Now that my book is released and the book launch is just days away, I wanted to give a “sneak peak” into the letters that my Irish immigrant ancestor wrote to his wife and children…His words are heartfelt and genuine. His motivation for joining the war was not political nor for personal pride; it was to benefit his family. Florence Burke joined the Union Army as a “substitute.” In other words he took the draft of a wealthy man in exchange for cash and a plot of land. He made a desperate gamble because he knew that owning land would be a life-changer for his family. Did his gamble pay off? (You’ll have to read the book to find out!)
A toast to St Patrick; the beloved “Irish” Saint
It’s almost that time again. Parades, green pride, shamrock shakes and Guinness. All over the country the Irish and the “Irish-for-the-day” will be celebrating with stout beers, red wigs, shamrock pins and green clothing. This nationally recognized holiday is beloved by all ages-and has given Americans a day to appreciate the Irish heritage and join in on some of their jovial traditions. Thankfully, it is also a welcome sign of spring.
Meeting John L. O’ Sullivan: Fate or Luck of the Irish?
Historian John L. O’Sullivan assisting me with research in Ballinhassig, Ireland
The best part of researching my great-great grandfather’s past was taking my whole family on a trip to Ireland. We hopped on Air Lingus as soon as our children were dismissed for summer vacation. Although it was the end of June when we touched down in Ireland, the temperature was in the 50’s, and, of course, it was raining. However, it didn’t deter us from driving along the western coast; stopping to take photos of the rolling green hills, endless pastures filled with cows, and the beautiful foggy views of the ocean.
My Memorial Day 2015
This Memorial Day was special for me. In the past it has always been about parades and barbecues– and enjoying a long weekend with my family. I would watch clips of memorial services on the news, and I would appreciate the tributes both nationally and locally. However, I never felt a true connection until I discovered that I am directly related to a soldier from the Civil War.
My great, great grandfather Florence Burke fought as a Union Soldier for the Massachusetts 37th Regiment. He left his young wife and three children to serve his newly adopted country. What’s more he spared the life of a wealthy man, taking his draft and heading to the battlefields in exchange for a parcel of farm land. He took a gamble with his life.
The Discovery
You never know what you’ll find in your attic. When my parents moved to Hawaii for my father’s position as head of school, they left several cardboard boxes of their belongings. I never touched them or thought about them until my daughter came home from school and said she needed a photo of me from my elementary school years. I remembered my mother said the stored boxes were mainly old books and family albums.