I have already referred to the Olney name. I take it up again. Thomas Olney came from England in 1635, and was one of the original thirteen proprietors of Providence. His descendants are widespread. Some of them were married as follows: Benjamin Olney to Mary McFadyan, Sylvester Olney to Eliza McLaughlin, Sylvanus Olney to Joanna W. Gorman, Frances M. Olney to J. P. Mahan, George E. Olney to Mary E. Gilpatrick, Thomas D. Olney to Mary A. Dunagan, Bradley Olney to Dora Fitzgerald, William N. Olney to Mary Oday (O’Day), Amanda Olney to Jerry Mackay, Louis B. Olney to Kitty Sheehan, Hattie M. Olney to Casper McManus.
This indicates that the process of assimilation has been progressing in Rhode Island for many generations, and that Irish blood courses to-day through the veins of thousands of the old Rhode Island stock.
These things we know, but there are many other facts just as important we do not know.
We depend upon you, gentlemen, and the society of which you are the official representatives, to unroll the drapery so that our knowledge may be greatly increased.
Again we say, welcome to Pawtucket!
Addresses were made by Joseph Smith, of Lowell; James Jeffrey Roche, of Boston; and Thomas B. Lawler, of Worcester.
On May 15, 1897, Hon. Edward A. Moseley, of Washington, D. C., was chosen President-General of the society, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Admiral Meade.
A committee of three Washington members of the society was appointed to wait upon Mr. Moseley and officially notify him of his selection. This committee consisted of Mr. J. D. O’Connell of the U. S. Treasury Department; Paymaster Carmody, U. S. N., and Capt. John M. Tobin.
The committee had waited upon Mr. Moseley as instructed, and Chairman O’Connell thus presented the matter:
Mr. Moseley,—Complying with the directions of the Council of the American-Irish Historical Society, we have come to announce to you, in their name, your selection as President-General of the society.