Capturing O'Neill: Dedication pages of books on Irish traditional music, signed by Capt. Francis O'Neill

Key Figures in Irish and American Society

After publishing his first book on Irish music in 1903, and then retiring from his post as General Superintendent of the Chicago Police after his role in the teamsters strike in 1905, O'Neill wrote numerous dedication pages to prominent figures in Irish and Irish American life.  In fact, this project has only documented a handful of O'Neill dedication pages written prior to his retirement from the force. O'Neill was a political person in the public eye - one needed to operate well in Chicago society to rise in the police ranks and be appointed by the mayor to its highest position - and O'Neill had a keen eye for such matters. It is said that his books did not sell well, and it appeared that he used signed copies of his publications as gifts and personal calling cards to alert prominent figures in Irish American life to his projects, to himself, and perhaps to further the cause of Irish music around the world among those who had influence in society. The following copies most likely illustrate the people O'Neill saw as important to furthering the cause of Irish America. Though O'Neill had ongoing relationships and friendships with many of the recipients listed here, copies sent to others (such as Henry Ford) most likely were intended to foster such relationships or alert important figures in society to his undertakings.

 

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