USA > Massachusetts > The pre-revolutionary Irish in Massachusetts, 1620-1775 > Part 3
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"I am of opinion a Roman Catholick is not disabled to purchase Lands in any of Her Majesty's Plantations ; the Disabling Papists to purchase Lands by the Statute of the Eleventh Year of the late King William for the further preventing the growth of Popery, extends only to Lands in England, Wales, and the Town of Ber- wick upon Tweed, and the Plantations are not affected by this act.
Edward Northiey. July 21st : 1704"116 Some of the Puritans had relatives in Ireland to whom they
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frequently wrote, exchanging gifts. Governor Winthrop and Cot- ton Mather corresponded regularly with Irish residents. Mather writing in February, 1709, declared that he had sent books to Ire- land, Scotland, England and Saxony.117 His diary records "I have some Relatives in Ireland; and I spent some time this Morning, in transmitting to them a considerable number of Books of Piety ; as expressions of my Love and Cares for them."118 Later he wrote "I am sending to Ireland such Things as may be for the Service of our Churches, and their Defense from the vile Misrepresenta- tion, that some Scotch Incendiaries have made of them."119
The first mention of a presumably well-to-do Irishman in the century is in the grant of sixty pounds made by the Selectmen of Boston to Eliza Maccarty for his house, which was blown up to stop the progress of the fire of October 2, 1710. This sum was un- usually large for seven other persons who suffered damages only received amounts varying from ten to thirty-five pounds.120 Evi- dence of economic development was shown in the appointment of Thomas Steel and George Bethune of Boston as "merchants' agents and factors for Messrs Thomas Kirkpatrick and John Por- ter of Dublin, Ireland."121 In contrast to the economic phase was the arrival of "a Poor Man, came from Ireland, wants to be Employ'd as a Scholemaster."122 This was in September, 1717. Just a year later a "Scotch Scholemaster" arrived in Boston "from Ireland."123 Mather, however, offers no proof of his Scottish ex- traction.
During the latter part of 1717 and all of 1718 a migration from Ireland to Massachusetts, principally Boston, took place. In con- temporary documents numerous references to it are recorded. The "Diary of Cotton Mather" mentions the movement frequently. Thus he writes of the "Difficulties and Deliverences attending Ship from Ireland. More of the poor Men from Ireland, want Employment."124 This was in September, 1717. In October he com- ments : "The Transportation of great Numbers of good People from Ireland hither, is a Concern, whereto I would give my help- ing hand."125 Writing in July, 1718, he notes "The Many Families arriving from Ireland. . "126 In August, 1718, "great numbers of People ... are transporting themselves hither from the North of Ireland."127 "Families arrived from Ireland" even in November, 1718.128
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Among the immigrants from Ireland in 1718 was James Mac- Gregor, a clergyman. He was born in Ireland in 1677, received his collegiate and ministerial education in a Presbyterian institu- tion in northern Ireland, and came to Boston on October 4, 1718, with one hundred families. Later he went to the town of London- derry, New Hampshire, where he founded the first Presbyterian church in New England. His son, David, became better known not only for his religious endeavors as pastor of a new parish in the western part of Londonderry but also for three of his pub- lished works. These were Professors Warned of Their Danger, published in Boston in 1741, The Spirits of the Day Tried, 1742 and The Believers All Secured, in 1747.129
Another Irishman of Scottish descent was John McKinstry, who was born in Brode Parish, county of Antrim, Ireland, in 1677, the son of Rodger Mckinstry and Mary Wilson who came from Scot- land in 1669. He received an A.M. from the University of Edin- burgh in 1712. In 1718 he reached Boston at the head of a group of northern Irishmen. Later the flock with their leader settled in Worcester. In 1720 he became a minister at Sutton, but because of his Presbyterianism had to leave Congregational Sutton in 1728 for East Windsor, Connecticut, where he died on January 20, 1754.130
On September 1, 1718, the ship Maccullum with James Law as master arrived in Boston from Londonderry, Ireland. Forty fami- lies comprising one hundred and sixty persons under the Reverend James Woodside were aboard. Boston, however, did not benefit from this visit for the vessel with passengers sailed on September 8 for Maine where they made a settlement at a place called Bruns- wick.131
During the year 1719 only one Irishman came to Boston, Thomas Amory. He was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1682, the son of Jonathan Amory. Among his descendants was Thomas Cof- fin Amory, (1812-1889) who served with distinction on the Bos- ton Board of Aldermen and in the Massachusetts State Legisla- ture.132 Winsor says that Thomas Amory did not come to Boston until 1721, having first settled in South Carolina before coming northward. He also adds that Amory had three sons, all prominent men, Thomas, Jonathan and John.133 In November, 1721, "several Strangers," arrived "from Ireland. . . . "'134
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An interesting picture of rare courage is depicted in a letter writ- ten to Boston by Governor Wentworth on April 21, 1725. The let- ter reads :
Yesterday was with me a young man who is a soldier in your service, by name Cochran, an Irish lad. Two Indians took him at Maquiote and carried him to Amoscogen River a day and a half. During the second night this Cochran found the Indians fast asleep, went round them feeling for a hatchet, and at length found one, with which he despatched them both, and has brought away their scalps. But what makes this story more manly, this Cochran lost one of his scalps in his march home, so that when he came to our garrison he got three men more of his mind, and went up to the place, which they judge near forty miles from Maquiote, and there found the Indians as he had said ; so he took another piece of his scalp and brings with him. I sent them down yesterday in order to get a passage to Boston, where I hope you will see him this evening. It was a brave thing and I have no doubt but you will reward him accordingly. But in these cases our hands are tied up-which is very grevious to me. I think such actions should be bountifully rewarded. It would stimulate our captives, and put them on upon desperate attempts, which would discourage our enemies.
The young man tells our gentleman are returning from Canada, and that no passe.135
The historian Penhallow gives Cochran's age as eighteen and calls him Cockram.135
In 1726, Jeremiah Smith, who was born in Ireland came to Boston with his wife. On September 13, 1728, he was granted the right by the General Court to make paper for a term of ten years for some Boston merchants, among them, Thomas Hancock and Benjamin Faneuil. He moved in 1737 to Milton and in 1741 pur- chased a mill with seven acres of land on both sides of the Nepon- set river. He retired in 1775 and passed away in 1790 after a long and useful life.136
A fairly general index to wealth among Irish Puritans is af- forded by the list of persons who subscribed to Prince's Chron- ology as it was reckoned a work of distinction to be a subscriber. In 1728, there was the list of subscribers many of whom were of Irish extraction. One copy was given to each of the following : D. Collens, a minister, H. Collings, H. Collins, a merchant, N. Cunningham, a merchant, T. Maccarty, a Harvard student, J. Owen, a minister and J. Scollay. W. Larkin subscribed for six copies and W. Owen for the same number. Of the seven hundred subcribers nine were of Irish blood.137
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On the other hand there was the indentured servant, an in- stance of which type may be cited from the records of Samuel Tyley, a Notary Public: "This Indenture witnesseth, that Hugh Montgomery, aged about fifteen years who came from the north of Ireland about five months agoe of his own free will & accord, and with the consent of himself having no Parents here in Boston doth put and bind himself to be an Apprentice unto Daniel Mont- gomery of Boston."138 The record is dated March 3, 1731.
Our study of the Boston Irish for the first thirty years of the century would not be complete without a survey of the marriages during that time. From 1700 to 1710 only a few Irish names occur. In 1700, an Emm Kelly139 was married and in 1701 a Darby Of- ling,140 Naomi Connis in 1702,141 in 1703 Olive Macklonghline,142 in 1704, Ann Oryon, 143 in 1706 Florence Maccarty.144 In 1707 three were observed, James Barry, Henry Kelly and Elizabeth Maccarty.145 1708 witnessed four names, John Fitzgerald, Georg Kelly, Margaret and Mary Maccarty.146 Patrick Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Kelly were parties to marriage in 1709.147 In 1710, there were the names of John Fagen and John Fagin148 of Great Birtain. All of these persons, seventeen in number, married par- ties not bearing Irish names. There was not a single case during the decade of an Irishman marrying an Irishwoman or vice versa.
The next decade, 1711-1720, brought with it a substantial in- crease in the number of Irish marriages in Boston. In 1711, only one Irishman was married, a James Nolan.149 In 1712, appeared the names of Mary Maccarty and Patrick Oglive.150 The year 1713 saw five names of Irish origin, John Barry, Patrick Fling and Wil- liam Dunlop of Ireland.151 An increased number in 1714 was noted including Daniel Conner, John Cannaly, Daniel Hogen, Robert Hawes of Ireland, Sarah Dunnel, William Turney, Christian Mac- carty, William Maccarty and Rebecca Maccarter.152 In this list Hawes was married to Sarah Dunnel. During 1715 Eliza Kelly _ and Sarah Maccarty were parties to separate marriages. James Mathews of Ireland and Margaret Butler were engaged to be mar- ried but they were separated through the efforts of a Mrs. Mercy Leasonbee.153 In 1716, were the names of Rebeccah Maccarthy and Thadeus Maccarty.154 Thomas Fitzgerald and John Logan were married in 1717.155 A decided increase took place in 1718. Ruth Diven, Patrick Egan, Mary Maccarty, another Mary Mac- carty, Hannah Phegins, William Healy of Ireland and Sarah
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Clark were among the married persons. Of this number only two were married to each other, William Healy and Sarah Clark.156 The number fell in 1719 when Rachael Barry, Susanna Barry, and John Kelley were the only Irish persons married.157 A slight increase was noted in 1720 when James Bromley of Ireland was scheduled to marry a Mary Boyce, but the ceremony was opposed by her father, Samuel Boyce ; when Francis Toope of Ireland mar- ried Mary Smith ; and when Joseph Marshall of Ireland was also listed.158 In the second decade there were six cases of marriage between Irish parties on both sides. The number of Irish persons in the records amount to forty, more than twice as many as in the first decade.
A very slight decrease was noted in the decade from 1720 to 1730. In 1721, James Barry, Patrick Farrin, Patrick Flyn, James Killyng, John Smith and Ruth Maccarty were married, the last two to each other.159 In 1722, a Robert Duglas was married to Elizabeth Fitspatrick.160 In 1723, were the names of Elizabeth Dorothy, Patrick Flagnigan and Boyan Toole.161 Thomas Barry, Timothy Magraugh and Elizabeth Briant were married in 1724, the last two to each other.162 During 1725 Philip Galison was mar- ried to Hannah Barry and William Linch to Hannah Richardson. Thomas Mahone and Charles Molloy were also among the mar- ried parties.163 In 1726, John Barry and Faylam Kelley were mar- ried to non-Celtic parties.16+ 1727 was the biggest year in num- bers for the decade including the marriages between Thomas Mad- din and Susannah Kelly and Edmund Rourk and Sizley Shannon. Richard Burk, Mary Conner, Charles Kelly and Bartholomew Welch were also married during the year.165 In 1728, Edward Welch was married to Mary Fadden and John McDugoll to Isa- bella Patrick. John Fling and John Quinland married non-Irish persons.166 Charles Barry, John Flin and Mary Maccarty were also married during the year.167 In this decade there were nine mar- riages in which both parties were of Irish extraction, an increase of three over the preceding decade.168 The total number of Irish names was forty, which was equal to the decade from 1710 to 1720.
With one exception the years from 1730 to 1740 were rather fruitless ones in revealing Irish influence on a great scale. There was nothing brilliant but there was a steady migration to Boston and a slow but certain growth in the Irish element of the town.
On December 13, 1734, the records of Samuel Tyley, Notary
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THIE PRE-REVOLUTIONARY IRISH IN MASSACHUSETTS
Public, contained the following information : "Know all men by these presents that & Martha Faire, late of Ireland but now resi- dent in Boston."169 On December 21, 1736, a John Burk with Elijah Williams and others petitioned the House of Representa- tives for a grant of land.170
A noteworthy event in 1737 was the formation of the Irish Charitable Society. The main provision of the original charter read : 'Whereas, several gentlemen, merchants, and others, of the Irish nation, residing in Boston, in New England, from an affec- tionate and compassionate concern for their countrymen in these parts, who may be reduced by sickness, shipwreck, old age, and other infirmities and unforeseen accidents, have thought fit to form themselves into a Charitable Society, for the relief of such of their poor, indigent countrymen, without any design of not con- tributing towards the provision of the town poor in general, as usual.'171 The twenty-five original members were Robert Duncan, Andrew Knox, Samuel Moor, Philip Mortimer, Nathaniel Walsh, Joseph St. Lawrence, Daniel McFall, William Drummond, Wil- liam Freeland, Daniel Gibbs, John Noble, Adam Boyd, William Stewart, Daniel Neal, James Maynes, James Egart, George Glen, Peter Pelham, John Little, Archibald Thomas, Edward Alder- church, James Clar, John Clark, Thomas Bennett, and Patrick Walker. Its presidents during the century were William Hall (1737-1740), Robert Ashmuty (1740-1743), Neil McIntire (1743- 1757), Samuel Elliot (1757-1784), Moses Blacke (1784-1791), Thomas English (1791), General Simon Elliot, Jr. (1791-1797) and Andrew Dunlop (1797-1800). All of these men were unques- tionably of the Protestant faith for the membership was restricted to Protestants. A good insight into the work of the organization was presented in a pamphlet entitled Articles agreed upon by the Charitable Irish Society, in Boston, New England, for the better Management of their Charity, printed in 1765.172
The next decade was marked by a decided increase in Irish num- bers and activities. In the very first year, 1740, a Captain Mc- Kinstry came to Boston. He was born in Armagh, Ulster, Ireland, in 1712. He married Jane Dickie, widow of a Belknap in the county of Antrim. He did not remain in Boston very long but proceeded to the Londonderry settlement. Formerly, he had been an officer in the English army.173 In 1741, Barnabas Palmer mi-
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grated from northern Ireland. Later he served at Louisburg where he lost an arm in 1745. Through marriage he became connected with the Copp family, the first representatives of which came over in 1635. Copp's Hill in the North End was named after this fam- ily.174 A convention of ministers was held in Boston in May, 1743. A document of great religious importance emphasizing govern- mental and doctrinal matters was signed by one hundred and thir- teen ministers, among whom was the Reverend Thaddeus Mac- carty, formerly of Boston, now of Kingston.175 This same Mac- carty also performed many marriages in Boston even after his re- moval from the town in 1744.176 Another Irishman who appeared for the first time in the same year was Moses Butler, who was born on July 13, 1702, in Berwick, Maine. He was a son of Thomas Butler, who for twenty years was prominent in the affairs of York County, Maine, and who was a descendant of the noble house of Ormonde in Ireland. Moses was commissioned a Captain in the First Massachusetts regiment on February 5, 1744. In civil life he was a surveyor but did take part in public on at least two oc- casions, first, when he appeared in Boston in 1748 to answer a pe- tition drawn up against Berwick, and secondly, in 1749 when he was a representative to the General Court.177
The expedition to Louisburg in 1745 furnishes a wealth of ma- terial on Irish names. There were three difficulties which made it impossible to obtain an accurate knowledge of the number of Irish who fought in the campaign. The many repetitions caused con- siderable confusion. The absence of the birthplace was a marked detriment to securing correct information. Lastly, many companies were formed wholly or in part in New Hampshire, or in Maine or in towns outside of Boston, with no documentary reference to the fact, rendering the part played by the Boston Irish all the more difficult to ascertain. Besides, there were many odd and peculiar names which apparently belonged to no race and which were omitted. Perhaps some of these were Irish.
From the incomplete roll of ten companies the following names were obtained : John Kenne, John Burks, John Canaway, Thomas Mahany, Butler, Richard Butler, Richard Linch, David Doughety, John Conner, James Mecaral, Patrick Laller and Captain Don- nel. There were eleven enlisted men out of two hundred and twenty-one or a percentage of .081. There was one officer out of
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ten making a percentage of .10.178 In the complete list of six hun- dred officers were Moses Butler, John Butler, Charles Cavenaugh, Nathaniel Collins, John Murphy, John Cargill, John Moore, Nath- aniel Donnell, William Larken, James Donnel, James Griffin, Augustus Moore, Samuel Moore, Samuel Connor and John Log- gin. The number was fifteen which represented .025 per cent.179 The 5th Company of the First Massachusetts Regiment had the largest percentage of Irishmen. The ensign was Charles Caven- augh, while the two sergeants were Patrick Griffins and William Moore. Out of a total of fifty-nine names thirteen were Irish in- dicating the very high per cent of .237.150
Another examination of two thousand and seventy-five names taken from eleven different regiments, most of them only par- tially listed, revealed these names: John Owen, Daniel Malony, John Kenne, James Owen, William Muffee, Dennis Donnahue, Darby Crowley, James Kenady, John Reaghan, William Coney, Edward Gilmore, James Griffin, Hugh McClanan, Edward Welch, Patrick O'Lollers, Robert Moore, Patrick Gibbins, William Moore, John Butler, Richard Butler, Patrick Duffey, Richard Linch, Thomas Mahoney, Thomas Malney, Thomas Carrey, James Welch, Bartholomew Crowley, Richard Butler, Elizer Leardon, James Lera, Nathaniel Flynn, Morris Welch, Luke Welch, Daniel Molan, Cornelius Sullivan, John Keef, John Kelly, George Cary, Owin Cunningham, James Kenady, Jonathan O'Kelly, John Dun, Stephen Logan, William Roache, Nathan Keney, Nathan Moore, Francis Moore, Reuben Moore, John Butler, John O'Bryan, Isaac Moore, John Killey, Bryant Ryle, Thomas Braman, William Hughes, John Loggin, Jeremy Leary, Richard Fitzgerald, Roger Memahone, John Welch, Thomas Lary, Daniel Kelley, Daniel Welch, Robert Kennedy, Andrew Logan, Robert Cunningham, Richard Kenery, Patrick Burn, Richard Butler, David Donahew, John Dunn, Joseph Dyre, John Tearne and Nathan Kenney. Seventy-four names in all were recorded indicating a percentage of .035.181
A very high percentage was obtained in searching a list of sail- ors who went on the expedition from Boston. There were nine Irish names, John and Thomas Griffith, Adonirum Griffen, Rich- ard Burk, Daniel Meafee, Daniel Cavenaugh, Arthur Fleming, Thomas Collins and Robert Killey, out of a total of one hundred
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and twelve, making a percentage of .08.182 Even a higher per cent was noted in the list of Captain Charles Morris' Company in Gen- eral Waldo's Regiment enrolled for sixty days' duty in the "Re- duction of Canada" in 1747. There were five Irish names, John Galloway, Elisha Kenny, Joseph Loughlin, Edmund Sha and Pat- rick Sha, out of a total of fifty-four, representing a per cent of .092.183 The numbers drop, though, in a list of redeemed captives returned on the ship Verd d'Grace, which reached Boston on Au- gust 16, 1747. The roll included John Maddin (Ireland), Luke McNally (Ireland), Ambrose Ryan (Cape Ann), Cornelius Ma- haaner, John Kenney, Thomas Mccarthy, John Donovan and Philip Kelly (New York). They were regarded as "strangers." The group comprised eight Irishmen out of a total list of one hun- dred and seventy-one, a percentage of .046.184 Another load of prisoners was brought to Boston, from Louisburg, by Aylmer Gravill, in the schooner Brittania. They had been brought to Louis- burg from Canada proper. Out of the entire number of forty-five, four bore Irish names, William Cummins, surgeon, Hugh Doug- lass, seaman, Arthur Maloy, passenger, and John Dunavan, Cap- tain Teague's boy. The per cent was .088.185
An exception to the usual military activity of the 40's was seen in the deposition of Peter Montgomery who came from Belfast, Ireland. The document mentioned two women who came over with him, Katherine McKoy and Mary McKoy. They were described as 'good Spinners and honest Weomen.'186
The years from 1750 to 1760 opened up with the arrival in 1750 of Hugh McLean, who was born in Ireland in 1724. While a seaman he became acquainted with Captain Boies and was per- suaded by him to come to Boston. He did come and married Agnes, the daughter of Captain Boies. Later he formed a partnership witlı his father-in-law. His death took place in 1799. A son, John, who married Ann Amory of Boston, became very wealthy and generous, giving $43,000 to Harvard and a large sum of money to the Mas- sachusetts General Hospital. He died in 1823.187 In contrast to the wealth of McLean were the circumstances of John Morrison as taken from the records of Ezekiel Goldthwaite, Notary Public. The document reads
I, John Morrison was born in Belfast in Ireland, and sometime about May, June, July, in the year 1744, I entered (at the Black Boy and Trumpet in
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London) a Volunteer for His Majesty's Ship Sandwich; I was carried down the River Thames in the Mary Tender; and I was put on board his Majesty's ship the Royal Sovereign, then at the Nore; soon after which I was put on board his Majesty's Hind Snow I continued until some time about May, June, or July in the year 1747, at which time I was a shore in Boston in New England at Sick Quarters. ... I was frequently called and known by the name of Morris, by my Brother sailors, while on board the said Snow. I was 21 or 22 years of age when I enter'd as above, and I had on my own hair. I was pretty much pock-broken, & was about five feet 6 or 7 inches high.188
The document was dated December 1, 1750.
A legal proceeding of June 26, 1752, revealed another Irishman of more than moderate means. The text is
Know all Men by these presents that We Aaron Black, Alexander Black and John Black all of the Parish Aughnish in the County of Donegall in the Kingdom of Ireland natural and lawful Brothers of Samuel Black in his life time formerly of Ballylin in the said Parish of Aughnish and late of the city of Boston in America Merchant deceased Elizabeth Fulton otherwise Black Widow and relict of Samuel Fulton late of the said Parish of Aughnish. ... Former deceased natural and lawful Sister of the said Samuel Black deceased George Auston of Gortmickar in the said county of Donegall and Margaret Austan otherwise Black wife of the said George Auston and natural and lawful Sister to the said Samuel Black deceased, James Black of the Parish of Conwall in the said County of Donegall Brother by half blood to the said Samuel Black deceased Robert Black of the Parish of Aughnish aforesaid Brother also by half blood to the said Samuel Black deceased and Aaron Black the Younger Son to Moses Black late of the said Parish of Aughnish ... who in his lifetime was natural and lawful Brother of the said Samuel Black deceased ap- points "James Fulton and Andrew Black of the County of Lancaster in the Province of Pennsylvania in America" their attorneys. 169
An odd circumstance is the number of negroes with Irish names. As most of them were slaves or servants, the Irish name probably indicated an Irish owner, but it was a common thing to name a negro slave after his master. From 1752 to 1760 ten negroes with Irish names are met with in Boston, to wit, James Burk, James Burch, Peggy Burch, Newport Callahan, Rebecca Callahan, John Conelin, Edward Moran, Paddee, Sarah Ryan and George H. Sullivan.190
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