Before they marched off to fight in the Civil War in April 1861, Irish immigrant soldiers in Pottsville, PA gathered inside St. Patrick’s Church for Mass. Father Patrick Nugent spoke to them, "urging their stalwart defense and maintenance of our national Government..." Read the Full Story.
Major Joseph Anthony, an Irish immigrant and revered Civil War veteran, survived grievous wounds at Chancellorsville only to succumb to their effects in 1885. After the war, he helped shape anthracite mining in Williamstown, Pennsylvania, earning lasting admiration for his bravery and leadership. Read the full story and a moving obituary for this Civil War veteran.
In 1878, Superintendent Joseph Anthony’s report showed nearly 700 workers—including over 180 boys—at Williamstown Colliery. Boys as young as eight worked underground or picked slate in the breaker, all for meager wages. This data highlights the stark realities of child labor in Pennsylvania’s anthracite industry. Read the full story.
Twenty-two year old Private Patrick Kennedy died from typhoid fever on February 7, 1862 in Camp Northumberland, Virginia.