“A direct contradiction of what should be”: The life of Charles Duer McCreary

“That a bright young man, honored by a fine position, favored with excellent health, and with an exceptional bright future before him, should meet death at his own hands seemed a direct contradiction of what should be.” The Inter Lake, Kalispell, Montana. January 6th 1893 I first came across Charles…

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Death of a farmer, death of a laborer: The two Philip Stacks of Coolkeragh

The two Philip Stacks of Coolkeragh in County Kerry, Ireland lived side-by-side for most of their lives, but examining the land records and their death registrations makes clear that in life as in death, there was disparity between Irish farmers and agricultural laborers.  My great great great grandfather, Philip Stack…

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