Andrew and Abbey Borden are found dead on the morning of August 4, 1892. Infamous for the nature of the murders and the acquittal of suspect Lizzie Borden, the only other witness in the house when the murders were committed was Cork-born maid Bridget Sullivan. Sullivan provided the main testimony for the trial, claiming that after lying down after cleaning the windows, Lizzie … [Read more...] about August 4, 1892
Today In History
October 6, 1891
Charles Stewart Parnell, often referred to as the "Uncrowned King of Ireland" prior to his downfall, died on this day in 1891 after returning to Dublin from exile. Parnell died at the age of only 45 years from a heart attack at his home at 10 Walsingham Terrace, Hove, Dublin. Around 20,000 people attended his funeral service at Glasnevin Cemetery. Parnell was the founder of the … [Read more...] about October 6, 1891
December 24, 1889
Captain William O'Shea files for divorce, citing Parnell as his wife Kitty's lover, which in turn caused the loss of Parnell's political power. O'Shea, who had known about the Parnell and Kitty's affair, only filed for divorce after his wife's inheritance was lost. O'Shea, an MP for Galway, had also been swayed to the side of Gladstone who wanted to bring down Parnell's … [Read more...] about December 24, 1889
November 20, 1889
Irish novelist Donn Byrne was born Brian Oswald Donn-Byrne on this day in New York in 1889. He was raised in Ireland and grew up speaking English and Irish. He joined the Irish Volunteer Movement. Byrne attended University College Dublin, studying romance languages. He was published in "The National Student," the student magazine. In 1911, he returned to New York and worked in … [Read more...] about November 20, 1889
May 9, 1889
On this day in 1889, Thomas Kiley riding Spokane won the 15th Kentucky Derby. Spokane, who had Irish lineage as a descendant of stallion Faugh-A-Ballagh (Ire. 1841), was the only Montana-born horse to win the Derby. According to a report in Horse Racing Forum James James, Jesse James' older brother, was at the Derby on that day "looking like a Southern gentleman in his Prince … [Read more...] about May 9, 1889