Was John Boyle O’Reilly truly a giant? Here at the John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial Statue, we celebrate a man who was indeed a giant in Boston. He won the admiration of everyone he met. This memorial, created by Daniel Chester French in 1896, stands as a tribute to O’Reilly.
John Boyle O’Reilly was born in Ireland in 1844. He died in Boston in 1890. O’Reilly was a poet, a newspaperman, and a social activist. He brought his passion and patriotism to Boston.
French also designed the Minute Man statue in Concord. He also created the seated John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard. And he made the giant Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial.
The John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial features a large bronze bust of O’Reilly. On the reverse, Erin represents Ireland. She weaves a wreath and stands with her two sons. They symbolize Poetry and Patriotism. The backdrop features a Celtic cross and Celtic knots. These are carved into the stone.
O’Reilly was editor of “The Pilot” from 1870 until his death. He authored poetry books like “Songs of the Southern Seas.” He also wrote “Songs, Legends, and Ballads.” His novel “Moondyne” was based on his time in Australia. He had been sentenced to 20 years of hard labor for his role in the Fenian movement. He escaped and came to New Bedford, Massachusetts.
O’Reilly helped Irish Catholic immigrants assimilate. He bridged the gap with Protestant Yankee citizens. Though buried in Brookline, his memorial stands here in Boston.
The memorial has two castings. One side shows Erin with Patriotism and Poetry. The other features O’Reilly’s bust. The pedestal is adorned with Celtic images.
Look closely. Poetry’s lyre once had five strings. Now, it has only three due to vandalism.
When the John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial Committee selected Daniel Chester French as the sculptor they directed him to create a suitable memorial to the genius and manhood of John Boyle O’Reilly.
O’Reilly’s sudden death at 46 shocked everyone. Friends raised $22000 for this memorial.
French updated details in the design. He added armor to Patriotism. Originally nude, he exchanged a harp for a lute for Poetry.
The John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial was unveiled on June 20, 1896. It serves as a lasting reminder. It reminds us of his contributions to Boston. It also highlights his advocacy for the downtrodden. He spoke for Irish, Jewish, and Chinese immigrants. He supported African Americans and American Indians.