Biographies
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From Danny’s Files, Michael “Mick the Mason” Walsh (1874-1948) of Haggard, Glenmore
Earlier in the week we published a short interview that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) conducted of Tom Jones (1908-1978) of Glenmore Village. Tom during the interview mentioned Mick Walsh of the “Masonry Walsh’s” was building “a bridge” in the Village when his grandfather died in 1912. Also within the file was an article about a court case in 1912 held at Thomastown arising over Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) bicycle. We have since located an obituary and newspapers articles that reveal that Michael Walsh built the Glenmore and Slieverue Creameries as well as a new Garda Station in Inistioge in 1938 (Waterford Standard, Sat. 23 Oct. 1937, p. 10, contract awarded).
The Bicycle Case
The Kilkenny People ( Sat. 22 June 1912, p. 3) published details of the bicycle case. On Thursday, the 13th of June 1912 the Hon. David Fitzgerald, K.C. County Court Judge sat in the Thomastown Courthouse and opened the business of the quarter Sessions for the Thomastown district.
William J. Cordner was a cycle agent with a shop on Henrietta Street in Waterford. In 1912, Cordner sued Michael Walsh, mason and contractor, Haggard, Glenmore to recover £2 14s. 6d. for repairing and overhauling Walsh’s bicycle. Walsh counter-sued claiming damages to cover the expenses he incurred because Cordner had not carried out his instructions. Walsh claimed he had to pay 3s. 6d. a week for the hire of a bicycle while his own machine was lying in Cordner’s workshop. He also included in his claim an item for expenses incurred in going to Waterford about his bicycle. Solicitor H.D. Keane, of Waterford represented the plaintiff Cordner, and Solicitor O’Conner represented the defendant Walsh.
Cordner testified that Michael Walsh came to his establishment in Waterford and asked for a quotation for doing up his bicycle. Cordner stated his price of £2 7s for the agreed upon work. The bicycle was to be stove enamelled, and plated with old parts to be replaced by new ones where necessary. A few days later Walsh brought in his bicycle and it was in very bad shape.
During the trial, the bicycle was placed on the witness table to allow the Judge to examine it. Some of the old parts that Cordner said he replaced out of necessity were also produced for the Judge to examine. The difference of 7s. 6d. represented the cost of the new parts.
In cross examination by Mr. O’Connor, Cordner stated that the lining of the bicycle was never mentioned. “If the defendant had asked him to line the bicycle he would have done so with the greatest pleasure.” When Walsh saw the bicycle finished, himself and a friend who was with him, expressed themselves highly pleased with it. In fact, Walsh told Cordner that he would not have recognised it as his own machine owing to its improved appearance.
The defendant Walsh was sworn. On direct examination he stated that he was in the habit of carrying out contracts around the country. The bicycle was to be stove-enamelled. Cordner agreed to do the work for £2 7s. Walsh claimed the bicycle he took to Cordner was almost as good as a new and it required no new parts. He stated that he bought the bicycle 3 years before. He asked to have the bicycle stove enamelled, plated and lined, and Cordner said he would carry out the instructions.
Walsh claimed that when he took the bicycle to Cordner the front wheel was bright. At trial he noted it was removed and full of rust. When he saw the bicycle finished, he was not pleased with it at all. He noticed that several new, and what he considered were inferior parts had been put on it. None of his bicycle remained except the frame. All he wanted to have done was to have his own bicycle, which was a strong one, properly repaired. He did not want any new parts put onto it. He stated that he refused to pay for the repairs because he considered the machine produced in court was not as good for the work he had to do with it as was the one he brought to Cordner
Cordner’s solicitor stated to Walsh, “But you are getting a new bicycle instead of an old one that was scarcely worth rolling across the bridge when you brought it into Waterford.” Cordner produced the book in which he had entered Walsh’s instructions concerning the bicycle. It was to be stove enamelled, plated, and the old parts to be replaced by new ones where necessary. He produced the old front wheel which was in the same condition then as it was when the bicycle was brought in to be repaired. It was almost eaten through with rust, and it could not be put on the machine again “if a good job was to be done.” He made a first-class machine out of the old bicycle, and the old parts were only replaced where necessary and the new parts were of the best possible make.
The Judge gave a decree for the claimed amount and dismissed the counter claim. In other words, Cordner was awarded £2 14s. 2d.
Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) Parents & Siblings
Michael Walsh (1874-1948) was the son of Michael Walsh (1841-1917) (stone mason) of Haggard, and Margaret Walsh née Moore (c. 1852 -1917) of Knockbrack, Glenmore. His parents were married on 1 August 1870. The wedding records reflect that the groom’s father was also Michael Walsh, and he was deceased at the time of the wedding. The bride’s father was Michael Moore (labourer).
The children of Michael Walsh (1841-1917) and his wife Margaret Walsh née Moore included:
- Mary Walsh (b. 26 Jan. 1872)
- Michael Walsh (b. 23 Sept. 1874)
- Ellen Walsh (b. 28 Nov. 1876)
- Edmund “Ned the Mason” Walsh (b. 6 June 1880)
- Brigid Walsh (1882-1958) married Joseph Walsh of Drumdowney, Slieverue
- Margaret Walsh (1885-1956) on 9 Oct. 1917 at Glenmore, Edward Griffin (railway man) of Rathpatrick married Margaret Walsh, dressmaker of Haggard.
- Andrew Walsh (b. 30 May 1888) per family obits Andrew emigrated to the U.S.
Michael Walsh’s (1874-1948) Wife and Child
Michael Walsh (1874-1948) married Anastatia Walsh (1874-1948) of Ballyhomuck, Mullinavat, on 3 March 1908 at Glenmore. The groom’s father was Michael Walsh (mason of Haggard) and bride’s father was Thomas Walsh (farmer of Ballyhomuck).
Anastatia Walsh née Walsh was baptized at Bigwood on 29 October 1874 to Thomas Walsh and Mary Carroll. Her parents were married at Glenmore on 9 February 1871. Thomas Walsh was the son of John Walsh (farmer) of Ballyhomic (sic) and her mother was Mary Carroll, the daughter of Richard Carroll (farmer) of Foristalstown, Glenmore.
Michael Walsh and his wife Anastatia Walsh were living at Cappagh, Glenmore when their son Michael Walsh was born on 10 April 1910. As far as we have been able to find this was their only child. Michael Walsh (1910-1984) did not follow the family trade of becoming a stone mason. He obtained a degree in Agricultural Science and in the 1930’s became a vocational teacher and later, Headmaster of Ferbane (Offaly) Vocational School. He married a Glenmore girl, Margaret Roche, the daughter of Thomas Roche (c. 1875 -1960) of Coolnaleen, Glenmore.
Death of Michael & Anastatia Walsh, of Haggard Glenmore
Michael Walsh died the 24th of July 1948 at Haggard. He was married and aged 73. He died of cancer of the larynx. His son Michael Walsh (1910-1984) was present when he died.
Michael Walsh’s death notice was published in the Waterford News & Star (Fri. 30 July 1948, p. 3) “DEATH—Mr. Michael Walsh, Haggard, Glenmore, whose death has taken place was a mason by trade and was responsible for the erection of Slieverue and Glenmore creameries.” A longer obituary was published in the Munster Express (Fri. 30 July 1948, p. 3).
Death of Mr. Michael Walsh—Mr. Michael Walsh, Haggard, Glenmore, who died at his residence on Saturday night last, was a well known mason by trade in former years, and built many houses in the area, as well as constructing the creameries at Slieverue, Glenmore, and other places, which will remain as a monument to his art and genius. Deceased who had attained to the age of over 70 years, was husband of Mrs. Walsh, Haggard; father of Mr. Michael Walsh, Technical Instructor; and brother of Mr. Ed Walsh, Glenmore (also a well-known mason); Mr. Andrew Walsh, U.S.A.; Mrs. Walsh, Slieverue; and Mrs. Ed. Griffin, Rathpatrick, do. To all of whom sincere sympathy will be extended in the sad loss they have sustained. Interment took place at the family burial ground at Glenmore on Monday, in presence of a large attendance of relatives and sympathisers.—R.I.P.
Five months later Michael’s widow, Anastatia Walsh née Walsh, died on 7 December 1948 at Haggard of senile decay. She was 73 years old. Her son Michael Walsh (1919-1984) was present at her death.
We will be adding a number of Walsh obituaries to our W Surname Page that were located in researching this post.
The featured drawing above is “Stone Mason at Work,” Louis Phillippe Joseph, duc de Chartres (French 1762) courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum (New York).
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The Culliton Brothers of Niagara Falls, N.Y. & Natives of Kilbride, Glenmore
While researching a shipwreck an obituary from a New York newspaper revealed two Glenmore brothers who emigrated to Niagara Falls, New York in the late 1860’s. The name Culleton was long associated with Kilbride, Glenmore although sadly it has become “extinct” in the townland as Danny Dowling (1927-2021) would have said. What Danny meant was that the name was no longer present although there are descendants present. We have found several different spellings of the name Culleton/Culliton/Coleton etc.
In Kilbride there were two Culleton families. Perhaps the families had nicknames to distinguish them. If you are aware of how locals distinguished the two Culleton families please comment below. The oldest located Culleton baptismal parish records reflect two families in Kilbride. Michael Culleton, of Kilbride, was baptized 27 July 1777, the son of Michael Culleton and his wife Eleanor Grant. Eleven years later another Michael Culleton was baptized in Kilbride on 13 January 1788, the son of James Culleton and his wife Mary Haberlin. James Colleton (sic) and Mary Haberlin of Glinmore (sic) were married at Slieverue on 17 April 1784.
Michael Culliton (1843-1907) Native of Kilbride, Glenmore
The obituary that revealed the Glenmore brothers was published in the Niagara Falls News (11 Feb. 1907, p. 1).
Michael Culleton—The death of Michael Culleton, which occurred at the family home, No. 1517 South Avenue, at 2:10 o’clock this morning, removes a highly respected citizen of this city. He was born at Glenmore, Kilkenny County, Ireland, August 10, 1843. He came to this country in 1869, and to Niagara Falls in 1873. He was for many years in the employ of the Erie railroad as a baggageman at Suspension Bridge. He resigned this position and entered the milk business. He was forced to give this up on account of ill health and sold out to the Niagara Dairy company, in which he was at the time of his death a large stockholder. Mr. Culleton has for many years served as a flagman on the Pine Avenue crossing of the Erie railroad.
Deceased is survived by one brother, James Culleton of Buffalo, four daughters and three sons, all of this city, and his death will also be regretted by a large circle of friends. He was a man of unusual intelligence and estimable character. He was a member of the C.M.B.A. The funeral will be held from the Sacred Heart Church Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock. Interment will be made in St. Mary’s cemetery. [To view Michael’s headstone see, Findagrave.]
It is of interest to note that the first horse ever used by the Niagara Falls fire department was purchased from Mr. Culleton.
From the above obituary it appeared that Michael was a widower. However, an obituary from the Niagara Falls Gazette (11 February 1907) revealed that he was survived by his spouse, but the Gazette made no mention of the horse he sold to the fire department.
“Michael Culliton, a resident of this city for the last 40 years died at his home no. 137 South Avenue this morning. The deceased was 63 years old. Besides his wife he is survived by four daughters Alice, C.; Nellie G.; Margaret W. Culliton and Mrs. Daul (sic) Curry and three sons James V.; Thomas F.; and Edward J. Culliton, all of this city. The deceased was for a long time employed by the Erie railroad but of late had engaged in the milk business.“
The 1900 Census
The 1900 Federal Census provided that Michael Culliton was born in August 1843, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1865. His wife, Anastasia was born in August 1850, and she emigrated in 1870. The couple were married 27 years (c. 1873) and 8 children were born, but only 7 children were alive in 1900. The family lived at 1317 South Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York.
Michael Culliton’s Family
From cemetery markers etc. we were able to glean that Anastasia Culliton’s (1850-1919) maiden name was Costello. The children were: (1) James Culliton (1874-1920); (2) Mary A. Culliton (b. 1876); (3) Thomas Culliton (b. 1878); (4) John J. Culliton (1882-1882); (5) Nellie G. Culliton Albright (1883-1950); (6) Margaret W. Culliton Savage (1884-1964); (7) Edward J. Culliton and (8) Joseph Culliton (b. 1887).
For interesting information concerning, Niagara Falls, New York, see “The Movement to Save Niagara Falls,” (2025) on New York Almanack website.
James Culliton (1847-1927) Native of Kilbride, Glenmore
The Buffalo News (Wed. 10 Aug. 1927, p. 29) published the following obituary which highlighted some important events that occurred in Buffalo while James lived there.
“James Culliton—One of the first Buffalonians who had his residence “north of Cold Spring,” has passed from the neighbourhood which was a wilderness when he went to live there 48 years ago. He is James Culliton, who celebrated his 79th birthday a couple of weeks ago on the same spot, 2977 Main Street, where he first settled in Buffalo in 1879.
Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Mr. Culliton came to America in 1869 at the age of 19. He first located at Niagara Falls, where he was employed for a time by the New York Central. In a few years, he went to work for the Erie railroad, moving to Buffalo where he continued in that Company’s employ for 51 years. [Editor’s note–Buffalo is approximately 20 miles from Niagara Falls, New York.]
Buffalo’s greatest growth has come during the span of close to half a century during which Mr. Culliton lived here. He saw its population more than double and Central Park Region change from an uninhabited area of woods and fields to one of the principal residence sections of the city. President McKinley’s assassination and the public upheaval which followed were all a part of Mr. Culliton’s memories of earlier Buffalo.
Mr. Culliton is survived by four sons and three daughters, all residents of Buffalo. They are: Edward H.; William C.; Richard J.; Joseph E.; and Miss Catherine M. Culliton; Mrs. Hannah Madigan and Mrs. John Brennan. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. from Saint Joseph’s Church, 3269 Main Street. Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery. The Rev. Joseph Schemel, pastor of Saint Joseph’s will officiate.” To view James’s headstone see Findagrave.
James was a widower at the time of his death in 1927. His wife, Johanna died in 1918. (The Buffalo Times, Fri 1 Nov. 1918, p. 13).
Mrs. Johanna Culliton—The funeral of Mrs. Johanna Culliton, who died at her late home, No. 2977 Main Street, will be held tomorrow morning at 2 o’clock (sic), from St. Joseph’s Church, Main St. Mrs. Culliton was born in Ireland, and came to this country 40 years ago, residing first at Niagara Falls. She had been a resident of Buffalo for 29 years. She was one of Buffalo’s most respected and esteemed residents and hosts of friends mourn her sudden and unexpected death. She is survived by four sons, William C., Richard, J.; Edward H.; and Joseph Culliton, and three daughters, Mrs. Jeremiah Brennan; Mrs. S.V. Madigan; and Caroline Culliton. Interment will be at St. Mary’s cemetery, Niagara Falls.
Thus, James was buried in Mount Calvary of Buffalo and his wife was buried in St. Mary’s of Niagara Falls, however no grave could be located for Johanna Culliton (c. 1853-1918).
1910 Census
In the 1910 Federal Census, (Buffalo Ward 17) James Culliton was 61 years of age and recorded that he had been married for 40 years. He emigrated in 1870 and was naturalized. His wife was Johanna and she emigrated from Ireland in 1868. They had 10 children and 7 of the children were living at the time of the 1910 census. James worked for a railroad as a section foreman.
James Culliton’s Family
Identifying the children of this family proved difficult because it appears that in different census the children were identified by different names and family members were identified with different dates of birth. For example, in the 1900 Federal Census the father James was reported as being born in September 1850 and his wife Johanna was born in January 1853. In the 1880 Federal Census James was 32 (b.c. 1848) and Johanna was 30 (b.c. 1850). It was recorded that James could not read or write which may explain the different dates given across various records. Known children located in Census and cemetery markers include: (1) James Culliton (b.c. 1871 per 1875 State Census); (2) Mary Culliton (c. 1874) married Jeremiah Brennan in 1902; (3) William C. Culliton (c. 1875-1955); (4) John Culliton (b.c. 1877); (5) Edward H. Culliton (1879-1960); (6) Richard J. Culliton (b.c. 1881); (7) Catherine Culliton (b.c. 1885-1947); (8) Johanna “Anna” Culliton Madigan (b.c. 1886) and (9) E. Joseph Culliton (1886-1935).
The Culleton Families of Kilbride, Glenmore
Michael Culliton (1843-1907) and his brother James Culliton (1843-1927) were baptized respectively at Kilbride, on 11 August 1843, and 9 June 1847, the sons of James Culliton and his wife Mary Murphy. To determine which Kilbride family the brothers belonged we examined headstones for both families as well as parish records.
Family A–Johnny Culleton line
Johnny Culleton (1911-1998) m. Maggie Reid (c. 1918 -2009)
Johnny’s parents: James Culleton (1867 -1962) m. Hannah Grace (c. 1873 -1950)
Johnny’s grandparents: John Culleton (1836-1882) m. Bridget Walsh (c. 1876 -1917)
Johnny’s great-grandparents: James Culleton (c. 1807 -1847) m. Mary Murphy
Thus, Michael Culliton (1843-1907) and James Culliton (1847-1927) were Johnny Culleton’s (1911-1998) great uncles or Johnny’s grandfather John’s brothers.
Family B–Jim Culleton line
Given the names Michael and James it was initially believed that the two brothers were from Jim’s line. We have included this line for completeness. For more information on this line see our post of 26 August 2024 and 8 October 2020 concerning Patrick Culleton (b. 1848) the son of Michael Culleton and his wife Ellen Morrissy.
Jim Culleton (c. 1927-2012 m. Anna Brennan ( c. 1933- 2025)
Jim’s parents: Michael Culleton (1878-1968) m. Alice Hartley (1895-1982)
Jim’s grandparents: James Culleton (1845-1912) m. Margaret O’Connor (c. 1840-1918)
Jim’s great-grandparents: Michael Colleton (sic) m. Ellen Morrissy
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Special thanks to everyone who was contacted today for information including: Michael Roche; Paschal Roche; Mary Doherty née Culleton; Michael Hoynes and Ann O’Rourke.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of Niagara Falls, New York, is courtesy of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “The great cataract of Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.A. [Hand-colored view. 1850-1930]” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/cbe58960-c55c-012f-c5eb-58d385a7bc34
The photo of the tug pulling a ship through ice at Buffalo, New York in May 1869 is courtesy of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Tug and vessel in the ice, May 1869.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/cca47580-c553-012f-ee68-58d385a7bc34
Jim B. (1918-1988) of Glenmore Village [Updated]
In 1988, Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Jim Walsh (1918-1988) of Glenmore Village. Locally Jim Walsh was known as Jim B. and worked as a painter. His passion was music. See our post of 7 April 2022 for John Ennett’s clip of Jim B. and others playing in the Glen Bar. Jim B. was interviewed by Danny just a month before his death. Danny wrote that when he called to see Jim B. he was sitting up in a chair in his pyjamas. He was so thin; he was nothing but skin and bones. Although looking very bad Jim B.’s memory was good. His voice was very low.
Below are Danny’s notes entitled “Conversation with Jim Walsh, late of Glenmore Village, in St. Bridget’s Unit in Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford on Monday 22 February 1988″. Information, such as birth and death dates, has been added and most added information has been placed in square brackets [ ].
Danny was the First Baby Jim B. Saw
Jim B. said that Danny was the first baby he ever saw. He was brought down by Liz, his mother, to see Danny’s mother. Jim told Danny that Danny was born in the room over the parlour and that the bed was over by the gable wall. Nellie Doyle (c. 1930-2015) was the next baby he remembers seeing. She was born in the little room off of the kitchen.
[It is assumed that Jim B. was referring to new born babies. Ellen “Nellie” Doyle (c. 1930-2015) was the daughter of Statia Doyle née Cassin (c. 1906-1996). Nellie was born in the Village next to Heffernan’s shop. Nellie married John Sutton (1927-1989), and they lived in Ballyrobin, Ferrybank. They are buried in Glenmore.]
Mill Fire in Glenmore Village
Jim stated that he was 69 years of age, and he remembered the fire in J.K.’s mill in the Village. He said he was about 6 years of age at the time. That would have been about 1925. It took place in the harvest time and during the day.
J.K.’s mill had an “overshot wheel.” Jim said that it was extremely well balanced, and it was quite easily turned.
[We performed a newspaper search and found that the old Gaffney Mill, then owned by James K. Walsh (1891-1934) and his wife, “Lizzy J.K.” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955), did catch fire in December 1923. “FIRE AT GLENMORE—On Saturday evening a fire occurred at Glenmore which destroyed a corn mill and corn the property of Mr. James Walsh, a merchant. The machinery was damaged. A number of outhouses surrounding the mill escaped, water from an adjoining pond having been thrown over them (Free Press (Wexford), Sat. 22 Dec. 1923, p; 12).]
Circus Wagon Crash in Glenmore Village in 1941
Jim B. also remembered the day well that the circus waggon carrying the “king pole” went out of control coming down the hill opposite Mary Walsh’s of the chapel. There were two ponies under the waggon and it was driven by two young men. The one from Enniscorthy was killed when it crashed into Fluskey’s gable end. Both the ponies had to be put down. One had his leg severed from his body.
The wheels of the wagon were iron shod, and the brake block broke around Mary Walsh’s. The breaking of the brake block was responsible for the accident. It appeared that the driver had the ponies galloping when they were passing the chapel gate. The circus was to be in the field at the Barracks.
When the circus wagon crashed into Fluskey’s gable, the impact threw all of the tins and jars from shelves. The crash nearly knocked the wall. See our post of 27 June 2020 for further details regarding the circus wagon crash on 4 July 1941.
Jim Brien [Fitzgerald] of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Jim also remembered Jimmy J.K. Walsh having a charalanc(?). [See our post of 28 Dec. 2019 regarding the first motor cars etc. in Glenmore Parish.]
“Jim Brien” [Fitzgerald] (1896-1979), of Aylwardstown “gave years working in J.K.’s. Jim Brien always wore a cover over one of his eyes. He lost it owing to getting lime in it. The accident happened at J.K.’s.” [“Jim Brien” was married to Mary Murphy, of Moulerstown, Glenmore. The couple lived beside Hoynes in Aylwardstown, and they had no family.]
Mick Power (c. 1905-1980), of Jamestown, also worked at J.K.’s. [Mick Power was the eldest of eighteen children in the family of John and Mary Power, of Jamestown.]
Jim “the Weaver” Walsh (1870-1960) of Glenmore, Village
Jim described “the Weaver” as a decent quiet little man. He was always “spic and span” and kept himself very clean. Every Sunday he wore a spotless serge suit to Mass. See our post of 31 Oct. 2020 for further information on Jim “the Weaver” Walsh.
The Glen Bar
Jim B. lived next to the Glen Bar. He told Danny that there was a curse on the pub and there was no luck attached to it. Jim B. said that he was in the Glenmore Bar the evening when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.
Danny wrote a note at the end of the interview notes that Jim B. died on Monday, 21 March 1988 at 20 minutes to 9 at night in Rosario Nursing Home, Ferrybank, of cancer which he had for four years. See our W family page for information concerning Jim B’s parents James Walsh (c. 1875-1946) (carpenter) and his mother Mary Ellen “Lill” Walsh (1892-1968) as well as James K. Walsh (1891-1934) and Elizabeth “Lizzy J.K.” Walsh née Heffernan (1884-1955).
[Update 15 October 2025–The drawing below was drawn by Jim B. in 1973 in front of the Slieverue Church during an all night vigil on the first anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Jim B., Martin Gahan and others attended the vigil. In less than five minutes Jim B. drew Sitting Bull with a marker on cardboard. Martin said Jim B. loved Native Americans’ history. Martin saw a lovely sitting dog that Jim B. painted on a silk scarf for a lady.
Martin also noted that Danny Dowling’ (1927-2021) mother, Hannah Dowling (1903-1989) née Murphy was Jim B.’s godmother. She was very fond of her godson.]
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo of Jim B. above is from John Ennett’s clip. Special thanks to Martin Gahan for sharing the drawing of Sitting Bull and more information concerning Jim B.
From Danny’s Files: Rose Strange (1847-1935) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
As we sort through the vast amount of material Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected over 7 decades our progress is often hampered when interesting interviews or clippings send us looking for more information. Such was the case of an 1880 Kilkenny Journal article announcing a Waterford Prize winner.
Kilkenny Journal (10 Nov. 1880)
The Proprietors of “Society,” a London publication, announced that they awarded the prize for the best Parody of Sir Walter Scott’s lines, “Breathes there a man,” etc. to Miss Rose Strange, of Aylwardstown, Glenmore, Waterford. (To read the original poem see, Scottish Poetry Library.) The original poem questions whether there exists any man with such an empty heart and dead soul that he has no love for his country. The prize winning parody penned by Miss Rose Strange is:
Lives there a man who once loved sound,
Of echoing horn and baying hound,
When Autumn yellows o’er the plain,
Feels not his soul within him burn,
Feels no bright dreams of youth return,
With Winter’s glorious sport again,
Oh, be there such, whose heart is stealth,
The cities’ toil, the race for wealth,
Has stolen away, or made too cold,
To quicken as in days of old,
When the good hunt came sweeping by,
With all its’ gladsome revelry,
Masters of thousands though he be,
Broad through his acres, poor is he,
Vainly for him good steed shall neigh,
Life’s keenest joy has “Gone Away.”
Who was Miss Rose Strange of Aylwardstown, Glenmore?
We could not locate a Miss Rose Strange born at Aylwardstown. However, we did locate Rose Charlotte Strange who was baptized on 11 August 1847 at Trinity Within of Waterford City. Her father was recorded as Thomas Strange, but her mother and godparents were not recorded. Rose C. Strange was the daughter of solicitor Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) and his wife Mary Strange née Nevins (1821-1909). Thomas Fitzgerald Strange (1812-1897) was born and raised at Aylwardstown. According to Danny, in the 1830’s Thomas and one of his brothers moved to Waterford where they purchased the Waterford Chronicle newspaper. For a history of the Strange family in Aylwardstown see, Danny Dowling (1996) “Cardinal WIseman & His Association WIth South Kilkenny” (Kilkenny Archaeological Society, p. 38).
While Thomas F. Strange went to Waterford and became a solicitor his eldest brother Peter Strange (1805-1872) remained in Aylwardstown. Although Peter did not marry the parish records reveal that he had an illegitimate son also named Peter Strange. The infant was baptized at Glenmore on 4 July 1840. He was born at Roachestown (sic) and his mother was Mary Forestal. It is not known what became of this infant. Peter Strange (1805-1872) never married, and when he died in 1872 he left Aylwardstown to his nephew Thomas Alexander Strange (1856-1907) and Rochestown to his niece Rose Charlotte Strange (Danny Dowling, p. 43). See our post of 9 February 2025 for a letter written in 1873 to James Heffernan of Glenmore, Wisconsin, which provides details regarding Peter Strange’s (1805-1872) death and the refusal of the Glenmore Parish Priest to pray for him or bury him.
We believe that Thomas A. Strange and his sister Rose C. Strange took up residence in Aylwardstown House. The newspapers of the era refer to Mr. and Miss Strange of Aylwardstown House attending many hunts with Lord Waterford and others.
Siblings of Rose C. Strange (1847-1935)
Thomas Fitzgerald Strange (1812-1897) married Maria Nevins (1821-1909 ) on 9 December 1845 in Holy Trinity, Parish of Brikenhead, Cheshire, England. In addition to Rose C. Strange (1847-1935) and Thomas A. Strange (1856-1907) the couple had 3 more daughters and another son.
[1] Agnes Mary Strange (1850-1947) died 23 October 1947 at East Ferry, Ballincura, Middleton, Ireland. Agnes never married. She apparently liked to travel and went to the US several times. Agnes died of influenza at the age of 97.
[2] Grace or Frances Strange (1854-1946). Grace Strange died on 18 May 1946 at East Ferry at the age of 91. She was a retired nurse and spinster.
[3] Mary Strange (1852-1942) died at Ballincura, Middleton, Cork. In 1913 she sought to become the executor of her father Thomas F. Strange’s estate. Her mother and brother, Laurence C. Strange had commenced the Estate in March 1897, but due to circumstances discussed below the Estate was never administered. Mary Strange, spinster was granted letters. In 1913 the Estate was worth £550 5s. 4d.
[4] Laurence Charles “Charlie” Strange (1858-1902) was baptized 12 August 1858 at Tramore. On the record his mother is incorrectly listed as Mary Burns. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a solicitor in 1883. The following year, Laurence Charles Strange of 6 Harcourt Row (solicitor) married Letitia Janette Scott daughter of James Scott (gentleman) of 23 Upper Sheriff St. Dublin. The couple were married at St. Barnabas, Church of Ireland on 20 December 1884.
The Aunt, Eliza Chapman née Strange (c. 1807-1881)
Peter (1805-1872) and Thomas F. Strange (1812-1897) had a sister Mary Elizabeth or Eliza Strange. Eliza married Edward Chapman on 28 August 1832 at Glenmore. Edward Morgan Chapman, Esq. of Ringwood, the Rower, died on 18 May 1852 at the age of 48 (Dublin Evening Mail, Mon. 31 May 1852, p. 3). The couple do not appear to have had any children. In 1863, Eliza sought to sell the lands she held at Busherstown (Kilkenny Moderator, Wed. 25 Feb. 1863, p. 1).
At some point before her death in 1881 Eliza Chapman née Strange returned to live in her childhood home in Aylwardstown. Eliza Chapman died 18th January 1881 at Aylwardstown. She was a 73 year old widow of a gentleman. Her nephew, Thomas Strange, was with her during her last illness. According to the death register she died of “severe pain probably in connection with curvature of the spine and old age.” When Eliza Chapman died she named her brother Thomas F. Strange as her executor and her secondary beneficiary was Rose Charlotte Strange. (Calendar of Wills and Administrations, 1852-1922).
Shortly after the death of Eliza her nephew, Thomas A. Strange began selling Aylwardstown. See our post of 8 January 2024 to learn what happened to Thomas A. Strange after he sold Aylwardstown circa 1883. Thus, just three years after Rose Strange won the poetry contest “life’s keenest joy” hunting went away. Mary Eliza Chapman née Strange is the only woman listed on the Strange family stone in Kilivory Cemetery, Glenmore.
The Marriage of Rose C. Strange (1847-1935)
In the later part of 1889, Rose C. Strange married William Weekes Nevins (1853-1904) in Dublin South. They were not married in a Catholic Church. She was William’s second wife. His first wife Clara, died earlier in 1889. At the time of their marriage Rose was 42 years of age and about 6 years older than William Weekes Nevins (1853-1904) . William had a daughter, Gertrude Nevins (b.c. 1874) from his first marriage. Gertrude Nevins, aged 23, married William Charles Seaton (aged 28) on 16 January 1897. His father was Walter Lewis Seaton (gentleman). In 1901 William and Rose were living in Lambeth, London at 39 Electric Avenue. The 1901 census provides that William was born in Canada and listed no profession or trade in the census.
One Tragedy After Another
In the 1901 Census, Laurence C. “Charlie” Strange (solicitor) was a guest at a home in Greystones, Dublin. He refused to provide his religion to the census taker. In Waterford, his wife, Janette Strange was listed as the head of the house on Mary Street. She was 37 years of age. Her sister-in-law (sic) Frances E. Scott, was 39 and not married. Both ladies were Church of Ireland members and born in Dublin. Also living with them was Laurence Strange (cousin) solicitor, aged 30, born in County Kildare. Laurence Strange, cousin, was part of the Strange and Strange law firm of Waterford. We believe that he was the son of Richard Strange, J.P. (1824-1877) another brother of Thomas F. Strange ( 1812-1897). Laurence “Laurie” Strange was baptised on 13 February 1871 at Graney, Rashvilly, Union of Baltinglass.
Death of Laurence Charles Strange (1858-1902)
At the end of the Boer War, Laurence C. Strange was appointed to take a position in South Africa as an Assistant Crown Prosecutor. He traveled to South Africa and shortly after arriving died on 8 December 1902. He was 42 years of age and died of acute nephritis which he suffered with for 8 days. He is buried in the Klerksdorp Old Municipal Cemetery.
Death of an ex-Mayor of Waterford–News reached Waterford on Tuesday of the death at Klerksdop, Transvaal, of Mr. Laurence C. Strange, solicitor, formerly of the firm of Strange and Strange, solicitors, Waterford. Mr. Strange who was, comparatively speaking, a young man, was prominently identified with local, Municipal, and political affairs for many years. He was Mayor of Waterford in 1899. He went to South Africa early last year, and shortly after the termination of the war was appointed Assistant Crown Prosecutor at Klerksdorp (Evening Herald, Thur. 8 Jan. 1903, p. 3).
Death of Laurence “Laurie” Strange (1871-1903)
Twelve months later, Laurence “Laurie” Strange died in Denver Colorado. DEATH OF MR. LAURIE Strange—The death is announced at Denver City, Colorado, of Mr. Laurence Strange, solicitor, formerly of Waterford. The deceased gentleman, who was admitted a solicitor in 1893, contracted a severe cold some time ago, and serious lung trouble supervening, he went to Colorado, thinking that its climate might stay the ravages of the disease. He was cousin to the late Mr. L.C. Strange (Munster Express, Sat. 26 Dec. 1903, p. 8).
Death of Letitia Jannette Strange née Scott (c. 1854-1904)
Laurence C. Strange’s 40 year old widow, Letitia Jannette Strange died in London on 20 January 1904.
Death of Mrs. L C Strange—We regret to announce this evening the death of Mrs. L C Strange, which took place this morning at Somerleyton Road, Brixton. She was widow of the late Mr. L C Strange, solr., ex-Mayor of Waterford. We also announce with regret the death of Mr. William Nevins, the brother-in-law of Mr. L C Strange, solr., which was coincident with that of Mrs. Strange. These dual announcements will doubtless be heard with much regret (Waterford Chronicle, Wed. 20 January 1904, p. 2). It is not clear how the two deaths are coincident, but it is assumed that Janette Strange was visiting her sister-in-law Rose C. Nevins née Strange when she died.
East Ferry House, Ballincurra, Middleton, Cork
At some point Rose C. Nevin née Strange returned to Ireland and lived in Cork. Either she joined her three spinster sisters or they joined her. Rose Charlotte Strange (1848-1935) died 15 September 1935 at East Ferry House, Ballincurra, Middleton, Cork. At the time of her death she was an 88 year old widow and her death cert notes she was a “Lady of Independent means.” She was the first of the four sisters to die. Both of her brothers pre-deceased her.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Glenmore 1924: Hanrahan Wedding Photo
The above photo may be found in the Poole Collection of the National Archives. Poole was a Waterford photographer and his negatives are now housed in the National Archives. There are a couple hundred Glenmore photos within the collection. The National Archive records do not identify the year this photo was taken, and simply notes the customer was Mr. Hanrahan of Glenmore.
The Photo
The above photo was taken to commemorate the 12 February 1924 wedding of Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) shopkeeper of Glenmore and Mary Duggan (1892-1989) schoolteacher of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Richard Hanrahan, a grandson of the happy couple, confirmed last week that a copy of the photo still hangs in the Hanrahan home in Glenmore. He was able with the help of his mother, Kathleen Hanrahan, to identify most of the people in the photo.
Front row (seated, left to right) Richard Duggan (1894-1984) ; Margaret “Agnes” Quirke née Duggan (1896-?) (Maid of Honour); Mary “Dodie” Hanrahan née Duggan (1892-1989) (bride); James “Jimmy” Hanrahan (1891-1977) (Best Man)
Back row (standing, left to right) Unknown ?; Unknown ?; Mullins?; Patrick “Pat” Hanrahan (1886-1957) (Groom); unknown ; Catherine “Lena” Connolly née Duggan (1891-1969) ; Richard “Dick” Hanrahan (1892-1975). (It is believed that some of the unidentified people may have been Mullins relations.)
Parents & Siblings of the groom: Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1956)
Patrick Hanrahan was the eldest child of Michael Hanrahan and his wife Hanoria Mullins of Gaulstown, Glenmore. Michael Hanrahan was from Powerswood, Thomastown and the couple married at Glenmore, on 23 July 1885. Michael was the son of Patrick Hanrahan (farmer) and Hanoria was the daughter of Nicholas Mullins (farmer) and his wife Mary Mackey. Hanoria Mullins was baptized in Glenmore on 16 Dec. 1854. Michael Hanrahan died in 1898 and his widow died in 1902. They both died of T.B.
At least 7 children were born to Michael Hanrahan and his wife, Hanoria Mullins.
[1] Patrick Hanrahan (1886-1957) the groom in the 1924 wedding photo.
(2) Nicholas Hanrahan (1887-1918) died in Gaulstown, Glenmore during the flu epidemic.
(3) Michael Hanrahan (1888-1968) Emigrated to the U.S. in 1911 or 1912. He lived in New York, married in 1922 and raised a family.
(4) Ellen Hanrahan (bapt. 16 Feb. 1890-died young)
(5) James Hanrahan (1891-1977) was the best man when his brother Patrick married in 1924. Jimmy had a pub and shop in New Ross, married, and raised a family.
(6) Richard Hanrahan (1892-1975) had a draper business in New Ross across the street from his brother Jimmy’s business. Richard Hanrahan married and raised a family.
(7) John Hanrahan (1894-1980) Emigrated to the US before 1910 and went to his Uncle Tom Mullins in New York. John married about 1922 and raised a family.
When her husband died Hanoria moved her six sons from Waterford to Glenmore. The boys were raised by two sets of relatives after their mother’s death. Tragically, Nicholas Hanrahan died in the 1918 flu epidemic. Thus, at the time of the 1924 Glenmore wedding only 5 brothers were alive. Three are depicted in the photo and the other two had emigrated to the U.S. We could not locate any travel records that indicated that either Michael or John Hanrahan returned to Ireland for their brother Patrick’s wedding in 1924.
Parents & Siblings of the bride: Mary “Dodie” Hanrahan née Duggan (1892-1989)
The bride’s parents were Richard Duggan and Anne Butler. Richard Duggan (c. 1867-1956) (tradesman) of Kilbride, at the age of 23, married Anne Butler, of Flemingstown, on 12 November 1890 at Glenmore. Richard Duggan’s (c. 1867-1956) father was Richard Duggan of Kilbride. The father of Anne Butler of Flemingstown was Thomas Butler (farmer & tradesman). Four children were born to Richard Duggan (c. 1867-1956) and his wife Anne Butler. Three daughters and one son. What is striking about the Duggan sisters is that they all had nicknames.
[1] Catherine “Lena” Duggan (b. 11 Sept. 1891). Lena became a nurse and on 23 November 1926 at Faithleg, Waterford she married Michael Connolly (labourer). Her sister “M. Agnes Duggan” was her maid of honour. The couple resided in Slieverue and had a family. Lena died in 1969, and her husband died in 1973.
[2 ] Mary “Dodie” Duggan (b. 14 Aug. 1892) at Flemingstown. Her birth cert. notes that her father Richard Duggan was a shoemaker. Mary became a schoolteacher and after her marriage to Patrick Hanrahan helped run the Hanrahan shop in Glenmore Village. The couple were married for 33 years and raised a family. Mary died in 1989. She survived her husband by 32 years.
[3] Richard Duggan (b. 12 Dec. 1894) married and remained on the Duggan farm in Flemingstown. Richard farmed and was also a Rate Collector. He and his wife raised a large family. He died a widower on Christmas Day 1984.
[4] Margaret “Aggie” Duggan (b. 22 June 1896). Aggie married a man named Quirke and they resided in Clonmel per her brother Richard’s obituary. Aggie died prior to 1984.
For an account of the early life of the 5 orphaned Hanrahan Brothers see our post of 6 Dec. 2020.
See our H Glenmore Family page for obituaries etc. of the Hanrahan family.
See our D Glenmore Family page for obituaries etc. of the Duggan family.
Please send any additional information (such as the names of the 3 people standing on the left of the photo) or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Special thanks to Veronica for reminding me of the photo and to Richard and his mother Kathleen Hanrahan who identified most of the persons depicted in the photo. .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh.
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