The Molly Maguires Guestbook
All comments prior to October 13, 2000 have been lost by the previous
commercial guestbook provider.
We will be posting your comments here as time permits. Thank you.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
From: "David Novak" NavyDavy2@webtv.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2000 7:29 PM
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of all the other guestbook
entries. I am from Nesquehoning originally, and currently live in
Virginia Beach, VA. Your site brings back many memories of stories my
grandfather and uncles told about their days in the mines. I have
visited it often and will continue to do so. I wish you great success
on your new guestbook.
Sincerely, Dave Novak
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date:Sun, 22 Oct 2000 16:57:37 -0700
From:"Lawrence Murray"
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I HAVE ENJOYED READING THE STORIES OF THE MOLLYS.MANY FAMILY STORIES
HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED ABOUT THEM.I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO GET SOME INFO
ON ONE OF THE GENTLEMEN IN THE STORIES.( TOM MUNLEY) MY FAMILY IS FROM
PENNSYLVANIA,AND MY IRISH HERITAGE STEMS FROM MAYO.
Subject:Direct descendant of John P. Jones
Date:Thu, 2 Nov 2000 11:05:42 EST
From:BJ213Q@aol.com
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hi, I am a 74 year old direct descendant of the murdered John P. Jones who is
buried in Tamaqua. I would like to register my name with any site that is
concerned with descendants from the Molly Maguire era. Can you direct me to
such a site as I am very new to the computer world? Any infor you can
provide will be very much appreciated. I am a retired college dean, and
since I have very little to do these days, I want to become more involved in
the history of these many events. Many thanks for your direction.
Robert W.Jones from Brick, NJ. BJ213Q@aol.com
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date:Sun, 10 Dec 2000 21:38:25 -0500
From:eckly6@bellatlantic.net
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
My grandfather came from County Wexford, Ireland and settled in Eckley
near Hazelton where he was killed it the mines. My grandmother then left
the area and settled in Philadelphia. Listened to many a story of the
Mollies and the life of miners during that era from my mother and
Uncles. Have visited Eckley several times. Eckley, I believe was the
scene of the movie.
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date:Tue, 02 Jan 2001 19:55:49 -0500
From:mclcwa@impop.bellatlantic.net
Reply-To:mclcwa@bellatlantic.net
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hello! William McLaughlin here, descendant of Daniel Gallagher and his
wife, Mary (nee Breslin) from Minersville, Schuykill County circa 1870
-1902. Please email if this info rings a bell. Thanks!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 18:58:15 -0800
From: "Don & Sally Warren" tenstots@ctaz.com
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
An interesting and informative web site. I'll definitely recommend it
to my daughter since she is convinced that we are related to the
Molly James Boyle. I haven't checked it out, so we might be.
Sally Boyle Warren
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date:Wed, 10 Jan 2001 15:32:32 -0800
From:Tom Joacim tomjo@swbell.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Happy New Year to all you good people.
I am a direct decendant to George Major who was shot on Oct. 13, 1874.
I am researching my descendants and would like my note posted in your
guest book.I appreciate any help in finding members of my family.
Thank you, Jo Lynn jovs5@hotmail.com
Subject:Still there
Date:Fri, 12 Jan 2001 08:59:09 -0500
From:"Macieunas, Joe" jmacieun@intersil.com
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I still live in Mahanoy City with my wife and three children.
It's a great place to bring up the kids. But I wish we would embrace
our heritage and do something to commemorate the courage and
determination of these men. Yes, they murdered, and you may call them
criminals, but the fact is they stood up for something they believed in.
They essentially planted the seeds for what is now the modern labor
unions. I still drive by the old single-wide buildings which are
mentioned in the books and I wonder what it was like to be in the coal
region in those days. Times were tough and so were the people. The
west end of Mahanoy City was for the 'huns' (the Lithuanians and
Slovaks) and the east end of town was where the Irish immigrants
conglomerated. You still see this split in the family names to this day.
I'm proud to be part of the area's heritage !
Joe Macieunas
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 15:29:16 -0500
From: "Hillary" racechick@stargate.net
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
This web-site has proved most invaluable to me, as I am a senior
at Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania, and I am doing my senior thesis
on Irish Immigration and the Molly Maguires.
hillary
racechick@stargate.net
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date:Fri, 9 Feb 2001 20:22:51 EST
From:BrenUC1512@aol.com
To:mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hello
I am a college student living in Boston Mass. I've always had a
fascination with terrorism, counter-terrorism, revolutionaries and
the methods of the aforementioned lot. I am conducting research on
the history of subversive organizations within America for a thesis
paper. I must say that the Mollies are among the most
(if not the most) dangerous this country or any other has ever seen.
Not only were they brutal, but the simplicity and effectiveness of
their organization and operations is nothing short of brilliant.
Not the most wholesome or benevolent, but brilliant nonetheless.
My father used to make comments that 'The Irish couldn't organize
their way out of a paper bag...' That may be true, but not when it
comes to rebellion. Then again they've had lots of practise.
Thank you for the information you provide and may the road rise to
meet you. Brendan O'Hara
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 11:06:07 -0500
From: Larry Carey lcarey@fumbloans.com
To: "'mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com'"
My Name is Larry Carey, Jr. I was born in Pottsville, PA and grew up
in Mahanoy Plane, PA. I am decendent from the Carey's of Lost Creek
and the Bradley's of Mahanoy Plane.
I grew up with the stories of the Molly Maguires. In Fact,
my father's cousin owns the pub in Girardsville where they met.
I am researching my family and found your site most interesting and
helpful.
careyclanchief@yahoo.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 22:03:17 -0800
From: "Anne Manusky" amanusky@mindspring.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
CC: "Karen Brannigan" cairann02@mindspring.com
Hi! Just found your site!! I am researching the Lawler/Lawlor family, and with my cousin are trying
to determine if we are related to "Muff" Michael F LAWLER, Bodymaster of the Shenandoah AOH
and saloon keeper in the area..... any help or suggestions, please contact me
amanusky@mindspring.com
Subject: MM Weekend 2001 & MM Monument
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 12:57:02 EST
From: WLEngelhar@aol.com
To: AgelesEcho@aol.com, AnneC97757@aol.com, Art5050@aol.com,
Audenreed@aol.com, AWalsh5239@aol.com, BeatAGoose@aol.com,
bernhard@epix.net, billsimons@rocketmail.com, brb@tiac.net,
bwhprod@ptd.net, Cagetta@aol.com, CalifT@aol.com,
CarBencher@aol.com, Cathyclerk@aol.com, ccrane@gateway.net,
Hello To All 105 Of You on The Molly Maguire Network E-mail List. It has
been a long time since we have used this e-mail list so we hope it is still
fairly accurate. We thought we'd let everyone in on the current Molly
Maguire Weekend plans for 2001 and also let you know about a project to
erect a Monument to all involved in the Molly Maguire saga, in Mahanoy City, PA.
The web site: http://www.schuylkill.org/events.htm
list the following two events.
June 17
TAMAQUA SUMMERFEST
Downtown Tamaqua. Call 570-668-0118.
June 22-24
MOLLY MAGUIRE WEEKEND
Events in Schuylkill & Carbon County. Call 570-622-7700.
This is the web site of the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau and
provides "Your Visitors' Guide for Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania." We don't
have any other details but suggest that you check in frequently at this site and
at the Molly Maguire Club on Yahoo at: http://CLUBS.YAHOO.COM/CLUBS/MOLLYMAGUIRES
for updates.
The web site at: http://www.angelfire.com/pa4/mollymaguires/
is the official Molly Maguire Sculpture Web Site. It will tell you all about
the project and invite your comments. We are generally very much in favor of
the project but please feel free to form your own opinions on the matter.
In The Spirit Of The molly Maguires,
Bill and Ellen Engelhardt
Subject: Gravesite
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2001 11:13:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Rev. Paul Rothermel" p_rothermel@yahoo.com
To: jphilips@earth.sunlink.net
Dear Mr. Philips,
I am a Catholic priest with a degree in history. I am trying to find the grave of Franklin B. Gowen.
Can you help me to know the location? Thank you so very much!
Sincerely,
Rev. Paul L. Rothermel
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguire Guestbook
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001 20:48:44 EDT
From: Joycn@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
i am SO excited to find this site! while i have always been interested in my
family's history, my dad's side has been hard to research.
his mother name was dunleavy and they lived in/near mahanoy city;
some of her relatives still live there, i think.
i have come to understand that i am related, on my father's side (reilly),
to jack kehoe. There is so much to learn, and i can't seem to find a way to get
started. i am hoping that this site will be as helpful to me as it seems to be for others.
kathi acker
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001 13:41:52 -0400
From: "Doug Thompson" dougthompson@kih.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Dear Sirs;
Prior to my recent trip to Centralia, I was ignorant of the Molly Mcguires. But my visit to that
devastated area tweaked my interest about the way the miners were exploited. I can
understand both sides of the Molly Mcguire issue I think. As a blue colar worker myself, my
pendulum would tend to swing in their direction.
Thank you for your site.
Doug Thompson
Ky
www.rvwithus.org
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:01:58 -0400
From: "Kathy Roberts" kbrobert@erols.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Family oral history tells me that my great great grandfather Thomas Fogarty was a Molly Maguire,
was jailed in 1870 for his actions, which census records confirm he was in jail, and also a "scribe"
(justice of the peace) in Mahanoy city. I will be coming to the area in October for furtherresearch.
If anyone has information, I would appreciate hearing from you.
Kathy Roberts
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 01:42:30 -0600
From: "John Cunningham" JJCunningham@worldnet.att.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Too many don't know the history of the labor movment in our country.Keep up the work that defines where the life we lead comes from, the sacrifices and the lives that underlie it.
John
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguire Guestbook
Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2001 21:42:46 EST
From: jbrice39@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Thank you for the information on your site. I am a decendent of Jack Kehoe.
After reading about the Molly Maguires in my History book I was eager to learn more about him and the mollies.
No other site has had this much info for me.
Thank you
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 23:49:24 -0500
From: dispatch@can-arcoach.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
As a decendant of Irish imagration (forth generation) to Canada, my great-grandfather had a hard life in
Northern Ontario. Hard work came down in the blood inherited and continues today. Low pay and poor working
conditions provided by the owners, as in PA, produced hard men and hard drinkers.
Though the conditions didn't produce the Mollies, the overseers did pay the price.
The dandies of the time were beaten and the foremen were never sure if they weren't on the list.
Thankfully that has changed with the times, though some bad blood still runs between a few.
J. Driver
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2001 21:42:46 EST
From: jbrice39@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Thank you for the information on your site. I am a decendent of Jack Kehoe.
After reading about the Molly Maguires in my History book I was eager to learn more about him and the mollies.
No other site has had this much info for me.
Thank you.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 10:25:13 -0500 (EST)
From: dontantalus@webtv.net (Don Tarpley)
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
TO THE BRAVE FALLEN MEN OF THE MOLLIE MCQUIRES "A COWARD DIES A THOUSAND
DEATHS A BRAVE MAN ONLY ONE" I DON'T CLAIM TO KNOW ALL THE DETAILS OF
THE DISPUTE BUT I HAVE DEALT WITH THE OVER POWERING FORCES OF THE
CORPORATE ELITE AND IF I AM TO BE IN ERROR IT WILL BE IN THE FAVOR OF
THE WORKING MAN WHO HAS LITTLE RESOURCES TO STAND ON BUT HIS WILLINGNESS
TO FIGHT AGAINST THE INJUSTICES OF THOSE IN POWER. MAY TRUTH PREVAIL NOT
MY TRUTH OR YOUR TRUTH BUT THE ONLY TRUTH, GODS TRUTH. DON TANTALUS
TARPLEY A DESCENDANT OF THOSE THAT EMIGRATED TO THE U.S. FROM IRELAND
DURING THE 1847 POTATO FAMINE
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 11:32:30 -0500
From: "Tobias, Ann" atobias@state.pa.us
To: "'mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com'"
I am seeking information on a 1920's gangster by the name of Earl Young.
I have been told there is a book related to him. He was a resident of
Schuylkill County, perhaps Pine Grove, PA or more towards Lebanon County.
Only curiosity at work here.
atobias@state.pa.us
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002 21:56:56 -0800
From: "Jeremy and Barb Hess" jbhess@losch.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
my nephew was doing a project for school in harrisburg and was looking for info on the mollies...
he was surprised how much schuylkill county played in the strife...
barbara boran hess (coal miners granddaughter)
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 11:02:12 -0500
From: "greg forman" formang@phillynews.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I love to tell my kids, Max, Sean and Molly, the history of the Mollies and stories about
their Great-great-great grand father, John Kehoe.
Best wishes to my cousin, Joe Wayne, keeper of the faith.
Gregory M. Forman
Philadelphia, Pa.
gmforman3@comcast.net
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 13:09:50 -0000
From: "Bill Thomas" jersey136@cox.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Looking for decendents of Thomas Munley.
He was my great, great, great Uncle.
My name is Laura Thomas & my email adress is jrzgrl1119@hotmail.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:20:52 -0500
From: "Regina R. Drasher" fatnanie@ccomm.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hi!
Great website! I was raised on anthracite stories, the Molly Maguires included.
My grandmother said her uncle was a Molly, but we know how that goes,
and I"ve never found any "proof".
Regina R. Drasher fatnanie@ccomm.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sat, 9 Mar 2002 16:48:22 EST
From: Parksongs@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Victoria Parks here. Amazed by the "indelible" handprint on the wall.
I wonder, who was the Molly who left it there with the promise of its
indelibility for as long as he was believed a guilty man?
Now that there has been an "official" apology and clearing of their names,
is the handprint disappearing I wonder?
Have a wonderful St. Patrick's day,
and Thanks for your reply!
Victoria Parks, Columbus, OH
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 18:29:12 -0600
From: "david johnson" unionyes@ameritech.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Excellent and informative web-site !
I understand that there is a festival every year in the Carbon county area
that incorporates the history of the Molly Maguires, when and where is the festival held ?
David Johnson
Carpenters Union 44
Champaign IL.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 00:32:17 EST
From: Mdoylecamden@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
We owe much to the Molly Maguires.
Michael Doyle.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 12:49:04 -0500
From: "gerazzledazzle" gerazzledazzle@chesco.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hi there!
Just wanted to get in touch since my husband is the great-great grandson of Black Jack Kehoe.
We visited his grave recently and wanted to see if I could find some of you over the net.
Good to see the story is alive and well.
Mrs. Joseph Kehoe
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 01:07:45 -0500
From: "Bill Farrell" yuta@infi.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Interesting, very interesting.
A lot of work involved.
Where can I find a photo of the old Middleport railroad station?
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 18:13:50 -0700
From: "Jim Rhodunda" j.vr@verizon.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I grew up in Summit Hill, Pa. 1944-1964, then moved to California.
I would like to know all about Summit Hill, Lansford, Coaldale, and Tamaqua,
and the Molly Maguires as they relate to these towns.
Thanks, JVR
5/20/02 Molly Maguire Weekend!!
Hello To All 101 Of You on The Molly Maguire Network E-mail List.
We are writing to let you know all that we have been able to ascertain
regarding the Molly Maguire Weekend.
A walking tour of Girardville is planned for Friday evening, June 21;
a dinner is planned for Saturday evening, June 22;
and "Dirty Nellies" will again be scheduled at the Yeungling Mansion on Sunday, June 23.
But we don't know the exact times for these events.
And we don't know the entertainment scheduled for the Sunday event.
The Eckley Patch Days activities are also taking place on the same weekend.
We don't have any specific information about them but know that they can nicely fill in Saturday.
The Walking Tour of Girardville Friday evening will feature discussion of the Gwyther murder,
the Sanger murder and John Kehoe's roll in the arrest of Billy Love.
The tour will end up at Jack Kehoe's Hibernia House (the new official name).
The dinner on Saturday will be at the Quality Hotel.
Howard Crown will talk about the role of Munley in the Sanger murder.
His new book is expected to be at least in the hands of the printer by then.
The "Dirty Nellies" festivities generally run the entire afternoon on Sunday,
and feature great entertainment.
We have not been able to get any current information about the status of the Molly Maguire Monument
in Mahanoy City.
Newspaper articles have indicated that a partially completed monument,
containing the hooded statue of a miner but not the grieving woman,
is scheduled for completion by June.
But we do not know of any plans for unveiling the monument or officially dedicating it.
You can read up about the monument at the official web site at:
Please click here
We'll pass along any other information as we get it.
In The Spirit Of The Molly Maguires,
Bill and Ellen Engelhardt
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 28 May 2002 22:01:23 EDT
From: MGee54@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
My name is Robert McGinley and my ancestor was David Kelly one of the Molly Maguires
that was put to death by hanging.
My grandmother was a Kelly and my fathers relatives are all from ashland, girardville,
mauch chunk and centralia....I am tracing my roots.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2002 01:20:31 -0500
From: "Patricia OBrien" pmob59@msn.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hi Bernie Coleman:
It has been awhile since we communicated. Sorry for not keeping in touch.
We are cousins and related to "Yellow" Jack Donohue.
I may come up this June for this years Molly Maguire events.
If you read this, email me at pmob59@msn.com
Let's keep in touch and I hope all is well for you and your family!
Patty O'Brien
6/7/02 Molly Maguire Weekend Update
Information was provided compliments of Bill and Ellen Engelhardt, and Mark Major
Friday June 21st
6PM.....WALKING TOUR OF GIRARDVILLE
Meet at the M&T Bank Parking Lot on Main Street, Girardville.
Tour highlights include discussion of the August 14th 1875 murder of Thomas Gwyther,
the planning of the Thomas Sanger murder and the role of John Kehoe,
Schuylkill County Delegate, Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Tour ends at the former Hibernian House on Beech Street in Girardville.
Free tour.
Your guide, Howard Crown, will hopefully be treated well by tour patrons at the bar.
Saturday, June 22nd
PATCH TOWN DAYS AT ECKLEY MINERS VILLAGE
Take a journey back in time as the past comes alive in the celebration of the ethnic
traditions of the anthracite patch towns.
Patch Town Days will be held on June 22 & 23 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m . rain or shine.
The festival is a kaleidoscope of music and entertainment featuring folk, Welsh, Irish,
and coal mining music, Irish Step Dancers, and a Lithuanian dance troupe.
Our living history group, The Eckley Players, will be reenacting an eviction of a miner
and his family from their company home.
There will be over forty crafters, and artisans with items on display and for sale.
Also... period demonstrators such as shoemakers, blacksmiths, pysanky egg decorating,
lace making, spinning, quilting, soap making, and more.
Try your hand at old time domestic chores such as coal cracking, hand scrubbing laundry,
or cooking on coal stove.
The Village's historic buildings will be open as well as a variety of traditional
and ethnic food, wagon rides, and much more.
There will be an admission fee for the event.
Eckley Miners' Village is located 9 miles east of Hazleton, I-81 to Route 940,
and is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
in co-operation with the Eckley Miners' Village Associates.
Call the museum at (570) 636-2070
Saturday Evening June 22nd:
Molly Maguire Annual Dinner Meeting at the Quality Inn and Suites,
100 South Centre Street, Pottsville.
Howard Crown will speak on the topic of Thomas Munley, his life, his arrest,
trial and execution.
Howard is writing a book on Thomas Munley, who was convicted of first degree murder
in July 1876 and hanged at Pottsville on the Day of the Rope, June 21st, 1877.
Cocktails at 6PM, Dinner served at 6:30.
$20 per person, checks payable to the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau.
Reservations for the dinner should be made by contacting the Visitors Bureau at 570-622-7700.
RSVP by Monday, June 17.
Sunday: June 23rd
The Irish Lads perform at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts on Sunday,
June 23rd from 2-5PM.
Also the McCune step dancers will also perform along with other local entertainment.
The SCCA is located in the former Yuengling Mansion at 1440 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville.
There is a fee for this event.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 14:15:05 EDT
From: BoyleAnne@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Thank you to all the great people who bring right from so much wrong at such
a high price.
Anne Boyle
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 21:21:24 -0400
From: "michael kane" obrien88@adelphia.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Dear Folks:
Andrew Carnegie, Thomas A. Scott, and the Pennsylvania Railroad were the
biggest thieves and murderers in 19th Century Pennsylvania.
They made a frame and put Kehoe in it.
Mike Kane, Pittsburgh, Pa.
P.S. Thank God for the famine. We're not subject to the British Empire because of it.
God Bless General Michael Corcoran.
Subject: Bully Bill Thomas
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2002 22:20:33 -0500
From: "Judy Ide" jfide@geotec.net
To: jphilips@sunlink.net
Has anyone done a family tree on William Thomas known as Bully Bill Thomas?
Who where his parents, brothers, sisters?
When was he born and when had he died?
I understand he lived to be an old man.
I have uncovered a Thomas in my family line who was born in Minersville in 1837.
Just wondered if there is a family connection.
Judy Ide
Subject:Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 18:37:40 -0400
From: dms201@acsworld.net (Diane Spokus)
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hi,
I am from Big Mine Run, between Ashland and Girardville.
My maiden name was Bielarski and we lived on the corner as you make the turn to go to Centralia.
Before my parents built their ranch home in 1960, there was a beer garden on the corner
and the lot was densely populated with mature trees.
I was told when my parents were building the home that the Molly Maguires frequented this bar.
Does anyone know of any such tales? It was Sweeney's corner.
Also, is there anyone that recollects any information on Woodland Heights Park
and the Molly Maguires?
Thanks.
Diane
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 20:45:29 EDT
From: Steamboatjannie@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
enjoyed the stroll down the lane of so much interesting history. the molly maguires are quite the lively bunch.
i am attempting to locate more info on molly maguire herself for a master's level paper.
enjoyed this greatly.
thank you...janice m. nelson
steamboatjannie@aol.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 00:53:48 EDT
From: MtMrym@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I just visited Jim Thorpe,Pottsville, and Girardville this past week.
I only had three days there, but I was thrilled by the history and the hospitality
of the people I met. Many thanks to Tom who let us into the Old Jail even though it was closed.
I have an avid interest in the Molly Maguire history and a few years ago,
I had the opportunity to interview Kevin Kenney who authored
"Making Sense Of The Molly Maguires."
I am planning to come back in late spring or early summer.
Do you have descendants reunions every year? If so, would you please send me information.
I would love to be there for the next one. My email address is Mtmrym@aol.com.
My address is Mary L Matz, 4819 Rolling Hills Rd. Pgh., Pa. 15236. Thank you.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 20:32:44 -0400
From: "kbell35" kbell35@quixnet.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hey! This is an awesome website! I had to do a school essay on the Molly
Macguires and all that I needed I found here!
Thanks a bunch for making the website!
E. Belletti
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:11:25 -0500
From: "Krummel, Beth (RBI-US)" bkrummel@reedbusiness.com
To: "'mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com'" mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
My husband's ancestor, Jonah Shinton, was a Protestant mining engineer
who immigrated from England to Schuylkill Cty. in 1850.
He left Schuylkill Cty with his second wife after 1860 and settled in Illinois,
but we haven't been able to figure out why.
Does anyone know if the Mollies were active in Schuylkill as early as the late 1850's-1860's?
If so, this may explain his departure from PA. bkrummel@aol.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 01:56:38 -0500
From: "Ken Smith" dynasty92@alltel.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Im glad to see a page on the Molly Maquires.
I can remember hearing from my grandfather about how the company stores
would charge the irish outrageous prices for stuff in the company stores.
Im a decendant of Peter Mcmanus.
my grandmother Mary Mayme Mcmanus was a slave in the hills of West Virginia.
She was endentured to a family by the name of Tuttles.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 22:54:17 -0500
From: "John" Curran_John@msn.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Excellent information on your website.
Seeking further information on John Curran, Secretary of the Girardville Branch of the AOH,
aide and friend of Jack Kehoe. Thank you, John Curran
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 00:30:05 EST
From: GEOALYSHEP@cs.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
One of my cousins sent me a little history of my Mother's family.
My Great grandfather, Joseph Jefferson Fox told people that he was a Molly Maguire.
The family is from the Pennsylvania coal area and his wife Adelia Thornton was
1st generation Irish American.
My cousin also said that Great Grandpa also like to tell stories. I have some digging to do.
George Shepard
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2002 18:11:28 EST
From: Catgirl1215@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Thank-you! I found your website very helpful because I am doing a presentation
on the Molly Maguires at my school.
You did a very nice job of presenting everything and you had a lot of information.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 23:12:33 EST
From: DTE3NYC@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I just discovered your site through the links on coalregion.com.
There is too much information for me to absorb at one time,
but so far what I've found is absolutely remarkable.
I'm a member of the Alex Campbell AOH in Jim Thorpe, and currently work in New York.
The story of the Mollies has been converted to a movie once before
with the Late Richard Harris and Sir Sean Connery.
From what I've been reading, there just seems to me more to the whole story
than what was told in that film.
It is truly an interesting and intriguing story that shows the injustice of the time,
and how the media put a negative spin on everything.
It would be interesting to see the reaction of today's audiences
to the true story of what really happened.
Dan Evans III
Subject: John "Yellow Jack" Donohue
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 2002 16:13:10 EST
From: Tcfidelity@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I am told by my Dad that Yellow Jack is my Great Grandfather on my Father's side.
I am interested in getting more information about him.
Any direction you could provide would be appreciated.
I went to the movie site as a 13 year old and met Sean Connery and other cast members,
but didn't realize at that time that I was connected to the Molly Maguires.
Thanks
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2003 20:04:28 EST
From: Liguo5@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Enjoyed the visit with the molly maguires.....Sam
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 14:55:02 -0500
From: "Mike Donaghy" mdonaghy@donaghyinsurance.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Thank you for keeping our history alive!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 17:36:49 EST
From: DvdMLane@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
My maternal grandma came from Pittston. Her name was Bridget Farry.
My mother told me her uncle was involved with the Molly Maguires.
When I was in grade school in the early 1930,s the priest in charge of the school
was Fr. Patrick Joyce who worked together with Fr. John Munley. (he was pastor of my parish).
Both of them were "breaker boys". Fr. Munley lost the tip of one of his fingers,
and when he went to become a priest he had to get a special dispensation to become ordained.
He said it was because he had to hold the sacred species at Communion time.
He also had two sisters who were school teachers. One was Agnes and the other I think was Mary.
I think they came from Wilkes-Barre but I am not sure. .
The pictures and historical information is really great.!!
Now I know where to come for information.
David Lane E-mail DvdMLane@AOL.com 12 Jan 03
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 14:09:29 EST
From: LBart16877@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Great website!
My daughter is doing a history day performance and the information on this site has been
very helpful.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 11:08:40 -0500
From: "JD Michaels" jmichaels@fcb.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Just learned about the MMs in Jim Thorpe PA.
It's good that this site is around, because all they had was a 2 dollar pamphlet.
Thanks.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 01:03:25 EST
From: MnSRedDiamond@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hello,
My Name is Tom McDonald, I'm a member of the Magnolias and Sabers Historical Society,
an internet historical society that explores the history of the Civil War and the Victorian Era.
One of the issues we are exploring this year is the immigrant expierence and especially a look at the Molly Maguires and the struggles of Coal Miners in PA during this period.
I wish to use some of the information on your website and ask permission to use such
information. Any assistance would be appreciated, thank you
Tom McDonald
Magnolias and Sabers VHS
PS I found it very interesting that they had to pin a 1863 murder on Jack Kehoe
to hang him or corporate murder him.
Magnolias & Sabers Virtual Historical Society
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 09:59:13 -0600
From: "coolns2003" coolns2003@cox.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
After seeing movie/Gangs NY / thought i would ck. out Gville Irish .
Good friend is member of AOH /Walter B. Connor.
Such a small town ....so many sites..so much history.
My grandmother was Irish Rosanna Wynn but married German.
When we visit St. Augustine Fl always hit the large shop there.
Pensacola really celebrates, Two pubs McGuires and Rosie OGradys
Counting the days til green beer.... will try to get up yaulls way one day.
God Bless All
Gail M CoolRN
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2003 22:28:59 EST
From: Dusty33627@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
my wife, the former angela kehoe, was very inpressed with your site,
seeing how she is researching her fathers(john kehoe) claim
that they are directly related to blackjack kehoe.
if you are aware of any direct links to blackjack kehoe information,
please feel free to e-mail us any information, it would be appreciated by her.
again, great site!!!! keep it going!!!!
thank you,
goble family
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sat, 01 Mar 2003 23:40:14 -0500
From: Loretta Murphy swtloret@sunlink.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I have been researching my own family history on the Charles
Carroll and Patrick Devlin families of Blythe Township (1848 and
on)...
in the process, have been trying to discover whether my
gggrandfather Charles was in any way related to the executed James
Carroll. Although from census records, it appears the Carroll family
was quite extended, there are few records I have been able to locate.
In addition to my family research, I am in the middle of writing a fictional novel
that has the tale of the Molly Maguires woven through it.
Finally, is anyone aware of a movement to generate interest
in perservation of the O'Donnell home in Wiggans Patch?
It still stands, a testimony to our evolution as a culture.
We here in Schuylkill County bridged our differences and overcame our cultural
diversities.
The house should be restored and turned into a Molly McGuire museum.
And if any descendants of James Carroll or my own grandfather Charles Carroll
are out there, please email me.
Likewise anyone who knows if the O'Donnel house has been recommended for consideration
as a historical property.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 17:29:33 EST
From: KatySueBoogaboo@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hey, your site was the only source that I could find for my
National History Day Competition, THANKS!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 13:24:55 -0800
From: "Shannon Baker" wondercat930@austin.rr.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
My grandmother always said, "We're Molly Maguires, but don't tell anyone."
I had no idea what that meant.
I'd been to the Carbon County Jail, as my great uncle was an employee there for years.
I've seen the famous handprint countless times.
My grandmother was a Gallagher from Jim Thorpe, formerly Mauch Chunck.
They "lived up on the hill."
My great grandfather and the men in the family before him worked for either the railroad,
or the mines, which I understand were both owned by the same company,
and there was little distinction.
I read in the book Making Sense of the Molly Maguires that the family name Gallagher
was somehow involved.
I realize that the region was settled by many from Donegal including several Gallagher families.
I have recently become interested in my heritage, and have appreciated Jim Thorpe
more as an adult than I did as a child.
My family still hold a reunion regularly up there,
and many of my grandmothers brothers and sisters still live in the area.
If you have any information on the Gallagher family,
specifically Frank P. Gallagher, I would appreciate to know more about my family heritage.
Thank You.
Shannon Baker
granddaughter of Josephine Gallagher Flanagan
Subject: Mollies, Mauch Chunk and the Waltons and Kemmers
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 08:33:16 -0600
From: "Janet Yeager" cmcjanet2@cox.net
To: MollyMaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Hi,
I am just beginning my research on the Waltons and Kemmers of Mauch Chunk PA.
I don't think that these people were Mollies, but rather the landlord/overseers.
I also have reason to believe that these people moved (at least temporarily)
to NY while the Mollies were trying to get some justice.
There is a picture of the Kemmer house in Mauch Chunk that does not typify
what I would imagine an average coal miners' house to be.
The Kemmer house was a very grand affair.
Is there a list of who the Mollies killed and who some of the people were who lived
on Millionaire's Row?
Thanks!
Janet Yeager
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 19:31:52 EST
From: Creh5@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I 'm so grateful that you are keeping the memories of these poor men alive.
It's literally tragic the way justice was dispensed toward the poor Irish in America
in those Dark Ages.
George Washington would have fought for the same ideals as the Irish did.
We all know his stature in U.S. history!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 20:00:20 -0500
From: Tom Johnson tjmcshane@chartermi.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I find the history interesting.
I found this site after reviewing some oral family history by my Grandfather,
Thomas B. Johnson of Duboise PA. (1903 to 1981)
He mentions in an interview, when he was alive, that some of his mothers
family, the Murphy's and MaCcarthys, that some of these ancestors of
mine were involved in setting up the Molly Maquires.
It is interesting though this interview is the only time it has ever
been mentioned it at all to any of my extended family.
I hope to learn more about this.
This may have something to do with my interest in unions, and wanting to
stay away from them at the same time.
Thank you for this web site.
Tom Johnson
Gladstone, Michigan
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2003 12:25:11 -0500
From: "Nadine Miezwa" miezwa@blazenet.net
Reply-To: "Nadine Miezwa" miezwa@blazenet.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
This looks like a pretty good site. It should really help out with my essay.
Laura from Hanover, PA
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 08:38:34 -0500
From: "Pam Schumack" pschumac@ptd.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
This is Dane Rooney, a breaker boy from the Jim Thorpe and Shenandoah
productions.
And also I attended the dinner at Jim Thorpe in the pictures on your pages.
I was in the play when I was 10 years old,
and now I am 18 and a Senior at Shenandoah Valley High School. Great site!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 00:24:03 -0400
From: "Rose Greiser" blacknails@rcn.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
as a member of AOH div 4 black jack keough, having spent the day of march 16
in jim thorpe seeing the jail and marching in the parade, i am filled with pride ,
with this site, and knowing the mollies memory lives on.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 14:15:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: mared44@webtv.net (Edward Kurtz)
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
my name is ed kurtz.
my great,great,great uncle idgick dietman was a paymaster at the enterprize collery in excelsior.
the mollies killed him.
they found his body under a bridge in ranshaw. bridge is still there.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 18:20:51 EDT
From: Lilherbe22@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
i have really enjoyed reading more about the "Molly Maguires."
i first started out trying to find info for a class of mine and i now am hooked on it
and i plan to learn more about them.
thanx for all the great info u provided me with.
~ Lilherbe22 ~
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 26 May 2003 16:32:49 -0500
From: "Joe Mc Ilvaine" joe61339@attbi.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
I am a descendent of the Lawlers from Shenendoah, but I am not sure my greatgrand father
was a molly. His brother "Muff" was, and owned a bar called the Emerald House.
Any other Lawlers know more contact me a joe61339@attbi.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 17:57:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: staher@webtv.net
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
hi, gene from giraldville
drank in jack kehole bar many times
staher@webtv.net
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 19:52:25 EDT
From: Beelet@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
My late husbands great great grandfather was Michael "muff" Lawler.
His sister is in the process of research.
Subject: Peter McManus
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 14:23:59 EDT
From: ESMaloney@aol.com
To: mollymaguires@budgettechnologies.com
Having returned from this year's Molly Weekend in Schuylkill County, I have
renewed genealogical interest in the last Molly to be hanged: Peter McManus.
I have McManus ancestors from Locust Gap, PA in the anthracite coal region and
I often wondered if there was any family connection to Peter McManus.
My g-grandfather, Patrick McManus, would have been of the same generation as Peter.
"Ken Smith" posted a message on 1 Nov 2002 stating
that he was a descendant of Peter McManus.
I would very much like get in touch with Ken Smith,
but the email address listed on his posting must no longer be
active as my message was returned to me.
So, Ken Smith, if you see this please contact me and also anyone else with
interest in Peter McManus.
Rich Maloney
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2003 21:52:43 -0600
From: "gail" coolns2003@cox.net
To: jphilips@sunlink.net
still searching for VN war buddy/ irish AOH Last contact 87/88/89 Willow Grove NAS JRB Pa.
Then a LTCOL USMCR c/o of helo sqd.WALTER CONNOR/history teacher Born Newton NJ
any information call collect COOL RN 850/455/1904 Not WC from Girardville Pa.
Is there a National Regist. of AOH members??? or military AOH link ??
Neat website..... God bless yau'll THANKS GAIL
Subject: Molly descendant
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2003 16:26:45 EST
From: Tcfidelity@aol.com
To: jphilips@sunlink.net
Hi,
My name is Thomas Coyne and I am a great grandson of John "Yellow Jack" Donahue.
I believe his second wife was my great grandmother.
Are there any family lines available on Yellow Jack?
Thanks
TC
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2003 20:24:07 -0700
From: "Dennis Hoepfer" dryanh@mohaveaz.com
To: jphilips@sunlink.net
Hey,
My name is Shannon Warren and I am a great granchild of Black Jimmy Boyle.
Just here looking around.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 21:06:44 EST
From: FlaLowes@aol.com
To: jphilips@sunlink.net
Came across your web site conducting genealogy research.
Trying to establish a connection between my family and James Carroll, the Molly.
James Carroll and a German woman, Mary Bing, had an illegitimate son, born 1866,
named William James Carroll (my g grandfather)
Apparently it was common knowledge throughout Mauch Chunk that William Carroll's father,
James, was hanged as a Molly but I haven't been able to establish that James Carroll,
father of William, is the same James Carroll of Molly Maguire fame.
If anyone has traced James Carroll's line back to around 1840 or has any info to share,
I would appreciate an e-mail at FlaLowes@aol.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2004 20:35:16 EST
From: Saramchugh2@aol.com
To: jphilips@sunlink.net
Hi im Sara McHugh.
I always heard about the Molly Maguires when I was younger,
but I never really knew much about them until my senior year in high school,
I did my senior project on the Molly Maguires.
Ever since then I cant stop learning about them.
I found out that I have ancestry in the Mollys,
but I cant figure out who this man was with the last name McHugh.
I know he killed someone and was hanged for it.
From reading your guestbook I also found out that there were Murphys who were Mollys,
and my great grandmother was a Murphy.
This web site is so wonderful and Im glad that there are so many people interested in them.
The mollys were right in the things they did and if I was alive back then,
I would have done the same thing.
If anyone can give me any information I would be grateful.
Saras_jeep@yahoo.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2004 23:09:50 -0400
From: "STRUPCZEWSKI L" tstrup@msn.com
To: jphilips@sunlink.net
You have a wonderful web site.
I learned a lot in the time I spent going through all it's aspects.
My name is Terry Strupczewski and I am a descendent of Tom Munley's youngest brother.
I am looking for the descendents of his brothers and sisters.
If you are a descendent please contact me at tstrup@msn.com
Subject: Molly Maguire Charles Sharpe
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 10:27:15 EDT
From: BSNJMSIRE@aol.com
To: jphilips@earth.sunlink.net
I have been trying to find some information on Charles Sharpe,
one of the Molly Maguires hanged in 1878.
I was doing some researching on my familys history and in the 1880 census,
a young boy Andrew Sharpe from Pa. listed as a nephew living with my G-G Grandparents.
I was curious to to know weather Charles Sharpe may have had a son and who his wife was.
My family lived somewhere in Pa. when they arrived from Ireland,
unfortunatly I dont know anything else as there are no family records.
Any assistance is GREATLY appreciated!
Brian Neary, PEC Chairman.
AOH Michigan
email bsnjmsire@aol.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 05:57:25 -0400
From: "Lucille M." lml201@ptd.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Visited your site will be back again.
Lucille
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 20:25:05 -0600
From: "Ali Cat" funky_chic8169@hotmail.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
I am researching the Molly Maquires for a school (11th grade) report.
We have to write a script and act it out.
Your site was extremely informing.
It provided some very helpful and interesting information. Thank You!!!!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 00:26:52 -0400
From: "Joe Munley" joemunley@hotmail.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
I had a look around the site and will check back in to see some more soon.
I am a history teacher at the Phelps School in Malvern, PA.
I will touch base with my sister since she is doing
all of the geneology work in the family.
We have roots in Lost Creek and Shenandoah!
Keep up the good work!
Sincerely, Joseph James Munley
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 20:01:51 -0700
From: "Raymond Land" rland@mailblocks.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
This is in response to BSNJMSIRE@aol.com question if anyone knew anything about
his relative Charles Sharp.
On January 14, 1879 James McDonnell and Charles Sharp were hanged by Sheriff Raudenbush
in Mauch Chunk for the murder of mine operator George K. Smith.
The execution of these two men by Sheriff Raudenbush was an ugly, brutal affair
that almost got the sheriff lynched by angry citizens of Mauch Chunk.
There was widespread resistance to the hanging of McDonnell and Sharp because it was believed
that there was no real evidence against them,
and that they were being hustled off to the gallows as part of the Molly Maguire hysteria.
The lawyer for the pair, an attorney named Longstreet, had gone to the governor
the day before the execution and begged him for a stay of execution based on new evidence.
The governor said he would think it over and get back to Longstreet the following morning.
Raudenbush had a signed death warrant which instructed him to execute the men
between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on January 14, 1989,
and when no word had arrived by 10:00 a.m., Raudenbush began to prepare for the executions,
in spite of pleas from the lawyer that he could wait until 2:00 p.m. or even 3:00 p.m.
Raudnebush would not wait, and took the men out of their cells and had them up on the gallows
platform at 10:20 a.m., when a tremendous banging was heard at the front door of the prison.
It was the telegraph operator from Mauch Chunk with a telegram from the governor
giving a five-day stay of execution.
Raudenbush told his aides to ignore the uproar at the door and went ahead with the hanging,
dropping the two men to their deaths.
Only when they had been swinging for five minutes did he open the front door to admit
the distraught telegraph operator and a hysterical Mrs. Sharp and Michael McDonnell,
the brother of James McDonnell, who saw their kin dangling from the ropes.
McDonnell was still alive when he was cut down, but he died shortly after,
and Michael McDonnell tried to assult Raudenbush yelling, "You have murdered my brother."
Mrs. Sharp went beserk and did her best to attack Raudenbush, but he was protected by his aides.
Later, a huge crowd gathered outside of the prison, calling for Raudenbush's death.
It was only when the local parish priest, Rev. Bunce, intervened that the mob became
a little less violent.
Bunce told the mob that he had been at the executions, and he lied saying that the sheriff
thought it was Michael McDonnell and Mrs. Sharp at the door,
and did not know it was the telegraph operator.
Nevertheless, two facts remain undisputed, a message from the governor had been expected,
and Raudenbush could have legally waited several more hours,
and did not have to rush the men to the gallows in the way that he did.
That was the last "Mollie" hanging in Mauch Chunk.
*Page 179 and 180 of A Molly Maguire Story authored by Patrick Campbell, 82 Bentley Avenue, Jersey City,
NJ 07304 (201-434-2432) and published by the Princeton University Press in 1992.
Brian,
I hope this helps you out in gathering info about your relative, Charles Sharp.
My ancestors were the Gibbons and they were from Girardville, Penna.
They used to drink at Black Jack Kehoe's bar in Girardville.
Ray Land
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 11:30:51 -0400
From: Lori Keefe keefe@USLI.com
To: "'jrphilips@evenlink.com'" jrphilips@evenlink.com
I just happened to find your website using a search engine.
I wanted to find out more information on the Molly Maguires in Coaldale,
as I had relatives who used to live there,
& I grew up hearing stories about the Molly Maguires.
Lori Keefe
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2004 21:03:47 -0500
From: "TARA ZENDROSKY" zenudu@verizon.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
I'm doing a contest about the Molly Maguires sponcered by the AOH,
and I came on here to find information about the Molly's
Thankyou!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 17:40:08 -0800
From: noironmaster no1ironmaster@yahoo.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
thank you for such a great site.
my father was a coal miner and i worked in the mine strippins for a long time.
i was born and raised in duryea pennsylvania.
i live about ten miles from fells taveren were it all started.
i am a retired blacksmith and have rebuilt many tools from the days of coal mining.
tnx again ed viadock aka hotforge101 no1ironmaster @ yahoo.com
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 12:16:43 EST
From: Ccarr014@aol.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Have just watched a program on the Mollies, had no idea.
Having the surname Carroll am now quite intrestered.
Any info on James Carroll would be appreciated, Charles Carroll
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 08:52:05
From: Pete J Scherer PJScherer1@armstrong.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Thanks for recognizing the memory of these brave men.
My Grandmother was a Doolin, I am looking for information, they were from Ashland.
Peter J. Scherer III
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 11:18:16 -0400
From: "Shirley ONeill"
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
I am 13 Years old and I have been studying the Mollys since I was 9.
I thought that they were very interesting.
Reading your stories is like a walk down memory lane.
My grandmother and grandfather would tell me stories that their parents had told them.
My mom even tells me some of the things that went on.
I have a book that I have read over and over again about the mollies.
It is very interesting about how the mollies were treated and how they retaliated
against immigration and how they got what they wanted.
Yet to this day some were unjustly accused of killing when they did not do anything.
It was unfair because they had all dutch and railroad workers for the jury,
who not many spoke very much english.
So your sites will help kids my age and youger and older with reports,
or if they are curious about what happened.
Thanks for your help.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Mon, 02 May 2005 19:41:25 -0400
From: "rc.dipietro" rc.dipietro@verizon.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Thank you for providing important information regarding the coal miners,
especially Molly Maguires.
I am from Scranton Pennsylvania and have lived here all of my life.
I am from Irish descent and my grandfathers family immigrated here from Monaghan,Ireland.
My mother's last name being Monahan.
I love learning about the Irish history and in particular this group of miners.
Thanks for everything.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Thu, 5 May 2005 21:35:46 -0400
From: "Chelle" smb4215@msn.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Hello Everyone,
I was just notified about the overgrown cemetery of St Joe's church in Girardville.
My mother's family was from Girardville.
Her parents were Edward Connors & Rose Carey of Preston Ave. (any relatives out there?)
My grandfather was a coal miner at the age of 12.
I remember his stories fondly.
I had relatives killed in the mines.
He suffered from emphysema from the mines.
Those men worked so hard for only pennies a week.
I am currently looking into funding to clear the cemetery,(below.is the link).
My great great grandfather was Martin Dean. His stone is in the photos.
Does anyone know if any of the Molly Maguire's are buried there?
I could maybe get funding as a historical site.
My daughter is also a film maker and is interested in writing a "new screen play"
of the story of the Molly Maguires.
This is in the very preliminary stages.
She has a client who is looking for a new screen play to produce,
& is pitching this idea.
I am so happy to find this site. I will be writing again.
ShelleyB of NJ
Click for GraveStoneStudies.org
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Fri, 6 May 2005 10:15:37 -0400
From: "Holihan, Richard" HolihanR@mail.leon.k12.fl.us
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Thank you for publishing this collection of materials concerning the Molly Maguire's.
The more I read and learn about the "Molly Maguire's",
the more I am convinced that the group is a myth.
I recognize that acts of violence obviously did occur, however,
I do not believe that an "organization" actually existed.
Dr. Richard Holihan
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2005 10:54:51 -0400
From: "Jeffrey Geisel" geiselj@enter.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
This is a great site with lots of information!
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 01:04:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: Judy McAndrew judymca@yahoo.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Thank you for maintaining your website; it's very interesting!
My great-grandfather was Frank McAndrew,
and I have been trying to find out what became of him.
The over-dramatized Molly Maguire movie said he was hung,
but apparently that was not true.
My father, William, was born in Shenandoah in 1925,
and said that Frank was not around when he was growing up,
but does remember his grandmother, Mary, who apparently lived into her 90's.
If anyone would have any information, I would love to hear from you.
Judy McAndrew
Subject: mollies
From: Tim Chestnut
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 1:08 AM
On my senior trip to Daytona Beach in 1970, I saw the "Mollies" for the first time.
Little did I know that I would by 1973 become a coal miner for 17 years.
After getting over the "willies" of being underground, it felt like the most natural place to be.
If I smell sulphur, I am transported back in time.
Have been employed by my local telephone company for the last 13 years.
It pays the bills, but I still have dust in my blood. ( always will ).
a
The "Mollies" and "Matewan" are my favorites.
Yours, Tim Chestnut.
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
From: Peter McHugh
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 8:41 PM
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions in John "Black Jack" Kehoe's case,
and the that of the combined trial of Patrick Hester, Patrick Tully and Peter McHugh are published in the state legal reporter.
The reporter with the cases can be viewed in any county law library or public library that carries the reporters.
Both cases are published in the same reporter.
The citation for Kehoe v. Commonwealth is 85 Pa. 1 (1978) and Hester et al v. Commonwealth immediately thereafter at 85 Pa. 139 (1878).
The first number in the citation is the volume number, and the second is the page number where case starts.
I think copying and scanning these two cases would be a lovely addition to this website.
The cases are extremely interesting reading for anyone interested in the Molly Maguires.
Cheers,
Peter McHugh
Subject: Upcoming Event
From: Eirland@aol.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 5:57 PM
Hi:
As I was researching the Molly's for a power point display, I came across this website.
I felt it only fitting that I invite all of you and your families to the upcoming lecture and play.
I don't know where you live, but I hope that you will be able to attend the following:
Learn About the Molly Maguires:
The Irish Cultural Society of Scranton, PA is hosting a lecture on the 19th of February in their Society Building,
on the corner of Beech St and Wintermantle Ave in Scranton, PA.
The lecture will begin at 2:00PM and run until approximately 6:00PM.
Lecturers will be Jerry Furey, an educator from New York and the Venus Theatre Co. from Maryland,
who will present a program called "Are you a Daughter of a Molly Maguire?".
Light refreshments will be served with a free will donation being accepted at the door.
For more information, please contact Rosie by e-mail at eirland@aol.com
Thanks,
Rosie Davitt
Irish Cultural Society of Scranton
Lecture Coordinator and
Cultural Committee Co-Chairperson
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
From: emprn@comcast.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 3:58 PM
This is quite an interesting site.
I had a great granfather who was from Mahanoy City and worked in the mines.
To avoid persecution, he gave up his US citizenship to mine diamonds inSouth Africa.
I have a letter written by the government and stamped by the president of South Africa.
I am an O'Connor.
Anyone interested in the story please e-mail me.
Eileen
Hello!
My name is Carrie Kehoe and I am the great-great-great granddaughter of John "Black Jack" Kehoe.
I am so very pleased to see this website and know that the history is being kept alive and well.
I am an active member and officer in the LAOH of Chester County, Pennsylvania and even marched in the Baltimore
St. Patrick's Day Parade yesterday!
I would love to connect with some of my relatives out there and further discuss and visit some of the historic places
of the Molly Maguires and my family.
Thank you,
Carrie Kehoe
CarriesCorner@ccis.net
----- Original Message -----
From: gerazzledazzle@epix.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 4:59 PM
Subject: please add my comment to the guestbook
I first wrote in the guest book 3/8/02 and have received a few inquiries over time to my e-mail address.
My husband is the great-great grandson of Black Jack Kehoe.
Looks just like him.
I would like to update my e-mail address to gerazzledazzle@epix.net should anyone want to get in touch,
as my other account is inactive.
Our daughter participated in the Baltimore, Md. St. Patrick's parade yesterday as a representative of LAOH--the tradition carries on.
Thanks.
Mrs. Joseph John Kehoe
From: "James Lister" jlister@intercom.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2006 6:32 PM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
My great-great grandfather was Patrick ( "Pat", "Blue Pat" ) McKenna
Senior.
He operated a saloon called "McKenna's".
He was convicted of the
second-degree murder of the mining supervisor Morgan Powell,
and sentenced
to nine years imprisonment.
The book entitled "The Mollie Maguires and the Detectives" by Allan
Pinkerton
details on numerous pages how James McParlan ( alias James
McKenna ) infiltrated
my great-great grandfather's McKenna family.
Coincidentally, my great-grandfather's name was also James McKenna.
Patrick McKenna Senior's brother-in-law was Thomas P. Fisher.
He was
the brother of my great-great grandmother Bridget Fisher McKenna.
He
operated the Rising Sun Hotel.
He was convicted of the murder of Morgan
Powell and was hung in 1878.
Sincerest regards,
James Lister
Denton, Maryland
E-Mail Address:
jlister@shore.intercom.net
From: Joe McAtee
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2006 12:15 PM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
I'm a relative of Thomas Munley.
If you would like a couple of good references to Molly History in the Pa Coalfields, let me know.
I'd be glad to share my family and senior college thesis info with those who would care.
Joe McAtee
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rose Killian" rosekillian@bellsouth.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Sunday, May 28, 2006 11:28 AM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
As a young (8 years old) Irish-Catholic American boy in 1970 Philadelphia,
I
saw the movie with my father and my brothers.
The movie stirred me then and
the impression it made on me stays with me still 36 years later.
I still
feel my blood boil just as it did then.
Interestingly enough, the "terrorist" activities of the Mollys is akin to
the spirit of the freedom fighters of the American revolution that
inevitably changed the course of human history, many of whom were of
Irish-Celtic origin.
I am proud to say, that today because of the efforts of these men and our
forbearers,
I and others have taken our place in America so many
generations later.
And although I do not condone violence, it is a harsh
reality of the human condition,
and proven by history that we wouldn't be
here today if our predecessors
did not fight with all they had and
sacrificed everything.
We Irish Americans owe them a great debt but,
their
reward is in the faces of our children.
Joseph Francis Killian
Killian Yacht & Ship Brokers
Fort Lauderdale Florida 2006
From: "farcom" farcom@qwest.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2006 3:57 AM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
My great grandfather was a coal miner in the mid to late
1800s.
He lived in Middleport, Pa.
His name was John
Farrell, married to Ellen. Children were Margaret, Thomas,
William and Andrew.
Thomas (my grandfather) married Rose
Gallagher around 1910.
If this rings a bell with anyone, I'd
like to hear from you as I am trying to find out more about
my family history.
Thanks.
-Tom Farrell
From: Tom Marsilio colonel@ccomm.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 6:30 PM
Subject: Info on Charles Sharpe's family He was a cousin of my grandfather
My grandfather was Philip Boyle.
His father was Hugh O'Boyle and his mother was Maggie Cotter.
My grandfather was born in Luzerne Pa.
He saved newspaper clippings about his cousin Chas. from Wanamie Pa.
Can anyone help with anything regarding Charles Sharpe's family?
From: LaVerne landl@charter.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2006 8:30 AM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
I am glad to find your site.
I have a fried who’s grandfather was killed in the mines around Scranton Pa.
It was believed that he was a member of the Molly Maguires.
He came over from Ireland. I will read all your articles.
Thank you.
LaVerne Thornton
From: Kembru@aol.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 4:51 PM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Hello
I was born and raised in Tuscarora Pa. and know quite a bit of the Molly's history.
In the late 1980's my Uncle was knocking down an old coal shed in his back yard and came across
two handguns buried deep and wrapped in oilcloth .
I would be very interested to know the weapons that were used in the murder on the street in Tamaqua .
It seems the killers are said to have headed out of town in the direction of Tuscarora .
I have both of the weapons in my possession now and I do know that they are both from the era in question .
Anyone interested my email is kembru@aol.com
Thanks
Bruce Kemmery
From: Ed Hullihan edhullihan@comcast.net
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2006 11:49 AM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
Hello,
Great site.
My great , great, great grandfather was Thomas Love and his brother William or Billy
as he was known in my family was my great great great uncle.
So was always a topic growing up.
Enjoyed your site.
Ed Hullihan
From: Daveydinkle123@aol.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 10:51 PM
Subject: Molly Maguires
Hello, I am wondering if you would know where Alexander campbell is burried?
I found info on Black Jack Kehoe,but I am not able to find info on Mr Campbell,
Thank you so much Marie
From: Daveydinkle123@aol.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 10:58 PM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
I would like to say the Mollies did what they had to do.
We (Irish) were treated like dirt.I think they had gut's and they stood up for all IRISHMAN
My Grand mother came from Schuylkill Co,and she was the same way,stood up for what she believed in.
May God Rest All THE SOULS. Marie
From: Christine Sanders christine@snellingnj.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 1:17 PM
Subject: Add My Comment to the Molly Maguires Guestbook
I recently took a tour of the old prison and was intrigued by the history
and the magnificent way the prison has been maintained.
I also felt such a great presence near cell block 17 to the point where my husband and I had to leave.
It was an amazing experience.
Christine Sanders
----- Original Message -----
From: RobbieJohnBob@aol.com
To: jrphilips@evenlink.com
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 4:51 AM
Subject: Mining
Hi there. Good to see people keeping the history alive.
Some of my ancestors worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and Alabama after leaving the UK in the 1880s.
Here's a couple of poems I wrote about coalmining.
cheers
John Robinson
Northumberland
England
www.robbiejohnbob.bravehost.com
Coal
The mines are a closing
The last whistle sounds
It’s the dole you are bound for
No more work underground
For all the coal miners
Who suffered and died
Who sweated and toiled
With their sons by their side
From Lanark to Derby
Where the pit-wheels once turned
Still the working folk suffer
Has nothing been learned?
The spirit’s unbroken
The history lives on
Though the fires have gone out
Recollections are strong
Through strike and disaster
Through hardship and pain
The stories won’t leave us
They’ll be told yet again
To break the trade unions
The North was betrayed
There’s no place for forgiveness
There’s a price to be paid
The banners still flutter
The old men still curse
While the profits are lining
The businessman’s purse
From the Somme to the coalfields
To depression and strife
To the oft broken promises
Of a much improved life
Such a heartless destruction
Of a proud way of life
They cut through communities
Like a cold surgeons knife
Remember the miners
And remember them well
And to those who deceived them
You can all go to hell
The Last Northumbrian Coal Mine
Six hundred years of sweat and toil
In that deep and dark abyss
The entepreneur has spoken
Blown a tasteless goodbye kiss
Two hundred men and boys
Crushed and gassed and drowned
New Hartley, 1862
Beneath that cold, cold ground
At Burradon, 1860
Seventy six were burnt and maimed
They were only slaves and chattels
No need to be ashamed
No sick pay, no such benefit
No mercy from the rich
Like the Paddies in the famine
Left to die within that ditch
Families torn asunder
Communities destroyed
Where the hell was the compassion?
The obligation's null and void
We'll not forget you Thatcher
And your heartless decimation
Your ultimate achievement
A bitter, divided nation
Northern Coal helped build this country
While the Irish laid the rails
Betrayal comes easier than honour
All that's left are old man's tales