[Illustration:
FRANCIS J. QUINLAN. M. D., LL. D.,
President-General of the American Irish Historical Society. 1908–1909.
]
THE JOURNAL
OF THE
AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BY
THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE
_Secretary-General_
VOLUME VIII
PROVIDENCE, R. I.
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
1909
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
QUINLAN, FRANCIS J. Frontispiece
MURRAY, THOMAS HAMILTON 13
DOOLEY, MICHAEL F. 17
LENEHAN, JOHN J. 21
SULLIVAN MEMORIAL 26
LEE, THOMAS ZANSLAUR 29
CARTER, THOMAS H. 47
MCGUIRE, EDWARD J. 62
MURRAY, LAWRENCE O. 67
JOYCE, BERNARD J. 73
GARRIGAN, PHILIP J. 85
ROCHE, JAMES JEFFREY 93
COLLIER, PETER FENELON 99
COX, MICHAEL FRANCIS 105
JORDAN, MICHAEL J. 111
DOWLING, VICTOR J. 117
DALY, JOHN J. 123
CURRY, EDMOND J. 133
MCCAFFREY, HUGH 141
LENIHAN, M. C. 149
SHEEHAN, WILLIAM F. 159
CARTER, PATRICK 165
HERBERT, VICTOR 169
O’HAGAN, W. J. 183
GARVAN, PATRICK 195
DEVLIN, JAMES H., JR. 205
CUNNINGHAM, JAMES 209
EUSTACE, ALEXANDER C. 215
FEELEY, WILLIAM J. 219
HASSETT, THOMAS 223
FARRELL, WILLIAM J. 227
OLCOTT, CHAUNCEY 233
GAFFNEY, T. ST. JOHN 237
SANDERS, C. C. 241
CARROLL, EDWARD 245
HARDY, JOHN G. 249
[Illustration: AMERICAN-IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY THAT THE WORLD MAY
KNOW. FOUNDED, A.D. 1897]
INTRODUCTORY.
With the hope that we have succeeded in some measure in living up to the
high standard set by our honored predecessor, Thomas Hamilton Murray, in
the compiling of the Journal of the American Irish Historical Society,
we beg to offer Volume VIII.
It is greatly to be regretted that the illness and death of Mr. Murray
made it impossible to issue a Journal for 1908, and that a break was
necessitated in the series of interesting and ably-edited publications
for which he was responsible. It is hoped, therefore, that there will be
found enough of interest in the records here submitted to compensate in
some small degree for the lapse of a year in the spreading of the
Society’s records before its members. The last Volume by Mr. Murray was
issued on December 31, 1907. Volume VIII contains nothing of the records
of the subsequent year except the account of the annual meeting and
dinner held at the Manhattan Hotel, New York, January 29, 1908. This
account was compiled through correspondence with various members who
were present at that time.
The present incumbent was appointed Acting Secretary-General of the
Society on November 18, 1908, by the President-General to serve until
the next annual meeting, January 16, 1909. At that time he was formally
elected to the office for the ensuing year. There being no data previous
to this election from which to compile a chronological index for this
Volume, its omission has been necessary. Full accounts of all
proceedings will be found, however, and every address delivered at any
event under the auspices of the Society is given in full, everything of
the sort having been reported stenographically by the Society’s
stenographer. Many events of direct or indirect interest to our members
have also been touched upon.
The Society is at the present time in a most prosperous condition. Its
financial status is satisfactory, and its membership is steadily
increasing, already numbering men of national and international
prominence. Its influence is rapidly becoming national, and the
accomplishment of its great primary object, “To Make Better Known the
Irish Chapter in American History,” seems assured.
THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
_Secretary-General_.
Providence, R. I., April 1, 1909.
=American Irish Historical Society.=
PREAMBLE, CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL
SOCIETY ADOPTED AT THE ORGANIZATION MEETING JANUARY 20, 1897.
PREAMBLE.
Believing that the part taken in the settlement, foundation and
upbuilding of these United States by the Irish race has never received
proper recognition from historians, and inspired by love for the
republic, a pride in our blood and forefathers and a desire for historic
truth, this Society has met and organized.
Its mission is to give a plain recital of facts, to correct errors, to
supply omissions, to allay passion, to shame prejudice and to labor for
right and truth.
While we as loyal citizens of this republic are earnestly interested in
all the various phases of its history, we feel that we should be false
to its honor and greatness and recreant to our own blood if we did not
make a serious effort to leave to those generations which will follow us
a clearer and better knowledge of the important work done by men and
women of the Irish race on this continent.
People of this race—men and women born on Irish soil—have been here from
the first, prompted in their flight by the motives common to all
immigration, dissatisfaction with the old order of things and the
resolve to obtain a freer and better life in the new land under new
conditions.
And so we have come together—natives of Ireland, American sons of Irish
immigrants, and descendants of immigrants even unto the seventh, eighth
and ninth American generations—to duly set forth and perpetuate a
knowledge of these things.
In the days to come that lie in the womb of the future, when all the
various elements that have gone and are going to make the republic great
are united in the American—the man who in his person will represent the
bravest elements of all the old races of the earth—we desire that the
deeds and accomplishment of our element shall be written in the book of
the new race, telling what we did and no more, giving us our rightful
place by the side of the others.
To accomplish this is the purpose of this organization. It is a work
worthy of the sympathy and aid of every American who can rise above the
environment of today and look into the broad future. Fidelity, truth,
honor are the watchwords of such a purpose, and under their noble
influences should our work be done.
ARTICLE II.
OBJECTS AND PURPOSES.
The objects and purposes of this Society are:
(1) The study of American history generally.
(2) To investigate, especially, the immigration of the people of
Ireland to this country, determine its numbers, examine the sources,
learn the places of its settlement, and estimate its influence on
contemporary events in war, legislation, religion, education and other
departments of human activity.
(3) To examine records of every character, wherever found, calculated
to throw light on the work of the Irish element in this broad land.
(4) To endeavor to correct erroneous, distorted and false views of
history, where they are known, and to substitute therefor the truth of
history, based on documentary evidence and the best and most
reasonable tradition, in relation to the Irish race in America.
(5) To encourage and assist the formation of local societies in
American cities and towns for the work of the parent society.
(6) To promote and foster an honorable and national spirit of
patriotism, which will know no lines of division, which will be based
upon loyalty to the laws, institutions and spirit of the republic to
whose upbuilding the Irish element has unselfishly contributed in
blood and treasure, a patriotism whose simple watchwords will be true
Americanism and human freedom and which has no concern for any man’s
race, color or creed, measuring him only by his conduct, effort and
achievement.
(7) To promote by union in a common high purpose a sincere fraternity,
a greater emulation in well doing, a closer confidence and mutual
respect among the various elements of the Irish race in America, that
by putting behind them the asperities of the past they may unite in a
common brotherhood with their fellow citizens for the honor of the
race and the glory of the republic.
(8) To place the result of its historical investigations and
researches in acceptable literary form; to print, publish and
distribute its documents to libraries, institutions of learning, and
among its members, in order that the widest dissemination of
historical truth may be obtained and placed within the reach of
historians and other writers and readers.
(9) To sift and discriminate every paper, sketch, document bearing on
the Society’s line of work before the same is accepted and given
official sanction in order that its publication may be a guarantee of
historical accuracy; to do its work without passion or prejudice, to
view accomplished facts in the true scientific historical spirit and
having reached the truth to give it to the world.
ARTICLE III.
MEMBERSHIP.
Any person of good moral character who is interested in the special work
of this Society shall be deemed eligible for membership in the same. No
tests other than that of character and devotion to the Society’s objects
shall be applied to membership.
Every applicant for membership shall be recommended by two members of
the Society before his application shall be considered by the
Secretary-General, and the application shall be accompanied by the dues
in the amounts laid down in the by-laws.
Members will be elected as follows: Candidates may send
their applications—for which blanks will be furnished—to the
Secretary-General, accompanied by the fee as provided in the by-laws,
and each application must be endorsed by two members of the Society. The
Secretary-General shall submit the application to the executive council,
and a three fourths vote of that body by ballot or otherwise will be
necessary to elect the candidate.
ARTICLE IV.
CLASSES OF MEMBERS.
The Society shall comprise life members and annual members, who shall
pay dues as provided in the by-laws. The Society may also choose
honorary and corresponding members, who shall be exempt from dues but
shall not have the right to vote.
ARTICLE V.
OFFICERS.
The officers of the Society shall consist of:
1. A President-General.
2. A Vice-President for each state and territory and for the District
of Columbia.
3. A Secretary-General.
4. A Treasurer-General.
5. A Librarian and Archivist.
6. An Historiographer.
7. An Executive Council.
(The word “General” herein to be considered equivalent to National.)
The officers of the Society shall be elected annually.
ARTICLE VI.
THE PRESIDENT-GENERAL.
The duties of the President-General shall be to open and preside over
the Society during its deliberations, to see that the Constitution is
observed and the by-laws enforced, to appoint committees, and to
exercise a watchful care over the interests of the Society, that its
work may be properly done and its purposes adhered to. In the absence of
the President-General a presiding officer _pro tem_ may be chosen.
ARTICLE VII.
THE VICE-PRESIDENTS.
It shall be the duty of the Vice-President of each state to represent
the President-General at all meetings of state chapters of the Society
and for the Vice-President of the state to which the President-General
belongs, or in which the meeting is held, to represent him at all
meetings of the parent Society when he cannot be present and in his
absence to act as chairman _pro tempore_. In the absence of both the
President-General and state Vice-President, a presiding officer _pro
tem_ may be chosen from the assembled members of the Society.
ARTICLE VIII.
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL.
The Secretary-General shall keep a record of all the proceedings of the
Society and the executive council. He shall have charge of the seal and
records. He shall issue and sign in conjunction with the
President-General all charters granted to the subsidiary chapters, and
shall with him certify to all acts of the Society. He shall, upon orders
from the President-General, give due notice of time and place of all
meetings of the body; give notice to the several officers of all votes,
resolutions, orders and proceedings of the body affecting them or
appertaining to their respective offices and perform such other duties
as may be assigned him.
ARTICLE IX.
THE TREASURER-GENERAL.
The Treasurer-General shall collect and receive all dues, funds and
securities and deposit the same to the credit of the American Irish
Historical Society, in such banking institution as may be approved by
the Executive Council. This money shall be drawn to the check of the
Treasurer-General for the purposes of the Society and to pay such sums
as may be ordered by the Executive Council of the Society in meeting,
said orders to be countersigned by the President-General and
Secretary-General. He must keep a full and accurate account of all
receipts and disbursements and at each annual meeting shall render the
same to the Society, when a committee shall be appointed by the
President-General to audit his accounts. He shall present at annual or
special meetings a list of members in arrears.
ARTICLE X.
THE LIBRARIAN AND ARCHIVIST.
The Librarian and Archivist shall be the custodian of all published
books, pamphlets, files of newspapers and similar property of the
Society. He shall have charge of all documents, manuscripts and other
productions not assigned by this Constitution to other officers of the
Society, and shall keep the same in a place or places easy of access and
safe from loss by fire or other causes.
ARTICLE XI.
THE HISTORIOGRAPHER.
The Historiographer or official historian of the Society shall perform
the duties usually pertaining to that office.
ARTICLE XII.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Executive Council shall consist of the President-General,
Secretary-General, Treasurer-General, Librarian and Archivist,
Historiographer and ten members, all to be elected by the Society. The
Executive Council shall be the judge of the qualifications of applicants
for admission and if satisfactory shall elect the same. The Council
shall recommend plans for promoting the objects of the Society, digest
and prepare business, authorize the disbursement and expenditure of
unappropriated money in the treasury for the current expenses of the
Society; shall prepare and edit—or cause to be prepared and
edited—contributions of an historical or literary character bearing on
the special work of the Society for publication and distribution; may
appropriate funds for the expenses of special branches of research for
historical data and for the purchase of works to form a library for the
Society whenever it shall have a permanent home or headquarters. The
Council shall have power to fill vacancies in office until the annual
meeting, exercise a supervisory care over the affairs of the Society and
perform such other duties as may be intrusted to them. At a meeting of
the Executive Council five members shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE XIII.
MEETINGS.
The annual meeting of this Society shall be held on the third Wednesday
in January. A field day of the body shall be held during the summer of
each year at such time and place as the Executive Council shall select,
due regard being given to the convenience of the greatest number, and,
as far as possible, the meeting place selected shall be one whose
historical associations are of interest to American citizens.
The annual meeting shall be for the purpose of electing officers,
hearing reports and transacting such other business as may come properly
before it. Until otherwise ordered such meeting shall be held in the
city of Boston, Mass. There shall be four stated meetings each year.
Special meetings may be called at any time by the Executive Council.
ARTICLE XIV.
SUBSIDIARY SOCIETIES.
Chapters of the parent Society may be established in any city or town in
the United States upon the petition of ten persons for a charter, and
such charter shall be issued upon payment of the sum designated for such
in the by-laws.
The President, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian and Historiographer of
all subsidiary societies shall be admitted to all meetings of the parent
Society as members during their term of office, with all the privileges
of membership except that of voting.
ARTICLE XV.
AMENDMENTS.
Amendments to the Constitution shall be submitted to the Executive
Council through the Secretary-General at least thirty days before the
meeting of the Society. A vote of two thirds of the members present at
the meeting shall be necessary for the adoption of such amendments.
BY-LAWS.
(1) The initiation fee shall be three dollars. The annual membership fee
shall be three dollars, payable not later than the first day of February
in each year.[1]
Footnote 1:
Amended so that annual membership fee is now $5.
(2) Payment of fifty dollars in advance at one time shall constitute a
life membership. Life members shall be exempt from further dues.
(3) The Executive Council shall provide for each regular meeting of the
Society an address, essay or paper dealing with some topic in the
Society’s line of work.
(4) A copy of all original productions read before the Society shall be
requested for deposit in the Society’s archives.
(5) The annual field-day program shall include an oration, poem and
dinner. Other features of an appropriate nature may be added.
(6) A fraternal spirit shall be cultivated with other American
historical bodies. The Society shall also keep in touch with historical
organizations in Ireland, France and other countries.
(7) Any person elected to membership in this Society who fails to pay
his initiation fee within one year from the date of his election shall,
having been duly notified by the Secretary-General, be considered as
having forfeited his right to membership and his election shall be
cancelled.
(8) A member neglecting for two years to pay his annual fee shall be
notified of such omission by the Secretary-General. Still neglecting for
three months to pay the dues such delinquent member shall be dropped as
no longer belonging to the Society.
(9) The stated meetings of the Society shall be held in January, April,
July and October. The President-General, upon receiving a request in
writing, signed by ten members, asking for a special meeting, shall
cause the said meeting to be convened forthwith.
(10) Ten members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the
Society, except stated meetings, when fifteen members shall be
necessary.
(11) The general order of business at meetings of the Society shall be
as follows:
(a) Minutes of previous meeting.
(b) Report of Executive Council on candidates for membership.
(c) Balloting on candidates for membership.
(d) Reports of officers and committees.
(e) Unfinished business.
(f) New business.
(g) Adjournment.
(12) When not otherwise provided, Cushing’s Manual shall be the
authority on points of procedure at meetings of the Society.
(13) No part of these by-laws shall be amended, altered or repealed
unless proposition is submitted in writing covering the proposed
amendment at least thirty days before the meeting when it is to be acted
upon, when, if two thirds of the members present and voting express
themselves in favor of the change, the same shall be made.
[Illustration:
MR. THOMAS HAMILTON MURRAY.
One of the Founders of the Society, and its First Secretary-General,
serving from 1897 until his decease June 5th, 1908.
]
It has been deemed necessary that a revision of the above be made in
order to make them conform to the present needs of the Society, and a
committee consisting of Michael J. Jordan, Esq., Hon. Patrick J.
McCarthy, Joseph T. Ryan, Esq., John E. O’Brien, Esq., and the
Secretary-General, appointed by the President-General at Washington, D.
C., January 17, 1909, has the revision in charge.
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The Society was organized on January 20, 1897, in Boston, Mass., and now
has members in nearly all the states, the District of Columbia, one
territory and four foreign countries.
The object of the organization is to make better known the Irish chapter
in American history.
There are two classes of members—Life and Annual. The life membership
fee is $50 (paid once). The fee for annual members is $5, paid yearly.
In the case of new annual members, the initiation fee, $5, also pays the
membership dues for the first year.
The government comprises a President-General, a Vice-President-General,
a Secretary-General, a Treasurer-General, a Librarian and Archivist, a
Historiographer and an Executive Council. There are also State
Vice-Presidents.
The Society has already issued several bound volumes and a number of
other publications. These have been distributed to members, public
libraries, historical organizations and universities. Each member of the
Society is entitled, free of charge, to a copy of every publication
issued from the time of his admittance. These publications are of great
interest and value, and are more than an equivalent for the membership
fee.
The Society draws no lines of creed or politics. Being an American
organization in spirit and principle, it welcomes to its ranks Americans
of whatever race or descent, and of whatever creed, who take an interest
in the objects for which the Society is organized. Membership
application blanks will be furnished on request to the Secretary-General
at his office, 49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I., or to John J.
Lenehan, Chairman of the Committee on Membership, 71 Nassau Street, New
York City. Blank applications found at the end of this volume.
The membership includes many people of prominence and occupies a
position in the front rank of American historical organizations.
The Society is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State
of Rhode Island and is authorized to take, hold and convey real and
personal estate to the amount of $100,000.
Gifts or bequests of money for the uses of the Society are solicited. We
depend entirely on our membership fees and dues, and if we had a
suitable fund on hand its income would be most advantageously used for
historical research, printing and issuing historical works and papers
and adding to our library. The following is a form of bequest good in
any state or territory:
“I give and bequeath to the American Irish Historical Society ——
dollars.”
If desired, a donor or testator may direct the application of principal
or interest of his gift or bequest.
A FEW OF THE INTERESTING PAPERS READ BEFORE OR REPRINTED BY THE SOCIETY.
“Irish Settlers in Pennsylvania.”
“Early Irish in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Patriots Bearing Irish Names Who Were Confined Aboard the _Jersey_
Prison Ship.”
“Commerce Between Ireland and Rhode Island.”
“Some Irish-French Officers in the American Revolution.”
“The Voyage of the _Seaflower_.”
“The Defense of Fort Stephenson on the Sandusky.”
“Irish Settlers on the Opequan.”
“Irish Pioneers in Boston and Vicinity.”
“The Irish in America.”
“Goody Glover, an Irish Victim of the Witch Craze, Boston, Mass., 1688.”
“Capt. Daniel Neill, an Artillery Officer of the Revolution.”
“Richard Dexter, One of Boston’s Irish Pioneers.”
“The New Hampshire Kellys.”
“Some Early Celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day in New York City,
1762–1788.”
“Master John Sullivan of Somersworth and Berwick and His Family.”
“Martin Murphy, Sr., an Irish Pioneer of California.”
“Historical Notes of Interest.”
“Irish Ability in United States.”
“The Affair at Fort William and Mary.”
“Incident of an Expedition under Gen. John Sullivan.”
“Irish Builders of White House.”
“Col. Francis Barber, a Soldier of the Revolution.”
“A Glance at Some Pioneer Irish in the South.”
“Walsh’s Irish Regiment of Marine Artillery, French Army.”
“Irish Influence in the Life of Baltimore.”
“A Bit of New York History.”
“The Kelts of Colonial Boston.”
“The Battle of New Orleans.”
“Battles of Lexington, Concord and Cambridge.”
“Matthew Watson, an Irish Settler of Barrington, R. I., 1722.”
“Irish Emigration During the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries.”
“Some Pre-Revolutionary Irishmen.”
“Some Irish Settlers in Virginia.”
“The ‘Scotch-Irish’ and ‘Anglo-Saxon’ Fallacies.”
“Early Irish Settlers in Kentucky.”
“The Irish in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and
Tennessee.”
“Hugh Cargill, a Friend of Liberty.”
“The Irish Settlers of Pelham, Mass.”
“Thomas Fawcett, Irish Quaker, American Pioneer.”
“Early New Hampshire Irish; Some Pre-Revolutionary Dennises,
Corneliuses, Patricks and Michaels.”
“The United States Torpedo Boat _O’Brien_.”
“Daniel Morgan and the Battle of Cowpens.”
“Irish Schoolmasters in the American Colonies, 1640–1775.”
“The Irish at Bunker Hill.”
“David Hamilton, a Soldier of the American Revolution.”
“Irish Pioneers in Texas.”
“The Irish Chapter in the History of Brown University.”
“Men of Irish Blood Who Have Attained Eminence in American Journalism.”
“William Prendergast, a Pioneer of Chautauqua County, N. Y.”
“The Battle of Rhode Island.”
“Rev. James MacSparran, Irishman, Scholar, Preacher and Philosopher,
1680–1757.”
“Irish Pioneers and Builders of Kentucky.”
“Rev. James Caldwell, a Patriot of the American Revolution.”
“Great Irishmen in New York’s History.”
“Life and Deeds of Major-General John Sullivan.”
“Irish Pioneers in New York.”
“Irish Pioneers of the West and Their Descendants.”
“Advantages of Historical Research to Irish Americans.”
PRESIDENTS-GENERAL OF THE SOCIETY.
1897. REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD W. MEADE, U. S. N.
1897–1898. HON. EDWARD A. MOSELEY, Washington, D. C.
1899–1900. HON. THOMAS J. GARGAN, Boston, Mass.
1901–1902 and 1905. HON. JOHN D. CRIMMINS, New York City.
1903–1904. HON. WILLIAM MCADOO, New York City.
1906–1907. REAR ADMIRAL JOHN MCGOWAN, U. S. N. (retired),
Washington, D. C.
1908–1909. FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., LL. D., New York City.
[Illustration:
HON. MICHAEL F. DOOLEY.
President of the National Exchange Bank of Providence, R. I. and
Treasurer-General of the Society.
]
TENTH ANNUAL MEETING AND BANQUET OF THE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL
SOCIETY AT HOTEL MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, JANUARY 29, 1908.
In accordance with a vote of the Executive Council at a meeting held in
Providence, R. I., the date and place of the tenth annual meeting and
banquet of the Society was fixed for January 29, 1908, at Hotel
Manhattan, New York City. President-General McGowan caused notice to be
sent each member as follows:
THE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER.
_Dear Sir_: The annual meeting and dinner of the American Irish
Historical Society will take place at the Hotel Manhattan, Madison
Avenue and Forty-Second Street, New York City, on Wednesday evening,
January 29, 1908.
A reception will begin at 5.00 p. m., to be followed at 6.30 p. m. by
a business meeting. The line will be formed for dinner at 7.30 p. m.
The reception committee as designated by the Executive Council of the
Society comprises: T. P. Kelly, John F. Doyle and T. Albeus Adams of
New York; P. F. Magrath, Binghamton, N. Y.; James L. O’Neill,
Elizabeth, N. J.; John F. O’Connell, Providence, R. I.; Hon. Thomas J.
Gargan, Boston, Mass.; D. H. Tierney, Waterbury, Conn.; James
O’Sullivan, Lowell, Mass.; Hon. William Gorman, Philadelphia, Pa.;
Hon. P. T. Barry, Chicago, Ill.; Hon. Thomas Z. Lee, Providence, R.
I.; Hon. John Hannan, Ogdensburg, N. Y., and D. J. McGillicuddy,
Lewiston, Me.
Tickets for the dinner are now ready at $3.50 each. They can be
obtained by addressing T. P. Kelly, Esq., chairman of the Dinner
Committee, 544 West Twenty-Second Street, New York City. Make checks
payable to the American Irish Historical Society, and forward to Mr.
Kelly at the address given.
Music will be furnished at the dinner by an orchestra and by a vocal
quartet. There will be other features of an entertaining nature
designed to make the occasion one of more than ordinary interest.
Members are at liberty to invite personal guests, and a large
attendance is cordially desired. Kindly inform us as soon as possible
whether you intend to be present on the twenty-ninth.
Fraternally,
John McGowan,
_President-General_,
Washington, D. C.
T. H. MURRAY,
_Secretary-General_,
911 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass.
A goodly number of members responded to the notice, and the sale of
tickets gave evidence that a large gathering would be present.
The Reception Committee was early in attendance and rendered much
valuable service. It greatly assisted the Secretary-General, who was
ill, in the performance of his duties, introduced the new members as
they appeared and arranged the seatings of members for the banquet.
At 6.30 p. m. the annual meeting was called to order by Hon. Thomas Z.
Lee, in the absence of the President-General and Vice-President-General,
and, upon being elected President-General _pro tem_, presided throughout
the business meeting.
Treasurer-General Dooley announced through the Chairman that the funds
of the Society were deposited in the Union Trust Company, Providence, R.
I., at the time of its suspension, and that a plan for its
reorganization had been suggested, but not yet adopted. The funds were
therefore not available for our use and he could not tell when they
would be. In order that the Society might have its funds subject to its
disposal and not be obliged to await a more or less indefinite
reorganization of the Union Trust Company, Mr. Dooley had drawn his
personal cheque for the total amount of our detained funds and deposited
same to the credit of the Society. He asked that we give him an
assignment of our money in the Union Trust Company in order that he
instead of us might do the waiting and take the chances of being repaid.
Mr. Dooley’s generous offer was most cordially accepted, and a committee
appointed by the Chairman for that purpose immediately executed the
assignment of our detained funds as requested.
Upon motion of Mr. Dennis H. Tierney, a vote of thanks was extended
Treasurer-General Dooley for the transaction above mentioned, and
remarks of a most complimentary nature were made by several previous to
the adoption of the vote.
The annual report of the Secretary-General was read and it was ordered
that the same be received and placed on file.
The annual report of the Treasurer-General showing receipts,
disbursements and balance on hand was read, and it was ordered that the
same be received and placed on file.
A number of new members were elected, some of whom were present later at
the banquet.
The election of officers for the ensuing year was called for, and the
following gentlemen, having the unanimous endorsement of the Executive
Council, were by ballot duly elected to the following offices:
_President-General_,
FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., LL. D.,
New York City.
_Vice-President-General_,
Hon. FRANKLIN M. DANAHER,
Albany, N. Y.
_Secretary-General_,
THOMAS HAMILTON MURRAY,
Seaview, Plymouth County, Mass.
_Treasurer-General_,
MICHAEL F. DOOLEY,
Providence, R. I.
_Librarian and Archivist_,
THOMAS B. LAWLER,
New York City.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The foregoing and
Hon. JOHN D. CRIMMINS, New York City.
Hon. WILLIAM MCADOO, New York City.
Hon. THOMAS J. GARGAN, Boston, Mass.
PATRICK F. MAGRATH, Binghamton, N. Y.
Rev. JOHN J. MCCOY, LL. D., Worcester, Mass.
THOMAS ADDIS EMMET, M. D., LL. D., New York City.
EDWARD J. MCGUIRE, New York City.
JOHN F. O’CONNELL, Providence, R. I.
JAMES L. O’NEILL, Elizabeth, N. J.
STEPHEN FARRELLY, New York City.
CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY, LL. D., Toledo, O.
Hon. THOMAS J. LYNCH, Augusta, Me.
Gen. PHELPS MONTGOMERY, New Haven, Conn.
Hon. THOMAS Z. LEE, Providence, R. I.
Hon. PATRICK GARVAN, Hartford, Conn.
Major JOHN CRANE, New York City.
Col. JOHN MCMANUS, Providence, R. I.
Hon. WILLIAM GORMAN, Philadelphia, Pa.
Col. C. C. SANDERS, Gainesville, Ga.
JOHN F. DOYLE, New York City.
STATE VICE-PRESIDENTS.
Maine—JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Portland.
New Hampshire—Hon. JAMES F. BRENNAN, Peterborough.
Vermont—JOHN D. HANRAHAN, M. D., Rutland.
Massachusetts—M. J. JORDAN, Boston.
Rhode Island—THOMAS A. O’GORMAN, Providence.
Connecticut—DENNIS H. TIERNEY, Waterbury.
New York—JOSEPH I. C. CLARKE, New York City.
New Jersey—JOHN F. KENAH, Elizabeth, N. J.
Pennsylvania—HUGH MCCAFFREY, Philadelphia.
Delaware—JOHN J. CASSIDY, Wilmington.
Virginia—JAMES W. MCCARRICK, Norfolk.
West Virginia—JOHN F. HEALY, Thomas, Tucker County.
South Carolina—W. J. O’HAGAN, Charleston.
Georgia—Capt. JOHN FLANNERY, Savannah.
Ohio—JOHN LAVELLE, Cleveland.
Illinois—Hon. P. T. BARRY, Chicago.
Indiana—Very Rev. ANDREW MORRISSEY, C. S. C., Notre Dame.
Iowa—Rt. Rev. PHILIP J. GARRIGAN, D. D., Sioux City.
Montana—Rt. Rev. M. C. LENIHAN, D. D., Great Falls.
Minnesota—Hon. C. D. O’BRIEN, St. Paul.
Kentucky—JOHN J. SLATTERY, Louisville.
Kansas—PATRICK H. CONEY, Topeka.
Utah—JOSEPH GEOGHEGAN, Salt Lake City.
Texas—Gen. A. G. MALLOY, El Paso.
California—JAMES CONNOLLY, Coronado.
[Illustration:
MR. JOHN J. LENEHAN,
Of New York City.
A Life Member of the Society and Chairman of the Committee on
Membership, under whose intelligent efforts nearly 300 new members
have been admitted to the Society since June, 1908.
]
OTHER VICE-PRESIDENTS.
District of Columbia—Hon. EDWARD A. MOSELEY, Washington.
Oklahoma—JOSEPH F. SWORDS, Sulphur.
Canada—Hon. FELIX CARBRAY, Quebec.
Ireland—Dr. MICHAEL F. COX, Dublin.
Mr. Willis B. Dowd spoke at length concerning our next annual meeting
and banquet and then moved that it be held in Washington, D. C. Mr. T.
Vincent Butler seconded the motion and spoke in support of Mr. Dowd’s
views. The motion was unanimously adopted.
The new President-General, Francis J. Quinlan, having arrived, the
Chairman appointed Rev. John J. McCoy, LL. D., T. Vincent Butler, Esq.,
and S. J. O’Sullivan, Esq., to wait upon the incoming President-General
and escort him to the chair.
The Committee retired and presented Doctor Quinlan, who thanked the
Society in a few well chosen words and immediately began his duties.
At 7.30 p. m. the line was formed for the banquet, and a large number of
members and guests took seats at the tables.
President-General Quinlan presided and grace was said by Rev. Dr. John
J. McCoy.
Music was furnished by a male quartet and an orchestra, and throughout
the evening they led the Society in patriotic American and Irish songs.
The tables were handsomely decorated with plants and flowers and
presented a pretty picture. During the evening a flashlight photograph
of the diners was obtained with satisfactory results. The menu was all
that could be desired.
ANNUAL DINNER
OF THE
AMERICAN-IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Hotel Manhattan, New York. Wednesday Evening, January 29, 1908.
Cape Cod Cocktail
Cream of Celery
Celery Nuts Olives
Planked Whitefish, Manhattan
Cucumbers Potatoes, Parisienne
Filet of Beef, Cheron
French Peas Stuffed Artichokes
KIRSCH PUNCH
Roast Stuffed Squab, Jelly
Salad, Excelsior
Cafe Parfait Fancy Cakes
Coffee
Cigars Cigarettes
Apollinaris
There were present:
Rev. Fr. Curtain; Michael F. Dooley, Providence, R. I.; John F. Kehoe,
Newark, N. J.; Hon. P. T. Barry, Chicago, Ill.; John F. O’Connell,
Providence, R. I.; Hon. Patrick Garvan, Hartford, Conn.; John J. Rooney,
New York City; Hon. Joseph F. Daly, New York City; P. H. Garrity,
Waterbury, Conn.; J. J. Daly, New York City; James O’Sullivan, Lowell,
Mass.; Dennis H. Tierney, Waterbury, Conn.; David Healy, New York City;
T. P. Kelley, New York City; Dr. M. F. Sullivan, Lawrence, Mass.; John
F. MacDonnell, Holyoke, Mass.; Joseph Geoghegan, Salt Lake City; T.
Vincent Butler, New York City; James L. O’Neill, Elizabeth, N. J.;
William T. Cox, Elizabeth, N. J.; John F. Kenah, Elizabeth, N. J.; Hon.
Patrick J. Ryan, Elizabeth, N. J.; Hon. Matthew P. Breen, New York City;
Henry J. Breen, New York City; John Jay Joyce, New York City; Nathaniel
Doyle, New York City; T. H. Murray, Boston, Mass.; Hon. Thomas Z. Lee,
Providence, R. I.; J. Duncan Emmet, M. D., New York City; Stephen
Farrelly, New York City; S. J. O’Sullivan, New York City; Dr. Bryan DeF.
Sheedy, New York City; Judge Lorenz Zellar, New York City; Judge James
J. Walsh, New York City; Michael F. Farley, New York City; Philip Bloch,
New York City; William Crowley, New York City; Roswell D. Williams, New
York City; M. F. Laughman, New York City; Col. Charles F. Crowley, New
York City; William Cahill, New York City; Peter J. Crotty, New York
City; Sidney Williams, New York City; J. A. Lyons, New York City;
William H. Breen, New York City, and many others.
President-General Quinlan opened the proceedings, and the Rev. Dr. John
J. McCoy said grace.
A most eloquent speech was delivered by Mr. Henry J. Breen, son of Hon.
Matthew P. Breen, and he was followed by Hon. John F. O’Connell of
Providence, who spoke concerning the Sullivan Memorial and the work of
the Society in Rhode Island.
Rev. Dr. John J. McCoy was then introduced, and his discourse was
graceful, eloquent and learned, and a beautiful tribute to the work of
the Society.
Hon. Patrick J. Ryan of Elizabeth, N. J., told in a most interesting
manner of the growth of New York and of his experiences as a boy romping
about on the present site of the hotel where the banquet was held.
Mr. T. Vincent Butler of New York made a short speech about our
fellow-member, President Roosevelt, and proposed a toast to his health,
which was drunk amid much enthusiasm.
Dr. M. F. Sullivan of Lawrence, Mass., gave a number of very practical
suggestions as to how the membership of the Society could be increased
and the sphere of its work extended.
Mr. David Healy of New York spoke of the supreme importance of the work
of the Society in centering the light of organized, intelligent and
painstaking research upon Ireland’s part in the making of American
history; of her contributions to America’s greatness, and the proud
place which has been honorably won by her children as an integral part
of American life, American ideals, and American nationality.
“One of the great disadvantages with which the Irish element in American
life has had to deal,” said Mr. Healy, “has been the fact that histories
and school text-books, current in the English speaking world, have been
too largely the product of minds influenced and prejudiced by inherited
anti-Irish animosities and pro-English traditions.
“The Irish have been considered as pre-eminently a martial race because
of their persistent and unconquerable struggles for a score of
generations to vindicate the principle of Irish nationality.
“It is true that the Celtic race has also been universally awarded an
exalted place in the realm of poetry, oratory and song, as well as in
devotion to family and in faithfulness to principle. It remains for the
American Irish Historical Society to show other and equally important
and admirable characteristics of the Irish race, and to point to other
fields wherein Irishmen have distinguished themselves in meeting the
current and pressing problems of America’s rapid and unparalleled
development.
“It remains for us to realize and to show to others that not only was it
the Irishman’s pick that brought the earth’s hidden treasures to the
surface, his shovel that made ready for the iron rail across the
continent, but it was Irish brain and enterprise largely that developed
the mines and constructed the steel pathway between the East and the
West, thus making a national unit qualified and competent to deal with
the nations of the world.
“In the great life current of American nationality, the rich red blood
of the Celt has been a dominant and fructifying tributary.
“It also remains for us to realize our shortcomings and to aim for the
highest ideals, not to be content with a leading place in the world of
military renown, financial, industrial and commercial enterprise. We
should earnestly seek correspondingly high places in the realm of
philanthropy, moderation and universal brotherhood.”
During the evening the Sullivan Memorial Committee having in charge the
erection and dedication of a bronze memorial at the State House in Rhode
Island to Maj.-Gen. John Sullivan, made a report through Judge Lee, its
chairman, showing substantial progress and an intention to dedicate the
memorial some time during the present year.
Mr. Dennis H. Tierney made stirring remarks concerning “The Star
Spangled Banner” as a patriotic song taken as a whole, and deplored the
disposition of so many public bodies to leave out parts of it.
After remarks by other members the company dispersed, having
participated in one of the most entertaining and instructive banquets
ever held by the Society.
THOMAS HAMILTON MURRAY,
_Secretary-General_.
[Illustration]
THE SULLIVAN MEMORIAL.
DISTINGUISHED GATHERING OF MEMBERS AND GUESTS PRESENT—PROCEEDINGS IN
FULL.
An event of much historical significance to Rhode Island, and indeed to
the entire country, took place under the auspices of the Society at the
Rhode Island State House on Wednesday, December 16, 1908, when an
impressive bronze memorial was dedicated to the memory of Major-General
John Sullivan, one of Rhode Island’s Revolutionary heroes.
The memorial, which most appropriately commemorates the services of
General Sullivan to his race, his country and his State, is placed in a
fitting position in the broad corridor of the main entrance to the
capitol. Large, beautifully designed and in every way worthy of its
mission, it immediately claims the attention of everyone who enters the
State House. It has already been the object of favorable comment from
many distinguished people, and is acknowledged to be a credit not only
to the memory of the distinguished soldier, but also to the Society
through whose efforts it was placed in its present position.
The exercises on the day of the unveiling were in every way worthy of
such an occasion. People of distinction in every walk of life were
present, all the historical organizations of the State were represented
by officers and members, and addresses befitting the event were
delivered by men of prominence in public life and in historical
research. Col. David C. Robinson, of New York, a well-known student of
history and a most eloquent speaker, was the orator of the day, and
inspiring speeches were made by Dr. Francis J. Quinlan, of New York,
President-General of the Society; Gov. James H. Higgins, of Rhode
Island; Governor-elect Aram J. Pothier; ex-Governor Charles Warren
Lippitt; Mayor Patrick J. McCarthy, of Providence; and Gen. William
Ames, chairman of the State House Commission. Hon. Thomas Z. Lee, of
Providence, chairman of the Sullivan Memorial Committee, presided. The
exercises took place in the presence of a large gathering and one
thoroughly representative of the public and social life of the city and
State.
[Illustration:
MR. THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
Secretary-General of the American Irish Historical Society.
]
Following the dedicatory exercises luncheon was served at the
Narragansett Hotel, the Society’s headquarters, and this also was
followed by a number of brief addresses from well-known Rhode Islanders
and members of the Society from other States.
The proceedings at the State House began at noon, Judge Lee making the
opening address. He said:
“_Honored Guests, Members of the American Irish Historical Society,
Ladies and Gentlemen_:
“We are assembled in the Rhode Island State House today to dedicate a
memorial in honor of Maj. Gen. John Sullivan whose service to the
country and this State during the war of the Revolution is familiar to
every American, and whose career as a soldier, statesman and jurist
will be eloquently depicted by those who will be presented to you
later. My remarks will be confined to a short history of the American
Irish Historical Society under whose auspices the memorial was
erected, and a reference to the movement and spirit which prompted the
work.
“The American Irish Historical Society was organized in Boston,
January 20th, 1897. Certain gentlemen interested in historical work,
believing that proper recognition had not always been given by
historians and others to the part taken in the settlement,
foundations, upbuilding and general affairs of the United States by
those of Irish descent, brought forth the idea of a society, national
in its scope, that should be devoted to making better known the Irish
Chapter in American history, by giving plain recitals of facts,
correcting errors, supplying omissions, discouraging prejudice,
establishing right and truth, and giving rightful place and just due
to historical matters concerning American citizens of Irish nativity,
blood or extraction. Invitations were sent out by these gentlemen, and
an enthusiastic meeting took place, at which representatives from
seventeen States were present; and the following were elected the
first officers of the Society:
“Rear Admiral Richard Worsam Meade, U. S. Navy, of Washington,
President-General; Mr. Osborne Howes of Massachusetts,
Vice-President-General; Hon. John C. Linehan of New Hampshire,
Treasurer-General; Thomas Hamilton Murray of Rhode Island,
Secretary-General; and Thomas B. Lawler of New York, Librarian and
Archivist.
“The first Executive Council consisted of the foregoing and Mr. James
Jeffrey Roche of Boston, Hon. Robert Ellis Thompson of Philadelphia,
Hon. Theodore Roosevelt of New York, Hon. Edward A. Moseley of
Washington, Mr. Augustus St. Gaudens of New York, Mr. Joseph Smith of
Lowell, T. Russell Sullivan, a direct descendant of General Sullivan,
of Boston, and Hon. Maurice F. Egan of Washington.
“The first Board of State Vice-Presidents was as follows: Maine, Mr.
James Cunningham of Portland; New Hampshire, Mr. T. P. Sullivan of
Concord; Vermont, Mr. Thomas W. Moloney of Rutland; Massachusetts, Mr.
Osborne Howes of Boston; Rhode Island, Mr. M. Joseph Harson of
Providence; Connecticut, Mr. Joseph F. Swords of Hartford; New York,
General James R. O’Beirne of New York City; New Jersey, Hon. William
McAdoo, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, of Jersey City; Pennsylvania,
General St. Clair A. Mulholland of Philadelphia; South Carolina,
Ex-United States Senator M. C. Butler of Edgefield; Georgia, Ex-United
States Senator Patrick Walsh of Atlanta; Ohio, Rev. George W. Pepper
of Cleveland; Illinois, W. J. Onahan of Chicago; Michigan,
Ex-Congressman Thomas A. E. Weadock of Detroit; Minnesota, Mr. Daniel
W. Lawler of St. Paul; Missouri, Mr. Richard E. Kerens of St. Louis;
District of Columbia, Mr. J. D. O’Connell of Washington.
“The work that the Society has undertaken is worthy of the sympathy
and aid of every American who is interested in the past, present and
future of this, the greatest country on earth; and in doing its work
the watchwords of the Society are Fidelity, Truth and Honor, and we
feel and know what the influence and inspiration of these words mean.
“One of the preambles in the Constitution reads: ‘While we as loyal
citizens of this Republic are earnestly interested in all the various
phases of its history, we feel that we should be false to its honor
and greatness and recreant to our own blood if we did not make a
serious effort to leave to those generations which will follow us, a
clearer and better knowledge of the important work done by men and
women of the Irish race in the United States.’
“The broad scope of our work may be comprehended from a statement of
our objects and purposes:
“(1) The study of American history generally.
“(2) To investigate, especially, the immigration of the people of
Ireland to this country, determine its numbers, examine the sources,
learn the places of settlement; and estimate the influence on
contemporary events in war, legislation, religion, education and
other departments of human activity.
“(3) To examine records of every character, wherever found,
calculated to throw light on the work of the Irish element in this
broad land.
“(4) To endeavor to correct erroneous, distorted and false views of
history, where they are known, and to substitute therefor the truth
of history, based on documentary evidence, and the best and most
reasonable tradition, in relation to the Irish race in America.
“(5) To encourage and assist the formation of local societies in
American cities and towns for the work of the parent Society.