2020 Prompt - Fire - Bartholomew Cronin

                                              

Pumper Wagon - Fire Department

Bartholomew Cronin 1870- 1944

My great-great uncle - Detroit City Fireman - Captain

Nancy Simmons 

    Josephine Martin 

        Mary Catherine Cronin  

            Denis Cronin to his brother Bartholomew Cronin                                                                    

My Irish ancestors must have had a burning desire to leave Ireland in the late nineteenth century.  One by one they left their parents, family and friends to come to America for a better life. My great grandfather, Denis Cronin, left in 1875 and settled in Detroit and in the next fifteen years his younger brothers, Daniel, James and Bartholomew, all left the Emerald Isle to join him. Bartholomew Cronin, the youngest, arrived in 1888 and started his life as a piper-fitter but eventually worked his way up the occupational ladder to becoming a Captain for the Detroit City Fire Department.

Johanna (O'Connell) Cronin and her son Bartholomew Cronin about 1888

Bartholomew Cronin was born August 16, 1870 to John and Johanna (O'Connell) Cronin in Coolinarna, County Cork, Ireland.[1]  He was baptized August 26, 1870 in the Cullen Catholic Church in the Millstreet Parish.[2] He immigrated to Detroit about 1888 and in 1891, he was living at 320 Abbott Street in Detroit with his brother, James, in an area called Corktown, southwest of the center of Detroit.  Here many Irish families from County Cork, Ireland were living including several of his siblings. He was listed as a fireman and his brother, James, as a policeman in the Detroit City Directory.[3]

Bartholomew Cronin & Brother James Cronin about 1890

The Wayne County marriage records states that Bartholomew married Jennie Hannah Leahy on February 13, 1893 in Detroit by Father William DeBever.[4] According to the 1900 federal census, Bart and Jennie Cronin were living at 462 16th Street in Corktown and Bartholomew is listed as a city fireman and they have had four children: Hannah born 1893, John born 1895, Genevieve born 1898 and Loretta born 1900. [5] Two more daughters were born later, Ursela in 1901 and Edna in 1903.

Detroit Engine House # 8

Detroit Pumping Wagon pulled by a three Horse Team about 1900

Bartholomew was a fireman from the early 1890s until his retirement about 1928.  Bart started in Engine House No. 8 and used horse drawn fire engines. In 1916, Bart was promoted to Captain at Fire House No. 37 at Central and Dix.[6]  At this time, he experienced the transition of driving a team of horses pulling the fire truck to a motorized fire truck.

Detroit Motorized Fire Truck about 1920

Another memorable fact about Bartholomew was a newspaper article that mentions that in 1910 he was elected president of the Firemen's Fund Association for the Relief of Disabled Fireman.[7]  This Association is a non-profit corporation and was first incorporated in 1867 and is one of the oldest corporations in Michigan.[8]  For over 150 years they have using dues and fund raisers to provide benefits to ease the burdens of disabled firemen and their families.  To have been elected president of such an organization expresses the respect the Detroit city firemen had for Bartholomew Cronin.

Bartholomew elected President of Firemen's Relief Fund Association
Detroit Free Press April 5, 1916

Detroit Firemen's Fund Association Certificate of Membership

Bartholomew and Jennie moved from 16th Street to Wabash Street where they continued to live in Corktown until 1920 when they moved to 2363 Pearl Street on Detroit's southwest side two blocks from Saint Gabriel Parish Church.  Jennie died on January 26, 1926 of kidney disease[9] and Bartholomew continued to live with several of his children.  Bartholomew retired from the Detroit Fire Department about 1928 and died November 19, 1944.[10]  As was the tradition of the times, the funeral was held in his home with a funeral mass at St Gabriel's Catholic Church and he was buried next to Jennie in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Bartholomew Cronin Cemetery Stone
Holy Cross Cemetery - Detroit, Michigan

Bartholomew Cronin's Death Certificate November 19, 1944








   

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[1] Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911 [database on-line]. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

[2] Ancestry.com. Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915, [database on-line]. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

 Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 04267 / 07

[3] Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1821-1995, Detroit, Michigan, City Directory, 1891, page 359.

[4] Marriage Records of Wayne County, Michigan, State Library, Book 4, page 369

[5] Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census, Detroit, Ward 10, Wayne, Michigan, ED 0110, page 7.

[6] Newspapers.com. Detroit Free Press, “Cronin Gets New Station”, 31 Oct 1916, page 2.

[7] Newspapers.com. Detroit Free Press, “Payments Total $18,658”, 5 Apr 1910, page 3.

[8] www.detroitfiremensfund.com/our-story, Detroit Fire Department Fund Association.

[9] Ancestry.com. Michigan, Death Records, 1867-1950, Jennie Cronin, 26 Jan 1926.

[10] Ancestry.com. Michigan, Death Records, 1867-1950, Bartholomew J Cronin, 19 Nov 1944.

2020 Prompt - Prosperity - Denis Cronin

                                                       

Prompt - Prosperity

Denis Cronin- great grandfather

Nancy Simmons to Josephine Martin to Mary Catherine Cronin to Denis Cronin - my great grandfather 

I thought of my great grandfather, Denis Cronin, when the prompt Prosperity was assigned. Prosperity usually means the type of success that comes from having a lot of money. But "a lot of money" is relative to how much you had to start with in life.  Denis left Ireland a poor 17-year-old boy and followed his siblings to Detroit with a dream of prosperity.

  

I used Denis’ death certificate to start researching him. Denis died in Sunland, Los Angeles, California Dec 21, 1925[1] at the home of his brother, Daniel Cronin. His death certificate stated he was 66 years old, born in Ireland and his parents were John Cronin and Johanna O'Connor. 

Denis was born in Ireland to parents that had survived the great famine. They had ten children and Denis was the 3rd child born in County Cork where years of political and religious dissention were prevalent.  In the mid-1870s widespread unemployment, poverty and appalling housing conditions existed.[2]

In 1877,[3] Denis decided to leave Ireland and move to Detroit, Michigan where he found work in a thriving industrial city. He married and raised a family of six children. He went from a poor Irish boy from Coolinarna, County Cork, Ireland[4] to a successful streetcar engineer and a leader among his peers.  He came to a country where he started working in a dangerous entry level job, was able to move up the ladder of prosperity due to his involvement in unionizing the streetcar employees and could practice his faith without conflict.

His baptismal record had his name is recorded as Dionysius Cronin.  He was baptized 16 Oct 1859 in the Catholic Parish of Cullen in Millstreet, County Cork, Ireland[5]. Dionysius is the Latin derivative of Denis used in the Catholic church records. Cullen is a small village located north west of Millstreet town in County Cork[6].

 

Denis' passport application states he immigrated in 1877. Many poor Irish immigrants could find work in Detroit in high risk occupations. He found work as a molder at the Peninsular Stove Company by 1882.[7]  This risky job earned between $18 and $21 per week[8]. (Footnote has website about Detroit as global capital of stove manufacturing).  A molder was a strong young male who worked in a dark, hellish environment with enormous cupola furnaces filled with hot blue smoke and pounds of glowing cherry-red molten iron.  The molder would be covered with black grime and soot and poor hot molten iron into molds.[9] Life as a molder was dangerous and harmful and over time molders often suffered from lung and heart problems.

 On June 2, 1886, Denis Cronin married Bridget Stackpoole[10],a young Irish immigrant. The same

year, Denis is listed as a car inspector and his home is at 175 Franklin Street.[11] Denis had found a job working as an inspector for a streetcar company. This job is probably much safer than a molder now that he is married.

In April 1891, Denis is working for the Detroit Urban Railway and is now a driver. He probably was caught up in the political aspect of labor unrest as the streetcar employees decided to strike.[12] Even though we have no record of Denis' direct involvement in this conflict, one wonders if he reported to work and drove his streetcar, or did he withhold his services and joined the strikers?

A month later in May of 1891, Denis profits from an agreement between owners and the workers.  The agreement gives conductors and drivers an 18 cent per hour wage with a 10-hour workday and one day off every 14 days.[13] This gives Denis a $46.00 a month paycheck or about $600 annual income.  

In the 1900 federal census, Denis is listed as a motorman with the street railroad, he can read and write, and he owns his home.[14] This illustrates that Denis is doing quite well working for the street rail system.  Denis and Bridget also have five children by 1900; Johanna is 13, Dennis is nine, Margaret is seven, my grandmother Mary Catherine is four, and William is two. They lost a two-year-old son in 1891.[15]

In 1906 Denis Cronin was very active in the street railway employee union since he runs for president of the streetcar employee’s union.[16]  Over 1100 workers voted but unfortunately Denis comes in second by 210 votes. [17]

Another event that occurs in 1909 that affirms Denis' growing prosperity was his ability to take a trip with his wife and young daughter to Ireland to visit his family. Denis applies for a passport and provides us with lots of personal information. In 1910 we find that Denis bought a second home at 719 Campbell street by auction for $3,300[18] and he moves from 211 Nineteenth Street to his new home.

In 1920 the census states Denis is still working as a motorman, lives at 719 Campbell street.[19]  Sometime after 1920 Denis retires and then on November 30, 1924 Denis' wife, Bridget, died.[20]  A year later, Denis decided to travel to Los Angeles to visit his brother, Daniel.  It is while he is in California that he died on December 21, 1925.[21]  His body is shipped back to Detroit and he is buried in Mt Elliott Cemetery next to his wife. According to my mother, when Denis died, he left a house for each of his children. 

Denis’ prosperity was measured by his ability to find work to earn a good wage, and his participation in a union to advocate for safe working conditions and a fair wage for all.  By working hard and investing he was able to purchase several homes to help his children.  And during his 48 years in Detroit, Denis and his family were able to practice their faith without conflict. He was an example of how an immigrant can attain prosperity!

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[1]Denis Cronin, death certificate Local Registered No. 194 (died 21 Dec 1925), Department of Public Health, San Francisco City and County, California.  

[2] Cork City Council, Cork City Libraries, Grand Parade, Cork, Ireland, Cork, Past and Present, accessed: 19 Feb 2020, http://www.corkpastandpresent.ie/history/historyofcorkcity/1700-1900/corkinthe19thcentury/

[3] Ancestry.com, U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925, Dennis Cronin, certificate 10227.

[4] Ancestry.com, Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915, Dionysius Cronin, residence: Coolnarna.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Google Maps- https://www.google.com/maps/@52.0908325,-9.1983506,11z?hl=en

[7] Ancestry.com, U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 accessed: 20 Feb 2020, page 317, Dennis Cronin; citing "Detroit, Michigan, City Directory, 1882.

[8] Department of Labor, Nineteenth Annual Report of the Commissioner of Labor 1905 Labor and Wages, page 711, Bureau of Labor, Google Books, https://books.google.com/books?id=p_ZKAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA710&dq=1890s+Annual+Income+molder+Detroit&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUy9XC-u3nAhVIRKwKHYZ9AUQQ6AEwAnoECAIQAg#v=onepage&q=1890s%20Annual%20Income%20molder%20Detroit&f=false

[9] “When stoves were the hot new thing”, The Detroit News, 24 Jan 2015, accessed: 20 Feb 2020, <https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan-history/2015/01/24/stove-capital-detroit-history/22234051/>

[10] Ancestry.Com, Michigan, County Marriages, 1822-1940, Denis Cranin (misspelled Cronin).

[11] Ancestry.com, U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989", accessed: 20 Feb 2020, page 429, Dennis Cronin; citing "Detroit, Michigan, City Directory, 1886.

[12] Detroit Transit History.info, The Pre-D.S.R. Years- Part II, Labor Unrest.  http://www.detroittransithistory.info/TheEarlyYears.html

[13] Ibid

[14] Ancestry.com, 1900 United States Federal Census, Detroit Ward 10, Wayne, Michigan, page: 10B; ED 107, Dennis Cronin, accessed: 13 May 2010.

[15] Ancestry.com, Michigan, Death Records, 1867-1950, John Daniel Cronin.

[16] 'Street Car Men Elect', The Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec 1906, Wed, p. 8; image copy, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3482663/denis-cronin-runs-for-president-of/)

[17] Ibid

[18] Denis Cronin house purchase, The Detroit Free Press, 18 Sep 1910, Sun, p.44; image copy, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45178589/dennis-cronin-house-purchase-719/)

[19] Ancestry.com, 1920 United States Federal Census, Detroit, Ward 16, Wayne, Michigan, page 5A, ED 495, Dennis Cronin, accessed: 13 May 2010.

[20]  Ancestry.com, Michigan, Death Records, 1867-1952, Bridget Enzian (misspelled Cronin), accessed 20 Feb 2020.

[21] Denis Cronin, death certificate Local Registered No. 194 (died 21 Dec 1925), Department of Public Health, San Francisco City and County, California.  

2018 Prompt - Travel - Mary Catherine CRONIN

MARY CATHERINE CRONIN - 1895-1952 my grandmother

Mary Catherine CRONIN

I

With Irish blood running through your veins one always dreams of traveling back to the Emerald Isle.  Fortunately for my grandmother, Mary Catherine Cronin, that dream came true at a young age. In 1909 my great grandparents, Denis and Bridgette (Stackpole) Cronin decided to travel back to Ireland taking their youngest daughter, Mary Catherine.

 

Mary Catherine CRONIN First Communion 1907

Mary Catherine was the fifth child born to Denis and Bridgette on October 27, 1895[1] in Detroit, Michigan.  Mary's parents were both born in County Cork, Ireland but they had immigrated to the United States about 1880[2]. It had been almost 30 years since they left home when they planned a trip to go back home to Ireland to visit. Mary was thirteen years old and had suffered from rheumatic fever as a young child.  According to family it was believed that Denis and Bridgette took their daughter Mary with them hoping the ocean voyage would be good for her health. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory reaction that can occur after a streptococcal infection of the throat. The ailment last only a few weeks but heart damage may last for life. The doctors agreed that Mary had heart damage.

S.S. Teutonic

Denis, Bridgette and Mary traveled to Ireland in the summer of 1909. According to the ship manifest they returned home on the SS Teutonic leaving Queensboro on August 26, 1909.[3]  Denis Cronin is listed as 49 years-old, motorman and returning to Detroit, Michigan. Bridget is listed as 48 years when in fact she was a year or two older than Denis. And their daughter is listed as Bridget and is eleven years old when in fact this was Mary Catherine and she was 13 years old. Denis’ passport does list his daughter’s name as Mary but again states she is eleven years old.[4] Oh! To know where they traveled and who they visited would be wonderful.

S.S. Teutonic Manifest
Sailing from Queensboro August 26, 1909 

Since Denis was from Millstreet, County Cork it is possible that Mary saw the old stone bridge in Millstreet and Drishane Castle. Family lore states that my grandmother did kiss the Blarney Stone. I don't believe either Denis or Bridget had parents that were still living but they possibly visited siblings and cousins. 

 

Blarney Stone

Millstreet Bridge in County Cork

Drishane Castle, Millstreet, County Cork

The trip obviously improved my grandmother's health since she was married to my grandfather, Edward Jacob Martin, on June 28, 1917 by the Catholic priest Rev Andrew F. Browne. The witnesses were Edward's brother, Hubbard Walter Martin, and Mary's best friend and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (O'Rourke) Martin.[5]

Mary Catherine CRONIN marriage to Edward Jacob MARTIN 1917

Mary birthed her first child, Edward William Martin on September 16, 1918[6] and then had three daughters. Nina Marie born October 28, 1920,[7] Josephine Blanche born June 2, 1923[8] and Beatrice Mary born September 10, 1929.[9]

Bridget CRONIN, Mary Catherine CRONIN MARTIN and daughter, Nina Marie

Denis CRONIN and daughter, Mary Catherine, and grandaughter Josephine

It was shortly after Mary's father-in-law died in 1947 that Mary's heart problems flared up. To prevent Mary from climbing stairs Mary and Edward, moved to a small home in Dearborn, a community just southwest of Detroit. Here she was closer to her children who had all bought homes in Dearborn. Mary, my grandmother, would take the bus to my mother's home to help her with her with her three small daughters.

Mother's Day 1951 or 1952
Josephine, Beatrice, Mary Catherine, Nina and daughter-in-law, Julie

  But in early October of 1952 Mary Catherine suffered a stroke and died October 13, 1952.[10] Three days later she was buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Oakland County, Michigan.[11]

As many often dream of visiting the Emerald Isle, one might say my grandmother was very lucky to have traveled at an age that allowed her to vividly remember her visit and share it with her children.  Unfortunately, the reason she was able to go is the reason she was never able to share those memories of traveling to Ireland with her grandchildren.

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[1] FamilySearch,Michigan  Death Certificates, 1921-1952, Mary Catherine Martin, 1952.

[2] Ancestry, 1900 Detroit Ward 10,Wayne Michigan Federal Census, ED 107, p. 10B, HH-Dennis Cronin.

[3] Ancestry, New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, Denis Cronin, 1909.

[4] Ancestry, U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925, NARA,Certificates: 9958-10921, 25 Jun 1909-07 Jul 1909, Dennis Cronin..

[5] Ancestry, Michigan,Marriage Records, 1867-1952, Mary Cronin, Wayne Co., 1917.

[6] Ancestry, Social Security Death Index,Edward W. Martin, birth - Sep 1918.

[7] Ancestry, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Nina Marie Martin, death, 2006

[8] Ancestry, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Josephine Bla Simmons, 2006

[9] Ancestry, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Beatrice Mary Martin, 2002

[10] Ancestry, Michigan, Find A Grave Index, 1805-2012, Mary Catherine Cronin Martin, death 1952

[11] Ibid