THE DONNELLYS MUST DIE. The true story of the brutal murders of James Donnelly and his family near Lucan, Ontario, in 1879-80

Hardback. James Donnelly had 7 sons, a daughter, and a niece. He and his wife Johannah lived north of London, Ontario, near the village of Lucan. In 1879 and 1880 enemies of the Donnellys murdered James Donnelly, his wife, 4 of his children and his niece. The killers were known and tried but not convicted. Even the testimony of an eyewitness to the murders was not enough to overcome the fear caused by a bitter, savage feud. The feud began in County Tipperary, Ireland, where strongly-held religious feelings and prejudices led to widespread violence and killing. In Canada, it was continued by Irish immigrants and claimed at least 20 lives. James Donnelly and his sons were tough, hot-headed men, actively engaged in the feud. Tavern brawls and barn-burnings were frequent around Lucan at that time. Patrick Farrell, a neighbour, died after a particularly brutal fight and James Donnelly was sent to Kingston penitentiary for 7yrs. From the time of his release onward, the hatred between the Donnellys and their enemies was intensified, as a desire for vengeance became an additional element in the vendetta. Based on reports in contemporary newspapers, on court records and personal diaries, the author's was the first authoritative account of the Donnelly affair. With 2 illus. 244pp. 8vo. h/back. From the library of true-crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. With a small name insc. o/w Vg. in chipped and frayed pcdw.