Poster Courtesy of Boston Irish Tourism Association
For the two decades he lived in Boston, since arriving in January 1870, O’Reilly had quickly become an influential writer, orator, advocate and sage, especially for the city’s large Irish population and the Black community. He was beloved by the literati, business and political establishments, church leaders, and by ordinary people everywhere, who recognized his authenticity, dignity and good-will.
St. Mary's Church, Charlestown
His funeral was held at St. Mary's Church on Warren Street in Charlestown, right around the corner from his home at 34 Winthrop Street.
The church was full to the brim, and participants included his wife Mary and four daughters, Elizabeth, Mary, Agnes and Blanid, and hundreds of friends, colleagues and admirers who came to pay homage to their folk hero.
Rev. Robert J. Fulton of Boston College delivered the eulogy, and pallbearers included T. B. Fitzgerald of the Catholic Union, Colonel Charles H. Taylor of The Boston Globe, John D. Holmes of the Boston Herald, Michael T. Donahoe of the Charitable Irish Society, James Jeffrey of the Papyrus Club, Robert F. Clarke of Boston Athletic Association, Patrick A. Collins and Colonel T.W. Higginson.
In the weeks, months and years following O’Reilly’s death, numerous organizations held their own meetings to honor him, including Charitable Irish Society, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Catholic Union, Boston Athletic Association, the Papyrus Club and others.
A massive meeting was held at Tremont Temple on September 2, 1890, and plans were announced to create a memorial for O’Reilly in the city of Boston. Patrick A. Collins, a close friend and ally of O’Reilly, said, “Take the lesson of his life to your hearts young men, you who are scrambling and wrangling for petty dignities and small honors. This man held no office and had no title. This man was larger than any office, and no title could ennoble him. He was born without prejudice, and he lived and died without an ungenerous thought.”
On August 20, the National Colored League convened a meeting at the A.M.E. Church on Charles Street, and in addition, a number of Black leaders shared their thoughts about O’Reilly.
Hon. Frederick Douglass, United States minister to Haiti, said, "I regret very deeply to learn of the sudden death of John Boyle O'Reilly. He was a man whom I honored.” City Councilman Charles E. Harris said, “He was a true friend to my race. They will greatly miss him. Had he lived a while longer, we should have seen a great change here in Boston. It was through his efforts that the good feeling now existing between the Irish and colored citizens became possible.”
Boston Public Library
The Trustees of the Boston Public Library were enthusiastic about a plan put forth to create an Alcove of books dedicated to O’Reilly in the new McKim Building. Chairman S.A.B. Abbot said, "It would be a very good thing to have an alcove to be called the John Boyle O'Reilly library, and there could be a bust or painting of him there also.”
AIHS notice for O'Reilly Ceremony in Hull, August 10, 1917
On August 10, 1917, the American Irish Historical Association unveiled a stone tablet in O’Reilly’s honor at his summer home in Hull, where he died.
Today, the Ancient Order of Hibernians holds a memorial mass at O’Reilly’s gravesite at Holyhood Cemetery in Brookline.
Here is a selection of public landmarks in O’Reilly’s honor throughout Massachusetts. For additional information, visit the Boston Irish Heritage Trail and South Shore Irish Heritage Trail.
For updates on the Irish cultural community in Massachusetts and New England, visit irishmassachusetts.com.
Research, Photos + Text, Michael Quinlin
Comments
Post a Comment