19th Century
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The Cursed Ship “Woodstock”
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) for over 70 years recorded what people told him about Glenmore or other places in the Southeast of Ireland. Most of the time he recorded the name of the person who provided information, the date and place of their conversation. Often the notes Danny made were recorded in small notebooks he carried or on the back of documents or on envelopes etc. Danny jotted down notes whenever he encountered anyone who was willing to share information whether it was on the bus, in a pub, in a shop or café or on the street.
One of the notes that Danny recorded concerned “Catherine White” who died on 15 March 1940 at Malgrove Road, Ferrybank when she fell off of a roof. She was aged in her seventies and was married to Paddy Freeman. In September 2025, a Freeman family member contacted us with a correction. Catherine Freeman née White did not die from falling off a roof. Her husband Paddy Freeman died on 6 October 1900 after he fell from the roof of the Waterford Tramore Train Station. He was employed as a carpenter for the railway and was repairing the roof when he fell to his death. See our F Surname page for the newspaper account of his Inquest.
Peter White (1816-1862) and Mary White née Cavanagh (c. 1814 -1881)
This correction led to some of the most interesting research concerning a cursed ship called “Woodstock.” Catherine Freeman née White’s parents were Captain Peter White (1816-1862) of Rosbercon and Mary Cavanagh (c. 1814-1881). Her parents were married at Rosbercon on 21 February 1844. Unfortunately, the marriage record does not provide the names of their parents nor does it provide the address of the bride.
Mary White née Cavanagh (c. 1814-1881)
We believe that Mary White née Cavanagh may have been the daughter of John Cavanagh and his wife Bridget Ribby of Ballyveria, Glenmore who was baptized on 4 April 1815 at Glenmore. If so, she had a brother Patrick Cavanagh baptized 5 March 1811, at Ballyvera (sic) Glenmore.
Known Children of Peter White and Mary White née Cavanagh
Catherine Freeman née White erected a headstone in the Shanbogh Cemetery that provides some information concerning her parents, her husband and her siblings: Martin, Johanna and Mary Joseph. See our Roots page for a photo of the headstone and transcription of the inscription. The other names were obtained from baptismal records and reflect the family moved to Waterford City and then to Slieverue. One of their addresses in Waterford was on Phillip Street off of the Manor (1847 Tithe Applotment Book, The Manor, Waterford City).
[1[ Nicholas White, bapt. 13 Nov. 1844 at Trinity Within, Waterford
[2] Peter White, bapt. 4 January 1847, St. John’s, Waterford
[3] Martin White, bapt. 9 Sept. 1849 at St. John’s, Waterford died 2 July 1882, aged 53 (per the death register Martin White of Rose Lane, died in the Lunatic Asylum of TB).
[4] Mary Joan, bapt. 11 July 1852, St. John’s, Waterford, died young.
[5]Johanna White, bapt. 18 Oct. 1855, Slieverue died 10 Aug. 1893, aged 33.
[6] Catherine Whyte (sic) bapt. 14 June 1858 at Slieverue. Kate White married Patrick Freeman at Slieverue on 28 September 1891. Patrick Freeman died 6 October 1900 aged 38 years. Kate died 15 March 1940.
Capt. Peter White (1816-1862)
Records associated with the British Merchant Navy provide that Peter White was born on 11 March 1816 at Rosbercon. He first went to sea around 1831 or about the age of 15. He obtained a Masters Certificate of Service (No. 48.536) on 1 February 1851 at Gloucester. From newspaper articles and his daughter’s obituary Captain Peter White worked for the William Graves & Sons, shipping company of New Ross, Waterford and Liverpool.
The firm of William Graves and Sons owned and operated ships which traded between U.S. and Canadian ports and those in Britain and Ireland. They carried goods such as timber from Canada and tobacco, molasses and cotton from the United States. During the Famine and other periods of emigration they loaded their western bound ships with emigrants. The usual routine was an eastward voyage from Canada or the U.S. to Liverpool where the cargo was discharged, The ship sailed to New Ross where emigrants were taken on for the return journey. (Jim Rees (2006) “Surplus People from Newcastle and Ballyvolan,” 5 Greystones Archaeological & Historical Society). From 1861 to 1865 the southern ports of the United States were blockaded by the Union Navy as the country engaged in a bloody Civil War. This blockade foiled the shipping of cotton, tobacco and curtailed molasses all southern commodities.
“The Bolivar of Waterford”
While researching James O’Neil (1857-1933) of Rochestown, Glenmore, (who went to sea as a young man), Captain White was the master of a ship called “The Bolivar of Waterford.” It was a barque. [A barque was a sailing ship with three or more masts with the fore mast, mainmast, and any other masts rigged with square sails. It was a popular type of ship because it required a smaller crew.]
The Cork Examiner (10 Oct. 1842, p. 4) reported that emigrant ships “Despatch” and “Boliver” from Waterford arrived at Quebec in September 1842. In 1848, Lloyd’s List (11 March 1848, col. 8) reported on Reports from the Receiver, under the Salvage Act at Ramsgate on the 8th of March. “BOLIVAR (Bark) of Waterford, in Penarth Roads; deposition of Peter White, Master [1485]. This was also reported in the Shipping and Mercantile Gazette (Tues. 14 March 1848). It is assumed that there were queries regarding the condition of this ship, and Captain White was deposed regarding same. In December 1848 the “Bolivar of Waterford,” was put up for auction under the mortgagees. The ship was built at Milford (Prince Island) in 1826.
The brig “Velocity of Waterford”
Four years after leaving the Bolivar, the Waterford News (Fri. 2 January 1852, p. 3) published the following article regarding Captain White and the brig “Velocity of Waterford.” [A brig was a two-masted ship with square sails on both masts. Brigs were popular because of their speed and maneuverability.]
“The brig “Velocity,” Captain Peter White 56 days from Waterford, with 72 passengers (all well), arrived New York on the 9th December. The “Velocity” experienced strong Westerly gales during the whole passage, and had a New York pilot on board several days, unable to get in. Three days previous to her arrival here, she was in Philadelphia river, being forced to run there in a gale of wind. The passengers speak in high terms of the kindness and attention paid to them during their perilous voyage. The “Velocity” is taking in a cargo of wine and rum at this port for Dublin” (Waterford News, Fri. 2 January 1852, p. 3).
The “Woodstock of Liverpool”
The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 20 Feb. 1863, p. 3) reported on the death of Captain White in November 1862. It appears that another ship saw the “Woodstock” and stopped to provide aid. Captain White and a seamen were reported dead, and 14 of the crew were ill with scurvy. The date of the deaths were not reported in the newspaper.
“Caldera, Jan. 4—The ship Swansea, Woods, master, which arrived here on the 25th ult., from Swansea, reports having descried a ship in distress Nov. 29th, in lat. 51 def. S., and long. 70 deg. W.; they bore down upon her, and found her to be the Woodstock, ship, of Liverpool, from Sunderland for Calao, 169 days out, with master (White) and one seaman dead, and 14 others of the crew down with scurvy, only 6 being able to work. Supplied them with potatoes, pickles, and a chart of the Falkland Isles, where the Woodstock intended to fetch.“
“The ship Woodstock, mentioned above, is the property of the Messrs. Graves, of Waterford, New Ross, and Liverpool, and the numerous class of citizens, to whom the late master, Peter White, was known, will read with the deepest regret of the demise, under such melancholy circumstance, of as sterling and upright a seaman as ever sailed over the perilous ocean. Gentle, generous, and humane were the combinations which guided the conduct of his life, and in his death the desolate family which he has left in this city to mourn over his fate, will ever have cause to deplore the loss of a husband and a father of the most estimable and enduring qualities. The deceased had been for about 15 years in command of ships trading from this port and elsewhere to North America.“
The other man who died on the “Woodstock” in November 1862 was William Thomas Hepton, the son of Mr. Hepton, druggist, of Whitby (Yorkshire Gazette, Sat. 18 April 1863, p. 9).
“Woodstock” Placed for Sale
In general, inquests for deaths at sea were held in the home port of the ship. The home port of the Woodstock was Liverpool. In searching for reports of inquests in Liverpool newspapers etc, it appears that the Woodstock never returned to Liverpool. In the shipping intelligence reports published in 1863 and 1864 the ship sailed to New York and then on to Quebec where it was placed for sale. It was for sale from at least September to November 1864.
The sale ad provides a good description of the ship. It was built in Quebec in 1850 of the choicest “Heckmatac.” (sic) It had a coppered clad hull, and held an A1 class in red, of 375 tons. It was 151.7 feet in length; 31.4 feet in breadth and 21.9 feet in depth.
The Demise of the Woodstock
The Woodstock was sold and its home port became Hull in the UK. In early 1868, the Glasgow Evening Citizen (Mon. 20 Jan. 1868, p. 2) (see also Freemans’ Journal, Tues. 21 Jan. 1868, p. 3) reported on the destruction of the ship and the murder of its Captain.
“THE LOSS OF THE SHIP WOODSTOCK. The Eastern Morning News says that this vessel was reported wrecked about three weeks since at Manche d’Epic; that eight or nine men were drowned, including the captain and two mates; and that the remainder had saved themselves on some timber, but were badly frozen. From the following letter it will be seen that the captain’s body has been recovered and that in all probability a cruel murder has been committed. It is very evident that a mutiny had broken out, and that the ship was lost in consequence.”
“Fox River, December 16, 1867.
Wm. Hyman, Esq., J.P., Grand Greem. Dear Sir, –This is to inform you that our men and boat from the wreck Woodstock have brought four wrecked seamen, including the chief surviving officer. All their feet are badly frozen. There still remain two at the place where they were wrecked, one of whom will attempt to come down in about ten or twelve days; but some say it will be some time yet before he can be moved. It appears when the body of the captain was found he had his throat cut, and it is supposed be had a great deal of money about his person. —ln haste, yours, JOHN DE ST. CROIX.”
The Leeds Mercury (Sat. 4 Jan. 1868, p. 11) reported on the loss of the Woodstock and her crew. “The following dispatch was received at Hartlepool on Sunday—’Quebec, Dec. 13—The ship Woodstock, Captain Caswell, from this port to Grimsby, has been totally wrecked near the Magdalen River, Gaspe. Cargo strewn along the beach. Master, two mates and five men drowned. Ten men saved, badly frozen.‘”
The Woodstock, of Hull, was bound from Quebec for Grimsby with a cargo of timber. It was reported that eight of the seamen of the wrecked ship Woodstock arrived at Hamilton, Ontario, from Mount Louis. Five of the seamen had to be left at Mount Louis because they were too ill for removal. People in that neighbourhood are in a state of destitution almost incredible (The Hamilton Spectator (Ontario, Canada), Wed. 15 Jan. 1868, p. 2).
“The names of the men drowned by the wreck of the ship Woodstock, of Hull, are John Caswell, aged 30, master, Hull; William Hallet, 35, mate, Liverpool; John Farr, 29, second mate, Hull; William Currie, 28, steward; William Elliott, 35, able-bodied seaman; R. Davies, 30, able-bodied seaman; L. Foote 17, ordinary seaman and James Kelley, of Quebec” (The Hull Packet, Fri. 3 Jan. 1868, p. 6).
Apparently Captain John De St. Croix’s determination that Captain Caswell was murdered did not lead to a murder trial, or at least one was not reported in the various newspapers that reported on the ship wreck and loss of life.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Gerald Warren for his assistance with this research, and Kieran Cronan of SETU for his assistance with the Wm. Graves and sons archive.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: The Early Public Transport Through Glenmore
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) for over seven decades collected a vast amount of information on Glenmore. His files are a treasure trove of interviews he conducted, articles and books, and newspaper clippings etc. The following front page advertisement from 1824 was copied by Danny Dowling (1927-2021) from the Waterford Mirror (Sat. 12 June 1824, p. 1). It provides a glimpse how people with money were able to travel to and from Waterford City in the first half of the 19th century via “The Commercial Day Car Establishment.”
After 1798 the main road from Waterford to New Ross was altered such that it no longer went through the Village itself. We know that by the time Mr. Leonard was murdered on the hill of Glenmore in 1833, the Waterford-New Ross road by-passed Glenmore Village. It is likely that the alteration took place prior to 1824. (See our post of 14 December 2019 regarding the early roads and maps. For further information on the 1833 murder see our post of 9 February 2020).
Unfortunately toll bridges at Waterford and New Ross kept many people from accessing New Ross and Waterford. The only other market town of any size was Thomastown about 17 miles (28 kilometres) from Glenmore. The obstacles of toll bridges and distance probably contributed to the isolation that allowed Irish to be spoken in many Glenmore homes right up to the 20th century. In 1867, the Ida a river steamer began to sail between Waterford and New Ross. Although Glenmore people had to be rowed across the Barrow to a hulk on the Wexford side, it was very popular mode of transportation. (For further information on the Ida see our post of 29 February 2020).
Below is the 1824 advertisement. All cars traveling to Wexford passed through Glenmore Parish. We believe that the cars that went to Kilkenny via Mullinavat also passed through Cat’s Rock in Glenmore Parish.
The advertisement was placed by Charles Bianconi (1786-1875) the founder of Ireland’s first public transport system. For further information on Bianconi see McElroy & Butterfield, Dictionary of Irish Biography. We have attempted to present the advertisement as it was published with capitalizations, italics etc., but removed a couple of destinations. Editorial comments and explanations that are not part of the original advertisement have been placed in square brackets [ ].
The Commercial Day Car Establishment, Waterford 1824
The Public are respectfully informed, that the DAY CARS for PASSENGERS and PARCELS, leave Commin’s Hotel, Quay, opposite the Market-House, EVERY DAY (Sunday excepted) for the following places; and the Proprietor begs to assure his Friends and the Public, that no expense or exertion on his part has been spared, to have this, so useful an Establishment, appointed with careful and sober Drivers, good Horses and comfortable, safe and easy Cars, and at most reasonable Fares. [The Cummin’s Hotel is today the Granville Hotel, of Waterford. For a concise history of the Granville and Bianconi see, “Ask Ireland” webpage.]
The LIMERICK CAR leaves this Office every Morning at 5 o’clock—Through Carrick, Clonmel, Caher, Tipperary and Landscape; and arrives at GLEEN’S Hotel, Limerick at 5 ½ o’clock, same day. [The distance between Waterford City and Limerick is approximately 78 miles or 126 kilometres. This journey took 12 ½ hours.]
The WEXFORD CAR at 8 o’clock, Traveling Five Miles an Hour—through Ross, Fook’s-Mills, Taghon; and arrives at the Royal Mail Coach Office, Wexford, at 3 o’clock; leaves it at 8 o’clock, and arrives at Waterford in time to proceed to Kilkenny, and by the Regulator to Clonmel, same day. [Today the distance to drive from the Granville Hotel, Waterford to Wexford Town is approximately 56.6 kilometres or 35 miles. However, the route today is shorter than the Wexford Car route of 1824. It took a passenger in 1824 seven hours to make this journey.]
The CORK CAR every morning at 5 o’clock—Through Carrick, Clonmel, Caher, Mitchell’s Town, Fermoy, Watergrass-Hill; and arrives at the Car Office, Patrick’s street, corner of Prince street, before 7 o’clock, afternoon; leaves at 3 ½ o’clock, and arrives at Waterford by a quarter past 7 o’clock.
The TELFORAPH every Morning at 5 o’clock—Traveling Six Miles an Hour, and arrives in Clonmel 20 minutes past 9 o’clock; leaves Clonmel at 3 o’clock, evening, and arrives at Waterford, 20 minutes past 7.
To DUBLIN, BY KILKENNY CAR, every day at 3 o’clock—Passengers forwarded by Day Coach next Morning, at 6 o’clock, and arrives at 15, Duke street, Dublin before 5 o’clock; leaves same Office at 9 o’clock, and arrives in Kilkenny by 7 o’clock, and proceeds to Waterford by Day Car next morning at 6 o’clock, and arrives before 11 o’clock. [This journey took 16 hours to 27 hours depending on if the night was spent in Kilkenny City.]
THURLES CAR at 8 o’clock, Morning—Through Carrick, Clonmel, New Inn, Cashel, Holy-Cross, and arrives at Quinlan’s Hotel, Thurles, at 7 o’clock. Evening; leaves Thurles at 5 o’clock next Morning, and arrives at Waterford at 4 o’clock, giving Passengers an Hour to transact Business at Clonmel, to and from Thurles.
ENNISCOROTHY CAR at 8 o’clock, Monday—Through Ross, where Passengers are allowed nearly two hours to transact Business, and arrives at Enniscorothy in time to proceed to Dublin by Mail Coach through the County Wicklow; leaves Enniscorothy at 8 o’clock, after the arrival of the Dublin Mail, and arrives at Waterford with the Wexford Car.
KILKENNY CAR every day at 3 o’clock—Through Mullinavat, Ballyhale, Stonyford, and by the Merino Factory, and arrives at Bush Tavern, before 9 o’clock, in time to proceed by the Cork Mail to Dublin same Night, or by the Day Coaches or Caravan next Morning to Dublin.
ROSCREA CAR at 5 o’clock in the Morning—Through Carrick, Clonmel, Feathard, Cashel, (Thurles, o’clock), Templemore, and arrives at Roscrea in time for the Dublin Coach; and leaves Roscrea every Morning, and arrives in Waterford at 20 minutes past 7 o’clock, same Evening.
The CLONMEL REGULATOR with Two Horses, and Travelling Six Miles an Hour including all stops, at 3 o’clock and arrives at Clonmel 7 o’clock; leaves Clonmel at 6 o’clock in the Morning and arrives in Waterford at 10 o’clock.
CARRICK CARS 6 and 8 o’clock in the Morning; 3 o’clock in the Afternoon.
ROSS CARS at 8 o’clock every Morning, 3 and 5 in the Evening; leaves Ross at 6 and 7 o’clock in the Morning , and One o’clock in the Afternoon. [The distance between The Granville Hotel, of Waterford and the Quay in New Ross is approximately 14 miles or 23 kilometres.] …
DUNMORE and TRAMORE CARS, as usual, at every necessary hour.
The Proprietor will not be accountable for any Money, Plate, Jewels or Millinery whatsoever, or for any article above the value of Two Pounds Sterling; neither will he be answerable for Damages occasioned by wet or friction. Hats, Coats, Umbrellas, or any undirected Parcels not taken in charge at any of the Offices connected with this Establishment, and for which he will not therefore be accountable. 20 lbs. of Luggage allowed to Passenge3rs, Free; for any quantity over that weight and under 50 lbs. 1d per lb.; under 80 Miles 1 ½ d; and for any distance over that, 2d per lb.
CHARLES BIANCONI, PROPRIETOR
E. COMMINS, Agent
Waterford, June 7, 1824
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The drawing of the horse drawn vehicle above was at the top of the advertisement in the Waterford Mirror.
An Unusual Glenmore Grave: The Brereton Family
In 2020, during the COVID lockdowns, two Glenmore History volunteers photographed all existing headstones in the graveyard adjacent to St. James’s in Glenmore Village. We also transcribed the inscriptions which were legible and uploaded the photos and transcriptions to our webpage as well as to Find-a-grave. Recently we have started to update the information and to verify dates of births and deaths with Parish records and the Death Register.
It is surprising how many dates inscribed on the headstones are incorrect. This is probably due to the fact that headstones were often erected years after the recorded death. We were also surprised how many people from Waterford and elsewhere are buried in Glenmore. In most cases their family originated in Glenmore. However, there is at least one headstone with no known family connection to Glenmore. It is the Brereton headstone that is at the back of the Church, about three rows from the back footpath in the centre.
In researching this family we came across some interesting facts with only one being connected directly to Glenmore, namely Margaret Brereton who died on 21 March 1871 in Cappagh, Glenmore. The headstone has her date of death as 15 March 1871. We shall highlight information on all four of the Brereston family members recorded on the Glenmore stone and others in the family which provides insight into an 1897 stabbing in New Ross.
The Brereton Headstone of Glenmore
In memory of Michael Brereton who died Oct 23rd 1887 aged 66 years
Also his beloved wife Catherine Brereton who died January 7th 1888 aged 59 years
Also his daughter Margaret Brereton who died March 15th 1871 aged 20 years
Also their son Michael Brereton who died 14th Feb 1919 aged 64 years
Michael Brereton (Sr.) (c. 1819-1887)
It was easy to learn that Michael Brereton (Sr.), (c. 1819-1887) was a retired R.I.C. officer. In some newspaper accounts he is referred to as a constable and in others he is referred to as a Sergeant. Whatever his rank it does not appear that he was assigned or worked in Glenmore. We have attempted to track his assignments based on where his children were born.
From the R.I.C. records [database R.I.C 1816-1921] it appears that Michael Brereton joined the force in 1839 at the age of 20, and he was born in Tipperary. Thus, he was born about 1819 in Tipperary. Efforts to locate a baptismal record for Michael were not successful, but we note several Brereton baptisms taking place at Roscrea within ten years of his suspected year of birth.
On 21 November 1847 in the Parish of Conna, in County Cork, Michael Brereton married Catherine O’Neill. We believe this to be the correct place of his marriage based on the birth of their children. Michael served in Cork from at least 1847 to sometime before 1865 when he was transferred to Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny.
While stationed at Rosbercon, Michael Brereton was involved in a few cases involving Glenmore residents. For example, on 29 July 1871, Michael Brereton brought charges against John Hanrahan [1843-1921], of Robinstown, [Glenmore] cooper; William Barry, of Carrigcloney, [Glenmore] labourer; and Patrick Bergin of Millbanks, for committing a breach of the peace by assaulting each other at Rosbercon, Kilkenny.
Retirement from RIC
After Michael retired from the R.I.C. he moved from Rosbercon to New Ross and opened a shop and eventually a pub on the Quay. The Wexford People, (Wed. 27 July 1881, p. 3) noted that “The application of a Mr. Brereton for a licence for the sale of spirituous liquor until the October Sessions was granted.” His permanent license was granted in late October 1881 (Wexford People, Wed. 16 Nov. 1881, p. 8). Soon the corner where his business was located became identified in police reports as Brereton’s corner (Wexford People, Wed. 10 Dec. 1890, p. 7 & Wexford People, Wed. 19 Aug. 1891, p. 7). We believe the business was located at the corner of the Quay and Mary Street.
Michael died on 23 October 1887 and left his entire estate to his eldest son Thomas. No obituary could be located for Michael, but a death notice was located in the Wexford Independent (Sat. 29 Oct. 1887, p. 3). “October 23, at New Ross, aged 66, Michael Brereton late Head Constable, Royal Irish Constabulary. R.I.P.” About ten weeks after Michael died his wife of Catherine died on 7 January 1888 at their home on the Quay, New Ross.
Catherine Brereton née O’Neill (c. 1829 -1888)
The Glenmore headstone merely notes that Catherine Brereton is the wife of Michael (Sr.) and died shortly after Michael Sr. died. Without her father’s name being recorded on the marriage license we were unable to verify her baptism as O’Neill was a common name in the Parish of Conna, Co. Cork. Catherine died on 7 January 1888 at their home on the Quay, New Ross. She was the mother of at least 9 children.
Known Children of Michael Brereton (Sr.) (c. 1819-1887)
[1] Catherine Brereton was baptized at Ballynascurclogy?, Co. Cork on 2 December 1848. She married James Sweeney, policeman of Rosbercon on 12 October 1871 at Rosbercon, about 7 months after her sister Margaret died in Glenmore. Catherine’s first child, Mary Sweeney, was born at Rosbercon on 29 June 1872.
[2] Margaret Brereton (1850-1871) was baptized at Sandrum, Co. Cork on 7 September 1850.
[3] Thomas Brereton (1860-1938) was born in County Cork [1901 Census]. Thomas Constable Brearton (sic) was baptized at Liscarroll, Cork on 15 December 1860 the son of Michael Brearton and Kate O’Neil.
[4] Michael Brereton (Jr.) (1855-1919) was baptized 3 March, 1855, at Churchtown, Co. Cork. Per the 1911 Census he was born at Liscarroll, Co. Cork.
[5] Mary Brereton was baptised 4 April 1858 at Churchtown, Co. Cork.
[6] John Brereton was baptized 2 August 1863 at Churchtown, Co. Cork.
[7] Susan Brereton was baptized at Liscarroll, Co. Cork, on 1 October 1859.
[8] Frances Brereton (1865-1948) was born on 9 March 1865 at Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny. She is believed to have worked as a schoolmistress and never married. The Irish Press (13 March 1948, p. 14) published the following death announcement: “DEATHS—Brereton (late of New Ross)—March 11, 1948 at St. Joseph’s, Portland Row. Frances Brereton; deeply regretted R.I.P. Funeral from above at 9:30 o’c this (Saturday) morning to Glasnevin.”
[9] Bridget Brereton was born on 20 March 1868 at Rosbercon, Kilkenny.
Margaret Brereton (1850 -1871)
Margaret Brereton (1850-1871) died on 21 March 1871 of inflammation of the bowels at Cappagh, Glenmore. She was ill for two weeks. According to the death register she was employed as a schoolmistress, and at the time of her death Elizabeth Brereton was present. The register does not state what relation, if any, Elizabeth was to Margaret.
Margaret was obviously the first of the family to die and be buried in Glenmore. However, the headstone does not commence with her death. The headstone commences with Michael Sr.’s name. Thus, it appears that one or more of the children had the stone erected after the death of their parents in 1887/1888 at least 16 years after Margaret Brereton’s death in 1871.
Michael Brereton (Jr.) (1855-1919)
Michael Brereton (Jr.) enlisted in the R.I.C. in 1873 in Cork at the age of 18. It is not clear why Michael enlisted in Cork, but he was born at Liscarroll, Cork and it appears that his mother’s people were also in Cork. (R.I.C. Pensions 1873-1925). On 7 September 1885, Michael married Ellen Moran of New Ross at New Ross. At the time of the wedding Michael was stationed with the R.I.C. at Suir Castle, Tipperary. Ellen Moran (c. 1860-1910) was the daughter of Pierce Moran, a New Ross shopkeeper. Michael listed his father Michael as a shopkeeper.
At the time of Michael’s retirement from the R.I.C, in 1899, the New Ross Standard published a short article concerning his career. “MR. MICHAEL BRERETON, NEW ROSS—Not every man on severing his connection with the police force get such a hearty godspeed as did Mr. Michael Brereton, New Ross. Down in Tipperary Mr. Brereton spent the majority of his years in the force, and though during the land war, very strained relations subsisted between the police and people of that county. Mr. Brereton was one of the few members of the R.I.C. who held the confidence and respect of the people. That such was the fact was amply testified by the testimonial which the leading Nationalists of Cashel and Killenaule presented him on his departure, an account of the pleasant little function pertaining to which was published last week” (New Ross Standard, Sat. 17 June 1899, p. 5).
In the 1901 Census Michael was 45 years of age and listed for his occupation that he was an Ex RIC Sgt. and Merchant’s Clerk. He was born in County Cork. From his R.I.C. records we know his last posting was at Carlow and he was receiving his pension at New Ross. In 1901, his wife, Ellen (c. 1860-1910) was 40 and their three sons were: Michael P. Brereton (14); George Thomas Brereton (12); and Terence Henry Brereton (3). All three of their sons were born in Tipperary.
In 1910, Ellen died. A brief death announcement was placed in the Irish Independent, (Sat. 12 Nov. 1910, p. 6) as follows: “BRERETON—Nov. 7, 1910 at her residence Robert St., New Ross, Ellen, the beloved wife of Michael Brereton, ex-Sergeant, R.I.C., deeply regretted.”
In the 1911 Census, Michael was a widower. Only his youngest son, Terence was living with him on Robert St., New Ross. He had three men boarding with him and 1 servant. Michael (Jr.) died 14 February 1919. It is not clear why he was buried in Glenmore rather than with his wife.
School Teachers
We know that at the time of Margaret Brereton’s death in 1871 she was employed as a school teacher. It is assumed since she died in Cappagh, Glenmore that she was employed in the Robinstown National School in Glenmore Village. Through newspaper searches we have found that at least two of her sisters were employed as school teachers in the New Ross Workhouse.
In 1875, the New Ross Union advertised for a Schoolmistress “at the salary of £25 per year with rations and apartment. Candidates who may offer for the above situation must produce Testimonials showing they are at least First or Second or Third class teachers under the National Board of Education, and who are otherwise qualified and competent to fill the office. Candidates personal attendance indispensable” (Wexford People, 23 Jan. 1875, p. 1).
The Wexford People (Wed. 23 Nov. 1881, p. 3) in 1881 published the following article regarding Frances filling in for her sister. “New Ross –a letter was read from the Local Government Board respecting Miss Frances Brereton, whom the Board of Guardians have elected to take charge of the female school of the workhouse during the absence of a few months of her sister, the schoolmistress, at a training school of the National Education Board in Dublin. Because Frances was not more than 17 she was deemed too young to be placed in such a position. The Board’s Inspector, Mr. Hamilton suggested that the schools be amalgamated and placed under the charge of the infant school teacher, during the absence of the schoolmistress, and that Miss Frances Brereton should be employed as monitress. The suggestion was approved.” [Unfortunately we could not locate the name of Frances’s sister who was the schoolmistress for the New Ross workhouse.]
The Brereton Shop & Pub of New Ross
As stated above, Michael (Sr.) left his entire estate to his eldest son, Thomas. Newspapers in the 1890’s identify Thomas Brereton, as a clerk in the employment of Cherry Brother’s brewery (Wexford People, Wed. 13 May 1891, p. 7). A few years later Thomas Brereton was identified as the manager of that establishment and it was noted that he also had a pub on the Quay. On the night of 21 August 1897, Bernard Sweeney assaulted Thomas Brereton by stabbing him with a knife and inflicting grievous bodily harm (New Ross Reporter, Sat. 9 Oct. 1897, p. 3). Thomas Brereton had left the pub and was listening to an open air concert when Sweeney demanded money from him. Brereton refused to give him any money and Sweeney slashed and stabbed him with a knife.
Bernard Sweeney was charged with the attempted murder of Thomas Brereton. Sweeney plead guilty. Dr. Meehan testified that Thomas Brereton was carried in by two men. He was bleeding profusely and had two wounds on the scrotum and one on the inside of his thigh. Brereton’s life was endangered for 3 weeks and he was confined to bed for 1 month. Sweeney was sentenced to 18 months hard labour for the assualt (New Ross Reporter, Sat. 27 Nov. 1897, p. 5).
The 1901 Census reveals that Thomas Brereton was recorded as being 38 when he was actually 41. He was single, a shopkeeper and had three unmarried sisters residing with him. Susan Brereton was 37 and it was recorded that she was a shopkeeper. Frances Brereton (35) and Bridget Brereton (32) were recorded as housekeepers.
No marriage records could be located for Thomas or his three sisters after 1901. They were not found in the 1911 Census. A newspaper search revealed that in 1903 Thomas sold his liquor license. “Richard Doherty of 30 Barronstand St. in Waterford applied to have the license to be transferred to him from Thomas Brereton of the Quay New Ross.” He described the premises as being on the “right hand side of the street leading from the Quay to Mary Street,” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 9 October 1903, p. 7).
Thomas Brereton, late of New Ross, died 17 March 1932, died in County Home, Enniscorthy in 1932 at age 76.
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Plight of Richard Fitzgerald (1793-c. 1860) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Today, we are going to highlight false public accusations made 205 years ago against an Aylwardstown, Glenmore man, Richard Fitzgerald (1793-c. 1860). In order to put the events into context we shall provide background information concerning the magistrates and policing in 1821. We have attempted to utilize the quaint language and spellings published in the 1821 Waterford newspaper covering the events.
Background
In Ireland magistrates were the primary instruments of the law for dealing with the disorder in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Under various legislation enacted by successive governments magistrates were given wide powers to search for arms as well as the right to grant or withdraw licenses for citizens to hold weapons. Magistrates were able to search houses if they suspected arms were concealed or if an occupant was absent at night. They were also empowered to question suspects against the threat of unlimited imprisonment. Although such powers allowed ample opportunity for abuse, they “seem to have been rarely used” (Virginia Crossman (1991) “Emergency Legislation and Agrarian Disorder in Ireland, 1821-41,” 21(1) Irish Historical Studies, 309-323).
Magistrates in execution of their duties could call on the army stationed in the countryside. A country-wide policing force, the county constabulary was created in 1822, although not every county was covered until 1825. These officers became the Royal Irish Constabulary. “County magistrates provided the lynchpin of the peacekeeping apparatus. (Crossman, p. 312). In 1822, the Insurrection Act was resurrected after troops and peace preservation police and the opening of a special commission failed to stop agrarian outrages in the south-west (Crossman, p. 313).
“Both the Insurrection Act and the suspension of habeas corpus were tried and trusted remedies in Ireland. Habeas corpus was suspended from 1797-1802 and from 1803-1806, and the Insurrection Act had been in force from 1795 to 1802, and 1807 to 1810 and from 1814 to 1818.” The original sentence for breach of the Insurrection Act was a death sentence for anyone administering an unlawful oath and transportation for anyone taking an unlawful oath (Crossman, p. 314).
The Kilmacow Rumour: The Night of 15/16 December 1821
What appears to have kicked off Richard Fitzgerald’s troubles was a rumour of armed men in Kilmacow. The Waterford Mirror reported “[w]e regret to find the strongest ground for suspecting that last Saturday night, or Sunday morning, there was, at or about Kilmacow, an illegal assemblage, or rather visit or procession, of armed men on foot. It was supposed by many that the men belonged to the police of a neighbouring Barony; but enquiry had completely falsified that supposition” (Waterford Mirror, Wed. 19 Dec. 1821, p. 3). This rumour at the end of the month was refuted by the parishioners of Kilmacow and Dunkitt (Waterford Mail, Wed. 28 Dec. 1821).
The Magistrates’ Search: 17 December 1821
On Monday, the 17th of December, John Snow and Henry Alcock, Esqrs., with a party of the 86th Regiment, made a general search for arms through that part of County Kilkenny, situate between Glanmire (sic) and Bishop’s Hall, by Tory Hill, and obtained six stand, which they lodged in the Tower of Waterford (Waterford Mirror, Wed. 19 Dec. 1821, p. 3). It appears that the two Magistrates were motivated by the Kilmacow rumour to search the local Kilkenny countryside for arms.
In attempting to discover how many arms represents six stand we found two possible explanations. One explanation is that a stand represents the complete kit a soldier requires. Thus, a stand would indicate a firearm, powder and ammunition and a bayonet. Another possible explanation was that it represented how weapons were stored or stood together. This usually reflected a minimum or three firearms. So either six or eighteen (or more) arms were taken in Kilkenny and stored in the Tower of Waterford.
Within a week of their searches the two magistrates sent a letter to the Editor of the Waterford Mirror, dated Christmas Eve. “We beg you will insert, for the information of the Public, the inclosed (sic) Affidavit, made by a disinterested person, who happened to be confined in the Tower the night Fitzgerald was there. This and other information we have on oath, and which we cannot now disclose, respecting the present state of the County Kilkenny, induced us to make a search for arms, knowing it to be dangerous to the peace of the county to have arms in it, which could be easily obtained by improper persons.”
The Affidavit of Anne Fitzgerald: Dated 18 December 1821
“Anne Fitzgerald came this day before me, and voluntarily made Oath on the Holy Evangelists, and saith(sic)—That on Monday morning last, when this Informant was confined in the Tower at Waterford, she was there told by a man of the name Richard Fitzgerald, also confined there, that he had a large faction in County Kilkenny, and that they had plenty of Ammunition. Informant also heard him mention the names of several persons of the very worse character, as being comrades of his. Particularly that noted bad character Captain Grant, who was hanged some time since, and told Informant that he belonged to Captain Grant’s gang, and that he used often to ride with him from Tipperary to Wexford. Sworn before me this 18th day of December 1821. Signed, Henry Alcock and Anne Fitzgerald made her mark” (Saunders’s News-Letter, Thurs. 27 Dec. 1821, p. 3). [For further information on the infamous highwayman Jerimiah Grant (1785-1816) a/k/a Captain Grant see, Grant on Line.]
Richard Fitzgerald wasted little time responding to the allegation made by Anne Fitzgerald. He wrote a letter to the Editor of the Waterford Mirror and attached his affidavit and a character reference. All three documents were published in the Waterford Mirror (Sat. 29 Dec. 1821).
Richard Fitzgerald’s Letter to the Editor of 26 December 1821
“Sir—I have seen in your independent paper of the 24th instant, a paragraph setting forth an affidavit made by a woman of the name Anne Fitzgerald, then confined in the Tower of Waterford, (I believe not for her good behaviour), lest the public might be led to believe it true, I beg you will have the goodness to insert in your useful columns, the annexed Affidavit and Characters, which, I trust will be sufficient to refute any further aspersions thrown out against me by her, or any prejudiced person who may be so infatuated to act as she had done. I remain, Sir, your very humble Servant, Richard Fitzgerald.”
Affidavit of Richard Fitzgerald of Midway House, Glenmore
“Midway House, Dec. 26
County Kilkenny
Before one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for said County. Richard Fitzgerald, of Midway House in said County, farmer and publican, being duly examined and sworn on the Holy Evangelists, deposeth and saith, that he never told Anne Fitzgerald, when confined in the Tower of Waterford, that the Parish of Glenmore (or any other place) was any way disturbed, nor that he knew where there were any arms or ammunition, etc. The he did not tell her any thing respecting that notorious character, Captain Grant, but only this, that she, the said Anne Fitzgerald, asked him if he knew Captain Grant? He, informant, told her he had once seen him, as he rode through the County Kilkenny pursued by the Waterford Constables. Informant farther swears, that he never spoke a single sentence to the aforesaid Captain Grant; that he never rode with him in his life; that he never in Tipperary, and but once in Wexford; that he knows no more of Captain Grant’s adherents than he knew of himself; that the old carbine found in his house he never intended to conceal; that he never knew nor heard of arms or ammunition being in Glenmore, nor any other place, for any disaffected or disloyal purposes. Sworn to before me this 26th day of Dec. 1821. Signed by John Snow and Richard Fitzgerald.”
Character References for Richard Fitzgerald, Midway House, Glenmore
“We the undersigned, do declare, that we have known Richard Fitzgerald, of Midway House, from his boyhood, and that we have always known him to be a sober, industrious, and diligent young man; remarkedly honest in his dealings; never heard or seen anything disaffected or disloyal by him or his family, but always supported themselves by honest industry. Given under our hands, this 26th day of December 1821.” Signed Peter Strange, Landlord; Laurence Strange; P.E. Foristal; Thomas Esmond, Bart; and
John Fitzpatrick, P.P.
The Glenmore Referees
The men who provided character references for Richard Fitzgerald in December 1821 were residing in Glenmore or closely connected to Glenmore.
Peter Strange (c. 1735-1824) of Alywardtown House was the landlord for Aylwardstown. Thus he was Richard Fitzgerald’s landlord. In 1821, Peter Strange was elderly. He died on 23rd of September 1824 at the age of 89 (Weekly Freeman’s Journal, Sat, 2 Oct. 1824, p. 4).
Laurence Strange (c. 1770 -1845) is believed to have been the son of Peter Strange and became the landlord of Aylwardstown in 1824. He was known in 1835 for reducing the rent of his tenants in Aylwardstown. Laurence Strange died on the 4th of February 1845 at Aylwardstown at the age of 75 (Freeman’s Journal, wed. 12 Feb. 1845, p. 4 ].
P. E. Foristal was Pierce Edmond Foristal (c. 1773-1843) landlord of Rochestown, Glenmore. See our post of 6 Nov. 2022 regarding the killing of his tenant Catherine Hanrahan in July 1822, and our post of 15 Dec. 2022 regarding the trial and the testimony of Pierce Edmond Foristal at the killer’s trial. See generally our post of 7 Oct. 2023 regarding the Forristal family.
Thomas Esmond, Bart. At first glance it was thought that this man was the 8th Baronet and husband of Lady Letitia Esmond (c. 1781-1851) of Ringville. However, her husband died in 1803 without issue. The man who gave this reference was likely the 9th Baronet (1786-1868). Ringville had been purchased from Pierce Edmond Forristal’s father by Nicholas Devereux. Letitia was Nicholas Devereaux’s niece and heir.
John Fitzpatrick, P.P. (c. 1758-1835) was the Parish Priest for the combined parish of Slieverue-Glenmore. See our post of 26 Feb. 2026 for further information on Fr. John Fitzpatrick (c. 1758-1835).]
Richard Fitzgerald (1793-c. 1860) Halfway House, Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Thanks to Ann Fitzgerald’s research and help it is believed that the above Richard Fitzgerald was baptized at Ballinaraha, Glenmore on 21 December 1793. This means that he was 28 when he faced the above accusations. Richard was the son of John Fitzgerald and his wife Bridget Brien. Richard was the first Fitzgerald to occupy the Midway or Halfway House of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. It was the midway point on the old stage coach road between Waterford and New Ross. Today, the road is known locally as the High Road or L3429.
On 29 February 1824, Richard married Mary Walsh of Rochestown. The Parish Register records Richard’s surname as Bryan (his mother’s maiden name). Their daughter Bridget Fitzgerald was baptized on the 23rd of March 1825, at Glenmore, and Richard’s surname is correct and the address on the record is “Halfway House.”
Concluding Thoughts
We performed a search to determine why Anne Fitzgerald was incarcerated in “the Tower of Waterford” today known as Reginald’s Tower. We could not locate any information concerning her arrest or detention. It is not clear why Richard Fitzgerald was detained for one night, but given the activities of the Magistrates in searching the countryside and his admission of having an old carbine in his house, it seems likely he was swept up and held until he could be questioned by the Magistrates. Unfortunately, the detained Anne Fitzgerald then provided her statement on the 18th perhaps in an effort to gain her freedom.
We did locate an article that indicated Lord Bessborough and others were offering rewards for the “apprehension and conviction within six months” for a list of acts committed near Piltown on Wednesday the 19th of December 1821” (Waterford Mirror, Mon. 21 Dec. 1821, p. 1). However, this reward was not published until the 21st and it appears that Anne Fitzgerald could not read or write if a reward was her motivation. It is also interesting she referenced Captain Grant who was executed 5 years earlier.
No other references to Richard Fitzgerald or Anne Fitzgerald appeared in 1822 Waterford newspapers (that we could locate), so it appears that the accusations died with the publication of Richard Fitzgerald’s affidavit and character references. As stated above, Richard Fitzgerald married 26 months after the public accusations and got on with his life, and thereby ensuring a Richard Fitzgerald today is still residing in the Halfway House.
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Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Ann Fitzgerald for her help with this article.
The drawing of the Tower of Waterford (Reginald’s Tower) is from The Dublin Penny Journal (8 Dec. 1832, pp 188-189) Stable URL: http://www.justor.com/stable/30002646 . The photo of the Halfway House was taken in 2022.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The 1882 Contested Application for a Glenmore Pub
Most of the following was gleaned from the Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 14 Oct. 1882, p. 3) reporting on the quarter sessions for the Piltown district of Thomastown division, held in the Piltown courthouse, on Tuesday 10 October 1882. Mr. de Moleyns, Q.C., was the chair and county court judges, accompanied by Peter McDermott, J.P., Registrar and deputy clerk of the peace were present. There were 140 processes served for the sessions. In addition to several civil cases, the magistrates just after noon heard, spirit license applications, and one of the applications was for Glenmore Village.
The Spirit License Application Hearings
Magistrates were not professional lawyers or judges. L.N. Izod, D.L. was the chair and twelve other magistrates joined him including: Alexander Hamilton; H. Charles Gregory; Edmund H. Maude; Dawson A. Milward; Peter Walsh, J.C. Elliott; W.H. Bolger; Matthew R. Stephenson; James A. Blake; John T. Seigne; Henry Smith, R.M.; and Col. Villiers Stuart.
There were 15 spirit license cases listed in the newspaper. There was one application withdrawn, seven involved new licenses and seven involved the transfer of an existing license. All seven transfer of license applications were granted. Only one of the new license applications was granted for Ballyclovin. Today, we are going to examine the application that took the longest time to hear. It was the application of John Hanrahan of Robinstown, Glenmore Village. Thanks to Glenmore Historian, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) we know that the pubs in Glenmore were shut by the then Parish Priest in about 1870.
The Opposing Solicitor and his Glenmore Ties
The two solicitors in the Glenmore application case were Arthur J. Boyd, a Kilkenny City solicitor, for the applicant, and Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) a Waterford solicitor, in opposition to the application. [Although Thomas Fitzgerald Strange lived in Waterford two of his children resided in Glenmore parish at this time. His children inherited holdings from his brother Peter Strange (1805-1872) upon his death in 1872. Thomas Alexander Strange (1856-1907) inherited Aylwardstown and Rose C. Strange (1847-1935) inherited Rochestown.]
The Glenmore Application
Mr. Boyd applied on behalf of John Hanrahan, of Robinstownm Glenmore, for a new license for his house situated in “that now model village.” From the newspaper account it is not clear why Glenmore was referred to as a “now model village.” The term “model village” was used by the Victorians to describe villages built by industrialists for their workers, see generally “From Factory to Fireside” (2017) The Historic England Blog.
Mr. Strange said that he appeared to oppose the application on behalf of the Earl of Bessborough, “the lord of the soil.” [Although Robinstown township was owned by the Earl of Bessborough he did not own the adjoining townlands of Graiguenakill or Cappagh. Glenmore Village straddles the three townlands and Mr. Hanrahan’s house was the last house in Robinstown. The Fluskey shop was adjacent to Hanrahan’s house in Graiguenakill.]
Mr. Boyd noted that Lord Bessborough had no right to oppose the application, as he was not a resident or a householder in Glenmore. He had no locus standi in the hearing to oppose the application.
Mr. Strange conceded the point and stated, “Very well. I oppose on behalf of a large number of the inhabitants of Glenmore, including the Rev. Edward Farrell, parish priest, and his curate, the Rev. Mr. Corcoran.”
Testimony of John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore
John Hanrahan was then sworn and was examined by Mr. Boyd. John Hanrahan testified that he was seeking a license for his house that was located about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack at Glenmore, and it was next to the sessions’ house. He explained that the road sessions were held next door at least once a year. [A Council room was in Fluskey’s in an upstairs large meeting room.] John Hanrahan noted that there was no public house in Glenmore Village, but “refreshment” was occasionally brought there by vans from Waterford and New Ross. Several people had expressed a wish to have a respectable house of refreshment in Glenmore Village.
John Hanrahan was then cross-examined by Mr. Strange. John Hanrahan stated that he was never fined yet for being drunk. He denied that he went to the parish priest’s house and kicked the hall door. He stated that one night while on his way home from town, he was passing the house when the Priest’s dogs ran at and attacked him. John Hanrahan stated that he “of course hunted them back as well as I could.” John Hanrahan continued that the parish priest keeps very wicked dogs and he “should be very sorry indeed to kick my parish priest’s door, or do anything else that would annoy his reverence.”
Mr. Strange asked John Hanrahan if he was aware that a “memorial” against his license application had been extensively signed by the inhabitants of Glenmore? John Hanrahan stated that people were coerced to sign it.
Testimony of Constable Michael Reilly, formerly of Glenmore R.I.C.
The next witness called was Constable Michael Reilly, of the James’s street station in Kilkenny. He was examined on behalf of the applicant, John Hanrahan. Michael Reilly stated that he was stationed in Glenmore for about 12 months in the years 1880-1881. During that time he knew John Hanrahan, who was a respectable man, “and against whom he never heard anything wrong.” He went on to explain that during the Land League agitation the applicant, had “lent his car—for hire of course—to the police on duty in the district.” He agreed that the Hanrahan house was about 40 or 50 yards from the police barrack.
During Constable Reilly’s time in Glenmore there were seven convictions against the keepers of shebeens in the district, and one woman was fined £2 for that offence. [For further information on Glenmore shebeens see our post of 31 March 2020. For further information on the infamous Biddy “the Flies” Whelan who was fined £2 see our post of 5 April 2020. ]
An un-named sub-constable stationed in Glenmore was examined, but his evidence was that a public house in Glenmore Village would be “the cause of strife and disorder there.” [For information on faction fighting see our post of 20 May 2021.]
Disallowed Statement of Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P. Glenmore
Mr. Strange sought to put into evidence a letter written by Rev. Edward Farrell, P.P., in opposition to the application. Mr. Boyd objected to the letter on the grounds that the writer was not present to be cross examined and the document had not been sent to the clerk of the peace for the purpose of being placed on the files of the court.
Mr. Walsh thought that the letter of the Rev. Fr. Farrell was perfectly legal evidence, and should be received. “The learned chairman, held otherwise,” and it was not admitted into evidence. [It was hearsay.]
Rev. Michael Corcoran C.C. Glenmore
The Rev. Michael Corcoran, R.C.C., Glenmore was examined by Mr. Strange. Fr. Corcoran stated that there were public houses in Glenmore Village, “and they were the cause of much strife and fighting between the inhabitants and frequenters of the Village.” “In fact, the fighting was brought into the parish chapel.” Fr. Corcoran opined that if a public house was now to be established …it would tend to excite the worst passions of the people and incite a loyal and law-abiding population to the commission of many crimes.” It was on that ground principally that Fr. Corcoran and other inhabitants signed the memorial opposing the application.
Fr. Corcoran when cross-examined by Mr. Boyd stated that the only reason the parish priest was not present in court to object to the application was because he was ill and unable to attend. Fr. Corcoran conceded that the memorial was signed in the sacristy of the chapel, but there was no coercion needed to obtain signatures. He also admitted that the persons signing the memorial were not all householders in the Village.
Mr. Boyd remarked, “We all know how easy it is to obtain signatures to a memorial. Every little boy and girl in the village will sign a memorial if asked to do so.” Fr. Corcoran argued that “every signature to that memorial is a bone fide signature, and most of them are signatures of respectable farmers residing in the district.”
Mr. Strange in an effort to move away from the memorial stated, “I believe the Village of Glenmore was the scene of many a faction fight and much bloodshed in the old days when there were public houses?” Fr. Corcoran agreed, “It was, and the bad feeling created was brought into the parish chapel.” When questioned by Mr. Boyd whether this was from his personal knowledge Fr. Corcoran conceded that it was not. “No, but I have head it from a source which can be relied upon just as if I had pledged my oath here to the truth of the statement.”
It is surmised that to make such a statement he must have heard it from the Parish Priest, Fr. Edward Farrell. Per Danny Dowling’s list of Glenmore Clergy, we know that Fr. Corcoran was C.C. from 1879 to 13 June 1885. Fr. Edward O’Farrell (sic) was C.C. from 1871 to August 1874 when he became Parish Priest.
Legal Points of Public Interest
The evidence concluded. The chairman after consulting with the other magistrates said that before announcing the decision of the court there was a matter of public importance that had arose during the hearing. Mr. Strange sought to introduce a written statement from Rev. Edward Farrell. The section of the Act of Parliament states that any person objecting to the granting of such applications “Shall be at liberty to transmit in writing to the clerk of the peace, or orally to state to such justices in sessions assembled.” The Rev. Edward Farrell had not transmitted any statement in writing in respect of this application to the clerk of the peace, and he was not here to state orally his objections. Therefore, it was proper to refuse the written statement as evidence.
The chairman also stated that one of the magistrates had expressed his opinion that evidence that the applicant had supplied cars to the police should have been excluded. The chair noted that had he refused to supply cars it would have been brought up as proof of his bad character and not a fit person to be entrusted with a license. The evidence was properly admitted.
Having referred to the two evidential matters of public importance, the justices were unanimous in their decision to reject the application. What is not clear from the newspaper account of the hearing was whether the memorial signed by persons outside the village of Glenmore was admitted into evidence given that the people who signed it were not in court that day (except Fr. Corcoran) and there was no mention of it having been provided to the clerk of the peace before the hearing.
John Hanrahan (1843-1921) of Glenmore Village
John Hanrahan was the son of Denis Hanrahan and his wife Bridget Gaffney of the Mill, Glenmore Village. John was baptized at Glenmore on 9 February 1843. John like his father Denis was a cooper. The family resided in the house later occupied by Danny Dowling.
John Hanrahan married his first wife Mary Cashen, of Ballycroney, Glenmore on 19 July 1870. The couple had four known children between 1871 and 1878. Mary died of TB in 1878 at the age of 40 just 4 months after her daughter Katie was born. John on 10 February 1881 married Ellen Mullins (c. 1841-1927) of Gaulstown, Glenmore. In addition to raising John’s children the couple also raised 3 of their 6 orphaned nephews: Patrick, James and Richard Hanrahan. [See our post of 27 August 2015 regarding the orphaned Hanrahan brothers and our post of 6 Dec. 2020].
Ironically, sometime before 1901 John Hanrahan moved to a ruin of a house opposite the Glenmore chapel which was the site of a previous pub run by Nellie Grawsheen (Grace) which was closed by the Parish Priest around 1870. John Hanrahan rebuilt the house and opened a shop. Hanrahan family members to this day still reside there.
It was only in 1963 that Glenmore gained a pub when an existing license was approved to be transferred from Cork to Glenmore. For further information see our post of 8 May 2023.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
In the featured old postcard of Glenmore Village, John Hanrahan’s house in 1882 was the second from the right in front of which two boys are playing. The first building from the right is Fluskey’s shop and post office.
From Glenmore to Ontario, Canada: Maurice Denn (1825-1873)
Today, we are going to outline the life of a Rochestown, Glenmore man who was born just over 200 years ago. Maurice Denn was baptized at Rochestown, Glenmore on 16 January 1825. According to Danny Dowling (1927-2023) the Denn’s were major local landholders before Cromwell, however Maurice Denn was born into more humble circumstances. We know very little about Maurice Denn’s early life except what can be gleaned from parish records.
Parents & Godparents
Maurice Denn was the son of Morgan Denn and his wife Margaret Mullally of Rochestown, Glenmore. Maurice, and particularly Morgan, are not common Glenmore first names. It may be the case that the names passed down from more affluent times. Maurice’s godparents in 1825 were Patrick Dollard and Catherine Mullally. We believe that Maurice’s godfather was later to become Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868) who went to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and built St. Mary’s Cathedral. See our post of 23 February 2025 regarding Rev. Patrick Dollard.
We believe that Maurice’s godmother Catherine Mullally, of Rochestown, married Garrett Murphy on 18 February 1828 at Slieverue. The witnesses to the wedding were Daniel Sullivan and Morgan Den (sic) Maurice’s father. Per the baptismal records of their two eldest children, Garret and Catherine Murphy resided at Glasshouse in Slieverue. In 1838, the address for their third child was recorded as Newtown, and Mary Denn was her godmother. The following year their address was Ferrybank. In 1841 their address was Slip, Ferrybank. In reviewing Kingston, Ontario mid 19th Century records all of these surnames are present.
Siblings
Morgan Denn and Margaret Mullally of Rochestown were married on 11 January 11, 1822 at Glenmore. The following children were found in parish records.
[1] Mary Denn, bapt. 11 May 1823
[2] Maurice Denn, bapt 16 Jan. 1825 (mother recorded as Mary Murry)
[3] Elizabeth Denn, bapt. 12 Aug. 1827
[4] Ellen Din (sic), bapt 21 May 1831 (Ellen Denn married Patrick Henneberry & was the mother of Maurice Henneberry (1859-1917). See our post of 14 Dec. 2025 for further information).
[5] Catherine Denn, bapt. 1834
Emigration to Kingston, Ontario, Canada
It isn’t clear when Maurice Denn emigrated to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, but he did marry Ellen Brennan (c.1816-1892) on 5 February 1852 in Ontario, Canada. The priest performing the marriage ceremony was Fr. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868) another Rochestown, Glenmore native, and we believe was Maurice’s godfather. The bride was the daughter of Patrick Brennan (deceased) and Mary Healy from the Parish of Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.
Although we located Mary Brenan (sic) (b. 1802), at Byrnesgrove, Ballyragget, for this couple we could not locate Ellen. Our date of birth for Ellen is solely based on her published obituary although we note the 1871 Census states that she was 35 or born around 1836. However, the 1871 Census also provides that Maurice was 38 or born in 1833 and we know he was actually born in 1825. The 1871 Census also reveals that Ellen Denn née Brennan could not read or write and this may have hampered her recall of her birthdate and/or age.
Employment
The Kingston, Ontario City Directory 1857-1858 (p. 34) provides that Maurice was employed for a time as a guard at the Provincial Penitentiary and resided on Block Street. There are only three entries for Denn in the City Directory.
Denn, M.H., Brock St.
Denn, Maurice, guard, Provincial Penitentiary, Brock St.
Denn, William, gentleman, 30 Gore Street
In reviewing the 1873-1874 Kingston City Directory and Vicinity (p. 16) it soon became apparent that William and Maurice Denn were not probably related.
Denn, Maurice, res. Bay St., Grocers and Provisions
Denn, William, res Sydenham St., Sexton W.M. Church [Wesleyan Methodist]
William was a Sexton for the Sydenham Street Methodist Church, which was established in Kingston in 1852. By this time Maurice was living on Bay St. and was employed with respect to “grocers & provisions.” Contemporary newspapers report that Maurice Denn owned a tavern (Kingston Whig Standard, Thur. 18 April 1872, p. 3).
1872 Publications
Maurice Denn was 47 in 1872 and the following newspaper articles show one of his interests. This year also represented the last before the family experienced an era of tragedies.
The British Whig (Tue. 16 Jan. 1872, p. 3) reported that Mary Connell was charged with vagrancy and larceny. She admitted that she stole two buffalo robes from the sleigh of Mr. Maurice Denn. The robes were not recovered because the prisoner would not tell how she disposed of the robes.
The British Whig (Mon. 26 Aug. 1872, p. 2) under the title Aquatics reported that a four oared race of three miles for $40 a side was to take place on Monday evening at five o’clock in the harbour, providing the water is till. The strokes of the crews are Messrs. Maurice Denn and John Dacey. The amateurs are practicing up for the contest, with the two outrigger boats lately stored at O’Gorman’s. The course was from Cataraqui Bridge to the buoy off Morton’s Wharf and back.
Death of Maurice Denn (1825-1873) and Ellen Denn née Brennan (c. 1816 -1892)
The following short newspaper death notice was found in The British Whig (Thu. 18 Dec. 1873, p. 2). “In Kingston, Dec. 17th Mr. Morrice (sic) Denn, aged 45 years. The funeral will take place on tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from his late residence, Bay Street, to St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend.”
Almost twenty years later Maurice’s widow died. The following death notice was published inThe Weekly British Whig (Thu. 9 June 1892, p. 1). “Denn—In Kingston, on June 1st, Ellen, relict of the late Maurice Denn, native of the county Kilkenny, Ireland, aged 76 years.” At the time of Ellen’s death only her daughter Margaret survived her.
Children of Maurice Denn & Ellen Denn née Brennan
Three children were found in the Denn household in the 1871 Census. Two were born to the couple, and the third child was recorded as adopted. Although recorded as adopted the child retained the surname Burke.
[1] Patrick Denn was born on 30 Oct. 1852 and died from drowning on 3 July 1879 at the age of 27. The British Whig (Fri. 4 July 1879, p. 3) “SAD DROWNING CASE—Last evening about 9 p.m. an accident of a very painful character occurred just after the barge “Minnie” loaded with cordwood had passed through the locks at Kingston Mills. A young man named Patrick Denn, aged about 22 years, was busily engaged in coiling some rope near the cabin; while engaged in pulling the rope it came too suddenly and he slipped, tumbling overboard.”
“A board was thrown from the barge to him, but he was so much exhausted as to be unable to reach it. The barge was stopped and an active search made for the body which was found about an hour afterwards. He was brought to the city and tenderly carried to the home of his widowed mother, on Bay Street. The young man was well known in the city, and was highly respected by his companions. He was formerly employed in Conroy’s store on Market Square. His sister left this morning on the ‘Maud’ for Watertown, and has been telegraphed for.”
[2] Margaret Denn (1854-1892)–On 9 February 1880, William McQuaid and Margaret Denn were married in Kingston. The groom was the son of Wm. McQuaid and his wife, Mary O’Neil. Three years after their marriage, Margaret and William McQuaid were witnesses when her adopted sister Mary Burke married.
In the 1891 Census Margaret and William McQuaid had four children comprised of one girl and three boys. William was employed as a “Miller of Sounding Boards for Pianos.” [2a] Mary McQuaid was born about 1883; [2b] Parnell McQuaid was born about 1884; [2c] Maurice McQuaid was born about 1885 and [2d] John McQuaid was born about 1888. Also in the household in 1891 was Margaret’s mother, Ellen Denn née Brennan, who reported that she was 78 years of age. A fifth child was recorded in the 1900 U.S. Census [2e] Katie McQuaid who was reported as having been born in May 1890.
Margaret McQuaid née Denn died on 2 November 1892 of TB in Kingston, Ontario. Margaret died just 5 months after her mother died. Margaret McQuaid née Denn had in 20 years suffered the loss of her only brother, her father, her sister and her mother. Her husband was left with 5 young children under 10 to rear.
Apparently soon after his wife’s death, William moved with his children to Chicago Illinois. The 1900 U.S. Census provides that he was a 48 year-old widower born in Canada and both his parents were also born in Canada. We know this is not correct. He alleged that his youngest child, Katie was born in May 1890, but the child is not reflected on the Canadian 1891 Census. All four of the other children are present in Chicago, and Parnell, Maurice and William are employed as piano makers. William recorded that the family immigrated in 1892 and he was a naturalised citizen.
William McQuaid apparently died on 7 October 1904 in Chicago and at that time his occupation was saloon keeper. For further information see William McQuaid’s grave information available at findagrave.
[3] Mary Burke (1857-1889) per the 1871 Census, was adopted by Maurice and Ellen Denn. Mary Burke was born at Kingston on 15 April 1857. Her parents were John Burke and Margaret Delaney. Her parents were married on 17 April 1856. Fr. Patrick Dollards performed the marriage and noted that the witnesses were George Russell, James Burke, and Mrs. Ellen Denn (née Brennan). The groom was the son of James Burke (stone mason) and his wife Bridget Brennan and the bride was the daughter of James Delaney and Mary Brennan.
Mary Burke was born one year after her parent’s marriage. Her godmother was Mrs. Ellen Denn née Brennan. Her mother Margaret Burke née Delaney (c.1834-1859) died on 14 July 1859 at the age of 25. Her mother’s death notice states that she was a native of County Kilkenny (The Kingston Whig Standard (Sat. 16 July 1859, p. 2). Fr. Patrick Dollard conducted Margaret Burke née Delaney’s funeral and noted that she was interred in the presence of John Burke, George Russell and Maurice Denn and others. A headstone in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery of Kingston provides that Margaret Delaney died 14 July 1859 at the age of 25 and was a native of Toor Parish, Ballyragget, Kilkenny, Ireland. See findagrave to view the headstone.
Mary Burke married Patrick McKenty on 16 April 1883. Her parents were listed as John Burke and Margaret Delaney. Witnesses to the wedding were Wm. McQuade and Margaret McQuade (née Denn). Patrick McKenty was 33 years of age and the son of John McKenty and Mary Carr. The groom was born on Amherst Island, Canada.
After only six years of marriage, Mary McKenty née Burke tragically died on 23 June 1889 of Consumption [TB]. She was just 31 years and 9 months old when she died, and we believe she left three small children. The Kingston Whig Standard (Wed. 10 July 1889, p. 2) published a short article. “Much regret is expressed in Kingston circles over the untimely death of Mrs. P. McKenty, (nee Mary Burke) in your city. The deceased lady was not only well known but highly thought of by a multitude of former Kingstonians, now citizens of Chicago.”
Other Family Deaths
In the course of trying to unravel Maurice Denn’s family we came across a two related notices or obituaries.
Margaret Delaney née Brennan (c. 1834-1859) [mother of Mary Burke] The Kingston Whig Standard (Sat. 16 July 1859, p. 2) published “Died—In Kingston, on the 14th of July, Mrs. Margaret Delaney, wife of Mr. John Burke, aged 25 years a native of the County Kilkenny, Ireland. The funeral was held from the residence of Mr. John Burke on William Street.”
Patrick McKenty (c.1847-1912) (widower of Mary McKenty née Burke died 23 years after his wife)The Daily Standard (Mon. 30 Dec. 1912, p. 2) published a short obituary. “The remains of the late Patrick McKenty, who died in Hamilton last week, were brought to this city on Sunday afternoon for burial. The late Mr. McKenty was well known in Kingston, where for many years he resided and where he was accustomed of late to spend his winters. He was 65 years of age and always enjoyed the best of health. His death was quite unexpected. Survived by son John of Hamilton and two daughters. Mrs. V.C. Joyce of Fort William and Mrs. (Dr.) Keating of Chicago.”
Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The feature photo is an old postcard of St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario.
The postcard of Kingston Market Square is c. 1902 and is courtesy of The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Market Square and City Hall, Kingston, Ont.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 8, 2026. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/9fca5540-c62c-012f-9bb0-58d385a7bc34