Francis O'Neill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis O'Neill
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Chief Francis O'Neill, CPD
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| General Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department | |
| In office April 30, 1901 – July 24, 1905 |
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| Mayor | Carter Harrison Jr. Edward F. Dunne |
| Preceded by | John E. Ptacek interim |
| Succeeded by | Herman F. Schuettler interim |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 28, 1848 Tralibane, County Cork, Ireland |
| Died | January 26, 1936 (aged 87) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
Francis O'Neill (born August 28, 1848 – died January 26, 1936) was an amazing person from Ireland. He became a police officer in America. But he is most famous for something else. He was a huge collector of Irish traditional music.
Many people say he had the biggest impact on Irish dance music. He helped keep this special music alive for future generations.
Contents
Francis O'Neill's Early Life
Francis O'Neill was born in a small place called Tralibane. It is near Bantry in County Cork, Ireland. From a young age, he loved listening to local musicians. He heard great players like Peter Hagarty and Cormac Murphy.
When he was 16, Francis became a cabin boy on a ship. He worked as a sailor until 1869. On a trip to New York, he met Anna Rogers. They later got married in Illinois.
Becoming a Police Chief
The O'Neills moved to Chicago. In 1873, Francis joined the Chicago Police Department. He was very good at his job. He quickly moved up the ranks.
From 1901 to 1905, he was the Chief of Police. This was a big deal! He was re-appointed three times by two different mayors. This showed how much people trusted him.
A Passion for Irish Music
Francis O'Neill loved playing music. He played the flute, fiddle, and Uilleann pipes. Chicago had a lively Irish community back then. Many people shared his love for music.
As police chief, O'Neill did something unique. He hired many talented Irish musicians to join the police force. This included people like Patrick O'Mahony and James O'Neill.
He also collected tunes from famous musicians. One was Patsy Touhey, who sent him recordings. O'Neill also found tunes in old music books.
O'Neill's Amazing Music Collections
Francis O'Neill retired from the police force in 1905. After that, he spent most of his time on his music. He published many books filled with the tunes he had collected. These books are still very important today.
His musical works include:
- O'Neill's Music of Ireland (1903): This book has 1,850 pieces of music!
- The Dance Music of Ireland (1907): People sometimes call this "O'Neill's 1001." That's because it has 1,001 tunes.
- Irish Folk Music: A Fascinating Hobby (1910): This book shares his thoughts on collecting music.
- Irish Minstrels and Musicians (1913): This book tells the life stories of many musicians. It includes those he met in Chicago.
Remembering Francis O'Neill
Francis O'Neill's legacy lives on. People still celebrate his contributions to Irish music.
Statues and Shows
In 2000, a life-size statue of Francis O'Neill was unveiled. It shows him playing a flute. The statue is in Tralibane, Ireland, where he was born.
There is also a musical play about his life. It is called Music Mad: How Chief O'Neill Saved the Soul of Ireland. It first opened in Chicago in 2012.
Festivals and Pubs
A song called Píobaire Bán remembers Francis O'Neill. It was written by Tim O'Riordan.
In August 2013, the first Chief O'Neill Traditional Music Festival happened. It takes place every year in Bantry, Ireland. This festival celebrates his work.
There is even a pub and restaurant named after him in Chicago. It's called "Chief O'Neill's Pub and Restaurant." It displays items related to his life.
