The Forstall Letters: Introduction

The Forstall letters are perhaps the most fascinating and intriguing historical resource pertaining to the family. The letters were written by family members and relations in Ireland in response to letter’s received from their cousins who had settled in New Orleans in the mid 18th century. The cousins became successful in New Orleans as merchants and produced several prominent family members, including Edmond J. Forstall, a wealthy merchant and banker, and Theobald Forstall President of the Chicago Gaslight Company.

The letters shed light on many things, including information on the leading branch of the Forstalls in Ireland, their tradition as Knights of Malta, and the final heirs to the Forstall lands. We are also given a small historical account of this branch (Carrickcloney) and an idea of what it was like to be an heir of a family of modest Irish Catholic genteel descent in the 18th century, and also an idea of what it was like to be a son that was not the heir. The complex social fabric of this time period is unwoven in a treasure trove of information found within these letters.

The letters begin with Dr. John Forstall of Kilkenny replying to a letter from his nephew Nicholas of New Orleans.

1770 John Forstall to Nicholas Forstall >