(Above) Anthony Waskie, Ph.D. president of General Meade Society of Philadelphia and vice president of the GAR Civil War Museum & Library was the master of ceremonies at St. Anne Parish Gravesite Dedication Ceremony
By Brendan Clay
On a rainy morning on Saturday, May 19, 2018, St. Anne Parish in Port Richmond dedicated the grave sites of Sgt. Michael Trainer, a veteran of the Civil War who served in the 69th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and Philip Duffy, an Irish railroad contractor infamous for his connection to the mass burial of 57 Irish immigrants in 1832 at what is now known as Duffy’s Cut, a length of railroad in Malvern, PA.
Russell Wylie, president emeritus of Saint Anne Historical Committee who assisted in coordinating the ceremony and the Rev. Skip Miller, pastor of St. Anne
Speaking with brothers William Watson, Ph.D. and Rev. Frank Watson—the key historians behind the project that uncovered the tragedy of Duffy’s Cut—Stephanie Farr of Philly.com reported that the deaths have been attributed to both a cholera outbreak and deliberate murder, though Duffy’s complicity remains undetermined. What history does record is that he stayed silent about the event in any official capacity during his life
St. Anne choir sings “Battle Cry of Freedom.”
The Rev. Frank Watson, keynote speaker
“Our history not only defines us, it also guides us to create our future and the future of our children’s children,” said St. Anne Pastor Skip Miller in his opening statements at the dedication ceremony. Miller insisted that our history must be held in “a sacred trust” whether it is remembered for fame or infamy.
Emerald Pipe Band
The ceremony began with remarks from Father Miller and master of ceremonies Anthony Waskie, Ph.D, the president of the General Meade Society of Philadelphia and vice president of the GAR Civil War Museum and Library. This was followed by processions by the Emerald Society Pipe Band and the 69th Pennsylvania Irish Volunteers, a Civil War reenactment group. Following a prayer and the national anthem, Father Miller said some words about the history of the Port Richmond area and the founding of St. Anne’s Church in the wake of the Kensington anti-Catholic riots of 1844, the result of an anti-immigrant sentiment that persists with new targets even today.
AOH Division 39 Honor Guard: Ron Tynan, President Chuck Haughey, and Joe McCusker.
Don Ernsberger, a historian and member of the 69th Irish Volunteers, spoke about the history of Sgt. Michael Trainer, which was followed by the choir’s rendition of the Civil War song, “Battle Cry of Freedom.” The Watson brothers spoke on new information about Philip Duffy and the history of their project. This was followed by “Danny Boy” and a closing prayer.
Bill Doran, supervisor at Laurel Hill Cemetery, came with his crew and kindly installed both gravestones (Philip Duffy and Sgt. Michael Trainer) as a courtesy. Laurel Hill Cemetery graciously provided the gravestone for Philip Duffy’s gravesite at no cost. The Rev. Skip Miller coordinated with the 69th PA to obtain the gravestone for Sgt. Michael Trainer from the Veterans Administration.
At this time the organizers requested that someone step outside to see if it was still raining, and after confirming a light drizzle, they opted to take a photo of the participants in front of the altar instead of on the church steps. After this, the procession marched outside to the small church cemetery where first they performed Trainer’s dedication and then Duffy’s.
The damp and dull weather felt appropriately solemn. Philadelphia Councilman Mark Squilla said a few words during Trainer’s ceremony, a member of the 69th poured soil from Ireland onto the gravesite, and a piper played a dirge in lieu of taps. The 69th Honor Guard fired a salute of three volleys from their rifles two men at a time, expelling sprays of smoke into the air.
Last a vial of soil was emptied on Duffy’s marker, and pipers played an air.
brendanjamesclay@gmail.com
69th Pennsylvania Reenactment Group