Ballinlammy Glenmore
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Glenmore Landlord: David O’Neill Power (c. 1788-1863)
David O’Neill Power, of Snowhill House, Slieverue was the landlord of the townlands of Ballinlammy, Ballyhobuck, Gaulestown, and Ballinclare in Glenmore during Griffith’s Valuation circa 1829. David O’Neill Power was a tragic figure as he suffered from some form of mental illness that lead to his sons bringing a petition for the Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo, in the Court of Appeal in 1835. Roughly translated this was a Commission established to determine the sanity of David O’Neill Power. At that time David O’Neill Power was described as a gentleman of considerable landed property (Drogheda Journal, Tues. 27 Oct. 1835, p. 4) with vast holdings in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford which generated rent in excess of £4,000 per year.
Snowhill House and Estate
An article in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places provided that the house was built about 1765 by the Snow family. In 1792 Elizabeth Snow was the heir to Snowhill and she married Patrick Lattin. Patrick Lattin apparently got into financial difficulties and the property was sold in 1808. The buyer was Nicholas Power, of Knockaderry, near Kilmeadon, Waterford. The Powers of Knockaderry were large landowners in Co. Waterford. Nicholas Power was married to Rachel O’Neil of Dublin and their family became the O’Neil Powers. David O’Neill Power married Elizabeth Nash, of Cork in 1807. It is speculated in the article that Nicholas bought the estate for his son David when he married. (Jim Walsh (2001) “Snowhill House and Estate,” in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places, p. 429.)
However, a newspaper search revealed that N. Power was residing at Snowhill in 1799 when at a General Meeting of the Roman Catholics of the City of Waterford, and its Vicinity, held on the 28th of June 1799, he signed a Declaration calling for a “complete and entire Union between Great Britain and Ireland, founded on equality and liberal principles…” (Saunder’s News-Letter, Mon. 22 July 1799, p. 3.) Of course, Nicholas Power may have leased the property before he bought it.
Snowhill House was an impressive three storey Georgian mansion. The house was comprised of 40 rooms which included 17 bedrooms. Around 1850 one room was converted to a private chapel. “This alteration was designed by Pugin, one of the foremost Church architects of the period and was regarded as a special feature of Power Hall.” The house was renamed Power Hall. We believe based on David O’Neill Power’s death notice the name change occurred after his death in 1863. Snowhill continued in the ownership of O’Nell Power family until 1953. The new owner Richard Power (no relation) had it demolished about 1955 due to its poor condition. (Jim Walsh (2001) “Snowhill House and Estate,” in Sliabh Rua: A History of its People and Places, p. 429.)
Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo—13 October 1835
On the 13th of October 1835, “a highly respectable jury, of whom Alderman Arthur Perrin was foreman, was empanelled in the Court of Appeals, Four Courts, to determine if David O’Neill Power was sane. Master Townsend and Messrs Mitford and Beatty were the commissioners. The petitioner was identified as Edward O’Neill Power, the middle son. His barrister, Mr Moore addressed the commissioners and the jury and asked that they determine whether David O’Neill Power was sane, to determine which periods he had been sane, and determine the extent of his property, real and personal as well as his heirs of law and next of kin.
By way of background the jury was informed that “the gentleman, who was alleged to be a lunatic,” was 50 years of age, a widower, his wife having died several years before; his family consisted of three sons, the youngest was still under age; and the two eldest had only lately attained the age of twenty-one. The barrister went on to state that David was a gentleman possessed of considerable property in landed estates, but all of his life he was a person of “weak intellect.”
In 1822 David went with his family to France and took up his residence in Paris. He appeared to have become insane. “It being ascertained that he was possessed of property, he got into the hands of evil designing person, and he parted with some of his property under circumstances” leaving no doubt he was not capable of managing his affairs. Although a commission of lunacy was considered in 1822 it was determined that it might be better for his family that he not be declared a lunatic at that time. His property was entrusted to trustees, and he was not allowed the management or direction of his own property affairs.
It was explained that the petitioner and his elder brother Nicholas were not happy with how their father’s property was being administered, or with the degree of attention that was paid to their father. Two witnesses William Rounan and Patrick Hogan were examined however the newspaper account does not indicate what their said. Master Townsend adjourned the court and ordered that a communication be sent to Nicholas O’Neill Power informing him of the case. It was noted that he was at his father’s residence in Kilkenny (Saunders’s News Letter, Wed. 14 Oct. 1835, p. 1).
Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo—23 October 1835
Witness 1: Dr. Harty
The investigation resumed. The first witness called by the Petitioner was Dr. Harty.
Dr. Harty testified that he was asked to visit David O’Neill Power in August 1835 at his residence in County Kilkenny, near Waterford to assess his condition. The doctor stated he conversed with David very freely. He was introduced to David as Mr. Hart because he did not want to disclose his profession or mission. He opined that he had every opportunity during his visit to judge David’s state of mind. In his opinion David was both weak in mind and deranged in intellect and was not capable of managing his affairs.
The newspaper account reported in detail what the doctor observed during his visit. When Dr. Hartly arrived he was introduced to the family. He was speaking to Nicholas, the eldest son, when Edward, the petitioner, introduced the doctor to his father David. David took the doctor by his hand and entered into a conversation with the doctor. David was scarcely seat when he talked very loudly to himself regarding matters the doctor could not follow. It was a fine summer’s day, and it was proposed that the family and their guest should take an excursion down the river in a boat. The ladies of the family promised to go on the boat. The doctor reported that David, with a knowing wink, objected to waiting for the ladies, and said, “let them remain where they are.” David took the helm of the boat, under the guidance of Hogan (his keeper) and the men sailed to Dunbrody Abbey.
During the trip David was childish, and exclaimed, “D—-n the rascal! I wish he were hanged.” The doctor asked if David was alluding to Hogan and David replied, “Oh I thought it was you who said it.” David was observed constantly slapping his stomach. When asked why he did it David replied, “to keep down the flesh.” When they landed at the Abbey, they examined the building, and sat in the shade. Hogan produced some wine and bread. David then commenced talking incoherently about his property and woods. David denied that he received rent and spoke about shots being fired. David did not appear to be concerned about his safety “because his mind did not dwell for any time upon any one subject.”
At times David would speak rationally during casual conversation. At dinner that evening he sat at the foot of the table and spoke incoherently to himself. The remainder of the evening was spent listening to music which David seemed fond of. David amused himself by playing tricks on the young ladies. David showed perfect obedience to Hogan who appeared to act as David’s keeper.
Witness 2: Lady Maria Cecilia Browne
Lady Browne testified that she was David’s sister-in-law. She knew him for many years because he was married to her sister. In 1816 she did not think that he was insane. “He was not in very good circumstances” before his father’s death which occurred in 1816. Lady Browne explained that he was in the habit of drinking which made him noisy and violent when drunk. She spent two months in the household before her sister died in 1818. Lady Browne believed that he was capable of managing his affairs at that time. He made a settlement for her sister the day before she died of £1,200 a year for her three destitute children. There was no settlement made before the marriage.
In 1822, Lady Browne considered him sane, but noted that he was imposed upon by everyone. By 1828 he was not making any rational use of money and appeared to be insane. Lady Browne visited in 1830 and last saw him in 1831 when she stayed six or seven weeks at his home. “He fancied that there were persons constantly under his window, abusing him, and cracking whips.” He wanted to burn his title deeds. David would remove his shoes and dance to music. She witnessed him crushing the hat of Mr. William Rowan in 1830. She also related that there is a picure at Snowhill of the Virgin and Child, which David believed was a drawing of one of Lady Browne’s friends. Mr Rowan warned Lady Browne of David’s propensity of “secreting articles.” David took her spectacles, shawl and gloves. She found him one day in a closet where he was burning some of her vouchers. Lady Browne summed up, “I would not trust him with the rational expenditure of a pound.”
Third Witness: Denis Doyle
Denis Doyle testified that he was a gardener at Snowhill since April 1831. Being engaged by Mr. David O’Neill Power, he frequently saw him. Denis noted that he often heard his employer talking to himself. The gardener reported that on at least 50 occasions David stated that “his insanity lies in the suspicion of his being taken by some persons who have the charge of his property.” David expressed fear of a sheriff’s bailiff or a policeman, and of red cuffs and red collars. Since May of 1835 David was placed under the direction of Hogan, whom he dreads. Denis testified that Nicholas and Edward Power placed their father under Hogan’s care. Denis opined that from what he observed of Mr. Power, he is insane. By way of example, David once asked Denis for a spade because he wanted to bury some bills. The gardener agreed that the mansion was in good condition and Mr. Power appeared to be comfortable and “well off since Hogan is minding him.” He noted that Mr. Power talks about bagpipes being played across the river at Cheap-point (sic). The witness knew there is a public house and there may be dances, but he never heard bagpipes. (Saunders’s News-Letter, Sat. 24 October 1835, p. 2).
Commission De Lunatico Inquirendo—27 October 1835
The investigation resumed on Tuesday the 27th of October 1835. Captain Thomas Pratt Barlow and Lady Browne were examined regarding a trust deed executed in Paris by Mr. Power in 1822. A lengthy conversation took place as to whether another medical man should examine David regarding his state of mind. Surgeon Cusack was the agreed doctor. The Solicitor-General expressed his readiness to produce Mr. Power in person to the jury. (Saunders’s News-Letter, Wed. 28 Oct. 1835, p. 2).
Commission De Lunatico Inquirendo—19 November 1835
The jury in the case of Mr. Power, after hearing counsel for and against the petition, and also a very able and elaborate charge from Master Townsend, returned the following verdict, “We find that David O’Neill Power is of unsound mind, and incapable of managing his affairs, and had been so since February 1823, with the exception of a lucid interval on the 18th August 1823. The jury meets this day to find the amount of the property, real and personal, and the heir or heirs belonging to the lunatic (Saunder’s News-Letter, Wed. 18 Nov. 1835, p. 2). That Nicholas O’Neil Power, his eldest son, is heir-at-law, and that the said Nicholas, together with Edward and Joseph O’Neil Power, his other sons, are his only next of kin, and that the said Edward O’Neil Power (sic) [David] had lands in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford, with an annual value of £4,000 and upwards and that he had personal property of £5,000 and upwards (The Pilot, Friday 20 Nov. 1835).
Thus the jury by its findings, after at least four days of hearings, endorsed the prior arrangments of providing an annual income to his sons and the work of the trustees by finding that David was sane when crucial agreements were entered into. No record could be located that David was ever found to be sane after 1835.
The Death of David O’Neill Power
David died at Snowhill on the 19th of August 1863. It was reported that although he had been labouring for some time under “mental aberration” he died suddenly of disease of the heart. An inquest was held on Monday by T. Izod, Esq. county coroner, and on the evidence of the servants and Dr. P.E. Connolly a verdict of “death from natural causes” was returned (Waterford Standard, Sat. 5 Sept. 1863, p. 3).
Below is the obituary that appeared in the Waterford News (Fri. 4 Sept 1863, p. 3).
Died at his residence, Snow Hill, county Kilkenny, on the afternoon of the 29th of August. David O’Neill Power, Esq. the venerable head of that ancient and highly respectable branch of the steadfast Catholic Powers. The deceased gentleman was born at the old family mansion at Williamstown, near this city, about 80 years since, and although he had been for a considerable period in a delicate state of health, yet his death was, we regret to state, quite sudden and unexpected at the moment.
On Tuesday morning last, his remains were taken out for interment, and after High Mass and Office had been celebrated for the eternal repose of his soul, at which the Lord Bishop of Ossory, the Right Rev. Dr. Walsh, presided, assisted by several clergymen from his diocese and from Waterford, they were deposited with those of his grandchildren in the graveyard at Slieverue. The funeral cortege was very numerous and respectable stretching from the door of the magnificent mansion of Snow Hill along the avenue which winds through the splendid demesne out far on the high road, the numerous tenancy of the estate on horseback and foot, leading the way, followed by many respectable citizens of Waterford, Tramore etc. and then the carriages of several of the gentry of Waterford and Kilkenny.
Following the chief mourners were the Bishop and clergy, and next a large number of vehicles and occupants, the entire line of procession being marked with the funeral emblems of hat bands and scarfs which were worn until the funeral service was complete, and all that was mortal of David O’Neill Power, Esq., had been consigned to their last earthly home. Requiescat in pace. The deceased is succeeded in his estate by his son, Nicholas O’Neill Power, Esq.
The National Library has several photos in the Poole Collection of Snowhill House/Power Hall as well as several photos of some of David O’Neill Power’s descendents. Click here for the Catologue search page. For a list of Ballinlammy tenants in 1829 see our post of 14 December 2022.
Please send any corrections or further information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
BALLINLAMMY, GLENMORE (1961) [updated]
Today, we are going to feature information that Danny Dowling (1927-2021) recorded regarding the residents of the townland of Ballinlammy, Glenmore around 1961.
Background
The Irish for this townland, according to O’Kelly’s, The Place Names of the County of Ireland (1969, p. 112) is Baile na léime, which translates as place of the jump. The townland is comprised of 612 acres and is found in the Civil Parish of Kilcolumb. The Irish Scholar John O’Donovan (1806-1861) provided this translation but made no reference to the jumping feat in his works. “The more ancient name was Baile Dhaith, David’s homestead, and the upper portion is called Baile Dhaith Mhoir, big David’s homestead. This is a very long narrow stretch of upland running north and south for almost 3 miles.” For further information on Slieverue born John O’Donovan see our post of 13 March 2021.
Tithe Applotment Books 1829
In the 1829 Tithe Applotment Books the townland of Ballinlammy’s landlord was David O’Neill Power Esq. (c. 1783-1863) of Snow Hill House, Slieverue. About the time of Griffith’s Valuation David O’Neill Power was adjudicated “a lunatic.” There were 11 tenancies listed in the Applotment Records for Ballinlammy, listed below with the associated statute acres. [1] Thomas Rochford, 82 acres; [2] Capt. Power (fox cover) 1 acre; [3] James Fitzgerald, 1 acre; [4] Edmond Costold & Richard Ryan, 102 acres; [5] John Walsh, 15 acres; [6] Martin Doherty & Patt Kennedy, 64 acres; [7] Robert Malone, 85 acres; [8] Martin Murphy, 3 acres; [9] Nicholas Murphy, 79 acres; [10] John & James Doherty, 61 acres; and [11] Michael & James Walsh, 33 acres.
Ballinlammy, Glenmore 1961
Danny Dowling’s mother was born and reared in Ballinlammy. In 1961, Danny recorded 11 families or households in Ballinlammy. Birthdates or birth years are provided for some of the older residents gleaned from available public records. For some time after drafting his notebook, Danny recorded the dates of death or simply recorded that a resident had died or left the townland. The recorded information reveals that in 1961, 53 people resided in Ballinlammy with the population comprised of 27 males and 24 females. The largest family was the Irish family with 11 in the household. There was no household recorded with a person living alone. All information under residents of Ballinlammy not in Danny’s original list has been placed in brackets[ ].
Recorded Residents of Ballinlammy, Glenmore 1961
Males= 28
Females=25
Eldest Recorded Resident= The eldest resident recorded in the townland was John Irish (1888-1963) who was 73 in 1961. John was the son of James Irish and his wife, Johanna Henneberry, of Ballinlammy. John was married to Brigid Irish née Murphy (1895—1987). The couple are believed to have had 19 children. Brigid was the daughter of Edward Murphy and his wife, Bridget Wall, of Davidstown, Glenmore. Brigid’s obituary may be found on our family I surname page.
Recorded Work
Farmer= 8 (7 Males; 1 Female)
Farm Worker= 8 (8 Males)
Carpenter =1 (1 Male)
Foundry Worker= 1 (1 Male)
Metal Worker=1 (1 Male)
Domestic= 3 (3 Females)
Shopkeeper=1 (1 Male)
Nurse=1 (1 Female)
Ballinlammy, Glenmore Residents 1961
[1] IRISH
Irish, John (10 Sept. 1888) Farmer (died 6 Feb. 1963)
Irish, Brigid (6 Feb. 1884 1895) wife [The correct year is 1895]
Irish, James, son, farm worker
Irish, Margaret, daughter-in-law
Irish, John G., grandson
Irish, Seamus, grandson
Irish, Breda, granddaughter
Irish, Catriona, granddaughter
Irish, Carmel, granddaughter
Irish, Robert, son, farm worker
Irish, Ryan, farm worker
[2] DOHERTY
Doherty, William (6 May 1892) Farmer
Doherty, Bridget (13 Feb. 1896) wife
Doherty, Michael, son, farm worker
Moore, Joseph, boarder (gone to Aylwardstown) [According to Danny Dowling’s notes Joe Moore came from Wexford and trapped rabbits].
[3] DOHERTY
Doherty, Patrick, Farmer
Doherty, Robert, brother, farm worker
Doherty, Mary, sister
[Doherty, Katie, sister, RGN in the County and City Infirmary, Waterford]
[Doherty, Patrick (c. 1887-1951) father]
[Doherty, Anastatia née Cody (c. 1894-1959) mother]
[4] WALSH
Walsh, Joseph, Carpenter
Walsh, Margaret, wife
Walsh, Gerard, son
Walsh, Bernadette, daughter
Walsh, Brendan, son
Doran, Julia, sister-in-law
[5] MORAN
Moran, Thomas (b. 1920) Farmer
Moran, Parker? (b. 1921) brother, foundry worker
[6] MURPHY
Murphy, Martin (3 June 1906) Farmer [Danny Dowling’s uncle]
Murphy, Elizabeth (3 June 1916) wife
Murphy, Michael, son
Murphy, Mary, daughter
Murphy, John Joe, son
Murphy, Patrick, son
[7] MURPHY
Murphy, Edmond, Farmer [known as Murphy’s of the Mountain]
Murphy, Brigid, mother
Murphy, Margaret, sister, domestic
Murphy, Mary Anne, sister
Murphy, Statia, sister, domestic
Murphy, Martin, brother, farm worker
Murphy, Bridget, sister, domestic
[8] MARTIN
Martin, Nicholas, Farm Labourer
Martin, Ellen, wife
Martin, Bridget, daughter
Martin, Mary, daughter
Martin, Henry, son
[9] MORAN
Moran, Robert (b. 1922) Metal Worker
Moran, Bridget (b. 1914) wife
Moran, Hubert, son
[10] WALSH
Walsh, Ellen, Farmer
Walsh, Thomas, son, farm worker
Walsh, Ellen, daughter
Walsh, Margaret, daughter
[11] HENNEBERRY
Henneberry, Nicholas (23 June 1912) Shopkeeper [Danny said the shop was in Waterford]
Henneberry, Joan, wife
[Update 23 Dec. 2022–one helpful reader remarked that the last two families [10] Walsh & [11] Henneberry were actually in Davidstown rather than Ballinlammy. The 1911 Census (the last publically released census) does provide that the Henneberry family resided in Davidstown. Over the years the townland divisions changed as well as the parish lines. Per Danny’s notes he sought to record residents similar to how he believed the Garda Siochana recorded residents as census collectors in 1961.]
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In the near future we hope to publish an article regarding landlord Davd O’Neill Power (c. 1783-1863) as well as a short article on Joe Moore and his time in Glenmore as recorded by Danny.
The featured photo above is of a movie poster of Butterfield 8 starring Elizabeth Taylor. For her role in this movie Elizabeth Taylor won her first Oscer in 1961 (Best Actress). Special thanks to Paraic Dowling who shared the photo of his grandmother Katie Murphy née Doherty on her first day of work at the Co. & City Infirmary, Waterford in Dec. 1949.
Please send any corrections or additional information to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Tragedy and Perseverance on Both Sides of the Atlantic
A recent query from a young reader caused further research into Laurence “Larry” Duggan (1832-1905) born and raised in Ballinaraha, Glenmore. In the U.S. most of the records are in the name “Lawrence or Larry Dugan” and in Ireland most of the records record his name as “Laurence Duggan.” According to the 1900 New York Census, “Lawrence Dugan” of Babcock Hill, Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York was a farmer, 68 years of age and a widower. He reported that he was born in Ireland in February 1832, immigrated to the US in 1853, and was a naturalised U.S. citizen. What makes Laurence Duggan unusual is the fact that at the age of 72 he returned to Glenmore to visit his family and drowned in St. John’s River in Waterford City in early 1905.
The Inquest
On Tuesday the 24th of January 1905, the body of what was described as a middle-aged man was pulled out of St. Catherine’s Pill in Waterford City near the bridge at the courthouse grounds. The Waterford Chronical newspaper of 25th of January 1905, wrongly identified the remains of those of Martin Duggan, a returned American. “The circumstances concerning his death are involved in mystery, but the Constabulary entertain no suspicion of foul play.” The alleged mystery is never explained, but it is reported that some letters were found on the body which showed that the deceased was attempting to have his return ticket to New York extended. His return ticket was due to expire in February and he sought the assistance of Messrs. Ward Bros., the general Emigration and Shipping Agents, of 2 Barronstrand Street, Waterford. A review of the Waterford City Directory of 1900 indicates that the Ward Bros. also conducted a saddlery business at those premises.
Although the name of Lawrence Duggan’s brother is not provided in the newspapers account of the inquest, based on the 1901 census, it is believed he was staying at his brother Peter Duggan’s home in Ballinaraha, Glenmore. Peter and Larry’s sister, Margaret Duggan was the second wife of Martin Murphy, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore. Martin Murphy and Margaret Duggan Murphy were the parents of Michael Murphy. Based on the 1901 Census, Martin Murphy was dead and his widow, Margaret was 75 years of age in 1901. Michael Murphy was 45 and his wife Mary was 28. According to the Diary of James Aylward, of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore, Michael Murphy and his wife Mary were married in February 1901.
During the course of the inquest into the death of Lawrence Duggan it was noted that money was found on the deceased when he was pulled from the water. The police were directed to give the money to Michael Murphy to bury his uncle. A witness, James J. McKenna, of 38 Johnstown Road, Waterford testified that he was coming home through the Park on Monday night about 6.30 o’clock and entered the park at the gate lodge. He saw a man who walked past him and when he glanced at the man he was standing at a tree near the bank of the river near the lavatory. When the witness got to the park fountain he heard a splash and cries of “Help, help!.” The witness raised the alarm and sought help from another man because witness could not swim. He saw the man in the water give a couple of “kicks” but was pulled out by the tide and disappeared.
Dr. J. H. Kelleher testified that he viewed the body in the morgue, and with the exception of a few scratches on the face, which were possibly caused at the time of death, there were no marks of violence. In his opinion death was due suffocation through drowning. The third witness at the inquest was Owen Long, of Miller’s Marsh, who testified that he found the body at John’s Bridge at 11: 30 o’clock on Tuesday morning. A verdict of death by accidental drowning was returned, but a rider was added calling on the ” responsible authorities” to provide more protection along this portion of the river.
Life in the US
A search revealed that a Laurence Duggan sailed on a ship called the Laurence Forristal from Waterford and arrived in New York on the 20th of May 1853. The records provide that he was 25 years of age. Laurence Duggan married his wife Anna, another Irish immigrant, and their first child, Richard Dugan was born in Albany, New York in 1856. By 1860 the family was in Schoharie County, New York and a second son, John, was born in 1858. In 1863 Laurence registered for the draft. He reported that he was 32 years of age, married, and worked as a labourer. A James Dugan, age 34, is also on the list. It appears that Laurence did not serve in the Union Army during the Civil War. By 1870 the family was resident in Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York. Laurence had purchased a farm and he and Anna had 7 children: Richard Dugan, 13; John Dugan, age 12; Mary Dugan, age 9; James Dugan, age 7; Thomas Dugan, age 5; Maggie Dugan, age 3 and Annie Duggan, age 1. At least one more child was born to the couple, Ellen “Nellie” Dugan was born in April 1878. Unfortunately, the 1890 Federal Census was destroyed by fire.
There are several farm related documents in state records submitted by “Larry Dugan” of Babcock Hill, Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York. By 1900 Anna had died as well as their eldest son, Richard Dugan (1856-1890); and it appears that Mary Dugan may have died of TB on the 8th of July 1874. In the 1900 Census Laurence is 68 and living on his farm with his daughter, Margaret who is 26, his son Thomas who is 35 and his married daughter Nellie Kelly who married in 1898 to James Kelly. Nellie is 23 and James is 33. In October 1904 Laurence Dugan set off, apparently on his own, to Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. He never returned to his home or children in New York state. Laurence Duggan left an estate in New York and his Will was duly probated in Oneida County.
In an attempt to discover how or if the news of his tragic drowning was reported in New York a different tragedy was discovered in the Boston Globe edition of the 19th of March 1906. At the Dugan Farm on Babcock Hill, Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York, Thomas Dugan awoke to find the farmhouse on fire shortly before midnight. He raised the alarm and the newspaper account reports that he perished while saving the others in the house. His sister Maggie, after escaping the smoke filled house, dressed only in a nightdress ran barefooted in the snow half a mile to a neighbour seeking help. His sister Nellie and her husband James gathered their two small children and also escaped the burning house. A 14 year old farm worker who was sleeping upstairs escaped by knocking out the window and jumping. The Dugan family lost their brother, home and possessions, but the 1940 Census reveals that Margaret Dugan was still operating the dairy farm. Ellen “Nellie” Duggan Kelly died on 1 May 1936. Nellie’s children in 1940 were residing on the Dugan Farm with Margaret. Margaret Dugan lived to the age of 86 and died on the 12th of December 1961.
Shortly after Laurence Dugan’s drowning death in January 1905 his sister Margaret Duggan Murphy died in May 1905. His brother Peter Duggan died in 1911. (DD Notebook 2, Interview of Hannah Murphy Dowling). Tragically his nephew, Michael Murphy, of Ballinlammy, Glenmore died suddenly on the 11th of November 1909 leaving his widow, Mary with 6 young children after eight years of marriage. In the 1911 Census Maggie Murphy was 9, Hannah Murphy was 8, Mai Murphy was 6, Martin Murphy was 5, Bridget Murphy was 3 and Michael Murphy was 1. Young Hannah Murphy above was Danny Dowling’s mother.
The featured portion of a modern map of the City of Waterford is included to illustrate the area of the park and St. John’s River which empties into the tidal River Suir.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh