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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Saturday, November 12, 2011

WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Days 62, 63 and 64.

Will Lynch visits an American school that is making preparations to take in Americans who need a place to stay.  Picture of him was taken a couple of years before he became a diplomatic hostage in Shanghai, China.    Roselyn


Will Lynch ca 1939
Click on picture to enlarge


February 7, 1942.  Saturday.  62nd Day.
     Excellent Chinese chow at 4:00 p.m. at M. J's, 10 Petain.  Four femmes (females) and me.  I omitted chow at hotel at noon, and by 4:00 p.m., I was ready.  Ate my fill--plus.
     Visited American school near our host's house.  Preparations being made to take in Americans who are "up against it" against their agreement to pay later.
     Rainy and cold.


February 8, 1942.  Sunday.  63rd Day.
     Sun out a little in morning.  Saw Japs helping (looting) brothel of Akron O.--American--at foot of Cardinal Mercier, near LaFayette.  Weil was with me.  
     A bit cold.


February 9, 1942.  Monday.  64th Day.
     Nine weeks ago this morning began this fracas.  Japs claim to be winning everywhere.
     H. Smith in 812, "threw a party" 7:00-8:00 p.m.  Much demon liquor.
     Walked out in the "free zone", both morning and afternoon.
     I am to get bedding next Thursday at 10:30 a.m., from room 406 in Consulate for use at American School.  (It was opening for Americans needing a place to stay).  
     I am reading Ruper Hughes' "George Washington".  Very interesting.  Old George was a human and a bit of a sport.
     Talk of repatriation seems pessimistic.






     
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