Release of Mud Run Train Wreck - A Disaster in the Irish-American Community

The Mud Run Train Wreck - A Disaster in the Irish-American Community has been released in paperback on Amazon for $7.99. Below is a summary of the book:

On October 10, 1888, the worst train disaster in the history of Pennsylvania took place at the Mud Run station in Carbon County. The victims were excursionists, the vast number of whom were Irish or Irish-Americans, who had traveled from Scranton to Hazleton to celebrate the birth of Father Mathew Theobold, the Irish Apostle of Temperance, with a parade and picnic arranged by the Total Catholic Abstinence Union. In anticipation of moving as many as 10,000 passengers between Hazleton and Scranton on eight trains, consisting of eighty-seven cars, the Lehigh Valley Railroad had issued special orders to its crew, the most important of which was "to protect your rear." After the Father Mathew Men had marched and the Father Mathew Cadets had displayed their skill in precision drills, the disciples of temperance headed for the Hazleton train station and home. It was on their return that sixty-four people would meet their deaths on the Lehigh Valley road.

The primary source of information for this book was the newspapers. In addition to newspaper interviews with eyewitnesses to the disaster, additional information was gleaned from census schedules, city directories, ancestry message boards, death notices, obituaries, and correspondence with descendants of those killed at Mud Run. Together, they tell the story of what went wrong on that beautiful autumn day at a remote signal station in Carbon County.

I feel that this is an important story in the history of Minooka, Scranton, and Avoca that faded too quickly from the historical record. My purpose in writing the book was to tell the stories of those who were killed and injured. Because they were important to their families and their communities, I wanted them to have a voice. I hope you agree and that you will tell your friends about the book.

Available on Amazon.

Thirteen Trees - A Tribute to the Fallen of World War I

Minooka paid a high price in the war to end all wars. In 1918, the population of Minooka was approximately 3,000. This tiny village cheered as more than 80 men marched off to war. Thirteen of them never returned: James Francis Connolly, John Francis Connolly, Joseph A. Devers, John Fitzhenry, Michael Flynn, Michael Flaherty, John Joseph Hefferon, Martin Lacey, Charles Lydon, William F. Murphy, Paul P. Sienkewich, J. F. Timoney, and John Walsh.  Nine of the 13 are buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Charles Lydon, (died August 3, 1918, 28^th Infantry Division) is buried at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, France.* Paul Sienkewich (died September 18, 1918, 28^th Infantry Division) is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France. John F. Timoney (died October 17, 1918, 5^th Infantry Division) is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.

There were two more victims. James McDonough died in January 1926 as a result of gas wounds received on the Western Front. After his return to the U.S., McDonough spent time in government hospitals in North Carolina and Philadelphia. He was survived by his wife, Mary Langan, and three children, John, James, Jr., and Joseph, and his sister, Mrs. Harold Boughton. That same year, Bernard King died of tuberculosis, his lungs weakened from a gas attack in France.

The boys who made it home were honored with a parade, banquet and dance. "Minooka was dressed in holiday attire for the big event. Birney Avenue was illuminated with incandescent lights. Every home from the lower end of Greenwood to O’Hara Street in South Scranton was dressed with national colors and electrical bulbs." The U.S. government recognized Minooka’s sacrifice and service and named a steel ship, a harbor tug, after the town. According to the Scranton Times,  Minooka had furnished more service men to the war effort than any other town of its size in the country.

The body of James Connolly, son of Festus Connolly and Mary Connolly, was returned to the U.S. for burial in St. Joseph's in February 1921. James had been killed at Verdun on September 26, 1918.

Martin Lacey, the adopted son of Owen and Mary Holleran Lacey and who lived on Cemetery Avenue, was interred in August 1921 and Michael Flaherty of Cedar Avenue in October 1921.

Joseph Devers, who was killed in action, was the son of Martin Devers, 3003 Birney Avenue. He was a member of Company C, 16th Infantry. His body was interred in St. Joseph's in September 1921.

John F. Connolly, the first casualty of the war and son of P. C. Connolly, was buried in May 1921. "Full military honors will be accorded him at the funeral to be held from the home in Minooka." (Scranton Republican - May 19, 1921)

The funeral of Pvt. William Murphy was held from the home of his sister, Mrs. William Vaughan, 2708 Colliery Avenue on June 13, 1921. Pvt. John Hefferon was buried from the home of his parents, 2914 Pittston Avenue, in September 3, 1921. He was survived by siblings, Michael, Ella, Delia, Mary O'Malley, and Mrs. J. Brennan.

Pvt. John F. Connolly, Pvt. William F. Murphy, Michael Flynn, and possibly John Fitzhenry USN died of influenza or "disease." Pvt. John Hefferon, Pvt. Charles Lydon, and Pvt. John Walsh died of wounds. Sgt. James F. Connolly, Pvt. Miles Shincavitz, Joseph Devers, and Pvt. John F. Timoney were killed in action.

To honor the memory of those men who made the “supreme sacrifice,” thirteen trees were planted around Minooka High School on the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice as a living monument to those who died. There was a public planting of trees at the Minooka school Friday afternoon in honor of the brave lads from the town, who participated in the exercises, including an inspiring talk by.Daniel Donovan, member of the school board.

"Pupils of the school acquitted themselves in fine style, their singing of patriotic numbers being especially good. There were recitations by Mary Shea, James Lowry, Joseph and Lillian Diskin, Veterans of the war who attended included: Joseph King, William Martin, John Donovan, Peter Healey, Benjamin Peterson, James McDonnell, John Rilinski, Thomas Coyne, Jeremiah Shea, James Gallagher, William Mahady.

Father Loughney's address dealt principally with the formidable responsibility of the veterans' representatives, who are now deliberating at the peace conference in France. He insisted that no permanent and enduring peace can emanate without reliance and guidance of Almighty God, the Prince of Peace and the ruler of the world. This address was especially impressive and edifying."

At the dedication ceremony, Minooka High School principal, Professor T. P. Joyce, read a poem of his own composition, “The Thirteen Trees.”

To honor our soldier boys, we assemble here today.

To give them fitting tribute for their brave deeds far away.

To give them fitting tribute for the gallant lives they’ve led,

To welcome home the living and commemorate the dead.

To keep their cherished memories forever fresh and green,

We’ve raised these verdant monuments on the spot they have often seen.

And choose as worthy builders the fittest to be found.

Brave comrades of their toil and strife now invited to this ground.

And may this dedication erected in their name

Continue to grow and flourish co-equal with their fame.

So that the boys and girls of the future years to be

May gather inspiration by looking at these trees.

And adopt as worthy models for their conduct and their rule

The patriotic heroes, once pupils of this school.

John Connolly we shall call the first in honor of brave deeds

In the forefront of all battles to defend his country’s needs.

The truest test of a patriot, the sacrifice of life

He freely gave for Uncle Sam in the world’s most bloody strife.

In all our country’s honor roll no braver can be found

Than our beloved Minooka boys now lying in foreign ground.

*Charles Lydon was the son of Charles Lydon, Sr. and Catherine "Katie" Hefferon, first cousin to Dr. Joe "Sharkey" Lydon. Charlie's father died before Charlie was born. A few years later, Katie married Patrick O'Malley. Charles Lydon, Jr. is buried in Plot B, Row 2 Grave 37, Aisne-Marne Cemetery.

John Hefferon

Contributed by Mary Lydon Simonsen,

Names of 64 Killed at Mud Run Train Disaster - October 10, 1888

I have written a non-fiction account of the Mud Run Train Disaster. If you have any information, please contact me at quailcreekpub@hotmail.com. Any new information will be included when the book is updated. Thank you.

List of Those Killed At Mud Run

October 12, 1888

Jessup

John Rogan – St. James Temperance Society, CTAU. 

Miner’s Mill

James Flynn – “At Miner’s Mills, the train stopped to leave the body of James Flynn. No lights could be obtained, and much of the work was done in partial darkness.”

Minooka

William Cusick
St. Joseph's Minooka

James Conaboy, 18, CTAU.

Festus Mulkerin
St. Joseph's Minooka

William “Willie” Cusick, 21 – Son of Anthony and Catherine Cusick, step-brother of Festus Mulkerin. Born in Minooka.

Festus Mulkerin, 26, CTAU – Born on Omey Island, Ireland. Laborer. Son of John Mulkerin and Bridgit Flaherty. Father killed in the mines in 1867, five years after his arrival in the U.S.. Festus’s daughter Bridgit was born on November 8, 1888. After his widow's death, Festus’s son Michael lived with Antony Cusick.

James Mullen, 18, CTAU – Slate Picker. Parents Bridgit Powell and Peter Mullen born in Ireland. Lived  in Coary Hollow section of Minooka, south of Davis Street. Nephew of Richard Powell.

Patrick Powell, Jr. – Lehigh Valley Railroad list of fatalities indicates he was a junior. Patrick does not appear in the 1880 census, and nothing more is known about him. However, it is likely that he was related to Richard Powell.

Richard and Rose Powell
St. Joseph's Minooka

Richard and Rose Flynn Powell (late forties) – 1870 census: Laborer. Lived next door to Mike and Ellen Flynn Powell (Rose’s sister). Next to them was Ed Powell, Richard’s brother. 1880 census: Miner.

Thomas Toole, 19 – Parents: Michael and Ellen Flynn Toole. Nephew of Rose Powell. Lived next door to the Powells. Thomas had a twin, William. Slate picker in 1880. Parents born in Ireland. Father a miner.

Olyphant

Anthony Mulligan – St. Patrick’s CTAU. Arrived in the U.S. in May 1886 on the British King in Philadelphia.

Pleasant Valley

John and Martin Barrett
St. Mary's Avoca

John Barrett, 17, CTAU, brother of Martin Barrett – In the 1880 census, his father, Michael (d. 1919), was a coal miner, and his older brother worked at the breaker. His headstone reads: “John Barrett 1872-1888 and Martin Barrett 1874-1888 - Were Victims of Mud Run Disaster.” Another brother, Thomas (1870-1884), was also buried there. 

Martin Barrett, 14, CTAU – See John Barrett for details.

James Brehony, 14, CTAU – Newspapers reported that he was “crushed into the timbers. Little hands clasped above.” Father a merchant. Nephew by marriage of Mrs. Bridgit Brehony; who was also killed. Father Michael emigrated to the U.S. in 1868; mother born in Pennsylvania.

Margaret and Patrick Brehony
St. Mary's Avoca

Mrs. Patrick (Bridgit/Bezie) Brehony, 48 – Will filed in Luzerne County as Bridgit A. Brehony. Tombstone reads: “Patrick B. Brehony (1834-1923) -Bezie his wife (1840-1888) - May they rest in peace.”

Patrick and Bridget married in Ireland. Moved to Australia where their two oldest children, Thomas and Catherine, were born, and where Patrick was a successful gold miner. In the 1870 census, the Brehonys are living in Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania, and Patrick is a farmer. Opened a grocery store on Main Street in Pleasant Valley. Two of Patrick’s brothers, Rev. James Brehony and Rev. Thomas Brehony, were priests, both of whom participated in James and Bezie’s requiem mass at St. Mary’s.

John M. Coleman, 40, CTAU – Miner. Father of John and Michael – “John M. Coleman, another victim of the wreck, leaves a wife and seven children” (New York Times 10/13). Headstone at St. Mary’s reads: “John M. and Rose Coleman.” The Coleman family lived down the street from the Little York breaker and the Penn Coal Co. shaft.

John Coleman, 13 – Son of John M. Coleman. Identified as Patrick; shown as Patrick in the 1880 census.

Michael Coleman, 14, CTAU – Son of John M. Coleman.

Patrick Curran
St. Mary's Avoca

Patrick Curran, 15, CTAU – Parents born in Ireland. Patrick’s father an illiterate laborer. Headstone at St. Mary’s reads: “Born January __, 1873 – Died October 10, 1888.” (Birth date was illegible.) In the 1880 census, Anthony Curran, Patrick’s older brother by one year, is shown as working as a slate picker.

Abram Doran, 11, CTAU, the youngest Mud Run victim – Son of Patrick Doran, a widower. Miner born in Ireland. Treasurer of the St. Mary’s TAB Society. The 1900 census indicates that Patrick was a grocer and remarried. They had a seven-year-old son, Abram. Lived on McAlpine Street. From birth and marriage records for another Doran family who lived very near the family of Abram and Lewis Doran, it is likely that the Doran family were originally from County Kildare.  

Lewis/Louis Doran, 14, CTAU – See Abram Doran for details.

William (Willie) Earley, 16, CTAU – His headstone reads: “Anthony P. Earley died Jan. 17, 1886; Margaret L. his wife died April 5, 1915; William, their son, died October 10, 1888.”

William Earley
St. Mary's Avoca

Kate Featherstone, 15 – Father James was a hotelkeeper, Liberty Hall Hotel (liquors). Lived near Michael Brehony, father of James. Kate, whose family had roots in Wilkes-Barre, was buried in that city. Father emigrated from Athlone, County Westmeath, one of the few families who were not from the West of Ireland.

Mathew Flaherty, 17 – Matthew was in the band. Parents Irish born. Father miner. Older brothers are laborers. Lived on Spring Street north of Hawthorne.

Austen Gibbons, 13, CTAU, altar boy – “The first body carried out was that of Oscar [sic] Gibbons, 13 years of age, borne in the arms of his stalwart brother”  (Scranton Republican 10/12). Father miner and Irish born; mother Irish; John 16 (1880) mule driver.

James Jackson, 15, CTAU, son of Frank Jackson – Grave marker in St. Mary’s is illegible.

James Jackson, 16, CTAU, son of Henry Jackson – Grave marker in St. Mary’s is illegible.

Patrick Keenan – Listed on CTAU “Our Broken Ranks” as being from Scranton.

William Kelly, 32, CTAU – According to, Kelly “leaves a wife and two children” (New York Times 10/13). Kelly was buried the day after the mass Pleasant Valley funerals. Secretary of St. Mary’s Benevolent Society and belonged to the Knights of Labor.

James Lynott, 15, CTAU – Brother of John. Born June 1872, parents were John Lynott and Catherine Daugherty – Bodies prepared at O’Malley Funeral Home on Main Street (actually lived in Moosic).

John Lynott, 13, CTAU – Brother of James (actually lived in Moosic)

John J. McAndrews, 13, CTAU – Son of Margaret McAndrews.

Margaret McAndrews (Mrs. Patrick), 38/45 – “At the home of Patrick McAndrews lies the bodies of his wife and two sons. The boys were the mainstay of the little home as the father has been an invalid for some time. One son lives in New York, and there are five others of tender years” (New York Times – 10/13).

Thomas F. McAndrews, 15, CTAU – Son of Mrs. Patrick McAndrews.

Bernard (Barney) Meehan, 48, CTAU – “Meehan leaves a wife and two children (New York Times 10/14). Mrs. Meehan died on February 11, 1894.

Barney and Polly Meehan
St. Mary's, Avoca

Mary (Polly) Meehan, 22/19 –“One of the saddest features of the accident was the death of Miss Meehan of Pleasant Valley. She was pinned down in her seat, and when a hole had been cut through the car, her sad face was the first that greeted Father Melley. She was alive, patient and apparently strong, and sat facing her rescuers. While still talking with the priest, her father’s dead body was carried from the car in her presence. She recognized the remains of her father but bore her injuries and grief with singular fortitude. Soon afterwards, she called for a friend from Pleasant Valley. The word was passed along the line, and the gentleman called for soon reached her. To him she gave her gold watch and chain and other trinkets, requested him to deliver a message to her people at home, and in short time thereafter, died, having bled to death from injuries to her legs.” The Scranton Republican – 10/12

Benjamin/Bernard (Bennie) O’Brien, 13, CTAU – Altar boy. Father Luke was blind and unemployed.

Thomas Ruddy, CTAU –Ruddy “leaves a wife and two children”(New York Times 10/13). Father of four.” Lived on South Street north of Cherry.

John Walsh, CTAU – In the band – Told rescuers to “go save Polly Meehan.” Died in the hospital in Wilkes-Barre.

Patrick Walsh/Welsh, 19 – In the band. Father a miner. Parents Irish born. Patrick was a slate picker. Lived next to Mrs. McAndrews.

Michael Whelan, Jr., 12, CTAU – Altar boy. Parents born in PA. Father Michael kept a restaurant. “A sad incident was the presence on the platform of Michael Whelan of Pleasant Valley. Up and down he wandered, questioning each one as to his two boys, aged respectively twelve and fourteen years. Finally one of the passengers remembered that one of the boys was hurt. The informant hurried away and told a reporter that he thought both the boys were dead” (Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL, October 17, 1888). Michael’s brother Joseph (b. 1872) survived.

Moosic (also listed with Pleasant Valley)

Thomas Morrissey, 13, CTAU. – Traveled to Hazleton with brother-in-law John W. Millet and brother Michael.

Charles Goelitz (reported as Goltze and Galitz), 18, CTAU.

Scranton

John Ahearn (not John A. Hearn as originally reported), young man, CTAU Scranton, Luzerne Street, Bellevue – Member of Hay Drum Corps and a member of St. Peter’s TAB. Was attended by the St. Peter’s TAB Society of Bellevue. Pallbearers: Edward Dean, Thomas Hogan, Patrick Gannon, Patrick Calpin, James Keegan, and Thomas Ruddy.

Michael Dolan (young man), CTAU Scranton, Prospect Avenue, Meadowbrook – Buried on the afternoon of 10/14. See Patrick Smith for details of funeral. Pallbearers: John B. Lavelle, John C. Lavelle, Martin Cusick, Barney McBride, Michael Malia, and Thomas Falley. Buried from St. John the Evangelist, South Scranton.

William Duhigg, 18, Dodgetown/Bellevue (6^th Ward), 324 First Street – First coffin brought into St. Peter’s Cathedral. Pallbearers: Patrick Langan, Thomas Coar, James Discon, John O’Malley, Michael O’Malley, and John Ruane. Older brothers were in mines by 11 years of age. Father a miner in 1880 and 1900.

James Farry, 16, CTAU Green Ridge, Meylert Avenue, (2nd Ward #544) – Procession along Lackawanna Avenue “of immense length” buried at Hyde Park Cemetery. “Only son of a widowed mother.”

James Gallagher, 16, CTAU Providence – Buried on the afternoon of October 14 from Holy Rosary on William Street. “The funeral was attended by about 1000 persons exclusive of the temperance organizations.” Gallagher was the son of James Gallagher of Oak Street. See Peter Kline for funeral details.

John J. Gibson (also Gibbons – young man, 21, of N. Chestnut Street, West Side) – Buried from St. Patrick’s Church on Jackson Street. “Preceding the service in honor of Kate McNichols were those for the repose of the soul of John J. Gibson of Chestnut Street. The sermon by Father Whelan was brief but impressive. Many friends attended the funeral.” Pallbearers: Thomas Hope, Joseph Conroy, James Riel, John Burke, M. Carney, and John Rush. “There were floral offerings presented by friends, conspicuous among the number being an anchor, a cross and a beautiful bouquet. These were carried by Michael Gilroy, Matthew Murphy, C. Murphy, and T. M. Coy. The burial in the Hyde Park grounds was largely attended.”

James Hart, 17, CTAU Green Ridge – Brother of Martin. Buried out of St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Maggie Hart, 20, Hyde Park - Buried from St. Patrick’s, Hyde Park. Her hearse joined those of the other Scranton victims on their way to Hyde Park Cemetery.

Martin Hart, 15, CTAU Green Ridge, Breaker Street – Brother of James. Procession along Lackawanna Avenue “of immense length” buried at Hyde Park Cemetery.

James Keating, 16, CTAU Scranton, Bellevue – Buried out of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Attended by St. Peter’s Cadets. Pallbearers: Masters Thomas J. Coggins, Bartlett Mangan, John and Michael McLean, Michael Regan, and James Moffatt.

Katie Kennedy, 18  – “The [Wilkes-Barre] hospital authorities stated this evening that Miss Katie Kennedy of Hyde Park, who was one of the most seriously hurt, had died in the afternoon [of October 11]. Her last moments were made lighter by the presence of a sister who arrived from Scranton early in the morning. She made the 58th victim. Burnt about face, hands, and arms.” Father worked in an iron mill.

Owen Killcullen
Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton

Owen Kilcullen, 35, South Washington Avenue – From County Sligo. “The two men who died at the hospital this afternoon were Owen Kilcullen, aged 35, of Scranton, and Thomas Moran, aged 26, of Bellevue.” (10/12 – Scranton Republican) –Headstone reads: “Owen Kilcullen A Native of the Parish of Castle Connor Co. Sligo, Ireland – Died Oct. 11, 1888, A Victim of the Mud Run Disaster – May his soul rest in peace, Amen.” In Scranton 1887 directory, Owen’s occupation was “clerk.” 

Peter Kline, 16, Brick Avenue, Providence – Face and hands burned and injured internally. Died in Wilkes-Barre hospital. “Kline was buried from the Church of the Holy Rosary on William Street in a joint funeral [with James Gallagher]. The burial services were attended by about 1000 persons exclusive of the temperance organizations. Peter Kline [was taken] from the residence of his widowed mother of Church Street by members of Father Whitty’s Young Men and conveyed to the church. Rev. Father McDonald officiated. After the formal funeral ceremonies, he referred to the premature death of the young men, who were just entering upon a career of usefulness and respectability, and the sad blight of this promise by Wednesday night’s catastrophe” (Scranton Republican – 10/12). His father, James, had been killed by a powder explosion at Leggett’s Creek Mine five months earlier, leaving four orphans.

Michael Maxwell, 16, CTAU Providence, Leggett’s Creek – His brother Frank may have been with him at Mud Run.

Edward O’Malley (also Malia and Malley), 16, CTAU Green Ridge, Von Storch Avenue – Procession along Lackawanna Avenue “of immense length.” Buried at Hyde Park Cemetery.

Katie McNichols, 26, Scranton Avenue, Hyde Park – Buried on October 14th at 3:00. Sister of  Mrs. F. D. (Mary) Collins. Father retail grocer. Did not die immediately. Her injuries were a result of inhalation of steam. “Scranton Street, almost throughout its length, was yesterday a scene of mourning. It was here the much beloved Kate McNichols lived, and her popularity as well as the sincere sorrow her sudden loss has created was well attended by immense concourse of people and a long line of carriages that had gathered to do reverence to her memory. It was nearly evening before the funeral procession moved to St. Patrick’s Church on Jackson Street. Miss Celia Brown was the organist. Pallbearers: Messrs. T. F. McCourt, George Lavis, John Carroll, F. F. Brown, E. J. McNally and J. J. Gannon. The flower bearers were Messrs. R. J. Barrett, P. F. McCann, M. R. Glynn, J. J. Devine, J. F. McCawley and T. H. Carroll” (Scranton Republican 10/12).

Michael Moffit, 26 – Railroad Avenue, Bellevue – Buried out of St. Peter’s Cathedral along with Duhigg, Noon, Hearn, Keating, and Moran. “The six coffins were borne up the aisle by the various St. Mathew Societies to which the victims belonged and arranged in rows in front of the altar where flowers and candles had been tastefully placed by loving hands” (Scranton Republican 10/12) Father a laborer.

Thomas Moran (reported as Moor), 28, Luzerne Street, Bellevue – Died in the hospital in Wilkes-Barre. Buried out of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Pallbearers: Charles Lavis, John Flynn, Daniel Hurley, Henry Dowdell, M. T. Brennan, and Martin Rider.

William Noon, 20, South Seventh Street, 12th Ward – Buried from St. Peter’s Cathedral – “Attended by The Myrtle Social Club of which he was a member. Pallbearers: P. L. Messett, M. J. McGuire, W. J. Shallow, J. J. McGuire, M. H. Sweeney, Peter Noon. (Scranton Republican 10/12) The Myrtle Club was a social club “popular with young people” that hosted dances and an annual complimentary ball. In 1887 Scranton Directory, Noon was a clerk living with Peter Noon, laborer, at 154 S. Seventh in Scranton.

Patrick Smith, 18, CTAU Scranton – Meadowbrook – Buried on afternoon of 10/14. “In the Church of St. John the Evangelist, services were conducted for the repose of the souls of Patrick Smith and Michael Dolan, two young people just passing out of boyhood. The former was immediately killed in the accident; the latter mortally injured and died in great agony. Both were residents of the 20th Ward. Smith, the death of whose brother was chronicled a few months since, was the only boy of a motherless family, and Dolan is said to have parents now on their way to this country from Ireland, wholly ignorant of the calamity which has befallen them. Both of these victims were members of the A.B. Society, which in full regalia, attended the funeral services and marched in parade to the cemetery, as did the Pioneer Corps of the same name, the St. Peter’s T.A.B. Society of Bellevue and the St. Leo’s Battalion of West Side. The services were presided over by Rev. Father McAndrew” (Scranton Republican 10/12). Pallbearers: Michael McGarry, Morris Duggan, C. G. Boland, M. J. Malia, Michael McLean, and Michael McAndrews. Patrick was a newspaper carrier for The Scranton Republican for five years. Illiterate.

George Henry Stevens, 19, of Deacon Street, Green Ridge, son of William Stevens, and nephew of Thomas S. McNair, chief engineer of the LVRR. Service was at 3:30 on 10/14 from Primitive M. E. Church, East Market Street. Conducted by Pastor George A. Russell who “delivered an impressive and consolatory sermon on life and death. The church choir sang several selections, after which, the remains were taken to Forest Hill Cemetery” (Scranton Republican 10/12). Working at the breaker in 1880. Stevens had relations in Hazleton, and it is possible that his visit was unrelated to the Father Mathew celebration.

List of Those Killed from Minooka at Mud Run Disaster on October 10, 1888

Here is a list of the eight people killed at Mud Run on October 10, 1888. I have included as much information on each as possible.

James Conaboy, 18 (b. 1871 in PA) 17 (CTAU). Parents: John (b. abt. 1834 in Ireland) and Ann (b. abt. 1840 in Ireland). Father a coal miner. Siblings: Patrick (1861), Martin (1864), Bridgit (1866), John (1869), Alice (1879).

Willie Cusick, 21 (b. 1867 in PA), son of Anthony Cusick and stepson of Bridgit Flaherty Mulkerin Cusick. Lived at 2801 Cedar Avenue, step-brother of Festus Mulkerin. Slate picker in 1880 census. Anthony was born in Cappaduff, County Mayo in 1830. Emigrated around 1860. Bridgit was born on Omey Island around 1841. Emigrated around 1860.

Festus Mulkerin (b. 1862 in Ireland) 26 (CTAU). Laborer in 1880 Census. Married Maria Judge, daughter of Michael Judge and Bridgit Marley, in 1885. Festus’s daughter Bridgit was born on November 8, 1888, a month after her father’s death; died very young. After Maria’s death in 1896, Michael lived with Anthony and Bridgit Cusick.

James Mullen (b. 1870), 18. Slate picker in 1880 census. Parents: Peter and Bridgit Powell Mullen, both born in Ireland; both literate. Peter emigrated about 1864. Lived in Coary Hollow, just south of Davis Street. Nephew of Richard Powell. Peter was a prominent contractor who built a number of water and power plants (d. 1917).

Patrick Powell – On some lists, he is shown as Patrick Powell, Jr. It is not known how he is related to the Richard Powells. Best guess for his age is about 22. According to a Powell descendant, another Powell was on the train and was thrown through a window. He returned to Ireland where he raised a large family. Patrick may be related to that Powell branch.

Richard Powell (b. 1839 in Ireland, Omey Island) (CTAU) In 1870 census he is a laborer; in 1880 census he is a coal miner. Emigrated about 1865. Lived next door to Mike and Ellen Flynn Powell, Rose Powell’s sister. Next to them was Ed Powell, Richard’s brother. Richard is the father of lawyer James Powell.

Rose Flynn Powell (b. abt. 1840 in Claddaghduff, Ireland) Married Richard Powell I. Together they had Mary and Annie. After Richard’s death, she married his first cousin, Richard Powell II, and they had five children together: James, Patrick, Rose, Joan, and Jack.

Thomas Toole 18 (b. 1870) Parents: Michael and Ellen Flynn Toole. Nephew of Rose Powell, both born in Ireland. Lived next door to Powells. Thomas had a twin, William. Both were slate pickers in 1880. Father is a miner in 1880 census. Brother William was injured in 1884, fan-turner, Greenwood mines. In 1917, William was charged with the murder of Paul Kitlas in Greenwood and became a fugitive.

Injured:

Michael Walsh, who was badly scalded, brought suit against the Lehigh Valley Railroad in April 1892. He lived near M. F. Judge. James Jennings, John Connolly, and Michael Kane

Others who went on excursion from Minooka or with ties to Minooka: C. G. Boland, John T. Brown (future Phila. newspaperman), Patrick Coyne (Old Forge - married Mary Cusick), Peter Higgins, Anthony Lydon, Sr. and Anthony Lydon, Jr. (Taylor)