Ancient Order of Hibernians & Barry-Hayes Papers
(1723–1875)
Description
In honor of Commodore John Barry (1745-1803), Father of the American Navy, the digitized version of the Barry-Hayes Papers (1723-1875) is made available to students of Irish American history throughout the world on the World Wide Web through the dedicated efforts of the Independence Seaport Museum, Wexford County Council, and the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. John Barry was born in 1745 in County Wexford, Ireland; the ancestral home of President John F. Kennedy. This son of a poor Irish farmer rose from a humble cabin boy to become senior commander of the entire United States fleet. Commodore John Barry fought valiantly for America’s freedom capturing over twenty ships during the Revolutionary War. On February 22, 1797, President Washington called Barry to the President’s Mansion at 190 High (Market) Street to receive Commission Number One in the Navy. Commodore Barry remained the commanding officer of the U.S. Navy under the John Adams and the Jefferson Administrations until he passed away on September 13, 1803.
Description adapted from the holding repository’s finding aid; it may describe the larger collection that contains the AOH/LAOH material.
The AOH does not hold these materials. Access, reproduction, and rights are governed by the holding repository under its own terms.