19th Century
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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
George Gibson (1817-1897) Agent for a Glenmore Landlord
Last week we highlighted the difficult relationship that the tenants of John L. Conn (1812-1893) of Mount Ida, had with their landlord and his agent George Gibson (1817-1897). Today, we feature the agent George Gibson (1817-1897) including the numerous jobs he held often at the same time and two of his famous kin.
Multiple Jobs
Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce
At the same time George Gibson was John L. Conn’s agent he was also employed as the Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce. In fact, Gibson lived in an apartment in the building owned by the Chamber. Gibson apparently held the post for an extended period and began to call himself esquire. For general historical information on the Waterford Chamber of Commerce see Des Cowman (1988) Perceptions and Promotions: The Role of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, 1787-1987.
As Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce it was noted in 1873 that Gibson gave 5 shillings to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society (Munster Express, Sat. 31 May 1973, p. 6) while others in the organisation gave £1 or more to the fund. Gibson, by his actions publicly questioned the appropriateness of labelling himself esquire.
Poor Law Rate Collector
In addition to being an agent and Secretary to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Gibson was also a collector for the Waterford Poor Law Board of Guardians. Gibson apparently prided himself on being the first collector to close his collection and submit his bill for the work performed. For example, in early December 1873, Gibson attended the Board of Guardians to “close his collection.” “He was the first to close his collection and earned £86 13s. 10d. for his work. He was to collect £3,554 4s. 7d., of which he lodged £3,467 17s. 3d. He proposed that £66 6s. 11d. be struck off as uncollectable and to bring forward into the next rate £20 0s. 5d.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 6 Dec. 1873, p. 3).
Gibson took his job as collector very seriously. In October 1870 Gibson sued Richard Walsh, BL for £6 1s. 4d. for unpaid poor rates for properties Walsh owned in Ballybricken, Waterford City. Barrister Walsh was not amused and stated in the hearing that Mr. Gibson, “had no well-ascertained place of residence, though styling himself esquire.” This statement caused laughter across the courtroom. Gibson replied that he “might not have a residence to suit the learned gentleman he had given security to the guardians, to a considerable amount, as collector, and was responsible to them, and to his securities, for the correctness of his official acts.” Judgment was entered for Gibson (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 28 Oct. 1870, p. 3).
It was reported in 1879, that due to the high cost of obtaining sureties with the London Guarantee Society, Gibson as collector for the Waterford union, substituted Joseph Ambrose, solicitor, Waterford and Robert Manning, engineer-in-chief, Board of Works, Dublin. The Waterford Board of Guardians unanimously approved (Waterford News, Fr. 17 Oct. 1879, p. 3). As will be shown below Robert Manning was Gibson’s brother-in-law.
Interestingly Conn’s tenants all fell within the Waterford Poor Law Union. Therefore, Gibson if assigned to collect for Glenmore and Mullinavat would have collected from his employer Conn and Conn’s tenants who he already sought rent from. For further information on the Poor Law Guardians and local health care see our post of 25 April 2020.
Auditor for the Waterford & Limerick Railway
The Waterford & Limerick Railway Company employed “George Gibson Esq.” of Waterford as their auditor. In February 1880 Gibson’s term as auditor expired and the Chair and Secretary of the Waterford and Limerick Railway recommended his re-election to the post (Waterford News and Star, Fri. 27 Feb. 1880, p. 3).
Secretary to the Commissioners on Public Works
In 1887, Gibson was 70 years of age and was living at Ely Place, Dublin with his brother-in-law Robert Manning. As Secretary to the Commissioners on Public Works he wrote to the Waterford Chamber of Commerce regarding a scheme for the “Junction of the railways with the Quays, Waterford, and the Bridge Made Free” (Waterford News, Fri 9 Dec. 1887, p. 3). It is not clear if Gibson held other posts at this time.
Famous Brother-in-Law and Niece
Very little of a personal nature could be found regarding George Gibson. He never married. No record of his birth or baptism could be located. No obituary could be found in Waterford or Dublin newspapers. It was only the few lines found regarding his Will that provided the first clues as to his kin.
Gibson, George, 11 January 1898, Administration (with the Will) of the estate of George Gibson late of Waterford County, Waterford, Esquire who died 1 November 1897 at Hampstead, Drumcondra, County Dublin, granted at Dublin to Elizabeth Manning of 4 Upper Ely-place Dublin Spinster, Residuary Legatee Effects £955 14s. 2d. Per the death register George Gibson died on 1 November 1897 at age 81 of a fatty heart.
According to Gibson’s headstone in Mount Jerome, Church of Ireland cemetery, Harold’s Cross, Co. Dublin, Mary Ruth Manning (1853-1930) and Georgina Manning (1862-1956) were his nieces. Elizabeth Manning (1850-1913) was the eldest Manning nieces. The photo of the headstone (provided by Dunlo St. Descendent) and information is available on Find a Grave.
In Memory of George Gibson
Second son of the late George Gibson, of 24 Lr Pembroke St.
Died Nov. 1st 1897, Aged 80 Years
Also of Mary Ruth Manning, Who died January 27th, 1930,
Second daughter of the late Robert Manning M? CE,
And niece of first named George Gibson.
Also of her youngest sister, Georgina Eleanore Manning
Who died July 10th?, 1956, In her 93rd? year
Robert Manning (1816-1897)
Robert Manning married Susanna Gibson (1817-1894) of Newtown, Waterford on 7 March 1848 at Waterford. The bride and groom were members of the Church or Ireland. George Gibson was one of the witnesses. According to the biography of Robert Manning (1816-1897) the bride and groom were second cousins. Manning was brought to County Waterford in 1826 by his mother after the death of her husband. They resided with her elder brother John Stephens, Esq. near Passage East. For a concise biography of Robert Manning (1816-1897) see, the Dictionary of Irish Architects. For further details see, Ask Ireland.
Robert Manning had no formal training in hydraulics, but is best known today for his formula that is still used today. Robert Manning systematically investigated the formulas that existed for evaluating open channel flow of water. “He used each formula for a given slope and hydraulic radius between 0.25 metres and 30 metres. After finding the mean value of all the velocities, he developed his formula that was the best fit for the data. The formula was proposed to the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland in December 1889.” In 1891 he wrote a scientific paper which contained his formula. This paper was published in the Transactions of the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland (Enviro Engineer webpage).
Robert Manning died on 9 December at 4 Upper Ely Place. He was in his 82nd year. He was buried in Mount Jerome cemetery (Evening Herald of Fri. 10 Dec. 1897, p. 1). Thus the brother-in-laws died within a month of each other.
Suffragette Georgina Manning (1862-1956)
Georgina Manning (1862-1956) a suffragette, was the youngest daughter of Robert Manning and his wife Susanna Manning née Gibson. Georgina Manning graduated from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. For many years she taught piano and harmony at the Rathmines Ladies’ Collegiate Boarding and Day School in Leinster Square. In 1907, she became a professor of music at Pleasant’s School for Protestant Orphan Females in Camden Street and earned £20 per annum.
In 1908, the Irish Women’s Franchise League was founded and Georgina joined the organisation. In March 1913 Georgia in a protest of John Redmond not supporting the vote for women threw paint on the bust of John Redmond at the Royal Hibernian Academy Exhibition. RTE covered the event in “Century Ireland 1913-1923”.
Georgina was arrested and convicted. She was fined 20 shillings and 5 shillings for damage to the bust. Georgina was given a week to pay the fine. She stated she would not pay and was prepared to go to jail. At the time her eldest sister Elizabeth died, and Georgina paid the fine and damages. As a result of her actions she lost her job notwithstanding the fact that the school offered to reinstate her if she promised not to perform future militant acts. She would not so promise, but apparently never again engaged in a militant act (Denise Dowdall, (2018) historyeye.ie, “Georgina Manning: The Woman Who Threw Paint Over John Redmond.”
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny Files: Glenmore Landlord John Lambly Conn (1812-1893)
While reading articles that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) copied into his files I came across an interesting article. Less than a year after the Glenmore Land League formed in 1880 an agent for a notorious Glenmore landlord was abused on a train journey to and from Kilkenny City. In researching the events leading up to this event there were several cases where this landlord sued his tenants and the tenants sued this landlord. The Glenmore landlord was John Lambly Conn (1812-1893) of Mount Ida, Rochestown, Glenmore. His agent was George Gibson (c.1817 -1897).
Thanks to Martin Forristal we know quite a bit about the bigamist Conn of Mount Ida, Rochestown, Glenmore. Today, we are going to focus on the cases Conn brought against his tenants as well as some cases the tenants brought against Conn.
For information on Conn see Martin Forristal’s 2019 article “Mount Ida.” For information on the Glenmore Land League and the thwarted Ballyfacey Evictions see our post of 8 March 2020.
Thomastown Quarter Sessions
The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 8 July 1881, p. 4) reported on several cases involving John Lambly Conn, of Mount Ida. Conn was suing one tenant and being sued by four of his tenants.
Murtagh Kearney
Murtagh Kearney was sued for £14 12s. 6d. alleged to be owed for one years’ rent on part of the lands of Carrignurra, Slieverue.
Thomas Walsh, Thomas Roche, Thomas Denn, & Simon Denn
The other four tenants were suing Conn in the following amounts: Thomas Walsh, £5 12s. 8d; Thomas Roche, £4 19s; Thomas Denn, £5 6s. 10d.; and Simon Denn, £5 18s. 9d. The four tenants were suing for money they paid during the preceding six years, being the landlord’s proportion of the poor rates in respect of part of the lands of Carriganurra.
George Gibson, Conn’s agent, argued that there was an agreement between Conn and his tenants by which the tenants were to pay all the poor rates. This was based on the fact that under a previous landlord the tenants were to pay all the poor rates and Conn simply continued the practice.
The Justice noted that it was a “miserable thing to see those petty disputes between landlord and tenant, and advised that these cases should be settled, suggesting that both should withdraw their processes.” Ultimately it was agreed that Conn would allow half the poor rates, and no costs to either side. It seemed out of character for Conn to agree to the judge’s proposal, however within a couple of months at least two of the tenants’ farms were sold in a Sheriff’s sale in Kilkenny City.
Martin Cody v. John L. Conn
Martin Cody, of Kilcolum, claimed £528 3s. 4d, for permanent improvements and buildings under sections 3 and 4 of the Land Act. Thomas F. Strange, solicitor, appeared for the plaintiff Cody.
Section 4 of the Land Act entitled a tenant holding under a lease for lives or 31 years to make a claim for reclamation of lands on being disturbed. The lease was dated 18 April 1812, and covered 59 acres, 3 roods, (Irish measure) of lands of Rochestown. The lease was for the lives of three persons—Thomas Walsh, Judith Walsh, and Thomas Walsh, Jr. at a yearly rent of £65 3s. About 1840, Thomas Walsh Jr. divided the lands between his two sons, Thomas and James. Thomas received 45 acres and James 24 acres at an annual rental of £24, or £1 per acres. Shortly after the division the father, Thomas Walsh died.
In October 1878 James Walsh erected slated buildings. Previous buildings were thatched. At said time Hannah Walsh the daughter of Thomas Walsh married Martin Cody. James Walsh assigned his lands to Thomas Walsh. James Walsh died in October 1879 and Thomas Walsh survived until May 1880.
Conn claimed that per the lease he was entitled to take up the lands now in the possession of the plaintiff Martin Cody. Conn served a notice of ejectment and plaintiff sued for disturbance.
After Martin Cody testified that he had gone onto the land as a son-in-law and had been in possession for 3 years Conn told the court that he was willing to do whatever was fair and reasonable to effect a settlement. The Court replied, “I think it would be desirable that the parties should come to some settlement.” Cody stated he did not wish to leave the land and had written several letters to George Gibson, but had no reply. The judge then said that he would grant the tenant a lease for 31 years dating from 1 May 1881. The lease would contain two clauses—one was against alienation and sub-letting, the other gave the tenant the power to sale his interest to one person only.
The Judge then praised Mrs. Cody for the clean, orderly manner, in which she kept her house, he admired the cleanliness of her dairy and everything he saw reflected the “greatest credit on the young couple…”
Sheriff’s Sale
Two months later a letter was sent to the editor of the Munster Express (Sat. 10 Sept. 1881, p. 4) where the author disputed a statement George Gibson, as agent made that “no tenants were compelled to leave for nonpayment of rent.” The author queried where are the Haberlins and Murphys? “’Tis a fact that these poor tenants were forced to leave because they would not consent to pay the unjust and exorbitant rent imposed upon them through the agency of George Gibson.” It was asserted that they never went into arrears but were forced to leave because the new rent they could not pay.
At this time a Sheriff’s Sale was held in Kilkenny. The principal sale involved the sale of 11 tenant’s farms situated in the Granagh and Kilmacow areas. The landlord was Thomas Redington Roche, of Athenry and Gerald O’Connor was his agent. On the day of the sale Kilmacow residents led by their curate Rev. P. Doyle and the Rev. M. Cody, C.C. of Slieverue boarded the train for Kilkenny City. Fr. Cody was a native of Carrigcloney, Glenmore and had been the previous year arrested for his Land League activities.
Train to Kilkenny City
“Scarcely had the train reached the platform when the news spread that Geoge Gibson…who happens to be agent to Mr. J.L. Conn, of Mount Ida—a gentleman not at present on the most amicable terms with his tenantry” was on the train. At every station along the route, most discordant sounds were blown, from the very bass instruments of the bands into the compartment where Gibson sat. Salutations were made to Gibson in the “native vocabulary” that were not comforting, re-assuring or grateful.
On arrival at the Kilkenny platform, Gibson was roughly handled. He was jostled about. The cabs and carmen were threatened with boycotting if they carried him anywhere. Gibson with the “meekness and humility for which he is remarkable, sallied forth, bag in hand…” to a hotel for breakfast. In 1881 Gibson was about 64 years of age.
The Kilmacow band paraded the streets playing national airs. They bore several “handsome banners with national and Land League mottoes.” Around noon the band noticed that the agents for the sales were gathering. The band members marked their disapproval by using the large drum and other instruments to produce a disagreeable noise. The crowd followed, the band shouting and hooting. The agents were evidently terrified of the wrath of the band and crowd.
Conn Properties Sold
Two of Conn’s properties were mentioned in the newspaper account. Andrew Den’s farm was offered for sale. Rev. P. Cody objected to the tenant not being allowed half the poor rates this year as in other years, and because it was an unsettled point he protested the sale. Notwithstanding his protest the sales proceeded. Andrew Den purchased his farm for £34 11s. and Simon Den purchased his farm for £35 17s.
Shortly thereafter the sales were abandoned when the priests began filing written objections to the remaining sales. George Gibson then made a reference to Rev. P. Doyle. Fr. Doyle responded, that “Any observations you have to make let the whole court hear it. You have treated the tenants in the most barbarous manner.
Train to Waterford
On the train journey back to Waterford, Gibson was the object of great hostility. No other passenger would enter the carriage where he was seated. At every station along the route he was serenaded through the windows with the most discordant sounds. It “must have sounded like the war-whoop of a band of Sioux Indians.”
Upon arriving at Waterford, George Gibson was subjected to severe jostling and bugle blasts. All car and omnibus drivers were told not to convey him to the City. Eventually with police protection he was taken to a room in the station. He stayed there until the crowds dispersed between eight and nine p.m.. He was then escorted by the RIC to his apartments in the Chamber of Commerce.
In our next post we shall highlight how many hats (jobs) George Gibson had, his famous brother-in-law as well as his suffragette niece.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: Glenmore Notes (1968)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today, is the fourth anniversary of our founder Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) death. At 5 p.m. a sign will be unveiled at the mural in Glenmore Village the site of the historic Gaffney’s Mill to commemorate Danny’s anniversary. The sign was created by Glenmore Tidy Towns and Glenmore-History.com., and over the coming months we hope to mark other historic sites around the parish. The signs will feature the new Glenmore-History.com logo designed by Jamie Kent of Waterford.
Below are a few excerpts from Danny’s 1968 notebook featuring several Glenmore people and local facts.
Kitty Norris née Ryan (1824-1902) of Ballyveria, Glenmore
We are all aware that the last native Irish speaker of Glenmore was Patrick Power (c. 1856-1942) of Jamestown, who died in 1942. However, Danny recorded a rather startling fact regarding a Glenmore woman Kitty Ryan of Ballyveria. “Kitty Ryan, later Mrs. Jimmy Norris of Ballyveria never knew a word of English until she was 20 years of age She became a good English speaker. She died in 1902.” If Kitty Ryan did not have a word of English it seems likely that she never attended a National School because all National Schools taught English. See our post of 23 August 2020 regarding “Glenmore and the Irish Language”.
The Glenmore Parish records provide that James Norris (c. 1835-1908) and Catherine “Kitty” Ryan were married on 13 February 1866 at Glenmore. The townland provided was Ballyveria. The fathers were not recorded, but the witnesses were John Ryan and Mary Connors. Both parties were of age, therefore, they both were over 21. The Civil Records provide more information. The groom was a labourer, and his father was Michael Norris. The bride’s father was William Ryan, (farmer).
Finding Kitty or Catherine’s date of birth was difficult. The 1901 Census revealed that James and Katherine (sic) Norris were living in Ballywairy (sic) Lower. James was a farmer and 66 years of age. Kitty was 50. Both spouses were born in Co. Kilkenny, and both spoke Irish and English. In 1901, their two closest neighbours were the Garrett Hanrick family and the Richard Murphy family.
Kitty died on the 22nd of May 1902, at Ballywairy (sic) at the age of 76. In one year she aged 26 years! The death register records that she was the wife of a labourer, and died of senile decay. Her husband James was present at her death. James himself apparently died aged 73 at the workhouse hospital on 8 March 1908. He was a widower, labourer and died from prostatitis. The register records that he was from “Ballyfacey, Co. Kilkenny.”
Parents & Siblings
Catherine “Kitty” Ryan was baptized 21 September 1824 at Bally-Vereah (sic) Glenmore. She was the daughter of William Ryan and Margaret Cassin. William Ryan married Margaret Cashin at Ballynuna, Kilmacow on 28 October 1809. Kitty had at least four brothers:
[1] Robert Ryan, baptized 14 October 1810;
[2] Patrick Ryan, baptized 9 March 1815;
[3] James Ryan baptized 11 May 1817; and
[4] Thomas Ryan baptized 4 June 1820.
We did not find any records that Kitty and Jimmy had any children. We could not locate a headstone. Without Danny’s note it seems likely that Kitty would have remained unknown.
Kitty may have had another brother William Ryan. We found some baptismal records regarding children William Ryan, of Ballyveria, fathered. James Ryan “Illegitimate” was baptised on 25 February 1843 at Glenmore the son of William Ryan and Mary Malone. Margaret Ryan “bastard” was baptised 7 June 1850 at Ballyweair (sic) to William Ryan and Mary Malone. William Ryan of Ballyveria married Mary Malone on 19 August 1850 at Glenmore. It is not clear what impediment may have stopped the couple from marrying before 1850. However, given the power of local priests in the mid-nineteenth century (for example closing all pubs in Glenmore Village) it is surprising that this situation was not resolved prior to August 1850.
Ballycroney School at Cody’s
“About 90 years ago Paddy Butler used hold classes in Cody’s of Ballycroney. It was attended by the locals.” This would have been around 1878. Danny’s note also provides that Paddy Butler died “about 70 years ago in the Carrick Union, “the master of which was a Glenmore man James Mullins.” See our post of 10 January 2021 regarding James Mullins. This appears to be the same Paddy Butler who was the master of Kilbride who was from Rahora and milked for Mullins of Flemingstown. See our post of 12 January 2025 regarding what was said from the altar regarding Paddy Butler and our post of 6 September 2020 regarding Glenmore Hedge Schools and Early National Schools. From other sources it appears that Paddy’s teaching ended in Kilbride when the Ballyfacey School opened in 1868.
Ballyfacey School at George O’Connor’s
Daniel Galavan was a teacher in a cow house belonging to George O’Connor in Ballyfacey. Charlie Linegar (1839-1923) went to the Daniel Galavan school. See Dick Claridge’s, “Glenmore Versus from the Early Twentieth Century,” including the famous prank recorded in Charlie Linegar’s Ball.
Mowing Machines
Mowing machines were first introduced into the parish over 80 years ago (circa 1888). The first to get one was Hogan of Weatherstown. Other early mowing machines were owned by Greene’s and Cody’s.
Spraying of Spuds
Spuds were first sprayed in Glenmore in 1904. The Creamery had four sprayers. [The Creamery did not open until 1905, so we believe the correct date is probably 1905.]
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore-history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Again special thanks to Jamie Kent for designing our new logo!