Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Larry Gertner
Taken: June 17, 2020
Caption: Inset
Additional Description: Top left: Although Mike Riely’s name is on this map, researchers believe that Jane Allen actually lived in this shanty, perhaps renting from Riley. Allen, 45, lived with her 18-year-old daughter, Ann. Both came to the United States around 1850. Nothing is known about Riely. He does not appear in any of the census records and this absence is a reminder that the historical record is often confusing and unrevealing.

Top right: Mike Barlow, a laborer, and his wife, Ann, occupied a shanty barely 170 square feet in plan, which was quite small by today’s standards but comparable to other houses in Seneca Village. They came to the United States around 1847 and 1851, respectively. it is unclear if they owned or rented this house.

Bottom left: John Gallagher owned a more substantial house than some of the others in the vicinity. He lived with his wife, Ann, and their young children, Eliza and Edward. Ann’s father, Patrick Donahue, lived with the family. John made his living as a shoemaker, perhaps working from his home and servicing his neighbors and passers-by on Eight Avenue.
Submitted: April 23, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
Database Locator Identification Number: p581201
File Size: 0.157 Megabytes

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