A lot of research is involved when writing historical fiction. Most writers of this genre will say that the research is nearly as much fun as writing the novel. I am no exception. I love doing historical research. For me this normally includes reading a lot of historical non-fiction both primary and secondary sources, watching videos, visiting pertinent historical sites and museums, and talking with professional historians. All of this is usually very interesting and informative.
Recently, however, I found myself doing research unexpectedly and sort of by accident.
Lately, I have been reading and taking copious notes on the American Civil War, everyday life during the mid-19th century, and specifically, the history of Worcester, Massachusetts at that time in preparation for writing the third novel in my Children of Ireland series. The first book in the series, Kelegeen, is set in 1740s Ireland during An Gorta Mor (the Great Hunger aka Potato Famine). The second book, Erin's Children, is set in Worcester in the 1850s after some of the characters from Kelegeen emigrated. The third book (no title yet) will also be set in Worcester but in the 1860s. Most recently I have been going through the Worcester City Annual Reports for the 1860s. The names of several of Worcester's prominent citizens appear from time-to-time in these reports.
In something totally unrelated, or so I thought, my neighbor and I recently went on a night time tour of Rural Cemetery, the oldest cemetery still in use in Worcester. Billed as Rural Remains, the tour was given by Preservation Worcester. Never having been on this tour before, we assumed it was Halloween- oriented since it was to take place in an old cemetery at night in late October. I suppose that actually was the intent. However, for me, it quickly turned into a research opportunity.
As the tour guide walked us by lantern light and flashlights through the winding paths of the old graveyard, she called our attention to the grave sites of some of Worcester's early prominent citizens. It wasn't long before two of those citizens stepped out of the shadows to greet us and tell us their stories.
Imagine my surprise upon meeting Doctor John Green, one of Worcester's earliest physicians and the founder of the Worcester Public Library and his brother, pharmacist Meltiah Green. In the annual report for 1865, which I had just been reading, the Mayor of Worcester noted the death that year of Dr. John Green and his generous donation of hundreds of books to the library including nearly all the books that made up the medical library. Now, here was Dr. Green standing before me. History come to life! (Well, sort of)
Dr. John Green (left, played by John Riccio) and Meltiah Green (right, played by Fran DeNicola).
As we moved on, we soon encountered another pair of brothers, James Prescott Hamilton and Edward Bangs Hamilton. James was a successful banker, eventually becoming the President of Worcester County Institute for Savings Bank. His brother, Edward, did not fare so well. After a serious injury he became addicted to opioids and eventually murdered his family then took his own life. This was a sad and sobering tale that is all too human.
James Prescott Hamilton (standing, played by Shane Sampson) and Edward Bangs Hamilton (seated, played by Patrick Crawley)
As the tour continued we visited with George Bancroft, a historian, statesman, and founder of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland along with his sister, Eliza Bancroft Davis, wife of Governor John Davis.
Eliza Bancroft Davis (played by Ana Santos) and her brother George Bancroft (actor's name not given)
Then it was on to two sisters, Anna L Foster and Cora Mercy Foster. Though neither ever married and both were sixth grade teachers, these ladies were as different as they could be. Anna loved to travel and longed for the finer things in life. Cora was more of a homebody. She eventually became a Jehovah's Witness. Due to her religious views she refused to salute the American flag which led to no little controversy in the school where she taught.
Anna L. Foster (left, played by Erica Cawley) and Cora Mercy Foster (right, played by Monika Mangsen)
One of Worcester's mayors graced our tour. The respected and well-liked James Barnard Blake was elected mayor six times. At age 18, he entered his uncle's firm, Blake and Darracott, which had charge of Worcester Gas Works, the first gas works in Worcester. Sadly, one evening just before Christmas in 1870, he went to visit the gas works when a spark jumped from his lantern causing an explosion that took his life.
Mayor James Barnard Blake (actor's name not given)
Our tour ended with a visit from Caleb and Roxana Metcalf. After the devastating loss of their three year old son, they dedicated their lives to the education of children by founding the Highland Academy for Boys in 1856. With the onset of the Civil War, the name was changed to the Highland Military Academy and remained open until 1912.
Roxana and Caleb Metcalf (actors' names not given)
Others on the tour may have found being greeted by ghosts who appeared to have just stepped from their graves a bit spooky, but for me it was a fascinating glimpse into the lives of some of the people who shared the city with my characters and, in some cases, may even have an impact on their lives.
