Jimmy Jacks

James - 'JimmyOg'

Born November 28, 1894
Died February 12, 1965
Buried: Saint Finnian's Graveyard, Falcarragh

The photo is of Jimmy and his sister, Grace. She was the next born after Jimmy, and they both emigrated to the United States together, in the early 1920s. He got a job here working for the Atlantic Oil Refining Company, inthe refinery at Point Breeze in South Philadelphia. He did well there and was able to sponsor the immigration of my Dad and my Aunt Annie, and maybe Uncle Dan as well, who all followed.

His passport has his birthdate as November 28, 1897. The birthdate above is taken from a form statement from Atlantic Refining Co, filled out and signed by this man, signature is Jas Ferry. It assigns his brother, Dan, beneficiary rights to his pension. The copy of his death certificated has no birthdate on it. The passport, British, was issued to him on Jan 19, 1924, the only stamp in it is a visa from the American consul in Glasgow, Scotland dated February 9, 1925. By way of possible explanation for the three year difference between his birthdate and his birthdate on British passport: He and my Uncle Hughie spent three years in the highlands of Scotland during World War I. The British began drafting Irish men in 1915 - they did recall Uncle Jack to active service for 5 years past his original 3 year enlistment. Jimmy may have wanted to be too young to be drafted. He was 21 in 1915, but seventeen officially on his passport. He and Hughie may - may- have been hiding out from the consription officer in the Scottish Highland .

Passport photo of my Uncle Jimmy. Stong-jawed, hat cocked, watch on a gold fob, he's ready to take on the world.

He worked in the forests of Scotland for three years in his early twenties - Corriegour, Invergloy in Inverness Shire. There is a reference, dated 15/2/19, from his employer reporting him a good worker. "three years...employed dragging in the woods and hauling to the station. I have always found him to be willing and obliging and he can do his work well." signed Lewis Miller.

In his papers is an envelope in which his ticket for passage to America had been. The envelope indicated "Mr James Ferry to sail on SS Columbia, 4 April 1925. Anchor Lines (Henderson Brothers) Limited, 20, Foyle St., Londonderry". " Tenders sails from Abercorn Quay, beside G.N. Ry. Station, at ____________" Also there is another ticket, by Cunard Line addressed to the Commissioner of Immigration, Ellis Island, NY, requesting "please admit bearer to meet James Ferry, passenger per SS Columbia 4/14, 1925". This ticket is dated April 16, 1925. I understand this to be the date of arrival of the Columbia after its passage, but I don't know who it was, holding this ticket that was waiting for him at Ellis Island.

In his papers, are receipts for money orders taken with the Beneficial Savings Bank, sending money home. Most are for 20 pounds Sterling, at an exhange rate of about $5 for 1 pound. The money orders are directed to his father in Ballyconnell, Falcarragh. The earliest receipts I have is from 1931, and the latest 1937. The one's with dates are mostly early December - Christmas presents to his father.

A 'brith and baptismal certificate sealed by St Finnian's Church, Falcarragh, has his birthday as 28 Nov, and his baptism as 29 Nov of 1894, parents James Ferry and Annie McFadden, sponsors Edw. Ferry and Mary Ferry. This paper was signed by Father Sharkey on 12 Feb 1965.

My mom remembers him as the life of the party when they were young. But in his early middle age he had a nervous breakdown. He was retired on disability by the Atlantic, and withdrew from contact, living in a small room in Philly's skid row. Before that happened he was living at 2605 Dinkinson Street in Phila.. Papers from the Atlantic Refining say that he began employ there in October of 1925 as a pumpers helper.

Three brothers: from left, Dan, Jimmy, my Dad, Joe. Taken at Dan's house in College Park MD, 1960..

Aunt Grace and her husband, Harvey Laudenslager, brought him into their home. He lived there, quietly, on Ithan Street.

One day he decided to go home. Plans were made, and he traveled home to the Forth, and lived with his brother Hughie and sister-in-law. Bridget. In the winter of 1965 he died at the farm, with brother, Hughie and sister-in-law, Bridget, with him.. The death certificate gives "Apoplexy" as the cause of death. Never married, no children. My brother, Father Jim Ferry at that time, flew over to Falcarragh and said the funeral mass, buried him in Saint Finnian's graveyard on a cold February day, with his parents.

He did leave a crate of what turned out to be stock certificates in Atlantic Refining Company. This was distributed among his brothers and sisters. Hughie used his share to have a new slate roof put on the farmhouse - still keeping it dry almost 45 years after Jimmy's passing.