19th Century
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The Culliton Brothers of Niagara Falls, N.Y. & Natives of Kilbride, Glenmore
While researching a shipwreck an obituary from a New York newspaper revealed two Glenmore brothers who emigrated to Niagara Falls, New York in the late 1860’s. The name Culleton was long associated with Kilbride, Glenmore although sadly it has become “extinct” in the townland as Danny Dowling (1927-2021) would have said. What Danny meant was that the name was no longer present although there are descendants present. We have found several different spellings of the name Culleton/Culliton/Coleton etc.
In Kilbride there were two Culleton families. Perhaps the families had nicknames to distinguish them. If you are aware of how locals distinguished the two Culleton families please comment below. The oldest located Culleton baptismal parish records reflect two families in Kilbride. Michael Culleton, of Kilbride, was baptized 27 July 1777, the son of Michael Culleton and his wife Eleanor Grant. Eleven years later another Michael Culleton was baptized in Kilbride on 13 January 1788, the son of James Culleton and his wife Mary Haberlin. James Colleton (sic) and Mary Haberlin of Glinmore (sic) were married at Slieverue on 17 April 1784.
Michael Culliton (1843-1907) Native of Kilbride, Glenmore
The obituary that revealed the Glenmore brothers was published in the Niagara Falls News (11 Feb. 1907, p. 1).
Michael Culleton—The death of Michael Culleton, which occurred at the family home, No. 1517 South Avenue, at 2:10 o’clock this morning, removes a highly respected citizen of this city. He was born at Glenmore, Kilkenny County, Ireland, August 10, 1843. He came to this country in 1869, and to Niagara Falls in 1873. He was for many years in the employ of the Erie railroad as a baggageman at Suspension Bridge. He resigned this position and entered the milk business. He was forced to give this up on account of ill health and sold out to the Niagara Dairy company, in which he was at the time of his death a large stockholder. Mr. Culleton has for many years served as a flagman on the Pine Avenue crossing of the Erie railroad.
Deceased is survived by one brother, James Culleton of Buffalo, four daughters and three sons, all of this city, and his death will also be regretted by a large circle of friends. He was a man of unusual intelligence and estimable character. He was a member of the C.M.B.A. The funeral will be held from the Sacred Heart Church Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock. Interment will be made in St. Mary’s cemetery. [To view Michael’s headstone see, Findagrave.]
It is of interest to note that the first horse ever used by the Niagara Falls fire department was purchased from Mr. Culleton.
From the above obituary it appeared that Michael was a widower. However, an obituary from the Niagara Falls Gazette (11 February 1907) revealed that he was survived by his spouse, but the Gazette made no mention of the horse he sold to the fire department.
“Michael Culliton, a resident of this city for the last 40 years died at his home no. 137 South Avenue this morning. The deceased was 63 years old. Besides his wife he is survived by four daughters Alice, C.; Nellie G.; Margaret W. Culliton and Mrs. Daul (sic) Curry and three sons James V.; Thomas F.; and Edward J. Culliton, all of this city. The deceased was for a long time employed by the Erie railroad but of late had engaged in the milk business.“
The 1900 Census
The 1900 Federal Census provided that Michael Culliton was born in August 1843, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1865. His wife, Anastasia was born in August 1850, and she emigrated in 1870. The couple were married 27 years (c. 1873) and 8 children were born, but only 7 children were alive in 1900. The family lived at 1317 South Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York.
Michael Culliton’s Family
From cemetery markers etc. we were able to glean that Anastasia Culliton’s (1850-1919) maiden name was Costello. The children were: (1) James Culliton (1874-1920); (2) Mary A. Culliton (b. 1876); (3) Thomas Culliton (b. 1878); (4) John J. Culliton (1882-1882); (5) Nellie G. Culliton Albright (1883-1950); (6) Margaret W. Culliton Savage (1884-1964); (7) Edward J. Culliton and (8) Joseph Culliton (b. 1887).
For interesting information concerning, Niagara Falls, New York, see “The Movement to Save Niagara Falls,” (2025) on New York Almanack website.
James Culliton (1847-1927) Native of Kilbride, Glenmore
The Buffalo News (Wed. 10 Aug. 1927, p. 29) published the following obituary which highlighted some important events that occurred in Buffalo while James lived there.
“James Culliton—One of the first Buffalonians who had his residence “north of Cold Spring,” has passed from the neighbourhood which was a wilderness when he went to live there 48 years ago. He is James Culliton, who celebrated his 79th birthday a couple of weeks ago on the same spot, 2977 Main Street, where he first settled in Buffalo in 1879.
Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Mr. Culliton came to America in 1869 at the age of 19. He first located at Niagara Falls, where he was employed for a time by the New York Central. In a few years, he went to work for the Erie railroad, moving to Buffalo where he continued in that Company’s employ for 51 years. [Editor’s note–Buffalo is approximately 20 miles from Niagara Falls, New York.]
Buffalo’s greatest growth has come during the span of close to half a century during which Mr. Culliton lived here. He saw its population more than double and Central Park Region change from an uninhabited area of woods and fields to one of the principal residence sections of the city. President McKinley’s assassination and the public upheaval which followed were all a part of Mr. Culliton’s memories of earlier Buffalo.
Mr. Culliton is survived by four sons and three daughters, all residents of Buffalo. They are: Edward H.; William C.; Richard J.; Joseph E.; and Miss Catherine M. Culliton; Mrs. Hannah Madigan and Mrs. John Brennan. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. from Saint Joseph’s Church, 3269 Main Street. Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery. The Rev. Joseph Schemel, pastor of Saint Joseph’s will officiate.” To view James’s headstone see Findagrave.
James was a widower at the time of his death in 1927. His wife, Johanna died in 1918. (The Buffalo Times, Fri 1 Nov. 1918, p. 13).
Mrs. Johanna Culliton—The funeral of Mrs. Johanna Culliton, who died at her late home, No. 2977 Main Street, will be held tomorrow morning at 2 o’clock (sic), from St. Joseph’s Church, Main St. Mrs. Culliton was born in Ireland, and came to this country 40 years ago, residing first at Niagara Falls. She had been a resident of Buffalo for 29 years. She was one of Buffalo’s most respected and esteemed residents and hosts of friends mourn her sudden and unexpected death. She is survived by four sons, William C., Richard, J.; Edward H.; and Joseph Culliton, and three daughters, Mrs. Jeremiah Brennan; Mrs. S.V. Madigan; and Caroline Culliton. Interment will be at St. Mary’s cemetery, Niagara Falls.
Thus, James was buried in Mount Calvary of Buffalo and his wife was buried in St. Mary’s of Niagara Falls, however no grave could be located for Johanna Culliton (c. 1853-1918).
1910 Census
In the 1910 Federal Census, (Buffalo Ward 17) James Culliton was 61 years of age and recorded that he had been married for 40 years. He emigrated in 1870 and was naturalized. His wife was Johanna and she emigrated from Ireland in 1868. They had 10 children and 7 of the children were living at the time of the 1910 census. James worked for a railroad as a section foreman.
James Culliton’s Family
Identifying the children of this family proved difficult because it appears that in different census the children were identified by different names and family members were identified with different dates of birth. For example, in the 1900 Federal Census the father James was reported as being born in September 1850 and his wife Johanna was born in January 1853. In the 1880 Federal Census James was 32 (b.c. 1848) and Johanna was 30 (b.c. 1850). It was recorded that James could not read or write which may explain the different dates given across various records. Known children located in Census and cemetery markers include: (1) James Culliton (b.c. 1871 per 1875 State Census); (2) Mary Culliton (c. 1874) married Jeremiah Brennan in 1902; (3) William C. Culliton (c. 1875-1955); (4) John Culliton (b.c. 1877); (5) Edward H. Culliton (1879-1960); (6) Richard J. Culliton (b.c. 1881); (7) Catherine Culliton (b.c. 1885-1947); (8) Johanna “Anna” Culliton Madigan (b.c. 1886) and (9) E. Joseph Culliton (1886-1935).
The Culleton Families of Kilbride, Glenmore
Michael Culliton (1843-1907) and his brother James Culliton (1843-1927) were baptized respectively at Kilbride, on 11 August 1843, and 9 June 1847, the sons of James Culliton and his wife Mary Murphy. To determine which Kilbride family the brothers belonged we examined headstones for both families as well as parish records.
Family A–Johnny Culleton line
Johnny Culleton (1911-1998) m. Maggie Reid (c. 1918 -2009)
Johnny’s parents: James Culleton (1867 -1962) m. Hannah Grace (c. 1873 -1950)
Johnny’s grandparents: John Culleton (1836-1882) m. Bridget Walsh (c. 1876 -1917)
Johnny’s great-grandparents: James Culleton (c. 1807 -1847) m. Mary Murphy
Thus, Michael Culliton (1843-1907) and James Culliton (1847-1927) were Johnny Culleton’s (1911-1998) great uncles or Johnny’s grandfather John’s brothers.
Family B–Jim Culleton line
Given the names Michael and James it was initially believed that the two brothers were from Jim’s line. We have included this line for completeness. For more information on this line see our post of 26 August 2024 and 8 October 2020 concerning Patrick Culleton (b. 1848) the son of Michael Culleton and his wife Ellen Morrissy.
Jim Culleton (c. 1927-2012 m. Anna Brennan ( c. 1933- 2025)
Jim’s parents: Michael Culleton (1878-1968) m. Alice Hartley (1895-1982)
Jim’s grandparents: James Culleton (1845-1912) m. Margaret O’Connor (c. 1840-1918)
Jim’s great-grandparents: Michael Colleton (sic) m. Ellen Morrissy
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Special thanks to everyone who was contacted today for information including: Michael Roche; Paschal Roche; Mary Doherty née Culleton; Michael Hoynes and Ann O’Rourke.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of Niagara Falls, New York, is courtesy of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “The great cataract of Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.A. [Hand-colored view. 1850-1930]” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/cbe58960-c55c-012f-c5eb-58d385a7bc34
The photo of the tug pulling a ship through ice at Buffalo, New York in May 1869 is courtesy of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Tug and vessel in the ice, May 1869.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/cca47580-c553-012f-ee68-58d385a7bc34
1798: “The Rebels Are Gone to Glenmore”
Every month old newspapers are added to the various historical online newspaper services. Thus, every couple of months we perform generic searches among the added newspapers to try to find new information regarding Glenmore. Today, we feature 3 articles. The oldest is an article from June 1798 where a person in Waterford wrote to an English newspaper describing his understanding of the Battle of Ross and that the rebels “had gone to Glenmore.” The second found article provides the date when Glenmore parish was given land to build St. James and the final article concerns a Glenmore woman who died in 1826 at the age of 100.
Rebels to Glenmore
The Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal (Tues. 12 June 1798, p. 4) published the following article:
“Of this engagement the following is the account given in a private letter brought by the Waterford mail which arrived this morning. WATERFORD, June 6. I promised to give you of the battle—a dreadful battle indeed for Ireland! It commenced yesterday morning at four o’clock, and ended at seven. The rebels began the attack. They engaged the King’s troops with hellish fury, and the rebels were alternatively in possession of Ross. About 3,000 of the later are killed; but we do not know what number of our troops and officers have fallen. The town of Ross is almost burnt to ashes. If we had 2,000 more troops not a rebel would have been left; but 2,000 men were not enough for 20,000. All the Ross people are come to here. The ladies are gone to England. The rebels are gone to Glenmore and the communication with Ross by land we fear is cut off. All here is consternation! Our yeomanry behaved wonderfully.”
“New Ross, the theatre of the engagement here mentioned, is a market town in the county of Wexford, and is situated near the confluence of the rivers Nore and Barrow. It is on of the Staple ports for exporting wool. It has a barrack for a troop of horse, and is strongly defended on the Kilkenny side by the river, which is not fordable, but over which there is a ferry. It is situated 15 miles west of Wexford , and 67 southwest of Dublin.”
For further information on Glenmore in 1798 see our post of 22 February 2020. For further information on Gaffney’s Mill see our post of 6 April 2025.
Land Given for the Glenmore Church
Just five years after the 1798 Rebellion the Earl of Bessborough gave an acre of land to the Parish of Glenmore to build the Catholic Church of St. James. Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often remarked that the Earl must have been a kind man because he did not in any apparent way punish the family of William Gaffney (c. 1762-1798) the executed Glenmore miller and leader of the local United Irishmen.
Prior to the building of St. James’s Church there was a church hidden in Hanrahan’s field across from the present creamery. See our post of 16 November 2018 for a brief history of St. James’s which was consecrated 1813.
“The Earl of Bessborough has very liberally granted an acre of land in the parish of Glenmore, in the County of Kilkenny, to erect a chapel on, for the Divine Worship and adoration of the Author of All Good, for which his Lordship has received the sincere thanks of the Rev. Dr. Malley, P.P. and the Roman Catholic gentlemen, farmers, and inhabitants of the parish” (Saunders’s News-Letter, Thur. 27 Oct. 1803).
We believe this gift was from the third Earl of Bessborough, Frederick Ponsonby (1758-1844). He inherited the Bessborough title and lands upon the death of his father, William Ponsonby, the second Earl of Bessborough, in 1793. For further details regarding Frederick Ponsonby, his wife, Lady Henrietta Spencer and their daughter Lady Caroline Lamb’s scandalous affair with Lord Byron, see Marjorie Bloy, A Web of English History website.
The Death of Mrs. Kennedy of Rathinure, Glenmore
Mrs. Kennedy’s death in April 1826 was published in a Dublin and a London newspaper.
“At Rathnure (sic), Parish of Glenmore, County of Kilkenny, Mrs. Kennedy, aged 100 years. She retained her faculties unimpaired to the last moment of her existence; she was remarkable for her cheerful and charitable disposition, which endeared her alike to the young and the old” (Dublin Morning Register, Thurs. 27 April 1826, p. 4). A shortened death notice was published in Baldwin’s London Weekly Journal (Sat. 6 May 1826, p. 1) giving her date of death as 22 April 1826.
Unfortunately the combined Slieverue/Glenmore parish death records ceased long before 1826. Although a local newspaper probably reported this death and other newspapers then carried the story, we were unable to locate the original local article. Perhaps we will learn more about this lady as more historical newspapers are digitalized.
Please send any corrections and further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Rose Strange (1847-1935) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
As we sort through the vast amount of material Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected over 7 decades our progress is often hampered when interesting interviews or clippings send us looking for more information. Such was the case of an 1880 Kilkenny Journal article announcing a Waterford Prize winner.
Kilkenny Journal (10 Nov. 1880)
The Proprietors of “Society,” a London publication, announced that they awarded the prize for the best Parody of Sir Walter Scott’s lines, “Breathes there a man,” etc. to Miss Rose Strange, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, Waterford. (To read the original poem see, Scottish Poetry Library.) The original poem questions whether there exists any man with such an empty heart and dead soul that he has no love for his country. The prize winning parody penned by Miss Rose Strange is:
Lives there a man who once loved sound,
Of echoing horn and baying hound,
When Autumn yellows o’er the plain,
Feels not his soul within him burn,
Feels no bright dreams of youth return,
With Winter’s glorious sport again,
Oh, be there such, whose heart is stealth,
The cities’ toil, the race for wealth,
Has stolen away, or made too cold,
To quicken as in days of old,
When the good hunt came sweeping by,
With all its’ gladsome revelry,
Masters of thousands though he be,
Broad through his acres, poor is he,
Vainly for him good steed shall neigh,
Life’s keenest joy has “Gone Away.”
Who was Miss Rose Strange of Aylwardstown, Glenmore?
We could not locate a Miss Rose Strange born at Aylwardstown. However, we did locate Rose Charlotte Strange who was baptized on 11 August 1847 at Trinity Within of Waterford City. Her father was recorded as Thomas Strange, but her mother and godparents were not recorded. Rose C. Strange was the daughter of solicitor Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) and his wife Mary Strange née Nevins (1821-1909). Thomas Fitzgerald Strange (1812-1897) was born and raised at Aylwardstown. According to Danny, in the 1830’s Thomas and one of his brothers moved to Waterford where they purchased the Waterford Chronicle newspaper. For a history of the Strange family in Aylwardstown see, Danny Dowling (1996) “Cardinal WIseman & His Association WIth South Kilkenny” (Kilkenny Archaeological Society, p. 38).
While Thomas F. Strange went to Waterford and became a solicitor his eldest brother Peter Strange (1805-1872) remained in Aylwardstown. Although Peter did not marry the parish records reveal that he had an illegitimate son also named Peter Strange. The infant was baptized at Glenmore on 4 July 1840. He was born at Roachestown (sic) and his mother was Mary Forestal. It is not known what became of this infant. Peter Strange (1805-1872) never married, and when he died in 1872 he left Aylwardstown to his nephew Thomas Alexander Strange (1856-1907) and Rochestown to his niece Rose Charlotte Strange (Danny Dowling, p. 43). See our post of 9 February 2025 for a letter written in 1873 to James Heffernan of Glenmore, Wisconsin, which provides details regarding Peter Strange’s (1805-1872) death and the refusal of the Glenmore Parish Priest to pray for him or bury him.
We believe that Thomas A. Strange and his sister Rose C. Strange took up residence in Aylwardstown House. The newspapers of the era refer to Mr. and Miss Strange of Aylwardstown House attending many hunts with Lord Waterford and others.
Siblings of Rose C. Strange (1847-1935)
Thomas Fitzgerald Strange (1812-1897) married Maria Nevins (1821-1909 ) on 9 December 1845 in Holy Trinity, Parish of Brikenhead, Cheshire, England. In addition to Rose C. Strange (1847-1935) and Thomas A. Strange (1856-1907) the couple had 3 more daughters and another son.
[1] Agnes Mary Strange (1850-1947) died 23 October 1947 at East Ferry, Ballincura, Middleton, Ireland. Agnes never married. She apparently liked to travel and went to the US several times. Agnes died of influenza at the age of 97.
[2] Grace or Frances Strange (1854-1946). Grace Strange died on 18 May 1946 at East Ferry at the age of 91. She was a retired nurse and spinster.
[3] Mary Strange (1852-1942) died at Ballincura, Middleton, Cork. In 1913 she sought to become the executor of her father Thomas F. Strange’s estate. Her mother and brother, Laurence C. Strange had commenced the Estate in March 1897, but due to circumstances discussed below the Estate was never administered. Mary Strange, spinster was granted letters. In 1913 the Estate was worth £550 5s. 4d.
[4] Laurence Charles “Charlie” Strange (1858-1902) was baptized 12 August 1858 at Tramore. On the record his mother is incorrectly listed as Mary Burns. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a solicitor in 1883. The following year, Laurence Charles Strange of 6 Harcourt Row (solicitor) married Letitia Janette Scott daughter of James Scott (gentleman) of 23 Upper Sheriff St. Dublin. The couple were married at St. Barnabas, Church of Ireland on 20 December 1884.
The Aunt, Eliza Chapman née Strange (c. 1807-1881)
Peter (1805-1872) and Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) had a sister Mary Elizabeth or Eliza Strange. Eliza married Edward Chapman on 28 August 1832 at Glenmore. Edward Morgan Chapman, Esq. of Ringwood, the Rower, died on 18 May 1852 at the age of 48 (Dublin Evening Mail, Mon. 31 May 1852, p. 3). The couple do not appear to have had any children. In 1863, Eliza sought to sell the lands she held at Busherstown (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 25 Feb. 1863, p. 1).
At some point before her death in 1881 Eliza Chapman née Strange returned to live in her childhood home in Aylwardstown. Eliza Chapman died 18th January 1881 at Aylwardstown. She was a 73 year old widow of a gentleman. Her nephew, Thomas Strange, was with her during her last illness. According to the death register she died of “severe pain probably in connection with curvature of the spine and old age.” When Eliza Chapman died she named her brother Thomas F. Strange as her executor and her secondary beneficiary was Rose Charlotte Strange. (Calendar of Wills and Administrations, 1852-1922).
Shortly after the death of Eliza her nephew, Thomas A. Strange began selling Aylwardstown. See our post of 8 January 2024 to learn what happened to Thomas A. Strange after he sold Aylwardstown circa 1883. Thus, just three years after Rose Strange won the poetry contest “life’s keenest joy” hunting went away. Mary Eliza Chapman née Strange is the only woman listed on the Strange family stone in Kilivory Cemetery, Glenmore.
The Marriage of Rose C. Strange (1847-1935)
In the later part of 1889, Rose C. Strange married William Weekes Nevins (1853-1904) in Dublin South. They were not married in a Catholic Church. She was William’s second wife. His first wife Clara, died earlier in 1889. At the time of their marriage Rose was 42 years of age and about 6 years older than William Weekes Nevins (1853-1904) . William had a daughter, Gertrude Nevins (b.c. 1874) from his first marriage. Gertrude Nevins, aged 23, married William Charles Seaton (aged 28) on 16 January 1897. His father was Walter Lewis Seaton (gentleman). In 1901 William and Rose were living in Lambeth, London at 39 Electric Avenue. The 1901 census provides that William was born in Canada and listed no profession or trade in the census.
One Tragedy After Another
In the 1901 Census, Laurence C. “Charlie” Strange (solicitor) was a guest at a home in Greystones, Dublin. He refused to provide his religion to the census taker. In Waterford, his wife, Janette Strange was listed as the head of the house on Mary Street. She was 37 years of age. Her sister-in-law (sic) Frances E. Scott, was 39 and not married. Both ladies were Church of Ireland members and born in Dublin. Also living with them was Laurence Strange (cousin) solicitor, aged 30, born in County Kildare. Laurence Strange, cousin, was part of the Strange and Strange law firm of Waterford. We believe that he was the son of Richard Strange, J.P. (1824-1877) another brother of Thomas F. Strange ( 1812-1897). Laurence “Laurie” Strange was baptised on 13 February 1871 at Graney, Rashvilly, Union of Baltinglass.
Death of Laurence Charles Strange (1858-1902)
At the end of the Boer War, Laurence C. Strange was appointed to take a position in South Africa as an Assistant Crown Prosecutor. He traveled to South Africa and shortly after arriving died on 8 December 1902. He was 42 years of age and died of acute nephritis which he suffered with for 8 days. He is buried in the Klerksdorp Old Municipal Cemetery.
Death of an ex-Mayor of Waterford–News reached Waterford on Tuesday of the death at Klerksdop, Transvaal, of Mr. Laurence C. Strange, solicitor, formerly of the firm of Strange and Strange, solicitors, Waterford. Mr. Strange who was, comparatively speaking, a young man, was prominently identified with local, Municipal, and political affairs for many years. He was Mayor of Waterford in 1899. He went to South Africa early last year, and shortly after the termination of the war was appointed Assistant Crown Prosecutor at Klerksdorp (Evening Herald, Thur. 8 Jan. 1903, p. 3).
Death of Laurence “Laurie” Strange (1871-1903)
Twelve months later, Laurence “Laurie” Strange died in Denver Colorado. DEATH OF MR. LAURIE Strange—The death is announced at Denver City, Colorado, of Mr. Laurence Strange, solicitor, formerly of Waterford. The deceased gentleman, who was admitted a solicitor in 1893, contracted a severe cold some time ago, and serious lung trouble supervening, he went to Colorado, thinking that its climate might stay the ravages of the disease. He was cousin to the late Mr. L.C. Strange (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Dec. 1903, p. 8).
Death of Letitia Jannette Strange née Scott (c. 1854-1904)
Laurence C. Strange’s 40 year old widow, Letitia Jannette Strange died in London on 20 January 1904.
Death of Mrs. L C Strange—We regret to announce this evening the death of Mrs. L C Strange, which took place this morning at Somerleyton Road, Brixton. She was widow of the late Mr. L C Strange, solr., ex-Mayor of Waterford. We also announce with regret the death of Mr. William Nevins, the brother-in-law of Mr. L C Strange, solr., which was coincident with that of Mrs. Strange. These dual announcements will doubtless be heard with much regret (Waterford Chronicle, Wed. 20 January 1904, p. 2). It is not clear how the two deaths are coincident, but it is assumed that Janette Strange was visiting her sister-in-law Rose C. Nevins née Strange when she died.
East Ferry House, Ballincurra, Middleton, Cork
At some point Rose C. Nevin née Strange returned to Ireland and lived in Cork. Either she joined her three spinster sisters or they joined her. Rose Charlotte Strange (1848-1935) died 15 September 1935 at East Ferry House, Ballincurra, Middleton, Cork. At the time of her death she was an 88 year old widow and her death cert notes she was a “Lady of Independent means.” She was the first of the four sisters to die. Both of her brothers pre-deceased her.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: “The Land Grabbers”
While sorting through some of Danny’s vast collection yesterday, I came across the lyrics of a song published in the Kilkenny Journal on Christmas Day 1880. The title of the song is “The Land Grabbers” and it is was sung to the “King O’Toole” air.
When the Land League formed it was determined that in order to put pressure on landlords pressure would be placed also on people not to move into the property where the eviction occurred. It was hoped that if the property was idle a settlement between the evicted tenant and landlord would be reached, and the tenant returned to the property.
If a person moved onto the property he would be identified by the local chapter of the Land League as a “land grabber.” In several local cases houses and farms were idle for three or more years because no one was willing to take up the property for fear of being labelled a “land grabber.” Thus, landlords who believed that they could evict and find a better tenant or secure more rent were risking the property sitting idle for years.
Contemporary newspapers accounts reveal that the “land grabber” when spotted in a town or village would be followed by one or more persons ringing bells to attract attention. People would not deal with a land grabber. For example, merchants and publicans would refuse to sell anything to a land grabber and likewise the land grabber’s cattle, pigs and crops would not be bought on market days. A person who dealt with a land grabber risked the wrath of the members of the Land League and its supporters. (For a concise history of the era see, Joe Pellegrino, Irish History Since 1850.)
Glenmore Branch of the Land League
The Glenmore Branch of the Land League was formed in October 1880. Father Michael Cody, a native of Carrickcloney, Glenmore, and the Curate of Mullinavat, was arrested in December 1880 for making “threats” to a Land Grabber in Mullinavat. Shortly thereafter these lyrics were published in the Dublin Weekly News on Sat., 18 Dec. 1880 (p. 5) and in the Kilkenny Journal on Christmas Day.
See our post of 8 March 2020 regarding the Glenmore Land League and the Ballyfacey Evictions
See also our post of 14 June 2020, Creative Boycotting in Late 19th Century Ireland.
The Land Grabber Verse
“The Land Grabbers” (Air—King O’Toole)
Ring the Bell! Ring the Bell; Ring it up and down!
Ding-a-dong! Ding-a-dong; a Grabber is in town!
His goods are in the market, but there we’ll let them lie,
He’ll have to take them home again, for nobody will buy.
Dong-a-dong! Ding-a-dong! Rattle well the bell;
The Grabber wants to buy things; but nobody will sell,
For his silver or his coppers, no matter how they clink,
He cannot get a bit to eat, or get a drop to drink.
Ring the bell! Ring the bell! What will the Grabber do?
For riding on the highway his horse has lost a shoe,
But not a single blacksmith can anywhere be found,
To hammer in a nail for him, in all the country round.
Ding-a-dong! Ding-a-dong! His servants will not stay,
The men have all deserted him—the women ran away,
He has to make his beds, and wash his bits of delft,
And when he wants his dinner, he must cook it for himself.
Ring the Bell! Ring the Bell!—The landlord oft is bad,
The agent and his bailiffs are enough to drive one mad,
But of all the hateful robbers by whom our land is curst,
Since Cromwell came to plunder us, the grabber is the worst,
In the Nation.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The “Weaver Walsh” Family of Glenmore Village
Walsh is a common name in the southeast of Ireland. To distinguish the various families in the parish of Glenmore nicknames were used. Often there was no known reason regarding how the nicknames were chosen, however the “Weaver Walsh” got their name from the work or trade of weaving.
Old Jack “the Weaver” Walsh
The “Weaver” Walshes of Glenmore Village all descended from Old Jack “The Weaver” Walsh. Jack was born near Campile, Wexford and as a young man came to Glenmore Village to work as a weaver in Gafney’s “tuck” mill. Sheets and shirts were made in the tuck mill (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal , on 24 November 1977, DD Notebook 5, p. 18).
After Jack came to Glenmore he married Anty Gill (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, on 10 Sept. 1968, DD Notebook 19, p. 21). Anty’s name in the baptismal records for her sons is recorded as Anstice Gall or Gill. Nicky “the Miller” Forristal (1888-1977) told Danny Dowling (1927-2021) that the couple had five children.
(1) Patrick Walsh (bapt. 12 March 1829) was the eldest. Nicky revealed that Paddy married Mary Haberlin, of Rochestown, Glenmore and they had one son, Jim Walsh.
(2) Henry Walsh went to England had no family. In the Glenmore parish records we found that Henry was baptized 11 March 1831.
(3) Anty Walsh died young.
(4) Alice Walsh married, unfortunately “Nicky the Miller” did not reveal the name of her husband.
(5) Mary Walsh married. Again the name of her husband was not revealed or recorded.
Old Jack “the Weaver” Walsh was a great fighting man. He was always cutting blackthorn sticks. He would name his sticks. One was called “Can Jury Square.” Nicky “the Miller” Forristal noted that Old Jack died without a priest and opined that he was a fine man.
Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh (1829-1909)
Nicky “the Miller” Forristal knew Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh of Glenmore. Nicky recalled hearing that either he (Paddy) or his father (Jack) worked on the building of the Haggard Line. This was a Famine relief scheme to build a road to Mullinavat. It was never completed because the funds ran out. It started at the bridges in Ballybrahee and went on through Tom Mullin’s land. Another section came out at Sean Jim’s cottage at the fringe of Bishopsmountain. Workers got 10 d a day with “no grub.” A man and horse with cart got 2/4 per day. “A store of yellow meal was 2/6.” (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, on 22 June 1957, DD Notebook 5, p. 2).
Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh married Mary Haberlin on 16 February 1863 at Glenmore. At least two sons were born to the couple. John Walsh was born in 1869, and James Walsh was born in 1870.
Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh was like his father regarded as a fine fighter and also prepared black thorn sticks for his faction. For further information on faction fighting and Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh, see our post of 20 May 2021. Paddy “the Weaver” Walsh died on the 9th of August 1909 at the age of 75 (he was actually 80) from cancer of the sternum. His grandson, Patrick Walsh was present when he died.
James “Jim the Weaver” Walsh (1870-1960?)
We previously published an article regarding Jim Walsh where he was interviewed about his working life. Please see our post of 31 October 2020.
In the article Jim did not discuss his three wives or his children. On 13 November 1895, James Walsh (labourer) married Margaret Brophy (1871-1906) of Robinstown, at Glenmore. His father was Patrick Walsh (labourer) and her father was James Brophy (labourer). Five children were born to this marriage.
[1] Paddy Walsh—has a registered birth date of 12 April 1896. However, the Glenmore parish records reveal he was baptised the 25th of December 1895. According to Danny Dowling’s notes Paddy Walsh “went away a young man in the army. He never came back.”
[2] Stasia—Anastatia Walsh was baptized 24 October 1897. According to Danny Dowling’s notes she married a man by the name of O’Neill in Belmount.
[3] John Walsh was born the 23rd of December 1899.
[4] Mary Walsh was born the 1st of January 1902. According to Danny Dowling’s notes Mary went to Dublin and was living in Bray.
[5] Jim “the Duck” Walsh was born 7 March 1904 [For Danny Dowling’s notes on “the Duck” see below].
Traínín Cutting
Maggie Walsh née Brophy used to cut and harvest traíníns. It was seasonal work for women to supplement their household income. Traínín is a type of long grass growing in fields. It has a small yellowish head with small pointed seeds. The women cut the traínín with a hook. The women then separated the seed from the stalk by hand. There was a market for the seed in Waterford (Interview of Nicky “the Miller” Forristal, on 20 Feb. 1961, DD Notebook 27A, p. 10).
The 1901 Census
The 1901 Census for Graiguenakill, Glenmore, is interesting because it shows the impact the building of the railway was having in Glenmore.
Patrick Walsh, aged 67, widower, farm labourer;
James Walsh, son aged 30, general labourer;
Margaret Walsh, daughter-in-law, aged 30;
Patrick Walsh, aged 5 grandson;
Anastatia Walsh, aged 3; and
John Walsh, aged 1.
Six Lodgers were also in the cottage along with the growing family:
Joseph Davis aged 43, railway navvy, not married;
Patrick Murphy, aged 21, railway navvy, not married;
Patrick Murphy, aged 24, railway navvy, not married;
John Bradley, aged 20, railway navvy, not married;
Jermiah Denehy, aged 43, railway navvy, not married; and
Patrick Wall, aged 44, married, railway navvy.
Margaret Walsh died 24 Deceber 1906, aged 35 of TB, her brother Peter Brophy, of Mullinavat was present at her death.
The 1911 Census provides that James Walsh was the head of the family, aged 37, widower, and four of his children were at home. His eldest son, Paddy Walsh was not in the household in 1911 and may have already joined the army.
James “Jim the Duck” Walsh (b. 1904) of Glenmore Village
According to Danny’s notes Jim went away a young man. He was called “the Duck”. He was the last of “the first clutch” of James.
When “the Duck” was young he used to eat all the ripe gooseberries in Fr. Bergin’s garden. One day Fr. Bergin caught him under the school and said, “Don’t go anymore to the gooseberries, and if you do I’ll turn you into a goat.”
“Well, if you do,” said the Duck, “I’ll eat your cabbage.”
The Duck left Glenmore at a young age returned “an old man.” The Duck lived in a tent on the hill over the Village. He stayed a summer in the 1950’s. Obviously the Duck was not an old man in the 1950’s.
Second Marriage
Jim “the Weaver” Walsh married his second wife Katie Walker, of Irishtown, New Ross. They were married at New Ross on 20 February 1912. Kate was 30 and a spinster. Her father was James Walker (labourer). Jim and Katie had four children. (1) Margaret Walsh (b. 2 January 1919); (2) Alice Walsh (went to Bray to her half sister Mary Walsh (b. 1902); (3) Michael Walsh (b. 5 November 1917); (4) Tom Walsh (b. 8 May 1914). Tom went to Scotland where he lived and died.
After ten years of marriage and four children, Katie Walsh, née Walker died a young woman and the children were all sent away to different homes according to Danny’s notes. The death register provides that Katie Walsh née Walker died on the 8th of July 1922 at the age of 41. The widower, Jim Walsh, was present at her death due to TB. She suffered with the disease for two years before her death.
Third Marriage
According to Danny Dowling’s notes Jim “the Weaver” Walsh married Mary Anne Slattery (1886-1962) a native of Wexford. Jim “the Weaver” Walsh married Mary Anne Slattery on the 11th of October 1922 at Glenmore, just three months after his second wife died. Mary Anne was working and living in Forristalstown, Glenmore as a servant. Her father was listed as Walter Slattery (sailor).
Very little is known about Mary Anne Walsh née Slattery Walsh, however in his list of residents in 1961, Danny recorded Mary Ann Walsh (4 Jan. 1886-16 July 1962). Her husband, Jim “the Weaver” Walsh is not on Danny’s list, and it is presumed he was dead. There was apparently a child from Jim “the Weaver’s” third marriage. In 1961, Danny recorded that Walter Walsh (b. 1933) was living with his mother Mary Ann. Walter Walsh worked at Stafford’s and later moved to New Ross.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
There is no way of knowing what type of loom Old Jack “the Weaver” Walsh used in Gaffney’s Mill. The featured drawing above is the Thomas’s fancy loom, Lewiston which was used in the 19th century. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Thomas’s fancy loom, Lewiston.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/627ee880-c53e-012f-94a7-58d385a7bc34
A Glenmore Landlord: Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq. (1819-1860) of Ringville House [Update]
After our recent post regarding landlord John L. Conn (1812-1893) one reader queried Francis Harvey Devereux. A quick check revealed that Francis H. Devereux lived in Ringville House from 1853 until his death in 1860 (“Kilkenny History, Misc. Houses”).
Land sales advertised at the time of his death provides that in addition to 70 acres at Ringville he was the landlord of Carrignurra, Slieverue and part of Davidstown, Glenmore. This landlord was unusual in that he was a barrister and a Roman Catholic. Additionally, he publicly and financially supported a tenant’s case before a Committee of the House of Commons.
Parents of Francis H. Devereux
Francis Harvey Devereux was baptized on 5 January 1819 at St. Mary’s of Kilkenny City. He was the eldest son of Harvey Devereux (1790-1847) and his wife, Margaret née Smithwick (1798-?). His godfather was Sir William Mavrice.
His father, Harvey Devereux, was baptised on 16 June 1790 at St. Mary’s of Kilkenny City. Harvey Devereux’s parents were Frank Devereaux (sic) and his wife Eleanor Reade.
His mother, Margaret Smithwick, was baptised 21 March 1798 at St. Mary’s, Kilkenny City the daughter of John Smithwick (1763-1842) and his wife, Catherine Butler (1762-1865?).
Siblings of Francis H. Devereux
Harvey Devereux and his wife Margaret Smithwick had at least 7 children comprised of at least one son and six daughters.
(1) Francis Devereux (1819)
(2) Cathrine Devereux (1820)
(3) Lettitia Devereux (1821) married John Bagnall, Esq. of York St., Dublin, a Solicitor in 1840. (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial Literary Advertiser (Wed. 22 April 1840, p. 3).
(4) Margaret Devereux (1823) at Kilkenny married in 1851, James Edmond Howlet, eldest son of Doctor Howlett, of New Ross (Dublin Weekly Nation, Sat. 4 Oct. 1851, p. 14).
(5) Mary Catherine Devereux (1828) died on the 8th of June 1840. (Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 11 June 1840, p. 2).
(6) Marian “Mary Anne” Devereux (1829) died the 25th of April 1835 of scarletina, aged 6. (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, Wed. 29 April 1835, p. 3).
(7) Mary Frances Devereux (1831). “Frances” the youngest daughter of Harvey Devereux died aged 5 (Waterford Chronicle, Sat. 18 April 1835 p. 7).
It isn’t clear if Catherine was known as Ellen or if there was another sister. In any event, Ellen Devereux married Bernard William Delany in 1848. “On the 2nd instant [May] in Kilkenny, by the Right Rev. Doctor Walshe, Catholic Bishop of Ossory, Bernard William Delaney, Esq. of Cools, County Westmeath, eldest son of William Delaney, Esq. of Durrow, to Ellen, daughter of the late Harvey Devereux, Esq. of Kilkenny”(Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 4 May 1848, p. 4).
Harvey Devereux was a solicitor and the family lived on Patrick Street in Kilkenny City (Dublin Evening Post, Sat. 1 Oct. 1825, p. 2). Harvey Devereux was a sub-Sheriff of Kilkenny then circa 1822 he became the Secretary to the Kilkenny Grand Jury. He held this post until his death on the 24th of February in 1847 at Kilkenny (Weekly Freeman’s Journal, Sat. 6 March 1847, p. 8). While Francis Harvey was a child his father joined with others, including the Marquis of Ormond, and placed land deeds in the names of their sons.
Francis Harvey Devereux, Barrister-at-Law
The Dublin Morning Register (Mon. 21 May 1841, p. 3) listed ten men that were called to the Bar. “Francis Harvey Devereux, eldest son of Harvey Devereux, of the City of Kilkenny, Esq.” was one of the ten. The newspaper marked each of the ten new barristers who were Roman Catholics. Francis Harvey Devereux was one of the three men identified as Roman Catholic by the newspaper. He was the only person listed from Kilkenny.
In early 1845 it was publicly announced that the Kilkenny Junction Railway was being formed with the Marquis of Ormond as the Chairman. The standing counsel were John Fleming, Esq. Lincoln’s Inn, London. Mathew O’Donnell and Francis Devereux, Esqrs, Dublin and Kilkenny (Gore’s Liverpool General Advertiser, Thurs. 9 January 1845, p. 3).
In 1847, after the death of his father Francis Harvey Devereux applied for his late father’s job as Secretary to the Grand Jury. The following article appeared in the Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser (Wed. 3 March 1847, p. 2).
“Francis Devereux, Esq.—This gentleman has addressed the Grand Jury as candidate for the office of Secretary to that body, now vacant by the death of his father, who for twenty-five years held that office, and discharged its duties very creditably and correctly. Mr. Devereux’s excellent character, and his familiar acquaintance with the onerous duties of Secretary to the Grand Jury, will, we trust, secure for him his election.” It does not appear that he was successful.
In 1849, Francis Harvey Devereux married his brother-in-law’s sister. The newspapers reported that Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq. of Kilkenny, barrister-at-law, married Fanny Mary, daughter of William Delaney, Esq., JP of Durrow, Queen’s County. The Durrow, Co. Laois, records reveal that Francis Devereux married Frances Delaney (c. 1820-1889) on 9 October 1849 (Limerick Reporter, Tues. 16 Oct. 1849, p. 3).
Ringville House
Lady Esmonde of Ringville House was properly known as Dame Letitia Esmond (c. 1781-1851). She was locally revered for helping the poor and establishing and supporting a school at Ringville “for poor children in the immediate neighbourhood of her residence.” In addition to leaving money to build the Catholic Cathedral in Kilkenny she also left £500 for Masses for the repose of souls including Harvey Devereux, late of Kilkenny City” (Dublin Evening Packet & Correspondent, Thurs. 22 Jan. 1852, p. 3).
See our post of 7 October 2023 which explains that Lady Esmonde’s uncle, Mr. Devereux purchased Ringville from Edmond Forristal. It is assumed that Harvey Devereux was a cousin to Lady Esmonde.
Update of 18 May 2025–In October 1798 “a shocking murder was committed within a few miles of Waterford by an armed bandit, who came to the house of Mr. Devereux, of Ringville, first shot him, and then plundered the house of £600. The circumstances are as follows: After having placed sentinels at the door, the murderers got upstairs, unheard to Mr. Devereux’s room, and demanded his arms; which he having twice refused to give them, two shots were fired through his door, one of instantaneously killed him” (Stamford Mercury, Fri. 2 Nov. 1798, p. 2). “The perpetrator’s of the murder of Nicholas Devereux, Esq. of Ringville, are known” and a strict search is being made for them (Freeman’s Journal, Thurs. 1 Nov. 1798, p. 3).
By 1853, Francis Harvey Devereux was residing in Ringville House. From the description provided in advertisements in 1860 it was a fine house with 9 bedrooms and 3 sitting rooms situated on 70 arable acres. Soon Francis Harvey Devereux was a local magistrate, grand juror and a member of the Board of Guardians. Within a few years he was elected chair of the Waterford Board of Guardians.
From newspapers accounts Francis Harvey Devereux appeared to enjoy his country estate and entered some of his stock in local agricultural shows. He also became a member of the Kilkenny & Southeast of Ireland Archaelogical Society. His neighbours John L. Conn of Mount Ida and Peter Strange, Esq. of Aylwardstown House were also members. (“Back Matter.” The Journal of the Kilkenny and South-East of Ireland Archaeological Society 2, no. 2 (1859). http://www.jstor.org/stable/25502578.)
Perhaps the most surprising information located concerns Francis Harvey Devereux’s support for a tenant’s case before a committee of the House of Commons. Not only did he provide a £5 subscription to help fund the tenant’s case he wrote a letter of support and provided legal analysis of how a proposed piece of legislation would gravely injure tenants in Ireland and Scotland (Freeman’s Journal, Fri. 4 March 1853, p. 3).
Rise & Demise of Francis Harvey Devereux
Mr. Christmas of the Waterford Board of Guardians, in 1856, “proposed that Francis Harvey Devereux, a gentleman who had filled the office of Chairman during the last year with great ability and zeal, be re-elected to fill that honourable and onerous position during the ensuing one.” He was unanimously elected (Waterford Mail, Sat. 29 March 1856, p. 2).
A year later Francis Harvey Devereux and his wife had their daughter Elizabeth Devereux baptized at St. Mary’s of Kilkenny on 18 February 1857. This is the only baptismal record we could find for a child of the couple.
In the General Election of 1857 Francis Harvey Devereux ran for the Kilkenny City seat. He lost by 41 votes to Michael Sullivan the Independent Irish candidate.
In early 1858, it was announced that “Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq., of Ringville, has, in consequence of ill health, withdrawn from the Chairmanship of the Waterford Board of Guardians (Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser, Wed. 3 March 1858, p. 2).
On April 12, 1860 “in his forty-first year, Francis Harvey Devereux, Esq., J.P., of Ringville, County Kilkenny, a gentleman much and deservedly esteemed as a magistrate and grand juror, chairman of Waterford union, a director of the Waterford and Kilkenny Railway company, or in the capacity of a private gentleman, and in the family circle. The funeral procession from the residence of his brother-in-law, Bernard W. Delany, Esq., Castlewood, for the family burying place at Thomastown, was largely attended on Monday last by all classes of the community. R.I.P. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 20 April 1860, p. 2).
Sale of Land Interests
Shortly before the death of Francis Harvey Devereux his interest in various lands were sold. In County Tipperary, for example, two lots were sold on the 16th of March.
LOT 1—Part of the lands of Currilough called Stonepark, containing 18, 2r, 27 p, Irish measure, and producing a net annual rent of £21 5s 10d, and of an estimated value of £43 11s 6d. and Lot 2—Other part of the land of Currilogue containing 32a, 1r, 28 p, Irish measure, and producing a net annual rent of £46 10s 2d. (Clonmel Chronicle, Wed. 15 Feb. 1860).
Carrignurra, Slieverue & Part of Davidstown, Glenmore
The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 8 June 1860, p. 3) reported that the lands of Carriganurra in the Estate of Francis H. Devereux, held in fee simple, containing 180 acres with a net rent of £180 19s sold to Mr. Cherry, in trust, for £4,750. A few days later it was revealed that the “townland of Carrignurra, situated in the Barony of Ida and county Kilkenny, the estate of the late Francis H. Devereux, J.P., and containing nearly four hundred acres … sold, in the Landed Estates Court, to John L. Comes )(sic) [Conn] Esq. of Mount Ida, in said county, to whose property it is contiguous, for the sum of £4,750” (Tipperary Free Press, Tues. 12 June 1860, p. 4).
After the sale to Conn the Kilkenny Moderator (Wed. 27 June 1860, p. 1) published a notice “that the Schedule of Incumbrances affecting the lands of Cariganurra, otherwise Carrignora, otherwise Cariganoroe, otherwise Davidstown, situate in the Barony of Ida, and County of Kilkenny, formerly the estate of Francis Harvey Devereux, is lodged with the Clerk of the Records of this Court, and any person having any claim not therein inserted, or objecting thereto, either on account of the amount or the priority of any charge therein reported to him or any other person, or for any other reason, is required to lodge an objection thereto, stating the particulars of his demand, and duly verified, with the said Clerk, on or before the 14th day of July, at 11 o’clock before the Honourable Judge Dobbs, at his Court in Dublin, when instructions will be given for the final settlement of the Schedule…”
It is not clear what encumbrances were associated with the former land of Francis Harvey Devereux other than what he may have agreed with tenants since he owned the land in fee simple.
Auction at Ringville
Within six months of Francis H. Devereux’s untimely death it was advertised that Ringville House and 70 acres would be rented “For such terms as may be agreed.” Of particular note in the advertisement was the fact that a steamer passed every day to and from New Ross and Waterford (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 5 October 1860, p. 1).
County Kilkenny—To be Let, from 29th September Instant, for such terms as may be agreed upon, The House and Demense of Ringville, containing about 70 Irish Acres of primer arable and meadow land. Ringville is beautifully situated over the river Barrow, and commands an extensive view of the picturesque scenery at the entrance of the Waterford Harbour, and afford every facility for the purposes of yachting, fishing and hunting. It is distant five miles from Waterford and eight from New Ross, a steamer passing daily to and from each place. The house is in excellent repair and contains three sitting rooms and nine bedrooms, with suitable offices, garden etc. For particulars as to terms etc. application to be made to E. Smithwick, Esq. Kilkreene, Kilkenny; or B.W. Delany, Esq., Castlewood, Durrow.
An auction of stock, crops, furniture etc. takes place at Ringville on the 1st October.”
Update of 18 May 2025–The Waterford Mail (Mon. 15 Nov. 1869, p. 2) published a notice for the Landed Estates Court of Ireland, in the matter of the estate of John Walter Devereux. Devereux was the owner and petitioner. He was seeking to sell on 7 December 1869, his life estate in part of the lands of Ringville, otherwise, Rochestown. The tract, including Marshes contained 213 statute acres and 24 perches. The land was held in fee and produced a net yearly rent of £284 4s. 7d. Devereux was described as being in his 45th year, and a proposal for an Assurance on his life was accepted by the Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Company for £5,000, at £3 per cent, for which, or for any less sum, a purchaser can take out a policy on payment of the premiums.
[Editor’s note–John Walter Devereux was a solicitor. In 1853 his professional address was 4 Bachelor’s Walk (Thom’s Irish Almanac and Official Directory With the Post Office Dublin City and County Directory, p. 1072.) In 1857 he was at 5 Harcourt St, and Kilkenny (Thom’s Official Directory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: Dublin Directory, p. 1654). It is likely that John Walter Devereux was a brother or cousin of Francis Harvey Devereux].
The Widow
It appears that Frances Devereux died on 31 May 1889 at the age of 69. She lived on William St. in Kilkenny City and was the widow of a solicitor. If this is the correct Frances Devereux she survived her husband by 29 years. Unfortunately, no information could be located regarding their daughter Elizabeth (b. 1857).
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh