Patrick J. BIRMINGHAM/Elizabeth HOPE Schuylkill co PA
Hi Folks,
I am researching the HOPE family of Schuylkill Co PA, and came across the following, taken from page 535 of the "Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania."
PATRICK J. BIRMINGHAM, a well-known citizen and the present postmaster of Girardville, is a son of Patrick and Mary (QUIRK) Birmingham, and was born at Melich, County Galway, Ireland, December 22, 1849.
Patrick, Sr., was a native of the same county as his son, born in the year 1801, and emigrated to the United States In 1852, locating soon after his arrival at Westwood, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, between Pottsville and Minersville.
He pursued mining during his latter life, and at the time of his death in October of 1872, was in the employ of the Mine Hill Railroad Company. His marriage bore a fruitage of five children, three sons and two daughters. Patrick J., James F., Catharine, Mary and William, (deceased).
Patrick J. Birmingham was united in marriage with Elizabeth HOPE, a daughter of James and Mary (RAFTER) HOPE of Girardville, Schuylkill county, on April 5, 1877. To this union have been born, four children living William, Mary, James nd Joseph ; Francis is deceased.
Mr. Birmingham received his education in the public schools and at Professor J. A. M. Passmore's, Classical Institute at Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He started in life as a teacher, and taught in the county of Schuylkill seven-teen terms. He then in August, 1869, removed to Rocktown, and in 1870 to Girardville, where he now resides. In the year 1874, after having given up teaching, he entered the boot and shoe business, which he has conducted successfully ever since. Aside from this, he has been secretary of the People's Building and Loan Association since its organization in 1881.
Politically, he is a democrat, and in the great work of the party has manfully put his shoulder to the wheel, always exhibiting a loyalty and interest that made him a desirable supporter. In 1875 he was treasurer of his borough, and in 1891 was made tax receiver. In 1885 he received the appointment as postmaster of Girardville, and served most acceptably in that capacity, and, in 1893 was re-appointed.
Religiously he holds membership in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church, to which he is a liberal contributor, and to the extension of whose doctrines, he is loyally devoted. He is also a member of Division 4, A. O. H., and of the association of the Sons of St. Patrick.
Mr. Birmingham's career has been one of varied experience, and honest endeavor; he has seen fortune and misfortune, and has received a diploma from the school of adversity. But with all, he knew no such word as discouragement. He was ever hopeful, full of a creditable ambition, and knew the force of will that must operate to bring success. He is a good citizen, awake to the best interests of his town and county, and deserves the high estimation in which he is held. He is pleasant, generous, and sympathetic—three qualities that attract man to man.
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If anyone is interested, I also have a scanned photo of the aforementioned Patrick J. Birmingham Jr.
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Please contact me with any connections to Elizabeth HOPE and the HOPE family of Schuylkill Co PA
Eileen
More Replies:
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Re: Patrick J. BIRMINGHAM/Elizabeth HOPE Schuylkill co PA
Kathleen Rowe 12/03/04
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Re: Patrick J. BIRMINGHAM/Elizabeth HOPE Schuylkill co PA
eileen mckee 12/04/04
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Re: Patrick J. BIRMINGHAM/Elizabeth HOPE Schuylkill co PA
Margie Hartman 6/20/06
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Re: Patrick J. BIRMINGHAM/Elizabeth HOPE Schuylkill co PA