John J. Callahan was one of fifteen boys who arrived in Philippi, West Virginia, on an Orphan Train. It was on June 24, 1903. He was taken by C.K. Switzer, owner of a flour mill in Mansfield, now an addition of Philippi. After living with the Switzers for a time, John let it be known that he was fond of horses and wanted to live on a farm. My grandfather, Ai Cleavenger, had a … [Read more...] about John Callahan: An Orphan Boy Who Was Fond of Horses
Photo Album
Photo Album: Bridget’s Shawl
Submitted by Robert F. Lyons of Kennebunkport, Maine
February / March 2014
February / March 2014
Bridget O’Donnell of Cork, Ireland, my great-grandmother, was sent out to Boston by her father in 1846. A recent discovery of her photograph in the Lyons family bible reignites interest in her story and our origins. Bridget was 14 years old, soon to be 15, when her father took her to Cobh, expecting to book passage for her to America. He gave her for the journey a silver … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Bridget’s Shawl
Family Photo Album: The Perfect Mother
In Memoriam Delia Kennedy Shea SEPTEMBER 19, 1924 – SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 My mother, Delia Kennedy, was born on September 19, 1924, in Kilfillig, Mountbellew – a small village of six houses, 30 miles from Galway City. She had three brothers and two sisters whom she stayed in touch with throughout her life. Her parents were known as kind and gentle people who were strong and … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: The Perfect Mother
Family Photo Album: Sea Voyages With Father
Submitted by Jim Dette, Weehawken, New Jersey
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Writing from his mother’s perspective, Jim Dette pays tribute to the memory of his grandfather Jim Burke. My son has been after me to write down some of the remembrances of my father I’ve shared with him over the years. Before it’s too late, I’m sure he’s thinking. He keeps referring to an old, faded photograph of a group of refinery workers. It’s one of the few I have of my … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: Sea Voyages With Father
Family Photo Albums: Doctors and Nurses
Catherine Norah “Norrie” Egan My mother, Norrie Egan, born in Dublin, graduated from St. Vincent’s Hospital/UCD with a Diploma in Radiography in 1940 and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London during WWII. She was injured during an air raid – not from a bomb – she was cycling her bicycle to work when she was hit by a cab. Though it was wartime, she loved her job and … [Read more...] about Family Photo Albums: Doctors and Nurses