Introduction to Lynch Clan

My Lynch ancestors from Ireland came to America in 1848. The group included my Grandfather James Lynch and his five siblings, ages 10 to 18, who sailed without their parents to New York City. Soon they were living in a tenement house in Massachusetts working in a textile mill. From there they gradually migrated west. This blog will contain information gathered by my mother, Hazel Lynch Skonberg from her father, giving details of the trip over and life in America. There is also a diary written by his son, Will Lynch, who was with the American Consular Service of the State Department, and was taken hostage on Dec. 8, 1941, by the Japanese Army who had captured Shanghai that day. I hope you enjoy this blog about the James Lynch family in America.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011

WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Days 56 and 57

Will Lynch and other Consular people are put in the top floors of another hotel.  Roselyn


February 1, 1942.  Sunday.   56th Day
     We're still (settled?).  British have 6,7 and 8th floors.  They have wives and babies.  Americans have 9th floor.  All of us are fed in one small dining room.  Some eight of us Americans have put 3 or 4 tables together and dine "a la gang" (meaning together).
     Met two British gals today.  Seem to be governesses--and an affable sort.  
     We have a free zone of several blocks, including French Park, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Otherwise, must get a pass, applying a day in advance.
     Food is better here at Cathay Mansions than at Metropole Hotel.  Dining room is on the 11th floor.


February 2, 1942.  Monday.  57th Day.
     Walked this a.m., alone for an hour, and in p.m. with Brookhart in the "free zone".  Drizzily this morning.  Beat Brookhart badly at Rummy in afternoon--much to his chagrin.
     Am going out on a "pass" tomorrow.
     Colder.  Lots of beggars perish on the streets.
     Papers say Marine, formerly at Peking and Tientsin, are to arrive shortly.

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