THE FOOTNOTES

I believe this a photo of the infamous Jeremiah "Jerry" J. Noonan. Jerry was the husband of Maria A. Nolan Noonan and father of John "Mickey" J. Noonan. Jerry was born in Tuckahoe, NY in 1862, the third child of John Noonan and Mary Ann Flanigan. He died in NYC in May, 1941. This photo was taken in Paullina, Iowa sometime in the late 1880's.

Although no name is written on the photo, the age of the photo and it being co-located with Maria's old family photos from the same era indicate that it is likely Jerry (Bob's grandfather). Also, I think the physical resemblance indicates he is a Noonan ancestor.

Jerry was a "Fireman" with the railroad in Yonkers, NY until becoming a "Laundryman" when he moved to New Britain, CT around 1890. A Fireman worked in tandem with the Engineer in "driving" the train. He was responsible for stoking the fire with coal to ensure proper power and pressures in the steam engine were maintained at all times. A job working with the railroad during those days was for the adventurous; similar to working for an airline today.

Jerry was an adventurer. He was called a "wanderer" by his daughter Mary "Lil." The Irish call men like him "rovers." Lil further said that he was "brilliant;" however, he was also an alcoholic. In fact, his employer Mr. Charles J. Parker (Parker Shirt Company) was very much impressed with his intellect and pleaded with him to give-up the "drink." Jerry did not and ended-up departing New Britain for NY alone around July 1899. In the near-decade in New Britain he married (1893) and had three children: John (1894); Mary (1897); and Thomas (1899). Although his time in CT was relatively short, his legacy still runs strong...keep-up the great work!