“I grew up in Fall River, but I thought I’d share some of my New Bedford heritage on the birthday of my 4th great-grandmother, who lived most of her long life in NB.

Amazingly, I recently discovered photos of both of them in an online collection at the Harvard libraries.

Her husband, my 4th great-grandfather, Phineas H. Kenney was born around Sep 1784 in North Fairhaven, Massachusetts to Jacob Kenney and Pernal Hammond. During the War of 1812 he served as a Private in Captain William Nye’s Company in the 2nd Regiment, Massachusetts militia.

Phineas married Achsah Bennet in 1807 in New Bedford. She had been born in Sandwich. He was a mason, a profession his son Lorenzo and grandson Alonzo would also enter. Phineas was highly instrumental in the organization of the Methodist Episcopal church in New Bedford.

He died in 1870 shortly before his 86th birthday. Achsah would die in 1886 at the age of 95.” Photos by Chris Kenney.

Chris Kenney photo.

Chris Kenney photo.

During the month of January, the 52nd Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Rev. Father John Baptist DeValles, a WWI Veteran who was awarded for “extraordinary heroism and exceptional devotion to his duty.”

He was born, Joa Baptista DeValles, on Aug. 29, 1879 on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, and emigrated to the United States at the age of two years old, eventually residing at 39 Ingram St., New Bedford. He attended local schools and studied for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1906, serving in local parishes in New Bedford and Fall River.

According to the War Records Dept., “When the United States entered World War I in 1917, despite being nearly 40 years old, (DeValles) set aside his comfortable life to volunteer as a chaplain through the Knights of Columbus and was attached to the Massachusetts National Guard’s 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th “Yankee” Division. He was appointed to First Lieutenant (1LT) Chaplain on July 17, 1918. The Yankee Division was organized from National Guard units throughout New England and as the first entire U.S. division to arrive in France, it saw action in every major campaign of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF).”

The AEF helped the French Army on the Western Front during the Aisne Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. DeValles took part in the Defensive Champagne-Marne; Offensive Aisne-Marne; St. Mihiel; and Defensive Sectors: Rupt (Lorraine) and Troyon (Lorraine).
He was known as the “Angel of the trenches” often in “no man’s land,” comforting the injured and carrying the wounded to aid stations, administering to the dying. He made no distinction between allies or Germans.

Father DeValles returned to the United States with the Yankee Division in 1919 but died in May 1920 of abdominal cancer at St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford, MA at the age of 41, due to exposure to mustard gas in France. He was awarded the nation’s second highest military decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross, posthumously by Major General Clarence Edward, former Commanding General of the Yankee Division. “For extraordinary heroism in action near Apremont, Toul sector, France, April 10 to 13, 1918. Chaplain DeValles repeatedly exposed himself to heavy artillery and machine-gun fire in order to assist in the removal of the wounded from exposed points in advance of the lines. He worked for long periods of time with stretcher bearers in carrying wounded men to safety. Chaplain DeValles previously rendered gallant service in the Chemin des Dames sector, March 11, 1918, by remaining with a group of wounded during a heavy enemy bombardment.”

He was also awarded the foreign decorations of the French Croix de Guerre with gilt star, under General Order No. 736-A, dated April 26, 1918, 32nd French Army Corps, with the following citation: “Extraordinary heroism and exceptional devotion to his duty. Under uninterrupted enemy fire, did not cease to care for the wounded and to encourage to renewed efforts the men worn out by hard fighting.”

Some insight as to what the soldiers went through during WWI as documented by WWI letters explained that “there were no trenches in the area of the front, little wire and no shelters (dugouts). Rather, defenses were designed for open warfare and consisted of shallow foxholes covered with brush, positioned to provide mutually supporting fire along with numerous machine gun positions. The outpost line and principal resistance line were separated by a 1,000 yard artillery barrage zone designed to break up any attack that overran the outposts. Occupants of the outposts had the usual mission of fighting to the last man with no hope of reinforcement. At all hours, troops of the outpost line were fired on by machine guns and artillery of the German 7th Army. Food and water had to be carried to the forward troops by ration details through machine gun fire under cover of darkness. The troops suffered a high number of casualties due to heavy gas exposure.”

In October 1920, shortly after Chaplain DeValles’ death, the Katherine Street School in New Bedford was rededicated as the John B. DeValles School in his honor.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com.

“Southcoast Health is honored to present Helen Rochelle, Sharon Souza, Cathie Markow and Paul Rodrigues with the annual Volunteer of the Year Award for their service in 2023.

This recognition celebrates the outstanding work of these individuals who have graciously donated their time to the health system and its patients at Charlton Memorial Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Tobey Hospital, and the Southcoast Health Visiting Nurse Association, respectively.

“We are so grateful for all of our volunteers. They selflessly give their time to help with so much of what we do here at Southcoast Health,” said Donna Galotti Kincman, Manager of Volunteer Services and Visitor Management at Southcoast Health. “These awards exemplify the amazing impact kindness can have on our community.”

Cathie Markow, of Wareham (left) and Paul Rodrigues, of Fall River (right). Southcoast Health photo.

Each year, Southcoast Health selects four recipients from over 100 volunteers who enhance the care experience for patients and families. Volunteers perform many services such as running the hospital gift shops, participating in Southcoast Health’s baby cuddler program, playing piano in the hospital lobbies, and assisting with fundraising efforts.

2023 Volunteers of the Year:

• Helen Rochelle, of Tiverton, RI, who for the last four years has served as a greeter at Charlton Memorial Hospital

• Sharon Souza, a retired RN from Fairhaven who worked for Southcoast for 16 years, who has been volunteering for the past year at the Level II Nursery at St. Luke’s Hospital and at the Cancer Center in Fairhaven

• Cathie Markow, of Wareham, who for two years has brought her Jack Russell dog, Jack, to Tobey Hospital, in Wareham, to provide pet therapy to patients

• Paul Rodrigues, of Fall River, a retired Southcoast Health courier who worked for the system for 17 years, who has served as a hospice volunteer with Southcoast VNA since 2019.

“Volunteers are at the heart of Southcoast Health’s promise to deliver exceptional care from people who care,” said Kimberley Coon, Executive Director of Hospital and Medical Staff Services at Southcoast Health. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to work with wonderful community members like Helen, Sharon, Cathie and Paul every day and we are proud to recognize their dedication and compassion. Their work is a vital part of our organization’s success for the communities we serve.”

Helen Rochelle, of Tiverton, RI and Sharon Souza of Fairhaven. Southcoast Health photo.

To learn more about Southcoast Health’s volunteer opportunities please visit www.southcoast.org/philanthropy/volunteer/.

____________________________________________________________________

About Southcoast Health
For more than 25 years, Southcoast Health has served communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region. The not-for-profit, charitable system includes three acute care hospitals – Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford (a Level II Trauma Center), and Tobey in Wareham – as well as a network of over 700 physicians, hospitalists, and midlevel practitioners.

Southcoast Health has established six Urgent Care Centers, two Cancer Centers, a Visiting Nurse Association, and numerous ambulatory facilities that ensure convenient access to services for 725,000 residents in 33 communities covering 900 square miles. In addition, the system partners with Acadia Healthcare to offer expanded resources at Southcoast Behavioral Health in Dartmouth.

Southcoast Health has been recognized consecutively as a Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospital from 2019-2023 in addition to ranking as a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care throughout the calendar years of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 by U.S. News & World Report.

With upward of 7,500 employees, Southcoast Health is the largest employer in southeastern Massachusetts, and one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth, according to the Boston Business Journal. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted a video of New Bedford native Samantha Johnson’s reaction to his WWE return on Instagram. Over 71 million views later, its safe to say the New Bedford native went viral on social media!

The Rock captioned the video, “That “IF YA SMELLL” Rock music just hits the soul differently – especially when it’s a surprise
??????

#peopleschamp ✊?”

Checkout the viral video below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

“Sheriff Paul Heroux has made a significant difference in the lives of the incarcerated and their families since assuming his office almost a year ago.

His major theme during the campaign was to concentrate on rehabilitation of the convicted individuals rather than punishment and deprivation, thereby reducing their inclination to re-commit crime and ultimately keeping the community safer and taxpayers’ costs lower.

These positive effects are not being proclaimed by paid staff in press releases, but are contained in the many letters the sheriff is receiving from people who are incarcerated. Pursuant to a statutory records request I sent to the sheriff’s office I received copies of these letters written to Sheriff Heroux (names re-dacted for confidentiality).

It is encouraging to those who supported and believed in the concept of rehabilitation as the most effective strategy for reducing the increasing rate of imprisonment in America.

The consistent theme in these letters is the gratitude for treating them as human beings, taking responsibility for their imprisonment and expressing the changes they hope to accomplish upon release.

The letters refer to the improved food, medical attention, safer environment, vocational training, and concentrating on their post-release conditions that are improving their outlook and reducing their anger and sense of hopelessness.

They are not being coddled or provided more than the law and regulations require. They are for the first time being treated in a manner that acknowledges that their loss of freedom should be the price they pay and should not be compounded with inhumane conditions that contribute to their anger and justify their continued life of addiction and crime.

Their expression of gratitude for these changes should provide all the voters of Sheriff Heroux with satisfaction and encouragement to remain involved in promoting effective and ethical public officials, especially in the upcoming state and federal elections.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

On the morning of December 10th, an upset mom messaged us to report that her 9-year old son’s most treasured possession was stolen from their home.

“STOLEN BIKE:

This happened on Allen St., #NewBedford and it had to have been between midnight last night to early morning. Please call the NBPD at (508) 991-6300. -Ashley Ramos.”

Ashley Ramos photo.

As most people know, when something is stolen odds are you can just kiss it goodbye or it is either busted down for parts or sold to a pawn shop. And many cynics would say, “That’s so New Bedford. New Bedford sucks.”

However, the truth is that New Bedford is filled with good, decent, people. Yes, there are some real jerks, but the truth is that most people in the city are good and want to prove it by helping people in time of need get a meal, a jacket, some clothing, a place to sleep, or help spread the word about a missing cat, dog, or wallet, or perhaps just offer a word of encouragement, inspiration or good ol fashioned advice.

That’s exactly what happened. After we shared the post, the good people of New Bedford spread the word and kept an eye out fr the bike as they commuted or walked around the city.

And guess what? The bike was spotted and returned to the delight of this 9-year old boy!

“My son’s bike has been returned! Thank you sooo very much for helping spread the word. We where able to get it back thanks to the posts and people sharing it. My son is beyond happy to have his bike back. Thank you so very much.”

Don’t ever let people tell you that New Bedford sucks, because New Bedford is a spectacular place and the residents are awesome human beings.

Ashley Ramos photo.

During the month of December, the 51st Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of PFC Irving Chandler Kaplan, of New Bedford, a WWII veteran who was killed in Germany in 1945.

Kaplan, who lived at 26th Eight St., New Bedford, was born on July 6, 1915. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kaplan. According to the archives at the University of Massachusetts Library, Kaplan attended Boston University and Harvard University Law School and went on to practice law in New Bedford, with offices in the National Bank Building.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 14, 1942 and served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps. PFC Kaplan was killed on August 25, 1945, at the age of 30, as the result of an accident while serving in Kassel Germany during WWII.

According to army.mil, throughout WWII, the Signal Corps served a variety of functions and had the responsibility for one of the most important systems used during World War II – radar. Success in combat depended on good communications and that was the Signal Corps’ main mission. At its peak strength in the fall of 1944, the Signal Corps was comprised of over 350,000 officers and men, over six times more than had served in WWI.

According to army.mil, “In addition to sending messages, the Signal Corps retained responsibility for the Army’s signal security and intelligence activity. The 2nd Signal Service Company performed intelligence-gathering duties.”

Another specialized field that fell under the Signal Corps function was photography. “Its value and versatility reached new levels, especially during the second half of the war, partially due to improvements in training and organization. The Signal Corps created orientation and training films, using the talents of notables such as Frank Capra, who was commissioned as a major in the Signal Corps in 1942, and Theodor Seuss Geisel, who served as a member of Capra’s documentary film crew. The Signal Corps also created an unprecedented pictorial record of World War II.”

Members of the Jewish War Veterans New Bedford Post 154 erected a monument in Irving Kaplan’s honor. On June 19, 1949, a parade and memorial service were held, and Kaplan Square was dedicated in his honor. Kaplan Square is located at the intersection of Fair and Bolton Streets in the South End of New Bedford.

“If you take County Street south to Fair St. and turn right, you will drive straight to this monument in the middle of the Portuguese community which was then populated by many Jewish,” according to an article at the UMASS Library archives.

“In 1997 the 6th grade class of Mrs. Susan Baroody of the Congdon School took it on as a local beautification project to refurbish and replant the Kaplan memorial. It was rededicated on June 18, 1997, by the Jewish War Veterans in conjunction with the city of New Bedford.”

Within New Bedford’s military museum in Fort Taber, you can find a wall displaying the 9 medal of honor recipients of New Bedford. The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action. According to the “National Medal of Honor Museum”, of the 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil War, only 3,517 have earned the Medal of Honor.

Two of the nine New Bedford recipients have no photograph or painted portrait to display in our military museum, or any museum for that matter. I know it’s a long shot, but if anyone has any historical photographs or paintings which could resemble these two individuals, please reach out as you will quite literally be holding on to a one-of-one historical photograph.

___________________________________________________________________________

Steven Richard photo.

The first Medal of Honor recipient is William P Brownell who was born in New York on July 12th, 1839 and died in New York on April 26th, 1915. He is buried in OAK GROVE CEMETERY (MH) (GG-31), NEW BEDFORD, MA, UNITED STATES.

• RANK: COXSWAIN (HIGHEST RANK: ACTING MASTER’S MATE)
• CONFLICT/ERA: U.S. CIVIL WAR
• UNIT/COMMAND: U.S.S. BENTON
• MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. NAVY
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: MAY 22, 1863
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: GREAT GULF BAY & VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, USA

“Served as coxswain on board the U.S.S. Benton during the attack on Great Gulf Bay, 2 May 1863, and Vicksburg, 22 May 1863. Carrying out his duties with coolness and courage, Brownell served gallantly against the enemy as captain of a 9-inch gun in the attacks on Great Gulf and Vicksburg and as a member of the Battery Benton before Vicksburg.”

___________________________________________________________________________

Steven Richard photo.

The next Medal of Honor recipient is Philip Bazaar who was born in Chile with no birth date available and died on December 28th, 1923 in New York City. He is buried in CALVARY CEMETERY (BURIED AS BAZAN), NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES and his award is accredited to New Bedford, MA.

• ALSO KNOWN AS: BAZAN, PHILIP
• RANK: ORDINARY SEAMAN
• CONFLICT/ERA: U.S. CIVIL WAR
• UNIT/COMMAND: U.S.S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA
• MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. NAVY
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: JANUARY 15, 1865
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: FORT FISHER, NORTH CAROLINA, USA

“On board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba during the assault on Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865. As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals onshore, O.S. Bazaar bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle. He was one of six men who entered the fort in the assault from the fleet.”

I’m sure historians have searched endlessly for photographs of these gentlemen, so I know it is a long shot to find any photographs or paintings. But if there are any in existence, I would have to believe they would exist stored away in the attic of a south coast families home who has no idea that they are holding on to a piece of American history.

The New Bedford native, Brycen Goodine had a big game against Boston College to start the 2023/24 NCAA season. He is now a 6’4 senior guard playing for the Fairfield Stags NCAA mens basketball team.

He played high school ball at Bishop Stang in Dartmouth, MA and St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, R.I., where he was named the 2019 NEPSAC Class AA Player of the Year and 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year for Rhode Island. Goodine was a top-100 player in his high school class per ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.

He began his collegiate career in the ACC at Syracuse, playing in 23 games in 2019-20. He then appeared in 21 games at Providence this past season, including the Friars’ NCAA Tournament Second Round win against Richmond and Sweet 16 contest against eventual National Champion Kansas. He totaled 40 points and 13 rebounds while playing just under six minutes per outing.

Now with the Fairfield Stags, he looks impressive! Checkout his highlights against Boston College.

@BrycenGoodine highlights vs Boston College
22 pt game, Great to see my guy healthy and hooping! pic.twitter.com/DInugZXL9X

— Joel Giroux (@JoelGiroux1) November 12, 2023

In a video produced by New Bedford Cable Network, local historian, Arthur Motta explains the origin of New Bedford’s “City Seal”. The first seal originated in 1847 and was a crudely drawn depiction of Clarks Point lighthouse. The seal read “I am diffusing light” which was not only a reference to the lighthouse itself, but to the city of New Bedford as the whaling city which lit the world.

This 5 minute video is full of interesting historical facts and is well worth the watch!