Author Tim Bohen has published his second book, Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo. The book is a broader history of the Irish in Buffalo, including Congressman Brian Higgins, Bills QB Jim Kelly, Governor Kathy Hochul, Margaret Sullivan, and Tim Russert.
Where are you from?
I was born in Buffalo, grew up outside Washington, D.C., and later in East Aurora, New York. I currently reside in the Elmwood Village with my wife. A few of my Irish ancestors settled in Buffalo as early as 1849.
Tell me about your first book?
My first book, Against the Grain: The History of Buffalo’s First Ward, was published in 2012 and is currently in its eighth printing. In November 2024, I published my second book, Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo.
What first got you interested in writing the book?
My first book began as a personal quest to uncover the original spelling of my last name, which ultimately led me to the captivating history of Buffalo’s First Ward. With my second book, I aimed to highlight the extraordinary Buffalo Irish men and women across Western New York who left a lasting impact on our city and nation.
How does it differ from other books published about the Buffalo Irish?
Emerald Thread is the first comprehensive history of the Irish experience in Buffalo. My goal was to analyze how one immigrant group (the Irish) rose from humble beginnings but, within a few generations, were able to make a positive contribution to Western New York and beyond. It includes Irish Americans from the First Ward, South Buffalo, North Buffalo, and the suburbs, as well as non-native Irish Buffalonians who made an impact on our region.
What is the era of the book?
This book starts with Samuel Wilkeson, the son of Northern Irish immigrants, who built Buffalo’s harbor in the 1820s. It ends with a chapter on the dozens of Irish men and women who have shaped our modern city, such as Congressman Brian Higgins and Mayor Jimmy Griffin. So, the book covers the Irish contribution from Buffalo’s pioneer days until the present.
Can you give us one or two snippets that people will find interesting?
Emerald Thread tells the story of the Irish in Buffalo, beginning with some of the poorest immigrants to arrive on American shores. Despite facing numerous hardships and challenges, the Irish started shaping and transforming Buffalo within just a few years of their arrival. With their gift of gab and Celtic charisma, they were natural politicians. Their fluency in English provided them a significant advantage over many fellow European immigrants. Furthermore, arriving before the Poles and Italians allowed the Irish to secure leadership roles within both the Democratic Party and the Catholic Church.
The Irish strongholds of the First Ward and South Buffalo offered a protective and nurturing environment, enabling many to achieve the American Dream. These factors allowed even the most “poor and wretched” immigrants to establish a New Ireland in Buffalo, one where they lived more prosperously than they ever could have imagined back home.
This book traces the emerald thread that weaves through the fabric of our city’s history.
Do you have to be Irish to enjoy the book?
Not at all! You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate this book—you just need a curiosity or love for Buffalo’s rich history. Anyone interested in how immigrants have shaped our city and our nation will find plenty to enjoy. Emerald Thread offers something for everyone, with chapters highlighting politicians, journalists, athletes, war heroes, writers, entertainers, business leaders, and even pub owners.
Readers from all backgrounds will recognize many of the remarkable figures featured in these pages, including television journalist Tim Russert, CIA founder General “Wild Bill” Donovan, Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, NHL star Patrick Kane, artist Philip Burke, Governor Kathy (Courtney) Hochul, journalist Margaret Sullivan, actor Vincent O’Neill, Battle of Midway hero C. Wade McClusky, and former Buffalo resident F. Scott Fitzgerald. There’s truly something for everyone in this celebration of Buffalo’s Irish legacy.
Anything else?
Buffalo shares a few fascinating connections with Ireland. First, the city played a pivotal role in Irish history as the launching site for the largest military action outside Ireland in its fight for independence: the Fenian Raid of 1866. In this bold endeavor, 800 men crossed the Niagara River into Canada, aiming to hold Canadian territory ransom to pressure England into freeing Ireland. Although the raid ultimately failed, it contributed to a broader movement that culminated in Irish independence 50 years later.
Second, the University at Buffalo is home to the world’s most extensive collection of materials related to renowned Irish writer James Joyce, including portraits, manuscripts, working papers, and memorabilia. This prestigious archive, celebrating one of the greatest authors of the 20th century, will be displayed in a new museum on UB’s South Campus in the near future.
Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo is available in most local bookstores and online at Barnes & Noble.