In Pictures: Launch of fascinating book Two Ballyshannon Pioneers in American History

One of the largest book launches seen in Ballyshannon was held on Friday, March 27 for a new book entitled Two Ballyshannon Pioneers in American History by Anthony Begley. Read on for more on this fascinating publication, and click on the arrows for a gallery of Siobhan McGowan's photos from the launch:

The venue was St Anne’s Church in Ballyshannon and the book was launched by Dr Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer.

Anthony Begley welcomed the gathering and guests, to what he said was a lifetime ambition, to bring the achievements of a Ballyshannon brother and sister’s contribution to American history to a modern generation. Their story is not only a local one, but is a story of the diaspora who left Donegal homes to journey to the New World and elsewhere.

The book also records the achievements of other Ballyshannon people in the history of America, to coincide with the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence this year.

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Dr Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer, complimented Anthony on his research and on the visual images of maps, illustrations and colour which enhance the publication and make it attractive to a wide range of people. He spoke about the achievements of Finley and Jane Anderson, which are summarised below, and that it was relevant that these two pioneers should be remembered, not alone in Ballyshannon, but throughout Donegal and with the diaspora in America and elsewhere.

Dr Gallagher emphasised the relevance of this book in remembering these Donegal pioneers, particularly on the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.

Anthony Begley thanked Joseph Gallagher for all his advice and support, over the years, and acknowledged that the publication of the book was part-funded by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council, as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan.

James Anderson, Emeritus Professor at Queen’s University Belfast, a descendant of Finley and Jane Anderson, gave wonderful insights into the different strands of the Anderson family, from Alla near Rossnowlagh, and how they had succeeded, many in commercial and auctioneering enterprises.

One of the branches of the family went to Ballyshannon where Finley Anderson (senior), opened a carting business in West Port and also had a grocery shop, bakery and a rope walk there, before the Famine.

James Anderson’s own branch had moved to Donegal Town and had set up a successful business in the Diamond where he grew up. The author thanked Mr Anderson who had very generously provided him with detailed information on the genealogy of the family over the years.

Ballyshannon Brother and Sister Made History in America

Finley and Jane Anderson grew up in West Port, in the town of Ballyshannon, and emigrated to America with their family in 1852, following the Great Famine. The book records their early years in the town, their father’s roots in Alla near Rossnowlagh , and their amazing contribution to American society.

Finley Anderson became a journalist with The New York Herald and was a war correspondent in The American Civil War. He spent a year in jail after being captured by the Confederate side during the Civil War.

On his release he returned to his world as a journalist and reported from many major battles in the American Civil War. His courage was regularly reported on and he was wounded in battle. Uniquely he was invited to join the American army by General Hancock in recognition of his outstanding abilities.

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The book records, in Major Finley Anderson’s own words, his capture and reporting of the War. His career after the war was outstanding as he rose to heights in journalism; was in the guard of honour as Abraham Lincoln’s remains were brought to the White House, was responsible for sending Henry Morton Stanley to search for Dr. Livingstone in Africa, and became London correspondent for the New York Herald and sent the first historic cable report on a European War to America.

On his return to America his many achievements continued and are illustrated in the book. At the launch Terence Mc Ineaney, of Ballyshannon Drama Society, took on the role of Finley Anderson and eloquently conveyed his many achievements in American history.

Jane Anderson played a major role in the fight for women’s rights in America. A Ballyshannon-born writer and poet, she formed one of the first women’s clubs in Utah. She fought for the right to vote for women, helped to found a home for elderly women, care of disabled and senior citizens which still operates today.

She published a book The Women of Mormonism or the Story of Polygamy as Told by the Victims Themselves.

Moya Ferguson, of Ballyshannon Drama Society, in the role of Jane Anderson, vividly conveyed her life of service to women, recited a number of her poems and captured the life and times of this courageous women, which are all recorded in the book.

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Irene Pender and Paddy Quigley sang well-received songs of the period including The Green Buaile Bawns, The Winding Banks of Erne (also known locally as Adieu to Belashanny) and The Battle Hymn of the Republic which curiously has strong links to Ballyshannon that are recorded in the book. The book is available in local shops and from the author.

The enjoyable book launch was brought to a conclusion with Anthony Begley thanking everyone who had supported the publication and contributed to the book and the launch. Finally he thanked St Anne’s Select Vestry for their generous support, Maeve Fenton and the ladies group for providing the excellent catering, Jim Kerr for his assistance with the launch and the wider community in the Ballyshannon and surrounding areas.