William
Prendergast, the pioneer.
Descendants of others of the children achieved a good measure of
success. One of them, Col. Henry A. Prendergast, served as a paymaster
during the Civil War and died of sickness contracted in the service. He
was also a member for many terms of the New York State Assembly.
My own grandfather, a son of Matthew Prendergast, participated in the
battle of Black Rock during the War of 1812, and rendered able service
as a surgeon. He served many terms as a supervisor and was a famous
physician. The only members of this family, bearing the Prendergast
name, now left in Chautauqua County are my two brothers—John H. and Dr.
William Prendergast—and James Hunt Prendergast, son of John H. This
James is a lawyer practising at Westfield, N. Y. To these must be added
myself. My sister, Mrs. Whallon, has a grandchild named William
Prendergast Whallon who is now eight years of age and is of the seventh
generation.
MASTER JOHN SULLIVAN OF SOMERSWORTH AND BERWICK, AND HIS FAMILY.[10]
BY JOHN SCALES OF DOVER, N. H.
Thomas Coffin Amory begins his biography of his grandfather, Gov. James
Sullivan, as follows: