19th Century
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The Man Who Named Glenmore, Wisconsin: John Dollard (1801-1888)
Thanks to a reader’s query last week our post concerned James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore who emigrated, married, raised a family, farmed and died in Glenmore, Brown County, Wisconsin. We wondered if James named Glenmore, Wisconsin after his native parish in Co. Kilkenny. Happily, this query stirred the curiosity of Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, the Local History Specialist, of the Brown County Library who found the answer and identified other Glenmore emigrants. Special thanks to Jeff Gilderson-Duwe for going the extra mile!
The library has an unpublished manuscript concerning the origins of Brown County place names. In this manuscript Mr. Gilderson-Duwe found the following statement, “The name [Glenmore] was given by John Dollard of De Pere, County Supervisor, for a place near his birthplace in Ireland.”
Mr. Gilderson-Duwe also provided a biographical sketch of John Dollard from an 1885 Commemorative Biographical Record of the Fox River Valley Counties of Brown, Outagamie and Winnebago [Wisconsin]: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families (J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago). With that title it had to be a heavy tome and best seller. The biographical sketch of John Dollard is found on pages 373 and 374 as follows, the sub-titles below are not in the original text:
Emigration to the Wisconsin Wilderness
Patrick E. and John Dollard, well known progressive farmers of De Pere township, Brown County, were born on the farm where they yet make their home, the former in August 1851, the later in August 1854.
Their father, John Dollard, was born June 5, 1801, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, where he married Bridget Heffernan, and while in Ireland two children were born to them, viz,: Kate, now the wife of Joseph Whalen, postmaster at South Milwaukee, Wis., and Ellen, Mrs. Michael Murray, of St. Paul, Minn. About 1850 John Dollard set out with his family, for America, and sailing from Waterford, landed at Quebec after a long voyage. His brother Patrick was a priest in Kingston, Canada, and there the family remained while John proceeded farther west, seeking a home for them.
After journeying over the State of Michigan, he crossed Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wis., and thence came on foot to Green Bay, a distance of thirty-five miles, through the wood, during which trip he met the first wolves he had ever seen, and other wild animals were also numerous. The only road was the one over which the United States mail was carried, and frequently there was nothing to guide him and point out the way except blazed trees. After looking over the land around Green Bay, Mr. Dollard selected a tract of 160 acres, in Section 31, De Pere Township, Brown County, for which he paid five hundred dollars. [From this biography it appears that John Dollard travelled alone, yet we believe that his brother-in-law James Heffernan (1825-1891) also came to the area circa 1850.]
Taming the Wisconsin Wilderness
The place was uncleared and totally unimproved, and Mr. Dollard made a few rude preparations for his family before returning to Canada and bringing them to their new home in the midst of the forest. The first cabin stood about twenty rods from the spot where the present substantial brick residence was built in 1885.
The father commenced the work of clearing the farm, an arduous task, and more especially so as during the first year he had no beasts of burden, and he hauled 100,000 feet of lumber to a point on East river, with a hired team of cattle, before he became the owner of a pair of oxen. The first crops raised on the farm consisted of oats and potatoes, and for some time their only farming implement was a hoe. On this place, Mr. Dollard passed the remainder of his life, dying January 30, 1888; he was buried in De Pere cemetery.
Civic Roles
In his political affiliations he was a staunch Democrat, and he held almost every office in the gift of the township. He was chairman of the township, and, of the county board; was the first township superintendent of schools elected under the new school laws, and continued to hold the office until it was abolished, being thus the only man to serve in that position in De Pere township. In whatever capacity he acted, his service was ever marked by the highest ability and integrity and satisfactory discharge of his duties.
He was a self-made man in the strictest sense, having won abundant success from a small beginning, by hard work and energy and application to his business. In his early life he had received a thorough education attending school until he was twenty-four years old, and few, if any, farmers of his time and section were his equals in this respect. From the time of his settlement he resided continually on the same farm, and saw it transformed from a wilderness abounding with wild animals to the fertile and productive tract it now is, taking, also, an active and prominent part in every movement of interest or benefit to his township generally, and was always ready and willing to assist any worthy enterprise.
Popular Settler
He was widely and favourably known all over the county, and had considerable influence in his community, his advice being sought on many questions. He also took a leading interest in Church matters, and was treasurer and trustee of St. Francis Catholic Church, of which he and his wife were both members. Mrs. Dollard survived her husband until April 22, 1891, when she was laid to rest by his side in De Pere cemetery. [It is not clear how a publication published in 1888 recorded an 1891 death].
Patrick E. and John Dollard were reared on the home farm, and received an education in the common schools of the home district. They have always remained on the homestead, which they now own, and where they carry on a general farming and stock raising business, in connection with the latter branch being extensive breeders of sheep. In their political affiliations they follow in the footsteps of their father, manifesting great interest in the welfare of the Democratic party, but having no aspirations for office, as they devote their time exclusively to the farm. They are systematic, industrious and prosperous agriculturalists, and quiet, unassuming men. Both are unmarried.
Glenmore Parish Records
John Dollard of Rochestown, Glenmore, married Bridget Heffernan, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore , on 15 February 1840. The witnesses were John Forestal and Mary Delaney. The marriage does not provide the names of the fathers of the bride and groom. From the year of birth recorded on the marker in De Pere, Wisconsin, Bridget was born in 1811. It is recorded in the Slieverue/Glenmore Parish records that Bridget Hefrin (sic) was baptized 7 July 1811 at Aylverstown (sic), Glenmore, daughter of James Hefrin (sic) and Mary Delaney. Her sponsors were Joane Strange and Honor Delany. [We know that her brother James Heffernan was born in 1825 and his father’s name was listed as John and his mother was Mary Delaney].
Children of John Dollard and Bridget Dollard née Heffernan born in Ireland
[1] Catherine Dollard , bapt. 27 June 1842 at Roachistown (sic) daughter of John Dollard and Bridget Heffernan. Sponsors: Richard Viracre [Vereker] and Alice Irish.
[2] Mary Dollard, bapt. 26 June 1845 at Rochestown, Glenmore daughter of John Dollard and Bridget Hefernan. Sponsors Patrick Heffernan and Ellen Murphy. [This child was not mentioned in the 1886 biography.]
[3] Ellen Dollard, bapt. 12 Nov. 1846, at Rochestown, daughter of John Dollard and Bridget Heffernan. Sponsors: James Forestal and Jude Heffernan.
[4] Patrick Dollard, bapt. 1 Feb. 1850 at Roachestown (sic), son of John Dollard and Bridget Heifernan. Sponsors: John Murphy and Mary Heifernan. [This child has a different year of birth than Patrick E. Dollard who was said to have been born in August 1851 on the Wisconsin farm. However, an obituary in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (2 Oct. 1925) records that Patrick was born in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland]. Patrick Dollard never married.
John & Patrick Dollards Parents?
Unfortunately, it is not clear from the surviving parish records who were the parents of John Dollard (5 June 1801-20 Jan. 1888) and his brother Rev. Patrick Dollard (1 March 1804- 12 Feb. 1868). We are awaiting further information from Ontario regarding the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard which we hope to be able to publish soon. It also seems apparent that if John Dollard was in education until the age of 24 he was most likely being trained to become a priest. How or why he left his education in 1825 is not apparent. It is also interesting that of the four Dollard children born in Glenmore during the Famine none of their sponsors were Dollard’s.
In terms of Rochestown records, we found that in the Tithe Applotment Books (1829) Edward Dollard farmed 36 acres. He was the only Dollard recorded in Rochestown. Griffith’s Valuation (1847-1864) also only records one Dollard in Rochestown, John Dollard, who leased a house, offices and 34 acres from Landlord Conn. The buildings were valued at £3 15s.
Per the biographical sketch it was stated that John Dollard stayed in education until he was 24. If his year of birth was 1801 he was in education until 1825, and he was about 50 when he began clearing his farm in Wisconsin. He and his wife named their eldest child Patrick which traditionally the eldest male child was named after the paternal grandfather. Hopefully, the records of the Very Rev. Patrick Dollard may shed some light on their parents.
Dollard Markers
Unfortunately, I was not able to find an obituary for John Dollard (5 June 1801-20 Jan. 1888). John Dollard is buried in Mount Olive Catholic Cemetery, De Pere, Brown County, Wisconsin. See, Find a Grave to view his marker .
I did locate a death notice for Bridget Dollard, née Heffernan. Green Bay Press-Gazette, (Fri. 24 April 1891, p. 3)—The funeral of Mrs. J. Dollard, of the town of De Pere, took place this morning, at De Pere. She was 80 years of age. Bridget Dollard née Heffernan (bapt. 7 July 1811-22 April 1891) is buried beside her husband in the Mount Olive Catholic Cemetery. See Find a Grave .
Katherine Marie Whalen née Dollard (1844-1928) died and is buried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Katherine married Joseph Whalen (1844-1928) in 1869. The couple had at least four children. See, Find a Grave .
Ellen Alice Murray née Dollard (1846-1924) married Michael Norbert Murray (1840-1886) in 1871 in Brown County, Wisconsin. The couple had at least six children. Ellen died in Los Angelos and is buried in St. Paul Minnesota. See, Find a Grave.
Patrick E. Dollard (1850-1925) was born in Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny and was taken to Wisconsin as an infant. He farmed with his brother John and never married.
John Dollard (1853-1943) never married and outlived all of his siblings. He was the only sibling born in Wisconsin. When he gave up farming he lived with two nieces Mrs. M.E. Harty and Miss Stella Whalen in South Milwaukee. He is buried in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery of De Pere Brown, County, Wisconsin. See, Find a Grave .
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
The feature photo above is an old postcard from before 1900 depicting a business area on Broadway in De Pere with the Fox River visible behind the buildings.
An unusual fact that surfaced during research…author Stephen King lived in De Pere, Wisconsin for three years when he was a child.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
James Heffernan (1825-1891) from Aylwardstown, Glenmore to Glenmore, Wisconsin
Recently a reader in the US, Lucy Neale Duke, found glenmore-history.com and we were able to provide some information on her ancestor’s family the Heffernan’s of Aylwardstown, Glenmore and she shared an amazing letter that was written on 1 February 1874 to her ancestor James Heffernan. James Heffernan emigrated to Glenmore, Wisconsin in 1850. We have attempted to determine whether James had a hand in the naming of Glenmore, Wisconsin or whether he was attracted to the name and settled there. We reached out to the city clerk as well as the local Brown County library but are still searching for an answer to that question. We were provided with a copy of a photo on the left of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin that James Heffernan helped to establish.
James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
It was difficult to find a baptismal record for James Heffernan. However, his death cert in 1891 (information was usually provided by the widow) provided several important facts and dates. James Heffernan was the son of Mary Delaney and John Heffernan. He was a farmer with a date of birth listed as 20 March 1829. He was born at Glenmore, Kilkenny, Ireland. He married Bridget O’Leary. He died on 14 November 1891 at his home in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin and was buried in St. Mary’s cemetery. (Wisconsin US Death Records, 1872-2004 for James Heffernan, Brown Co. , Vol 1-Vol 2 NO. 1744). See, Find Grave to view his headstone.
Slieverue/Glenmore Parish Records
For whatever reason no Heffernan baptism could be located in 1829 for James. However, utilizing his mother’s name on 13 September 1825 at Aylwardstown, Glenmore, a James was baptized the son of Mary Delaney and John //. The sponsors were Michael Delany and Ellen//.
John Heffernan and his wife Mary Delaney married 17 February 1808. Their eldest child was Patrick Heffernan was baptized 1 April 1809. Thus, at the time of his birth James’s eldest brother was 16 years older than James.
Aylwardstown Glenmore Farm
Patrick Heffernan married Alicia “Ally” Irish on 7 February 1842. Alicia “Ally” was from Nicholastown, Slieverue. The witnesses were Patrick Delaney and Catherine Hickey. The couple had at least 5 children. [1] John Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1842); [2] Mary Heffernan (bapt 23 Nov. 1844); [3] Michael Heffernan (bapt. 2 Sept. 1847); [4] James Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1852); and [5] Thomas Heffernan (bapt 1855).
It is not clear what happened to John Heffernan (bapt 1842), but Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) got the Aylwardstown farm. He married on 13 February 1879, Bridget Kennedy (1854-1947) of the Pierce Kennedy family of Rathinure, Glenmore. The couple had at least 14 children. There was an awful blizzard that winter of ‘47 when Bridgie died. According to Danny Dowling (1927-2021) Bridgie was the last deceased person in Glenmore carried across the fields to the Church in Glenmore for Mass and burial. The trek was over 2 miles and she was carried by her sons, grandsons and neighbours through the drifted fields.
The Children of Michael Heffernan and Bridgie Kennedy
[1] Patrick Heffernan (bapt 18 Jan. 1880) (Lived in London when his mother died in 1947).
[2] John Heffernan (b. 13 June 1881) married and moved to Chicago. His wife tragically died and he brought his two small children home. His parents reared them until they were teenagers and he remarried and brought them back to Chicago. His son Raymond was shortly after returning to Chicago hit and killed by a car.
[3] James Heffernan (b. 10 July 1882)
[4] Peter Heffernan (b. 31 Dec. 1883-1966) was Garda Superintendent
[5] Mary Heffernan (b. 10 May 1855] married an O’Connor from Ballyfacey.
[6] Alice Heffernan (bapt. 21 Nov. 1886) married Ned Roche of Rathinure.
[7] Thomas Heffernan (b. 28 March 1888) married into a farm in Kearneybay, Glenmore.
[8] Richard Heffernan (b. 12 June 1889)
[9] Michael Heffernan (b. 7 Oct. 1890-1974) lived in Kilkenny City. See our post of 22 October 2023.
[10] Bridget Heffernan (22 May 1892)
[11] Andrew Heffernan (20 Nov. 1893-1975) married Bridget Roche (1896-1987). He farmed
the Aylwardstown farm.
[12] Nicholas Heffernan (b. 27 June 1896) (lived in Dublin when his mother died in 1947).
[13] Mon. William Heffernan (1893-1973) ministered and died in Australia. See our post of 15 October 2023 and family photo at his ordination.
[14] Stephan Heffernan (b. 15 Jan. 1898) Baby of the family. After the War of Independence, Stephen moved to Chicago, married and had two daughters. See guest author Brian Forristal, “A Place to Hide” & “The Tans are Coming.“
Quite a lot of information can be found on our H Glenmore Surnames regarding the Heffernan’s https://glenmore-history.com/families/h-surnames/
The Early Years of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin
From a brief history provided by Glenmore, Wisconsin it appears that forests originally covered Glenmore. As the forests were removed the land was sold to settlers who established farms. James Heffernan was one of the early settlers who established a farm. See, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976). We know from James Heffernan’s 1891 obituaries that he emigrated in 1850 and settled in Glenmore on a farm he farmed for the rest of his life.
“The first settlers to come to Glenmore, or in that vicinity, are said to have located there as early as 1850. Those who were Catholic among that number were provided with no particular place of worship at that time, but were attended by visiting priests.” Mass was said in private homes The first Mass is said to have been held in the residence of Mr. O’Leary. [We believe this was James’s father-in-law’s home]. This continued until 1874 when a church was erected. It was torn down in 1886 and entirely rebuilt (The Catholic Church in Wisconsin: A History of the Catholic Church in Wisconsin from the Earliest Time to the Present Day, Catholic Historical Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI. (1895-1898) p. 640).
The 1873 Letter
On 1 February 1873, Thomas Heffernan (1856-1876) of Aylwardstown wrote to his Uncle James Heffernan in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin. The letter is below and provides some fascinating details regarding the death of Peter Strange as well as the terrible weather. Tragically, Thomas died of TB at Aylwardstown at the age of 21 of TB. The death register (online) provides Thomas died 29 Oct. 1876 and his brother, James Heffernan (bapt. 1852) was present when he died. Thomas was employed as a draper’s assistant.
Aylwardstown Glenmore
Ferrybank
Ireland
February 1st, 1873
My dear uncle James,
It is under my fathers fond directions and kind permission I now take the opportunity of sending to you this little messenger of inquiry hoping to learn by it that you and all your family and friends are in quite as perfect a state of health as this leaves me and all our family in at present thank God.
Though there are numbers of people here in Ireland dying around us with all sorts of sickness in consequence of the most unwholesome air which nearly overspread the whole land all caused by a continual fall of rain for the past two years without scarcely getting one month together fine. You may easily guess how the people stand here and what a position they hold when you hear that there is no less than Nine families living in one of our neighboring Parish Chapels all driven from their homes by the immence torrents of rain and floods of water that knocked and swept away their houses and far worse still, there is no prospect of cultivation whatsoever.
It is thought by all here that there will be a famine amongst us and even the priests are of the same opinion though they are nearly tired from praying for fine weather but now we have nothing more to do than to hope for better days to come which I am personally looking out for in my new career of life which I must suppose it is totally unknown to you as there was no communication between you and my father for the past few years with the exception of a few words The Rev. P. Dollan told of you and also a newspaper came from your sister Mary immediately after the burning of Chicago [the Great Chicago fire burned 8-10 October 1871] and even then she but merely wrote her name without any address then we could even return thanks for her persevering remembrance of the dear people and land that gave her birth. We would have written to you long before this time but for anxiously waiting daily for a letter from some of you as an answer to one my father sent some time long previous to this and then by not receiving it we were more than astonished why you could be so ungreatful (sic) as not even to drop us a line no matter how trifeling the news may be anything from you is interesting to us.
I am the youngest of the family and I am serving my Apprenticeship in one of the oldest and largest Drapery houses in Waterford Walter O’Donnell and company Quay and have about eighteen months more to serve. There is three more brothers in Aylwardstown still and one sister all of which are too old to fill any situation respectable enough to live in Ireland. Some of them say they will follow your footsteps and fly to that land where there is freedom and plenty for all.
I am sorry for having to relate to you a sad tale of Mr. Peter Strange who was interred in Kilmacavogue on Christmas day last and deplorable it is, to explain that he did not receive the blessed Sacraments since his confirmation and for the past six years did not even go to Church or Chapel but used to ride on one of his horses off to Rochestown on Sundays when the public join in union to go to Mass so that Rochestown proved fatal to him in the end and Mr. Conn invited. him to Supper on the very Sunday night before Christmas and at ten O’clock that night he walked out of Mr. Conn’s parlour and breathed his last in the Hall. The inquest was held in his own house and the verdict was he died with the disease of the heart some of his own friends begged of the Parish priest to pray for him but the application was in vain the priest’s reply was, he was a man that broke the Commandments and died as he lived and it was not his duty to pray or even bless the clay for such a man!
Dear uncle James I suppose you will think it very strange when you get this letter from me, a person that you never saw and though I never saw you there is still within me a fatherly love for you in consequence of hearing you so often praised and spoken of among all our friends and surrounding neighbors. Here as a small token of my affection I enclose my likeness which I hope you will accept not for its value but as a memorial of your own boyhood among all your dearly loved friends here in Ireland though I may be somewhat changed contrary to the picture as it is more than two years taken but in any case it will give you an idea of the person who is now communicating with you and sincerely hoping you will send your likeness also at your earliest convenience and you will bring much happiness to the mind of my father not alone to him but all the members of the family.
Dear Uncle – my father and mother are quite as strong as ever and met with but very little sickness I may say while I remember and we are fighting hard through life which is very difficult on account of the climate being so very much changed so much so that if you were to return here again I don’t suppose you would know the dear old spot, as for the people there is none of them here to be found unless a few that would be no good elsewhere. They are leaving this country in thousands daily and now wonder when they would not get freedom which is so long due to them, but left in Slavery that which the Christ Heart could not go through.
Dear Uncle – I have nothing more of any importance to communicate at present as it is my first time in addressing you but that my father and all the family join me in sending their tenderest love to you and wishing you all the compliments the present season can afford. Sincerely hoping will send a letter soon and let us know all particulars of yourself and my Aunts position in life you and state of health.
I am
Yours Sincerely affectionate Nephew
Thomas Heffernan
Obituaries of James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
We have included two obituaries for James Heffernan as they provide additional information including that James was 6 feet 3 inches tall considered a very tall height in the 19th century.
Death of Another Old Settler–De Pere News, 21 Nov. 1891, p. 1
James Heffernan died at his home in Glenmore Saturday, the outcome of a severe attack of grip last winter. He was 63 years of age. James Heffernan was born in Ireland, and removed to this country in 1850, making his home at Glenmore, in this country, up to the time of his death. He was a public spirited citizen, and a good neighhour and a man not found wanting in any of the relations of life. His wife and eight children are left to mourn his loss. The funeral was held at the Glenmore Catholic Church, Monday morning, Rev Pellegrin, assisted by Revs. Rice and Masschelein, officiating.
An Old Settler Gone–Green Bay Advocate, 26 Nov. 1891, p. 3
An Old Settler Gone—On Saturday, November 14th, Mr. James Heffernan passed away at his home in the town of Glenmore after an illness of several months duration, his suffering having caused by a complication of diseases.
Mr. Heffernan was an Irishman by birth, and at death was about sixty-five years of age. He left his native land in 1850 and came to the United States. Soon after arriving in America, he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in the town of Glenmore, Brown Co. where he has since resided. He was a splendid specimen of old Irish stock, standing about 6 ft. 3 inches in height, and fashioned in a strong and robust mould. He was a man of broad character and in all walks of life was a true type of manhood. He was a very popular man and took deep interest in the affairs of his town.
The funeral occurred from the Glenmore Catholic Church Monday and was a very large one. Deceased leaves a wife, six daughters and two sons to mourn the demise of a kind and indulgent husband and parent. One of his daughters, Miss Stella Heffernan, is a teacher in one of the public schools of this city.
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Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Lucy Neale Duke for reaching out and sharing the 1873 letter.
We also would like to thank Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, Local History Specialist of the Brown County Library for locating and sending on the obituaries as well as the excerpt regarding the church and photo of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin.
Also thanks to Cindy Ossmann, Glenmore, WI. City Clerk for forwarding, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976).
From Danny’s Files: The Rest of the Story of the Murder on Glenmore Hill
In one of his many notebooks, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded contemporary newspaper accounts regarding the executions of three local men for murder in 1834. Patrick Meany, a native of Glenmore, had moved to Rosbercon and was convicted and executed for conspiring to kill his landlord Joseph Anthony Leonard, Esq. Please see our post of 9 February 2020 for the shocking details of how the murder was perpetrated and details of Philip Malone’s trial. Perhaps the biggest surprise Danny discovered and recorded in his notebook concerned Meany’s corpse after his execution. The place of the murder, and two of the executions arising from it, took place at the site of the murder just about a mile east of the N 25 Glenmore roundabout.
Danny found and recorded the following articles from the Waterford Mail newspaper.
Robert Malone (?-1834)
On Saturday the 26th of July 1834 at the Kilkenny County Assizes Robert Malone was convicted of the murder of Joseph Anthony Leonard, Esq. Robert Malone was sentenced to be hanged. The newspaper article noted, “It will be recollected that last Assizes his brother, Philip Malone, suffered for the same murder” (Waterford Mail, Mon. 28 July 1834).
After being found guilty and sentenced when Robert Malone was being taken from the court to the gaol “he exhibited great and disgusting levity. His execution took place in front of the gaol. Among the very great assemblage that witnessed his ignominious end, all seemed to think that he deserved his fate” (Waterford Mail, Wed. 30 July 1834.) [It is not clear why Robert Malone was executed outside the gaol in Kilkenny City after his brother Philip Malone was executed at the place of the murder on the Hill of Glenmore on the old mail coach road between Waterford and New Ross. Later Patrick Meany was also executed at the place of the murder.]
Patrick Meany (c. 1784-1834)
Patrick Meany was tried on Monday the 28th of July 1834 for conspiring to murder his landlord, Joseph Anthony Leonard, Esq. and inciting others to commit the murder. The jury was out for three hours and returned at 8 P.M. The jury returned a guilty verdict “The judge pronounced the culprit’s awful doom—to be hanged on Thursday.” The newspaper noted that Meany was the owner of the goods [cattle] Mr. Leonard had distrained (Waterford Mail, Wed. 30 July 1834).
The execution of Patrick Meany was set to take place on Tuesday the 12th of August at the scene of the murder (Waterford Mail, Sat. 2 Aug. 1834).
The Execution
“Another of the misguided persons concerned in the sanguinary murder of the late estimable Joseph Anthony Leonard, Esq. atoned for his share in the dreadful deed yesterday, at Shanbo (sic), the scene of the consummation, within three miles of New Ross, and 9 of this city. The malefactor upon this occasion was Patrick Meany…”
“An immense concourse of persons assembled yesterday to witness Meany’s ignominious departure from this world. A strong force of cavalry, infantry and police was also collected. The culprit—who seemed a man advanced at least to middle age—appeared to suffer very much from exhaustion, so much so that he was obliged to depute to his Reverend attendant the duty of addressing the immense multitude…”
“Although he expressed his contrition for having uttered denunciation against his prosecutor, he died without acknowledging the justice of the sentence or declaring his innocence. Soon afterwards the culprit was launched into eternity and the motely group of spectators separated. Five children we are informed, witnessed the execution of their guilty parent.”
Since the above was in type we received the following from a correspondent.
New Ross, August 12—Patrick Meany …was executed at the scene of the murder and where Philip Malone, one of the perpetrators of the murder, was executed on last St. Patrick’s Day. Meany was present at Philip Malone’s execution and also travelled to Kilkenny to attend the execution of Robert Malone during the last assizes.
“At half past eleven the cavalcade, consisting principally of the 9th Lancers, passed through New Ross. The unhappy individual who was the object of this mournful procession was seated in a chaise receiving religious consolation from his clergyman. He appeared to be fully sensible of his awful situation. If this could be a criterion to judge by he was fully resigned to meet his fate in a becoming and Christian like manner.”
At New Ross the 32nd Reserve and a large party of constabulary joined the cavalcade as did the Sheriff and Resident Magistrates. When they arrived at the fatal spot Meany descended from the chaise, accompanied by his Clergyman. He kneeled for some time in prayer at the foot of the gallows.
“The grim finisher of the law put the rope about his neck from behind. Meany turned suddenly round, and seemed to shrink from the trial he had to encounter. The Rev. Gentleman interposed his hand to shade his eyes. The man again looked agitated when his arms were being pinioned. When all was ready, he ascended the ladder with a firm step attended by the Rev. Gentleman, who first retired, and then returned again to strengthen the individual about to depart into eternity. He supported him by his back.”
“Meany now seemed weak, and the attentions of his spiritual adviser were continued to the last moment. His cap fell off, but it was quickly readjusted, and the fatal drop having been withdrawn, he died almost instantaneously.”
“Before ascending the gallows, the clergyman told the people that Meany felt sorry for having accused his prosecutor as he did in the Courthouse, that he willingly forgave all men and begged the prayers of all Christians” (Waterford Mail, Wed. 13 Aug. 1834).
The Wake & Burial of Patrick Meany
After having been suspended for some time, the body was taken away in an ass’s car by the family of the criminal, but it was afterwards removed to the Police Station at Rosbercon, to be conveyed back to Kilkenny (Waterford Mail, Wed. 13 Aug. 1834).
The body of Patrick Meany was waked on the night of his execution in the Rosbercon police barracks. His friends were admitted, and the body was interred the next day by the family, in the presence of the police (Waterford Mail, Mon. 18 Aug. 1834).
Generally, by the 19th century executions were public and carried out in front of gaols, and after 1868 executions were required to be held within the confines of the gaols. The corpse of an executed prisoner belonged to the State. Most were buried within the confines of the gaol in an unmarked grave in un-consecrated ground. From the time of Henry VIII authorities provided fresh executed prisoner corpses to doctors for training new doctors in anatomy. Due to religious and other beliefs families sought the bodies of their executed kin. The Meany family is the only family we have found so far that was allowed to wake and bury their father after his execution.
Thirteen years’ later convicted murderer Henry “Bounce” Walsh of Cat’s Rock, Glenmore asked the judge to give his body to his father and the request was refused. See our post of 16 August 2020 regarding the execution of Henry “Bounce” Walsh.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Trial for the Killing of Catherine Hanrahan (c. 1798-1822) of Rochestown,Glenmore
On 6 November 2022 we published newspaper accounts of the manslaughter of Catherine Hanrahan in July 1822 at her home in Rochestown, Glenmore. While transcribing another Danny Dowling (1927-2021) notebook we discovered that Danny recorded articles from the Waterford Mirror that outline the testimony presented during the murder trial. These newspaper accounts provide more detail including the testimony of the landlord Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. and conflicting testimony of other witnesses. It appears that the testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. influenced the jury that only considered the case for a few minutes before returning its manslaughter verdict.
The Arrest
Danny recorded the following from the Waterford Mirror (Sat.20 Aug. 1822). Thomas Marks was charged with the murder of Catherine Hanrahan, at Rochesstown, in Co. Kilkenny. Thomas Marks was taken without resistance at a house in Kilmacthomas. Marks when arrested stated that he was on his way to surrender. He was transmitted to the County Kilkenny gaol.
The Waterford Mail on Wednesday the 14th of August 1822 provided an account of day three of the Kilkenny Assizes. In this account Thomas Marks was indicted for the murder of Catherine Hanrahan and the assault of Luke Power “by presenting a pistol at him.” Hereafter Marks is described as the prisoner.
The Testimony of Luke Power
Luke Power was sworn and testified. Unfortunately, the newspaper account does not provide his relationship, if any, to the deceased Catherine Hanrahan née Power, his occupation or residence. Later in defence testimony it appears that Luke and Thomas Power are brothers. Luke Power testified that he knows Rochestown and was there the Monday after the fair of Thomastown. He knows Thomas Power who lives at Rochestown. On that Monday, very early in the morning, he saw the prisoner at Rochestown.
Luke Power testified that the dog barked at the prisoner. Luke Power got up and asked who was there. The prisoner responded that he was distraining for Mr. Forristal. Luke Power testified that the prisoner was armed. Witness shut the door and would not let the prisoner in. Luke Power then went down to where the cows were and saw three bailiffs there, but the prisoner was not with them.
Luke Power heard a shot and returned to the house and saw Catherine Hanrahan “kilt” on the floor. She died six days after being shot. Luke Power went out to the road where some of the neighbours were gathered. The prisoner said “here’s the man was going to kill me,” and cocked his pistol at Luke Power. It was an hour before sunrise when the prisoner came with six men.
Cross-Examination of Luke Power
Luke Power testified that Mr. Forristal was his landlord. He stated that he paid some rent to Mr. Sherlock and owed Mr. Forristal one hundred pounds “or that way rent.” His brother was his partner in the land. He first saw the prisoner and his assistants in the yard, it was not then 3 o’clock.
Sherlock distrained Luke Power four weeks earlier, but he did not think there was a reason at that time. He did testify that a horse had been taken away to the bog at that time. The prisoner distrained Luke Power before for Mr. Forristal, but could not say how long before. At the time the shot was fired Luke Power was four or five fields away and had not walked a step with the prisoner that morning.
The Testimony of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Power testified that she was the daughter of Thomas Power and the sister of the deceased Catherine Hanrahan. She remembered people coming to her father’s on the first of July last before sunrise. She saw the prisoner there. She testified that her sister was driving pigs out of the bawn. The prisoner desired that her sister leave them there. When she refused Alicia Power testified that the prisoner ran over and caught her sister by the neck and “squeezed her.” Her neck was cut by his “iron hand.”
Alicia Power stated that she could hear “all that occurred” between the deceased and the prisoner. The prisoner said, “Come leave the pigs there.” Deceased answered, “How do you know who owns them?” Prisoner then struck the deceased and was choking her. Prisoner lifted his foot on a stone and saying, “by G-d I’ll shoot you,” and then fired his pistol. Deceased was then running away and was shot 6 yards from the prisoner. She fell at the door, the ball entered her back. There was another man there minding the pigs where the deceased left them.
Her sister was “shot on Monday morning and died the Sunday following.”
Cross Examination of Alicia Power of Rochestown, Glenmore
Alicia Powers was driving the pigs with her sister the deceased. “They had been in the cabin and were driving them out of the bawn.” Deceased had a stick in her hand. She usually brought a stick to drive the pigs. The deceased did not strike the prisoner and Alicia Power never saw a stone in the deceased’s hand. Alicia Power testified that she never saw the prisoner fall or see any stone thrown at him. She testified that the deceased could not have thrown a stone without her seeing it. Alicia Power was at the prisoner’s side when he fired.
Alicia Power said that the prisoner had only one pistol. She saw Luke Power come up. But never saw the prisoner “present a pistol at him.” Alicia Power swore information against prisoner before Mr. Snow. She did not swear against any other person except the prisoner. She did not hear the deceased, or any other person calling out, “kill the black protestant,” and firmly stated that she did not say it either.
Examined by the Bench—Alicia Power clarified to the judge that the prisoner had six or seven men in his party, one of whom was present when the shot was fired. Bridget Cashin was present but no boys or men. They were down on the land where the cows were.
The Testimony of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin was present when Catherine Hanrahan was shot. She saw the prisoner that morning and saw him fire a shot at Catherine Hanrahan. The deceased was Bridget Cashin’s cousin. She observed the deceased driving the pigs out of the bawn. Only her sister was with the deceased. None of the men of the house were present. She testified that the prisoner had two men with him. She denied that the deceased struck the prisoner or threw stones at him. “He cursed G-d, he would fire at her in a minute.”
Bridget Cashin testified that the prisoner caught the deceased by her neck and choked her. The prisoner laid the pistol on his left knee and fired. The deceased walked four steps and fell. “She did not get up since.” Deceased was 24 years of age, was married 2.5 years, and had one child. Interestingly the Waterford newspaper did not acknowledge that the deceased was pregnant when she was shot in the back.
Cross Examination of Bridget Cashin
Bridget Cashin could not identify the two men with the prisoner. The house was distrained for Mr. Forristal’s rent, but she could not say whether the men were “keepers.” Deceased refused to leave the pigs and was driving them away. The deceased said she would drive them in spite of the prisoner. Bridget Cashin stated that she did not say anything, and the deceased did not say “kill the bloody or the black protestant.” She did not see Luke Power come up. She went to Mr. Snow’s and swore information about six days after “the business occurred.”
The Testimony of Dr. John Briscoe of Waterford
Dr. Briscoe testified that he attended Catherine Hanrahan at Rochestown on the second of July. She had received a gunshot wound in the lower part of the back “of which she afterwards died.”
Cross Examination of Dr. John Briscoe
The wound was horizontal in the lower part of the spine on the right side near the hip. The doctor did not see a mark of bruises or a cut on the deceased’s neck.
The Crown rested and the defence began.
The Testimony of William Cooney
William Cooney testified that he knew the prisoner and went with him to Rochestown on the first of July to distrain for Mr. Forristal. The distraining party consisted of: Thoman and John Marks; William and Richard Jeffers; —Lonergan and himself. They first went to the fields where they collected three horses and some cows. Three men were left in the field to guard the animals. Prisoner then brought Lonergan and William Cooney to the house and told them to take charge of all the property there both inside and outside. He testified that they never entered the house. The pigs were seized in the lane. Prisoner brought William Cooney down towards the fields and they met Luke Power and his brother Thomas.
Prisoner advised the Powers to get bail to release the cattle. Thomas Power had a wattle and struck at Lonergan. The blow was prevented by Luke Power. Prisoner went down to Mr. Forristal’s which was about a field away. Lonergan and Cooney were left in charge of the house. Whilst prisoner was away the two Powers and a woman (not the deceased) pushed Lonergan out of the yard. Lonergan left to tell the prisoner. Cooney was alone and went out onto the road.
Power’s two daughters and another girl were driving the pigs out of the bawn. Deceased had a wattle in her hand. When Lonergan returned one of the girls said, “Mr. Forristal knew nothing of the pigs and for God’s sake let them go.” Lonergan and Cooney refused and the deceased then said, “she would have them (the pigs) or she would knock one of their brains out sideways with the wattle.”
Cooney testified that the wattle was heavy and two and a half yards in length. Prisoner returned and upon hearing the deceased told her, “for God’s sake go in and be quiet and all will be well.” Cooney stated that deceased advanced toward prisoner and said, “you black protestant are you come again to rob us?” She made a blow of the wattle at him. She said the words in Irish. Prisoner gave the deceased a shove and said, “go in God’s name and don’t be aggravating me.”
The deceased raised the wattle and struck the prisoner two or three times. She called out for someone to come “knock the black protestant’s brains out.” The deceased then took up a stone according to Cooney and struck the prisoner in the knee. The other two women were running with stones in their hands. Cooney and Lonergan went between the women and the prisoner. Cooney saw and heard the shot fired. The deceased when shot was stooping for a stone.
The prisoner when he fired was down, “having dropped down sideways when hit on the knee with the stone.” The prisoner was not flat on the ground. He was supported by his elbow. A quarter of an hour later Luke Power came up. The prisoner only had one pistol and it was re-loaded. Luke Power was very angry and was according to Coney going to injure them if he could. Luke Power called the prisoner a “bloody rogue” and “all of them robbers.”
Cross Examination of William Cooney
Cooney was asked to repeat what the deceased had said in Irish and he did. No men of the Power family were present from the time the pigs were driven out first until after the shot was fired. Cooney admitted that he and Lonergan had sticks, but were not otherwise armed. He continued to assert that the three women were very violent, but admitted that the three men could have defended themselves without a shot.
It was daylight when they came on the ground. They left Waterford at 11 o’clock at night. They stopped at Mackey’s on the way and too refreshment. They remained at Mackey’s until “clear daylight.” Cooney described Mackey’s as 4 or 5 miles from Rochestown. Deceased had not run from the prisoner she was sideways, stooping for a stone, about 6 or 8 yards from prisoner.
When the prisoner fell his pistol went off. Cooney stated that the prisoner had not aimed at the deceased. Cooney stated his belief that the prisoner did not intend to fire at the deceased or to pull the trigger. About an hour after the shooting the prisoner said that the pistol went off by accident. Although Cooney stated that the prisoner’s life was in danger, if Cooney was in the same situation he would not have fired at the deceased. Cooney could not say how the pistol went off.
Dr. Briscoe Recalled
Dr. Briscoe was asked about the wound. He testified that it was horizontal. He stated that if the deceased was stooping he could not conceive how she received such a wound unless she and the shooter were both kneeling. Thus Dr. Briscoe did not find injuries on the deceased’s neck and ruled out that the deceased was stooping when shot.
The Testimony of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq. of Rochestown, Glenmore
“Recollected the morning when this transaction happened.” He saw the prisoner 6 or 8 minutes after the shooting. Prisoner was distraining for Forristal and had frequently before acted as bailiff on his lands. He had distrained them a short time before. The prisoner had “always behaved himself well, and if he had a bad character, he would not have employed him.” Forristal stated that the prisoner is a pensioner and lost his hand “on service.” He went on to testify that the prisoner “frequently interfered” with Forristal in favour of the tenants by always speaking kindly of them and “procured time for them.”
Cross Examination of Pierse Edward Forristal, Esq.
Forristal testified that he sent for the prisoner to act as bailiff and bring 5 men with him. He also instructed that they should be very early on the land “as the Powers had removed their cattle on a former occasion.” Prisoner called to Forristal about 3 o’clock in the morning and told Forristal he had affected the distress. Forristal ordered his horse to be got ready. Jeffers arrived and said that the Powers had taken away horses and cows. The prisoner returned to Power’s. When Forristal arrived he learned of the shooting.
Forristal asked the prisoner why he fired. Prisoner responded that “he’d rather he had wounded himself than the girl.” Forristal testified that Tom Power said to the prisoner, “you have murdered my daughter.” The prisoner replied, “I did not intend to shoot her, but if I did it was her own fault.” The prisoner then unbuttoned the knee of his breeches and showed a large mark on his knee saying, “See Mr. Forristal, how I have been used.” [Of course he could have injured his knee at any time stumbling around in the dark after leaving Mackey’s where they had “refreshments.”]
The prisoner did not tell Mr. Forristal that the pistol went off by accident and Forristal never heard that it did.
The last witness called was Rev. Francis Reynett who testified that he knew the prisoner for about 18 years. He considered him a well conducted man and never heard anything against his character.
Jury Decision
The Lord Chief Justice charged the jury and they retired, “and in a few minutes they returned with a verdict, acquitting the prisoner of murder, but finding him guilty of manslaughter. They also acquitted the prisoner of presenting the pistol at Luke Power.”
The Chief justice sentenced the prisoner to be burned on the hand and imprisoned for 6 months.
What Happened to the Power Family of Rochestown, Glenmore?
We know that no one by the name of Power or Hanrahan were listed as tenants in Rochestown in the 1829 Tithe Lists. We are currently searching Prof. Mannion’s Newfoundland records of Irish emigrants 1750 to 1850 because several Rochestown families moved there in the early 19th century.
For some information on Rochestown see our post of 3 December 2023.
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Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
South Kilkenny’s Moulding of the GAA
In September 1938, the Munster Express in its column “Gaelic Memories of the Past” published a series of articles reviewing the development of the GAA over the previous 50 years. The first article in the series had the long title, “How South Kilkenny Played Its Part in the Moulding of the Greatest Amateur Sporting Organisation in the World” (30 Sept. 1938, p. 7). One of the more interesting parts of the first article is the description of early football rules where wrestling of opponents was allowed and the scoring area was 63 feet wide!
Certainly unusual for today’s press coverage of football, the 1938 article commenced with a quotation from “Oft in the Stilly Night” by Dublin born Thomas Moore (1779-1825). “Fond memory brings the light of other days around me,” as the song goes…
The First Article
And now I shall retrace for the benefit of our readers the memorable deeds of the famous footballers of South Kilkenny who played a big part in the moulding of the Gaelic Athletic Association—now considered the greatest amateur sporting organisation in the world. To older readers it will bring a thrill of pride when the spotlight of publicity is focused on the happy days of 1887 and 1888, when the renowned Kilmacow football team reached the All-Ireland final, which was not played the latter year owing to the American invasion. [The American invasion in 1888 was a sports tour of the Northeastern U.S. by GAA players. See, Mark Holan (2018) “GAA ‘American Invasion’ Began 130 Years Ago“.]
To them it will revive fond memories of many hectic battle for honours in the Gaelic Athletic arena, when their hearts beat high with joy at thrills provided when the parish representatives clashed in earnest conflict for the county title, and later when the county individual winners tested bone and sinew with other counties in the long and honoured trail to All-Ireland fame.
To the younger generation who have seen the progress of the GAA brought to a most successful fruition in the present-day records of attainment, it will Also bring a thrill of pride that their forefathers played such a heroic part in the foundations of such a noble structure, which has bravely withstood the storms of vicissitude and criticism through many a trying year. It is only fitting, then, that the men who conceived and created it, and the men who answered the clarion call in every parish should be remembered and their deeds of valour recalled. In this respect it is only right to say that the men of South Kilkenny played a noble part in that glorious chapter of the annals of the Association.
Founding of the GAA
The GAA was founded at Thurles on November 1st, 1884, Maurice Davin being elected its first President and Michael Cusack (to whose memory the new £50,000 stand was recently opened at Croke Park) its first Secretary. Clubs were formed subsequently throughout Ireland, some of the first to be formed being Waterford, Dungarvan, Gearys (Kilkenny), Callan and Ballyneale (Co. Tipperary). Michael Cusack, Secretary of the GAA, refereed the first Gaelic football match played under the rules in the county, at Kilkenny, between Gearys and Dalkey. No club being existence in existence in the area at the time, a number of players from Kilmacow and Slieverue parishes, where ample talent was available, assisted Waterford Commercials, led by Pat Brazil of the city. Included were Mike Walsh, Mickey Kinsella, Johnny Fitzpatrick, John Moore and Micky Dalton of Kilmacow parish, and Watty McGrath, Jack McGrath and Dick Walsh of the Slieverue area.
Let us cast our minds back, therefore, to 50 years ago when the famous teams of Kilmacow, Mooncoin, Piltow, Slieverue, Mullinavat, ;Ballyhale, Glenmore, Ballycallan, the Gearys, the Larkins, Conahy and others delighted the hearts of followers with their football prowess in Co. Kilkenny, and brought crowds from far and near to witness their battles for supremacy in the county championship. [Glenmore formed it local club on 17 July 1887. For further details see our post of 30 June 2023.
The Commercials’ training ground was at Ballinaneeshagh, a mile outside the city, and very often Kilmacow and Slieverue players walked to the training ground every Sunday after Mass for practice and back again the same evening. The familiar mode of transport to and from matches at the time was a wagonette; there were no bicycles, motors or buses in those days, and the added task of walking did not hamper the players’ ability in the least and they were as fresh when they returned home that night as when they left home in the morning.
Early Football Rules
The Commercials played a challenge game with Dan Fraher’s team at Dungarvan, which resulted in a draw, but the City representatives won the return game, which was played at Waterford, by a goal. In the first two years of the Association wrestling was allowed at Gaelic games, and a player could throw his opponent with a hold. I am not certain if any particular form of “Irish Whip” or “Killarney Flip” was in vogue at the time, but it became so over-vigorous that the Gaelic Athletic Association at its annual Congress held in Thurles on Nov. 15th, 1886, passed a motion prohibiting wrestling in football.
Point posts were introduced the same year, which meant that, besides the goal posts of 21 feet apart, there were also point posts at either side 21 feet apart also, which left a total scoring space of 63 feet. A point was scored when the ball was driven through the point posts and a goal when driven through the goal posts: but, strange to say, a goal would wipe out all the points—that is to say a team with one goal would be declared the winners over a team with 5, 6, 8, 20 or any number of points. The side points were abolished at the 1909 Congress held in Dublin.
Kilmacow Forms Football Team
Glancing back to 1886 again, it will be of interest to recall how the famous Kilmacow football team, which made history in the two subsequent years, came into being. Football was making good headway in the parish at that time, and practice was held in many districts notably at Skeard, Tinlough, and Grannagh Knock. The first Gaelic football match in the parish was played at Hunt’s field. Greenville (now St. Joseph’s de la Salle College grounds) in 1886, between a Waterford selection and a local team, which included Nicholas Phelan, Ballykeohan: Jack Heneberry, do’ Jack and Kieran Laffan, Greenville; Micky Hanlon, Parkereid; Dick McDonald, Milltown; Peter Ryan and Johnny Cleary of Gaustown; Jim Vereker, Ballincrea; Patsy Grant (tailor) Greenville; young Wall of Ballydaw; and others. Some of the foregoing are still hale and hearty, whilst others have passed to the Great Beyond.
A big crowd witnessed the game, which was well contested and resulted in a win for Kilmacow amidst much enthusiasm. At that time the Waterford and Kilmacow players and followers were like one big family, and a grand spirit of friendliness and co-operation existed between them. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that after the match at Greenville the visiting players were entertained at Per Heneberry’s shed at Ballykeohan that evening, and a jolly time was spent with rounds of beer, bread and cheese for all. Micky Kinsella and John Moore attended as invited guests prepartory to the formation of a club for Kilmacow.
Various suggestions were put forward, and finally it was decided to call a special meeting the following night to consider the whole matter. Accordingly, about 100 players and followers assembled at the same shed the night after, and with the light of a twopenny candle the Kilmacow Club was formed, which was later destined to shed fame, honour and renown on its birthplace, its county and Ireland.
First Kilmacow Officers
All present were enthusiastic about the project and the club was formed with the following officers—Chairman, Eddie Burris, Greenville; Vice-Chairman, Joe Dunphy, a Dublin man who was then employed as gardener at Kilcronagh House, and Kieran Laffan, Greenville, as Secretary and Treasurer. It was decided to affiliate two teams; Mike Walsh, Skeard, was appointed captain of the senior team and Micky Kinsella vice-captain. It was agreed to purchase a set of green and gold jerseys, and all members agreed to contribute a levy of 1/- and a fee of 2d. a week.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The photo of the 1888 GAA Football Rules is courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland. Further information on this historic publication can be found on the Museum’s website.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
A Ballyhobuck, Glenmore Murder?
In January 1846 nearly every newspaper in the country carried multiple articles concerning starvation and “outrages,” which included threats, attacks and murders. One article that was included was a mysterious death in Ballyhobuck, Glenmore that one newspaper listed in their murder column. The deceased that garnered such attention was John Crosby (c. 1796-1846) a saddler by trade, from Dublin, who was approximately 50 years of age and working in the Glenmore area for the previous four years. On Sunday the 25th of January 1846, John Crosby was last seen alive by a constable near the Mile Post. His corpse was found the following morning on the High Road, the former main road between Waterford and New Ross, in Ballyhobuck, Glenmore.
The account below was taken primarily from the Kilkenny Journal & Leinster Commercial & Literary Advertiser (Wed. 28 January 1846, p. 4). Extra or differing facts reported in other newspapers and explanations are contained in square brackets.
The Deceased John Crosby (c. 1796-1848)
On Wednesday, the 21st, Mr. Izod held an inquest at Ballyhobuck, near Glanmore (sic) on the body of a man named John Crosby, a saddler by trade, from Dublin, and about 50 years of age. [Mr. Izod the Coroner of County Kilkenny, upon arriving at the scene on Wednesday the 21st of January, “a jury was sworn on the spot” and while a post mortem was being performed, by Dr. James Boyd, the deceased was identified. The deceased was described as a quiet man and not known to have a quarrel with anyone. (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
Deceased was occasionally employed by the farmers in that neighbourhood, and, about 4 o’clock in the evening of the previous Sunday, was seen by a policeman near the Mile Post. From his appearance, the policeman conceived him to be drunk, but on entering into a conversation with him discovered that such was not the case, but that he seemed weak.
The Scene
About three miles onward, on the old Waterford and Ross Road [today called the High Road], at Ballyhobuck, he was subsequently discovered dead, and lying by the ditch. Six or seven yards from the body, there was a stream of blood on the centre of the road, which is very rough and having a quick descent. At the commencement of the run of blood there were stones fixed in the road, which might have inflicted the injuries apparent on the head of deceased, had he fallen thereon sideways with considerable force, to effect which he should have been running at the time.
The Deceased’s Injuries
There was a puncture wound on the head, baring the skull, which was fractured, with extravasation of blood underneath, causing death. [Extravasation refers to the leakage of fluids]. [There were marks of violence upon the body, consisting of several wounds on the hand and arm, all on the right side. The principal wound that caused his death was one likely to be produced by the blow of a blunt instrument inflicted with force—that it and all the other wounds might have occurred from a fall with great force whilst running, and that he might have been able to get up and walk afterwards to the ditch (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2).
No food had been in the stomach for six hours before death, nor was there any trace of intoxicating liquor; consequently the man, from weakness, was not supposed to be likely to run so as to endanger life. The medical witness also stated that a blow of a stick or blunt instrument, would have inflicted the injury received.
A noise, as of persons in anger, had been heard near where the body lay, at about the time the deceased may have been passing there. He might also, it seemed, have recovered sufficiently to move from the spot where he had first fallen, to where he was subsequently found. [There was no noise heard the evening before by anyone in the neighbourhood, except the voices of a few men about 9 o’clock as if passing by quietly (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
The Verdict
The respectable jury found that “death from the effect of a blow or injury to the head.” [After evidence was summed up the jury returned a verdict “that Crosby’s death was occasioned by a wound on the right side of the head, but whether the blow was effected by design or accident they could not determine (Waterford Mail, Sat. 24 Jan. 1846, p. 2)].
Evidence Viewed Today
One hundred and seventy-eight years have passed and modern forensics might have been able to shed light on this death if sketches of the injuries had been recorded and kept. In fact the death of John Crosby occurred about four decades before the world was introduced to the fictional Sherlock Holmes. Although fictional Sherlock Holmes helped shape forensics and he would have been searching for trace evidence in the deceased’s wounds. There is little doubt that a man weak from not eating could fall on a roadway and injure himself, however it is unlikely that such a collapse would lead to such an extensive injury to the right side of the deceased’s head causing his skull to be exposed and fractured.
Additionally, wounds to his right hand suggests that if he fell he was able to get his right hand out to break his fall. However, this would not account for the injuries to his right arm unless the injuries were on the lower arm. Although it was not discussed, at least not in the newspaper accounts, could the injuries to his right hand and arm have been what today are called defensive wounds? If so, the death was not an accident.
No time of death was established and probably could not have been established in 1846. We know the deceased was last seen alive at the Mile Post on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. and was found dead in the road on Monday morning. Did he die while walking on Sunday afternoon or did he die late on Sunday or early Monday? Today it seems odd that no passerby found his corpse until Monday, but before automobiles on a cold winter’s night there were probably not a lot of people traveling along that road.
What do you think murder or an accident from being weak from hunger?
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
For further information and maps of the High Road see our post of 14 December 2019.