Priests’ records make for a fascinating read

On this 7th day of June 1856 I have baptized Cathr Edilla born 2 weeks of Laurence Druhan and Mary Plunkit. The Sponsors were Jas Plunkit & Elb Plunkit. P McIver Pastor

On this 24 day of februa 1857 I have married Peter Milmor to Mary Mahon, having published their intentions previously. The Witnesses were Mat Mahon & Catherine Crudden. P McIver Pastor

These are two of the entries of the Irish-born Rev. Patrick McIver for St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Benedicta. He also was pastor of St. Mary’s in Houlton for the same period, 1855-1859.

They are included in the newly published “The Priests of Benedicta and Houlton Maine 1833-1861: their records of Baptism and Marriage, and the Diaries of the Rev’d William Tyler with other documents,” by Richard D. Kelly Jr. of Augusta.

Benedicta is just fascinating, with its roots as an Irish-Catholic colony established by Bishop Benedict Fenwick in the 1830s and 1840s – on a half-township he purchased from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It nearly became home to College of the Holy Cross.

Houlton is very interesting, as well, with many of its settlers coming from Saint John and other parts of New Brunswick.

Kelly’s book is marvelous, and not only because of the marriages and baptisms transcribed here.

He includes history of the Roman Catholic Church in the area, which of course was very pertinent to the settling of Benedicta.

There also are a handful of records pertaining to Old Town, Bangor and Eastport, plus Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston and St. Mary’s Church in Dover, N.H.

Also of interest are diary entries of the Rev. William Tyler about Benedicta:

1838, May 16: Mr. Sweeny and Gallagher plant the garden – Sweny brings home 10 bushels of potatoes which I buy of Mr. Brinen, who gives 2 bushels. Mr. Croak and Armstrong continue burning the logs. Mrs. Milmo sends a present of 2 hens.

The book concludes with lists of places of origins in Ireland of some Catholics in Benedicta and Houlton, year of entry into the United States and year of naturalization when known. Resources used include naturalization records for Aroostook and Penobscot Counties.

The Kearns men in Benedicta came from Kilkenny, for example, while the Dougherty family in Houlton came from Raphoe, Donegal.

You can obtain a copy of “The Priests of Benedicta and Houlton Maine 1833-1861, their records of Baptism and Marriage” for $16.50, including postage, from Richard D. Kelly Jr., 62 Davenport St., Augusta, 04330.

Congratulations to Thelma Eye Brooks for receiving the Maine Genealogical Society’s 2007 Award of Excellence in Genealogical Service.

Well-known as an author and researcher, Brooks is invaluable to the Taconnett Falls Genealogical Society and its growing library on Lithgow Street in Winslow.

And, you can hear her speak on “Census Research” at the meeting of the Penobscot County Genealogical Society at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, in the Lecture Hall, third floor, Bangor Public Library. All are welcome.

The Washington County Genealogical Society will meet at 1 p.m., U.S. time, Saturday, Oct. 20, in the St. Croix Public Library, St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

Organized in 1992, the society collects, exchanges and preserves related documents and information, and promotes interest and scholarship in genealogy in Washington County, Maine.

Membership is open to all those interested in learning about their family genealogy and history, especially in Washington County and neighboring Charlotte County, New Brunswick.

Dues are $10 a year. For information, contact Frances Raye at 853-6630 or Valdine Atwood at 255-4432.

Both of these groups have a good number of knowledgeable researchers – do give them a visit.

Last week’s query had an error in the e-mail address, so here it is again:

3406. RUSSELL-JAMES-DOW. Jewell J. Russell was born 1823 in Vermont, not 1818 in New Hampshire. He married Hannah James, then married Harriet E.W. Dow in August 1856. Jewell died Jan. 27, 1894, in Bangor. Seeking marriage date, about 1848, for Jewell Russell and Hannah James, and death date for Hannah James Russell between 1854 and 1856. Carolyn Gilbert, 8 Jay Berry Lane, Norwood, MA 02062-1944; Carolartg@aol.com

Send genealogy queries to Family Ties, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or familyti@bangordailynews.net.