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The Tragic Mary Norris née Fitzgerald (1869-1904) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Last week we came across a file of obituaries in Danny Dowling’s (1927-2921) vast collection. Within the file the 1904 short obituary of Mary Norris née Fitzgerald was found. This short obituary revealed that Mary died a 34 year-old widow at her brother Richard Fitzgerald’s residence in Aylwardstown. She left “four young orphan children to mourn her loss.” In researching her husband and children it became apparent that this family represented the hardships faced in that era including the dreaded T.B. See our N Glenmore Family page for Mary’s obituary (New Ross Reporter, Sat. 12 Nov. 1904, p. 5).
Mary Norris née Fitzgerald (1869-1904)
Mary was born on 26 December 1869 at Aylwardstown the daughter of John Fitzgerald (1830-1892) (farmer) and his wife Margaret Donovan (1839-1924). The couple were married at Slieverue on 27 February 1867. Mary was their eldest daughter and one of 11 children including [1] Richard Fitzgerald (b. 1868); [2] Mary Fitzgerald (1869-1904); [3] Bridget Fitzgerald (b. 1873); [4] Patrick Fitzgerald (b. 1875); [5] James Fitzgerald (b. 1876); [6] Peter Fitzgerald (b. 1877); [7] Margaret Fitzgerald (b. 1879); [8] Ellen Fitzgerald (b. 1881); [9] Michael Fitzgerald (b. 1882); [10] Walter Fitzgerald (b. 1884); and [11] John Fitzgerald (b. 1830).
Mary Fitzgerald at the age of 24 married Thomas Norris (farmer). The couple were married on 7 January 1894 at Glenmore. Thomas was residing at Rathfadden Cottage, Waterford and was the son of Patrick Norris (farmer) and his wife Bridget. The witnesses at Mary’s wedding were Kate Fitzgerald, the bride’s sister and Richard Whittle, who is thought to have been the groom’s cousin.
Children of Thomas & Mary Norris née Fitzgerald
Thomas and Mary had seven known children born within eight years of marriage. All of their children were baptized at Trinity Without, Waterford. The children are listed in their order of birth and throughout this post their order of birth number is retained.
Their eldest child, [1] Patrick Norris was born and baptized on 22 February 1894. It was recorded that the couple were living on the Yellow Road, Waterford, and Thomas was employed as a farmer. A daughter joined the family the next year. [2] Bridget Norris was baptized on 31 January 1895. The date of birth on the birth registry list’s Bridget’s birthday as 8 February 1895. Obviously, Bridget could not be baptized before she was born. Her birth was registered by a mid-wife who obviously recorded the wrong date. Thomas’s profession was listed as a cattle dealer. [3] Similarly John Norris was baptised on 22 March 1896, but his date of birth on the birth register was recorded as 29 April 1896. The family residence was listed as Upper Yellow Road, Waterford.
[4] James Norris was born on 22 March 1897 and was baptized the following day. For the first time Mary registered the birth of her child. A second daughter was born in 1898. This child was also named Bridget suggesting that the Bridget born in 1895 had died. [5] Bridget Norris was baptized on 21 July 1898. On the birth register her date of birth is recorded as 18 September 1898. Mary again registered the birth of this child, but did not register the birth until 21 November 1898. It is likely that Mary provided the September birthdate in order to avoid a fine for failing to register the child’s birth within the prescribed period. [6] Thomas P. Norris was baptized on 14 March 1901, and [7] Margaret Mary Norris was born 27 December 1902 and baptized the following day. Thomas’s profession was again listed as farmer when Margaret was born.
1901 Census
By the time Mary Norris died in November 1904 she had already buried three of her children as well as her husband. The 1901 Census provides the last glimpse of the family together. The family were living at Rathfadden. Thomas Norris was 33, a farmer, and noted he was born in Waterford City. Mary Norris (née Fitzgerald) gave her age as 29, and noted she had been born in Co. Kilkenny. Only 4 of their children are recorded in the 1901 Census because Margaret Mary was not born until 1902.
In the 1901 Census [1] Patrick Norris was 7. [4] James Norris was 4. [5] Bridget Norris was 2 and [6] Thomas Norris, Jr. was 1 month old. All the children were born in Waterford City. Also living with the family was a general domestic servant named Hannah Kennedy, Hannah Kennedy was 18 years of age and was born Waterford City. According to the 1901 Census, the family had a stable; coach house; cow house; piggery; fowl house; and boiling house.
Family Deaths
As stated above Mary’s daughter [2] Bridget Norris (b. 1895) died prior to 1898. Her son [3] John Norris (b. 1896) apparently died prior to 1901. Death certificates could not be located for either child searching both Norris and Morris.
Mary’s husband Thomas Norris died on 10 September 1902 at Rathfadden Cottage. He was listed as a 35 year-old farmer and his cause of death was TB. The death register provides that he received medical treatment for 4.5 months before his death. His sister Margaret Whittle of Yellow Road, Waterford was present when he died. Mary’s last child [7] Margaret Mary Norris was born about 6 weeks after her father’s death. We were also unable to locate a death certificate for Margaret although a Margaret Mary Norris died in 1907 in Ferrybank. The record reflects that her father John Norris was present when the child died.
Mary’s 25 year old brother Patrick Fitzgerald (1875-1903) died on 1 March 1903. Per the death register he died of heart disease, but had received no medical attention. Mary died 3 November 1904 at her brother Richard Fitzgerald’s home in Aylwardstown, Glenmore. Per her short obituary Mary was only survived by four of her children. Thus, [2] Bridget Norris (b. 1895), [3] John Norris (b. 1896) and [7] Margaret Mary Norris (b. 1902) predeceased Mary.
1911 Census
Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Mary’s mother, Margaret Fitzgerald née Donovan, was a 70 year old widow in 1911. She reported giving birth to 11 children and 8 were alive in 1911. Per the 1911 Census, four of her children were living at home with her: Richard Fitzgerald (38); Margaret Fitzgerald (27); Ellie Fitzgerald (26); and Michael Fitzgerald (25). She also had four grandchildren living with her: [4] James Morris (Norris, 11); [5] Bridget Morris (Norris, 10); [6] Thomas Morris (Norris, 9) and Margaret Bradly, (4).
Waterford—Upper Yellow Road
With only three of the Norris children in Aylwardstown we went back to Waterford and found [1] Patrick Norris (aged 17) living with his grandmother Bridget Norris. Bridget was 73 years of age, a widow and housekeeper. Also in the household was Patrick’s uncle Matthew Norris (38). The Census provides that Matthew Norris was employed as a cattle dealer, was married for three years but had no children. His wife was Johanna Norris (38). Lastly, Patrick’s cousin George Evans (8) was also residing in the house. George had been born in England. Both George and Patrick were scholars (attending school).
It is not clear from the census whether the family was residing in Rathfadden Cottage, However, in 1911 the property consisted of a stable; 2 cow house; piggery; (no fowl house) and boiling house.
The Norris Orphans
It was difficult to find information on the orphaned Norris children until we found Bridget Hynes née Fitzgerald’s (1898-1990) obituary. “She was the last surviving member of the Norris family and was sister of the late Patrick Norris, New Zealand; Thomas Norris, Campile, Co. Wexford; and James Norris, England, late of Carriganurra, Slieverue…” (Kilkenny People, Fri. 4 May 1990, p. 17). Armed with where her siblings lived we were able to find some information.
[1] Patrick Norris (1894-1925)
Patrick left London on 15 October 1914 for Australia. He enlisted 30 March 1915 as a private in the Australian Imperial Force. He enlisted at Brisbane and had his medical exam in Australia. He is found on the Embarkation Roll 1914-1918. He listed his uncle Matthew Norris, of 26 Upper Yellow Road, Waterford as his next of kin. He was with the 1st Light Horse Brigade of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment. His Service Number is 1257. Prior to his enlistment he worked as a clerk.
Patrick’s service records are available in the Australian National Archives. He was physically described when he enlisted as being 21 yrs of age; 5 feet and 6¾ inches tall; 135 lbs; with a fair complexion; brown eyes; and dark hair. While deployed to Egypt a letter dated 13 Jan 1918 queried why his 4/ per diem of his pay from 1 September 1915 had not been paid to Mr. Henry D. Keane, Solicitor, O’Connell Street, Waterford.
Patrick served from enlistment in 1915 until 15 May 1919. Most of the time Patrick was in Egypt. Although there were no major battles fought in Egypt in World War I it served as a staging ground and held strategic importance because of the Suez Canal. The majority of Patrick’s military file contains information concerning medical issues he suffered. However, there is a notation from July 1917. “When on active service drunkenness in the field.” He lost 10 days pay. For an interesting article and photos of the Australian troops in Egypt during WWI see, D. Beard (2022) “Kangaroos by the Pyramids.”
Patrick returned to Australia on 5 August 1919 and was considered disabled due to “Pulmonary Tuberculosis.” In a document entitled “Medical Report of an Invalid” the date and place where Patrick became a casualty was “dysentery” in Egypt in 1917. The doctor stated that there was Malaria in Egypt in 1918 and influenza in September 1919. Patrick began tubercular treatment on 12 January 1920 and continued on it until September 1920. During his service in Egypt he did not suffer a wound but contracted cholera in July 1916. This resulted in a 14 day admission to hospital. He got scabies three times and malaria twice. His last attack was in November 1918. The report concluded that he suffered with a sore nose for 4 years.
Three medals were issued to Patrick including: (1) 1914/1915 Star; (2) the British War Medal and (3) the Victory medal.
On 1 February 1923 Patrick married Rose Eileen Graham (1902-1976). A daughter, Jean Dorothy Norris (1923-2009) was born on 16 February 1923 at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Patrick’s obituary in the Dalby Herald (Tue. 6 Jan. 1925, p. 3) appears to reflect that T.B. was viewed in Australia in much the same way as it was viewed in Ireland.
The death occurred in Toowoomba, yesterday of Mr. Joseph Patrick Norris, who has been a resident of Loam street, Darby, for the past 11 months. Mr. Norris was a native of Waterford, Ireland, and came to Australia some years ago. When the war broke out he enlisted and joined the first machine gun corps and served for five years with the A.I.F. and received a severe gunshot, wound in the thigh. He came to Dalby for health reasons a year ago, and gradually grew worse. He was admitted to the General Hospital on December 28th, and removed to a hospital in Toowoomba, on New Year’s Eve. He leaves a widow and one child, a girl of two years of age. The funeral took place yesterday in the Roman Catholic portion of the Toowoomba cemetery. Mrs. Norris accompanied by Mrs. C. Harvey, left for Toowoomba yesterday morning to be present at the funeral.
In researching Patrick an article was found that reflects the plight of other ex-servicemen in Australia with T.B. in 1925 (The West Australian, Wed. 27 May 1925, p. 10).
Letter to the Editor—Sir—We, ex-soldier consumptive in the Edward Millen Sanitorium, read with amused interest the statement by Dr. Courtney, the Repatriation C.M.O. that work will cure tuberculosis. Every man here, without exception, was a working man and broke down working. If work cures why do men get the disease? He says further, that in some States work is done by in the sanatoriums, yet, Victoria, his own State, had ten deaths for the last quarter. They were certainly cured, but, hardly in the usual understanding of the word. All medical authorities on TB agree…that it may be arrested which is vastly different than cured…Few of the public know of our many disabilities…During 50 years I have known many medical fashions for treating T.B. [including] long sea voyages; change of climate; high altitude; …sunbaths and cod liver oil. All discarded now as useless…
In the meantime our weekly leave to see our homes and friends has been cut out the one particular thing that did more to cheer us up and help us bear our troubles than anything else we do… Signed, L.W.F. Harvey, secretary of the T.B. Sailors & Soldier’s Association of Australia (W.A. Branch). Edward Millen Sanatorium, Victoria Park
[4] James Norris (1897-1983)
James Norris (labourer) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore married Ellen Vereker (b. 1908) of Ballyhomuck, Big Wood, Mullinavat. The couple were married on 14 October 1928 at Bigwood, Mullinavat. Ellen was the daughter of James Vereker (labourer) and his wife Margaret Henebery. Ellen was born on 24 August 1908. Per his sister Bridget’s 1990 obituary James lived in Carriganurra, Slieverue and England. We believe that James and Eileen had several children and it is not known when they moved to England.
We did locate a James Norris who died on 6 February 1983. The England and Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations) provides that his address was 69 Blackmead, Orton, Malborne, Peterborough which is in Cambridgeshire, England. We believe that his wife Eileen died in September 1997 per the England and Wales Civil Register Death Index. However, this date of death has not been verified with an obituary etc.
[5] Bridget Norris (1898-1990)
Bridget Norris, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, married Maurice Hynes (1889-1952) (farmer) who was also from Aylwardstown. The couple married at Glenmore on 31 May 1929. Maurice Hynes was born on the 6th of August 1889 at Aylwardstown, the son of Martin Hynes (farmer) and his wife Anastasia Aylward. Shortly after Bridget and Maurice married the couple moved to Monassa, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, where they farmed. The couple had three children; a son and two daughters. Their son back in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s worked at the Waterford Cattle Mart.
Maurice Hynes died, aged 63, on 3 May 1952 of Tuberculosis Pneumonia. The following year Bridget was summoned for assaulting a neighbour. From the newspaper account the neighbour had caused one of Bridget’s cows to miscarry. When the neighbour was “turning back” another cow the two women got into an argument. The neighbour allegedly made disparaging remarks about the deceased Maurice and Bridet lost her temper and brought her stick down on the other woman’s head. The judge refused to convict Bridget and told the parties he would wait 3 months to see how they got on (Kilkenny People, Sat. 19 Sept. 1953, p. 4).
[6] Thomas Norris (1901-1966)
Most of the information regarding Thomas Norris is courtesy of Ann Fitzgerald’s publicly available research. Thomas Norris married Bridget “Bridie” Kavanagh (1922-2004) on 18 August 1954. The couple had children and farmed at Ballykerogue, Campile, New Ross, Wexford. Ann Fitzgerald noted that Thomas inherited the farm from his aunt Katie Fitzgerald. [Catherine “Kate” Fitzgerald (b. 1871) was married twice. Her first husband was Edward Costello. Edward and Kate were married at Glenmore on 21 August 1906. Edward was from Ballykerogue. After Edward died Kate married James McGrath on 1 December 1923 at New Ross. James was a widower and lived at Dunbrody, Wexford. Kate had no children.
Thomas Norris died 5 March 1966 and resided at the New Ross Road, Ballykerogue, Campile, Wexford. The death register provides that he was a married farmer and his age was given as 61. Thomas died of cardiac asthma which he suffered with for 6 hours. His brother-in -law Martin Kavanagh was present at his death.
LATE MR. T. NORRIS—The death occurred on Saturday of Mr. Thos. Norris, at his residence, Ballykerogue, Campile, and the remains were removed to Horeswood Church the same evening. The funeral took place to Ballykerogue Cemetery on Monday. Sympathy is extended to his bereaved wife, children and relatives (New Ross Standard, Sat. 12 March 1966 p. 16).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore’s Pioneer in First Aid: William C. Gaffney (1868-1929)
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) often spoke of the Gaffney family and how the name, so long associated with Glenmore Village, disappeared from Glenmore before the 1911 Census. Recently, a reader researching a Nicholas Gaffney sought information on the Glenmore family. Today, we are going to highlight one of the last members of the Glenmore family born and reared in Glenmore, William Christopher Gaffney (1868 -1929) who was honoured for his first aid work in his adopted city of London.
Family Background
William Christopher Gaffney was one of seven known children born to Nicholas Gaffney (c. 1834-1893) a miller and farmer, and his wife, Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty (c. 1830 -1902). The family lived in a large dwelling house in the Village that housed both their shop and the Glenmore dispensary. Behind their dwelling house was their mill that had been in operation since before 1798 when William C.’s great-grandfather, William Gaffney (c. 1762-1798), the head of the local United Irishmen, was captured and hanged from the old bridge at New Ross on 6 June 1798. See our previous post of 22 Feb. 2020 for further details.
Children of Nicholas Gaffney and Catherine “Kitty” Delahunty:
[1] Nicholas Gaffney (bapt. 28 Jan.1860- died before 1868);
[2] John Gaffney (b. 17 Sept. 1861- ? );
[3] Maryanne Gaffney (29 Aug. 1862-1865 (Q. 1)];
[4] Bridget Gaffney (14 July 1864- ?);
[5] William Christopher Gaffney (7 Feb. 1868- 27 Dec. 1929);
[6] Mary Gaffney (b. 12 Feb. 1870-1870?); and
[7] Nicholas Gaffney (12 April 1872-23 June 1944)].
According to Danny’s notes of an interview he conducted of Nicholas “Nicky the Miller” Forristal (1888-1979) four of the Gaffney children survived to adulthood: [2] John; [4] Bridget; [5] William; and [7] Nicholas. Nicky the Miller also stated that their mother, Kitty Delahunty was from Ballyfacey where Green’s and Freany’s were located at the time of his interview in 1964. [DD Notebook 26, Interview of Nicholas Forristal, of the Mill, Graiguenakill, Glenmore on 13 March 1964].
Emigration to London
Unfortunately, we do not know where William was educated, but there is little doubt, based upon his correspondence with the Kilkenny People in 1898, that he was educated. His older brother John lived, worked and married in Waterford in 1882. It is assumed that John and William received post primary education in Waterford and emigrated to London securing employment with two different railways.
Boarding With the Huggins Family
It is not known exactly when William emigrated to London, but he was located in the 1891 English Census. He was 23 years of age and was lodging at 17 Macfarlane Road, Hammersmith, London with the Huggins family. Mrs. Harriet E. Huggins was a 38 year old widow. Four of her children were also in the home: [1) Violet A. Huggins (16); [2] Elvina L. Huggins (14); [3] William D. Huggins (7); and [4] Constance I. Huggins.
William was employed as a railway clerk and his future wife Violet Alice was attending “Teacher School.” Two years later William married Violet Alice Huggins (2 Dec. 1874-25 Nov. 1961) at Fulham, London (England & Wales, Civil Registration Index, 1837-1915, vol. 1a, p. 609). Violet Alice was the daughter of William Huggins (1844-1886) and Harriet Elvina Huggins née Goodborn (1851-1916).
Defence of His Great- Grandfather
In 1898, the centeneriary of the 1798 Rising arrived and several articles were published blaming William Gaffney, the head of the United Irishmen for failing to support the rebels during the Battle of New Ross. Some accounts went so far as to brand him a traitor to the cause. William, and in particular his sister Bridget, wrote to editors seeking to set the record straight. Their great-grandfather was captured and hanged in Rosbercon from the old New Ross bridge by the British on the 6th of June 1798. In the letter below that was published in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 11 June 1898, p. 8) William publicly thanked Fr. N. Murphy, P.P. at Queen’s Terrace, for debunking several wild assertions about his great-grandfather.
“133 Percy Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W., May 12th, 1898. Reverend and Dear Sir—I have lately received from my sister in Glenmore a copy of the Kilkenny People of March 19th, and write to express my sincere thanks for your defence of our great grandfather in that paper. While defending the fair fame of a Kilkennyman you have conferred a lasting obligation on his descendants by protecting them from an unmerited reproach. Again thanking you for your kind and just action, –I remain, reverend and dear Father, yours obediently, William Gaffney. “
For Danny Dowling’s article on William Gaffney in 1798 see, Daniel Dowling (1983) “South Kilkenny in 1798 and the Role of William Gaffney,” Decies (vol. 24, p. 14).
William C. Gaffney’s Children
The 1911 Census provides that William and his family were residing at 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinhamshire. William was 43 years of age and was employed as a railway clerk. Violet Alice was 36 and four of their children were listed in the census: [1] Dorothy Olive Gaffney (16) (remained single); [2] Leon Arthur Gaffney (15); [3] Kathleen Ivy Gaffney (5); and [4] William Joseph Gaffney (1) (became a priest).
World War I Tragedy
Gifted Scholar
Leon Authur Gaffney (1895-1915) was a gifted student. Although William had resided in England since at least 1891, an article concerning his eldest son’s academic achievements was found in the Waterford News & Star in 1913.
“An Irish Boy at School in England Gains Nearly £800 in Scholarships—The many friends in Waterford and the neighbourhood, of Mr. William Gaffney, will be pleased to hear of the remarkable success obtained by his son while a pupil at Borlase School, Marlow.
The following remarks by the Head Master last “Speech Day,” as reported in the South Bucks Free Press, are worth quoting: “During the past year we have had successes of a type never before attempted, I believe, ion the history of the school. I will mention these first of all, because your late Head Master, who is (I am glad to say) present here today, on hearing the news, sent me this message, ‘Best thing the school has yet done.’
“He was referring ot the fact that Gaffney had obtained an Open Science Scholarship at New College; Oxford. It is indeed a great pleasure ot find that one of our boys was able to compete successfully against the best of four public schools, for the scholarship was obtaed in strong open competition. But while congratulating ourselves on the fact, I must not forget that Gaffney has shown himself a splendid worker, and I feel sure that he has a great career before him.”
“He is only 17. He came to us five years ago at the age of 23, and he has taken in succession the Minor, Intermediate, and Major Scholarships of the County Council. He has been top in the County and top in All England in Science (192 schools being represented). He now goes to College with £170 a year gain in scholarships by his own industry. I wish him every success when he leaves us, as he does at the end of the term, for Oxford.”
“The total value of the scholarships mentioned, including the Mitchell-Riley (School Leaving) Scholarship of £40 a year, which he was also awarded is £790. He passed the Oxford Senior Local Examination with honours at the age of 16; and the following year was placed in the First Division in the Matriculation Examination of the University of London.”
“Perhaps a greater honour than any, he has now been awarded the school gold medal, presented by the Chairman of the Governors (General Sir George Higginson, G.C.B.) “to the boy who irrespective of success in school, shall have proved himself, by his general conduct and bearing during the past year, to be a credit to the school” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 15 Aug. 1913, p. 7)
Gallipoli 1915
Just two years after winning all the scholarships Leon Arthur was killed in August 1915 at the age of 20 while serving in the British Army. The military records reveal that Leon was buried in the Lala Baba Cemetery Gallipoli, Turkey.
A short article in the Reading Mercury (Sat. 28 Aug. 1915, p. 6) provides:
“Second Lieutenant L.A. Gaffney, 6th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, who died of wounds, at the Dardanelles on August 12th, was the eldest son of Mr. William Gaffney, of Slough. He was born in 1895, and educated at Borlase School, Marlow, and from there obtained an open Science Scholarship at New College, Oxford. During the year he was at the University he passed all the examinations leading to the Final Honours, School of Natural Science, and qualified for an Eweime Exhibition. As a member of the Officers’ Training Corps he obtained his commission in August 1914.”
Employment with Great Western Railway at Paddington Station, London
The UK Railway Employment Records reveal that William commenced working at age 19 on 31 October 1887. The first Department where he was assigned was “Agreements.” His salary in 1887 was £60 per annum. By 1890 William was earning £70 per annum and at the time he married in 1893 he was earning £80 per year. William continued to receive raises and moved to the Audit Department. By 1908 be was earning £150 and in 1921, £330.
Pioneer of First Aid
William retired in early 1928. A short article in the Gloucester Journal (Sat. 11 Feb. 1928, p. 21) provides further detail regarding his work and medals.
“One of the pioneers of first aid work on the Great Western Railway, and for more than ten years secretary of the London Centre—Mr. William Gafney, (sic) of the audit department—retired on Tuesday after 31 years’ service. He has assisted in the treatment of over 1,000 accident cases at Paddington.”
“Mr. Gafney is one of the original gold medallists of the G.W.R. for twenty-five years’ first-aid service, and he also holds the King’s Coronation medal for being selected for special ambulance duty at Westminster Abbey during the Coronation of King George. In November 1919, he was decorated with the Order of Serving Brother of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem for his organising work in the London division.”
Interestingly, Johnson & Johnson reported that it was in 1888 that the commercial first aid kit in the US was developed to treat injured railway workers.
Death of William & Violet Alice Gaffney
William Gaffney, of 41 King Edward Street, Slough, Buckinghamshire, died on the 27th of December 1929 (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995).
“Mr. William Gaffney, of King Edward Street, Slough, who has died in Windsor Hospital at the age of 61, was in the audit office at Paddington until he retired a short time ago, and he made ambulance work his hobby. He was Superintendent of Paddington or Prince of Wales District of the Ambulance Brigade, and he held the Coronation medal. He also received the G.W.R. gold medals for long service, having completed 25 years in the movement. He was a Serving Brother of the Order, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him (Bucks Advertiser & Aylesbury News, Fri. 10 January 1930, p. 2).
William’s widow probated his estate and his effects were listed as £229 1s. 3d. (Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administration; 1858-1995). William Gaffey was buried in Berkshire (England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, vol. 2 c, p. 517).
Violet Alice remained in the family home, 41 King Edward St., Slough, Buckinghamshire, and remained a widow for 32 years. She died on the 25th of November 1961 at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot Sunninghill, Berkshire. Letters of Probate were given to her children Reverend William Joseph Gaffney (clerk) and Dorothy Olive Gaffney (spinster). Her effects were listed as £2972 19s. 5d.
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Please send any corrections, further information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above is an old post card from the 1920’s of Paddington Station, London.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Mullinahone, Glenmore to the Somme & Back: Patrick Condon (1898-1989) [UPDATED]
In a previous blog we highlighted some of “the firsts” Danny Dowling recorded regarding Glenmore inhabitants. For example, John Condon was the first person in Glenmore to own a bicycle and it was a penny farthing. Recently, Frank Condon made contact and shared information concerning his father Patrick Condon and his grandfather John Condon. Today, we are going to highlight the Condon family of Mullinahone, Glenmore and particularly Patrick Condon (1898-1989) who served in the Somme during the First World War. This family is an interesting example of how a family name appeared and disappeared from Glenmore in just one generation.
John Condon (1859-1934)
According to the information provided by Frank, John Condon (1859-1934) left his home in Mitchelstown, County Cork, to pursue “the rambling trade as a journeyman tailor.” This is how he found himself in the little village of Glenmore. “Just a bit down the lane from the village was the home of the master tailor Mr. Malone. Malone’s business was thriving and so he was glad to employ another experienced tailor. Here John Condon settled down in that Malone home doing business in that cottage in Mullinahone. The young Miss Margaret Malone…was pleased with her father’s new tailor. In the passage of time Margaret Malone and John Condon fell in love and married. In time their family consisted of six girls and three boys.”
A review of the Glenmore parish records revealed that John Condon married Margaret Malone on 10 February 1881. The father of the bride was Philip Malone (tailor) and the father of the groom was David Condon (deceased tailor). The bride, Margaret Malone, was baptized at Glenmore on 13 April 1857, the daughter of Philip Malone and his wife Bridget Malone née Grace, of Mullinahone. Philip Malone and Bridget Grace were married on 25 April 1844 at Slieverue, both parties resided in Mullinahone. Four siblings of Margaret Condon née Malone (1857-1913) were found in the records [1] Mary Malone (bapt. 14 Mar. 1845); [2] Patrick Malone (bapt. 2 Mar. 1847); [3] William Malone (bapt. 7 May 1850); and [4] Johanna Malone (b. 6 Mar. 1860). Based upon the information provided on the headstone in Glenmore cemetery John Condon was born about 1859, and a baptismal record was found for John Condon (bapt. 1 Jan. 1859) the son of David Condon and Mary O’Brien, of Furrow, Mitchelstown, County Cork.
Ten birth records for the children of John Condon (1859-1934) and Margaret Condon née Malone (1857-1912) were located: [1] Mary Condon (b. 19 Mar. 1882); [2] David Condon (b. 6 Nov. 1883); [3] William Condon (b. 5 Nov. 1885); [4] Bridget Condon (b. 1 Aug. 1887); [5] Ellen Condon (b. 3 Oct. 1889); [6] Edmund Condon (b. 17 Oct. 1891); [7] Johanna Condon (b. 14 March 1894); [8] Margaret Condon (b. 18 May 1896); [9] Patrick Condon (b. 13th May 1898); [10] Catherine Condon (b. 4 June 1900). It is believed that the eldest two children of the family died prior to 1901. Mary and David could not be located in the 1901 Census and in the 1911 Census it was reported that 10 children were born to the marriage, but only 8 were alive in 1911. In 1901 two elderly lodgers: Patrick Byrne (65) a farm labourer and Mary Washington (70) a domestic servant were residing with the family. By 1911 only the three youngest children were living at home: Margaret (15); Patrick (13); and Katie (11). The death registry provides that Margaret Condon née Malone died on the 16th of December 1912 of TB.
Private Patrick Condon (1898-1989)
Patrick Condon was the youngest son of the family and worked at the Glenmore creamery in his youth. Frank reported that a local constable by the name of Halpin encouraged his father to “take the English shilling. Four months later my father found himself in a muddy, water filled trench in Flanders.” According to Frank his father was involved in communication. “He was a top class signaller in ‘Aldis Lantern,’ wireless and semaphore signalling which was accomplished with flags. However, by 1916 semaphore signalling fell out of use on battlefields. For an interesting article on W.W. 1 communications see, “Innovating in Combat: Telecommunications and Intellectual Property in the First World War.”
According to the British National Army Museum records, Patrick Condon enlisted at New Ross on 21 March 1916 with the Royal Munster Fusiliers. His place of birth is listed as Glenmore, New Ross, Kilkenny and he listed his father, John Condon, Mullinahone, Glenmore, Kilkenny as his next of kin. His army service number was 7211530. The World War I Medal Rolls Index Cards states that Patrick Condon entered the “theatre of War” 19 December 1915.
When Patrick was discharged his address was still Glenmore and his character on discharge was recorded as “exemplary.” In his 1989 obituary it is noted that his only legacy from his active service in the Battle of the Somme where half a million British soldiers died, and from the battle of Ypres was a foot swelling problem known as “French feet” (trench foot). (New Ross Standard, 21 Dec. 1989, p. 6). While searching contemporary newspapers an article was located entitled “The Munsters in the Retreat from St. Quentin, 27 March 1918.” It is not known if Patrick was involved in this event, but in this harrowing account the Munster Fusiliers were trapped 9 miles behind enemy lines and fought their way toward the safety of the British trenches. In order to reach the British lines they had to cross the Somme on a bridge, between Chipilly and Céristy, held by the Germans. Under the cover of darkness they observed the bridge and overheard the password used by the German sentries. The Munsters boldly marched in formation up to the bridge where a German sentry halted them and demanded the password. The Munster adjunct who could speak a little German called out the password. The Munsters then stormed the bridge and crossed before the surprised Germans could regroup (The Sphere, Sat. 16 November 1918).
According to Frank, at the conclusion of the war Patrick’s regiment was transferred to Palestine. While in Palestine Patrick was able to complete his secondary education. In 1922 with the establishment of the Free State the Irish Royal Regiments such as the Dublin and Munster Fusiliers were disbanded. Patrick returned to Ireland and joined the Free State Irish Army. According to the British National Army Museum, it is estimated that half of the Irish National Army, formed in 1923, were former members of the Munsters.
Frank revealed that his father was much perturbed when he discovered that he had to buy his own boots. He resigned his enlistment with the Irish Free State army after an incident when a sentry nearly shot him when he went to relieve the sentry. Frank noted that at this time the electrification of Ireland was underway. His father secured a job building the massive pylons for the cables. Ironically Patrick found that he was employed by a German company that got the contract to erect the pylons.
Civilian Patrick Condon (1898-1989)
On 31 October 1927 Patrick Condon, (labourer) of Glenmore married Johanna Henneberry, of Michael Street, New Ross. Patrick Henneberry was the father of the bride and Elizabeth Henneberry was one of the witnesses.
In 1985 the following article was published in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 1 Nov. 1985, p. 9) regarding Patrick Condon and his bride–
“58 years married—One of New Ross’s oldest couples, Patrick and Annie Condon, Bullawn, will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary on Thursday (today). Married in the Parish Church, New Ross, on 31st of October 1927, Thursday will also mark a further anniversary for Annie Condon (nee Henneberry), for she will be 88 years old. A retired milk roundsman who worked with Sutton’s Dairy Company, Patrick Condon is a native of Glenmore, while his wife is from Michael St., New Ross. Both are the last surviving members of their families.”
Patrick Condon died on 16 December 1989 at the age of 92. He was survived by his wife and the following children: John Condon, of New Ross; Frank Condon of Sheffield; Bill Condon of Swindon; Noel Condon of London and Anne Foley née Condon of Knockmullen, New Ross. Patrick was the last surviving member of his family. The obituary that was published in the New Ross Standard may be found on our obituary page.
Patrick Condon’s Siblings
It proved difficult to find information on the siblings of Patrick Condon. Thanks to the information provided by Frank we know that William Condon is buried in Carrick-on-Suir. During the early years of the twentieth century William Condon played on the Glenmore Junior Football team and a William Condon was located in the Waterford City Census, living in the Glen, aged 24, single, born in Kilkenny.
There in only one headstone in the Glenmore cemetery bearing the name Condon and it was erected by Margaret Condon and it contains references to her parents as well as her sister Kate. Catherine “Kate” Condon (1900-1971) married Patrick Walsh (1899-1965) at Glenmore on 13th August 1929. The groom was the son of William Walsh (labourer) of Glenmore. We believe that Patrick was born on 31 October 1899 the son of William Walsh (labourer) and Katie Walsh née Aylward of Robinstown, Glenmore. Lastly, Johanna Condon lived and worked for James and Hannah Culleton of Kilbride, Glenmore (1911 Census).
[Update 9 Oct. 2021: In a previous update a helpful reader believed that Mary Reddy née Walsh, known as Mary Walsh of the Chapel, the Glenmore sacristan, was a daughter of Patrick Walsh and Kate Condon. Frank Condon contacted us and said that Kitty Walsh was the neice of Paddy Walsh and Kate Walsh née Condon. Paddy Walsh and his wife Kate Walsh née Condon had no children. Their niece Kitty Walsh married Watty Murphy.]
Special thanks to Frank Condon who shared information concerning his father and grandfather. Please send any corrections, additional information, or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of the Royal Munster Fusilier’s cap badge is courtesy of the © National Army Museum, Army gallery available at https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1970-12-236-10.
The drawing of the Munsters storming the bridge over the Somme was by D. MacPherson (The Sphere, Sat. 16 November 1918).
UPDATED 28 Oct. 2021, Special thanks to Frank Condon who sent the photos of his parents, the photo of himself and brothers in uniform and Kitty Murphy née Walsh, as well as photos of the members of the New Ross Condon line. Unfortunately due to space limitations we are only able to publish a few here, but hope to share the others in future posts.
Thomas Keane: The Last Waterford Tobacco Spinner
One of the best things about transcribing Danny Dowling’s handwritten notebooks is reading about the interesting people Danny interviewed over the years. Most were from Glenmore, had Glenmore connections, or had some historical fact or story that Danny found interesting and thought should be recorded. Today’s blog falls into the last category.
While working as a Housing Officer in Waterford, Danny met and later in 1975 interviewed Jack Keane, British Railway Cottage, Adelphi Quay, Waterford. Jack Keane informed Danny that his father, Thomas Keane was the last man to make handmade tobacco in Waterford. His grandfather was also a tobacco twister.
Thomas Keane worked for the Slaney Tobacco and Snuff Manufacturers. The Slaney firm was the last tobacco manufacturers in Waterford. The Slaney premises were on Broad Street where the gas showrooms were in 1975. The Slaney factory was in the same building at the rear of the retail shop and overhead in the lofts. From the stalks of the tobacco leaves, which were waste after the manufacture of tobacco, snuff would be made. The business had three apprentices and another man named Walsh also worked with Thomas Keane. Slaney also made what was called “pigtail” chewing tobacco from Cavendish Leaf. It was very mild. Unfortunately I could not find any advert in a local newspaper or business directory concerning Slaney.
Jack Keane told Danny that his father was a good cricketer, and played for the Ballytruckle team. The Keane’s lived on Poleberry Street as did an uncle of Jack Keane’s named McConnell who was a carpenter.
In 1979 Danny again interviewed Jack Keane who provided more information about his father and spoke of his own life. Jack Keane’s father, Thomas Keane, died in the 1930’s aged 84 years. The Slaney firm was bought out by Carroll’s of Dundalk. The manufacturer of tobacco and snuff discontinued in Waterford just prior to the outbreak of World War I.
Jack Keane worked all his life with British Rail as an inspector. Jack explained to Danny that he served in the first World War in the Royal Irish Regiment. Jack served from 14 December 1915 until 21 March 1918. Jack was taken prisoner at Messines Ridge, and worked as a POW in Duisburg.
After the war Jack Keane went to work for British Rail which acquired control of the Waterford Steamship Company. Its headquarters were on the Mall near the old Adelphi Hotel. The old Waterford Steamship Company had its berthage opposite Reginald’s Towner. British Rail had ships plying to Southhampton, London, Bristol, Glasgow and Liverpool. Bristol and Waterford, and Liverpool and Waterford had direct sailings.
Although Jack Keane referred to his father and grandfather’s profession as tobacco twisters according to the 14 October 1899 edition of the Waterford Standard the profession was known as “tobacco spinners.” The article notes that Waterford City since 1663 had a number of ancient Guilds or Fraternities including buttonmakers, weavers, tobacco spinners, rollers and cutters. The 1899 article bemoans the fact that some of the ancient trades had disappeared altogether from the city such as the buttonmakers, tobacco spinners, rollers and cutters. Notwithstanding the 1899 newspaper article, census records from 1911 support that his father, Thomas Keane, was employed in 1911 as a “tobacco spinner.”
Although Jack Keane did not provide a lot of information to Danny concerning his personal life the census helps piece together his early circumstances. In 1911 Jack or John, aged 13, was living at 76 Poleberry with his father Thomas Keane, aged 54, a widower. Thomas declared his profession as “tobacco spinner.” Thomas and Jack Keane were boarders in the house of Patrick and Mary Ellen Keily. The only clue as to Jack’s mother is his reference to his uncle being named McConnell, a carpenter, who also lived on Poleberry. The 1911 census provides two McConnell’s who are carpenters in Waterford. Patrick McConnell is living alone and James McConnell is 24. In 1911 neither lived on Poleberry. The 1901 Census does show that a McConnell family was living at 67 Poleberry. Patrick McConnell, carpenter, was 48; his wife Alice McConnell was 49, and James McConnell was 15.
In the two short interviews Danny recorded information concerning a profession and industry that had flourished in Waterford for over 200 years and disappeared from Waterford in the first decade of the twentieth century. The interviewee was a soldier and POW in the Great War and returned to Waterford.
Update, we have just surpassed 10,000 views. Thank you all for your continued support and queries. The transcription of Notebook 22 is complete and we will update the family pages etc. as time permits.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore’s WW1 Military Marker for Private J. Gaule [Updated]
A reader recently asked about a military marker in the Glenmore church yard of a Private J. Gaule (service number 29019), who died on the 4th of July 1918, at the age of 21. Our reader said that he has wondered about J. Gaule for years. A quick check of Danny Dowling’s notebooks revealed that this military marker is for John Gaule, of Haggard, Glenmore who served in the British Infantry in WWI, with the Machine Gun Corps. Danny in notebook 21 made notes regarding John Gaule, but there is no indication where Danny obtained the information recorded. According to Danny’s notes John Gaule was the son of Richard Gaule and Mary O’Brien and the grandson of Michael Gaule and Bridget Power.
The military marker is on the right hand side of the front entrance against the front wall of the churchyard. There are two other Gaule markers that provide clues concerning John’s family. The three Gaule markers against the front wall of the Glenmore churchyard provide the following information.
Marker 1:
29019 Private J. Gaule, Machine Gun Corps (Inf), 4th July 1918, aged 21
Marker 2:
In loving memory of Mary Gaule, died 26th of April 1902,
Richard Gaule, died 28th of January 1940,
My dearest husband James Gaule, died 26th November 1912, aged 71
Interred Kensal Green, London
Marker 3:
In loving memory of our dear parents,
Martin Gaule died 25th of June 1981, aged 80 years,
His wife Ellie, died 12th June 1986, aged 84 years,
Also their twin son, Bill who died in his second year,
His brother Martin died 15 August 2014, aged 85 years,
His wife Eileen, neé Murray, died 18th July 2005, aged 84 years.
According to the birth register John Gaule was born on 15 May 1896 at Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The 1911 Census reveals that John Gaule was living with his family in Knockbrack, Glenmore. The Head of the household was Bridget Gaule, age 77. The rest of the members of the household are as follows: Patrick Gaule, age 38, single, son of the head of household; Richard Gaule, age 44, widower, son of the head of household, agricultural labourer; John Gaule, age 15; Martin Gaule, age 10; James Gaule, age 8 and Michael Power, age 11 (cousin).
The 1901 Census reveals further information. John Gaul (sic) was 5 years of age and living with his family in Ballinlammy, Glenmore. The head of household was his father Richard Gaul, aged 40, and employed as an agricultural labourer. John’s mother is listed as Mary, aged 39. The other members of the family include: Stasia, aged 11; Maggie, aged 8; John, aged 5; Anne, aged 3 and Martin, aged 8 months.
The census records support that the three markers in the Glenmore church yard refer to the same family. For example marker 3 contains John’s brother Martin (c. 1900-1981) and Martin’s family. Marker 2 contains John’s parents Richard (c.1861-1940) and Mary (c. 1862-1902).
British military records reveal that John Gaule was awarded two medals: the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The National Archives of Ireland contains John’s handwritten Will. On the 2nd of June 1916, John wrote the following simple Will, “After my death leave all to my father Richard Gaule, Haggard, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.” The Will was processed on the 29th of January 1919. Other records in the file reveal that John enlisted at Waterford. John died from wounds sustained in France/Flanders and died at the Belton Park Military Hospital, Granthan, Lincolnshire, England. Belton Park was also where WWI machine gunmen training camps and depots were located. To view John’s Will held by the National Archives see, http://soldierswills.nationalarchives.ie/reels/sw/1918_22/GauleJ_E669256.pdf.
A quick walk around the Glenmore churchyard today did not reveal additional British military markers, but according to Danny’s notebooks another Glenmore man John Ryan, of Rochestown, served in the British Army during WWI and died in 1919. We will feature John Ryan and the mystery surrounding him in a future post.
Update of 3 Sept. 2021–Catherine Davies née Kearney, aged 92, made contact via her son Stephen Davies and shared a verse written by John Gaule which he gave to his father before he went off to join the war. The verse was given to Catherine by her mother Anastatia Kearney nee Gaule (the sister of John Gaule). John Gaule was called “Jack” by his family.
Remember dearest father, Remember days gone by, Your son he is a solider, And he's not afraid to die.
From the information provided we were able to find further information regarding some of the siblings of John Gaule ( 1896-1918). His sister Maggie Gaule (b. 26 Jan. 1894) married James Treacy on 12 January 1914 at Mullinavat. James Treacy was the son of William Treacy and Mary Treacy née Dee. Annie Gaule was the maid of honour. His sister Anastatia Gaule was born on 2 May 1890 per the Glenmore parish register. However, the civil register lists her birth as occuring on 1 April 1890 and her mother is listed as Mary Murphy. The information for the civil registration was provided by Bridget Gaule who was present at the birth. Anastatia Gaule married Michael Kearney (smith) on 8 July 1912 at St. Patrick’s of Waterford City. Michael was the son of Tom Kearney (smith). Witnesses to the wedding were William Hartley and Katie Meany. The addresses of the bride and groom are “The Square.” Some of the children of this marriage were found in the publically available records including: [1] Michael Kearny (b. 5 Aug. 1912); [2] Bridget Kearney (b. 9 Feb. 1914); and [3] Mary Kearney (b. 10 Aug. 1915). We know from the birth records that the family resided in Arundal Square, Waterford City when Michael was born and then moved to Gurteens, Slieverue where the father continued to work as a blacksmith.
Update: 13 October 2021, Stephen Davies indicated that Michael Kearney and Anastatia “Statia” Kearney née Gaule had a total of 14 children. The following names were supplied by Stephen: [4] John Kearney; [5] Anastatia “Daney” Kearney; [6] Ellen “Nell” Kearney; [7] Richard “Dick” Kearney; [8] Maggie Kearney; [9] Andrew Kearney; [10] Agnes Kearney; [11] Johanna Kearney; [12] Catherine “Katie” Kearney; [13] Angela Kearney.
Michael Kearney died when his daughter Catherine “Katie” was 13. When her father died the family moved to Rathpatrick and a year later Catherine “Katie” Kearney went to her sister Mary in England.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh