This bible was once the property of my grandfather Edward Devlin, of Iskehene farside of Ennishown, County Donegal, Irleand, who died at the age of 90. It fell into the possession of my father John Devlin, who was born in Iskehene about the year 1770. In the year 1844 this bible came into my possession while residing in the city of New York. My mothers name was Rose McLaughlin and was born in Glenelly near Moville, County Donegal, Ireland, in 1780 and died in 1846. My eldest brother Edward went to sea in 1820 and was never see after. My eldest sister Ann died in 1835. Mary died in Wisconsin in 1858. My brother George accompanied me in 1832 to Quebec where he married and settled. The remainder of my fathers family, Michael, James, who died in Quebec, Rose and Grace. The later died in Glascow in 1835 aged 14. My wife’s name Hannah O’Neil was born at Benburh, County Tyrone Ireland in 1811. She has two brothers, Francis at present in Wisconsin and John in the city of Glasgow.

I, John Devlin, was born August 14, 1810 at Ballintoy, County of Antrim, Ireland.

Son Edward was born Nov 21, 1835 at Glasgow

Daughter Grace was born August 8, 1837 at Glasgow

Daughter Agnes was born Sept 2, 1841 at Glasgow

Daughter Rose was born May 26, 1843 at Glasgow

Daughter Mary was born Nov 5, 1844 at New York

Daughter Hannah was born Nov 6, 1846 at Milwaukee Wis.

Daughter Bridget was born Nov 21, 1848 at Milwaukee, Wis.

Son John was born June 10, 1853 at Winabago, Wis.

Catherine was born June 5, 1856 at Winabago Wis.

James was born Feb 20,. 1839 at Glasgow?

A Glimpse of the past that is now fading fast

I was born in Ireland County Donegal farside of Ennishowen on a small farm called the Cutt about 4 miles from Londonderry where my grandfather Edward Devlin passed his life on an adjoining farm called Connemoye? He had two sons George and my father John. Uncle George, like my father, in their younger days partly lived by distilling whiskey which they smuggled into Derry and Uncle George had a son Dan? He was a sailor and came to America to New York shortly after me where he lived by his trade. His son John came to Boston and got into business there. About 3 years ago my father died in Quebec about 28 years ago my eldest brother Edward went to sea. About the time I was born Sister Ann married a farmer Michael Lofferty of Monadarach. She died 65 years ago. She had 2 sons Edward and John who went to New York. My brother George got married in Quebec. In year 32 he left there and came to the States after he had no children Brother Michael was a nailmaker and died in Lawrence 3 years ago. Brother James died in Quebec 24 years ago. Sister Mary in Milwaukee 35 years ago. Sister Grace died in Glasgow 58 years ago.

My son Edward was born in Glasgow on November 25, 1835. His sister Grace was born in Glascow in 1837. Son James was born on the 26 February 1839. He died in Glasgow. In 1837 daughter Agnes was born in Glasgow. In Sept of ?? she married Samuel Malanch? Grocer in Haverhill. Their family consisted of 3 children, 2 boys, one girl. Daughter Rose bon on 26 May in Glasgow. She died in Milwauky 10 years ago. She left one girl Agnes lives here at present. Daughter Mary born in New York in ’44. Daughter Hannah was born in Milwaukee November 5, ?? Born in Milwaukee ???? John was born in Wisconsin in 53. Catherine was born in Wisconsin in 56 and died here 5 years ago.

1893

Katie died March 1888

My wife’s maiden name was Hannah O’Neil. We were married in 1835 June 25. Her grandfather Barney O’Neil lived near Benburlo County Tyrone Ireland had 2 children. His eldest, my wife’s father had 2 boys, Frank who died here 78 years of age, John who died in Glasgow in Oct 1822. Frank was twice married had 7 children to his first wife. One girl died. He had one boy, 5 girls. My wife’s father was married to Nancy Hogan about 58 years ago. She is now 82 years of age. Her brother John had 2 children. Mary the eldest a sister died in Liverpool 2 years ago.

John is a printer employed in Boston has 2 children Mara O’Neil who keeps house for him. Her age is 16 years and Grace living with me. She is 12 years of age and at the head of her class in the Sisters school in Lawrence. James O’Neil, John’s son, is living out west in Nebraska and is quite an intelligent young man. Daniel, his brother, was a doctor in Liverpool. Agnes, his sister married James Lynch in the City of Glasgow about 23 years ago. The younger sister married Mr. McCloskey.

John Devlin, January 1893

Memories of my forefathers far off I hail

… covered mountain with pride

… to my bosom you never can fail

….. forefathers peacefully died

.. smooth flowing waters that glide down the steep

you tell of the days that are gone

and hard by the graves where my forefathers sleep

you breath their sweet anthems along

xxx not for wealth nor for gold died I roam

when I left the sweet scenes I held dear

I found not a cottage I found not a home

Like the home of my forefather here

Then born only full heaven o grant me the soil

Xxx the shamrock forever is green

By the shades of my forefathers fair earnmamoie

In the bosom of ……..". "Family Record