My visit of a month was greatly enjoyed and I returned to Beaver Island,
entering school at once. Our winter was a cold one, with heavy ice in
the lake, but the next spring we had the steamer Michigan in our harbor
on April first. There was still drifting ice, fishing soon began and the
summer was a busy one, with many summer visitors. Our island people were
very happy not to be disturbed any more by the Mormons or have their
property stolen.
There were several Irish families that came as soon as the Mormons left,
and more soon followed. They bought the land and made themselves homes.
Among those that came was our genial friend Capt. Roddy, so well known
all over Northern Michigan. He was a true sailor, owning several sailing
crafts at different times, also owning a very fine farm on the island.
He lived there a number of years. He died leaving his family very
comfortable. Many of the people who came to the island bought land and
took some of the houses the Mormons had left that were around the harbor
and moved them to other locations, so that in a few years the island was
changed in its appearance by the buildings being taken away from where
they had been. Soon there were enough people to support a church, then a
Catholic Priest came, and by subscription a church was built, the
Protestants helping. Rev. Father Murray was the first priest stationed
there. He was a very social and kind hearted man. After him came Rev.
Father Gallagher, a young student just from college. His former home was
Philadelphia. He made many improvements to the church building, devoting
his whole time to his people. He was a jolly social man and a great
entertainer. He passed away after a useful life of thirty-two years
service. His remains were taken to his native city, Philadelphia, for
interment.