Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Matilda O'Neill Home
Photographed By R. C., December 8, 2009
1. Matilda O'Neill Home Marker
Inscription.
Matilda O'Neill Home. . During the War of 18 12, the British sailed up the Chesapeake Bay. After laying siege to Washington, D.C. and burning the White House, and having been held at bay by the patriots in Baltimore, they proceeded to Havre de Grace. Most of the residents fled in fear, but Lt. John O'Neill single-handedly defended the town. He was wounded, captured, and imprisoned on the British ship Maidstone. The town was sacked, and burned, with only two houses and the Episcopal Church spared. O'Neill's fifteen year old daughter, Matilda, pleaded with the Admiral of the fleet for her father's life. Admiral Cockburn was so impressed by the girl's bravery that he released O'Neill unharmed, and rewarded Matilda by giving her his gold snuff box and sword., Mr. O'Neill built this home for his daughter, Matilda, in 1822 and presented it to her as a wedding present. She sold the house to her brother William in 1842.
During the War of 1812, the British sailed up the Chesapeake Bay. After laying siege to Washington, D.C. and burning the White House, and having been held at bay by the patriots in Baltimore, they proceeded to Havre de Grace. Most of the residents fled in fear, but Lt. John O'Neill single-handedly defended the town. He was wounded, captured, and imprisoned on the British ship Maidstone. The town was sacked, and burned, with only two houses and the Episcopal Church spared. O'Neill's fifteen year old daughter, Matilda, pleaded with the Admiral of the fleet for her father's life. Admiral Cockburn was so impressed by the girl's bravery that he released O'Neill unharmed, and rewarded Matilda by giving her his gold snuff box and sword.
Mr. O'Neill built this home for his daughter, Matilda, in 1822 and presented it to her as a wedding present. She sold the house to her brother William in 1842.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812 • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 39° 33.089′ N, 76° 5.516′ W. Marker is in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. Marker is on Union Avenue. Marker is attached to front of building, which is apparently a private residence. Touch for map. Marker
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is at or near this postal address: 420 N Union Avenue, Havre de Grace MD 21078, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,666 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on February 6, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.