Ghost Whispers: An American Family's Tale

By Jean Ann McLaughlin

This is a chronicle of how a family and its history was created and evolved from the 1800's to the present. Particular family members are highlighted as they played a significant part in the creation of this story. What is related has been derived from written notes and in depth written recollections, genealogies, family bibles and traditions, and oral stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514432815

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Copyright © 2016 by Jean Ann McLaughlin.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015920246

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5144-3282-2

                eBook             978-1-5144-3281-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Some of the names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 03/09/2016

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Contents

Book I

BLOOD RUNS THROUGH IT

Chapter I Armagh, Ireland, 1864

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV Dublin, Ireland - 1864

Chapter V St. John, New Brunswick - 1864

Chapter VI

Chapter VII Berlin, Massachusetts 1806

Chapter VIII Sterling, Massachusetts - 1822

Chapter IX

Chapter X Sterling, Massachusetts 1841

Chapter XI Athens, Vermont - 1848

Chapter XII Chicopee, Massachusetts - 1851

Chapter XIII St. John, New Brunswick 1867

Chapter XIV Berwick, Nova Scotia 1868

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1869

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Book II

COURAGE COLORS IT

Chapter I Springfield, Massachusetts 1874

Chapter II Spring Farm, Brookline, Vermont

Chapter III St. John, New Brunswick 1869

Chapter IV Berwick, Nova Scotia - 1877

Chapter V

Chapter VI Springfield, Massachusetts 1922

Chapter VII Palmer, Massachusetts 1928

Chapter VIII Watertown, Massachusetts 1890

Chapter IX Palmer, Massachusetts -1939

Chapter X World War II

Chapter XI Palmer, Massachusetts - 1945

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII Harwich, Massachusetts - 1969

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV Washington D.C. - 1988

Foreword

T his is a chronicle of how a family and its history was created and evolved from the 1800's to the present. Particular family members are highlighted as they played a significant part in the creation of this story. What is related has been derived from written notes and in depth written recollections, genealogies, family bibles and traditions, and oral sto ries.

Book I

BLOOD RUNS THROUGH IT

There is a bright region above.

We long to reach its shore

to join with the dear ones we love,

not lost, but gone before.

-Francis Marion

Chapter I

Armagh, Ireland, 1864

D ark green and brown mottled fields rolling like the sea stretched out before William as he stood looking out at the landscape from the doorway of his mother's farmhouse. The land had been fertile again this year. Enough to eat, and enough to sell. Not like before with all the rotting and all the death. There were rumors of perhaps of another famine but not crop disease like before, manmade, more of a political nature. The land no doubt maybe pretty to look at, but some of the people could make your milk cu rdle.

Not a fair place to build your life.

Besides what did William have to look forward to here. His elder brother, Edward, who was going to run the farm someday, died when the barn caught fire. There were two other boys to run the farm as William was suppose to study to become a minister unfortunately to a congregation of mostly old folk as many of the young ones had left. How could one prosper? Even Dado, William's grandfather, would say 'No future in that.'

Dado had apprenticed as a young boy in making shoes; however, his Da (his father, Irish) died, and he had to work their farm for his Mum. Dado taught his grandson, William, all he knew, and this knowledge kept their family shod, but Dado didn't have enough of the right tools to start a for profit business, so the Shaw family shoemaking was 'homemade'. Besides William's 'calling' was not religious as his Mum wanted, but his love was writing and William desired to become a better writer even if he had to leave his home.

William? his mother's soft voice questioning. Is all set to leave after Alice Beatrice's party?

Aye, Mum. All is set, he responded looking down at his feet. It was now or never, he had to ask her. Mum, taking a deep breath he continued, Do you think I could ask Dado again about my writings and poetry for our cousin in Dublin to see? He unconsciously set his jaw, a trait of single-minded, determination leftover from childhood.

Oh son, it's no use boiling your cabbage twice. It's done and over. Let it go. Turn your eyes to the morrow you're preparing for. Violet walked over to the open door and with a small but strong hand shut the door against a stiff breeze blowing cold air into the room.

I know Mum, but writing is like a pebble in my shoe. I need to attend to it. I truly would like to speak to Dado about it, his slate-blue eyes were emphasizing his request.

You are about to continue your studies at Assembly's College. It is the path you've chosen. Follow it, she walked to the kitchen.

He trailed her, But Mum, what if I changed my mind, what if I want to try something different?

She spun around facing him, Violet was petite next to her son's large frame, she softly but very clearly spoke, Son, doing God's work is your path. Violet then firmly extended her arms, Here, put this on the table, She handed him a big bowl of stew.

Can I help? Alice Beatrice offered entering the kitchen wearing a blue dress that her mother had made for this day that matched her eyes. She was a copy of her mother. She differed from Violet in that she wore her light brown locks swept back falling to her shoulders instead of drawn tightly in a knot on top of her head.

Yes, my Dear, ring the bell and call the others to dinner. It is time to eat and celebrate your birthday, Violet bustled to the table with a basket of bread and a large pitcher of water then turning to William,

No more talk about your writings. It is your sister's day. We will talk later.

But Mum, I'm supposed to leave today, a look of urgency flashed from his eyes.

She raised a single finger in front of her lips, Hush, no more blather. Here come the men.

\\

Chapter II

T wo men and two boys followed Alice Beatrice into the kitchen where food was laid on a trestle table that was in front of the fireplace.

Nobody sit till they're washed up proper for supper, smiling Violet nodded to her father-in-law, Dado, an aged man still capable of doing a day's work. It might be nice if you gave the blessing today, Dado.

I see the lady of the house has all in order. The younger man, Dado's son Bill, wrapped a muscled arm around his wife and planted a kiss on the side of Violet's cheek.

Mind yourself, Mr. Shaw. Violet half laughed, half grumbled. Today we're not only celebrating Alice Beatrice's sixteenth birthday, but William is returning to Assembly's College. It will be good having a man of the cloth in the family.

It's a grand day for Willy too, young George clapped. The rest of the family applauded, the boys gleefully slapped William on his back. With a forced smile, William stared at his mother.

They sat around the table, Bill sat the head of the table, Violet at the foot, Dado and Alice Beatrice to Bill's right, and the boys, William, George, and Bernard respectively to his left.

Dado folded his hands and began his prayer. Bless this food, may we be thankful that it has been given to us. We pray that we never have the terrible blights that once covered this land nor have any famine again as some who might declare, Dado's half closed eyes peered at William, And may we always be able to work and keep our cupboards full. May Alice Beatrice be blessed as she enters her young womanhood. May she find joy and a good Christian husband. And may young William, continue his journey for a new life in following his dream be forever blessed, Amen. Dado finished, and a series of amen's followed. And may we all remember Edward in our hearts, Dado added. It was followed by a short silence broken by Bill.

Break out the good wine, Madam. This occasion deserves something special. Bill grinned a wide, toothy smile.

I thought you might say that so please note the carafe before you. Violet answered her husband setting down on the table before him her mother's crystal carafe filled with the wine.

The lamb stew was eaten and the wine drunk. Then Bill raised his glass, I want to make a toast to my youngest daughter, Alice Beatrice, on her sixteenth birthday and pray I will not lose her like her elder sister Annie who first got married and then goes off to Belfast, and then to the wilds of Canada.

No chance of that, Da. You will always have me. I am staying right here in Armagh, Alice Beatrice laughed looking sheepishly at her mother. William swallowed hard.

Aye, that's good.... It is like being deafened by a Banshee not hearing your sister's laughter, it would be the death of me if I lost your sweetness too. May your life be full, and may your Da always feel your warm arm hugging his neck. He emptied his glass.

Alice Beatrice, I have something for you, her mother rose pulling a small, brown package from a pocket her green woolen skirt then handed it to the girl.

Alice Beatrice swiftly unwrapped the gift revealing a cameo brooch. Sucking in her breath sharply, she whispered, 'Tis beautiful, Mum.

It was my Mother's, Violet replied.

Aye, I know. Annie has the earrings. You gave them to her on her sixteenth birthday.

I wanted to split the cameos between you girls.

That's very special, Dado interjected, They will always connect you and Annie together.

You're right Dado. That is wonderful, Bill's eyes moistened.

Do you ever hear from Annie, Dado looked to his daughter-in-law, Violet.

"Why yes, Dado. My mind must be slipping, I thought I told you. We heard last spring. They have settled in St. John, New Brunswick which is part of Nova Scotia. Arlie, her husband, has gotten work there as a shipwright. She says she is near the ocean. She likes it, but it is very foggy, and the tides are quite high.

You should write to your sister, Alice Beatrice, Dado continued, and tell her of the cameos.

"Aye Dado.

Alice Beatrice, help me clear the table, and the boys can get back to work, Violet's soft voice ordered as she walked to the kitchen sink with dishes in hand.

All rose, George and his younger brother Bernard ran out the door laughing.

Are you leaving soon, William? Dado turned to his Grandson.

Aye Dado, but I did want to ask you something. William readied himself for his mother's reaction knowing she was listening.

You can talk about that another time. Right now Dado needs his nap, and you've got to meet Liam for your ride to Belfast. His mother spoke as he expected.

Let the boy speak.

Aye, let him talk. Bill agreed shaking his head.

Fine, but it is day old porridge. Violet mumbled, then in a louder voice said, Bill, you will need to stoke the fire in the sitting room. She turned on her heels and started washing the stacked dishes.

Will do my Dear. Bill's voice faded as the men went into the sitting room.

* * *

Sit down, William. Dado indicated a chair. Now, what is this all about?

The men settled themselves before the fireplace. Dado in the rocking chair, and William a straight-back wooden chair leaving the only overstuffed chair for his father to sit in when he finished tending the fire.

"Dado, remember when I spoke to you about our cousin in Dublin and his talents in the writing business that might be of some matter to me one day? Well, I think that day has come. William hoped that Dado remembered as lately his memory had been fading.

Aye, that I do, Dado nodded his head. I remember reading your writings and us talking about them.

Well, I was hoping that now it could be pursued and perhaps get our cousin's thoughts. William looked over at his Father who was now seated by the fire.

Ooh, I don't know son. I haven't spoken to Robert Shaw for years. He used to write little sayings and poems. He seldom spoke of it. Writing was not his regular profession though he knew people in the newspaper business. Dado looked questioningly at William. But are you not forgetting about Assembly's College?

Aye, I am, I mean no I did not forget. This is not about school matters, but I need to know if I have the talents to pursue writing and poetry, you know for living and perhaps profit, and some adventure to write about, and becoming educated to do it, maybe not even here. William shifted his weight in the chair, his blond hair, needing to be trimmed, fell in his eyes.

A poet for profit? Dado made a scornful laugh, Words as a rule do not butter your potatoes, especially around here. No future in that. He then drew in a deep breath, But there have been many exceptions; however, if you really want to pursue this to get your answer, you should try showing some of your work to publishers. First see what Robert Shaw says.

Then I will talk to Robert Shaw, his spirit now ignited he continued, I need to know if writing my stories and my poetry is something good to read, and what I should do to get better. Perhaps our cousin could counsel me. The young man was getting excited. Who knows where it might lead.

Tell me why Son it is so important to ask me about it now? Dado pressed.

I won't see you for awhile, Dado. I wanted to ask you about our cousin, if I get a chance to speak with him sometime perhaps he could read my writings. William smiled, Get his thoughts and suggestions.

But you are going to Belfast not Dublin, Dado stated.

True, but perhaps I will visit Dublin sometime. It is not that far, William swallowing hard he replied.

At that Bill stood and laughing said, It sounds to me that William is a bit jumpy about his going back to school. I do not blame him. I would be too, considering he is going to be gone awhile, and missing his Mum's cooking. Perhaps, you are thinking of doing this writing business instead?

Perhaps he is. Dado raised his brow.

No, not really. Not yet. William, set his jaw looking straight into the fire.

I must stay strong. They cannot know.

William, Bill's voice became grim, Dado heard your request and is reminded. Now, you need to meet Liam. 'Tis uncommon luck him taking you all the way to Assembly's College in Belfast. Much better than footing it, and a lot quicker.

Dado, then William rose from their chairs. Bill placed one hand on his William's shoulder and shook hands with his son with the other one. Whatever you decide, you will be fine, Son. Now go and give your Mother and Alice Beatrice a goodbye.

Dado shook his hand, then gave him a hug. With a solemn look on his face, William went into the kitchen.

I'm leaving now, Mum. I just said my goodbyes to Da and Dado, he said as entered the room.

Did you get all your questions answered? Violet wiped her hands on a dish rag.

Aye, Mum, he nodded.

Then give your sister a kiss goodbye and get your bags for leaving, her soft voice was soothing.

He walked over to her sister and gave her a quick hug.

Bye Ally, I'll write to you.

Bye, Willy.

He walked to his mother. She handed him a large satchel. 'Tis just some food for the road... your belly will want it.

Thanks, he looked down at his mother, a metallic taste filled his mouth knowing it was the last time he would probably see her. He felt great heartache; it was best that she did not know his plans.

Goodbye, Mum, he gave his mother a long hug.

Time and patience cures all, Son. You will see. with her left hand she brushed the corners of her slate-blue eyes, and with the right pressed two guineas into William's hand.

Chapter III

W illiam did not have to wait long for Liam's cart to come bobbing along. Glad 'tis not a fine day for young ducks. I have no top on this cart. Liam laughed as he pulled to a halt. Hop in. We have a ride ahead of us.

"Aye, we do. Liam, how long do you think it might be?' William smiled as he jumped onto the cart.

'Tis half-three, now. Another four bells and you can spell me while I take a rest in the back, and then another for you. We can always stop for a while if need be. Our boat does not leave until the morrow. We will make it with spare time. Liam signaled the horse to go. You are still wanting this? He glanced at William.

Aye, life here is not for me. My Mum and Da want it for me, but I do not. They know my feelings, but I could not tell them I was going to Canada. He set his jaw. "They would have tried to stop me. especially after Edward's death and Annie's leaving, but Ally, George and Bernard are here, besides I'm not learning to be a farmer nor am I 'called' to join the ministry.

This will be new, different. I have never been on a ship before, and I'll see my sister when I get to Nova Scotia. There should be time to do some writing aboard the boat, William sounded inspired. So what are your thoughts?" He looked to his friend.

Nothin' here for me. Watchin' me Mum and sister die when I was but a small lad meself. T'was very bad, and me Da is on the drink most times. I left him a note sayin' I was leavin. Me brothers have gone to America, Liam looked around frustrated, Just cannot stay here. You know that there has been talk of another food shortage. It seems with this land that luck is always on the road. Liam shrugged and scratched a bearded chin.

Aye, so it is. William agreed.

* * *

Last chance, do I go north to Belfast or south to Dublin? Liam slowed the cart