| The Irish in Britain were isolated from the rest of British society. Described as "a hard working, a hard drinking, and a reckless group", the "Paddies" were blamed for many of the problems of the nation. Barney decided to follow many of his displaced countrymen and move to America. He left his family to cross the Atlantic arriving in Massachusetts around 1859. Barney took up residence in the city of Taunton in Bristol County, Massachusetts by 1860 and found work largest local iron mill, The Old Colony Iron Works as a "puddler." As a young man Barney stood five feet seven inches tall. His eyes were blue, his hair sandy and he had a colorful ruddy complexion so typical of the Irish. (Civil War Muster Roll to the right.)
Barney most likely planned to raise money with the intention of eventually bringing his family across the Atlantic. By August of 1861, he was able to pay his mother's passage and Mary joined her son in Taunton. The 51 year old widow would rely on Barney as her sole means of support. Upon reaching the United States Bernard moved to Bristol County, Massachusetts near the city of Taunton. He probably looked for work in the textile mills. Mary McKnight joined her son and his family in Massachusetts in August of 1861. Her husband had died in Ireland 1848 and Barney was now her sole means of support. Mary was 55 years of age upon her arrival in America. |
 "Puddler" |
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