The following, particularly sad, letter was written in 1906 by Mary (McNicholl) Crossey to her cousin Susannah (Gartland) McNeill
Derrymagone Moy,
Co. Tyrone,
Ireland.
Dear Susie,
I know I have treated you badly but be patient with me and
I will tell you why. My letter must of necessity be a sad one therefore the
delay as my nerves were so upset at the time your letter came. I could not
write a long letter which yours needs must be, so as to tell you of all the
happenings this last 2 years and 4 months which I find has elapsed since I
wrote you last.
First let me tell you I was glad to hear from you and to get little Nellie's picture, she is a darling!!! and to know you have a son to uphold the name.
I was truly sorry to hear of Hughie's illness, but thank God he was spared and long may he be spared to you is my fervent wish. I hope his health is quite restored, it was a trial to see him ailing so long. I hope your own health keeps good.
Now for my news which will astonish you and grieve, Ellen and Kate are both widows, Ellen a year last 22nd of March, Kate 22nd of last February, your letter came when we were in sore grief about good, kind Larry and grieving for Ellen passing the first anniversary of her lamented darling and William and I in a smaller way passing through the 1st anniversary of our wee darling Annie who died 28th March 1905 6 days after poor Dennie, Ellen was gone or going to live in Monaghan when I wrote you last, in June following she had a premature dead born son the 22nd of March after Dennie went out from dinner never to return, about 5.30 news was brought to her, scaffolding had come down and he hurt and carried to hospital. She rushed to hospital to learn he had only a few hours to live. It was broke to her by one of three priests that was at his bedside and remained in constant attendance to the last. A priest attended him on street before he was moved, he never gained full consciousness after getting to hospital, and she had not the consolation of him knowing her, but tho' not able to notice her, he knew she was there, as when she spoke,he would make an effort and blood would rush from his wounds. The priest took her from the bed and made her stay at a distance, she could not take it in he was dying. She had seen him die and was left the hospital before 10pm with not a soul only the priest that brought her home where she was alone untill her Mother-in Law arrived at 4am, too late to see her son - she wasn't much comfort to Ellen as she was distracted, wired first thing in morning to Benburb and here. John went but trains not convenient so didn't get till evening, poor Larry her true friend and brother, he and Kate were there before 11am.
They brought his remains to his own home about 4 miles from here, Ellen came with them, he was buried in Clonfeacle next day, Ellen went home with Kate and Larry who offered her a home as long as she willed or altogether if she so wished. Just 5 weeks after his death a little daughter was born to her, which was a heaven sent angel to her, she called it "Annie Winefred", a lovely child its fathers living picture, she dotes on it. Also its grannie Molloy she wants Ellen and it to come to live with her but her daughter Annie and children are with her and will be till her husbands mother dies so Ellen won't go till theres been changes there. Ellen got £134 from insurance at Dennie's death so leaves her something to rear baby till she can leave it and go to work at something, Ellen came back to Canary when baby was 3 months old. John was all alone (as Pat had gone as an attendant in the Royal Asylum Glasgow a year before where he is still well and strong) in September following John brought a bride to Canary, she was reared near Benburb named "Coyle", Ellen and her got on fine together till Larry took ill in February when she went to Kate to help nurse him where she is still.
Larry was just 7 days ill, peretionits. 3 Doctors attended him and one almost constant as he only lived a few doors away and was a great friend of Larrys', he did his best but could not save him, he died a very peaceful happy death concious to the last breath. I was there till a few hours before he died, I knew leaving he would not live the night. I told Ellen but did not like to say it to Kate. Ellen's case was hard but poor Kate's is harder left with 9 children, eldest 15 and youngest 7 weeks at his death, a girl "Winifred" born New Years Day. She has now to leave the house on the 1st of July and trust to God to help her to rear them.
The Gentleman gave Larry's pay in full up till May and now he gives her 10/- a week and the house till July and £25 leaving she has got a house in country half way from Moy and Benburb and convenient to Clonfeacle chapel and childrens school where she expects Annie to get to be Monitoress in August.
Now will you blame me for not writing sooner, even now I can't write calmly it seems more than one can bare.
William and I are well, we only count 4 yet, Mary, Catherine,a tall thin child, then Annie in heaven, I think I told you she was delicate and nursed her for 2 years and 3 months, she suffered so I was glad to ask God to take her, I couldn't stand her suffering, I would rather see her die. It was a trial but comming at the time of Dennie's death ours seemed light compared to Ellen's trouble - "Norah" is 1½ years 16th May, a fine healthy child running round since a year old and able to talk nearly as well as ourselves.
I must stop I have wrote to I am tired, I hope to hear from you soon.
Your loving cousin, Mary Crossey.
Did you see uncle Taggart when he was up at Jims, Mary Finiceren was married last October a swell affair, we got a newspaper cutting of it and brides cake. If you want to write to Kate or Ellen address it here as I don't know their new address after 29th June. Felix still in Preston not married. Anna and husband and children - a girl and boy - 4 years and 11 years are now all in Motherwell, Scotland.