Introduction to the Harshaw Papers
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The diaries of James Harshaw of Donaghmore consist of 6 volumes dating from the 1830s to the 1860s. They were deposited in PRONI during the autumn of 1996 by the efforts of Marjorie Harshaw Robie, an American who descends from one branch of the Harshaw family. It seems that the diaries had been recently re-discovered in the United States and their historical importance recognised. They were offered to PRONI as the most obvious home for records which had such relevance to Northern Ireland.
The deposit was a final home coming for the diaries. It has been suggested that the diaries were taken to the United States by James Harshaw's youngest son, Samuel, in 1865 and after his death they were passed onto various family members. However, the volumes were used as a major source by Rev. J. Davison Cowan, rector of Donaghmore for his history of the parish which was published in 1914.
It appears that he may have travelled to America during his researches for the book. After this it seems that they lay forgotten in a bank vault until fortuitous circumstances brought them back into the public domain and initiated their return to Northern Ireland.