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Edmond Murphy Committal 1844

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 12:48 am
by murf
It appears that on Saturday night, or early on Sunday morning, several windows in the house of Major W. H. Ball, at Fortfergus. County Clare, were broken, and a shot was fired into his dining-room. This gentleman only recently settled in that part of the country, and his tenantry are comfortable. No cause is assigned for this outrage.
Limerick Chronicle, Saturday 10 February 1844
Mr. Edmond Murphy, of Mount, in the parish of Clondigad, has been fully committed to the county jail charged with conspiring to attack the habitations of Major Ball and F. B. Rosslewin, Esq. The alleged offence occurred some months ago. This committal has occasioned much surprise in the country.-Clare Journal.
Reprinted in Cork Examiner, 31 July 1844
The commitment to prison of Mr. Edward Murphy, Mount, County Clare, on a charge of conspiracy to murder mentioned in the (? Wednesday), is the subject of considerable observation throughout this county. Mr. Murphy holds a rank in life which ought place him even above suspicion; and it is supposed many, who have opportunities of judging- that the "spy system has commenced its operations in Clare. I shall make full enquiries in the matter, and communicate the result.
Dublin Weekly Register, Saturday 10 August 1844
Up to now I have been unable to locate any report on the outcome of this case. Presumably it was dealt with at the summer assizes of 1844?
My searches on BNA have so far come up empty. I welcome suggestions.
murf

Re: Edmond Murphy Committal 1844

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 12:24 am
by kbarlow
Hi Murf - I have checked the convict records for NSW & VDL and cannot find any Edmond/Edmund Murphy/Murphey for that period. Have you checked the Griffiths Valuations to see if he is back in the place of abode prior to arrest?

Kerry

Re: Edmond Murphy Committal 1844

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 10:57 pm
by murf
Sorry Kerry, I might have sent you off on a bit of a goose chase there. Perhaps I need to elaborate.
The Edmond/Edward Murphy referred to I believe is my gg grandfather Edmond Murphy Sr (1800-1883). In the Tithe Applotment Books Edmond Murphy appears in Mount, and also in neighbouring Knockboy and Inishilane. Note that Knockboy was not an official townland name, rather a local, seemingly ill-defined area. (The Knockboy Chapel was actually in the townland of Mount). In Griffiths Valuation Edmond Murphy Sr is residing in Inishaellaun(Inishilane), and also leasing properties in Knappoge and Ballycorick.
To all accounts Edmond was a prominent citizen of the Ballynacally area. Two years earlier in 1842 he was serving on the board of the Ennis Guardians. He later had a nine year stint on the Killadysert Board during the 1860's. So it is understandable that news of his committal was greeted with surprise. The report was published in many Irish and English newspapers at the time.
Given the way that his life unfolded subsequent to 1844, I am led to conclude that he was exonerated of the charge, but it would be nice to have documentary confirmation of that.