The families of French of Belturbet and Nixon of Fermanagh, and their descendants

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1. Daniel French's cavalry sortie from Belturbet, 1689

   Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1689

   Major Daniel French, a Belturbet merchant and High Sheriff of Co. Cavan, was attainted by James II for his active support of William of Orange. In the spring of 1689 he rode out from Belturbet with sixty horse, captured Sir Gerard Irvine, and sent him prisoner to Lord Blayney.

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   MAJOR DANIEL FRENCH, of Belturbet, High Sheriff, Co. Cavan. 1690, J.P. Co. Cavan, (warrant books, Record Office), attainted by James II. as Daniel French, of Belturbet, Merchant, was active in the cause of William of Orange. In the spring of 1689 he sat out from Belturbet with sixty horse, captured Sir Gerard Irvine, and sent him a prisoner to Lord Blayney.* In the Irish Civil Correspondence, State Papers, Dublin Castle, there is a letter from him, dated 5 Aug., 1702. For the charge brought against him in his father's will, (apparently the unfounded suspicion of a sick man) and his vindication, see p. 4. He m. 1685, Isabella, niece of Ambrose Bedell, of Cam, Co. Cavan, J.P., High Sheriff Co. Cavan, 1668, sister of Ambrose Bedell, junior, of Cam, and youngest dau.f of the Rev. William Bedell, Vicar of Kinawley, diocese of Kilmore, 1634-37, and Rector of Rattlesden, Suffolk, 1644-70, eldest son of the Right Rev. WILLIAM BEDELL, the famous Bishop of Kilmore, 1629-42. Major French d. 1702, admon. 19 Feb., 1702-3 to Arthur Noble, of Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, the principal creditor, Isabella, the widow, renouncing her interest. She d. 1718, (will dat. 21 June, proved Prerog. 18 Aug.), having had three daua. : —

   I. ELINOR, of whom presently.

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 6

   As the companion tells it

   Belturbet was the home of Major Daniel French, a merchant and High Sheriff of County Cavan. He stood for William of Orange against James the Second, and for that the king attainted him, naming him in the record as Daniel French of Belturbet, merchant. In the spring of 1689 he rode out from this town with sixty horse and captured Sir Gerard Irvine. He sent Irvine as a prisoner to Lord Blayney. It was a bold stroke for a man who would be made a justice of the peace for Cavan the following year, in 1690. French married Isabella in 1685. She was the niece of Ambrose Bedell of Cam, County Cavan, a justice and High Sheriff in 1668. Her grandfather was the Right Reverend William Bedell, the famous Bishop of Kilmore, who served from 1629 to 1642. Her father, the Reverend William Bedell, was vicar of Kinawley in the diocese of Kilmore and later rector of Rattlesden in Suffolk. A letter survives from French in the Irish Civil Correspondence, dated the 5th of August, 1702. He died that year, his estate turned over to Arthur Noble of Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, his principal creditor, with Isabella renouncing her interest. She died in 1718.

2. Oak-boy tithe agitation at Clontibret, 1763

   Clontibret · townland · Monaghan · 1763

   During the Oak-boy agitation against tithes in 1763, a band of insurgents surrounded the house of the Rev. Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontibret, placing him on a 'wooden horse' and intending to force him to swear he would never exact 'small dues' again. His niece Anne Nixon refused to leave him, cleared a path through the crowd with her high-heeled shoe, and accompanied him toward Castleshane wearing the rebel oak branch badge.

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   ANNE NIXON, b. 1737-8, m. settlements dated 10 Oct., 1765,* Henry Swanzy, of Avelreagh and Harry mount, Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, only son of James Swanzy, of Avelreagh, who was only son of Henry Swanzy, of Avelreagh, Ensign in Colonel Arthur Upton's Regt. in the army of "William III., commission dated 5 Feb., 1688-9.t Before her marriage, she lived with her uncle, the Rev. Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontibret. During the Oak-boy agitation against tithes, 1763,abandof the insurgents surrounded Mr. Nixon's house, and put him on a " wooden horse," intending to take him to Castleshane, some distance off, and make him swear that he would never exact " small dues " again. His niece declared she would not leave him, and made the rebels put the old man into his carriage, instead of the uncomfortable " wooden horse " they had with them. She ordered her horse, in order that she might accompany him, and, finding a difficulty in making her way through the crowd, she took off her shoe, which had a very high wooden heel, and cleared a path with it ! When they started, one of the insurgents placed in her hat a branch of oak, which was the rebel badge. As she was riding, it fell out twice, and twice it was replaced. The third time it fell out, and as they were about to replace it, she said : " It's no use, boys, what the heart does not approve of, the head won't carry." J

   * Chancery Bill, 29 July, 1775, Swanzy v. Fetherston.

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 17

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1763, the Oak-boy agitation against tithes reached the home of the Reverend Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontibret. A band of insurgents surrounded his house and put the old man on what they called a wooden horse, meaning to take him to Castleshane and make him swear he would never exact small dues again. His niece, Anne Nixon, who lived with him, declared she would not leave him. She made the rebels put her uncle into his carriage instead of on the uncomfortable wooden horse they had brought. She ordered her horse so she could ride with him, and when she had difficulty making her way through the crowd, she took off her shoe, which had a very high wooden heel, and cleared a path with it. When they started out, one of the insurgents placed a branch of oak in her hat, the rebel badge. As she rode, it fell out twice, and twice it was replaced. The third time it fell out, and as they were about to replace it again, she said: "It's no use, boys, what the heart does not approve of, the head won't carry." Anne Nixon was born in 1737 or 1738, and in October 1765 she married Henry Swanzy of Avelreagh, Clontibret.

3. Humphrey French encounters pikemen on Dame Street, 1803

   Dame Street · street · Dublin · 1803

   During the Emmet Insurrection on 29 July 1803, Humphrey French, a wine-merchant in Dame Street, Dublin, fell into the hands of a body of pikemen near the Canal. He escaped being murdered by falsely telling them he was a Papist, and reported the events to Sir Richard Musgrave.

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   Humphrey French, of Dublin, m. licence bond, dated 10 June, 1779, Alicia Harris, of the parish of Taney, Co. Dublin, spinster. The following notice of him is in a letter written during the Emmet Insurrection by Sir Eichard Musgrave to the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Hardwick.* " July 29th, 1803, My Lord. . . . I have been frequently asked since last Saturday night whether I had not given information to Government of the intended rebelhon before its explosion, and I uniformly declared what I now say, that I had no suspicion of it until I saw Mr. Humphrey French, a wine-merchant in Dame Street, about nine o'clock on that night, and he informed me that he fell into the hands of a body of pikemen, near the Canal, that they stopped and threatened him, and that he believes they would have murdered him, but that he falsely told them he was a Papist." He had a dau. : —

   Margaret Rebecca French.

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   A city street in Dublin, Dame Street. Humphrey French was a wine-merchant. On the 29th of July, 1803, during the Emmet Insurrection, he fell into the hands of a body of pikemen near the Canal. They stopped him and threatened him. He believed they would have murdered him, but he falsely told them he was a Papist, and they let him go. About nine o'clock that night he went to Sir Richard Musgrave and told him what had happened. Musgrave wrote to the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Hardwick, saying that French's report was the first suspicion he had of the intended rebellion. Humphrey French had married Alicia Harris of the parish of Taney, County Dublin, on the 10th of June, 1779. He had a daughter, Margaret Rebecca French.

4. Swift writes from Deanery House proposing biography of French

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1738

   Dean Jonathan Swift wrote from the Deanery House, Dublin, in January 1738 to printer George Faulkner, expressing his desire to record the merit and services of the late Lord Mayor Humphrey French. Swift regarded French as a hero who ought to be imitated by all future magistrates.

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   Swift intended to write a biography of Humphrey French. Some time after the latter's death the Dean wrote as follows to George Faulkner, the printer : — " Deanery House, Dublin, January 6, 1738. Sir. — I have often mentioned to you an earnest desire I had, and still have, to record the merit and services of the lord-mayor, Humphrey French, whom I often desired, after his mayoralty, to give me an an account of many passages which happened in his mayoralty, and which he has often put off on the pretence of his forgetfuness, but in reality of his modesty : I take him to be a hero in his kind, and that he ought to be imitated by all his successors, as far as their genius can reach. I desire you, therefore, to inquire among all his friends whom you are acquainted with to press them to give you the particulars of what they can remember, not only during the general conduct of his life, wherever he had any power or authority in the city, but particularly from Mr. Maple, who was his intimate friend, who knew him best, and could give the most just character of himself and his actions.

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   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, January 6, 1738. Dean Jonathan Swift wrote from the Deanery House to his printer George Faulkner. He wanted to record the merit and services of the late Lord Mayor Humphrey French. Swift had often asked French, after his mayoralty, to give him an account of what had happened during his time in office. French put him off, saying he had forgotten, but Swift believed it was really modesty. He called French a hero in his kind and said he ought to be imitated by all his successors, as far as their genius could reach. He asked Faulkner to inquire among French's friends, to press them for what they could remember, not only during the general conduct of his life wherever he had any power or authority in the city, but particularly from Maple, who was French's intimate friend, who knew him best, and could give the most just character of himself and his actions.

5. 1641 rebellion: French family robbed and dispossessed at Belturbet

   Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1641–1642

   During the 1641 rebellion, Mathew French and his family were robbed and stripped of their lands, houses, and goods at Belturbet by the O'Reilly clan and their followers. Mathew French's deposition, sworn January 1642, records the loss of lands in Co. Fermanagh and property in Belturbet worth substantial sums.

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   " Mathew ffrench sayth that he hath lost and beene Dispossest of land in the County of ffermanagh worth two and twenty pound a year and ten pound a year for ever his lands and houses he had in Belturbut, money owing him by his said Sather in law being one hundred pound, Besides ffifteen pounds in money fferrall Orely tooke from him and goods worth twenty pounds.

   " And all this was done in the County of Cavan by PhilUp M'Shane Rely, Esq., of Ballincargh, Edmund Rely, Cav. Gent.— McJames [Rely] Esq., Myles Rely, high Sherifi, his sonne, John Rely, sonne of Phillip McMulmore of Ballatrost, and Edmond Rely and Hugh Rely, sonnes of Mulmore McPhillip Deceased — and by their followers — and by Rory Magwyr and his followers in ffermanagh.

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   Belturbet is a town the road passes through. In the rising of 1641, Mathew French and his family were robbed and dispossessed of their lands, houses, and goods. His deposition, sworn in January 1642, tells what he lost. Land in County Fermanagh worth 22 pounds a year. Lands and houses in this town worth 10 pounds a year, held forever. 100 pounds owed him by his father-in-law. 15 pounds in money taken from him by Farrell O'Reilly. Goods worth 20 pounds. All of this was done in County Cavan by Philip McShane O'Reilly of Ballincargh, Edmund O'Reilly, McJames O'Reilly, Myles O'Reilly the high sheriff, his son John O'Reilly, Edmond O'Reilly and Hugh O'Reilly, sons of Mulmore McPhillip, deceased, and by their followers, and by Rory Maguire and his followers in Fermanagh.

6. Colonel Pigott the duellist of Loughrea

   Loughrea · town · Galway · 1752–1783

   John Pigott, a Colonel in the army, was identified as the Colonel Pigott 'the duellist' of Loughrea, immortalised in Lever's 'Jack Hinton' as an old half-pay Colonel who specialised in affairs of honour.

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   by Mr. W. Jackson Pigott that John Pigott was the Colonel Pigott. the duellist, of Loughrea, mentioned in Lever's ^'Jack Hinton, Chap. 29, as follows : — " Pigott was an old half-pay Colonel, whose principal occupation for thirteen years had been what the French would call ' to assist ' at afEairs of honour. Even the Major himself looked up to him as a last appeal in a disputed or a difficult point ; and many a reserved case was kept for his opinion, with the same ceremonious observance as a knotty point of law for the consideration of the twelve Judges."

   IV. Edward Pigott (Rev.), B.A., T.C.D., 1772, Rector of Dysart

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   Loughrea in County Galway was the town of Colonel Pigott the duellist. John Pigott, a colonel in the army, was the man Lever wrote about in Jack Hinton. Lever called him an old half-pay colonel, whose principal occupation for thirteen years had been what the French would call to assist at affairs of honour. Even the Major himself looked up to him as a last appeal in a disputed or a difficult point, and many a reserved case was kept for his opinion, with the same ceremonious observance as a knotty point of law for the consideration of the twelve Judges. It was Mr. W. Jackson Pigott who identified John Pigott as that colonel.

7. Tomb at Clontibret with recopied ancestral inscriptions

   Clontibret · townland · Monaghan · 1816–1823

   James Swanzy, Governor of Anamaboe on the Gold Coast, erected a tomb at Clontibret to commemorate his ancestors. He recopied onto it the inscriptions to his grandfather and great-grandfather from an earlier stone, preserving family memorial records.

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   j James Swanzy was a remarkable man. " His death was a severe loss to the whole British nation, and especially to those in West Africa, as no one knew the character and disposition of the natives as well as he did. ... At his funeral, not only the heads of the Government, but every private individual here paid honour to his remains, all the officers in the service, and every European in the place followed him to the grave, with his sorrowing relations, minute guns being fired during the ceremony." (Letter dated Anamaboe, April 10, 1823, from Henry Swanzy to Anne Erskine). Mr. Swanzy, who inherited the property of his cousin Richard Phepoe Nixon, (see p. 84), had an extensive knowledge of African affairs, and was the principal witness examined before the select committee of the House of Commons on African Forts, 14 June, 1816. He stated that he had originally gone out to the Gold Coast in 1789 as a surgeon, and remained in command of various forts. He erected a tomb at Clontibret to the memory of his ancestors, recopjdng on it the inscriptions to his grandfather and great-grandfather from an earlier stone. Portraits of him, and of his wife, are at I\y Lodge, Newry.

   104

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   The tomb at Clontibret stands somewhere around here. James Swanzy erected it to the memory of his ancestors, recopying onto it the inscriptions to his grandfather and great-grandfather from an earlier stone. Swanzy had gone out to the Gold Coast in 1789 as a surgeon and remained in command of various forts. He inherited the property of his cousin Richard Phepoe Nixon and had extensive knowledge of African affairs, serving as the principal witness before the select committee of the House of Commons on African Forts on 14 June 1816. His death was a severe loss to the whole British nation, and especially to those in West Africa, as no one knew the character and disposition of the natives as well as he did. At his funeral, the heads of the Government and every private individual paid honour to his remains. All the officers in the service and every European in the place followed him to the grave, with his sorrowing relations, minute guns being fired during the ceremony. Portraits of him and his wife are at Ivy Lodge, Newry.

8. French carried to Parliament House after Dublin election victory

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1733

   After winning the parliamentary election for Dublin city in October 1733, Humphry French was carried to the Parliament House amid acclamations, with bells ringing and bonfires and illuminations throughout the city.

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   The election day drew near. Thomas How, the new Lord Mayor, opposed him, instead of Maccarrell, who had first come into the field, and on 27 Oct., French was leading by six votes, out of a total poll, to that date, of 682. The students of Trinity were enthusiastically on his side. " Last Wednesday," says the Dublin Gazette of 27 Oct., " a dozen Coaches, with Scholars of our University, came to the Tholsel in full Change, and both spoke and presented to Alderman Humphry French, our late Lord Mayor, an Address of Thanks for the many and great services he did this City and Kingdom during his Mayoralty. Each Scholar had an Orange Coloured Ribbon tied to his button hole." Finally, his great popularity made success certain. The result was declared in Pue's Occurrences for 30 Oct. " The Election of a Member of Parliament for this City continued till Yesterday in the Afternoon, when the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor, finding his Interest too weak to oppose the great Number of Freeholders and Freemen ready to poll for Alderman* French, his Lordship gave up the Election and Alderman Humphrey French was declared duly elected, and carried to the Parliament House, amidst the Acclamations of many thousands of People ; All the Bells in this City rung, and the Night concluded with Bonfires, Illuminations, and such Rejoycings, as were never known on the hke Occasion."

   The University of Dublin recognized his merits by conferring on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at' the Spring Commencements, 1734.

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, in October 1733, was the stage for a parliamentary election that the city would not soon forget. Thomas How, the new Lord Mayor, stood against Alderman Humphry French, replacing Maccarrell, who had first entered the field. By the twenty-seventh of October, French was ahead by six votes out of a total poll of 682, and the students of Trinity were enthusiastically on his side. The Dublin Gazette, on the twenty-seventh, reported that a dozen coaches carrying scholars of the university came to the Tholsel and presented to French an address of thanks for the many and great services he had done the city and kingdom during his mayoralty. Each scholar wore an orange coloured ribbon tied to his buttonhole. His great popularity made success certain. The result was declared in Pue's Occurrences on the thirtieth. The Lord Mayor, finding his interest too weak to oppose the great number of freeholders and freemen ready to poll for French, gave up the election. Alderman Humphry French was declared duly elected and carried to the Parliament House, as the newspaper put it, amidst the acclamations of many thousands of people. All the bells in the city rang, and the night concluded with bonfires, illuminations, and such rejoicings as were never known on the like occasion. The University of Dublin later recognised his merits by conferring on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at the Spring Commencements in 1734.

9. Letitia French's pension and house surrender to Sedborough Mayne

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1760

   After Robert French's death, Dublin Corporation ordered his widow Letitia to receive £20 per annum and to give up the house she occupied to Sedborough Mayne within one month after her child was born. This illustrates the precarious position of a destitute official's family in mid-eighteenth-century Dublin.

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   11. Robert French, bapt. at same 14 Aug., 1719, petitioned the Corporation of Dublin to be appointed one of the overseers and directors of the Pipe Water works, because he was left destitute, and had a wife and five children. He got the position 5 June, 1753. He d. Dec. 1759 (" In Barrack Street, Mr. French, overseer of the pipe- water," Public Gazetteer, Dec. 11, 1759) and his widow Letitia petitioned for a pension for her helpless family. The Corporation ordered on 18 April, 1760, that she should receive £20 per ann. during the City's pleasure, and give up to Sedborough Mayne the house she occupied within one month after her child should be born. No trace has been discovered of his children or descendants.

   * Exch. Bill, 7 April, 1747, Harford v. Le Hunte aad French. t Ibid.

   Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, 1760. Robert French had been baptised in 1719, and by 1753 he was destitute, with a wife and five children, when he petitioned the Corporation of Dublin for a post. They made him overseer and director of the Pipe Water works on the 5th of June that year. He died in December 1759 in Barrack Street, and his widow Letitia petitioned for help for her helpless family. On the 18th of April, 1760, the Corporation ordered that she should receive £20 per annum, during the City's pleasure, and that she give up the house she occupied to Sedborough Mayne within one month after her child was born. No trace has been found of his children or descendants.

10. Trinity scholars present address at the Tholsel to Lord Mayor French

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1733

    In October 1733, students of Trinity College Dublin arrived in a dozen coaches at the Tholsel to present an address of thanks to the recently retired Lord Mayor Humphry French, each wearing an orange-coloured ribbon.

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    The election day drew near. Thomas How, the new Lord Mayor, opposed him, instead of Maccarrell, who had first come into the field, and on 27 Oct., French was leading by six votes, out of a total poll, to that date, of 682. The students of Trinity were enthusiastically on his side. " Last Wednesday," says the Dublin Gazette of 27 Oct., " a dozen Coaches, with Scholars of our University, came to the Tholsel in full Change, and both spoke and presented to Alderman Humphry French, our late Lord Mayor, an Address of Thanks for the many and great services he did this City and Kingdom during his Mayoralty. Each Scholar had an Orange Coloured Ribbon tied to his button hole." Finally, his great popularity made success certain. The result was declared in Pue's Occurrences for 30 Oct. " The Election of a Member of Parliament for this City continued till Yesterday in the Afternoon, when the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor, finding his Interest too weak to oppose the great Number of Freeholders and Freemen ready to poll for Alderman* French, his Lordship gave up the Election and Alderman Humphrey French was declared duly elected, and carried to the Parliament House, amidst the Acclamations of many thousands of People ; All the Bells in this City rung, and the Night concluded with Bonfires, Illuminations, and such Rejoycings, as were never known on the hke Occasion."

    The University of Dublin recognized his merits by conferring on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at' the Spring Commencements, 1734.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in 1733 was a city caught up in an election. Thomas How, the new Lord Mayor, had set himself against Alderman Humphry French, and by the 27th of October French was ahead by six votes out of a total poll of 682. The students of Trinity College were enthusiastically on his side. The Dublin Gazette reported that on the Wednesday before, a dozen coaches filled with scholars from the university came to the Tholsel in full change. They spoke and presented to French, the recently retired Lord Mayor, an address of thanks for the many and great services he had done the city and kingdom during his mayoralty. Each scholar had an orange coloured ribbon tied to his button hole. French's popularity made success certain. Pue's Occurrences declared the result on the 30th of October. The election had continued until the afternoon, when the Lord Mayor, finding his interest too weak to oppose the great number of freeholders and freemen ready to poll for French, gave up. Alderman Humphrey French was declared duly elected and carried to the Parliament House amidst the acclamations of many thousands of people. All the bells in the city rang, and the night concluded with bonfires, illuminations, and rejoicings, as were never known on the like occasion. The University of Dublin later recognised his merits by conferring on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at the Spring Commencements in 1734.

11. Mary French and children received refugee relief

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689–1690

    Mary French and her ten surviving children were among fugitive Protestants in need at Chester following the Williamite war. They received £4 in September 1689 and £3 per month until the following April from sums granted to Protestant fugitives.

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    MATHEW FRENCH, of Dublin and Belturbet, merchant, who was bapt. at St. Catherine's, Dublin, 3 March, 1647, and m. by licence, dated 17 Aug., 1673, Maxy, 2nd dau. of Robert Meade, of Dublin. For notice of her family see Appendix VIT. Mary French on 10 Nov., 1710, filed a BUI in the Court of Chancery against the family of her sister's husband, Thomas Howard, which Bill is rehearsed in another, dated 2 Nov., 17 15, Rev. Mathew French, (their son) v. Richard Roche and Mary his wife. In the Bill of 1710 Mrs. French stated that " the late warr or Rebellion in this Kingdom becoming terrible to the Protestants " Mathew French, his wife and family, and the above Thomas Howard, " were for their safety forced with other Protestants to fly for England, where they continued untill this Kingdom was afterwards reduced to the obedience of the Crown and Kingdom of England." His name appears in the contemporary manuscript list of refugees in T.C.D. Library " Mat. French, jun., £761 real estate." After this, the Bill continues, they " began their journey from London homewards, but the said Mathew ffrench falling sick he dyed at Chester, where your oratrix continued for some time." Much of his property had been destroyed by the Irish in his absence, he being obnoxious to them " for his haveing supplyed the garrisons of Londonderry and Iimiskillen with powder and ball against the Irish." A curious manuscript list of the sums granted to fugitive Protestants at Chester at this time is in T.C.D. Library. Mary French and her ten children were amongst those in need. They received £4 in Sept., 1689, and £3 per month till the following April. Mathew French was attainted in his absence by the ParUament of King James II. as Mathew French, junior, late of the city of Dublin, and is described in the Act as one of those who " have absented themselves from this kingdom, and have gone into England, or some other Places beyond the Seas, since the fifth day of November last, or in some short time before, and did not return, though called Home by your Majesty's gracious Proclamation." Admon. of his estate was granted in 1690, and his widow d. 12 Sept., 1715,* being buried the next day in the second vault in the Chancel

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin has a story from the years 1689 and 1690, when the late war became terrible to the Protestants of this kingdom. Mathew French was a merchant of Dublin and Belturbet, baptised at St. Catherine's in March 1647, married by licence in August 1673 to Maxy Meade, the second daughter of Robert Meade of Dublin. He had supplied the garrisons of Londonderry and Enniskillen with powder and ball against the Irish, and that made him obnoxious to them. When the rebellion became terrible, Mathew French, his wife Mary, their family, and Thomas Howard, the husband of Mary's sister, were forced for their safety to fly with other Protestants to England. They stayed there until the kingdom was reduced to the obedience of the Crown of England. A contemporary manuscript in Trinity College Dublin lists Mathew French as holding 761 pounds in real estate. They began their journey home from London, but Mathew French fell sick and died at Chester. Mary French stayed there for some time. Much of his property had been destroyed by the Irish in his absence. A manuscript list of sums granted to fugitive Protestants at Chester survives in Trinity College Dublin. Mary French and her ten children were among those in need. They received 4 pounds in September 1689, and 3 pounds per month until the following April. Mathew French was attainted in his absence by the Parliament of King James the Second, described as one of those who had absented themselves from the kingdom and gone into England since the fifth of November, and did not return though called home by gracious proclamation. Administration of his estate was granted in 1690. His widow filed a bill in the Court of Chancery in November 1710 against the family of Thomas Howard. She died on the 12th of September 1715 and was buried the next day in the second vault in the chancel.

12. John Enery of Bawnboy, Colonel of Cavan County Volunteers

    Bawnboy · townland · Cavan · 1783–1784

    John Enery of Bawnboy served as Colonel of the Cavan County Volunteers and petitioned the Irish House of Commons in January 1784 for leave to sell his estates in Longford and Fermanagh to pay debts, vesting his Cavan estate in trustees. The bill passed 16 March 1784.

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    JOHN ENERY, of Bawnboy, High Sherifi Co. Cavan, 1759, Co. Longford, 1760, and Co. Fermanagh, 1764, J.P. Co. Cavan, 14 Feb., 1761, and Co. Fermanagh, 10 Feb., 1766, Major Irish Provincial Regt. of Fusiliers, Feb., 1783, Colonel Cavan County Volunteers,* petitioned the Irish House of Commons, 24 Jan., 1784, for leave to bring in a Bill t/O enable him to sell his estates, or part of them, in Longford and Fermanagh, to pay debts, and to vest his Cavan estate in trustees. Bill passed 16 March, 1784, {Commons Journals). He m. 1 Oct., 1763, Margaret, sister of Sir John Hamilton, Bart., M.P., and dau. of WilUam Hamilton, of Dunnemana, Co. Tyrone, M.P. for Strabane, (brother of Mrs. Andrew Nixon, see p. 139) by Catherine, sister of George Leslie Montgomery, M.P., of Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, and dau. of the Rev. George Leslie, D.D., Rector of Clones. Mr. Enery d., admon. 3 Nov., 1817, having had issue : —

    I. JOHN, his heir.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, John Enery of Bawnboy held a string of offices across three counties. He was High Sheriff of Cavan in 1759, of Longford in 1760, and of Fermanagh in 1764. He served as a justice of the peace for Cavan from 1761 and for Fermanagh from 1766. In 1783 he was made a major in the Irish Provincial Regiment of Fusiliers and served as Colonel of the Cavan County Volunteers. On 24 January 1784, he petitioned the Irish House of Commons for leave to bring in a bill to enable him to sell his estates, or part of them, in Longford and Fermanagh, to pay debts, and to vest his Cavan estate in trustees. The bill passed on 16 March 1784. He had married on 1 October 1763 Margaret, sister of Sir John Hamilton, Bart., M.P., and daughter of William Hamilton of Dunnemana in County Tyrone.

13. Duel near the North Wall, Dublin

    near North Wall · street · Dublin · 1802

    A duel was fought near the North Wall in Dublin in December 1802 between George Nixon of Nixon Hall and D'Arcy Mahon of Cloon. Nixon received a wound in the breast initially thought to be mortal but not likely to be fatal.

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    Rev. Mathew French. George Nixon was the last of his line to live at Nixon Hall (now a ruin) which, on 1 Dec, 1807 * he let to John Fawcett, and lived among his brothers. James Denham, J.P., D.L., took a lease of Nixon Hall, 8 July, 1814 from George Nixon, and called it Fairwood Park. See the view of it (facing p. 68), from a picture in possession of Mr. J. H. F. Nixon, J.P. (see p. 98). The following appeared in The Dublin Evenin^f Post, Dec. 16, 1802 :— " Tuesday— A duel was fought near the North Wall between George Nixon, of Nixon Hall, Esq., and D'Arcy Mahon, of Cloon, Esq., in which the former received a wound in the breast, which was at jfirst supposed to be mortal, but which is not likely to be fatal." He made his will 6 April, 1818, when living at Dunbar with his brother Thomas, and d. 11 Oct., 1818. A monument is erected to his memory in Cleenish Churchyard. He had by his wife (who m. 2nd, 1822, Charles Ovenden, M.D., and d. 11 Nov., 1839) issue : —

    1. Alexander Nixon, d. an infant.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about North Wall, a duel was fought in December 1802. The Dublin Evening Post reported it on the 16th of that month. George Nixon of Nixon Hall and D'Arcy Mahon of Cloon met there, and Nixon took a wound in the breast. It was at first supposed to be mortal, but the paper said it was not likely to be fatal. George Nixon was the last of his line to live at Nixon Hall. He let the place to John Fawcett on the 1st of December, 1807, and went to live among his brothers. James Denham took a lease of Nixon Hall on the 8th of July, 1814, and called it Fairwood Park. Nixon made his will on the 6th of April, 1818, when he was living at Dunbar with his brother Thomas. He died on the 11th of October that year. A monument stands to his memory in Cleenish Churchyard. His wife married a second time in 1822, to Charles Ovenden, and died on the 11th of November, 1839. They had one child, Alexander Nixon, who died as an infant.

14. French's house and malt house in Belturbet

    Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1688

    Matthew French's 1688 will describes his house and malt house in Belturbet, which cost him £400 to build. He had leased the property to his son Daniel French for 999 years at £3 per annum, and left Daniel only £5 because Daniel had stolen his cash during a serious illness.

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    alsoe by reason I made him a leasse of my housse and malt housse in

    Belturbett for nine hundred, ninety and nine years att three pounds

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Belturbet. Matthew French built his house and malt house in this town at a cost of £400. His 1688 will shows he had leased the property to his son Daniel for 999 years at £3 per annum. He left Daniel only £5, because Daniel had stolen his cash during a serious illness.

15. James Enery killed in riding accident returning to Bawnboy

    Bawnboy · townland · Cavan · 1742

    James Enery, son of John Enery of Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, died on 30 August 1742 after falling from his horse while returning home from the Assizes, as reported in Pue's Occurrences.

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    Bolton, Co. Kildare,* son of John Higginbotham, of Bolton, and d. before 9 Dec, 1780, date of her father-inlaw's will. III. James Enery, d. 30 Aug., 1742. " Friday last, Mr. James Enery son to John Enery, Esq., of Bawnboy, in the Co. Cavan, coming home from the Assizes had the misfortune to fall from his horse and was killed." {Pue^s Occurrences, 3 Sept.).

    I. Anne Enery, m. settlements dated 17 Sept., 1743, Cosby Nesbitt,

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a young man named James Enery met his end in 1742. He was the son of John Enery of Bawnboy. On the 30th of August that year, riding home from the Assizes, he fell from his horse and was killed. The Dublin paper Pue's Occurrences carried the news on the 3rd of September, calling it a misfortune. He was Mr. James Enery, son to John Enery, Esquire, of Bawnboy, in the County of Cavan.

16. Mathew French supplied Londonderry and Enniskillen garrisons

    Derry · townland · Derry · 1689–1690

    Mathew French, a Dublin merchant, supplied the garrisons of Londonderry and Enniskillen with powder and ball during the Williamite war, making him obnoxious to the Irish. Much of his property was destroyed in his absence while he and his family fled as refugees to England.

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    MATHEW FRENCH, of Dublin and Belturbet, merchant, who was bapt. at St. Catherine's, Dublin, 3 March, 1647, and m. by licence, dated 17 Aug., 1673, Maxy, 2nd dau. of Robert Meade, of Dublin. For notice of her family see Appendix VIT. Mary French on 10 Nov., 1710, filed a BUI in the Court of Chancery against the family of her sister's husband, Thomas Howard, which Bill is rehearsed in another, dated 2 Nov., 17 15, Rev. Mathew French, (their son) v. Richard Roche and Mary his wife. In the Bill of 1710 Mrs. French stated that " the late warr or Rebellion in this Kingdom becoming terrible to the Protestants " Mathew French, his wife and family, and the above Thomas Howard, " were for their safety forced with other Protestants to fly for England, where they continued untill this Kingdom was afterwards reduced to the obedience of the Crown and Kingdom of England." His name appears in the contemporary manuscript list of refugees in T.C.D. Library " Mat. French, jun., £761 real estate." After this, the Bill continues, they " began their journey from London homewards, but the said Mathew ffrench falling sick he dyed at Chester, where your oratrix continued for some time." Much of his property had been destroyed by the Irish in his absence, he being obnoxious to them " for his haveing supplyed the garrisons of Londonderry and Iimiskillen with powder and ball against the Irish." A curious manuscript list of the sums granted to fugitive Protestants at Chester at this time is in T.C.D. Library. Mary French and her ten children were amongst those in need. They received £4 in Sept., 1689, and £3 per month till the following April. Mathew French was attainted in his absence by the ParUament of King James II. as Mathew French, junior, late of the city of Dublin, and is described in the Act as one of those who " have absented themselves from this kingdom, and have gone into England, or some other Places beyond the Seas, since the fifth day of November last, or in some short time before, and did not return, though called Home by your Majesty's gracious Proclamation." Admon. of his estate was granted in 1690, and his widow d. 12 Sept., 1715,* being buried the next day in the second vault in the Chancel

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Derry, the Londonderry garrison was supplied with powder and ball by a Dublin merchant named Mathew French during the Williamite war. French was baptised at St. Catherine's in Dublin on the 3rd of March, 1647, and married Mary, the second daughter of Robert Meade, by licence dated the 17th of August, 1673. When the war became terrible to the Protestants, Mathew French, his wife and family, and Thomas Howard were forced to flee to England with other Protestants. A manuscript list of refugees in Trinity College Dublin Library records him as "Mat. French, jun., £761 real estate." The Irish destroyed much of his property in his absence. He was obnoxious to them, as his wife later stated, for "his haveing supplyed the garrisons of Londonderry and Iimiskillen with powder and ball against the Irish." Mary French and her ten children were among the fugitive Protestants at Chester. They received £4 in September, 1689, and £3 per month until the following April. Mathew French was attainted in his absence by the Parliament of King James II, described as one who had absented himself from the kingdom and gone into England since the 5th of November and did not return though called home by proclamation. When the kingdom was reduced to obedience, the family began their journey from London homewards, but Mathew French fell sick and died at Chester. His widow continued there for some time. Administration of his estate was granted in 1690. Mary French filed a Bill in the Court of Chancery on the 10th of November, 1710. She died on the 12th of September, 1715, and was buried the next day in the second vault in the Chancel.

17. Rev. Adam Nixon, Rector of Aghalurcher

    near Aghalurcher · parish · Fermanagh · 1690–1717

    Rev. Adam Nixon was instituted Rector of Aghalurcher in the diocese of Clogher on 15 September 1690, serving until his death when Rev. Thomas Bindon succeeded him on 10 April 1717. He was described in a manuscript history of Fermanagh as 'a man of learning and sound judgment.'

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    THE REV. ADAM NIXON, M.A., of Drumcrow, Co. Fermanagh, J.P., Vicar-General of Clogher,* and Chancellor of the dioce8e,t Rector of Aghalurcher, diocese of Clogher, 15 Sept., 1690, b. 1662, educated by Thomas Dunbar,! entered Trinity College, Dublin 5 July, 1679, aged 17, Scholar 1682, B.A., 1683, M.A., 1686, ordained priest in St. Patrick's Cathedral, DubUn, on Sunday, 20 Feb., 1686, by Francis Marsh, Archbishop of Dublin, licenced as Curate of Clonturk, otherwise Drumcondragh, 25 June, 1687, on presentation of John Coghill, licenced as Curate of St. Werburgh's, Dublin, 15 Sept., 1688, on nomination of William King, afterwards Archbi8hop.§ The author of the manuscript history of Fermanagh (see p. 46), describes him as " a man of learning and sound judgment — he was Chancellor in ye Diocese of Cloagher and justice of ye peace in this county." His name appears with a list of others appointed to the office of J.P., Co. Fermanagh, dated 7 Dec, 1714 (warrants in Public Record Office). He bought the interest in the lands of Drumcrow ("all the quarter of lands of Lislost, called Lislosht, Slushill, Drumcrow and Edenscochan ") from Patrick Dunkin. of Cashellstown, Co. Louth, Gent., by deeds, dated 8 and 9 Feb., 1709,l| but he had been livmg at Drumcrow before this, as his son Eccles was b. there in 1696, ( matriculation entries. Trinity College). The Rev, Adam Nixon m. bef(»re 1696 Mary,^ eldest dau. of Daniel Eccles, of Shannock, Co. Fermanagh, High SherifE of that Co., 1675, (by Sarah,

    * Signature as such to marriage licence bond, diocese of Clogher, 30 Dec, 1713 between Robert Somervell and Alice Hassard.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Aghalurcher, in the diocese of Clogher, had as its Rector a man named the Reverend Adam Nixon. He was instituted on the 15th of September, 1690, and he held the living until his death, when the Reverend Thomas Bindon succeeded him on the 10th of April, 1717. Adam Nixon was born in 1662 and educated by a man named Thomas Dunbar. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on the 5th of July, 1679, at the age of 17. He became a Scholar in 1682, took his B.A. in 1683, and his M.A. in 1686. He was ordained a priest in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, on Sunday, the 20th of February, 1686, by Francis Marsh, Archbishop of Dublin. He served as Curate of Clonturk, otherwise Drumcondragh, from the 25th of June, 1687, on the presentation of John Coghill, and then as Curate of St. Werburgh's, Dublin, from the 15th of September, 1688, on the nomination of William King, afterwards Archbishop. A manuscript history of Fermanagh describes him as, a man of learning and sound judgment, he was Chancellor in ye Diocese of Cloagher and justice of ye peace in this county. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for County Fermanagh on the 7th of December, 1714. He bought the lands of Drumcrow from Patrick Dunkin of Cashellstown, County Louth, by deeds dated the 8th and 9th of February, 1709, though he had been living at Drumcrow before that, for his son Eccles was born there in 1696. He married before 1696 Mary, eldest daughter of Daniel Eccles of Shannock, County Fermanagh, High Sheriff of that county in 1675.

18. Ghost of Madam Nixon at Ballygally Castle

    Ballygalley · townland · Antrim

    Madam Nixon, a widow who lived at Ballygally Castle, was said for many years to haunt the building after her death, walking the passages in a silk dress and knocking on doors. An addition to the house called 'Madam Nixon's room' had been built for her.

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    suddenly, intestate, 3 Nov., 1757, " as he lived beloved by all his Acquaintances, his Death is greatly lamented." {Dublin Gazette, Nov. 5-8, 1757). He left, by his first wife, four children, who were minors at the time of his death, and on 22 June, 1758, the Rev. Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontibret, Co. Monaghan (see p. 66) entered into a recognizance in the Court of Chancery in the sum of £800 that he would account as their guardian. Mary Nixon, the widow, entered into a protracted litigation with the Rev. Adam Nixon, and filed several bills against him and her step children. She published a long notice in the Belfast Newsletter, 3 Nov., 1758, requesting that all her late husband's accounts should be furnished to her, and referring to an advertisement in the Dublin Journal of 21 Oct., which declared that a box of valuable jjapers and securities of the late Andrew Nixon's had been removed from Cavan without Adam Nixon's knowledge and consent. Mrs. Andrew Nixon, who had no children, went after her husband's death to five at Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim, with her sister, who had married Henry Shaw, of Ballygally. A picture of Ballygally is published in the Ulster Journal of Archceology, April, 1901, Vol. VII,, with an article, pp. 65-77, by the late Rev. Classon Porter, reprinted from The Lame Reporter, 1884. He states that Mrs. Nixon and her sister, "Lady" Slane, both widows * without children, went to live there, and that an addition to the house called " Madam Nixon's room " was built. He further says (p. 72) " We may mention that the names of Lady Slane and Madam Nixon are still associated with Ballygally in another way. A few perches outside of the present entrance to the castle, there was formerly a well, which, in honour of Lady Slane, was called ' My Lady's Well ; ' and at the foot of Ballygally Hill there still is another well which was called ' Madam Nixon's Well ' in honour of the lady of that name. Madam Nixon died at Ballygally, and for many years it was said that she haunted the castle, walking about the passages at night, attired in a silk dress, and amusing herself by knocking at the doors of the different rooms. Latterly, the old lady has not been heard of at Ballygally." She d. intestate, admon. granted 30 July, 1789, to her niece Margaret McCuUoch, otherwise Shaw, of Antrim, widow. Andrew Nixon, by his first wife, Martha Kitchenham, left four children : —

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballygalley stands a castle with a story about a widow who would not leave it. Andrew Nixon died suddenly on the 3rd of November, 1757, intestate, greatly lamented by all who knew him. He left four children by his first wife, all minors. His widow, Mary Nixon, had no children of her own. After his death she went to live at Ballygally Castle with her sister, who had married Henry Shaw of Ballygally. The Reverend Classon Porter, writing in 1884, says that Mrs. Nixon and her sister, known as Lady Slane, both widows without children, went to live there together. An addition to the house was built for her and called Madam Nixon's room. A well at the foot of Ballygally Hill was named Madam Nixon's Well in her honour, and another well nearby was called My Lady's Well for her sister. Before she settled at Ballygally, Mary Nixon had been in protracted litigation with the Reverend Adam Nixon, who had entered a recognizance of 800 pounds in the Court of Chancery to account as guardian of her husband's four children. She filed several bills against him and her stepchildren, and published a long notice in the Belfast Newsletter on the 3rd of November, 1758, requesting that all her late husband's accounts be furnished to her. Madam Nixon died at Ballygally. Administration of her estate was granted on the 30th of July, 1789, to her niece, Margaret McCulloch, otherwise Shaw, of Antrim, a widow. For many years after her death it was said that she haunted the castle, walking the passages at night in a silk dress and knocking at the doors of the different rooms. As Porter put it, latterly the old lady has not been heard of at Ballygally.

19. Robert French, pipe-water overseer, dies in Barrack Street, Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1759

    Robert French, son of Humphrey French, was appointed overseer of Dublin's Pipe Water works in 1753 after petitioning that he was left destitute. He died in Barrack Street, Dublin, in December 1759, and his widow Letitia petitioned for a pension for her helpless family.

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    11. Robert French, bapt. at same 14 Aug., 1719, petitioned the Corporation of Dublin to be appointed one of the overseers and directors of the Pipe Water works, because he was left destitute, and had a wife and five children. He got the position 5 June, 1753. He d. Dec. 1759 (" In Barrack Street, Mr. French, overseer of the pipe- water," Public Gazetteer, Dec. 11, 1759) and his widow Letitia petitioned for a pension for her helpless family. The Corporation ordered on 18 April, 1760, that she should receive £20 per ann. during the City's pleasure, and give up to Sedborough Mayne the house she occupied within one month after her child should be born. No trace has been discovered of his children or descendants.

    * Exch. Bill, 7 April, 1747, Harford v. Le Hunte aad French. t Ibid.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1759. Robert French died in Barrack Street that December. He was the overseer of the city's pipe water works. He had been baptised on the 14th of August 1719, son of Humphrey French. In 1753 he petitioned the Corporation of Dublin for the overseer's position, saying he was left destitute, with a wife and five children. He got the post on the 5th of June that year. After his death his widow Letitia petitioned for a pension for her helpless family. On the 18th of April 1760 the Corporation ordered her £20 per year, during the City's pleasure, and that she give up the house she occupied to Sedborough Mayne within one month after her child should be born. No trace has been found of his children or descendants.

20. Adam Nixon purchases Drumcrow lands

    Drumcrow · townland · Fermanagh · 1696–1709

    Rev. Adam Nixon bought the quarter of lands of Lislost (Lislosht), Slushill, Drumcrow and Edenscochan from Patrick Dunkin of Castlestown, Co. Louth, by deeds dated 8 and 9 February 1709, though he had been living at Drumcrow since at least 1696 when his son Eccles was born there.

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    THE REV. ADAM NIXON, M.A., of Drumcrow, Co. Fermanagh, J.P., Vicar-General of Clogher,* and Chancellor of the dioce8e,t Rector of Aghalurcher, diocese of Clogher, 15 Sept., 1690, b. 1662, educated by Thomas Dunbar,! entered Trinity College, Dublin 5 July, 1679, aged 17, Scholar 1682, B.A., 1683, M.A., 1686, ordained priest in St. Patrick's Cathedral, DubUn, on Sunday, 20 Feb., 1686, by Francis Marsh, Archbishop of Dublin, licenced as Curate of Clonturk, otherwise Drumcondragh, 25 June, 1687, on presentation of John Coghill, licenced as Curate of St. Werburgh's, Dublin, 15 Sept., 1688, on nomination of William King, afterwards Archbi8hop.§ The author of the manuscript history of Fermanagh (see p. 46), describes him as " a man of learning and sound judgment — he was Chancellor in ye Diocese of Cloagher and justice of ye peace in this county." His name appears with a list of others appointed to the office of J.P., Co. Fermanagh, dated 7 Dec, 1714 (warrants in Public Record Office). He bought the interest in the lands of Drumcrow ("all the quarter of lands of Lislost, called Lislosht, Slushill, Drumcrow and Edenscochan ") from Patrick Dunkin. of Cashellstown, Co. Louth, Gent., by deeds, dated 8 and 9 Feb., 1709,l| but he had been livmg at Drumcrow before this, as his son Eccles was b. there in 1696, ( matriculation entries. Trinity College). The Rev, Adam Nixon m. bef(»re 1696 Mary,^ eldest dau. of Daniel Eccles, of Shannock, Co. Fermanagh, High SherifE of that Co., 1675, (by Sarah,

    * Signature as such to marriage licence bond, diocese of Clogher, 30 Dec, 1713 between Robert Somervell and Alice Hassard.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Drumcrow, the Reverend Adam Nixon bought these lands, though he was already living here before the purchase was ever made. He was a man of learning. Born in 1662, he entered Trinity College Dublin in July 1679 at the age of 17, became a scholar in 1682, and took his B.A. in 1683 and his M.A. in 1686. He was ordained priest in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, on Sunday the 20th of February 1686, by Francis Marsh, Archbishop of Dublin. He served as Curate of Clonturk, otherwise Drumcondragh, from June 1687, and as Curate of St. Werburgh's, Dublin, from September 1688. By September 1690 he was Rector of Aghalurcher in the diocese of Clogher. He became Vicar-General of Clogher and Chancellor of the diocese, and a justice of the peace for Fermanagh, appointed in December 1714. A manuscript history of Fermanagh describes him as "a man of learning and sound judgment." He bought the quarter of lands of Lislost, called Lislosht, Slushill, Drumcrow and Edenscochan from Patrick Dunkin of Cashellstown, County Louth, by deeds dated the 8th and 9th of February 1709. But he had been living at Drumcrow before that. His son Eccles was born there in 1696. Adam had married before that year Mary, eldest daughter of Daniel Eccles of Shannock, County Fermanagh, who had been High Sheriff of that county in 1675.

21. Mathew French attainted at James II's Dublin Parliament, 1689

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689

    Mathew French, Senior, merchant of Belturbet, was attainted by James II at the Parliament held in Dublin in 1689. His will, dated 25 April 1688, was proved in the Prerogative Court on 5 March 1691.

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    Mathew French, merchant, was admitted Freeman of DubUn bv special grace and on fines, 4th Friday after 25 Dec, 1649 ; he was a titulado (or landowner) in St. Michael's parish, Dublin, in 1659, (Petty's Census) : Sherifi of the City of Dublin, 1667-8, and one of the Masters of the City works, 1668-9. In 1672 he and some others were admitted Aldermen of DubUn by Sir John Tottie, Lord Mayor, illegally. This, with other high-handed acts during the same Mayoralty, was cancelled by order from the Lord Lieutenant in 1675. (Calendar of Ancient Records, V,, 577.) He was High Sheriff, Co. Cavan, 1677 (appointed 21 Dec, \^1&— Liber Munerum). He was attainted by Jctraes IT. at his Parliament held in Dubhn in 1689, as " Mathew French, Senior of Beltiirbet, Merchant." His will, dated 25 April, 1688, was proved in the Prerogative Court, 5 March, 1691. It is as follows : —

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1689. In that year a parliament met here under James II, and one of the men it attainted was Mathew French, Senior, of Belturbet, a merchant. He had deep roots in this city. He was made a Freeman of Dublin in 1649, and by 1659 he was listed as a landowner in St. Michael's parish. He served as Sheriff of the City of Dublin in 1667 and 1668, and as one of the Masters of the City works the following year. In 1672 he and several others were admitted as Aldermen by Sir John Tottie, the Lord Mayor, though this was done illegally, and the Lord Lieutenant cancelled it in 1675. He was appointed High Sheriff of County Cavan in December 1677. When James II's parliament sat in Dublin in 1689, Mathew French was attainted by name. His will was dated 25 April 1688 and proved in the Prerogative Court on 5 March 1691.

22. Mullymesker estate purchased and renamed Nixon Hall

    Mullymesker · townland · Fermanagh

    George Nixon purchased Mullymesker, originally the seat of the Hassards, from Mr. Cole (Lord Enniskillen's ancestor), and renamed it Nixon Hall. The name was apparently not in general use until his son Alexander's time. The estate was in Cleenish parish near Enniskillen.

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    GEORGE NIXON, of Nixon HaU (or Mullymeskei;) Cleenish, near Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, High Sheriff, Co. Fermanagh, 1743, appointed J.P. that county 23 May, 1737. He purchased Mullymesker, originally the seat of the Hassards, from Mr. Cole, Lord Enniskillen's ancestor, and called it Nixon Hall, a name which was apparently not in general use till his son's time. George Nixon m., settlements, 16 June, 1720,t Catherine, third dau. of Alexander Acheson, of Tonnyheague, Co. Fermanagh, High Sheriff for that county, 1703, Capt. in Col. Abraham Creighton's Regt., of Foot, and d. April, 1757, " to the inexpressible grief of his afflicted Family, being a tender Husband, and indulgent Parent ; in him the Poor have lost their best Friend and his Acquaintances a most agreeable and sincere companion." {Dublin

    * The Rev. Adam Nixon, in his will, mentions " my niece Harkness." She may have been a dau. of Mrs. Yoimg. There was already a Harkness and Young marriage, for there is a Clogher marriage hcence, 20 Oct., 1720, between Thomas Harkness of the diocese of Armagh, and Mary Young of the parish of AughnamuUen.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is the land George Nixon bought and called Nixon Hall. He purchased Mullymesker, which had been the seat of the Hassards, from Mr. Cole, Lord Enniskillen's ancestor. He renamed it Nixon Hall, though the name was apparently not in general use until his son Alexander's time. The estate lay in Cleenish parish near Enniskillen. George Nixon served as High Sheriff of County Fermanagh in 1743 and was appointed a justice of the peace on 23 May 1737. He married Catherine, third daughter of Alexander Acheson of Tonnyheague, County Fermanagh, by settlement dated 16 June 1720. He died in April 1757. His epitaph called him "a tender Husband, and indulgent Parent" and said "the Poor have lost their best Friend."

23. Rev. William Enery, Rector of Killeshandra

    Killashandra · town · Cavan · 1729–1764

    Rev. William Enery D.D. was inducted as Rector of Killeshandra, Co. Cavan, on 20 August 1729. He died in Dominick Street, Dublin, on 20 February 1764, reportedly because he put on a damp pair of breeches.

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    II. WiUiam Enery (Rev.) D.D., Rector of Killeshandra, Co. Cavan (inducted, 20 Aug., 1729), h. 1706, educated at Carrickmacross, entered T.C.D., 16 April, 1721, aged 15, B.A. 1726, M.A. 1729, B.D. and D.D. 1753, J.P., Co. Cavan, 3 Nov., 1730, and Co. Fermanagh, 27 Feb., 1758-9, m. settlements dated 29 and 30 Dec, 1732, Dorothy, 2nd dau. of the Rev. John Dennis, D.D., F.T.C.D., of Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh,! Rector of Cleenish, diocese of Clogher. She d. 30 May, 1776, will dated 11 Dec, 1775, proved 11 July, 1776. Dr. Enery d. in Dominick Street, Dublin, 20 Feb., 1764. " 'Tis said his Death was occasioned by his putting on a damp pair of Breeches." {Freeman's Journal, 21 Feb., 1764). He left four daus. : —

    1. Frances Enery, m. 20 Dec, 1753, the Rev. Robert Pringle, M.A., of Caledon, Co. T5Trone, and Madden, Co. Armagh,

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Killashandra was the parish of a man named William Enery. He was inducted as its Rector on 20 August 1729, at the age of 23. Born in 1706, he had entered Trinity College Dublin at 15, and took his degrees steadily: a bachelor's in 1726, a master's in 1729, and his doctorate in 1753. He served as Justice of the Peace for Cavan from 1730 and for Fermanagh from 1758. He married Dorothy, daughter of Reverend John Dennis of Enniskillen, in 1732. She outlived him, dying in 1776. Doctor Enery died on 20 February 1764 in Dominick Street, Dublin. The Freeman's Journal reported, "his Death was occasioned by his putting on a damp pair of Breeches." He left four daughters.

24. Archibald Erskine at Royal Hospital Kilmainham

    Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1794–1811

    Archibald Erskine applied for admission as a decayed officer to the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin in 1794 and was elected. He later served as Agent for Hospitals, Army Medical Board, Dublin, and died at the Royal Hospital in 1811.

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    ARCHIBALD ERSKINE, Ensign in Lord Llandaff's Regt., and Paymaster for many years of the 3rd Horse, (afterwards the 6th Dragoon Guards) served for 43 years, 1751-94, and took part in the German war. On 17 Dec, 1794, being " from Age and Infirmities (being greatly Afflicted with the Gout and Rheumatism), Rendered Incapable of further service," he applied for admission as a decayed officer to the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, and was elected in place of Capt. Hans Hamilton, deceased. In his application for admission he urged as one of his qualifications, " that the family of Memoriahst were Constantly Devoted to his Majesty," and mentioned his three brothers killed in action, see above. (" Capt. Arch. Erskine " was Agent for Hospitals, Army Medical Board, Dublin, in 1808. Dublin Almanach that year.) He d. at the Royal Hospital, 16 Jan., 1811. He m. Jane Paget, f and had, with two daus., who both d. unm., a son and a dau., \\z. : —

    I. James Erskine, C.B., Colonel in the army, 12 Aug., 1819, Lieut.- Col. 48th Regt., 20 June, 1811, Lieutenant-Governor of New South "Wales, 1817-23, A.D.C. to the King, (George III.), 25 July, 1808, Lieut. 22nd Regt., 31 Dec, 1791 : Capt. 16 Nov., 1794. Major (brevet) 15 Dec, 1803, Major, 48th Regt., 14 Feb., 1805, Lieut.-Col. (brevet) 25 July, 1810, C.B., 14 June, 1815. He was slightly wounded at the Douro, near Oporto, 1808, and was severely wounded at Badajoz, (medal, mentioned in Wellington's despatches from the camp before Badajoz, 18 July, 1812). Colonel Erskine m. 1st, Miss Jones, and 2nd, Sarah, sister of Anne, Marchioness of Winchester, and dau. of John Andrews, of Shotley Hall, Northumberland. J He made his will 13 Sept., 1822, at Sydney, New South Wales, and mentioned his property named Erskine Park, in that colony. He d. 7 June, 1825, having had by his second wife, who d. at Weymouth, 15 May, 1860, aged 86, four sons and three daus. : —

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham once took in Archibald Erskine, a soldier worn down by 43 years of service. He had been an ensign in Lord Llandaff's Regiment and paymaster for many years of the 3rd Horse, afterwards the 6th Dragoon Guards. He served from 1751 to 1794 and fought in the German war. On the 17th of December, 1794, he applied for admission as a decayed officer. His words were plain about why. He said he was "from Age and Infirmities (being greatly Afflicted with the Gout and Rheumatism), Rendered Incapable of further service." He was elected, taking the place of Captain Hans Hamilton, who had died. In his application he argued that his family were "Constantly Devoted to his Majesty," and he named three brothers killed in action. By 1808 he was serving as Agent for Hospitals, Army Medical Board, Dublin, listed in the Dublin Almanach that year under Captain Archibald Erskine. He died at the Royal Hospital on the 16th of January, 1811. He had married Jane Paget, and they had two daughters who both died unmarried, and a son and a daughter. The son, James Erskine, rose to colonel and served as Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales from 1817 to 1823. James was wounded at the Douro near Oporto in 1808 and severely wounded at Badajoz, where he was mentioned in Wellington's despatches. He made his will in Sydney in 1822, naming his property Erskine Park, and died on the 7th of June, 1825.

25. Captain Conway Benning stationed at Dundalk, 1800

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1800

    Conway Benning's son, Conway Benning Jr., entered the Royal Artillery in Ireland as Lieutenant on July 25, 1795, and was stationed at Dundalk on January 1, 1800, as confirmed by a letter to one of his sisters. He was later killed at the Battle of Albuera in 1811.

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    25 July, 1795 ; was stationed at Dundalk on Jan. 1, 1800, as appears from a letter of his to one of his sisters. Afterwards he was transferred to the Infantry, and as Capt, 2nd Batt. 66th Foot, he was killed at Albuera, 16 May, 1811. H.R.H. the Duke of York wrote to his father : — " Horse Guards, 12 Nov., 1813. Sir, The Prince Regent having been graciously pleased to command in the name and on behalf of His Majesty, that the officers present at the Battle of Albuera should be permitted to bear a medal commemorative of that Victory, I have to transmit to you the medal which would have been conferred upon the late Captain Conway Benning, of the 2nd battalion, 66th Regt. of foot, and which the Prince Regent has been pleased to direct should be deposited with his family as a token of the respect which His Royal Highness entertains for the memory of that officer. I am, Sir, Yrs. Frederick, Commander in Chief."

    II. James Benning, m. at St. Peter's, Dublin, 13 Sept., 1801,

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Dundalk was a garrison town in 1800, and among the officers stationed here on the first of January that year was a young man named Conway Benning. He had entered the Royal Artillery in Ireland as a lieutenant on the 25th of July, 1795. A letter he wrote to one of his sisters confirms he was posted to Dundalk at the start of 1800. He was later transferred to the infantry, and as captain of the 2nd Battalion, 66th Foot, he was killed at the Battle of Albuera on the 16th of May, 1811. After his death, the Duke of York wrote to his father from Horse Guards on the 12th of November, 1813. The letter said the Prince Regent had commanded that officers present at Albuera should bear a medal commemorative of that victory, and that the medal which would have been conferred upon the late Captain Conway Benning should be deposited with his family as a token of respect for his memory.

26. John Enery of Bawnboy, High Sheriff and Justice of the Peace

    Bawnboy · townland · Cavan · 1715–1756

    John Enery of Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, served as High Sheriff of Co. Fermanagh in 1727 and Co. Cavan in 1738, and as Justice of the Peace for both counties. He died in Grafton Street, Dublin, in November 1756, his will proved in the Prerogative Court.

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    FRANCES NIXON, m. before 1705, John Enery, of Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, High Sheriff, Co. Fermanagh, 1727, and Co. Cavan, 1738, J.P., Co. Cavan, 24 Sept., 1715, and Co. Fermanagh, 14 Jan., 1723, eldest son of Patrick Enery, of CuUohill, Co. Fermanagh.* John Enery d. in Grafton Street, Dublin, Nov., 1756 (will dated 22 Nov., proved in Prerog. Court, 2 Dec, 1756, executors, the Rev. Adam Nixon, George Nixon, of Mullymesker (Nixon Hall), Richard Hassard, of Garden Hill, and the Rev. William Enery.) By Frances Nixon his wife he had three sons, and one dau. (Mrs. Nesbitt), viz. : — ,

    I. THOMAS, of whom presently.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lived John Enery of Bawnboy. He married Frances Nixon before 1705, and was the eldest son of Patrick Enery of Cullohill, County Fermanagh. He served as Justice of the Peace for County Cavan from 24 September 1715, and for County Fermanagh from 14 January 1723. He was High Sheriff of Fermanagh in 1727 and of Cavan in 1738. He and Frances had three sons and one daughter, a Nesbitt by marriage. John Enery died in Grafton Street, Dublin, in November 1756. His will was dated 22 November and proved in the Prerogative Court on 2 December 1756.

27. Kilkea Castle and the 1798 rebellion

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1794–1839

    Thomas Reynolds of Kilkea Castle, Co. Kildare, was greatly implicated in the troubles of 1798. A Vindication of his actions was published by his son in 1839 after his death in 1836.

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    HARRIETT WITHERINGTON, m. 25 March, 1794, Thomas Reynolds, of Kilkea Castle, Co. Kildare, elder son of Andrew Reynolds, of Dublin, and Rathfarnham, by Rose, dau. of Thomas Fitzgerald, of Kilmeed, Co. Kildare. Mr. Reynolds, who was greatly imphcated in the troubles of 1798, d. 18 Aug., 1836, and in 1839 a Vindication of his actions was pubUshed by his son Thos. By his wife, who d. 29 July, 1851, he had issue : —

    I. ANDREW FITZGERALD, of whom presently.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Kilkea holds a castle tied to the story of Thomas Reynolds. He married Harriett Witherington in March 1794, the elder son of Andrew Reynolds of Dublin and Rathfarnham, by Rose, daughter of Thomas Fitzgerald of Kilmeed. Reynolds was greatly implicated in the troubles of 1798. He died on 18 August 1836, and in 1839 his son Thomas published a Vindication of his actions. His wife Harriett died on 29 July 1851.

28. Lady Slane's Well and Madam Nixon's Well at Ballygally

    Ballygalley · townland · Antrim

    Two named wells near Ballygally Castle were associated with widows Lady Slane and Madam Nixon who resided there. My Lady's Well lay a few perches outside the castle entrance, while Madam Nixon's Well stood at the foot of Ballygally Hill.

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    suddenly, intestate, 3 Nov., 1757, " as he lived beloved by all his Acquaintances, his Death is greatly lamented." {Dublin Gazette, Nov. 5-8, 1757). He left, by his first wife, four children, who were minors at the time of his death, and on 22 June, 1758, the Rev. Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontibret, Co. Monaghan (see p. 66) entered into a recognizance in the Court of Chancery in the sum of £800 that he would account as their guardian. Mary Nixon, the widow, entered into a protracted litigation with the Rev. Adam Nixon, and filed several bills against him and her step children. She published a long notice in the Belfast Newsletter, 3 Nov., 1758, requesting that all her late husband's accounts should be furnished to her, and referring to an advertisement in the Dublin Journal of 21 Oct., which declared that a box of valuable jjapers and securities of the late Andrew Nixon's had been removed from Cavan without Adam Nixon's knowledge and consent. Mrs. Andrew Nixon, who had no children, went after her husband's death to five at Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim, with her sister, who had married Henry Shaw, of Ballygally. A picture of Ballygally is published in the Ulster Journal of Archceology, April, 1901, Vol. VII,, with an article, pp. 65-77, by the late Rev. Classon Porter, reprinted from The Lame Reporter, 1884. He states that Mrs. Nixon and her sister, "Lady" Slane, both widows * without children, went to live there, and that an addition to the house called " Madam Nixon's room " was built. He further says (p. 72) " We may mention that the names of Lady Slane and Madam Nixon are still associated with Ballygally in another way. A few perches outside of the present entrance to the castle, there was formerly a well, which, in honour of Lady Slane, was called ' My Lady's Well ; ' and at the foot of Ballygally Hill there still is another well which was called ' Madam Nixon's Well ' in honour of the lady of that name. Madam Nixon died at Ballygally, and for many years it was said that she haunted the castle, walking about the passages at night, attired in a silk dress, and amusing herself by knocking at the doors of the different rooms. Latterly, the old lady has not been heard of at Ballygally." She d. intestate, admon. granted 30 July, 1789, to her niece Margaret McCuUoch, otherwise Shaw, of Antrim, widow. Andrew Nixon, by his first wife, Martha Kitchenham, left four children : —

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, two wells keep the names of two widows who lived at Ballygally Castle. Andrew Nixon died suddenly on the 3rd of November, 1757, intestate, greatly lamented by all who knew him. He left four children from his first wife, all minors. His widow, Mary Nixon, soon fell into a long legal struggle with the Reverend Adam Nixon, who had entered a recognizance of 800 pounds to act as the children's guardian. She filed several bills against him and her stepchildren, and published a notice in the Belfast Newsletter on the 3rd of November, 1758, demanding that all her late husband's accounts be furnished to her. After Andrew Nixon's death, Mrs. Nixon went to live at Ballygally Castle with her sister, who had married Henry Shaw of Ballygally. Her sister, Lady Slane, was also a widow, and both women were without children. An addition to the house was built and called Madam Nixon's room. The Reverend Classon Porter wrote that the names of Lady Slane and Madam Nixon are still associated with Ballygally in another way. A few perches outside the entrance to the castle there was once a well called My Lady's Well, in honour of Lady Slane. At the foot of Ballygally Hill there still stood another well, called Madam Nixon's Well. Madam Nixon died at Ballygally. For many years it was said that she haunted the castle, walking the passages at night in a silk dress, knocking at the doors of the different rooms. Latterly, the old lady has not been heard of. She died intestate, and administration was granted on the 30th of July, 1789, to her niece Margaret McCulloch, otherwise Shaw, a widow of Antrim.

29. Mezzotint portrait of French in National Portrait Gallery, Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    The only memorial of Humphrey French noted by Sir John Gilbert is a large mezzotint portrait inscribed 'The Good Lord Mayor.' A copy resides in the National Portrait Gallery in Dublin, while another belonged to the Rev. William Reynell.

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    The only memorial of him, says Sir John Gilbert in his HiMory of Dublin, is a large mezzotint portrait inscribed — " The Good Lord Mayor." A copy of this is in the National Portrait Gallery, Dublin ; another, from which the illustration (frontispiece) is taken, was formerlv in the possession of the late Rev. William Reynell, B.D., and now belongs to the Rev. H. B. Swanzy, who also has a small oil painting of him, said to have been in the collection of Sir Compton Domvile, at Santry Court.

    Humphrey French ni. Anne, sister of Richard Le Hunte, M.P. for Enniscorthy, 1713-47, of Thomas Le Hunte, M.P. for Wexford borough, 1735-68, and for Newtown, Co. Down, 1768, and of Francis Le Hunte, M.D. (who m. Susanna French, see p. 27), and eldest dau. of George Le Hunte, (by Alice, dau. of Colonel WilHam Legge), son of Colonel George Le Hunte, M.P. for Cashel 1661. He d. intestate, leaving considerable property,* but it seems to have disappeared, as his son Robert was in 1753 in great want of money. He had five sons and three daus : —

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    In Dublin, the National Portrait Gallery holds a large mezzotint portrait of Humphrey French, inscribed with the words, The Good Lord Mayor. Sir John Gilbert, in his History of Dublin, says it is the only memorial of him. Another copy, from which a frontispiece illustration was taken, belonged to the late Reverend William Reynell, and now belongs to the Reverend H. B. Swanzy, who also has a small oil painting of French, said to have come from the collection of Sir Compton Domvile at Santry Court. French married Anne, sister of Richard Le Hunte, member of parliament for Enniscorthy from 1713 to 1747, of Thomas Le Hunte, member for Wexford borough from 1735 to 1768 and for Newtown, County Down, in 1768, and of Francis Le Hunte, a doctor of medicine. Anne was the eldest daughter of George Le Hunte, by Alice, daughter of Colonel William Legge, and granddaughter of Colonel George Le Hunte, member for Cashel in 1661. French died intestate, leaving considerable property, but it seems to have disappeared. His son Robert was in 1753 in great want of money. He had five sons and three daughters.

30. Robert French robbed at Newtown, Drumully, during 1641 rebellion

    Newtown · townland · Fermanagh · 1641–1642

    Robert French, legatee of his father Richard French in 1637, was living at Newtown in the parish of Drumully, Co. Fermanagh, during the 1641 rebellion. His deposition, sworn 12 March 1642, states he was robbed of his goods and that he and his wife were despoiled of all their possessions and forced to flee to Dublin.

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    that about 24 October, 1641 he was robbed of his goods. He and his wife were despoiled of all their possessons, and had to fly to Dublin.

    Richard French married a second time, and after his death his wife, Susanna, married 2nd, John Anderson (see deposition below) His will, dated May, 1637, was proved, April, 1638. He mentions besides his brother-in-law, John Warren, and his grandchild, Thomasina, wife of Daniel Browne, three children of his second marriage, viz. : — II. Richard French.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Robert French was living when the rebellion broke out. His father Richard had named him in a will dated May 1637, proved April 1638. About 24 October 1641, Robert was robbed of his goods. He and his wife were despoiled of all their possessions and had to fly to Dublin. His deposition was sworn on 12 March 1642. Richard French had married a second time. After his death his widow Susanna married John Anderson.

31. Glebe house built at Clontibret, 1742

    Clontibret · townland · Monaghan · 1742

    The Rev. Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontibret (collated 1741) and formerly Curate of Clones, built the present glebe house of Clontibret in 1742. He inherited and acquired considerable property in Co. Fermanagh which descended to his nephew Alexander Nixon of Nixon Hall.

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    I. Adam Nixon (Rev.), M.A., Vicar of Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, collated 29 Dec, 1741, formerly Curate of Clones, b. at Kingstown Co. Fermanagh, son of Thomas, generosi entered Trinity College, Dublin, 1 Feb., 1713-4, Scholar, 1716, B.A., 1718, M.A., 1721. The Rev. Adam Nixon built the present glebe house of Clontibret in 1742. *f[ He inherited and acquired considerable property in Co. Fermanagh, which descended to his nephew, Alexander Nixon, of Nixon Hall. Mr. Nixon never married, but his niece, afterwards Mrs. Swanzy, lived with him (for an incident in connection with this, see p. 99). His will, codicil, dated 29 May, 1767, was proved 4 Dec, 1767, see Appendix III., p. 170.

    * The Matriculatiou entry, T.C.D., of his son Andrew, describes Thomas Nixon as " Leutenantis."

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the Reverend Adam Nixon built the glebe house of Clontibret in 1742. He was collated Vicar of Clontibret on 29 December 1741, and before that served as Curate of Clones. Born at Kingstown in County Fermanagh, son of Thomas Nixon, he entered Trinity College Dublin in 1714, became Scholar in 1716, and took his bachelor's degree in 1718 and his master's in 1721. He never married, but his niece, later Mrs Swanzy, lived with him. He inherited and acquired considerable property in County Fermanagh, which descended to his nephew Alexander Nixon of Nixon Hall. His will, with a codicil dated 29 May 1767, was proved 4 December 1767.

32. Lord Mayor French's personal visits to Dublin markets and prisons

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1733

    As Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1733, Humphry French personally visited markets, baker-shops, and prisons to ensure justice and proper administration. His charity to the poor and vigilant care of the markets were praised by citizens and the Chief Baron.

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    " N.B. — We have received four very good Pieces from Dublin, in praise of their late active Lord Mayor, Humphry French, Esq. ; who used very frequently to visit the Markets, Bakers-Shops, Prisons, &c. in Person ; but not having room for more than one, we prefer the

    11

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1733. Humphry French was Lord Mayor, and he did not leave the work to others. He went himself to the markets, the bakers' shops, and the prisons. People wrote in praise of him for it, calling him their late active Lord Mayor. He saw things with his own eyes, and the city felt the difference.

33. Marriage at the Enery seat of Bawnboy

    Bawnboy · townland · Cavan · 1743

    In 1743, Anne Enery was married at her father John Enery's seat at Bawnboy to Cosby Nesbitt of Lismore. The event was recorded in Pue's Occurrences, noting Nesbitt's substantial real estate.

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    ANNE ENERY, w. settlements dated 17 Sept., 174^, Cosby Nesbitt, of Liamore, Co. Cavan, M.P. Cavan borough, 1750-67, High Sherifi Co. Cavan 1764, J.P. Co. Cavan, 9 Nov., 1745, sou of Thomas Nesbitt, of Liamore, M.P. Cavan borough 1715-50, High Sheriff 1720, by Jane, dau. and heir of Colonel Arnold Cosby, of Lismore, High Sheriff Co. Cavan 1718. Pue's Occurrences for Sept. 24, 1743, announces : — " This Week Miss Enery was married at her Father's, John Enery, Esqr's Seat, at Bawnboy in the County of Cavan to Cosby Nesbitt of Lismore, in the said County, Esq., a Gentleman of 1200^. per ann. real estate, and of an unblemished Character. And she is a beautiful young Lady of fine Accomphshments and 7000/. Fortune." Cosby Nesbitt's will, dated 28 Nov., 1777, was proved 27 July, 1791. His wife, who was a legatee of the Rev. Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontibret, in 1767, as " Mrs. Ann Nesbit, my Niece of Lismore," was buried at Kilmore, 8 June, 1775, she had at least nine children : —

    I. THOMAS, of whom presently.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1743, a marriage took place that the Dublin press thought worth printing. Anne Enery, daughter of John Enery, was married at her father's seat at Bawnboy to Cosby Nesbitt of Lismore. Pue's Occurrences announced it on the 24th of September that year. The paper called Nesbitt a gentleman of 1,200 per annum real estate and an unblemished character. It called Anne a beautiful young lady of fine accomplishments with a 7,000 fortune. Nesbitt was the son of Thomas Nesbitt of Lismore, who had been Member of Parliament for Cavan borough from 1715 to 1750 and High Sheriff in 1720. His mother was Jane, daughter and heir of Colonel Arnold Cosby of Lismore, High Sheriff of Cavan in 1718. Cosby Nesbitt himself later served as MP for Cavan borough from 1750 to 1767 and as High Sheriff in 1764. Anne was buried at Kilmore on the 8th of June 1775. They had at least nine children.

34. Nesbitt family represented Cavan in Parliament 84 years

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1768–1799

    The Nesbitt family represented Cavan borough in Parliament consecutively for 84 years. Thomas Nesbitt served as M.P. for Cavan from 1768 to 1799.

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    THOMAS NESBITT, of Lismore, Colonel in the army (Cornet in Yorke's Regt.,Oct.,1761), M.P. Cavan borough,1768-99, J.P. Co. Cavan, High Sheriff 1769, m. Feb., 1768, Louisa, youngest dau. of John Daniel De Gennes, Colonel of Read's Dragoons, of Portarlington, and of Dinant, Brittany, " an amiable young Lady, with 30,000/. for fortune," {The Public Gazetteer). Colonel Nesbitt, whose family had represented Cavan in Parliament consecutively for 84 years, (^. Dec, 1820, ha\-ing had by his wife, who was buried at Kilmore, 16 Jan., 1803, five sons and a dau. : —

    I. Cosby Nesbitt, of Lismore, J.P., D.L., Co. Cavan, High Sheriff 1798, Major Cavan Militia, B.A., T.C.D. 1790, entered Lincoln's Inns, London, 23 Sept., 1789, app. J.P. 28 Nov., 1809, 6. 20 Nov. 1769, m. Elizabeth Hancox, and d.s.p. 19 July, 1837.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Cavan is the town the road passes through. The Nesbitt family represented this borough in Parliament consecutively for 84 years. Thomas Nesbitt of Lismore, a Colonel in the army, served as M.P. from 1768 to 1799. He was High Sheriff of the county in 1769. In February 1768 he married Louisa, youngest daughter of John Daniel De Gennes, a Colonel of Read's Dragoons from Portarlington and Dinant in Brittany. The Public Gazetteer called her "an amiable young Lady, with 30,000 for fortune." Thomas and Louisa had five sons and a daughter. Louisa was buried at Kilmore on 16 January 1803. Thomas died in December 1820. Their eldest son Cosby served as High Sheriff in 1798 and was a Major in the local militia.

35. Nixon preaches near Castlebellingham after the Boyne

    Castlebellingham · town · Louth · 1690

    Colonel Thomas Bellingham's diary for 1690 records that on 27 July, shortly after the Battle of the Boyne, 'Mr. Nixon gave us a very good sermon' at Castlebellingham. Adam Nixon may have acted as chaplain to William III in the neighbourhood around that time.

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    § Information from the late Rev. W. Reynell, B.D. Hughes' History of St. Werbitrgh''s, p. 76, says that Adam Nixon became Archdeacon of Clogher in 1706, probably an error for Chancellor. There is a tradition that a member of the family was private chaplain to William III., No proof seems to be forthcoming of this, but Adam Nixon appears to have been officiating in Co. Louth just after the battle of the Boyne. The diary of Colonel Thomas Bellingham, of Castlebellingham, for the year 1690, belongs to the present Sir Henry Bellingham, and has been pubhshed in the County Louth Archaeological Journal for July, 1905, pp. 48-60. He describes the battle on July 1st, and on the 27th he writes " Very hott, Mr. Nixon gave us a very good sermon." Nixon seems thus to have been in the neighbourhood about the time of the battle, and may have acted as chaplain to the king.

    II Deed. No. 1823, Registry of Deeds, King's Inns, Dublin.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Castlebellingham in Louth. On 27 July 1690, days after the Battle of the Boyne, Colonel Thomas Bellingham wrote in his diary that Mr Nixon gave a very good sermon here. Adam Nixon may have acted as chaplain to William III in the neighbourhood around that time.

36. Sale of Manor of Mountfield to clear debts

    near Mountfield · population centre · Tyrone · 1755

    In December 1755, the widower James Tisdall and his two minor children petitioned the Irish House of Commons for leave to bring in a bill for the sale of the Manor of Mountfield in Co. Tyrone, in order to discharge debts and encumbrances on the estate inherited from Rose MacCausland.

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    JAMES TISDALL, of Bawn, High Sherifi Co. Tyrone, 1754, J.P. Co. Louth, 11 May, 1759, Barrister-at-law, Trinity Term, 1745, m. 1747, Rose, only dau. and heiress of Oliver MacCausland, of Mountfield, Strabane, by Rachel, dau. of James Hamilton, of Hamilton's Grove, Co. Antrim. She d. before 13 Dec, 1755, on which date her widower and her two children, James and Rachel, minors, presented a petition to the Irish House of Commons praying " that the heads of a bill may be brought in, for the sale of the Manor of Mountfield in the county of Tyrone, in order to discharge debts and incmnbrances." Leave to bring in the heads of the bill was granted three days later. James Tisdall had issue : —

    I. JAMES, his heir.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Mountfield, in County Tyrone, was once the seat of the MacCausland family. Rose MacCausland was the only daughter and heiress of Oliver MacCausland of Mountfield. In 1747 she married James Tisdall of Bawn, a barrister who served as High Sheriff of Tyrone in 1754. Through Rose, the estate came to the Tisdall family. But Rose died before the 13th of December 1755, leaving two young children, James and Rachel, both still minors. On that date, her widower and her two children presented a petition to the Irish House of Commons praying that the heads of a bill might be brought in for the sale of the Manor of Mountfield in County Tyrone, in order to discharge debts and encumbrances on the estate. Leave to bring in the heads of the bill was granted three days later.

37. Thomas Nixon, freeholder of Kingstown, Fermanagh

    Kingstown · townland · Fermanagh · 1718–1736

    Thomas Nixon of Kingstown, Co. Fermanagh, a Quarter Master in William III's army, was described in 1718–19 as a man of considerable estimation and a freeholder in the Barony of Mageristaffanagh. He was on the roll for High Sheriff of Co. Fermanagh in 1736.

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    The third son of George Nixon of Granshagh (p. 46), was : — THOMAS NIXON, of Kingstown, Co. Fermanagh, on roll for High Sheriff, Co. Fermanagh, 1736, Quarter Master in the army of William III.,* who is described in the Betham-Phillips manuscript, 1718-19, as " a forward man of considerable estimation in ye commonwealth, and freehoulder in ye Barony of Mageristaffanagh." He m. 1st, Lucy Percy, said to be of the Northumberland family,^ by whom he had issue. By his second wife, Jane,:j; he seems to have had no issue, and he m. 3rd,

    marriage articles § dated 16 Aug., 1735, Mary, widow of Borough,

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lived Thomas Nixon. He was the third son of George Nixon of Granshagh, and served as Quarter Master in the army of William III. A manuscript of 1718 and 1719 describes him as "a forward man of considerable estimation in ye commonwealth, and freehoulder in ye Barony of Mageristaffanagh." In 1736 he was on the roll for High Sheriff of Fermanagh. He married first Lucy Percy, said to be of the Northumberland family, and they had issue. His second wife, Jane, gave him no issue. Marriage articles dated 16 August 1735 record his third wife, Mary, widow of Borough.

38. Burial of Alderman Humphrey French at St. Michael's Church, Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1736

    Humphrey French, a highly regarded Dublin alderman and former lord mayor, was interred at St. Michael's Church in 1736 with a funeral sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Owen. He was lamented as one of the best magistrates the city had ever known.

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    is universally lamented, being one of the best Magistrates that ever any City was blest with." He was buried on the 16th. " Saturday last the Corps of Humphry French, Esq., was decently Inter'd in St. Michael's Church, where an Excellent Funeral Sermon was Preached by the Eev. Dr. Owen." {Pue, 19 Oct.). The Gentleman's Magazine (which erroneously gives the date of death as the 18th) states that Alderman French had been chosen M.P. for Dublin " without a Penny Bxpence, that City having resolved not to be treated on these Occasions." The next number of the same magazine, Nov., 1736, publishes the following : —

    To the Memory of the Ink. Alderman FRENCH of D^Mtn.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1736. Alderman Humphrey French was buried at St. Michael's Church on the 16th. He had been a lord mayor of the city, and was universally lamented as one of the best magistrates any city had ever been blessed with. The Reverend Dr. Owen preached the funeral sermon. He had been chosen as member of parliament for Dublin without a penny of expense, the city having resolved not to be treated on these occasions. The Gentleman's Magazine gave his date of death wrongly as the 18th. The following month, November 1736, they published a tribute to his memory.

39. Kilmore church: Nesbitt family baptisms and burial

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1776–1803

    Kilmore served as the parish church for the Nesbitt family of Lismore, where several children were baptised between 1776 and 1781 and where Louisa Nesbitt was buried in January 1803.

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    THOMAS NESBITT, of Lismore, Colonel in the army (Cornet in Yorke's Regt.,Oct.,1761), M.P. Cavan borough,1768-99, J.P. Co. Cavan, High Sheriff 1769, m. Feb., 1768, Louisa, youngest dau. of John Daniel De Gennes, Colonel of Read's Dragoons, of Portarlington, and of Dinant, Brittany, " an amiable young Lady, with 30,000/. for fortune," {The Public Gazetteer). Colonel Nesbitt, whose family had represented Cavan in Parliament consecutively for 84 years, (^. Dec, 1820, ha\-ing had by his wife, who was buried at Kilmore, 16 Jan., 1803, five sons and a dau. : —

    I. Cosby Nesbitt, of Lismore, J.P., D.L., Co. Cavan, High Sheriff 1798, Major Cavan Militia, B.A., T.C.D. 1790, entered Lincoln's Inns, London, 23 Sept., 1789, app. J.P. 28 Nov., 1809, 6. 20 Nov. 1769, m. Elizabeth Hancox, and d.s.p. 19 July, 1837.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore stands the church that served the Nesbitt family of Lismore. Thomas Nesbitt, colonel in the army and member of Parliament for Cavan borough from 1768 to 1799, married Louisa in February 1768. She was the youngest daughter of John Daniel De Gennes, a colonel of Read's Dragoons, of Portarlington and of Dinant in Brittany. The papers called her an amiable young Lady, with 30,000 for fortune. The Nesbitt family had represented Cavan in Parliament consecutively for 84 years. Thomas and Louisa had five sons and a daughter. Their first son, Cosby, was born the 20th of November 1769. Louisa was buried at this church on the 16th of January 1803. Thomas himself died in December 1820.

40. Lands of Culkey and neighbouring townlands leased to Nixon family

    Culky · townland · Fermanagh · 1661–1685

    In 1685, Ferdinando Davies of Lisgoole filed a Chancery bill revealing that Isabell Nixon, widow, held lands at Culkey, Mullanollough, Lackagh, Anagh, Grangemore, Grangebegg, and Clonbonagh under a lease from the Earl and Countess of Huntingdon to Adam Nixon dated 11 March 1661 for 21 years.

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    On 31 Oct., 1685, Ferdinando Davies, of Lisgoole, Co. Fermanagh, filed a bill in the Court of Chancery against Jason Hassard and Isabell Nixon. The plaintiff stated " that Isabell Nixon, widdow, was tenant of ye lands of Culkey, Mullanollough, Lackagh, Anagh, Grangemore, Grangebegg, and Clonbonagh in ye said county by virtue of a lease from the Earl and Countess of Huntingdon to one Adam Nixon, dated 11 March, 1661, for 21 years." Isabell Nixon, in her answer, dated 21 April, 1686, says that her late husband, Adam Nixon, " dyed in or about the tenth day of November, 1669," and that administration was granted in the Const. Court of Clogher 25 Nov., 1669. She was his administratrix and entered into his estates. She mentions George Nixon. Adam probably died later than the 10th, for he was buried at Enniskillen, 18 Nov., 1669. According to the pedigree in Burke's Landed Gentry, 1863, Adam Nixon was father of George, who was the undoubted ancestor of the families we now proceed to trace.

    * Report of Historical 3ISS. Comm. on the Marquis of Ormonde's MSS., Vol. II. p. 83. 1899.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the lands of Culkey and its neighbouring places were held by the Nixon family under a lease from the Earl and Countess of Huntingdon. The lease was granted to Adam Nixon on the 11th of March, 1661, for 21 years, and covered Culkey, Mullanollough, Lackagh, Anagh, Grangemore, Grangebegg, and Clonbonagh, all in County Fermanagh. Adam Nixon died in or about the 10th of November, 1669, and was buried at Enniskillen on the 18th of November that same year. Administration was granted in the Consistory Court of Clogher on the 25th of November, 1669. His widow, Isabell Nixon, became his administratrix and entered into his estates. On the 31st of October, 1685, Ferdinando Davies of Lisgoole filed a bill in the Court of Chancery against Jason Hassard and Isabell Nixon, setting out her hold on these lands. In her answer, dated the 21st of April, 1686, Isabell named George Nixon. According to the pedigree in Burke's Landed Gentry of 1863, Adam Nixon was father of George, the undoubted ancestor of the families that followed.

41. Alexander Nixon of Mullymesker, principal heir and executor

    Mullymesker · townland · Fermanagh · 1767

    Rev. Adam Nixon named his nephew Alexander Nixon of Mullymesker, County Fermanagh, as sole executor and residuary legatee, bequeathing him all real and personal estate not otherwise disposed of, comprising extensive lands across three Fermanagh parishes.

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    In the Name of God, Amen, I Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontubrett, in the Coy of Monaghan do make this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made and first I commit my soul to God and my desire is that my Body be bury'd in the most private and decent manner at the Expense of my Executor hereinafter mentioned, and as to such Worldly Estate with which it has pleased God to bless me I give, devise, and bequeath the same in manner following Subject nevertheless to the payment of all such Debts as I shall owe at the time of my death and to such Pecuniary Legacys as I shall hereby devise and bequeath, that is to say I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved Brother Andrew Nixon of Belturbet in the County of Cavan and his Family the sum of three thousand pounds to be disposed of Among them as shall seem convenient and agreeable to him which sum is to be paid him by my Executor hereinafter mentioned out of my real and Personal Estate as I shall be seized of or Intitled unto at the time of my death he paying or allowing my Executor out of said Legacy what sum or sums I became security for him to several Persons at his instance and request and for which sums he gave me particular Indemnity and which sums amouilt to one thousand four hundred pounds besides the interest due thereon and also I leave and bequeath him what Plate I dye possessed of. my Gold Watch and what Books of Divinity he choses of mine. I leave and bequeath to my Nephew Alexander Nixon of MuUimesker in the county of Fermanagh Esquire all my real and Personal Estate I dye possessed off and not hereby otherwise disposed of to wit the lands of Drumbelin and Agharusky with their subdenomi nations in the Parish of Clones, the lands of Ringvilly, Killroot, Agharuskymore and Agharuskybegg, Lisnashelledy my Moiety of it, my Interest in the fourth part of Manor Highgate which I purchased from the Rev*i Mr, Frederick Usher and his wife Mrs. Martha Usher, all in the parish of DrumuUy also the lands of Killmore, Bunnaheskew and Derryhallahan in the parish of Aghalurcher as I best recollect and near Lough Earn and all in the County of Fermanagh. I give and bequeath to my brother George Nixon's Widow ten pounds, and to her three Daughters, to wit, Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Higginbotham, and Mrs. Hazard ten pounds each, to my niece Jane Hazard of Gardenhill ten pounds, to Mrs. Ann Nesbitt my Niece of Lismore ten pounds, to my Nephews Thomas and Richard Young ten pounds each, to my niece Herkness ten pounds, to my Cozen William Nixon of Mullaghdufi two hundred pounds after he pays my Exors the sum he owes me which I cant at present possitively say how much it amounts to. I give and bequeath to Redmond Kane, Attorney, ten pounds, to Mrs. Margaret Beatty, Wife of Mr. James Beatty of Clones, five pounds, to Mr. James Swanzy of Avelreagh five pounds, to my Niece Ann Swanzy and her Husband Henry Swanzy

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Mullymesker, Alexander Nixon lived, the man his uncle chose to carry everything that remained. In 1767, the Reverend Adam Nixon, Vicar of Clontubrett in County Monaghan, made his last will and testament. He named his nephew Alexander Nixon as his executor, and left him all real and personal estate not otherwise disposed of. That estate was vast. It spread across three Fermanagh parishes. In the parish of Clones, the lands of Drumbelin and Agharusky with their subdenominations. In the parish of Drummully, the lands of Ringvilly, Killroot, Agharuskymore and Agharuskybegg, Lisnashelledy, and his interest in the fourth part of Manor Highgate, which he had purchased from the Reverend Frederick Usher and his wife Martha Usher. In the parish of Aghalurcher, the lands of Killmore, Bunnaheskew and Derryhallahan, near Lough Erne. Adam Nixon did not leave everything to Alexander without attending to others first. He left his brother Andrew Nixon of Belturbet three thousand pounds, less one thousand four hundred pounds Andrew owed him. He left Andrew his plate, his gold watch, and such books of divinity as he chose. He left ten pounds each to his brother George Nixon's widow and her three daughters, Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Higginbotham, and Mrs. Hazard. He left ten pounds to his niece Jane Hazard, to Mrs. Ann Nesbitt, to his nephews Thomas and Richard Young, to his niece Herkness. He left two hundred pounds to his cousin William Nixon of Mullaghduff. He left smaller sums to Redmond Kane, Margaret Beatty, James Swanzy, and his niece Ann Swanzy and her husband Henry Swanzy. What was left after all of that, the land and everything on it, went to Alexander.

42. Andrew Nixon, Barrack Master of Ballyshannon

    Ballyshannon · town · Donegal · 1754

    Andrew Nixon of Cavan served as Barrack Master of Ballyshannon and was also clerk to his relative Cosby Nesbitt, M.P., who was Collector of Cavan. His marriage to the Widow Crawford of Hamilton's Grove was reported in the Belfast Newsletter in 1754.

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    t " Dublin, 5 November — Last Week was married Andrew Nixon, Esq.. in the county of Cavan, Barrack Master of Ballyshannon, to the Widow Crawford, of Hamilton's Grove, a Lady of Distinguished Merit and a large Fortune." {^Belfast Newsletter, 8 Nov., 1754).

    I Exchequer Bill, 25 May, 1759, Mary Nixon, otherwise Crawford, otherwise Hamilton v. Ann Mervyn, the Rev. Adam Nixon, and others.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Ballyshannon, Donegal. Andrew Nixon of Cavan was Barrack Master of the town and clerk to his relative Cosby Nesbitt, member of Parliament and Collector of Cavan. In 1754 the Belfast Newsletter reported his marriage to the Widow Crawford of Hamilton's Grove, "a Lady of Distinguished Merit and a large Fortune." In 1759 an Exchequer Bill named Mary Nixon against Ann Mervyn, Adam Nixon.

43. Ballintate residence of Capt. Walter Synnot

    Ballintate · townland · Armagh · 1836–1851

    Ballintate in Co. Armagh was the residence of Capt. Walter Synnot of the 89th Regiment, second son of Sir Walter Synnot of Ballymoyer. He married Mary Jane Mather in 1836 and died 31 December 1851.

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    Mary Jane Mather, m. 1st, as his third wife, 8 April, 1836, Capt. Walter Synnot, 89th Regt., of Ballintate, Co. Armagh, 2nd son of Sir Walter Synnot, of Ballymoyer, Co. Armagh, High Sheriff, Co. Armagh, 1783, by Jane,* 2nd dau. of John Seton, of Camberwell, Surrey. Capt. Sjrnnot d. 31 Dec, 1851, lea^^lng no issue by this marriage, and she m, 2nd, Charles Macarthur, second son of Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur, of the Vineyard, Paramatta, N.S.W., Member of Parliament in Australia, by Anna Maria, dau. of Capt. Philip Gidley King, R.N., Governor of New South Wales. She d. 1889, having had by her second husband, who d. 13 Dec, 1871, two children : —

    (1.) Charles Walter William Macarthur, m. 8 Nov., 1881, Minna Catherine Eliza, eldest dau. of the Rev. Septimus Hungerford, Incumbent of St. Thomas's, Enfield, Sydney, son of Capt. Emmanuel Hungerford, South Cork Militia. Mr. Macarthur d.s.p. and his widow m. 2nd, 24 Oct., 1894, Francis William Hales, son of the Ven. Francis Hales, Archdeacon of Launceston, Tasmania.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here was Ballintate, the residence of Captain Walter Synnot of the 89th Regiment. He was the second son of Sir Walter Synnot of Ballymoyer, County Armagh, who served as High Sheriff of County Armagh in 1783. His mother was Jane, second daughter of John Seton of Camberwell, Surrey. On the 8th of April, 1836, Captain Synnot married Mary Jane Mather. She was his third wife. He died on the 31st of December, 1851, leaving no issue from this marriage. Mary Jane then married Charles Macarthur, second son of Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur of the Vineyard, Parramatta, New South Wales, a Member of Parliament in Australia. Charles's mother was Anna Maria, daughter of Captain Philip Gidley King of the Royal Navy, Governor of New South Wales. Mary Jane died in 1889, having had two children by her second husband, who died on the 13th of December, 1871.

44. Benning's vicarage at Rathmolyon and burial customs

    Rathmolyon · town · Meath · 1778–1823

    Conway Benning was instituted to the Vicarage of Rathmolyon, diocese of Meath, on March 7, 1778, holding it for life. He directed burial beside his wife on the eastern side of the churchyard as a protest against Catholic beliefs about Purgatory; subsequent church enlargement means their remains now lie in the aisle, with a mural tablet in the north transept.

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    It is clear that he followed the fashion of his day in being non-resident, keeping a curate at Rathmolyon, while he himself lived chiefly at Kilroot, a place about 2i miles from Carrickfergus, on Belfast Lough. His name only occurs ten times in his parish register us performing occasional duties between 1815 and 1821. He d. 30 March (Easter Day), 1823, in his 86th year, and was buried at Rathmolyon. He left directions that he should lie beside his wife, whom he had caused to be buried

    108

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Conway Benning held the vicarage of Rathmolyon from 1778. He was non-resident, keeping a curate there. His name appears 10 times in the parish register between 1815 and 1821. He died 30 March 1823, Easter Day, in his 86th year. He left directions to lie beside his wife, whom he had caused to be buried on the eastern side of the churchyard as a protest against Catholic beliefs about Purgatory. Their remains now lie in the aisle, with a mural tablet in the north transept.

45. Church of Belturbet and Church Park fields in Nixon will

    Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1773

    The 1773 will of Rev. Andrew Nixon, a clergyman resident in Belturbet, bequeaths leases including fields behind the Church of Belturbet known as the Church Park to his son Adam. The will reveals the extent of Nixon's property holdings in and around the town of Belturbet.

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    in trust for my Daughter Frances Nixon to be laid out for her use by her Mother or her Mother's Executors provided the said Frances lives in the place and manner . . appointed by her Mother etc., and does not marry without the consent of her Mother or her Mother's Executors, if she refuses to so live or marries without consent said annuity to go to my son Humphrey. I give to my Wife sixty pounds a year out of the said lands in trust for my Daughter Barbara Nixon till she marries with consent, when annuity shall cease she shall be paid one thousand pounds by my son Humphrey ; if she marry without consent of her Mother or her Mother's Executors, eight hundred pounds of that sum I bequeath in equal portions to my four sans, Humphrey, Mathew, Adam, and George ... I give and bequeath to said Humphrey my Estate of Drummaraght & Tunivilly, in the County of Fermanagh, my lease of Ardens and Gartbratan, my Lease of Gartaquills my Lease of Drembarlems with all my Leases in and about Redhills which I hold from the family of Whites, . . . also all debts due to me by Bonds, notes or otherwise, except the bond of one hundred pounds due to me by Jno. Enery, Esqr. . . . also d;ll the money that shall arise from the sale of my stock of every kind, except that which may be upon the Lands which I leave to my son George, also my household furniture, Postchaise and all other Effects of mine, except what are herein Otherwise bequeathed. I leave to my said Wife three hundred pounds in trust for my Daughter Ann Nixon, otherwise Swanzy, for her sole use ... I give and bequeath to my son Mathew my Lease of Nane Island, my Lease of Bogesky, my Lease of Drena, my Lease of Killyclohan, and the sum he was to pay on getting possession of the above I give up and forgive, I also leave the hundred pounds due to me by Bond by John Enery, of Bawnboy, Esq'", to said Mathew. I bequeath to my son Adam my Lease of Killmore . . . my Lease of the fields behind the Church of Belturbet called the Church Park, and four hundred pounds to be paid him by ray son Humphrey. I bequeath to my son George my Lease of Lurgan, Carraghkiel, Currahmore and Drung, and my Lease in Strahegland and Kilcunny with all Stock that may be in any of said Lands, and all rent due thereon, subject nevertheless to two hundred pounds to be paid to his Mother for the use of Mrs. Swanzy, the other hundred pounds left to said Mrs.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Belturbet, in County Cavan, is a town with a clergyman's shadow still in it. In 1773, the Reverend Andrew Nixon, a resident of the town, made his will, and it laid out everything he held. He had leases across Fermanagh and Cavan, houses, stock, furniture, a postchaise, and bonds of money owed to him. He divided it among his wife, his four sons, and his three daughters. To his son Adam, he left the lease of Killmore, the lease of the fields behind the Church of Belturbet, known as the Church Park, and 400 pounds to be paid by his brother Humphrey. To Humphrey, he left the estate of Drummaraght and Tunivilly in Fermanagh, leases at Ardens, Gartbratan, Gartaquills, Drembarlems, and all his leases around Redhills held from the family of Whites. To Mathew, he left Nane Island, Bogesky, Drena, Killyclohan, and forgave what Mathew owed for them. He also left Mathew the 100 pounds due by bond from John Enery of Bawnboy. To George, he left Lurgan, Carraghkiel, Currahumore, Drung, Strahegland, and Kilcunny, with all stock and rent on those lands. His daughters Frances, Barbara, and Ann were provided for through annuities held in trust by their mother, with conditions. If Frances married without her mother's consent, her annuity went to Humphrey. If Barbara married without consent, 800 pounds of her thousand was split among the four sons. Ann, called Mrs. Swanzy, received 300 pounds for her own use.

46. Enniskillen garrison supplied by Mathew French

    near Enniskillen · town · Fermanagh · 1689–1690

    Mathew French supplied the garrison of Enniskillen with powder and ball during the Williamite war, making him obnoxious to the Irish. Much of his property was destroyed by the Irish in his absence while he was a refugee in England.

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    MATHEW FRENCH, of Dublin and Belturbet, merchant, who was bapt. at St. Catherine's, Dublin, 3 March, 1647, and m. by licence, dated 17 Aug., 1673, Maxy, 2nd dau. of Robert Meade, of Dublin. For notice of her family see Appendix VIT. Mary French on 10 Nov., 1710, filed a BUI in the Court of Chancery against the family of her sister's husband, Thomas Howard, which Bill is rehearsed in another, dated 2 Nov., 17 15, Rev. Mathew French, (their son) v. Richard Roche and Mary his wife. In the Bill of 1710 Mrs. French stated that " the late warr or Rebellion in this Kingdom becoming terrible to the Protestants " Mathew French, his wife and family, and the above Thomas Howard, " were for their safety forced with other Protestants to fly for England, where they continued untill this Kingdom was afterwards reduced to the obedience of the Crown and Kingdom of England." His name appears in the contemporary manuscript list of refugees in T.C.D. Library " Mat. French, jun., £761 real estate." After this, the Bill continues, they " began their journey from London homewards, but the said Mathew ffrench falling sick he dyed at Chester, where your oratrix continued for some time." Much of his property had been destroyed by the Irish in his absence, he being obnoxious to them " for his haveing supplyed the garrisons of Londonderry and Iimiskillen with powder and ball against the Irish." A curious manuscript list of the sums granted to fugitive Protestants at Chester at this time is in T.C.D. Library. Mary French and her ten children were amongst those in need. They received £4 in Sept., 1689, and £3 per month till the following April. Mathew French was attainted in his absence by the ParUament of King James II. as Mathew French, junior, late of the city of Dublin, and is described in the Act as one of those who " have absented themselves from this kingdom, and have gone into England, or some other Places beyond the Seas, since the fifth day of November last, or in some short time before, and did not return, though called Home by your Majesty's gracious Proclamation." Admon. of his estate was granted in 1690, and his widow d. 12 Sept., 1715,* being buried the next day in the second vault in the Chancel

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Enniskillen in Fermanagh was a garrison during the Williamite war. Mathew French, a merchant of Dublin and Belturbet, supplied that garrison with powder and ball. He also supplied Londonderry. This made him obnoxious to the Irish. French was baptised at St Catherine's in Dublin on 3 March 1647. He married Mary, second daughter of Robert Meade of Dublin, by licence dated 17 August 1673. When the war became terrible to the Protestants, as his widow later put it in a bill filed in the Court of Chancery on 10 November 1710, Mathew French, his wife and family, and Thomas Howard were forced to flee to England with other Protestants for their safety. They stayed until the kingdom was reduced to the obedience of the Crown of England. A manuscript list of refugees in Trinity College Dublin Library records his name as Mat. French, jun., with 761 pounds in real estate. Much of his property had been destroyed by the Irish in his absence, because he had supplied the garrisons of Londonderry and Enniskillen with powder and ball against them. When they began their journey home from London, Mathew French fell sick and died at Chester. His widow Mary and her 10 children were among the fugitive Protestants at Chester. They received 4 pounds in September 1689, and 3 pounds per month until the following April. He had been attainted in his absence by the Parliament of King James II, described as one who had absented himself from the kingdom since 5 November. Administration of his estate was granted in 1690. His widow was buried on 13 September 1715.

47. Gravestone inscription at Aghavea

    Aghavea · townland · Fermanagh

    A gravestone at Aghavea, Co. Fermanagh bears an inscription commemorating Mary Nixon (third wife of Thomas Nixon), her sister Dorothea Finglass, and her grandchild Penelope, daughter of Henry Leslie of Nutfield. James Borough Leslie of Nutfield, who died 1815, was also commemorated by an inscription there.

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    II There is a stone there with this inscription: "Here lyeth Mary Nixon; her sister Dorothea Finglass ; her grandchild Penelope, daughter of Henry Leslie, esq., of Nutfield" {History of Tv:o Ulster Manors, by the Earl of Belmore, 2nd ed., 1903, p. 435). Pwe's Occarrtnces announces the marriage, on 24th Sept., 1755, of "Henry Lesly, of Nutfield, in the County of Fermanagh, Gent., to Sliss Mary Borrough of St.. Andrew's Parish." Thomas Nixon left £5 to his wife's daughter, Miss Marj' Borrogh. James Borough Leslie of Nutfield, d. 23 Feb., 1815, aged 18, and was buried in the Oliver vault, Co. Limerick, inscription at Aghavea. The Rev. Wm Finglas m. at St. Bride's, Dublin, 17 Aug., 1719, Dorothy Stogdell. He held the College living of Cappagh, Co. Tyrone, 1730-50.

    IT The details connected with this are noted at length in Clogher Grant Book, No. 5, pp. 156-166 (Public Record Office, Dublin;.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here there is a gravestone. The inscription reads: "Here lyeth Mary Nixon; her sister Dorothea Finglass; her grandchild Penelope, daughter of Henry Leslie, esq., of Nutfield." Mary Nixon was the third wife of Thomas Nixon. Thomas Nixon left £5 to his wife's daughter, Miss Mary Borrogh. Henry Lesly of Nutfield married Mary Borrough on 24 September 1755. The Reverend William Finglas married Dorothy Stogdell at St. Bride's in Dublin on 17 August 1719. He held the living of Cappagh in County Tyrone from 1730 to 1750. Another inscription at Aghavea commemorates James Borough Leslie of Nutfield, who died 23 February 1815, aged 18. He was buried in the Oliver vault in County Limerick.

48. Humphrey French chosen M.P. for Dublin without expense

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1736

    Alderman French was elected M.P. for Dublin at no cost, the city having resolved not to be treated on such occasions. The Gentleman's Magazine reported this unusual event, though it erroneously gave his date of death as the 18th.

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    is universally lamented, being one of the best Magistrates that ever any City was blest with." He was buried on the 16th. " Saturday last the Corps of Humphry French, Esq., was decently Inter'd in St. Michael's Church, where an Excellent Funeral Sermon was Preached by the Eev. Dr. Owen." {Pue, 19 Oct.). The Gentleman's Magazine (which erroneously gives the date of death as the 18th) states that Alderman French had been chosen M.P. for Dublin " without a Penny Bxpence, that City having resolved not to be treated on these Occasions." The next number of the same magazine, Nov., 1736, publishes the following : —

    To the Memory of the Ink. Alderman FRENCH of D^Mtn.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, in 1736, saw something unusual. Alderman Humphrey French was chosen M.P. for the city "without a Penny Expence," because Dublin had resolved not to be treated on such occasions. He was described as "one of the best Magistrates that ever any City was blest with," and his death was universally lamented. He was buried on the 16th at St. Michael's Church, where the Rev. Dr. Owen preached the funeral sermon. The Gentleman's Magazine reported the election but erroneously gave his date of death as the 18th.

49. John Warburton M.P. for Belturbet, attained 1689

    Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1689–1699

    John Warburton of Dublin served as M.P. for Belturbet in two parliaments (1692-93 and 1695-99) and was a Six Clerk in Chancery before resigning in 1700. He was attained in 1689, linking the Belturbet constituency to the Warburton-French family alliance.

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    MARY FRENCH, m. consistorial marr. lie. July, 1672, John Warburton, of Dublin, M.P. for Belturbet, 1692-93, and 1695-99, a Six Clerk in Chancery from 29 Sept., 1669, till his resignation in 1700, attainted 1689, third * and youngest son of Richard Warburton, of Garryhinch, King's Co., M.P. for Ballyshannon 1695-1711, by Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas L'Estrange, of Moystown, King's Co., M.P.f John Warburton made his will 29 June, 1703. It was proved in the Prerogative Court 11 Feb., 1703-4. His widow, Mary's, will, dated 17 Nov., 1727, was proved 12 April, 1729. They had (besides Mathew Warburton, bapt. at St. Nicholas Within, Dublin, 19 Jan., 1676-7, d. young ; John Warburton, buried at same, 28 April, 1687, and Ann Warburton, buried at same 17 Sept., 1687) three children : —

    I. Richard Warburton, (Rev.) entered Trin. Coll., Dublin, 22 Sept., 1691, aged 17, B.A., 1696, M.A. 1699, d. unm., admon. granted to his mother, 3 March, 1707-8,J bur. at St. Michael's, 6 Feb.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Belturbet sent a man to parliament whose name ties into one of its lasting family lines. John Warburton of Dublin married Mary French in 1672, and he sat as M.P. for Belturbet in two parliaments, 1692 to 1693 and 1695 to 1699. Before that, he had held the office of Six Clerk in Chancery since the 29th of September 1669, and he kept it until he resigned in 1700. The year 1689 brought an attainder against him. He was the third and youngest son of Richard Warburton of Garryhinch in King's County, himself an M.P. for Ballyshannon, and of Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas L'Estrange of Moystown. John made his will on the 29th of June 1703, and it was proved the following February. Mary's will followed much later, dated 1727 and proved in 1729. Their children included the Reverend Richard Warburton, who entered Trinity College Dublin in 1691, took his M.A. in 1699, and died unmarried.

50. Rev. Andrew Nixon's Belturbet Residence and Lands

    Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1710–1774

    Rev. Andrew Nixon, Vicar of Ahamplish, lived most of his life in Belturbet and acquired considerable landed property in Counties Cavan and Fermanagh before his death there in 1774.

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    THE REV. ANDREW NIXON, of Nixon Lodge (or Artonagh), Drumlane, near Belturbet, Co. Cavan, Vicar of Ahamplish, diocese of ■Elphir, 6. 1710, son of Thomas, " Leuteiiantis," educated at EnnLskillen . under Dr. Adams, entered Trinity College, Dublin, 19 June, 1726, aged 16, B.A., 1730, m., prerogative marriage licence bond 10 March, 1737, Marianne, elder dau. and co-heiress of the Rev. Matbew French, B.A., Prebendary of Kilroot, Co. Antrim,* only son of Mathew French, of Dublin, who was uncle of Humphrey French, M.P. for Dublin and Lord Mayor of that city, " the Good Lord Mayor," and 2nd son of Mathew French, of Belturbet, High Sheriff, Co. Cavan, 1677, see Part I., Family of French, p. 19. Mr. Nixon, who lived most of his life in Belturbet, acquired considerable landed property in Cos. Cava.n - and Fermanagh, some of which was purchased with money left to him by his brother, the Rev. Adam Nixon, in 1767. He d. at Belturbet, 6 Jan., 1774, and his successor, the Rev. Matthew Browne, was collated to Ahamplish the same month, in room of the Rev. Andrew Nixon, deceased. {The Public Gazetteer, 1 Feb., 1774). His will, dated 18 Dec, 1773, was proved in the Prerogative Court, 22 Jan., 1774. See Appendix IV. His widow, Marianne Nixon, d. in Grafton St., Dublin, 15 March, 1775, and her will, dated 24 Nov., 1774, was not proved till 28 Nov., 1777, by Alexander Nixon of Nixon Hall, the nephew and executor. Their descendant, the Rev. T. Erskine Swanzy, has miniatures of Andrew Nixon and his wife, dated 1761, here reproduced. The Re-sT. Andrew Nixon had issue f (besides another son Brinsley Nixon, d. intestate, admon. granted to his father, 15 April, 1765) four sons and three daus., viz. : —

    I. HUMPHREY, of whom presently, p. 86.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Belturbet was home to the Reverend Andrew Nixon for most of his life. He was the son of Thomas Nixon and was born in 1710. He was educated at Enniskillen under Dr. Adams and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 19 June 1726, at the age of 16. He took his B.A. in 1730. He became Vicar of Ahamplish, in the diocese of Elphin, and lived at Nixon Lodge, or Artonagh, at Drumlane, near Belturbet. On 10 March 1737 he married Marianne, the elder daughter and co-heiress of the Reverend Matthew French, Prebendary of Kilroot, County Antrim. Her grandfather, also Mathew French, had been High Sheriff of Cavan in 1677, and his brother Humphrey French served as M.P. for Dublin and Lord Mayor of that city, known as the Good Lord Mayor. Over the years Andrew Nixon acquired considerable landed property in Counties Cavan and Fermanagh, some of it purchased with money left to him by his brother, the Reverend Adam Nixon, in 1767. He died at Belturbet on 6 January 1774. The Public Gazetteer of 1 February 1774 recorded it. His will, dated 18 December 1773, was proved in the Prerogative Court on 22 January 1774. His successor, the Reverend Matthew Browne, was collated to Ahamplish that same month, in his room. His widow Marianne died in Grafton Street, Dublin, on 15 March 1775. Her will, dated 24 November 1774, was not proved until 28 November 1777, by Alexander Nixon of Nixon Hall, their nephew and executor. Andrew Nixon had four sons and three daughters. One son, Brinsley Nixon, died intestate, and administration was granted to his father on 15 April 1765. The eldest son was Humphrey.

51. Rev. Eccles Nixon at Laran, Co. Antrim

    near Larne · town · Antrim · 1728

    By 1728, Rev. Eccles Nixon, eldest son of Rev. Adam Nixon of Drumcrow, was living at Laran in County Antrim and was apparently not yet ordained. He is recorded there in an administration bond for his brother James Nixon's estate.

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    THE REV. ECCLES NIXON, M.A., of Drumcrow, b. there about 1696, entered Trmity College, Dublin, 17 March, 1713-4, aged 17, Scholar, 1716, B.A., 1718, M.A., 1721, m. at St. Michan's, Dublin, 25 April, 1719, Mary Conry, " a papist convert." With Mary his wife he took part in a renewal fine in the lands of Drumcrow. 19 Jan., 1724. In 1728 he was living at Laran, Co. Antrim, and was apparently not yet ordained. He was still alive in 1752, when he was mentioned in the will of his uncle, James Nixon, as " the Reverend Mr. Eccles Nixon, Clerk, my lafce brother Adam Nixon's eldest son." An Eccles Nixon was buried at St, Andrew's, Dublin, 14 Dec, 17b5, but this may have been his grandson, Eccles (son of Joseph and Anne) bapt. there 19 June, 1763. The

    * Ancestor, through another son, of the family of Eccles, of Ecclesville, Co. Tyrone.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Larne, in County Antrim. By 1728 a man named Eccles Nixon was living here, the eldest son of the Reverend Adam Nixon of Drumcrow. He had been born around 1696 and entered Trinity College Dublin at seventeen, in 1714. He made scholar in 1716, took his bachelor's degree in 1718, and his master's in 1721. In 1719 he married Mary Conry at St. Michan's in Dublin. She was described as a papist convert. He and Mary took part in a renewal fine on the lands of Drumcrow in 1724. Yet by 1728, living at Larne, he was apparently not yet ordained. He was still alive in 1752, when his uncle James Nixon's will named him as the Reverend Mr. Eccles Nixon, Clerk, his late brother Adam Nixon's eldest son.

52. Thomas Nixon free-holder in Barony of Magherastephana

    near Magherastephana · barony · Fermanagh · 1718–1719

    The 1718-19 Betham-Phillips manuscript describes Quartermaster Thomas Nixon as a free-holder in the Barony of Magherastephana, County Fermanagh, noted as a man of considerable estimation in the commonwealth.

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    " The family of Nixon are of Antiquity in ye County of fiermanagh since ye reigne of King James ye first of England, and ye sons of Mr. George Nixon is ye most remarkable of ye said family, being blesst wth 6 sons, one of them called Adam Nixon, Esqr.* a man of learning and sound judgm* — he was ChancelF in ye Diocese of Cloagher and justice of peace in this county dyed ano Xri, 1716. The next in calling and credit is Quartermaster Thomas Nixon a forward man of considerable estimation in ye commonwealth and free-houlder in ye Barony of Mageristafianagh. There is another son called Mr. Andrew Nixon, Cleark, another son called Mr. James Nixon, Gent., Attorney in his Majesty's Court of K.'s Bench in Dublin."

    The above : —

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    In the barony of Magherastephana in County Fermanagh, the Nixon family had been established in the county since the reign of King James the First. George Nixon had six sons, described as the most remarkable of the family. Among them, Quartermaster Thomas Nixon held land as a free-holder in this barony. The manuscript calls him, in its words, "a forward man of considerable estimation in the commonwealth." His brother Adam had been Chancellor in the Diocese of Clogher and a justice of the peace, and died in 1716. Another brother, Andrew, was a clerk. James Nixon served as an attorney in the King's Bench in Dublin. The record dates from 1718 to 1719.

53. University of Dublin confers honorary LL.D. on French

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1734

    In spring 1734, the University of Dublin (Trinity College) conferred upon Humphry French the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his services as Lord Mayor of Dublin.

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    The University of Dublin recognized his merits by conferring on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at' the Spring Commencements, 1734.

    Jonathan Swift seems to have regarded him not only with admiration, but with affection. Even before the time of his Mayoralty, the Dean had sounded his praises in private correspondence. As early as 15 June, 1732, Lady Catherine Jones, in a letter to Swift, added the postscript : — " Your opinion of Mr. French is just, and his due."

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1734. The University of Dublin conferred on Humphry French the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at the Spring Commencements, recognising his merits. He had served as Lord Mayor of the city. Jonathan Swift regarded him not only with admiration but with affection. Even before his mayoralty, Swift had sounded his praises in private correspondence. As early as 15 June 1732, Lady Catherine Jones wrote to Swift, adding the postscript: "Your opinion of Mr. French is just, and his due."

54. Ballyhaise estate and Colonel Newburgh's Williamite company

    Ballyhaise · town · Cavan · 1689–1705

    The Ballyhaise property descended through the Taylor family to Colonel Brockhill Newburgh, M.P. for Co. Cavan 1715–27 and High Sheriff 1705. During the Williamite war Newburgh raised an independent company for William's interest, which later became a marching regiment under General Stewart.

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    t The Ballyhaise property descended through the Taylors to Colonel Brockhill Newburgh, M.P., Co Cavan, 1715-27, and High SherifiE, 'l705. In the Williainite war he raised an independent company for William's interest, which afterwards became a marching regt.. General Stewart's. {Particulars relating to the Life and clMtacter of the late Brockhill Newburgh, Esq.; Wrote at the instance of several of his surviving Friends, 1761, T.C.D., Lib.)

    X She apparently married also, before the latter marriage. Samuel Morrison, of Dublin, Gent., whose will, dated 14 April, 1690, was proved 1691. He mentions his wife Mary, widow of French, and her sons, Mathew, Daniel, and Richard French.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Ballyhaise is a town in Cavan. The estate here passed through the Taylor family to Colonel Brockhill Newburgh. He served as High Sheriff in 1705 and sat as Member of Parliament for County Cavan from 1715 to 1727. During the Williamite war, Newburgh raised an independent company in support of William's cause. That company later became a marching regiment under General Stewart. A pamphlet published in 1761, written at the request of several of his surviving friends, preserves particulars of his life and character.

55. Forfeiting proprietors in Barony of Clogher, Co. Tyrone, 1657

    near Clogher · town · Tyrone · 1657

    Among the forfeiting proprietors in Co. Tyrone, Barony of Clogher, in 1657 were James Eskin, described as a Scotch Protestant and 'a besiedger of Derry,' and Anne Eskin, widow of Archibald Edminson. These records reflect land confiscations following the Cromwellian conquest.

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    t Ditto. Ensign Symon Askin was one of the 1649 officers, as was Lieut. David Askin (roll ii, membranes ill and 112). Capt. James Erskine was also one of the 1649 officers, (roll ii, membrane 40) and was entitled to £2076 2s. 9|d., which in 1666-7 was vested in Arthur Forbes, Esq., and Capt. Thomas Stuart, apparently as trustees. Among the forfeiting Proprietors in 1657, Co. Tyrone, Barony of Clogher, were James Eskin, a Scotch Protestant and " a besiedger of Derry," and Anne Eskin, widow of Archibald Edminson. William Areskin was appointed Quarter Master to Lord Berkeley's Troop of Horse 25 Aug., 1663, {Ormonde MSS., Vol. I, p. 281) disbanded 1672, and dead before 29 Aug., 1677. Lieut. William Ariskin, will dated 19 Nov., 1676, proved in the Irish Perog. Court 2 Jan., 1676-7, mentions his wife Elizabeth and his niece, Martha Cary, otherwise Parker. In the north of Ireland the name Erskine is frequently pronovmced Askin, Arskin or Esken by the peasantry. The compiler has to thank Mr. Erskine West for the facts given in this note.

    189

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Clogher in County Tyrone holds a record from 1657, a year when land changed hands after the Cromwellian conquest. The barony of Clogher appears on a list of forfeiting proprietors, people who lost their lands. Among them were James Eskin and Anne Eskin. James Eskin was described as a Scotch Protestant and, in the words of the record, "a besiedger of Derry." Anne Eskin was the widow of Archibald Edminson. Their names sit in the records beside others of the same family. Captain James Erskine had been one of the 1649 officers and was entitled to over 2,000 pounds, money that by 1666 and 1667 was vested in Arthur Forbes and Captain Thomas Stuart, apparently as trustees. Ensign Symon Askin and Lieutenant David Askin also served among those 1649 officers. The name Erskine was frequently pronounced Askin, Arskin, or Esken by the peasantry in the north of Ireland. These forfeitures reshaped who held the land, and the records still carry the names of those who lost it.

56. George Nixon's seat at Virginia and Lurgan Lodge

    Virginia · townland · Cavan · 1781–1805

    George Nixon, youngest son of the Rev. Andrew Nixon of Nixon Lodge, resided at Lurgan Lodge, Virginia, Co. Cavan, and the Graan, Co. Fermanagh. He served as High Sheriff of Co. Fermanagh in 1785 and as Justice of the Peace for both Cavan and Fermanagh, and died at his seat near Virginia in April 1805.

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    GEORGE NIXON, of Lurgan Lodge, Virginia, Co. Cavan, and the Graan, Co. Fermanagh, High Sheriff, Co. Fermanagh, 1785, J.P., Cos. Cavan and Fermanagh, 11 July, 1781, matriculated at Glasgow University, 1772,* M.A., 1774, m. lst,t at St. Mary's, Dublin, 14 April, 1774, Elinor, youngest dau. of Robert Beatty, of Cooluarty, Co. Longford, by Anne, dau. of Peter Metge, of Navan, Co. Meath { and aunt of Peter Metge, Baron of the Exchequer, M.P. for Boyle. She d. at Spring Park, Co. Longford,^? May, 1779, and George Nixon m. 2nd, at Enniskillen, 23 Aug., 1779, Elizabeth, only dau. of James Johnston, of Enniskillen,! I by Jane, dau. of the Rev. "W'illiam Haire, of I)erryinch,'i Co. Fermanagh. He d. "at his seat near Virginia," April, 1805, having had by his second wife, seven sons and three daus. : —

    I. Andrew Nixon, of Lurgan Lodge, Barrister-at-law, J. P., Co. Cavan, 27 April, 1805, J.P., Co. Meath. entered Trinity College, Dublin, 5 Nov., 1798, aged 16, but did not graduate, entered Gray's Inn, London, 19 May, 1808, aged 25, m. 1802, Frances Matilda, youngest dau. of the Rev. Charles Hare, D.D., F.T.C.D.. Rector of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, and niece of James Hare, M.P. for Knaresborough, and by her, who d. 28 Sept., 1867, had issue :—

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here was the seat of George Nixon of Lurgan Lodge, Virginia, County Cavan. He also held property at the Graan in County Fermanagh. He was the youngest son of the Reverend Andrew Nixon of Nixon Lodge. He served as High Sheriff of County Fermanagh in 1785 and as Justice of the Peace for both Cavan and Fermanagh from 11 July 1781. He matriculated at Glasgow University in 1772 and took his M.A. in 1774. He married first at St. Mary's, Dublin, on 14 April 1774, Elinor, youngest daughter of Robert Beatty of Cooluarty, County Longford. Her mother Anne was daughter of Peter Metge of Navan, County Meath. Elinor died at Spring Park, County Longford, in May 1779. George Nixon married second at Enniskillen on 23 August 1779, Elizabeth, only daughter of James Johnston of Enniskillen. Her mother Jane was daughter of the Reverend William Haire of Derryinch, County Fermanagh. He died at his seat near Virginia in April 1805. By his second wife he had seven sons and three daughters. The eldest, Andrew Nixon, was a barrister-at-law and Justice of the Peace for County Cavan from 27 April 1805. He entered Trinity College Dublin on 5 November 1798, aged 16, but did not graduate. He married in 1802 Frances Matilda, youngest daughter of the Reverend Charles Hare, Rector of Ballymoney, County Antrim.

57. James Tisdall purchases Bawn estate

    Bawn · townland · Louth · 1690–1851

    James Tisdall purchased the estate of Bawn in Co. Louth on 16 July 1690, establishing it as the family seat. He served as M.P. for Ardee, High Sheriff of Co. Louth, and Portreive of Ardee, and the property remained with the Tisdall family through several generations.

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    ELINOR FRENCH, m. at St. Michael's, Dub., 20 Feb., 1682-3, James Tisdall,* of Bawn, Co. Louth, M.P. for Ardee, 1692-93, 1695-99, 1703-13, and 1713-14, J.P. Co. Louth, 14 April, 1686, High Sherifi Co. Louth, 1700, Portreive of Ardee, 1697 and 1698, second son of Michael Tisdall, of Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, by Anne Singleton, his wife. James Tisdall, who purchased Bawn, 16 July, 1690, had received in 1679, confirmation of his arms from Richard St. George, Ulster, which also covered his brother Michael Tisdall, of Mount Tisdall, ancestor of the Tisdalls of Charlesfort, Co. Meath. James Tisdall d. 2 May, 1714, in his 66th year, and an inscription to his memory is in Manfieldstown Church, adjoining Bawn demesne. His will, codicil dated 30 April, 1714, was not proved till 23 Feb., 1748. He had, (with another son, Michael, who d. 9 Jan., 1702-3, inscription in Manfieldstown Church and a dau. Catherine, bapt. 1 July, 1691,f must have d. young), issue : —

    I. JAMES, his heir.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here, James Tisdall bought the estate of Bawn on 16 July 1690. He was the second son of Michael Tisdall of Castleblayney in County Monaghan, by Anne Singleton. He had married Elinor French at St. Michael's in Dublin on 20 February 1682-3, and he made Bawn the family seat. James served as M.P. for Ardee across several terms between 1692 and 1714. He was Justice of the Peace for County Louth from 14 April 1686, High Sheriff in 1700, and Portreive of Ardee in 1697 and 1698. In 1679 he had received confirmation of his arms from Richard St. George, Ulster. James died on 2 May 1714, in his 66th year. An inscription to his memory stands in Manfieldstown Church, adjoining Bawn demesne. His will's codicil was dated 30 April 1714 but not proved until 23 February 1748. He had a son Michael who died 9 January 1702-3, and a daughter Catherine, baptised 1 July 1691, who must have died young. His heir was his son James.

58. John Pringle of Caledon, agent to Hamilton and Orrery families

    near Caledon · town · Tyrone

    John Pringle of Caledon, Co. Tyrone, served as agent to the Hamilton and Orrery families. He died in 1742, and his wife Sarah, described as a lady of distinguished merit, died at Caledon in February 1777.

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    * John Pringle, of Caledon, was agent to the Hamilton and Orrery families, see mention of his family in The Orrery Papers, 1903, Vol. II., pp. 214, 226, 266, 269, 287. He d. 1742, will dat. 26 Nov., 1741, proved 4 May, 1742, leaving by Sarah his wife, who d. at Caledon, Feb., 1777, " a lady of distinguished merit, and most universally lamented," { Walker's Hibernian Magazine), five sons and two daus. : — I. Robert Prmgle (Rev.) b. about 1725, entered T.C.D., 14 June, 1742, B.A.,

    1746 ; M.A., 1749, m. Frances Enery, and had issue, see above.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Caledon in Tyrone was home to John Pringle, a man who managed affairs for two landed families, the Hamiltons and the Orrerys. He made his will on the 26th of November 1741 and it was proved on the 4th of May 1742, the year he died. He left a wife, Sarah, and five sons and two daughters. Sarah lived on at Caledon and died there in February 1777. She was called a lady of distinguished merit and most universally lamented. Among their children was Robert, a clergyman born around 1725, who entered Trinity College Dublin in June 1742.

59. Rev. Adam Nixon of Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, 1752

    Clontibret · townland · Monaghan · 1752

    James Nixon's 1752 will named his nephew Rev. Adam Nixon of Clontibret as sole executor and residuary legatee. The will states County Fermanagh, but a footnote corrects this to County Monaghan.

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    In the Name of God, Amen, I, James Nixon, of the City of Dublin, Gent, being at present infirm of Body but of sound disposing Mind and Memory (Thanks be to Almighty God) do make this my last Will and Testament. First of all, I recommend my 8oul to Almighty God, hoping through the Merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ to receive free Remission of alJ my Sins. I Leave and Bequeath unto my late Brother John Nixon's Three Daughters, to wit Isabella, Jane, and Ann, the sum of Fifteen pounds sterling, to be equally divided amongst them. I Leave and Bequeath unto William Nixon, my nephew, of MuUaduff in the County of Fermanagh Gent, the sum of Fifteen pounds sterling. I Leave and Bequeath unto my nephew the Reverend Eccles Nixon, Clerk, my late brother Adam Nixon's eldest son, the sum of Ten pounds sterling. 1 Leave and Bequeath unto my late Brother Thomas Nixon's two sons, to wit Mr. George Nixon, and the Reverend Mr. Andrew Nixon, the sum of Five pounds sterling to each of them. I Leave and Bequeath unto my said Brother Thomas his Daughter Mrs. Margaret Young the sum of Five pounds sterling. I leave and Bequeath unto my late Sister Ann Higginbotham's three sons, to wit, George, Thomas, and Andrew Higginbothams, the sum of Five pounds sterling to each and every of them. I Leave and Bequeath unto my late sister Ann Higginbotham's two Daughters, to wit, Margaret Moore and Ann Seaman the Sum of Five pounds to each of them. I Leave and Bequeath unto my late sister Margaret Carr's Children, or so many of them as shall be alive at the time of my Decease the sum of Five Pounds sterling to each and every of them. I Leave and Bequeath unto my friend John Watson thirty shiHings to buy a Morning Ring. And as to all the Rest, Residue, and Remainder of my Goods and Chattels, I Leave and Bequeath the same unto my Nephew, the Reverend Adam Nixon, of Clontibrett in the County of Fermanagh * Clerk, he paying all my just Debts, and the^ Legacies above mentioned, and I do by these presents Nominate and Appoint him the said Adam Nixon my sole Executor and Residuary Legatee of this my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto put my Hand and Seal this Twenty First Day of April one Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-two. Signed, sealed, and published

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a clergyman named Adam Nixon lived in 1752. That year, his uncle James Nixon, a gentleman in Dublin, lay infirm but of sound mind and made his last will. James Nixon began his will in the name of God, commending his soul to Almighty God and hoping through the merits of his Saviour Jesus Christ to receive free remission of all his sins. Then he turned to his bequests. He left 15 pounds sterling to his late brother John Nixon's three daughters, Isabella, Jane, and Ann, to be equally divided among them. He left 15 pounds to his nephew William Nixon of Mulladuff in County Fermanagh. He left 10 pounds to his nephew the Reverend Eccles Nixon, his late brother Adam Nixon's eldest son. He left 5 pounds each to his late brother Thomas Nixon's two sons, George Nixon and the Reverend Andrew Nixon, and 5 pounds to Thomas's daughter, Mrs. Margaret Young. He left 5 pounds each to his late sister Ann Higginbotham's three sons, George, Thomas, and Andrew Higginbotham, and 5 pounds each to her two daughters, Margaret Moore and Ann Seaman. He left 5 pounds to each of his late sister Margaret Carr's children who were alive at the time of his decease. He left 30 shillings to his friend John Watson to buy a Morning Ring. After all these legacies, James Nixon left the rest and residue of his goods and chattels to his nephew, the Reverend Adam Nixon of Clontibret, described in the will as being in County Fermanagh, though a later note corrects this to County Monaghan. Adam was to pay all just debts and the legacies mentioned, and James appointed him sole executor and residuary legatee of the will. James signed and sealed it on the 21st of April 1752.

60. Rev. Edward Fanning wheat farming at Killala, Co. Mayo

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1742

    Rev. Edward Fanning, living at Killala, Co. Mayo in 1742, competed for a Dublin Society premium for the greatest yield of wheat from one plantation acre. He produced 19 barrels 9 stone from 3 roods 30 perches but did not win the prize.

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    JOANNA FRENCH, m. licence 15 July, 1738, the Rev. Edward Fanning, B.A., Rector of Banagher and Dungiven, diocese of Derry, 1751-91, son of the Rev. Geoffrey Fanning, B.A., Rector of Banagher and Dungiven, 1716-51, by his wife, sister of Henry Cary, of Dimgiven, Co. Derry, M.P. for Coleraine, and dau. of Edward Cary, of Dungiven,{ by his wife Martha, 2nd dau. of Henry Mervyn, of Trellick, Co. Tyrone, M.P. for Augher, 1661, and for Co. Tyrone, 1692, High Sheriff Co. Tyrone, 1686, eldest son of Sir Audley Mervyn, M.P., of Castle Mervyn, Co. Tyrone, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. The Rev. Edward Fanning entered T.C.D. 16 Oct,. 1728, aged 19, was B.A. 1733*, and in 1742 was living at Killala, Co. Mayo, when he was a candidate for the premium offered by the Dublin Society for the greatest yield of wheat from one plantation acre during that year. He had 19 barrels 9 stone from 3 roods 30 perches, but did not get the prize [Pue, 7 Dec, 1742). Towards the end of his life, while still holding his benefices, he lived in Grafton St., Dublin, where his wife d. May, 1776, and d. there 1791 (will proved 9 July) having had three children : —

    I. Henry Fanning, (Rev.), B.A., T.C.D., 1768, d. July, 1771.

    Internet Archive familiesoffrench00byuswan, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    In 1742, the Reverend Edward Fanning was living at Killala in County Mayo. He was a candidate for a premium offered by the Dublin Society, a prize for the greatest yield of wheat from one plantation acre during that year. He produced 19 barrels and 9 stone from 3 roods and 30 perches, but he did not get the prize. Edward Fanning had entered Trinity College Dublin on the 16th of October 1728, at the age of 19, and took his bachelor's degree in 1733. He was the son of the Reverend Geoffrey Fanning, Rector of Banagher and Dungiven, and his mother was a sister of Henry Cary of Dungiven, County Derry, Member of Parliament for Coleraine. Later he became Rector of Banagher and Dungiven, serving from 1751 to 1791. He had married Joanna French by licence on the 15th of July 1738. Towards the end of his life, while still holding his benefices, he lived in Grafton Street in Dublin. His wife Joanna died there in May 1776, and he died there in 1791, his will proved on the 9th of July. They had three children. Their son Henry Fanning took his bachelor's degree at Trinity College Dublin in 1768 and died in July 1771.