Lawrence Walsh

Lawrence Walsh was my grandfather-my mother's father. I never knew him, but I have felt his spirit around me. I believe he was a very special man.

Lawrence was a longshoreman at the Port of New York. He was heavily involved in the union-he really cared about his men and wanted to make things right for them. This was between 1918 and 1920. If you know your history, you know there was a lot of trouble at the docks during that time. There were strikes, and wars. Lawrence belonged to the Irish union, and worked right alongside the Italian union.

In December, 1919, Lawrence was elected president of his union. He was in his office, and a "memeber" cam in to pay his dues. When he reached into his pocket to get the money, he pulled out a gun and shot my grandefather. Lawrence died on the way to the hospital. The casee was never pursued, there was never a trial. Later, it was said to be a "mob" hit by the Italian union.

Lawrence left behind a daughter who was almost 2, and a pregnant wife. As I said, even though I never knew him, I have always felt his spirit around me.. He was union preident for less than 24 hours. Written by Jude Spear