According to Holy Scripture, in 487 B.C., Esther, a remarkable woman of Jewish faith, became Queen of Persia, a position that afforded her both privilege and peril. She concealed her identity to blend into the royal surroundings until a dire threat arose against her people, the Jewish population. To protect them, Esther made a courageous decision that could have cost her life; she approached the king uninvited, an act that could easily result in death. Hers was not just a personal choice; it was a call to leadership and sacrifice. Her guardian, Mordecai, posed a profound question that remains relevant through generations: “Who knows but that you have come to be born for such a time as this?” This thought-provoking question invites us to reflect deeply on our own purpose and timing in the face of challenges. I encourage you to consider this as you read about Anna Murray Hayes........the Irish Influence.
Anna Murray was born December 8, 1860, in Mayo County in Ireland. Her father, Patrick Murray, a hardworking farmer, and her mother, Catherine Corrigan, a devoted homemaker, faced insurmountable challenges as they struggled to provide for their family. In 1870, the decision was made to immigrate to America, spurred by the hope of a better future. Even though the potato famine in Ireland was technically over, the devastating effects of poverty and economic decline lingered, compelling masses of desperate people from Ireland to seek new opportunities across the ocean. Ten-year-old Anna would have likely boarded a crowded steamship, alongside 500 to 1000 other hopeful immigrants in steerage, all looking to find another way of life in an unfamiliar land. (Tommy Kirchgassner, who will turn 10 in December, is close to what Anna’s age would have been as she boarded the steamship.-perspective) First-class accommodations, spacious, housed about 150 fortunate passengers, while the 125 crewmen were extensively trained to maintain the ship, ensuring a smoother sailing experience for those above deck. The 7-10 day voyage across the turbulent Atlantic Ocean in steerage was a rough journey fraught with various hardships. The air was stifling due to the dense number of people crammed into small, dark quarters, leaving little room for privacy or comfort. Infectious diseases like cholera and typhus easily spread among the passengers, amplifying the living conditions’ severity. Families huddled together, while the clamor of the ship’s activities filled the confined space. Moreover, there were no food provisions provided onboard; thus, each passenger had to pack their own food for the arduous journey, leading to uncertainty about how well they could sustain themselves amidst the chaos that surrounded them. This treacherous passage marked the beginning of a new chapter in Anna’s life, one filled with hope, resilience, and the pursuit of opportunity.
What made Anna’s journey across the Atlantic Ocean truly remarkable was an extraordinary incident that occurred enroute to America. According to Grandma Hayes, who relayed the story to mom, (Anna Jo), during the long and arduous voyage, a whale began to follow the ship, creating an air of mystery and intrigue among the passengers and crew alike. As the days passed, curiosity grew, prompting the captain to conduct a thorough search of the vessel—a task that was no small feat given the size and structure of the ship. After an extensive search, he made a startling discovery: a grieving mother had brought her deceased infant along on the journey, hoping to present the baby to its father when the ship finally docked in America. The captain, with his seasoned instincts, surmised that the whale, had sensed the presence of the dead baby on board. As soon as the body was respectfully thrown overboard, the whale vanished from sight, trailing off into the vast ocean, leaving behind a mystery of life. (Side note: During my freshman year in college, my professor of classical languages collected stories about immigrant journeys to America. This story interested her and was documented.)
From Anna’s arrival in America in 1870, she became an American citizen, learned to read and write even though on the 1910 Census, Anna states that she did not attend school. This contradiction raises intriguing questions about her early life and the resources available to her; perhaps she had private lessons or gained her literacy through the help of family or community members. From 1870 to 1910, I do not have any historical documents to support what Anna and her family did during those years, but I have often imagined their daily lives filled with the experiences of a new culture and the struggles of immigrant life. I know that they had a connection to North Vernon, Indiana, as that is where Anna and her family are laid to rest, suggesting they found a sense of belonging in that community. There are two stories I know that occurred during this time, as related to me by mom. First, Anna was engaged to someone—mom didn’t know any specific details except that they were to meet on a certain day and time, which I have often pictured as a moment filled with both hope and anticipation. It appears maybe the gentleman was traveling to meet Anna, but he never arrived, leaving a void in her life that must have been hard to bear. He had given Anna a beautiful gold ring as a promise to wed. But she never heard from him, nor whatever happened to him, leaving her to wonder about his fate. There are so many scenarios of what could have happened to him, swirling in the void of uncertainty. But probably, he contracted some incurable disease, like pneumonia or tuberculosis, that he did not recover from and could not get word to her, a twist of fate that echoes through the generations.
The 1910 Census informs us that Anna had moved to Cincinnati and was employed at the Steam Railroad Office, a position that showcased her dedication and resilience during challenging times. The people of Irish descent were not greeted warmly in America as they were viewed as a lower class. Signs were even posted in businesses, “No Irish Need Apply.” At forty years old, she lived alone, embracing her independence having carried the weight of family responsibilities. Mom said that Anna had selflessly cared for her elderly mother, who had tragically lost her sight, providing support and companionship in her declining years. Sadly, Anna’s mother died while Anna was at work—her shawl caught on fire by the wood burner, a horrifying accident changing the course of her life in a most tragic way. Mom also stated that, in addition to her cleaning job, at the office, Anna worked as a janitress/maid for the wealthy families in Cincinnati, often going above and beyond at work to make ends meet. Aunt Ruthie told me she also participated in an organization dedicated to those who had Irish lineage, sharing her passion for heritage. Perhaps at this organization she met and dated Thomas Hayes–father of Grandma Bessie.
Thomas Hayes, after the heart-wrenching death of his beloved wife, faced the daunting challenge of raising his children alone, leading him to place them in St. Joseph Orphanage for their well-being. With a heavy heart, he took up residence in various boarding houses, working a job as It was expected for him to pay for his daughters’ welfare during the eight long years they spent at the orphanage. During that challenging period, there was one poignant story about Thomas that I heard echoed repeatedly among family, The year was 1909, and a fierce winter snowstorm descended upon the Cincinnati area—Christmas Day, of all days. The storm ravaged the city, bringing travel to a near standstill and cloaking everything in a thick blanket of snow. The Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Joseph Orphanage were caught off guard when, amidst the howling winds and stormy weather, they heard a tentative knock on the door that snowy Christmas Day. Curious and concerned, they opened the door to find a weary Thomas Hayes standing there, determined to see his daughters.
In 1912, Grandma Bessie and Anna’s lives changed dramatically—it has been said many times that Anna married Thomas Hayes on June 5 of that year not only because she fell in love with Thomas but also with his five daughters, and a genuine desire to provide them with a warm and nurturing home away from the frugal existence of the orphanage. And indeed, she succeeded in her mission. Those girls flourished under her loving guidance, transforming the house into a home. Hearing as a youngster, my great-aunts, along with their sister, Grandma Bessie, all spoke in endearing terms of Grandma Hayes, reminiscing about her warmth and goodness, and these lessons that would carry them through life’s challenges and shape the women they would grow to be.
In 1920, Thomas and Anna made their home at 4321 Brownway Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio.
They settled with four of their five daughters, creating a lively atmosphere-embracing their Irish heritage. The girls all went by their middle names-there is some speculation, but the real reason, I do not know. Mary Ethel, the eldest daughter, who I will delve into in future blogs, had apparently lived on her own for a few years, charting her own path in life despite the challenges she faced. I am trying to verify if and when she was at the orphanage, as this aspect of her life remains a bit of a mystery that I am eager to explore. In 1920, Mary Ethel, who was 26 years of age, found herself living in a boarding house, a reflection of her independence, and was apparently separated from her husband, Fred McQuire, adding layers of complexity to her life story. By the time the 1930 Census rolled around, the other four daughters had married and moved out, forging their own lives and families. Moreover, Thomas Hayes had moved on, as he and Anna had separated, a decision that perhaps weighed heavily on both of them, with each choosing to walk their own path for the rest of their lives. However, the bond between Grandma Hayes and the daughters remained remarkably strong, as she continuously served as a guiding force and constant influence in their lives during both joyous and trying times. Growing up, I never heard much about Thomas; while Anna was always fondly remembered at family gatherings, her Irish legacy shining through the stories recounted. Uncle Red stated that Grandma Hayes could “hold her own” in any conversation. Sadly, Anna’s last breath was taken at Grandma Bessie and Grandpa Joe’s home in Yorkville, on July 24, 1954, surrounded by the warmth of family that she had nurtured throughout her life, with the cause of death attributed to coronary issues of the heart. But in death, her spirit lived on vibrantly through her grandchildren—especially Grandma Bessie’s six children, who admired her so much and often spoke of her Irish Spirit, what it meant to them along with her love and kindness. In conclusion, I can only believe that Anna was born for this time to be a mother to those young girls–I am three generations out from Anna and my appreciation of her and love of my Irish roots are strong!
I hope that my cousins and siblings will reach out and share what they learned from their parents about Grandma Hayes. Also, if any of the recollections of mine are in error, please let me know so I can correct it! VALE! (Be well)
