The Black Donnellys

Janet McCreadie, formerly the editor of the Pelham Herald, is currently
a freelance editor and writer.

This is a book about the terrible feud that began in the spring of 1847
(only a few hours after Irish immigrant Jim Donnelly first arrived in
Lucan Township) and lasted nearly 30 years; the end came unexpectedly
and suddenly when almost the entire Donnelly family was massacred by the
local townsfolk. Records show that the people had had enough of James
and Johannah Donnelly and their sons. Daughter Jennie got married and
moved away during the family’s so-called reign of terror.

To research his stark, well-written account Thomas P. Kelley consulted
old newspapers and police/court records, and made trips to the Lucan
area, where stories about the Donnellys circulate to this day.