Middlesex County Newspaper Abstracts


The Lowell Sun, 4 May 1894

CONNELLY BOY'S BODY TAKEN FROM THE RIVER SHORTLY AFTER 12
   The body of the Connelly boy was picked up at 12:10 this noon in the lower river by men in a boat who were searching for it.
   A big crowd gathered and after the body had been towed to the public landing Mr. Connelly, the boy's father, came and picked it up in his arms. He carried the body to his home on Coburn Street, a crowd of nearly a thousand people following.
Submitted by RKN
The Lowell Sun, 5 May 1894

   The funeral of John Connelly, the little fellow who was drowned in the Merrimack river, took place this morning from his parents' home on Coburn street. The body was interred in the Catholic cemetery.
Submitted by RKN
The Lowell Sun, 28 May 1894

POOR TOMMY CALLAN
HIS FREEDOM FROM AN ENGLISH PRISON OF SHORT LENGTH
   Thomas Callan died at St. John's hospital Saturday evening, his death resulting from an accident by a runaway which befell him on Thursday last. He had been employed as a driver of a city cart, and on the morning mentioned was thrown from his seat, sustaining a compound fracture of the leg.
   Mr. Callan who gained national notoriety by his arrest and imprisonment by the British government as a dynamite suspect, was born in Ireland 51 years ago. He came to this city at an early age and worked in the mills until the breaking out of the rebellion. He entered Company G, 33d Mass. Regiment and served his country faithfully. Since the war he had been a member of Post 42.
   Nov. 21, 1887, with Michael Harkins of Philadelphia he visited England and while there was arrested and sentenced to 15 years penal servitude on a trumped up charge of being a dynamiter. While in Portland prison his health declined and General Butler, Col. Dimon, Councilman Labarge and others worked hard for his release which was accomplished in January 1893. On the last day of that month Mr. Callan arrived in Lowell and was met at the Northern depot by a large crowd of friends who carried him bodily to the Richardson house where he was tendered an informal reception. He had made his home for many years with the family of Councilman Labarge and the latter was a hard worker for his release. He was unmarried and leaves no relatives in this city. He had a sister in Williamsville, Ill., whom he had visited since his return from England.
Mr. Callan's History
   The story of the injustice done Thomas Callan and Michael Harkins, both of whom are in a better land, is still fresh in the minds of many. Both men were taken into custody by Scotland yard detectives, and charged in Bow street police court, London, with conspiracy for the perpetration of a dynamite outrage. The alleged evidence against Callan was that a tin box containing a substance pronounced to be dynamite was found in Callan's room. The evidence was sufficient to prejudice an English judge and jury and though protesting their ignorance both men were heavily sentenced.
   The fearful prison treatment soon broke Harkins, and on August 11, 1891, he was set free, only to return to Philadelphia to die.
   Tom Callan's secret release on Jan. 23d of last year, his arrival in New York and the meeting there by several Lowell friends and the reception at Post 42 hall on Feb. 1st are still remembered as events of more than ordinary moment to Callan's friends.
The Funeral
   The last sad service over the remains occurred from Councilman Labarge's home on Varney street this afternoon. It called out an immense gathering of mourning friends.
   The Hibernians, Post 42, G.A.R., and the Celtics were represented by delegations and the Wolfe Tone guards turned out in full force. The line of march from the house to the Catholic cemetery was headed by the St. Patrick's school band. The bearers were two representing the G.A.R., two from the Hibernians, and the Messrs. John D. Hubin, John J. O'Brien, Councilman Labarge and D.A. Sullivan. At the grave services were conducted by Rev. Fr. Gleason.
Submitted by RKN
The Lowell Sun, 29 May 1894

MEMORIAL DAY
HOW IT WILL BE OBSERVED BY THE HEROES IN LOWELL
   Tomorrow will be Memorial day, when the old comrades of the G.A.R., will do honor to the memory of those who have answered the long roll.
   The observance of the day will be carried out in full significance of its solemnity; the comrades will place floral offerings upon the graves of comrades, and will assemble in the evening to hear the oration of the day.
   The parade will take place at 2 p. m., as usual, the column being formed on the South common. After Chief Marshal Davis assumes command the route will be gone over, through Highland to Elm, to Central, to Merrimack, to the monument, where services will take place, a dirge by Post 42 band, and prayer by Rev. Dr. J.M. Greene of the Eliot church. The column will be reformed and reviewed on Merrimack street from City hall by Mayor Pickman and the city council. The chief marshal and staff will review it on Moody street after the column has proceeded through Tilden street.
   In parading Commander Hayes will head Post 42 on horseback. The post will parade as four companies commanded by Isaac B. Pendergast, P.F. Brady, William Frederick and Charles Graham.
   Likewise Post 185 will parade in battalion form, the captains being George L. Cady, George M. Dickerman, Charles W. Brigham and C.F. Emerson.
   It is expected that if the day is pleasant there will be a big turn out of men.
Submitted by RKN

1894 Newspaper Abstracts
Middlesex County Massachusetts

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