19th Century
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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!
From Danny’s Files: 19th Century Abuse of Sons
Unfortunately, our home internet failed six days ago as I was researching the cases below. (Yes, we are finally dumping Eir for what we hope is a more reliable service.) In any event, over the 70 years that our founder Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected information on Glenmore he often copied non-Glenmore newspaper specific articles that caught his attention. The two articles below were in a file Danny marked “family relations.”
Corporal punishment was a fact of life in the 19th century. Corporal punishment was practiced in public institutions such as prisons, schools, the workplace as well as in the home. The chastisement of wives has been widely discussed such as the “rule of thumb.” Husbands were allowed to “chastise” their wives with implements that did not exceed the circumference of the husband’s thumb. Men were allowed to physically chastise their children, and it was common for daughters to be locked into rooms until such time as they agreed to marry a suitor chosen by their father. However, once a son or daughter married they were emancipated and the father’s duty to chastise ceased. The married daughter now was subject to “chastisement” from her husband. The emancipated son was a man in his own right and was no longer subject to corporal punishment by his father.
The cases below provide a glimpse into 19th century family relationships. These cases were considered controversial at their respective times. Undoubtedly, these sensational cases were discussed across the country including in Glenmore.
Spencer v. Spenser & Spencer
In 1828, the Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier (Thur. 21 Feb. 1828) published an article entitled “Extraordinary Case.” John Spencer, a married man, charged his father Benjamin Spencer, and his step-mother, Catherine Spencer with imprisoning him in their home for three weeks and mal-treating him. Unfortunately, none of the ages of the parties was provided. John Spenser alleged that he was “manacled, fettered and chained down to a bed frame in a garret room without fire or bedding and with little more nutriment than potatoes and water…” He was “stripped of his small clothes, waist-coat, shoes and stockings—and received occasional floggings…”
The Witnesses
John Spenser’s wife stated that the day before the hearing she had taken her husband to Edward Butler, Esq. to show Mr. Butler the condition of her husband. Her husband had a manacle on each hand that were connected by a short chain. There were horse-locks on each ancle and a hook was on one of the horse-locks. A chain ran between the short wrist chain to the hook which kept her husband from standing up straight. She removed the chain from the hook. His hair “was cut closely off.” Although she knew that her husband was in his father’s house she did “venture to go and see him, for fear of ill-treatment to herself.” She learned of her husband’s condition from “old Spencer’s maid, Anne Condran.”
Mr. Edward Butler, Esq. stated that John Spencer “came to him yesterday morning, without any small-clothes, or stockings—that he wore a kind of woollen apron which descended to his knees—that he had all the irons described about him.” Mr. Butler went to the father’s house. The keys to the irons were provided. The irons on John Spencer were then removed and his vest and small clothes were returned to him. John Spencer was at liberty.
Ann Condran stated that she was a servant maid to Benjamin Spencer for the past three months. She saw Benjamin’s son John in a room above stairs—he had bolts his hands and feet, and was chained—he was tied to the bed with other chains. She stated that she thought that John Spenser was mischievous. He once broke a pane of glass in the parlour with his hand. While he was confined, she brought him potatoes and milk, sometimes stirabout, another time meat, and sometimes dry potatoes. She could not state who chained him but she knew his step-mother cut his hair to clean him. She repeatedly stated that the neighbours knew of his confinement perhaps to show that his parents did not think they were doing anything wrong, or perhaps to relieve any guilt she may have had for not informing John Spencer’s wife earlier regarding his mal-treatment.
According to Ann Condran John Spencer got loose himself and escaped from the window. She stated that without the restraints he would have beat and bruised everyone in the household, “and had ill used his father and mother. She noted that he was chained to a bed that had a mattress but no covering on it. John Spencer was forced to eat with his handcuffs on for the entire three weeks. One time when his mother went to clean him John Spencer allegedly threw a hammer at her which was an extraordinary statement given his irons. Unfortunately, it was not reported how he obtained the hammer.
Mr. M’Dowell, governor of the gaol, testified that it is not usual in the gaol to keep the criminals hand-cuffed for three weeks. He stated that such a punishment was greater than what he used. M‘Donnell said that when young Spencer escaped from his father’s home, his head and legs bore marks of violence. He had five plasters on his wounds, and his hair was cut close off.
John Spencer, was sworn and testified that he was confined against his will in his father’s home. He was told not to expect to escape until his father’s death. He described the irons that held him and stated that his mother beat him with lashes. His father did not strike him during the three weeks. For food, he only once got stirabout and milk and potatoes twice a day. He got meat once when his step-mother was absent from the home.
John Spencer stated that he was chained to the bed and could lie on it but it did not have a stitch of covering on it. He asked for covering and it was refused. Once a “lock of straw was left in the room, he took it to lie on, under the bed, and his step-mother then took it away and used it in the shop under her feet.”
The Ruling
“Magistrates having investigated the case, consulted awhile. It was directed that Benjamin Spencer and his wife should be confined for trial Assizes, or find bail for appearance, two persons each in and themselves in £100. each. The husband subsequently, on giving the bail required for himself, was dismissed—but Catherine Spencer, in default of security was sent to prison.” In other words, Benjamin Spencer and his wife were to stand trial when the circuit judge next came to the area and could either await the judge in jail or pay £100 each as bail. Benjamin Spencer, the father, made bail for himself, but his wife was sent to prison to await the trial.
“A Melancholy Domestic Affair in Cashel,” O’Ryan v. O’Ryan
In 1847, during the Great Famine, a “family squabble” in Cashel appeared in newspapers across Ireland and in England. The victim Francis O’Ryan, Jr. was next of kin to the Right Hon. Richard Butler, Earl of Glengall, of the barony of Cahir (Liverpool Daily Post, 1 Sept 1858). The son was shot in the face by his father, Francis O’Ryan, Sr. It was initially thought that the son would die. At the time of the shooting the son was a couple of months from reaching his majority.
The Cork Examiner (Fri. 3 Sept. 1847) after noting that various versions “of the fearful affair in Cashel” appeared in various newspapers “after much deliberation” decided to publish an editorial written by the father from his prison cell to the Tipperary Vindicator. The Cork Examiner went to pains to state that it was “offering no opinion of our own, one way or the other, on this most unfortunate matter.”
Statement of Francis O’Ryan, Sr.
TO THE EDITOR THE TIPPERARY VINDICATOR. Cashel, August 29, 1847- Sir–I beg to set you right relative to a statement of an occurrence that took place in Cashel, and was mentioned your paper of the 28th inst. It is not true that I had any argument or difference with my son in consequence of his refusing to join in making leases or lease. No such circumstance ever occurred. His signature or consent to any lease made or to be made by me is not requisite; neither will entitled any property from his coming of age, or in fact until after my death.
No, Sir, what led to the unfortunate occurrence was the infliction of the greatest wrong one person could do another. I am sorry be obliged to allude to it, but the letter in your paper of yesterday leaves me no alternative. I caught my son in bed with my wife—his step-mother. This, Sir, was what led to the unfortunate affair, and not the foolish and malicious statement furnished in your paper. I am ignorant as to who the writer of the article may be, or his intentions in furnishing you with a statement so totally at variance with truth; but his information is evidently derived from the poisoned source of malicious fool well known here.
I beg also to state, that am not, nor never was, in the habit of carrying fire arms about me; neither am I, or was I, in dread of thieves. I fear more the villain who attacks character through the instrumentality of wanton and malicious lies. His remarks about my mental illness etc., are not worth answering. Requesting a place in your paper for this note, I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Francis O’Ryan.
Readers may wonder why the father would make such a statement to a newspaper. During the 19th century defendants could not testify in their own defence. By getting his version of events out into the public the father hoped to influence potential jurors. If the son had died the father would have faced murder charges, and if convicted he would have hanged. By making this public statement the father was putting forth a provocation defence which if successful would have reduced a conviction to manslaughter. Luckily, for him his son did not die.
Statement of Francis O’Ryan, Jr.
After the ball was removed from Francis O’Ryan Jr.’s head he too wrote a letter to the editor disputing what his father said occurred before the shooting.
The Tipperary Vindicator (Wed. 15 Sept. I847) published the following letter to the editor dated 9 September 1847.
Sir—Now that my medical advisers say I may use so much exertion, after life being despaired of, I hasten to reply to letter my unfortunate father, dated 29th August last (which I am much surprised you inserted in your columns), containing most diabolical charge against me-a charge deeply affecting my character, and impeaching the reputation and fidelity of an innocent woman.
More particularly when his letter was written in prison, where had been committed on a charge the most serious and aggravated, from which he would of necessity exonerate himself whether right or wrong. I totally and distinctly deny his statements; they are at utter variance with truth. I positively assert that I never did, in thought or deed, commit any act that could justify him in such cruel and un-parental violence as he has resorted to. On the night of the melancholy occurrence I repaired to bed about ten o’clock, labouring under intense agony from tooth-ache and swollen jaw, which I have been long time subject. About twelve o’clock Mrs. O’Ryan, her way to procure a drink for one of her children, having heard me complain, came into my room (which is quite near my father’s) and asked me if she would send for anything to allay the pain, when my father, armed with pistols, rushed into the room, drove Mrs. O Ryan out, left the room, and locked the door on the outside.
I got out of my room, and in some time after proceeded to the door of that in which he was, asked him for the key, and the reason for acting as he had done, when he deliberately fired a pistol at me, inflicting a most dangerous wound. His statement that he had no argument with relation to joining him in leases, also untrue, as he did ask me to a short time since, for the purpose of enabling him to raise money for his own purposes, which I refused. Ever since he has been most violent in his conduct and treatment towards me.
A statement which appeared in some papers written by a newly acquired friend of my father’s (who gave the Limerick folk reason to think of him), that he (my father) was recently married, and other insinuations reflecting on me, is equally false, as my father married nine years since, and has got two children by said marriage. I could adduce many and strange circumstances to convince the most incredulous of the motives which actuated him to commit this awful crime, but as the matter must undergo legal investigation at the proper time, I trust the Press in general will, in justice to me, insert this letter, as they have published that of my unfortunate parent, and refrain from publishing any further comments on this very deplorable subject. I am, your very obedient, Francis O’Ryan, Jun.
Junior was referencing some statements that appeared in various newspapers including the Sun (London) (Tues. 31 Aug. 1847). “Mr. O’Ryan having been for some time a widower, recently married a young and interesting lady, who, according to the version of the story on the father’s side, become an object of the son’s passion. That this sentiment was reciprocated by the youth’s stepmother, the father had, as is stated, for some short time back, more and more reason to be suspicious; and on Tuesday evening on entering his bedroom was horrified to beheld his place occupied by his unfortunate son. Maddened with rage, the unhappy father reached a loaded pistol, and fired… The lady made a precipitate retreat, and escaped before her infuriated husband could reload his weapon. An instant alarm was given and Mr. Ryan was taken into custody, and consigned to the gaol at Cashel.”
Before the internet crashed, we were able to learn that Junior went to Australia and returned to Ireland in 1858 to claim a title. At that time it was noted that his father was deceased (Liverpool Daily Post, 1 Sept. 1858). As time permits and the internet is restored we shall update these cases.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com and we shall acknowledge and reply as quickly as we are able.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Nial and Maeve C. for allowing us to “borrow” their internet to post this.
A Glenmore Landlord: Dr. Mackesy [Updated]
We are teaming up with Glenmore Tidy Towns to develop small informational signs for historical buildings/areas around Glenmore parish. One of the buildings identified for a sign is the coach house. From Danny Dowling’s (1927-2021) notebooks we know that the coach house was owned by the landlord of Graiguenakill and Cappagh, Dr. Mackesy who lived at 22 Lady Lane, Waterford. However, there were several Dr, Mackesy’s who were related and resided on Lady Lane in Waterford.
We know that 13 houses were built on both sides of the Village Stream by “Dr. Mackesy” circa 1855. It is not known when the coach house was constructed. We could find no contemporary newspaper articles regarding the building of the houses in Glenmore Village. However, we did find an interesting letter to the editor in the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 June 1854, p. 4) concerning some political issue or appointment at that time. “We find Dr. Mackesy and his party going to Glenmore, on a shocking wet day that would drown an alligator…not of course to vote against Dr. Denn, but to vote for a highly accomplished and qualified young gentleman.” Unfortunately the first name of the doctor is not printed.
Going back to Griffith’s Valuation (1833) it was recorded that George Toie/Ivie(?) of Waterford was the landlord of Cappagh. Sir John Gahan was the landlord of Graiguenakill. Thus, “Dr. Mackesy” obtained the townlands sometime after Griffith’s Valuation.
The First Mackesy Landlord of Glenmore
There are two Dr. Mackesy’s who were alive in the 1850’s and could have been the first of a line of Dr. Mackesy’s who were landlords in Glenmore. The two men were father and son. The father was Dr. Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869). The son was Dr. Joseph Poulter Mackessy (1815-1866).
Dr. Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869)
Thomas Lewis Mackesy was born in Waterford to an apothecary [chemist/pharmacist]. It is believed that his father was William Mackesy who had his shop at 4 the Mall. Thomas apprenticed under his father, then in 1809 successfully took the London College of Surgeons. Thomas trained as an assistant surgeon before joining the Royal Artillery. In some accounts of his life it is alleged that he was at the Battle of Waterloo. After approximately 7 years he returned to Waterford and became the surgeon for the Fanning Hospital and Leper Hospital. He married his first wife Mary Poulter (1777–1818) in 1813. She was 13 years older than Thomas.
Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy became interested in civic life. In 1826 he became a Freeman of Waterford City, served as a Poor Law Guardian, a Magistrate and became Mayor in 1841/2. Although other Presidents of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland were from outside Dublin, Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy, in 1862, was the first President who practiced outside of Dublin. For further information concerning his military and medical work that includes his photo see, Journal of Medical Biography (2025) “Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869): Eminent Surgeon of Waterford.” In 2018, the Waterford Civic Trust placed a blue plaque at 22 Lady Lane to honour him. For further details see, The Irish Times .
Landlord of Dunkitt
Dunkitt is located about 12 kilometres southwest of Glenmore near Grannagh on the old Waterford to Limerick railway line. Dr. T.L. Mackesy was one of a group of three who owned 79 acres. The other two owners was Joseph Poulter Budd, Esq. [assumed to be nephew] and Rev. William Mackesy [his son].
In September 1850 newspapers across the country reported that “Dr. T. L. Mackesy has, within the last few days, given all his tenants on his Dunkitt estate clear receipts up to the 1st of May last, wiping off all arrears, some of his tenants owing upwards of sixty pounds—Waterford Mail (Cork Examiner, Fri. 27 Sept. 1850, p. 2).
Then in 1855, T.L. Mackesy, Esq., Joseph Poulter Budd, Esq. and the Rev. William Mackesy as owners of a 79 acre estate in Dunkitt petitioned for partition. The solicitor for the Mackesy’s was Henry V. Mackesy, Esq. of 126 Grafton St. Dublin and Waterford (Waterford Mail, Sat. 6 Oct. 1855, p. 7). Henry Vincent Mackesy (c. 1826–1889) was from Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy’s second marriage.
In 1864 the Dublin Evening Mail. (Mon. 4 Jan. 1864, p. 2) reported that His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant presented the Rev. William P. Mackesy, A.M. , eldest son of Dr. Thomas Lewis Mackesy, of Waterford, to the living of Dunkitt, in the diocese of Ossory, vacated by the death of the late Rev. Patrick Rennie with a value of £450 per annum. The Waterford Mirror (Wed. 6 Jan. 1864, p. 2) gave further details. The Reverand’s father, Alderman Mackesy, recently held the honourable position of President of the College of Surgeons, and his brother, Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy, inherited the extensive estates of the Poulter family. Rev. Mackesy’s “appointment to this incumbency must be most gratifying to the family generally.”
Notwithstanding Dr. T.L. Mackesy’s long list of achievements and ownership of lands in Dunkitt there is nothing found in his obituary or other sources to suggest that he was a landlord in Glenmore.
Dr. Joseph Poulter Mackesy (1815-1866)
Joseph was the eldest child of T.L. Mackesy and his first wife Mary Poulter. We did find a published link to Joseph who was also a doctor holding land in Glenmore. For example, in 1863 it was reported in the Dublin Daily Express identified that Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy, Esq. was the landlord of the Ballyverneen or Pink Rock weir. For further details see our post of 18 July 2020. It is not clear if Dr. Joseph Poulter Mackesy acquired lands in Glenmore as part of the Poulter family estates he inherited or whether some of the land was part of his wife’s dowry or more likely an inheritance.
In 1843, Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy married Frances Rosetta Ivie (1816-1891), the daughter of George Ivie, Esq. a Waterford solicitor. The couple had four children, two sons and two daughters. Both daughters died in April 1860 (Waterford News, Fri. 6 April 1860, p. 3). Below is Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy’s obituary which provides details concerning his injury, medical care and death.
Death of Joseph P. Mackesy, Esq, M.D. (The Waterford News, Fri. 6 April 1866, p. 3).
Seldom has it fallen to our lot as journalists to record an event so unexpected, and producing in its train feelings of deeper regret and commiseration, then the demise of Dr. Joseph Poulter, Mackesy, son of Dr. T.L. Mackesy, J.P., which sad event occurred on Tuesday afternoon, whilst he was yet unmissed by any in that community, to almost every one of who he was well known by his personal appearance, kind disposition, and affable demeanour. The few facts which immediately preceded the termination of his useful earthly career, at the age of 51 years, when he appeared only entering late the zenith of his profession, are as follow:–On Monday night, the lamented gentleman having paid his customary evening visit to his father, retired to rest apparently in his usual good health, but had been only one hour asleep when he awoke with a suffusion about the chest, and otherwise feeling so ill that he deemed it advisable to send for his father, who immediately applied the usual remedies in such cases.
The deceased gentleman continued in almost the same state until about ten o’clock on the fatal morning, at which hour a consultation and an examination took place between Dr. W. Carroll and Dr. T.L. Mackesy, when for the first time it became apparent that the deceased was suffering from disease of the heart, but no immediate termination of life was anticipated. He was visited by his uncle, Dr. John Mackesy, and other medical gentlemen, and continued in an unaltered state sitting at a fire in his bedroom until about half past two o’clock, when no one being present but Mrs. J.P. Mackesy, and whilst making some trifling exertion about his toilette, he suddenly dropped upon the hearth rug.
Dr. Carroll, who resides next door, and happened to be within at the moment, was almost instantly upon the spot, but found medical aid of no avail. He applied water to his face, which had the effect of producing the last sigh from his apparently motionless body, and thus the spirit fled from earth.
The immediate cause of Dr. Mackesy’s decease is ascertained to have been disease of the heart which, however, never developed itself until this fatal attack, owing possibly to the even tenor of his life, but was probably Accelerated by unusual exertion which he subjected himself to on the previous day in rendering assistance with his coachman to a horse which had fallen under his carriage, whilst paying a visit to the country. A post mortem examination on yesterday by several medical gentlemen of this city, revealed the facts that the heart of deceased was of usual size but of a very fatty nature, and that death had been caused, by the rupture of the left ventricle, and coating of which, to the extent of about one square inch, had been tenuated (sic) to the finest degree.
When the sad intelligence was first announced, It seemed to be credited by few only, but when the dread reality could no longer be doubted, it cast a gloom over the entire city and brought forth many a tear from the eyes of the poor who knew him well, as their benefactor in the hour of sickness, when either in his capacity as physician and surgeon to that valuable institution, the Leper Hospital, or as the private practitioner, he freely administered to them medical advice; or if the case were beyond his reach, the courteous, kind-hearted manner in which he reluctantly set aside the suppliant, was more calculated to create a feeling of love and veneration than relentlessness or ill will. As a physician and surgeon of about 26 years’ practice in this neighbourhood, he had been successful, and enjoyed a very large practice, from which he derived a handsome income.
To the whole population, it may be said, he was personally known, and by his affability and urbanity he was esteemed and respected by all who enjoyed his acquaintance, and who now deplore his sad and unexpected demise. Dr. Mackesy, apart from his large income from his practice, was possessed of considerable landed property and securities, and died a wealthy man.
He was married to a daughter of the late George Ivey, Esq. a well known solicitor in this city, by whom he had four children—two sons and two daughter—of whom the sons alone survive. One of these young gentlemen has nearly completed his studies for the medical profession, but has, by the will of Providence, been thus bereft of the sure guide in the paths of the profession, in which his father attained so high a standard. [His two daughters died in April 1860, Waterford News, Fri. 6 April 1860, p. 3.]
Much genuine sympathy is felt for his afflicted family, as also his respected father, in their sad bereavement, which again should bring to the mind of all alike—the rich, the poor, the sick man and the robust constitution—the wisdom of remembering the words of solemn caution contained in Holy Writ, that “in the midst of life we are in death.” The remains of deceased will be conveyed from Lady Lane at ten o’clock tomorrow (Saturday) morning, for interment in the family burial ground at Dunkitt, County Kilkenny.
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The citation for the Journal of Medical Biography article on Dr. T.L. Mackesy, see, van Riel-Jameson R, Cooper M., “Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790–1869): Eminent Surgeon of Waterford”, Journal of Medical Biography (2025) doi:10.1177/09677720241311205.
Special thanks to Veronica who forwarded information on the Dr. T.L. Mackesy as well as other Mackesy’s in 2021 and provided updates in 2025..
The featured photo above is the blue plaque placed on 22 Lady Lane, Waterford commemorating Dr. Thomas L. Mackesy (1790-1869). A portrait of his son, Dr. Joseph P. Mackesy is hanging in the Waterford City and County Offices, and we hope to add a photo of the painting to this post.
[Updated 15 April 2025–the bust of Dr. J.P. Mackesy was originally in the entrance to the Infirmary and now is found in University Hospital Waterford.]
Please send any corrections or additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868) a Native of Rochestown, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard (1 March 1804-12 Feb. 1868) a native of Rochestown, Glenmore. Patrick was the younger brother of John Dollard (1801-1888) who was featured last week as the man who named Glenmore, Wisconsin. Fr. Patrick Dollard built St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario, Canada and became its first rector. The painting to the left of Fr. Dollard hangs in the Cathedral’s Rectory and was graciously sent to us by Angela Gambin, the Office Manager of St. Mary’s.
Unfortunately, the Arch-Diocese of Kingston closed its archives in 2023 as a new building to house the collection was planned. When we queried when the archives will re-open we were informed that the new building has not yet commenced. Undoubtedly at some point in the future we will update this post and share whatever other information we can find regarding Fr. Dollard. Until then we have relied heavily on newspaper searches that revealed a detailed obituary and interesting description of his funeral.
Early Life
According to his obituary, Fr. Dollard was born in Glaumore (sic) County Kilkenny, Ireland, in March 1804. Over the years Glenmore has been spelled in a variety ways, but Glaumore is most unusual. Fr. Dollard was educated at an ecclesiastical seminary in Waterford. We believe that Fr. Dollard probably attended St. John’s Seminary in Waterford City. St. John’s was established c. 1807 for the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. Per Danny’s notes St. John’s was established from the merger of a classical school and an academy. St. John’s was originally on Manor Hill and in 1868 relocated to John’s Hill. In the 1830’s, St. John’s established a mission to Newfoundland, Canada.
Emigration to Canada
After “finishing his collegiate course” Fr. Dollard sailed to Canada. “having from an early period of his life devoted himself to the Church, began and completed his theological studies at Montreal.” Fr. Dollard was ordained by Bishop Lartique, on the Feast of the Ascension, 1836. Fr. Dollard was appointed to the Diocese of Kingston. Montreal is about 800 miles southwest of Newfoundland. Kingston is about 280 miles further west and almost half way between Montreal and Toronto (The Weekly British Whig, Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1). It is not clear why Fr. Dollard went further west than Newfoundland if he was sent by the seminary in Waterford.
At Kingston Fr. Dollard cared for his brother John’s young family when they emigrated around 1850. John Dollard left his wife and children in Kingston while he crossed into the United States and travelled west to Wisconsin where he obtained land and cleared the wilderness to establish a farm. See our post of 17 February 2025 for further details of John Dollard’s trip and life in Wisconsin.
Although a great distance separated the Dollard brothers, we were able to ascertain that they kept in contact. In fact, Fr. Dollard, in September 1863 was the Vicar General of Kingston. It was reported that he was in Brown County, Wisconsin “visiting relatives.” He celebrated the last Mass at St. Ignatius. A week or so later the church was destroyed by fire. See, Mary Kay & Dan Milquet (2006) De Pere of Yesteryear, vol. 1, Zander Press, Brillion (Wisconsin) p. 43.
Priest of the People
According to contemporary newspaper accounts Fr. Dollard often rolled up his sleeves to help care for the sick and dying particularly during epidemics that swept through Canada in the 19th century. “He was instrumental in caring for typhus victims when they arrived after the Famine,” (Angela Gambin, email of 18 Feb. 2025). Fr. Dollard served in Kingston for 32 years and is credited with building St. Mary’s Cathedral , being its first rector, becoming the Vicar General and working tirelessly on improving education.
The Kingston Whig-Standard (Mon. 10 Feb. 1868, p. 3) reported two days before his death, “We regret to say that the Very Revd. Mr. Dollard, so long Vicar General and Parish Priest of Kingston, is very ill, and may probably be no more when this sees the eye of the reader. Father Dollard is truly a good man.” For a concise biography of Fr. Patrick Dollard see, B. J. Price, “DOLLARD, PATRICK,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 9, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed February 15, 2025. .
The Weekly British Whig (Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1) published the following editorial after his death.
Kingston has lost in the death of Very Rev. Father Dollard one of the best men that ever lived in it. For a long time (upwards of thirty years) he was Parish Priest, and in the performance of that arduous duty gained the love and good will of all his many Parishioners. On two occasions he administered the affairs of the Diocese when the See became vacant, to the great satisfaction of his superiors, and it was at the time greatly regretted that he had not been promoted to the vacancy. He was in every sense of the word an exemplary priest.
However, it is from his obituary that we found the most details regarding Fr. Dollard’s work. The Weekly British Whig (Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1) published a lengthy detailed obituary that was republished in the Weekly Register & Catholic Standard (London) (Sat. 14 March 1868, p. 5). The obituary is below and the sub-headings are not part of the original obituary.
Obituary of the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard (1804-1868)
It is with profound regret we record the death of the Very Rev. P. Dollard, V.G., at the Bishop’s residence, after a severe illness of four weeks. He was a truly good and pious Priest, and dies deeply lamented by all classes of the community.
Zealous Priest
How many varied acts of kindness he performed in that long period are known only to those for whom they were done. During the trying scenes of the Rebellion—the epidemics of cholera and typhus fever, he laboured unceasingly for the benefit of the people, and nobly performed the part of zealous priest, a loyal subject, and a good and charitable citizen. In alluding to his conduct during the dread ship fever, Mr. Maguire, in his recent book on “The Irish in America,” pays the following tribute to him:
‘Father Dollard, an Irish Clergyman, had to bear the chief share of the priestly duty, and from the first moment that the fever broke out, until the earth was beaten down on top of the grave mound, he was in the midst of the danger.’
Building of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
He was entrusted with the entire management of the building of the Cathedral, a task, it is needless to say, he performed with singular prudence and economy. He also laboured strenuously in the struggle of Roman Catholics of Upper Canada for their educational rights begun in 1841. He took the liveliest interest in the working of the schools, and for the last year and several years previous was chairman of the Catholic School Board.
By the amiability of his character, but above all, by the purity of his life, he won the esteem and admiration of his fellow citizens of all denominations—and they particularly the old ones, will regret the departure from amongst them of one, whoa after so long a residence, leaves a record unsullied by the slightest suspicion. To almost every Catholic family he was endeared by the strongest ties, and they regarded him with most filial affection. His loss leaves a large blank in their ranks, and one very difficult to fill.
Death
His death was befitting his character—calm and tranquil—and his last days on earth were made as pleasing as possible by the unvaried kindness of the Bishop and the unceasing attention of his many friends (The Weekly British Whig, Thu. 20 Feb. 1868, p. 1).
Funeral Services
The following interesting article describes in detail the funeral services for Fr. Dollard (The Kingston-Whig Standard, Mon 17 Feb. 1868, p. 2).
On Saturday morning the last rights of the Catholic Church were accorded to the remains of the late Father Dollard. St. Mary’s Cathedral was tastefully draped, the altars, pulpit, ornaments, windows, pillars, etc. being covered with black, festoons and draperies falling from the roof.
The chancel window was hidden by a black curtain, bearing on it a large white cross. The whole Church bore a sombre appearance. The body was laying on a platform erected within the rails of the Sanctuary while the ceremony was being performed. A Grand Requiem Mass was sung by the Right Rev. Bishop Horan, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Rooney, of Toronto, as Archdeacon, with the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Napanee, as Deacon, and the Rev. Mr. O’Kean, of Port Hope, as Sub-deacon, the Rev. Mr. Gothier, of Regiopolis College officiating as Master of Ceremonies.
The funeral sermon was preached by the Right Rev. Dr. Farrell, Bishop of Hamilton, who from the time of his ordination as a Priest until his elevation to the Bishoprie (sic), served under the direction of Father Dollard. During the Mass the Choir, mostly composed of male voices, sung the solemn music incident to the service in a very fine style.
After Mass a procession was formed, headed by the crucifix and censor bearers, composed of the students of Regiopolis College, wearing surplices and soutanes, and all the clergy present, each person carrying in his hand a lighted candle and being bare-headed, preceding the body, which was borne on the shoulders of Messrs. James Harty, Michael Flanagan, Michal Macnamara, James Bermingham, Maurice Dinn and Wm. Hartey, four aged Priests acting as pall bearers.
The procession proceeded from the Sanctuary out of the Cathredral, and passed around to the side of the building, where it entered the passage leading to the vault underneath. Here the ceremony was brought to a close by a reading of prayers for the dead and sprinkling the coffin with Holy Water and incensing it. The vault is built immediately under the grand altar, and directly opposite that contains the remains of the late Bishops McDonell, Goulin and Phalin.
To say that the Cathedral was crowded throughout the ceremony would give no adequate idea of the numbers present, and the many tears shed by both Priests and people, as they followed his remains to their last resting place, spoke most eloquently of the worth of the late Father Dollard. He is gone from among us, and it is much to be hoped that whoever succeeds him as a Parish Priest of Kingston, will exhibit that same spirit of religious toleration and uprightness of character that have won for him the high esteem of all good men. [The article ends with a long list of priests who attended the funeral.]
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The photo of Fr. Dollard’s tomb was provided by Angela Gambin. For further photos of the tomb and nearby tombs in the crypt see Find a Grave. The photos on Find a Grave were taken by Callan Murphy.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Special thanks to Angela Gambin, the Office Manager of St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, for sharing a photo of Fr. Dollard’s portrait, the photo of his tomb and other information.
The photos of St. Mary’s Cathedral exterior and interior are from old post cards.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh