A local historian has called for official recognition for a little-known Donegal writer who was once famous around the world.
Rev Raymond Blair made the call at a talk he gave on Samuel Seaton at Monday’s Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society lecture.
Seaton was a poet and storyteller from the townland of Ballinacor, Killygordon. Born around 1846, he died in March 1934. According to a newspaper notice from the time, his funeral took place at Donoughmore Presbyterian Church in Liscooley.
Rev Ramyond Blair (centre) with members of the Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society.
Long forgotten by many in the area, his works were printed in leading publications in Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the early 1900s, his works were also published in prestigious papers such as Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in Philadelphia, The Olathe Register in Kansas, The Australian Town and Country Journal and The Australian Times.
He was also a farmer and school teacher, having taught at the nearby Drumavish National School for a time.
“A forgotten, but talented writer from Killygordon, it’s time he was remembered and officially recognised here in County Donegal,” Rev Blair said.
Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society talks take place on the fourth Monday of the month in Henderson Hall, Stranorlar.
For further information on the society, and updates, go to their Facebook page or email bsadhs@gmail.com
Samuel Seaton.