Murder of Peter King, February 1902

The Scranton Republican – February 17, 1902

Horrible Tragedy in Minooka

Constable Michael Davis [of Moosic] Shoots Peter King

Upon his Refusal to Quarrel with Him

Murderer in County Jail

“Peter King, 22, of Minooka, was shot by Michael Davis, 33, in the speakeasy of Patrick Sullivan, in that place, soon after 1 o’clock yesterday, and died a few minutes afterwards.

“The murder was cold blooded and has aroused most bitter feelings in that section. But for the prompt action of special officers who arrived a few moments after the affray. Lynching, it is said, would undoubtedly have been resorted to. Davis is now in the county jail. Sullivan’s speakeasy is but one mile from the city line on Main street, Minooka. The barroom is on the ground floor and at the time of the murder 14 men were present. All evening King had been in the place playing cards, but had not, it is said, taken a drop of liquor.

“From stories told by many eyewitnesses, the murder was precipitated by Davis’ remarks, which revived a feud of long standing. Two months ago, Davis subpoenaed King to appear as a witness in a case wherein Charles Deimuth was arrested on information of George Fassold, charged with selling liquor without a license.

“Davis’s reputation in that locality is bad, and King was a reluctant witness, knowing that Davis had investigated the case indirectly against Deimuth. The hearing was held before Alderman O’Neill of Minooka, and when King finally appeared, he refused to testify against Deimuth. The case was dismissed and the matter dropped.

“Davis, however, boasted of the manner in which he had forced King to accompany him to the alderman’s office. The boast was one of which he was evidently proud, as King is a man of remarkable physique, being 6 feet 3 inches in height and weighing 200 pounds. His strength was something unusual and he could easily have overcome the constable. Hence the proud boast of the latter.

“Saturday night, Davis, accompanied by a fellow officer, Harvey Decker of Moosic, visited this city and made the rounds of the saloons. According to Decker, Davis was not drunk when they left on an 11:40 D&H train for Minooka. Leaving the train, they proceeded to Sullivan’s place after stopping in two speakeasies on the way.”

Looking for Trouble

“Arriving at Sullivan’s place, they stood and chatted with several men in the barroom. King sat to one side quietly playing cards with a few friends.

“That Davis was looking for trouble was soon evident. Spying King, he remarked: ‘There’s that son _ _ ______ I arrested.’ King heard the remark, but made no reply. Advancing nearer, he repeated the sentence, adding other vile epithets.

“I could arrest him again if I had to,” said Davis.

“You or any other man wouldn’t arrest me, Davis, if I didn’t want to be,” said King, provoked at his insolence.

“The men became angrier. King remained in his chair while Davis swung his fist, threatening to attack John Ruane, who was standing at the bar… Sullivan, who stood behind the bar, told Davis to be quiet or he would put him out. This, however, added to the constable’s wrath.

“King, you’re a brute. You son _ _ ______. I could kill you. I’d blow your brains out,” shouted Davis as he placed his hand on his hip pocket. His move was a signal for an advance by the other men who rushed at him. Leaping aside and pulling his gun in a wild-west fashion, he backed to a corner and covered the crowd.

Omey Island - 1879 - Catholics v. Protestants

The Riots at Connemara – The Times (London) – April 19, 1879

A row occurred in the schoolhouse at Omey Island between Mr. McNeice and the Reverend Mr. Rhatigan – The following is a summary of the appearance before the magistrates.

Constable Michael Murphy deposed that he was stationed at Cleggin on Sunday, the third of March with five men, and he went to Mass with three of them. The Rev. Mr. Rhatigan officiated, and before the service was concluded, he addressed the congregation: “I wish to give notice to anyone outside who wishes to take down my words and convey them to the magistrates, or whom they like—I mean the police. You are aware of what occurred at Omey Island on the 20^th of last month (March)—that I was near being murdered by six persons in the church at Omey Island.” He gave the names of McNeice and his wife, daughter, and son, and the teacher Davis, and a man named Coursey from Claddaghduff.

Mr. Rhatigan appeared somewhat agitated, and said that from the treatment he had received, he should not be surprised if the people tore down the church. He did not say what church; but he alluded to the church at Omey Island. He added that if such a thing occurred in Mayo or Tipperary, the people would not stand it, and that if the people were ever insulted by “jumpers” [Catholic converts to the Protestant faith] to resent it to the last. He then called on the people to attend to Clifden—if necessary, every man, woman, and child in the parish—and show that they were no cowards and loved their faith better than the world. He charged them [his parishioners] with being cowardly—so cowardly that one would imagine when they were talking to a magistrate or the police that they were actually standing on the Queen’s toes.

Letters From the West of Ireland - Maam to Cong

Letters from West Ireland, XI, (From our Special Correspondent)

The Times London, September 15, 1884

Cong, Mayo, Sept. 8

Connemara scenery can never have been in greater beauty than on the night when I drove back from Kylemore to Leenane. The full moon dimmed the twinkle of the stars…each summit stood clear as at noonday; and the black shadows of the opposite mountains fell across the silvery locks. So that it was little of a surprise…when I looked out next morning on a thick, gray drizzle. Such sharp transitions in the weather are the rule rather than the exception here. The rain came down heavier and more heavily; and towards afternoon it was tumbling in torrents… I ordered round the car that was to take me to Cong.

The heavy wet of Connaught, even when you have it in excess, is unlike any I have met with elsewhere… Driving towards Lough Corrib, the whole country was surging, foaming, and murmuring with the course of the river Maam through the bogs, always sweeping in a brown torrent round the corners and often flooding the intervening _____. It was fed from the hills by a thousand little tributaries, falling from shelf to shelf in cascades… The very ditches by the roadside had become lively brooks, running along under a green fringe of ferns and flowerless foxgloves.

After a short, sharp climb from Leenane, we have crossed the lofty watershed, and the Maam now helps to drain the vast watery basin of Lough Corrib. Sheep and cattle that have been driven down from the high grazings are standing huddled together in the valley bottom in piteous plight, often bogged half way up to the hocks in swamp. They have been collected for the fair on next Monday at Leenane, and in this part of the valley are two or three large hill farmers, one of them owning nearly 250 cattle. Cattle [prices] have fallen, as well as the fleeces of the sheep; but the sheep themselves fetch fair prices…

Prize Winning Essays - July 1924

Winners of American Legion Essay Contest

Are Announced – Scranton Republican – July 16, 1924

“Minooka Post Awards Gold Medals to Three Students

Who Submitted Best Compositions on Popular Subjects”

Patrick Diskin, of 2700 Birney avenue, age 13 years, a fifth grade high school student; Frances J. Powell, an eighth grade student of the Woodrow Wilson school, and Robert Coyne, age 11, a fifth grade student, of 2726 Birney avenue, were last night named as winners in the American Legion essay contest conducted in Minooka by Connolly post, No. 568.

Gold medals were awarded the three winners. Diskin’s essay was entitled “The American Legion,” Coyne’s essay was “Personal Hygiene” and Miss Powell’s essay was on “Minooka.”

The three winning essays will be published in The Republican, the first of three: Master Diskin’s work, this morning and the other two on Thursday and Friday mornings, respectively.

Patrick Diskin’s essay, “The American Legion,” follows:

There are always arguments in the world by different people, and taking some of them into consideration, we find “The American Legion” the topic of the day.

The American Legion is the G.A.R. of the great war. It was not organized by any individual for a selfish purpose, nor was it conceived by any group of men. It sprang into being the result of a universal demand among the soldiers and sailors of the great war for an effective nationwide organization, which would enable them not only to perpetuate their relationship formed in service, but also to carry on in time of peace, the defense of America which they had so well begun in time of war.

World War II Honor Roll - Minooka and South Scranton

Honor Roll for Minooka and South Scranton

World War II

Killed in Action and those who died from their wounds

Bielski, Leo P. - 3rd Class United States Navy - 3210 Oak Street - Buried January 8, 1944

Buckley, John F. – Army – Cedar Avenue

Parents: Peter and Alice Buckley

Buckley, William – Private - Army

Burke, Leo – Staff Sergeant – Army – Battle of Bulge, Ardennes, Germany

Parents: Michael and Catherine Burke

Burke, William – Army Air Corps – North Africa and Italy

Carroll, Charles - Grandson of John Jings

Ceresko, Edward - "Navy dead: Marine PFC Edward F. Ceresko 3720 Laurel Avenue, Greenwood" - April 24, 1945  Scranton Tribune

Connolly, Gerald – Private - Sicily 

Parents: James Connolly and Esther Shea (raised by sister Esther Connolly Thomas)

Coyne, Thomas “Tommy” and "Tip" – Staff Sergeant – Army – Brittany

Parents: Martin and Bridget Coyne

Faherty, Patrick – Seaman – Navy – Ship sunk by German U-boat off Georgia Coast (12/16/43)

Parents: Patrick Faherty and Mary Golden

Haggerty, Francis J. "Joe" and "Rabbit"  – Marines – Okinawa - "Navy dead: Marine Pvt. Francis J. Haggerty, 229 Ash Street." - May 27, 1945 - Scrantonian

Jennings, Thomas P. – PFC – Army – Battle of Bulge (1/12/45) – Buried at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Belgium

Joyce, Gerard- Private – Army

Keegan, Joseph J. – 2^nd Lt. U.S. Army Air Corps – 499^th Bomber Squadron (11/13/44)

Memorialized at Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Philippines

Parents: Joe and Beatrice Keegan

King, William, - PFC – Army – Died of wounds

Kobeski, Frank - Memorial Mass on June 17, 1945 - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kobeski, Greenwood Avenue

Kosokosky, Frank J. (29) - Tech. 5th Grade - 3201 Birney Avenue - Death announced May 14, 1945

Maxwell, Hubert T. – Private – Army - Killed in action in North Africa on July 11, 1943. - Parents: Timothy and Mary Maxwell - "Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Maxwell, 3200 Cedar Avenue, Minooka, were notified in a telegraph received from the War Dept. that their son, Pvt. Hubert Maxwell, was killed in action in Sicily, July 11. Several weeks go the parents were advised that their son was MIA. Pvt. Maxwell was the first Minooka young man recorded as having made the supreme sacrifice in WWII. He was inducted Aug. 29, 1941, and trained at Camp Lee, Va.; Camp Wolters and Camp Barkeley, Tx; Camp Devens, Mass.; Pine Camp, N.Y., and Camp Pickett, Va. Prior to his induction, he was employed by the Bethlehem Steel Company, Lackawanna, N.Y. - Sept. 1, 1942 - Tribune

O’Malley, James Joseph – Able Bodied Merchant Seaman (10/15/44)

O’Malley, James R. – Seaman, 2^nd Class – Navy – (9/12/44) - Memorialized at Sicily Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy

Polakanis, Frank

Polakanis, John

Pompey, Andrew – Parachutist and Italian Translator – Army – Anzio

Pompey, Durando – PFC - Army – Italy

Poplowski, Barth P.

Rosar, Joseph - 2^nd Lt. – Army Air Corps – Grenoble, France

Parents: Adolph Rosar and Honora (Anna) Lydon

Ryan, Robert P. – Private – Army - "Pvt. Robert Ryan, eighteen, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Ryan, 2819 Pittston avenue, Minooka, was killed in Luxembourg on Feb. 1--less than three weeks after his arrival overseas. Three brothers are in the army. He graduated from St. John's H.S., and was inducted into the army on August 13. He received basic training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., and went overseas the second week in January from Fort Meade, Md. with his infantry unit. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Minooka. Besides his mother, Private Ryan is survived by a sister Mary, at home, three brothers: Corporal Joseph, Spokane, Wash., Corporal Patrick, 109th Infantry in France, and Corporal John, attached to a tank destroyer battalion in Hawaii." February 17, 1945, Times Tribune

Salvin, Henry

Shanoski, Matthew

Stewart, Charles J. – Marines – South Pacific (buried at St. Joseph’s)

Parents: Thomas and Delia Stewart

John Francis Shea - Tech Sergeant Shea was wounded on January 16, 1945 at the Battle of the Bulge. He died three months later on April 7, 1945 in a hospital in Belgium. His remains were returned to Scranton in May 1949. John was the son of Daniel Shea, born in Ireland, and Mary Corbett, born in Wales. He grew up in Minooka before the family moved to Scranton.

Toole, John R. – 2^nd Lt. Army – Killed at Battle of Bulge - Mother Catherine Toole - 3607 Birney Avenue, Moosic

Vernal, Richard J. – Corporal – Technician 5^th Class – Army Air Corps – 15^th Cavalry Recon  Squadron – Holland (3/31/1945) – Buried at Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands - "Cpl Richard Vernal, Jr., thirty, husband of the former Miss Ruth Rowan, 2826 Cear Avenue, Minooka, was killed in action in Germany on March 31, 1945." - April 22, 1945 - Scranton Times-Tribune 

Walsh, Francis J. “Buster – TEC5 – Army Killed by sniper - "Cpl. Francis J. Walsh, 2524 Birney Avenue, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Walsh, was killed in action in France July 3, 1944, a War Dept. telegram disclosed. He graduated from Technical H.S. and prior to his induction in Dec. 1942, was employed at the Scranton enginehouse of the Lackawanna R.R. He received basic training at Camp Barkeley, Texas. August 7, 1944 - Scranton Times-Tribune - Parents: Hannah and Michael Walsh

Walsh, John Francis "Tree" – Battle of the Bulge – 11^th Armored Division – Died of wounds after the war Parents: Michael Walsh and Sarah Connolly (Pittston Avenue)

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,