Back in 1950, my maternal grandfather James (Jim) Harpur was interviewed by the National Archives of Ireland to get a record of his involvement in the Irish War of Independence. We’ve had a paper copy around the house for years, but I thought it would be good to scan and OCR it for future reference should the few copies about get lost. It’s a pretty large text, so I’ve split it into several pages under this one.
Use the links at the top to see each part, or choose the page you want to see below.
Hi Pete,
Your maternal grandfather was married to my aunt May (Wheatley) and I knew them very well and stayed with them on occasion. When I was 16 I worked with your mother Eithne at the Ablana Bookshop in Grafton Street, Dublin in the 50s during the school break.
Uncle Jim was a gentleman and a passionate patriot and I was very fond of him. Seeing his photograph brought back memories of those days. I do have an extensive family tree which might be of interest to you as it was compiled by my Uncle Pearce in the 50s and updated by my husband recently. Of course this tree would only concern your mother’s side of the family.
Deirdre
Jim Harpur was my uncle, married to my mothers sister.
Hi Deirdre. Great meeting you, sadly not in person. My mother has often spoken of working in the Eblana book shop – she must have really enjoyed her time there. It would be great to see any family tree that you have – I’ve tried to trace our family tree on both sides but due to the burning of the Custom House the records are difficult to find without going to Ireland. You’ll be pleased to know that my mother is still with us, sharp as a tack, in Dublin. Recently I learned that a book is being written about the men who were arrested after the burning and who spent time in Kilmainham Hail. Jim Harpur will be included in that, and hopefully my mother will be invited to the launch of the book as the daughter on one of those prisoners.
BTW Deirdre, sorry for the long silence, I tend not to update the site that often. My apologies
Hi Pete,
Your relation Jim Harpur was a comrade of my granddads in the Dublin HQ ASU. I have a photo of fifty old colleagues getting their certificates. I would love to identify all of the people in the photos. Can you drop me a mail and I will send you a scan of the photo? I can see Jim there alright, but would need to have it confirmed.
Regards
Ronan Caffrey