Nash Family Roots

Submitted By: Stephen Nash                       

 

                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Francis Joseph Nash (Frankie)

October 5, 1908-November 4, 1976

 

 

Song and musical instruments go back a long way in the Nash family. Grandmother, Mrs. Annie Collins formerly from South East Placentia acquired her love of music with the Presentation Sisters in Placentia. Mrs. Collins came to Branch as a teacher where she met and married grandfather, Mr. Johnny Nash. Annie had a beautiful singing voice and was also an accomplished organ player.

 

This voice and musical talent was passed on to the members of her family. Her son Francis, affectionately known as Frankie, sang in his first concert at the age of seven, a song titled "Dis is East and Dis is West". In his early years he learned to play both the tin whistle and flute. Both his brothers Fred and Patrick had excellent singing voices; Patrick also played the harmonica. They sang both Newfoundland and Irish ballots, songs that were passed down from their mother and other members of the community.

 

Frankie had a great love for songs and could really get your feet tapping from the fine tunes on the tin whistle and flute. When his wife Mary died, Frankie played the role of both father and mother to their six children, a role he perfected. His love of music and song always remained close to him. He was always ready and eager to share his talents at concerts and other fundraisers

 

He gave freely of his time and talent to the Memorial University Folklore Dept. He was always delighted by visits from Anita Best and Pamela Morgan. He shared with them his music and songs, of which they perform, such as "The Old Arm Chair" and "My Good Looking Man". He also aired   with the popular group Ryan's Fancy shortly before his death in 1976. As a sign of affection to Frankie, members of the community dedicated a grave marker inscribed with "Let there always be a song for him to Sing".

 

Frankie’s love of music plays an active part with his grand daughter Stephanie Nash.

At the age of ten Stephanie took a leading role in the church choir. With her love for music Stephanie fine tuned her skills playing piano, guitar, bodhran and has now turned her hand to the accordion. In her final year of high school Stephanie released a CD titled

“Holden On” a collection of her own ballots as well Irish and Newfoundland favorites.

Having played for many benefits, Stephanie is always thrilled when performing on stage in Branch following in the footsteps of her grandfather.

 

 

Branch Come Home Year

August 9-19, 2007