(Part Three)

Bernard (III) and Thomas Admitted to Orphanage

The form above is from the 1920 Censes, it shows that Bernard McCauley (III) and Thomas McCauley are residents at Mount Loretto, The Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, which is an orphanage born out of the social reforms of the time.  Bernard is aged 7 and Thomas was age 5.  With their mother deceased and their father physically disabled from a collapse while constructing a subway tunnel, there were no relatives with the ability to care for them in addition to their own charges.  This must have been a difficult decision to make.  Bernard’s sister Susan was directly caring for him and had her own five boys; Patrick McCauley and his wife Sarah had six children, and Ellen Aunchaman McCauley was living in Vermont with her two children.  Phillip McCauley would have been deceased (1914), and his wife Nora would be bringing up their children by herself.  Edward McCauley would also have been deceased (1917).  

My grandfather Bernard (III) does have memories of his father visiting with him and smoking a small clay pipe.  I believe there was a mention of him visiting in a wheelchair and that he had limited ability to walk.  Aunt Ellen also kept in contact with the boys.  I remember Anna McCauley telling a story that a Sea Captain had expressed an interest in adopting the boys, but Ellen would not agree to it, concerned that they would both be put out to sea to work, against their will. 

My grandfather did not speak to me of his experiences there, but I was to understand it was not a pleasant place to grow up.  He was able to gain some practical experience in electrical work, while there. 

When Bernard was old enough, perhaps 16, he was released and went to live with Susan Carraher.  He got a job to contribute to the household.  When Thomas was released, I believe he lived with his Aunt Ellen Aunchman.  There is more to explore on those topics later.