Immigrant's Violin

Luxury items often had to be left behind because there simply wasn't enough room either on the steamboat or in the wagon. Some musical instruments, like this violin, did make it to Kansas during the territorial period (1854-1861). Musical entertainment provided weary travelers an escape from the hardships and monotony of life on the trail.

James Limerick, an Irishman from Kentucky, brought this violin west in 1855. He and his family arrived at the Grand River in Missouri in the spring of 1855, where they were forced to camp due to high waters. Likewise, one of their oxen had become injured. While camped, Mr. Limerick met James Darnell's family who were migrating from Illinois to the Kansas Territory. They all became friends. As Darnell's supply of draft animals was ample, he loaned Mr. Limerick some of his. In June, both families arrived at upper Rock Creek in Pottawatomie County and took up claims in the area.

According to the Darnell family, Mr. Limerick was an Irish fiddler who liked to play songs at the campfire during the migration. He was said to have played by ear and danced at the same time. The fiddle was eventually given to the Darnell family and remained in the hands of Charles Darnell (James Darnell's grandson), until it was donated to the Kansas Historical Society in 1959.

The violin is on display in the main gallery of the Kansas Museum of History.

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