Today in History

Thomas Moore, the famous Irish poet who penned the lyrics to "The Minstrel Boy" and "The Last Rose of Summer," died on this day in 1852. Born in Dublin in 1779, Moore showed an early interest in music. While studying law at Middle Temple in London, Moore gained recognition for ballads such as "The Meeting of the Waters." His earliest works were published in "Moore's Irish … [Read more...] about February 25, 1852

George Moore, Irish novelist most famous his books Confessions of a Young Man and Esther Waters, was born on February 24, 1852. His work heavily influenced James Joyce in its modernism and influenced many others with its mysticism. Moore spent much of his early days in Paris and London, first wanting to become an artist but then turning to writing. Confessions of a Young Man is … [Read more...] about February 24, 1852

John Dillon, Irish nationalist and Home Rule activist, was born on September 4, 1851 in Dublin to the former "Young Irelander" John Black Dillon. After joining Isaac Butt's Home Rule League in 1873, he gained attention by criticizing Butt's mishandling of the Home Rule bill in parliament in 1879. He became an original member of the Irish National Land League. Dillon eventually … [Read more...] about September 4, 1851

Daniel O'Connell died on this day in 1847. Often referred to as The Liberator or The Emancipator, O'Connell was a gifted orator. Born in County Kerry on August 6, 1775, he studied law and became a barrister in 1798. In 1811, he established the Catholic Board, championing Catholic emancipation. In 1841, he became the first Catholic Lord mayor of Dublin. He then led a series of … [Read more...] about May 15, 1847

New York State creates a Board of Commissioners of Emigration. Two-thirds of all emigration to America came through New York from the 1780s to the 1880s. With the onset of the Famine and thousands of Irish emigrants arriving in a constant stream, benevolent societies were established and lobbied New York State to set up a board of Commissioners of Emigration. The Board, which … [Read more...] about May 4, 1847