Successes, Soldiers, Saints and Sinners

Most families are composed of down-to-earth, hard-working people who do their best, are satisfied with modest success and happiness and face the trials of life with a mixture of courage and resignation. Most of us don't leave a mark on history beyond the memory and affections of our nearest and dearest.

But there are always a few people who through determination, good or bad luck, or force of circumstances create a larger than life impression on their contemporaries. There are a few of these on the fringes of our family who add spice and interest to the story.

Click on the name to find out more

Terence Boyle. an early immigrant to New York, he prospers in the notorious Five Points. Scorsese's Gangs of New York portrays his world and times.

Terence Brady of Gaigue. He made a fortune in Liverpool, was active in local politics there, married well and lived the life of a landed gentleman.

Rev. William O'Higgins, one of that group of 19th century Catholic bishops who reorganised the church after the Emancipation, creating what became the dominant force in Irish life for over a century. Not sure how he is related, but there's a chance...

John Hart. Arriving in Canada with $10, he became a successful financier, also married well, and became Premier of British Columbia, earning a reputation as a wise and sound political leader.

Hugh Brady. US Cavalryman in the 'Indian Wars', silver prospector of the Comstock Lode, he got to California but the dream eluded him.

Chicago May - gangster Moll and Madam, certainly dangerous to know or have anything to do with, but she took on a role and a lifestyle that few woman of her background ever did. The link to her is tenuous at best, and there's many who wouldn't want to claim her as a relation.

The O'Phelan, Prince of the Decies. We're not related, but he impinges on our story. A charlatan? A fantasist? Quite likely, but he had the cheek and chutzpah to carry it off.

Lieut-Col James Henry Reynolds, army surgeon and holder of the Victoria Cross, awarded for "conspicuous bravery" against overwhelming odds. He's a very distant relation by marriage through the Bradys of Gaigue. But his story illustrates the changing fortunes of the aspiring 19th century Catholic middle class, though his public recognition contrasts with the personal tragedies he experienced. His story is told here.

Once regarded as a hero, but now seen as a war criminal, Irish-born Patrick Edward Connor served as a Union general during the American Civil War. He is notorious for his massacres of Native Americans during the Indian Wars in the American Old West. He was commanding officer of Hugh Brady (son of Ellen Boyle Brady) and supported Hugh's application for a disability pension

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