Wow! These are an amazing testament to the times. And while the present
COVID-19 pandemic is nothing like the harm done in the 1840s to the Irish,
there are definitely parallels to be seen. Thank you for your hard work
transcribing these. Willi
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Today's Topics:
1. Pt. 6 Potato Blight 1846-49 (Teena)
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Subject: [UlsterAncestry] Pt. 6 Potato Blight 1846-49
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The following articles are transcribed by Teena from the Banner of Ulster,
Dublin Evening Mail, Dublin Mercantile Advertiser, Freeman's Journal,
Northern Whig, Tyrone Constitution. (unless otherwise noted)
6 Jan. 1847
A Fermanagh paper gives a lamentable account of the rapid progress of
distress in that county and that it is not exaggerated is fully attested by
the simple fact of there being at the present moment, over
1,000 inmates in the poor-house of Enniskillen, 600 or 700 of whom have
entered within the last 2 months and this influx has taken place,
notwithstanding, the vast number employed on the public works at present in
progress. (The Scotsman)
12 Jan. 1847 The Potato
The questions with the potato disease are wearing out, it is obvious from
the diminished room which they are filling in the public journals. The
mischief is felt to be past present remedy; the discovery of its cause with
any certainly, seems equally hopeless, all inquiry as to that subject ending
in a negative and the world has wisely resigned itself to its fate. "What
can?t be cured, must be endured? and the potato disease belongs to that
class of evils. We might, therefore, be excused from occupying further space
with this inquiry, were it not that in Ireland and the Highlands, the people
still cling with affection to their remembrance of the days when potatoes
were always sound, and indulge in a hope that the worst of the disaster is
passed by. We trust that it may be, but we have no warrant for security on
that point. On the contrary we regard the issue of the next potato crop as
so uncertain, that it would be political insanity to encourage those who
rely upon it for a maintenance to trust to it, yet for the third time. Such
experiments which, when they fail, carry ruin and famine among millions, are
not what a prudent man would advocate.
We hold to our old advice; not to replant potatoes, but to substitute some
other crop not likely to perish, oats, rye, peas, beans, turnips, beet-root,
parsnips, carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, cabbage, wheat, anything that can,
with certainty, be relied upon. We repeat this, although we know that such
advice is unpalatable and even our correspondent tells us, unsuitable to the
necessities of many parts of Ireland, for the sake, therefore, of those
whose opulence, speculation, rashness, or necessity, may induce them to
carry on in the cultivation of the potato, we beg to address the following
remarks, in the hope and belief that if they are attended to, they will
diminish the risk of this dangerous crop; Firstly as to sets - On no account
use as sets any potatoes that have been kept in clamps or pits in the
customary manner. The risk of employing such seed is tenfold greater than
that of potatoes left in the ground. If, however, the potatoes were clamped
in solid earth, in the manner previously recommended, then our objection
does not apply.
The best seed is that which has been left in the ground undug; of which we
have reason to believe that a considerable quantity may be found by diligent
search. It does not matter that such potatoes are small, they are sound and
good. But the value of these sets will be destroyed, if they are taken out
the ground before they are wanted, "they should set again the very day that
they are taken up", this is important and may not be neglected with
impunity. We should therefore say "get the land that is to be planted ready
immediately"; when the furrows are drawn, or the lazy beds prepared, then
search for the buried potatoes, gather them up in small baskets and set them
immediately. It is as safe to expose a new-born infant to a hard frost, as
to leave these potatoes exposed to the sun and air. Perhaps, when the potato
fields of last year have remained undug, it may answer to clean the land and
then to leave it as is, provided examination shows that sets enough are in
the soil. Have nothing to do with seedlings and the dreams of enthusiasts
who imagine potato seed capable of working miracles. It will do no more than
potato sets, and perhaps less.
Secondly, Manure - Use none. For the next crop trust to the land as it is.
It is not true, indeed, that guano, or any other artificial manure, has
caused the disease; that is nonsense, as every Irish farmer very well knows.
But it does appear that strong manures have been frequently accompanied by a
greater tendency to take the disease than has existed in their absence. It
is said that a dressing of 2cwt.
of salt has been useful; we cannot corroborate the assertion. A better
dressing may perhaps be sulphate of magnesia, for those who can get it.
Two words more and we have done. 1. Should the disease again appear, do not
cut off or pull up the haulm; that practice certainly does no good and it as
certainly does harm, by diminishing the crop. 2. In attempting to render the
potato again fit for a field crop, attend, above all things, to autumn
planting, and follow exactly the rules laid down by Mr. Shepherd in his
invaluable communication. Remember, too, that experience has shown
conclusively, that if the recommendations as to this matter urged upon the
country by the Government Commissioners in their report, dated Nov. 7. 1845,
had but been attended to, Ireland would not be in its present miserable
condition. (Gardiner's Chronicle)
20 Jan. 1847 Destitution in the Dioceses of Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Relief
Committee The calamity in which the whole of Ireland more or less
participates, has affected most parts of the county of Donegal, with
peculiar severity. The liberality of the National Club in London, having
placed at the disposal of the Bishop of the united dioceses, a sum of ?240,
to be distributed by him in proportion to the exigencies of the several
parties, his Lordship accordingly formed a committee consisting of his
clergy in Derry and its neighbourhood, to assist him in the ministration of
this bounty and of such other means as the same body or others, may confide
to his hands, for the same object. The committee held their first meeting at
the Deanery House on Friday last, the Bishop in the chair, when reports were
received and read from all the parishes in the united diocese. The details
contained in many of these reports, for which we regret that our limits
preclude the possibility of giving extracts, exhibited an amount of
wretchedness and destitution, hardly, we believe, to be equaled by the
condition of any other part of Ireland. The committee found it difficult to
make a selection of the worst cases and after minute investigation,
allocated the amount placed at their disposal to the following parishes,
leaving untouched many districts, which, if the funds were on a larger
scale, would be entitled to share in the distribution, viz: Tullaghabegly
?10; Raymunterdony ?10; Mevagh ?10; Kilmacrenan ?10; Gartan ?10;
Clondevadock ?10; Leck ?10; Innishkeel ??10; Templecrone. ??10; Kilcar ?10;
Donegal ?10; Lettermacaward ?8; Glencolumbkill ?8; Killybegs ?8; Inver ?8;
Kiilaghtee ?8; Killymard ?8; Kilbarrow ?8; Desertegney ?8; Lower Moville ?8;
Upper Moville ?5; Convoy ?5; Ardara ?5; Raphoe ?5; Carndonagh ?5 ;
Leckpatrick ?5; Lower Longfield ?5; Bellaghy ?5; Castledawson ?5.
Coffins for the Poor
In consequence of the great difficulty of collecting the assessments usually
laid on by the Vestry for providing coffins &c., the amount payable by each
person being so small, as scarcely to be worth the expenses attending it,
the last Easter vestry resolved to discontinue the practice and great
inconvenience, and, in many cases, imposition from persons collecting
subscriptions, being the result, it was resolved of the Clergy of different
denominations, at meeting held on Monday last, in the Corporation Hall, the
Rev. Mr. STACK in the chair, that a collection should be made,
simultaneously, in all the places of worship in the city, without
distinction sect or creed, and the proceeds to be handed to a treasurer, to
be afterwards appointed by the clergy, to be applied to the above purpose,
under such regulation as they may agree on.
Whisky
There is a rapid advance in the price of this article. The 40 puncheons of
grain whisky offered at auction by Mr. WALTERS, at Messrs. R. & W. J.
M?lNTIRE?s stores, Londonderry on Thursday last, were disposed of at 5s 3d.
and 5s per gallon, in bond, excise gauge 1845. (Derry Journal)
16 Jan. 1847 Omagh Work-house increase of Destitution In addition to the 88
persons admitted during the week ending 2nd instant, we understand that 107
were admitted at the meeting of the Board on Friday, when 37 were
provisionally entered on the books, so that far above the 800, which the
house was built to accommodate, are now inmates of that establishment. Most
of those lately admitted were in an awful state of filth and destitution,
which may in a great measure, account for the number of deaths that are
weekly taking place.
23 Jan. 1847 American Projects for Irish Emigration We are enabled to share,
on the authority of private letters from respectable parties in New York,
that a plan for enabling the destitute Irish to emigrate, on an extensive
scale, from their present wretched habitations to the delightful valley of
the Mississippi, is in contemplation in that City. The outlines of the
project are these - A large monied company is to be formed in New York. By
this company ten good ships at least will be provided to bring out Irish
families, for the purpose of forming a colony in the valley of the
Mississippi.
The company will have responsible agents both in Ireland and America, it
will supply to each family so brought out one hundred acres of land,
implements of tillage, and everything necessary for their new condition,
during the first twelve months. The remuneration from the colony to the
company would be by yearly installments, extending over several years, in
order to make the repayment of the expenses incurred easy to the settlers.
It is believed that by this means of transit
10,000 souls could be removed from the shores of Ireland to the banks of the
Mississippi.
The subscription of the Society of Friends in England, for the relief of the
Irish, amounts to ?22,000, which averages for each family 5?, rich and poor.
The have set a noble example.
(Coleraine Chronicle)
28 Jan. 1847 letter from a correspondent In reference to a letter from
Dungannon, which appeared in the last Telegraph, stating that ?fever of a
malignant character is now rife in the workhouse? and that it is called
?black fever?? and in order to prevent unnecessary alarm, it may be right to
state one or two mitigating circumstances.
In the first place, the disease is not actually in the workhouse, but in the
fever hospital near that locality, a circumstance which limits the contagion
very considerably, and, in the next place, although it is true that the
physician, who attended there, has been taken off after the short illness of
9 days, yet all are not carried off in so short a time.
The Master of the workhouse, who is stated to be "ill of the same disease,"
was 2 or 3 weeks unwell, but is now in a state of recovery.
There is, therefore, some ground to hope that the disease is not one of an
unusually pestilential character.
These corrections are made with a view to allay fear, for timid persons, by
their apprehensions, become predisposed to catch infectious diseases. The
Guardians and responsible officers can best speak as to the treatment of the
poor within the workhouse; outside of it, all here know that every exertion
is being made for the alleviation of distress.
public works are on foot by which several hundreds are furnished with the
means of earning an independent support. A relief committee is in operation,
which supplies about 350 families weekly with meal, at one penny per pound.
A soup kitchen is established, in which 2 large boilers have been fitted up
by the same committee and soup made from the very best meat is distributed
to the multitudes, at one half-penny per quart.
Besides, a society called "The Sick and Indigent Roomkeepers Society?, which
was established here some years ago, has been revived. By the regulations of
this society, the town is formed into districts and where sickness, or
destitution, is discovered, it is immediately reported and the requisite
relief administered. This society is solely under the management of the
ladies of Dungannon; they subscribe and collect the funds for its support,
and not only so, but they act as visitors of the several districts. They do
not depute their servants to go into the haunts of distress; they go
themselves to those missions of mercy; they enter the lanes and the alleys
and wherever the sick, wherever the indigent are found, they administer
prompt relief. This is a most useful society, for there are many retiring,
bashful strugglers, who shrink from begging and who would pine away in
silence, did not the benevolent seek them out and afford them gracious
relief. Dungannon, Jan. 2nd (Newry Telegraph)
20 Feb. 1847
On Thursday last, an inquest was held, by George HENRY Esq., in Mr.
M'KENNA?s, Barrack street, on the body of man named Jacob COPLETON, who had
been employed for some time back, at the public works at Curney hill, this
County. The Jury returned a verdict of "died by starvation." We understand
there were 4 or 5 other inquests held during the week, and in each case a
verdict of death by starvation was returned (Armagh Guardian)
27 Feb. 1847
On the 14th instant an inquest was held on the body of a man named John
TRAINER, at the townland Cavan, in the neighbourhood of Fintona, before
Joseph ORR Esq. coroner, and a respectable jury, who unanimously returned a
verdict that deceased "died from starvation.'"
27 Feb. 1847 Death by Destitution
A coroner?s inquest was held in the police barrack of Tynan, Friday, the
19th inst., on the body of a poor man named M'BRIDE, from the neighbourhood
of Keady. According to the testimony of Dr. HUSTON (to whom the greatest
praise is due for his exertions to relieve the destitute in his locality),
his death was caused by dysentery, originally brought on by destitution.
This poor man was found on the road side near the village on the day
previous to his death, and brought to the barrack by the direction of Dr.
HUSTON, where, notwithstanding every attention being paid him by the doctor
and constabulary, he only survived until the following day. (Armagh
Guardian)
27 Feb. 1847
How to Make a Little Money Go A Long Way Good Breakfast, Dinner, or Super
Put 1 lb. of rice and 1 lb. Scotch barley into 2 Gals. of water, and boil
them gently for 4 hours over a low fire, then add 4 oz. of treacle, and 1 oz
of salt, and let the whole simmer for half an hour.
It will produce 16lbs of good food.
A Savoury Dish
Put 1 lb. of rice into 5 pints of cold water, boil it gently for 2 hours, by
which time it will be a thick paste, then add 2pints of skim milk and 2 oz
of strong Cheshire cheese, grated flue, a little pepper and salt, and boil
the whole very gently for another hour. It will produce 9lbs of macaroni
rice
Sweet Rice
Put 1lb rice into 5 pints of cold water, and boil it gently for 2 hours,
till it is a thick paste, then add 2 pints skim milk, 4ozs. of treacle, and
boil all very gently for another hour. It will make 9lbs.
sweet rice.
Rice Pudding
Tie 1lb rice in pudding bag so loose as to be capable of holding 5lbs.
Let it boil gently till it swells enough to quite fill the bag. Turn it out
and pour 2oz treacle over it.
The expense of any of these dishes is less than one penny a pound.
Pea Soup without meat
Take a pint of whole peas, and let them soak all night. Next day put them
into 3 quarts of boiling water, and let them boil till tender, then mash
them together so as to form a paste, and put them back into the water along
with quantity of turnips and carrots. all cut into dice with some sliced
onions. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 hours, then thicken with oatmeal:
season with pepper and salt. (Weekly
Vindicator)
2 Mar. 1847
deaths by starvation
Armagh - Three weeks ago a woman named CLEMENTS, with her four children,
left the Armagh workhouse. Since that time inquests have been held on the
bodies of all the children, (the last on Thursday) and the verdict in each
case " Died by disease, in consequence of destitution" On the day previous
an inquest was held in Charter School lane, on the body of a man named
MULVANY, who was reduced to a perfect skeleton; verdict "Died by
destitution." He had voluntarily left the workhouse only a few days before.
An inquest was held last week in the townland of Oughill, on the body of a
woman who died of starvation. She had been missing for two or three days,
when her neighbours, becoming alarmed as to her fate, burst open the door of
her hut, and found her lying dead at the place where the fire ought to be.
Our correspondent informs us that there are many similar cases in the
neighbourhood, as many as four corpses being found at a time in the same
house.
Last week, in the townland of Cavankilkeeran, County Tyrone, a man named
WOODS died of starvation. He was found dead in his house, on Wednesday,
stretched on a little straw, a horrifying spectacle, surrounded by four
miserable children, and was allowed to remain in that state until Saturday,
when the inhabitants of Aughnacloy subscribed the price of a coffin, and
buried him the day after. We are informed that previous to his death, the
landlord, (a middleman,) subjected him to very rigorous extremes, in order
to dispossess him.
(Armagh Guardian)
3 Mar. 1847
The Emigrants Farewell
Farewell! humble home,
Where first I drew breath;
Farewell! each trickling stream.
Farewell! the purple heath.
Affliction's on the land,
With hunger thousands rave;
Famine, with giant hand,
Sweeps thousands to the grave.
To God, who ordered all,
I willingly submit;
We all are slender reeds,
And bend as He sees fit.
Again, I say farewell!
Thou'rt fading from my sight
Erin, native land, adieu!
Eternally, good night
signed by an intending emigrant (Derry Journal)
6 Mar.1847
On Saturday last, the committee of this excellent Association met in the
Corporation hall. There was read an interesting letter, as to the state of
the people in the district of Malin, from the Rev. J.
CANNING; and the Rev. Mr. M'CLURE, who had visited some of the distressed
districts of Ennishowen, at the request of the ladies, reported that he had
travelled with Mr. CANNING of Malin, through the extensive parish of
Clonmany. The people there have, in former years, depended for their support
almost entirely on potatoes, using sea-weed for manure. The population of
the parish is about 7000, and out of these, from 3,000 to 4,000 require
public relief. Scarcely one fourth the land has ever been tilled; the farms
are very small, and little or no progress has yet been made this year in the
cultivation of the ground. It had been reported that there were still a
great quantity of potatoes in Clonmany; but as far as he could ascertain,
there are not more than 40 or 50 sacks in the parish. About 150 persons are
engaged in the public works, earning from 9d. to 11d. per day, but nearly
1000 and among them, a number of females, are ready to be employed, while
there are many incapable of labour.
Mrs. YOUNG of Clonmany Glebe, is employing about 50 young females knitting.
Mr. M'CLURE gave an account of several poor families whose homes he had
visited. In one cluster of small houses, on the face of hill, inhabited by
16 families, several cases of fever were found; it appeared that 6 deaths
had taken place within the last few weeks; and in another cluster of houses,
at a little distance, there had been 10 deaths in the same period. The
people are suffering with great patience; they are thankful for the smallest
piece of bread. They seldom ask for anything, and are quite free from that
boldness to be seen among street beggars. The people of Clonmany have, for
this season, hitherto been supported, principally, by meal, purchased with
grants from the Central and Belfast relief funds; and the subscriptions sent
there are quite inadequate to meet the wants of such multitudes. No soup
kitchen has been established. Mr. M'CLURE also reported that in Malin,
Carndonagh, and Culduff, every effort is being made by the gentry and clergy
of all denominations; that they are most harmonious in their proceedings,
and are vieing with each other who can labour most for the relief of the
destitute. He also visited the families of the fishermen who were lately
lost off Glengad, and recommended a grant to be made for them to the Culdaff
relief committee.
Emigration
The distressing state of the country is causing great numbers of our
agricultural population to emigrate. We learn from the Liverpool Standard of
Tuesday that since the commencement of the year, no fewer than 9,000
persons, natives of Ireland, have sailed from that port for America. Several
families have left this for Liverpool and Glasgow for similar purpose during
the week, and they were generally respectable looking farming people. Some
of the landlords in different parts of the country are supplying the
cottiers on their estates with means to enable them to cross the Atlantic.
Londonderry Post Office
We subjoin a list of American letters, addressed to the following persons,
in which have not been called for at the Derry Post Office, in the hope that
this paragraph may come under the observation of the parties, as some of
them very probably contain remittances from their friends.
James SCOTT, care of Patrick CEARNS Mainsfield county Derry John DUNLAVEY,
Enoch post office, Co. Monaghan Daniel HIGGINS Moneyaraghe, Co. Tyrone
Michael BARRETT Belenso post office, Derry two letters for Mr. John BLACK,
Londonderry post-office the executors of the late Robert A. ROSS
linen-bleacher and ship owner Londonderry.
We would impress upon all emigrants to be particular in having their letters
properly directed, and not only to be satisfied in putting the name of the
nearest post-town, but those of the parish and townland, in which their
friends reside, upon their letters.
Derry gaol - state of the calendar
There were 67 criminals in gaol yesterday evening for trial at the coming
assizes. This number is nearly treble what was tried in the 2 preceding
assizes; but we are happy to say that no crime of a very aggravated nature
appears on the calendar, if we except the murder of Toal M?ANNULLA by John
M'KEEVER, a dumb youth, which occurred at Moneymore, and one or two cases of
manslaughter. The great increase of crime has taken place in petty thefts,
several being charged with stealing turnips, corn, potatoes &c. (Londonderry
Sentinel)
6 Mar. 1847
Death from Starvation
On the 24th ultimo, an inquest was held at Carrickmore, before Joseph ORR
Esq. coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of a man named Patrick
CAMPBELL, who was found dead on a part of the Sultan mountains, in the
parish of Termonmaguirk. After a patient investigation the jury returned a
verdict of ?died from fatigue and want of food.?
13 Mar. 1847 The Progress of Starvation
The Irish provincial papers continue to supply lamentable accounts of
starvation and death. We select the most prominent of these statements.
County of Antrim - The reporter of the Banner of Ulster, after giving
several instances of extreme distress under which the people of the north
are suffering, states that in the town of Derrymacash, from "the 1st of
January last, to the 20th of February, the number of deaths in this townland
alone exceeded 400"; and almost in every instance, the illness by which they
were swept away could be traced to originate in want of food!
County of Armagh - It is stated that nearly 400 paupers have died in the
Lurgan Union workhouse during the last eight weeks. In Armagh, there is some
dread that mortality will spread beyond its usual limits in the workhouse
there. Typhus fever has appeared and the medical attendant is, at present,
ill of the disease. On Wednesday (last week), the remains of 14 of the
paupers were lying in the deadhouse (Illustrated London News)
27 Mar. 1847
A report has been recently resolved by the secretary of the Irish
Evangelical Society from Messrs. GAWAY and FORDYCE, one of the society's
deputations...
Writing from Donegal the gentlemen say - Even the small farmers, in 9 cases
out of 10, are absolutely without resources for the present, or the future.
Many of those who were deemed in superior circumstances are now grinding and
eating their seed corn, whilst the people dwelling along the coast at Mount
Charles, Dunkaneely, Kilear, Irishkeel, and about Killybegs, may be seen on
the sea-shore gathering sea-weed and shell fish to support existence. The
poverty here is abject and universal and is accompanied by its fearful
concomitants, typhus fever and dysentery. The poor house was full on
Saturday when we visited it, but the board was about to admit 20 more.
Road-making is going on, but not to an extent sufficient to give employment
to a tithe of those who are seeking it. Many who are taken on are so
exhausted from want of food that they died at their labour. Death is making
frightful ravages amongst the poor. Last week there were 14 deaths in the
union house. Just as we write 4 coffins are being carried by the paupers. It
ought to be remarked, however, that almost all the disease of the country is
collected into the poor houses and also, that the aged and infirm will not
enter them until they are reduced to the last extremity, and beyond the
restorative power either of food or medicine. We have been struck with one
remarkable proof of the influence of the famine on all the domestic animals,
even the cats and dogs, wherever we go, are nothing but skin and bone. To
add to the distress of the poor, the markets are infested by multitudes of
heartless forestallers who purchase up the food and hide it expecting higher
prices by-and bye, At Dunkaneely, the relief committee sells meals once a
week at a slight reduction to those who can procure tickets and some come 4
or 5 miles, and have to wait from morning until 10 or 11 at night before
they can get near enough to the office, through the crowd, to obtain a
supply for their famishing households.
At Port, 2 miles from Dunkaneely, the father of a family of 3 children was
found dead in the arms of his wife. She had sat behind him on his wretched
pallet of straw, to support his head in his agony. Worn out by previous
watching, she had fallen asleep whilst discharging this duty, and thus the
living and the dead were discovered, alike insensible, by the neighbours
next day. They had had no food for many hours previously and to the honour
of human nature, be it recorded, a poor fellow who had heard the piteous
tale, and who had himself just obtained a little bread, after a 24 hour
fast, instantly started off and gave it all to the three starving and
fatherless children. Many instances of such heroic self-denial and noble
sympathy cast a bright ray on the gloomy mass of wretchedness you sent us to
survey. There is great danger that we may be unjust in casting too much
blame on the landlords for the present state of things. They cannot get any
rents; the income of many of them is merely nominal. Many are making
extraordinary efforts to lighten the pressure of this awful calamity, Mr.
JOHNSON of Rhanary, Mr. BROKE and others, amongst whom Mr.
HAMILTON of St. Ernans, deserves honourable mention; he is employing several
hundreds in subsoiling with the spade and in draining. The deputation then
gave 2 or 3 instances of the melancholy condition of the people and
melancholy it is in the extreme. Numbers who are ashamed to beg by day are
driven forth by the pangs of hunger at night, and may be seen prowling about
the houses of those in better circumstances, looking for the offal and
refuse of the households.
Colonel CONOLLY M.P., is highly spoken of for his beneficence to his poor
tenantry and neighbour in the district.
13 Apr. 1847
Armagh Workhouse
The Workhouse of this Union being all but full, and much sickness and
mortality having been the result of over-crowding in other houses, the
Guardians are obliged to stop all admissions by provisional orders, and can
only admit on Saturdays when the Board is sitting. There being
300 cases of fever in the house, admission of fever cases are also stopped
for the present. Sickness and mortality are rapidly diminishing.
Remaining on the 3rd April, 1106; since admitted, 59; Died, 19; Discharged,
48; Remaining, 1098.
On Thursday last Mr. James STANLEY Jr., of the Armagh Windmill, advertised
Indian meal for sale at ?12 10s. per ton.
English liberality
We are happy to learn that a conconsignment of 10 barrels of flour has been
forwarded to the Rev. Samuel SHAW of Moy, from Liverpool, for distribution
among the destitute poor of that locality.
Death by Destitution
On the 4th inst., an inquest was held before Joseph ORR Esq., coroner, on
the body of a man named HACKET who was found lying dead in afield at Augher,
Co. Tyrone. On examination it appeared that deceased had been employed the
Public Works, and that he had received his weeks wages the day before his
death of 4s 1? d. of which was found on his person. It is, therefore,
supposed that had been worn down previous to receiving his wages, as the
ravages of famine and want were visible in his attenuated frame. The jury
were unanimous in returning the verdict of "death by destitution".
State of Armagh Gaol
There were 267 prisoners in our county gaol on Saturday last, so crowded
were they, that in many cases they were obliged to lie 4 in a bed. The
completion of the new addition, now favourably progressing, will, under the
present aspect of things, be most desirable.
died
On the 10th Instant, at Drumlargue, near Keady, of fever, Mr. Thomas STUART
aged 46 years. Mr. STUART had just disposed of his land and effects, for the
purpose of emigrating to America with his wife and 9 children, when he was
seized with the sickness which ended his mortally.
Of fever, at the Enniskillen Workhouse, Mr. David VAUGHAN where he had
filled the office of wardmaster, to which situation he had been, but
recently elected.
12 Jun. 1847 Death by Starvation
On Saturday last 5th inst. a shockingly emaciated old man, who, from his
ragged and squalid appearance and his being not known in the neighbourhood,
must have been one of the itinerant beggars, was found dead in a pig-sty
belonging to a farmer named M?GUINNESS at Clonfad, near Clones, adjoining
this county. Decomposition having set in when the body was found, there
exists no doubt but it must have lain there for at least 7 or 8 days
previously, particularly M'GUINNESS had been from home during the time and
the house unoccupied. lt appeared so obvious that starvation was the cause
of his death, the authorities did not deem it necessary to have an inquest
held the body. (Northern
Standard)
28 Jun.1847
On the afternoon of Monday last, a storm of thunder and lightning took place
in the neighbourhood of Milford (Co. Donegal) accompanied with a tremendous
shower of hail, which did extreme injury to the grain and flax crops in that
locality. In many fields the tops of the flax were out off, as if "they had
been mowed down by some sharp instrument" and so terrific was the hail, that
the windows of the houses were broken in all directions. In the workhouse
ten panes of glass were smashed, while so great was the force with which
some of the hailstones were projected, that in several instances they passed
quite through the glass, without shattering it, as if they had been so many
balls discharged from a gun. The potato crop suffered severely.
A fine specimen of new potatoes of the ash-leaf kidney kind, was shown us on
Wednesday last, by the Rev. Thomas STACK, of this town, grown on his land,
having been planted in an open field on the first week in March. They are
quite sound and healthy, without the slightest symptom of disease.
Cheers~
Teena
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Subject: Digest Footer
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End of UlsterAncestry Digest, Vol 24, Issue 16
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