Hart family poem

 

A poem was written in 1835 by a school teacher named McKinley prior to the family’s departure for America.

THE ANCIENT PROPRIETORS OF SHANVALLEY,

NOW PREPARING FOR AMERICA.

Shanvalley, once the pride of all these parts,

And flourished long beneath the race of Harts;

As if in sorrow at going away,

Now clouded seems, and falling to decay.

The fertile fields and meads so gay, so green

Where Winter’s withered face could scarce be seen.

A different aspect here of late assumes

And all their verdant beauties clad in gloom.

Here oft the needy and the neighboring poor

Found sure relief, and still an open door;

The stranger, too, benighted sought the road,

To Mr. Harts of Shanvalley’s abode.

But now no more the sprightly dance or song

In blameless mirth, goes round the cheerful throng,

No more at setting sun or rising moon,

We hear the Viols brisk enlivening tune.

You charming fair still with abundance blest

Of beauty, grace, and modesty possessed;

Entitled to unclaimed respect beside,

And always free from vanity; and pride –

Farewell, be happy in a foreign land,

Eliza fair and noble Mary Ann.

Seven blooming youths of fair unblemished fame,

Recorded here, each by his proper name,

The first is Thomas, sober, wise, and grave

In person graceful, and in conduct brave

Well skilled in that most useful of all Arts,

To mortals most essential in all parts.

The second, James, the noblest of our youth,

Famed for true valour, dignity, and truth

A faultless form above middle size,

A face like Phebus beaming in our eyes,

Where Mars and Venus both united shine

To render him complete in every line.

Two absentees already have crost o’er,

And points the way to freedom’s native shore;

Samuel and Joseph sacred names we find

That bode success to those here left behind.

Moses so justly call’d and not less fair,

Than he who claimed a royal Virgin’s care.

King Pharaoh’s daughter snatched him from the pool

And raised him to dignity and rule.

Like him devoted to deep classic lore

He leaves his native land in search of more.

Solly and William, comely, fair and young,

The last that from a worthy mother sprung,

In them already independence glows

And their success through life hereafter shows.

Shalt thou Miss Charlotte here forgotten be

Seeing removed from those but one degree,

Delightful prattler innocence so sweet

Might render short the passage o’er the deep.

Now to you all a long and last Adieu;

And if the good be happy so will you.

 

Transcriber Notes

11 thoughts on “Hart family poem

  1. Hello
    I have an old map dated 1832 with the name of Thomas Hart in
    the townland of Corcullion. His homestead is also shown. This townland adjoins Shanvalley near Castlefin.
    Are you interested
    Sincerely
    James

  2. James is this a map you have digitally or can scan and share with us? We would certainly be interested in viewing.
    Thank you for your offer

  3. Do you have a relative in the vicinity of the townlands
    mentioned who could view it?
    Sincerely
    James

  4. Unfortunatly if we do have a relative in the area,(which we may), we do not know them. We will have to wait until we make a trip to Ireland.
    Thank you for your offer.

  5. Another Thomas Hart has appeared on another old survey map of 1804 in the same area near Castlefin. Could this be the father of Samuel? What is the art most useful to mortals interpreted in the poem?

  6. I would interpret the “most useful of all arts” to be a reference to farming.

    James, is there a way for you to scan or photograph the old survey maps?

  7. My great grandmother was Mary Elizabeth Hart Calaway. I read the obituary of my great grandfather Leonard Calaway and found her listed as his wife. My mother, now deceased, often referred to her Hart cousins. Both are buried in Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Plainfield, NJ. Mary’s year of birth is 1874 and year of death is 1925. Does anyone know where she was born and her parents?

  8. My granddaddy was Benjamin Oscar James Anthony, son of William Andrew Anthony from Piedmont,Al. William Andrew was the son of Adeline Hart Anthony and James Benton Anthony. I am interested in the family. We used to have a Anthony family reunion every Fathers day in Albertville,Al . Then we moved it to Powell park between Renal co./Jackson Co., Al. My granddaddy married Leona Lisa Pierce from Huntersville, Al. They had 9 children, one of them died at early age.My granddaddy died in 1984 at the age of 88. Had 87 grandkids and great grandkids.He left his dad in Piedmont as a youth and moved with his Mom to Albertville,Al. Granddaddy was dark headed, dark eyed, long and lanky with a hawked nose. Was a devout Christian, never spoke bad about anyone,I never heard hum say a bad word and he was a devout Christian asking as I knew him and I was born in 1953.

  9. I have researched my family history and A Adeline Hart shoes up married to one of my great grandfathers,James Benton Anthony.listed tat she is a daughter of Sarah (Warm Hart)Estes and William(Chief) Eastern,Estes. She is listed as being buried in Piedmont Alabama.

  10. I have found out about a Adeline Hart from Group County, Georgia that is supposedly a great a great grandmother3- 4 times removed. She married James Benton Anthony and their son was my great great grandfather and they are buried in Piedmont,Alabama.

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