Capturing O'Neill: Dedication pages of books on Irish traditional music, signed by Capt. Francis O'Neill Main Menu Biography of Capt. Francis O'Neill Capt. Francis O'Neill biography Notes from the Curators Book Titles Key Figures Key Figures Timeline Index of recipients Map Other materials Other materials

Key Figures in Irish and American Society

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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.

 

This page has paths:

  1. Key Figures Scott B. Spencer

Contents of this path:

  1. Seamus Ó Casaide
  2. Ancient Order of the Hibernians
  3. Irving Broadus
  4. J. O'Kiersey
  5. John M. Wing
  6. Joseph Halpin
  7. Patrick Sweeney (1917 2)
  8. Patrick Sweeney (1917 1)
  9. Rev. John Hobsan
  10. Rev. Peter C. Yorke
  11. Seumas McManus
  12. William J. Onahan (1910)
  13. William J. Onahan (1913)
  14. Rev. John J. Carroll
  15. Denis Conway (1910)
  16. Edward O'Brien
  17. Denis Conway (1913)
  18. Rev. Francis Donnelly
  19. Thomas H. Donohoe
  20. Patrick Powell
  21. James A. Reardon
  22. J. C. Walsh
  23. Mary McWhorter
  24. Michael O'Gallagher
  25. Tadhg Ó Donnchadha
  26. Alfred Perceval Graves