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| The History Center on Main Street, 83 N. Main Street, Mansfield PA 16933 histcent83@gmail.com |
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Erin and the Chemung County Irish
By Helen M. Samson
St. Patrick’s Day always brings to mind the poetic terms for Ireland and the Chemung County town of Erin.
The first settler in what now is known as the town of Erin was Basil Sperry, who selected his homesite from the huge Livingston tract, a short distance from the summit of Walker’s Hill in 1815.
With the arrival of new settlers, it became a custom to distinguish one man’s trails from another by white identifying markers. When surveyors of the large Livingston tract ran out of the white marking chalk they were forced to resort to red chalk, and the nickname "Red Chalk District" persists to this day.
About 1819, an Irishman named Michael Robinson arrived in the Red Chalk District and his energy and talent soon led to his position of leadership. In 1822, the northern part of the town of Chemung was designated a separate town and Michael Robinson was given the honor of naming it. His selection was "Erin Go Braugh" in honor of his homeland. The latter part of the name was only shortlived.
The next wave of Irish settlers arrived with General Sullivan. Many of these men were skilled craftsmen who had fought against the Indians in this area only to return and add their skill to local development.
Succeeding Irish groups to arrive included the names McConnells, Sly, and on Water Street in Elmira, Major Swiney. Cornelius Lowe, and Guy Maxwell. All of these people followed the first settler Colonel Hendy, into Elmira.
Guy Maxwell arrived in 1796 at his purchased tract of land in Dewittsburg, which later merged with Wisenburg to become the village of Elmira. Maxwell and his five sons were instrumental in the town’s early development. Son Thomas led construction efforts for the canal and later was connected with the bank named for it. William Maxwell was one of the first vice-presidents of the Erie Railroad.
Another early Irish family was the Flood family of doctors. Patrick the father, and three of his four sons studied medicine, while the fourth was in the pharmaceutical business. Henry became mayor in 1884 and Thomas was a state assemblyman.
There is a long list of Irish names that helped establish and improve the community, many whose descendants still reside in the county. Edward Dunn, banker and philanthropist, Daniel Sheehan, mayor and businessman, State Senator Murtaugh, John Hassett, the beloved Father Bloomer, and many others working and living in Elmira and the surrounding areas will long be remembered for their contributions.
Their love of freedom and liberty, as the rest of America’s adopted sons and daughters, brought them to this scenic area that satisfied their yearnings.
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First Added to the Site on 29 DEC 2002
By Joyce M. Tice Email: JoyceTice@aol.com |
If you have a way to put this on your site, the following is a report on the Erin Irish Festival for 2005. Thank you so much, Suzanne
The Erin Irish Festival for 2005, held Saturday,
March 12th, was a gratifying success. There was good attendance at
the Erin Historical Museum (down about 8 people from last year).
Pat Wainwright reported 62 visitors over the course of the day. The
Erin, NY Irish theme postmarks were available at the museum and our Postmaster,
Linda Bennett was present to hand cancel the cachets for folks who wanted
to send out mail for St. Patrick's Day or add to their collections over
the years. The post cards and envelopes with the designs are available
throughout the year. Please contact Sharon at 739-2798, or myself
(Suzanne Murphy) at (607)739-0242. The special Irish theme cancellations
can still be obtained (for 30 days following 3/17/05) by contacting the
Erin Postmaster. We were also happy to have Jim Brick back this year
to delight the visitors to the museum with his accordian music; folks enjoyed
listening and singing along. Jim was especially greatful for the
new repairs to the inside of the building (which includes a bathroom),
and the new gas heating unit. It kept everyone toasty warm.
The display at the Erin Historical Museum of
photos, clothing, information and a great deal more history regarding the
Erin Fire Dept. was wonderful. This display was put together primarily
by Rod Wainwright, our curator's husband; he is still a member of the Erin
Fire Dept., which celebrates its 50th year this year. If you missed
the display March 12th, be sure to visit the museum this year and see it
then. The museum is open from May through September. For more
information, contact the Curator, Pat Wainwright, (607) 739-1642.
The Erin Fire Dept. put on a wonderful ham/corned
beef and cabbage dinner with all of the trimmings; they had an excellent
turnout as well. The Erin Historical Society arranged for the Let's
Dance Celtic Dancers to perform again this year; they are a wonderful group
of young folk, who performed beautifully to the delight of all present.
Jim Brick followed with his accordian & sing along.
The Erin United Methodist Church opened its doors
for a hymn sing; the music was provided by Lynn MAKI. It was well
attended and enjoyed. The ladies of the church held a bake sale and
everything was sold, giving the church treasury a much needed boost.
Their thanks goes out to the bakers and the folks who bought the baked
goods. That's what you call a "win -- win situation!" The Erin
UMC sponsored Cub Scout Pack was represented by a wonderful display; they
were especially proud of their new club Scout Flag. Lots of visiting
was done and good fellowship enjoyed.
As Erin Town Historian, and the program person
for the Erin Historical Society, I want to thank everyone who participated.
These days, when people's lives are so busy, it is even more special, when
folks donate their time and energy to making things like the Erin Irish
Festival successful. I am already looking forward to next year, and
little flickers of things to come are already tumbling around in my head.
I do believe that it is a mixture of heavenly blessings and "the luck of
the Irish" that brought me to this lovely Hamlet of Erin, New York.
Sincerely, Suzanne M. Murphy
| The History Center on Main Street, 83 N. Main Street, Mansfield PA 16933 histcent83@gmail.com |
