FENIAN GRAVES

INTRODUCTION

The Fenian Graves Association has been established for the purpose of keeping the memory of our Irish American Fenian heroes and heroines alive by recording their deeds on behalf of Irish freedom as well as their many sacrifices for their adopted homeland.

Over the centuries tens of thousands of men and women, who gave so much for the cause of Irish freedom, lie in unmarked graves throughout the Americas.  We know not their names nor the moment or manner of their deaths; we can only surmise that they died believing that one day Ireland would be free from the claws of the occupying English tyrant, and that their work would somehow hasten that day.

They came to the Americas in different centuries for various reasons.   Many of them, known and unknown to us, had engaged the English armies in Ireland before arriving in the Americas. Some were forced to flee to avoid capture and certain death; others arrived having escaped England's prisons and slave camps in Australia and elsewhere.  Still, others were victims of the many contrived famines that plagued Ireland because the greed of the occupier laid claim to the livestock, wheat, oats and barley that otherwise would have fed the people.

Not all of our Fenian heroes and heroines  were born in Ireland.  Some were born in the Americas while others were born elsewhere throughout the world.   Still, all of them shared a common belief that Ireland was entitled to its rightful place in the company of free nations. They worked and sacrificed much for that belief.

 Many of those who came served in America's War of Independence to secure its freedom from England; the same enemy that was loose and running amok in Ireland.  Those of later generations joined the ranks of the many Fenian regiments who fought so gallantly in America's Civil War in both Union and Confederate ranks. 

 The Fenians who survived, now well versed in warfare,  hoped to return to their motherland to set it free. Some returned to join in the planned uprising of 1867 led by Thomas Kelly who had fought in the Union ranks and Thomas F. Bourke who fought in a Louisiana Confederate regiment. For most, circumstances prevented them from returning.

Not all of those, whom we strive to honor, took up arms to answer the call of freedom.  Some took  up the pen to expose the cunning, cruelty and inhumanity of the English tyrant and other foes of Irish freedom. We are also mindful of others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the support needed to wage war on England, the enemy of liberty.

All of them are worthy of our reverence. It is our task to ensure that they are remembered and honored by us, the living, and by the generations yet unborn.

Inclusion Criteria.

The criteria spelled out below is intended to remove any ambiguity when considering an individual for inclusion in the Fenian Graves Archives.  In the context of this criteria 'Fenian' will be construed as any individual, of any generation, who actively participated in the struggle for Irish freedom.

1.   The individual must have lived for part or all of his/her life in the Americas.  (Irish born individuals who later returned

       to Ireland and died there or, whose remains were returned there for burial, will be eligible) 

2.    In keeping with the Fenian tradition, the  individual, once committed, remained forever faithful to the cause of

       Irish freedom and;

        A.   took a prominent role in the struggle for Irish freedom at great risk to  his / her own freedom or;

        B.   was an unsung hero/heroine who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, in both good and bad times, for the cause

              of Irish freedom or,

        C.   was a member of the Fenian movement who fought with distinction for America’s freedom and unity or;

        D.   was a lifelong, reliable and able defender of activists in legal jeopardy for activities related to the cause of Irish

              freedom.

project management

The individuals assigned to the management positions listed below will be responsible for managing the project.  As the project itself is a daunting undertaking, other individuals will be invited to join the team as contributors to the knowledge base or to support the project team in compiling, editing, proofing, and preparing the material for publication.

Principal Historian

Associate Historians

Project Coordinator

Editor

Contributors

Publishing Collaboration 

The publication of the 'Fenian Graves Archives' is a joint venture between The Fenian Graves Association and Cumann na Saoırse Náısıúnta. This collaboration is possible as both organizations share a common objective of  preserving our Irish-American cultural heritage and the Fenian traditions passed on to us by our exiled Irish forebears.

PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS

Charles Laverty   -- Principal Historian

Charles Laverty was born in Moy, Co. Tyrone. He attended St. Patrick's Academy, Dungannon, Co Tyrone  from 1943 through 1946. He came to the U.S. in 1948 and joined the U. S. Army during the Korean War in 1951. Expected to serve in Korea he was assigned to serve in Austria and Italy instead. He later joined US Army Special Forces, serving 14 years (active and reserve) and rose to Acting Sergeant Major, 11th Special Forces Battalion (US Army Reserve).

After his initial service in the U.S. Army, Charles attended Fordham University in New York from whence he graduated with a BSc degree in 1965.  He served as Managing Editor of Rubber World magazine (NYC, then Akron, OH) and Editor of Home & Auto magazine (CT)

As an active member of the republican movement from 1954 to 1966 he served the cause with of Irish Freedom with perseverance.  Among his many assignments in the movement he served as national secretary (acting) of Clan na Gael from 1959-61, as secretary to George Harrison and Mike Flannery from1959 to1966 and jointly produced the US edition of The United Irishman with George Harrison.

From 1975 to 2002, Charles was the owner and editor of the weekly newsletters, Automotive Week and Service Executive.  He was also a  joint founder of the Irish Brigade Association (Fort Schuyler, Bronx NY) and editor of its newsletter, The Irish Volunteer. Currently on the board of New York Irish History Roundtable and Member of the Company of Military Historians. 

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