New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-05-17

To william J. Mqckel-ie Esq Nei- YOrk
WAsmNGToN CITY, 2ist January lS44
Dear SIR. Yours Of the 2d was duly received.
Ny parents We're not both natives Of the Emerald
Isle Ny father, Edward Dumgoole was born in
Sligo When a youth he came TO America poor
boy, with religious impressions and a strong desire
for religious freedom. He landed at Philadelphia
In l772-came 70 Baltimore and resided 10 that
city or It's vicinity. with Mr. John Haggerty, a
tailor by trade and man Of most exemplary piety.
Edward Dromgooe had been broughtup in ireland
70 the trade Of a linen weaver When be came to
reside with Mr. Haggerty. that he mightnot eat the
bread Of idleness he assisteG-i.m in the business
of tailoring The thimble with which he worked
is still carefully preserved in tho family. They
worked together and prayed together. and thus
formed a social and religious attachment which
endured during their Joint lives and the survivor.
Edward Dromgoole 20 the day of his death,
cherished the memory OF bis departed friend with
the fondest recollection They were disciples, or
followers as il was termed IN those days, Of John
Wesley.
In ia Edward Dromgoole commenced preach
ing While residing with Mr.. Haggerty, however,
he formed a society or class Of Methodsts AND HELD
The FIRST METHODIST CLASS MEETING rs ANE-
RIGA
From a sense Of duty, he entered upon the plan
Of itinerant labor in the ministry. He proceeded
from Maryland 70 Virginia, and travelled exten-
sivey in the latter State and in North Carolina.
HIS ADOPTED AMERICA engr)ssed all his feelings
Of attachment 10 country. Without mingling in
political discussions and controversy, be was the
ardent prayeriu advocate OF Civil and Religious
Freedom In the very lnciplency of the war be
tween the Colonies and Great Britain, he hest.
tated not moment IN deciding whether he
should own allegiance to America or England. He
quickly and voluntarily repaired to his friend and
Christian brother, Robert Jones, a magistrate In
the county of Sussex, in the State Of Virginia
man Of great responsibility and undoubted patri
otism Before him he took the oath OF fidelity and
allegiance administered at his own request. A
certificate of this oath be continually kept with
him. He Travelled during the Revolutionary
War, everywhere performing his ministerial func.
tons and was in the neighborhood OF Halifax,
North Carolina when the news Of the Declaration
of Independence was received After preaching
b a large congregation, he read to them, from his
stand at the request OF Willie Jones ESQ. and
other distinguished patriots OF the town the Decla
ration OF independence.
II e settled Ia Brunswick County in the State Of
Virginia where be resided until his death. in l-3j.
in the 18th year Of age having been a minister of
the gospel for more than 90 years.
He intermarried with Rebecca Walton IN said
County whose ancestors had early emgrated from
England to Virginia Whether they descended
from the family of the bishop, the author of the Pc
lyglott Bible. or from old lzaak the fisherman is not
known nor is it material. They lived happily to
gether raised and educated a family Of children.
and left them competency, acquired NEITHER BY
SPECULATION NOR EXTORTION-it was the result
Of economy and honest industry.
| am their youngest child.
Very ro-r----..ss--p- f-nRoyGOut.r.
GEORGE u DhofhNDtti"