Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

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Sduddy
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Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by Sduddy » Mon Jan 11, 2021 11:40 am

The Summer of 1861 was very wet and the harvest that year was very poor. There was also a scarcity of turf, because of the wet weather. The turf cut in early Summer, had not dried. Most people in Ireland, especially in the West, relied on turf for fuel (http://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning- ... ting-turf/). So throughout the Winter of 1861, and right up to the Summer of 1862, there was a great scarcity of potatoes and of fuel.
Many parishes in Clare reacted by setting up a Distress Committee, or a Relief Fund. Tulla was one such parish. The Clare Journal, Thur 19 December, reported, in full, a speech made at a meeting of the Board of Guardians of Tulla Union, by Mr. Daniel O’Connell (one of the Guardians), in which he drew attention to the distress among the poor and proposed that the Government be requested to intervene and to provide public works. Most of the guardians agreed and they considered that a useful public works project would be drainage of land. Mr. Singleton thought the application for public works was “rather premature,” but Mr. O’Connell said, “I hold in my hand a list of forty persons – and I will read them for you if you wish – who are in a state of utter destitution in my own division; and the first on the list is a man who lost his son in the Crimea.” At the end of the discussion, a committee was appointed to draw up a memorial to the Government, urging them to take immediate steps to save the people from starvation.
The Clare Journal, Mon 30 Dec 1861, reported that a Tulla Relief Committee had been set up, but I think this was a parish committee and not a sub-committee of the Tulla Union Board of Guardians:
Tulla Relief Committee. At a meeting held at the Courthouse, Tulla, on Thursday, the 19th December, 1861. Moved by Rev. Mr. Bowles, P.P., and seconded by Maurice O’Connell, Esq.: “That Henry Spaight, Esq., J.P., do take the Chair.”
Proposed by Daniel O’Connell, Esq., and seconded by Rev. Mr. Walsh: “That Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald, R.C.C. and Dr. Nihill be appointed Secretaries.”
Proposed by the Very Rev. Mr. Bowles and seconded by Maurice O’Connell, Esq., J.P.: “That, aware of the wretched condition of the poor of this locality, particularly as regards food and fuel, we deem it our imperative duty to use every means in our power to alleviate their distress; and, for this purpose, we resolve to open a Subscription List, and to solicit the Subscriptions of the resident and non-resident Gentry, Farmers, Shopkeepers, and others connected with this district.”
Proposed by Mr. Pat Riedy and seconded by Mr. Thomas White: “That the Secretaries be requested to send a copy of the foregoing Resolution to each Landlord, &c, connected with this district, and that they report at an adjourned meeting, to be held this day-week, the result of their application.”
Proposed by Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald, and seconded by Rev. Mr. Walsh: “That Mr. Spaight do leave the Chair, and that Daniel O’Connell, Esq., be moved thereto.”
H. Spaight, Chairman.
Proposed by Very Rev. Mr. Bowles, and seconded by acclamation: “That the marked thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. Spaight for his dignified conduct in the Chair, and for his humane conduct on all occasions.”
Daniel O’Connell, Chairman. Secretaries: Rev. Robert Fitzgerald, Doctor Nihill.
The Clare Journal, Mon 30 Dec 1861, published a list of people who had subscribed:
Relief Subscriptions to the Tulla Relief Fund: Mrs. Brown, Newgrove, £10; Henry Spaight, J.P., £5; Very Rev. James Bowles, P.P., £7; Rev. Philip Dwyer, Rector of Tulla, £1; Maurice O’Connell, J.P., £1; John O’Callaghan, J.P., £1; G.J. Hore, Esq., Ballynacurra, Limerick, £2; Dr. Stewart, Dalky, Dublin, £1; Robert Fitzgerald, R.C.C., £2; James Walsh, R.C.C., £2; John Nihill, M.D., £2; James Molony, M.D., £1; William Scanlan, Esq., P.L.G., £2; Pierce O’Brien, Esq., P.L.G., £1; Solomon Frost, Esq., £1; Patrick Hubbert, Esq., C.I., £1; William Watson, Esq., £1; Edmond Gore, Esq., £1; Richard Brew, Esq., £1; Peter Sinclair, Esq., £1; Thomas White, Esq., P.L.G., £1; Mrs. Creagh, Dangan, 10s; Mr. Thomas Hanly, 10s; Mr. Patrick Ready, 10s; Mr. John Hynes, 10s; Mr. Michael Molony, 10s; Mr. James Carr, 10s; Mr. Timothy Murphy, 10s; Mr. William Powell, 7s 6d; Mr. Michael Halvey, 5s; Mrs. Austin, 5s; Mrs. Brown, 5s; Mr. Denis McNamara, 5s; Mr. Pat Macmahon, 5s; Mr. Michael Danaher, 5s.
The Clare Journal, Thur 9 Jan 1862, published a further list of subscribers:
Lord Kenmare, £10; Mr. Wm. O’Brien, £1 10s; Chartres B. Molony, Esq., £1; Miss O’Brien, Tinahealy, Co. Wicklow, £1; Mr. Cornelius McGrath, 10s; Mr. Murdock, 10s; Mr. Wallace, 10s; Mr. M. Ryan, 5s; Wm. Kean, Esq., Ennis, 5s; Mr. Edward Kennedy, 5s; Mr. O’Brien, 5s; Mrs. Murphy, 5s; Miss Flynn, 5s; Edward Bunyard, Esq., Limerick, £1; Edmond Browne, Esq., £1; Mr. Dan Reddan, 10s; Mr. Michael Ryan, 7s; William Molony, Esq., Garruragh, 5s; Matthew Halloran, 5s; James Lyddy, 5s; Mr. Lynch, Agoon, 10s; John Conheady, 4s 6d; Thomas Clune, 3s 6d; Pat White, 3s 6d; John Blake, 2s 6d; Pat Conheady, 2s 6d. Secretaries: R. Fitzgerald, R.C.C., John Nihill, M.D.
The Clare Journal, Thurs 9 Jan 1862: Tulla Relief Fund: £5 received from Captain Charles George O’Callaghan, of Ballynahinch.

The Clare Journal, Thur 20 Feb 1862:
Tulla Relief Fund. The Tulla Relief Fund Committee have been affording relief to over three hundred families, or about twelve hundred persons, since the month of December, and they have distributed Indian meal to the poor of the parish, at half price. Their funds are nearly exhausted, and they appeal with confidence to the liberality of the landlords, and others connected with the parish, who have not as yet subscribed. Very little additional money would enable them to continue the relief up to the time spring work would open. Numbers have been saved from starvation, and kept in their homes by the relief afforded them. By this means great benefit has been conferred upon the poor, and the landlords and farmers have been saved from excessive poor rates. They return grateful thanks to the many landlords and others who have contributed with such liberality.
The Clare Journal, Mon 24 Feb 1862, Tulla Relief Fund [the list below repeats all of the above subscribers and adds some more]:
Mrs. Browne, Newgrove, £10;
The Right Hon Earl Kenmare, £10;
Henry Spaight, Esq., J.P., £5;
Captain Charles Geo. O’Callaghan, Ballinahinch, £5;
Very Rev Dr O’Riely, SJ, Dublin, £5;
Mrs. Baggott, Loretto Abbey, Dalkey, £3;
Very Rev James Bowles, VF, PP, £7;
Rev Philip Dwyer, CLK, Tulla, £1;
Francis Macnamara Calcutt, MP, £2;
Rev Robert Fitzgerald, RCC, £2;
Rev James Walsh, RCC, £2;
Wm O’Hara, Esq, RM, £2;
Wm Scanlan Esq, Bonnvaree, £2;
Doctor Stewart, Dublin £2;
Doctor Molony, Tulla, £2;
E J Hore, Esq, Ballinacurra, Limerick, £2;
Doctor Nihill, Tulla, £2;
Wm O’Brien, Esq, £1 10s;
Richard Brew, Esq, £1;
Edmond Gore, Esq, Tyreheeda, £1;
Solomon Frost, Esq, Rosmanaher, £1;
- Herbert, Esq, CI, Loughrea, £1;
Maurice O’Connell, Esq, Kilgory, £1;
Edward A Gore, Esq, Derrymore, £1;
Captain John O’Callaghan, Maryfort, £1;
Miss O’Brien, Tinahely, County Wicklow, £1;
Chartres B Molony, Esq, Ennis, £1;
E Bernard, Esq, Limerick, £1;
E B Brown, Esq, Newgrove, £1;
The O’Molony, Cregg, £1;
Sir Robert Kane, Dublin, £1;
Nicholas Murphy, Esq, Queenstown, £1;
Daniel Finch, Esq, Limerick, £1;
M Cullinan, Esq, Ennis, £1;
Jasper White, Esq, Belmont, £1;
Peter Sinclair, Esq, Kilduff, £1;
Thomas White, Esq, Tulla, £1;
Pierce O’Brien, Esq, Brooklodge, £1;
Wm Watson, Esq, Tulla, £1;
Mrs Creagh, Dangan, 10s;
Mr Thomas Hanly, 10s;
Mr Cornelius McGrath, 10s;
Mr Edward Wallace, 10s;
Mr M Molony, 10s;
Mr Pat Reidy, 10s;
Mr John Hynes, 10s;
Mr James Carr, 10s;
Mr Thady Murphy, £10;
Mr Murdock, 10s;
Mr Lynch, Agoon, 10s;
Mr Daniel Reddan, 10s;
Daniel O’Connell, Esq, Kilgory, 10s;
Mr Michael Daly, 10s;
Mr Baker, 10s;
Mr Wm Powell, 10s;
Mr Michael Ryan, Fortanemore, 7s 6d;
Mr Michael Connell, Derramore, 7s 6d.

The following subscribed 5s each:
Mrs Murphy, Lahardine;
Denis McNamara,
Michael Halvey,
Mrs Austin,
Pat McMahon,
Mrs Brown,
Michael Danaher,
Pat Scanlan,
John O’Donnell,
Thomas Powel,
William Kean, Esq, Ennis,
Mr O’Brien,
W Molony,
Edward Kennedy,
James Gallagher,
Ned Gavin,
Mathew McNamara,
Rodger Hayes,
John Connellan,
Michael Rochford, jun,
Michael Carty,
Pat Kelly,
Martin Molony,
Thomas Liddy,
Conor Halloran,
Richard Ryan,
James Whelan,
John Rochford,
Denis Hogan,
Michael Hogan,
James Liddy,
Thomas Conheady,
Mathew Halloran,
Miss Flynn,
John Conheady, Miltown, 4s 6d.

The following subscribed 3s 6d each:
Thomas Clune,
Patt White,
Daniel Manogue,
Mrs. McMahon,
Pat Hawkins,
Pat Lyddy,
John Corbett.

The following subscribed 3s each:
Edmund Murphy,
John Dwyer,
Michael Cusack,
Thomas Lynch.

The following subscribed 2s 6d each:
Tobey Blake,
John Blake,
Pat Conheady,
Michael Murphy,
Thomas Cooney,
James Morony,
Martin Meany,
Martin Roughan,
Michael Molony,
Pat O’Donnell,
Mat Macnamara,

The following subscribed 2s each:
Edward Lynch,
Thomas Twomey,
Widow Flanagan,
James Quin.
Thomas Kennedy and Pat Macnamara subscribed 1s 6d each.

The following subscribed 1s each:
Peter Dinan,
Mrs. Fogarty,
Michael Macnamara,
Widow Macnamara.

Rev Jeremiah Vaughan, P.P. of Doora parish, seems to have received a large consignment of Indian meal in the late Spring of 1862. He distributed this to various parishes, including Tulla:
The Clare Journal, Mon 28 Apr 1862:
Tulla Relief Committee, thankfully acknowledge the receipt of two tons of Indian meal from Rev. Jeremiah Vaughan, P.P., Doora, for distribution amongst the poor of the Parish of Tulla.
Mon 28 Apr 1862:
The Poor of Liscannor. Rev. John Kemmy, Administrator, Liscannor, begs to acknowledge from the Rev. Mr. Vaughan, P.P., Barefield, two tons of meal, for the relief of the poor of Liscannor.
Thur 24 Apr 1862:
Acknowledgements. The Sisters of Mercy, Ennis, thankfully acknowledge the receipt of Half Ton of Meal for their orphanage, from Rev. J. Vaughan, P.P., Doora.
Thur 1 May 1862:
The Relief Fund. A meeting of the Relief Committee [Ennis] was held yesterday. Thomas Greene, Esq., in the chair. After some conversation, it was decided that the Committee should appropriate the £20 received from the Mansion House Committee, together with the balance on hands, to the purchase of Indian meal, which, in addition to the two tons so liberally given by the Rev. Mr. Vaughan, will go a good distance in relieving the destitute condition of the poor of the town. The distribution of charity will commence on Tuesday next.
Thur 1 May 1862:
Acknowledgement. The Rev. T. Quin, P.P., Kilnamona and Inagh, begs thankfully to acknowledge the receipt of two tons of Indian meal for the relief of the poor of those parishes from the Rev. Jeremiah Vaughan, P.P.
Thur 15 May 1862:
Acknowledgement. Rev. Mr. Dinan thankfully acknowledges having received two tons of meal from the Rev. Mr. Vaughan of Doora, to be distributed among the poor of the parish of Clondegad.
Sheila

Edit: The Clare Journal, Mon 23 Jun 1862:
Acknowledgement. The Sisters of Mercy, Ennis, thankfully acknowledge the receipt of a second half ton of meal for their Orphanage from Rev. J. Vaughan, P.P., Doora
Last edited by Sduddy on Wed Jan 13, 2021 11:03 am, edited 1 time in total.

Sduddy
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Re: Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by Sduddy » Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:48 am

The Clare Journal, Mon 12 May 1862:
Ennistymon Relief Fund. There was a very numerous meeting held in the chapel yard, on Sunday, the 3rd inst., to form a relief committee which would have been long ago organized but for the long and painful illness of the parish priest, the Very Rev. John Sheehan.
The destitution was found to be appalling and increasing daily. How the hundreds struggled to live hitherto is unaccountable; but now all resources are tried and spent, and dried up. All the means of preserving life any longer are exhausted; and nothing remains for the crowds of destitute but death by starvation, or the workhouse. They perish unless the relief committee come to their rescue and save them. Our distress is as great and overwhelming as it could be in any other district receiving relief.
Owing to the absence of any local committee to keep it a little mitigated, our distress has fearfully accumulated, and at last has broken out in signs that cannot be mistaken. Notwithstanding the natural repugnance of the poor people to enter the workhouse (oftentimes preferring death), there are now in the workhouse here 200 in excess of the number in the workhouse this time last year. Nothing could drive them into a place they detest, but the dread prospect that they would die of hunger, if they remained out any longer.
The Committee is now in operation; it has a claim on many; on the sympathy of the good and generous everywhere. The landlords of Ennistymon and Clooney, will, it is hoped, assist the Committee in the work they have undertaken. The names of the contrubutors will appear, from time to time, in the relief list, to be regularly published.
I cannot conclude without observing that Colonel Macnamara gave much employment throughout, and relieved many families, even artisans – all tradesmen who were able to do any out-door work at all – were employed. But his best could not cope with the amount of destitution, increasing more and more every day. Correspondent.
The Clare Journal, Thur 8 May 1862:
Ennistymon Relief Fund. Subscriptions received:
Very Rev. John Sheehan, PP, VG, £20;
Rev. Mr Newell, CC, £3;
Rev Mr Geoghegan, CC, £3;
Dr Shannon, £3;
Pat J O’Dwyer, £2;
Francis O’Brien, £2;
Mat Slattery, £2;
George Blackwell & Son, £2;
Thomas Russell, £2;
Edward Comber, £2;
Thomas Miniter, £1;
John Carrigg, £1;
Pat Barry, £1;
Francis O’Donohue, £1;
Redmond McNamara, £1;
Peter Hayes, £1;
John Carmody, £1;
James Kelly, £1;
Mrs Caffry, per do, £1;
Anonymous, £1;
Michael Markham, £1;
Denis Kean, £1;
John O’Loughlen, £1;
Harry Whitty, £1;
Thomas Lucas, JP, £1;
Mr. Shaw, Sub-Inspector, £1;
John Roche, £1;
Dr. Sweeny, £1;
Pat Griffin, 10s;
Connor Hogan, 10s;
John Herbert, 10s;
Pat Guerin, 10s;
Michael Garrihy, 10s;
James Doherty, 10s;
William Cassidy, 10s;
James Molony, 10s;
Pat Hehir, 10s;
Daniel Lysaght, 10s;
Maurice Walsh, 10s;
James Stack, 10s;
Francis Daly, 10s;
Michael Sharry, 10s;
Pat Lynch, 10s;
Thomas Drew, 10s;
Thomas O’Neil, 10s;
Michael Howard, 10s;
James Cooney, 10s;
Peter Blake, 7s 6d;
Pat Flanagan, 7s 6d;
Michael Shannon, 5s;
Pat Kerin, 5s;
John Murphy, 5s;
Stephen Touhy, 5s;
John Devitt, 5s;
John Quin, 5s;
Michael Flaherty, 5s;
Hugh Carrigg, 5s;
Mrs Kelly, 5s;
Pat Guthrie, 5s;
Mrs Thynne, 5s;
James King, 5s;
John Quin, 2s 6d;
Pat Gallery, 2s 6d;
Richard Cavanagh, 2s 6d;
Mrs Michael McDonagh, 2s 6d;
Thomas Rynn, 2s 6d;
Bridget Grogan, 2s 6d;
Anonymous, 1s.

Sheila

Sduddy
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Re: Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by Sduddy » Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:54 am

The Clare Journal, Mon 5 May 1862:
Kilfenora Relief Committee. At a meeting held this day at Kilfenora for the purpose of divising measures to alleviate the wants of the Destitute Poor, it was unanimously agreed to that, if something be not done to procure subsistence, they must inevitably fall victims to starvation.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
1st. That, owing to the almost total failure of the crops, and the want of employment in this neighbourhood, the poor are reduced to extreme want, and are unable to sow their little gardens, which is frightful to see lying waste, at this period of the year.
2nd. That circulars be drawn up and sent to the proprietors of the district, to solicit subscriptions for the poor, as, also, to others charitably disposed; that a second collection be made, on the 18th insant, amongst the parishioners for the same purpose.
3rd. That a subscription list be opened, and that the subscripions be duly acknowleged in the Evening News and Clare Journal newspapers.
4th. That Mr. Martin Culliny, and Mr. Michael Daly act as treasurers; the Rev. Morimer Brennan, R.C.C., act as Secretary.
Andrew Quin, P.P., Chairman.
M. Brennan, Secretary.
The following are the names of the Committee: Rev. Mr. Quin, P.P., Chairman,
Francis Fitzgerald,
Patrick Caher,
Michael O’Brien,
Thomas McMahon,
Nicholas Molony,
Austin O’Brien,
Terence Moran,
Anthony O’Brien,
Michael Byrt,
Patrick Killeen,
Patrick Crowe,
George Sexton.
Subscriptions will be thanfully received and acknowledged by the Treasurers, or by either of the above.
Sheila

Edit: The Clare Journal, 22 May 1862:
Kilfenora Relief Committee: The following subscriptions were handed in on Sunday, the 18th, after Mass, by the parishioners:
Rev A Quin, PP, £3;
Rev M Brennan, CC, £1;
Mr Patrick Cahir, £1;
Michael Daly, £1;
Patrick Killeen, £1;
Martin Culliny, £1;
Mrs John O’Brien, £1;
Michael O’Brien, 10s;
Terence Moran, 6s;

The following subscribed 5s each:
Pat McMahon, Laurence Nelligan, Nicholas Molony, Austin O’Brien, Michael Byrth, Martin Macnamara, Thomas McMahon.
John Lahiff, 3s 6d.
The following subscribed 2s 6d each:
Peter McCormack,
John Howard,
Mrs Neylon,
Michael Caher,
Pat Daly,
Morty Canny,
Thomas Leary,
Anthony O’Brien,
Connor Woods,
Michael Morgan,
John Keough,
Peter Fitzpatrick,
John Kerin,
Mrs. Hynes,
Pat Neylon,
James Howard,
James McMahon,
James Mulqueeny,
Thomas Quin,
Pat Griffy,
Mrs. Michael McNamara,
John Moran,
Michael Neagle.
The following subscribed 2s each:
Mrs. Cahill,
Thos McMahon,
Mrs. Curtin,
Michael Davoren,
Terence Lynch,
Michael McNamara,
Michl. Walsh.

Smaller sums: £4 7s. 0d.
Total, £19 13s 0d.

Please acknowledge, wit our sincere gratititude, the following subscriptions received from local proprietors:
Hyacinth D’Arcy, Esq., £2;
Mortimer Hynes, Esq., £2;
Mathew Kenny, Solicitor, Dublin, £2.
Sheila

Edit: The Clare Journal, Thur 5 Jun 1862:
Kilfenora, June 2nd. Dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge with deepest gratitude the receipt of £15 from the Mansion House Committee, and £5 from his Grace the Archbishop of Tuam. By this addition of the above subscriptions to our funds, we were enabled to allow to each of 194 applicants, 8d a week only! And double this number, I am certain, require relief, but with the aid of the good and charitable, we hope to be able to relieve all.
I am dear Sir, yours very respectfully, Mortimer Brennan, C.C.
Sheila
Last edited by Sduddy on Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:54 am, edited 2 times in total.

smcarberry
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Re: Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by smcarberry » Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:55 am

Excellent subject on which to shed light. Weather is the bane of a community for which farming is so integral as an economic base, for which bad years were reported prior to and after the Great Famine.

My first thought on seeing the donors lists and proponents of relief efforts was: where was Fr. Patrick Quaid of the O'Callaghan's Mills Parish ? I have no saved article reflecting on his activity of this type, but I have a series of article throughout the 1860s and 1870s showing his work regarding tenant rights. He was in his declining years by the 1870s, when he started turning down invitations to appear at such events. He resigned his position as O'Callaghan's Mills parish priest in 1875. Due to his land holdings, Fr. Quaid may have been the moving force behind some of the donations noted in lists reported here.

By lease of 22 April 1858, Fr. Quaid was the principal occupier (116 acres) of Mountallan townland, leased from a group of owners, namely E.J. O'Reilly, Lord Kenmare, and J.S. Bagot. There were just four others with similar leases for that townland, none more than 15 acres. "E.J" was Rev. Edmund O'Reilly and Lord Kenmare was Thomas O'Reilly. Historically, Mountallan had been McNamara property, confiscated and given to Thady O'Callaghan of Coolroe, Cork. In the mid-1700s that family left Mountallan and re-settled at Kilgory. After his marriage in 1785 to Helen O'Brien, Edmund O'Callaghan of Kilgory had several daughters, one of whom married the 3rd Earl of Kenmare Thomas O'Reilly and another who married James Bagot. The O'Callaghan property at Kilgory went up for sale in the early 1860s.

Sduddy
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Re: Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by Sduddy » Tue Jan 12, 2021 11:50 am

Hi Sharon

I remember your interest in Fr. Quaid, especially in regard to his involvement in Tenants Rights. I did a quick search for "Quaid" in The Clare Journal for the years 1861 and 1862, and did not get any result that showed involvement in any relief committee. I think the parishes in South East Clare may not have experienced as much hardship as those in the North and West of Clare.
Rev. Quaid was active, nationally, in 1861-62, so there are probably mentions of him in the Dublin Freeman, but if he was on a relief committee in Clare he would have been mentioned in the Clare Journal, surely, so I confined myself to that newspaper.
Here are the mentions of him that I found:

The Clare Journal, Thur 31 Jan 1861: Court of Common Pleas. Judgement. Quaid v. Halpin

The Clare Journal, Mon 18 Mar 1861:
Christ Church. The Rev. M. Dinan, P.P., has to return his most sincere thanks to all those who most generously contributed towards his New Church, near Ballynacally on the 17th ultimo, the day of Dedication: [a long list follows. Rev Mr Quaid P.P., O’Callaghan’s Mills gave £1]
The Clare Journal, Thur 21 Mar 1861:
National Banquet in Dublin. On Monday evening a banquet, in honor of the memory of St. Patrick, was held in the Rotundo, Dublin. B. Newenham Underwood, Esq., occupied the chair. The following gentlemen were also present: The O’Donoghue, M.P., J. Martin, Rev. Mr. Kenyon, Archdeacon Coughlan, Rev. Mr. Quaid, Lieut. Crean, of the Irish Brigade; J. O’Neil, T.C., J. Butler, T.C., Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Holland, &c., &c. Several letters were received, among others from J. Mitchell &c.
The Clare Journal, Thur 21 Mar 1861:
The Superioress of the Convent [of Mercy, Ennis] returns her most grateful thanks to the following kind contributors” : [a list of 31 contributors includes Rev. P. Quaid, P.P., O’Callaghan’s Mills, who gave 10s]
The Clare Journal, Thur 5 Dec 1861:
The Catholic University. Springfield College, Ennis. Thursday, the 21st of November, was the day fixed by the Rector of the Catholic University for holding a matriculation examination in Springfield College, Ennis. A few minutes after three o’clock on that day, according to arrangement, his Lordship, the most Rev. Dr. Flannery, the Bishop of the diocese, accompanied by Monsignore Woodlock, the Rector, Professor Stewart, and the Very Rev. Dean Kenny, arrived at the College, where a large assemblage of the clergy from the surrounding parishes were waiting to receive them. Amongst them I noticed : The Rev. P. Quaid, P.P., O’Callaghan’s Mills [16 more names follow]
The Clare Journal, Mon 10 Feb 1862:
Colonel White and the Town Commissioners. To the Editor of the Clare Journal. Dear Sir, Having read in the Clare Journal of the 6th instant, a correspondence between Colonel White, M.P., and the Chairman of the Ennis Town Commissioners, in which my name was introduced, I feel bound to state that Colonel White made no promise of a subscription to the Ennis Library in my presence on the occasion referred to or any other. I take for granted that their Chairman has before now mentioned the substance of this note to the Town Commissioners, as I stated it to him in his own office on Tuesday last, Your obedient servant, P. Quaid, P.P., O’Callaghan’s Mills, Feb. 8th , 1862.
The Clare Journal, Thur 13 Feb 1862:
Colonel White and the Ennis Town Commissioners. The following resolution was adopted at the meeting of the Commissioners yesterday: That the attention of the deputation be called to the letter of the Rev. P. Quaid, P.P., which appeared in the Clare Journal of Monday last, denying their statement of a promise of a subscription being made in his presence by Colonel White.
The Clare Journal, Thur 27 Nov 1862:
Death of Centenarian. Mr. Quaid, father of Rev. P. Quaid, P.P. O’Callaghan’s Mills, died on Friday, at his residence, in the county of Limerick. He had reached the venerable an unusual age of 104 years! Up to a very recent period he enjoyed all his faculties; lately his vision became impaired, but in other respects he was perfectly himself in every particular. The funeral of this patriarch took place on Sunday, and was attended by a large concourse of persons who manifested their respect for the memory of a man who lived far beyond the average time allotted to the human race, and whose blameless career won the esteem of all his neighbours.

Sheila

Edit: Sharon – I see that I omitted a mention of Rev. Quaid in the Clare Journal of 28 Feb 1861:
The Rev. Father Quaid, P.P., O’Callaghan’s Mills, will receive proposals for effecting alterations in the Parish Chapel of Kilkishen, according to specifations to be seen on application to the Clerk Mr. Edmond Donovan, Kilkishen.
Last edited by Sduddy on Tue Jan 12, 2021 12:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Sduddy
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Re: Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by Sduddy » Tue Jan 12, 2021 11:58 am

The Clare Journal, Thur 15 May 1862:
Distress at Ballyvaughan. To the Editor of the Clare Journal. Dear Sir, I beg to forward the annexed resolutions (which will be found in your advertising columns) and, at the same time, to assure your readers, that we do not wantonly or needlessly parade the wants of our poor people. Their wants are so pressing and imminent, that we feel we could not safely or conscientiously remain inactive any longer. The potato, as an article of food, is gone. There is no employment. Fuel is extremey scarce. How the poor continue to cook their chance meals is a mystery to many. The fishermen who, during the previous years, earned a decent livelihood for themselves and families, are, some of them at least, now amongst the most destitute, in consequence of the scarcity of fish during the past season. In fact, a combination of untoward circumstances, makes the season so peculiarly trying to the poor of this locality, that if relief be not speedily afforded, God alone knows what the consequences may be. We make our appeal – I hope not in vain.
Subscriptions will be thankfully received by any member of the Committee, and acknowledged by yours very truly, A. Hanrahan, C.C., Secretary.
The Clare Journal, Mon 19 May 1862:
Distress in Ballyvaughan. At a meeting, held in Ballyvaughan, on Sunday the 11th, for the purpose of devising measures to relieve the wants of the poor in that neighbourhood, on the motion of the Very Rev. Mr. Ryder, seconded by the Rev. A. Hanrahan, the chair was taken by the Rev. Hugh Brady Huleatt, who briefly returned thanks and expressed his conviction that a vast amount of misery prevailed in the district.
The following resolutions were adopted.
1st. That, owing to the poverty of the district, and the total want of employment, we see, with pain and regret, the greatest destitution glaring our poor people in the faces; to which, if relief be not promptly afforded many must fall victims.
2nd. That a committee be appointed for this laudable purpose; that subscriptions be solicited from the wealthy and charitable, especially from those gentlemen having landed property in the neighbourhood.
3rd. That the Secretary be directed to write to Mr. Pierce Creagh, Dublin, respectfully requesting of him to advocate our cause with the Mansion House Committee, and wherever else he thinks his efforts would be successful.
4th. That Messrs. Michae Macnamara and Fergus Curtin be appointed treasurers, and that the Rev. A. Hanrahan do act as Secretary.
5th. That a copy of the above resolutions be sent for publication to the Dublin Freeman and to the Clare Journal.
Hugh Brady Huleatt, Chairman.
A. Hanrahan, Secretary.
The following constitute the committee:
Rev Mr Huleatt,
Very Rev Mr Ryder,
Rev A Hanrahan,
Rev F Forde,
E Hogan, Esq, MD,
John Martyn, Esq,
Fergus Curtin,
Michael Macnamara,
Pat Comyn,
Pat Kerin,
James Comyn,
Henry McDonough,
Pat Kerin.
Sheila

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by Sduddy » Tue Jan 12, 2021 1:10 pm

The Clare Journal, Thur 22 May 1862:
Killadysert Relief Fund: At a Preliminary Meeting held at Killadydert, on the 19th May, inst., for the purpose of organizing a fund to relieve the poor, temporary, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted, and subscriptions handed in by the following persons:
Rev Thomas Reed, £2;
Rev Patrick Daly, £2;
Mr Michael Nealon, £1 10s;
Mr Thomas Ginnane, £1;
Mr Daniel Boland, £1;
Mr Edmond Walsh, £1;
Mr Thomas Jennings, £1;
Mr James O’Connell, £1;
Mr Patrick Ginnane, £1;
Mr Michael Meehan, £1;
Mr Lott O’Halloran, £1;
Mr Henry Doherty, 10s;
Mr David Fitzgerald, 15s;
Mr James Ginnan, 10s;
Mr James McCarthy, 10s;
Rev Michael Roughan, £3;
Doctor John Ryan, £1;
Daniel O’Connell, Esq, £1;
Mr James Kerin 7s 6d;
Mr Patrick Sullivan, 6s;

The following subscribed 5s each:
Mr John Edwards,
Mr John McMahon,
Mr. Daniel McNamara,
Mr Daniel Honan,
Mr John Doughan,
Mr Thomas O’Connor,
Mr Terence O’Connor.
The following subscribed 2s 6d each:
Mr Patrick Fitzgerald,
Miss Fitzgerald,
Mr Thomas Edwards,
Mr Marks McMahon,
Mrs Mat Hehir, 6d,
Mrs. O’Grady, 1s.

1st. Resolved: In consequence of the want of employment for the labouring class, or any present prospects thereof, that a subscription list be opened at once, to meet the wants and save the lives of the really destitute poor, of the parishes of Killadysert and Kilfiddane.
2nd. Resolved: That application be made to such landlords as have properties in the above-named parishes, to contribute for the aforesaid laudable and humane object.
3rd. Resolved: That the Committee are requested to use their influence with their friends to solicit support for the above object, and that the following persons constitute the Committee with power to add to their numbers.
Mr. Thomas Ginnane, Treasurer.
Mr. Michael Nealon, Chairman.
Rev. Thomas Reed, Rev Patrick Daly, Secretaries.
Daniel O‘Connell,
Daniel Boland,
Edward Walsh,
Mr. Thomas Jennings,
Mr. Michael Meehan,
Mr. Lott O’Halloran,
Mr. James O’Connell,
Mr. Henry Doherty.

4th. Resolved: That an account of our proceedings at this meeting, be forwarded to the proprietors of the Clare Journal and Limerick Reporter, and that they be requested to insert same on their next issue.
Sheila

Edit: The Clare Journal, Mon 9 Jun 1862:
Killadysert and Kilfiddane Relief Fund.. Subscriptions received since the meeting was held:
John Ryan, Esq, MD, £1;
Daniel O’Connell, Esq, £1;
Mr James Kinnane, Ennis, £1 1s;
Mrs Martin Dillon, £1;
Messrs. James Hickie and son, Limerick, per Mr. Thomas Ginnane, 10s;
Rev Michael Roughan, £3;
Anonymous, per Rev M Roughan, £2;
Anonymous, per Rev Thomas Reed, £10;
Anonymous, per Rev Patrick Daly, £1;
Mr Daniel O’Connor, William-street, Limerick, £1;
Messrs James Brown, Son and Co, Manchester, per Rev Mr M Nealon, £1;
Messrs John Vance, & Co, Leeds, per Mr Michael Nealon, £1;
Messrs James Bannatyne, & Son, Ennis, £1;
Michael Fitzgerald, Clerk, Killadysert, £1;
Captain Smith and Mrs. Fallon, £5 per John Cornwall, jun., 36, Rutland square, Dublin, who is the most humane agent coming to this county to collect rents.
We have also to acknowledge the receipt of £2 for the purchase of a bell; and £3 for the repair of the school-house, per Captain Smyth and Mrs Fallon, per Mr Cornwall, on a previous occasion.
Pat Molony, 7s;
The following subscribed 5s each:
Mr. Chas Keane,
Mr John Brookes,
Mr Pat Meere,
Mr Jer. Guinnane,
Mr John McMahon,
Mr. John Crowe,
Mr. J O’Connor.
The following subscribed 2s 6d each:
Mr Thady McMahon,
Mr Morgan McInerney.
Received in small sums from the people of Kilfidane parish to the present, £5 13s 6d, making on the whole a sum of £57 sterling.
We also beg to state, that we have applied to the Mansion-house Committee, and to the different landlords for relief, and expect to receive at least £50 more. We have relieved 2,472 persons for the past three weeks, and trust and hope that we will be able to continue to do so each week until August next, thereby preventing them making application to the Workhouse, or a charge on the ratepayers.
Thomas Reed, Patrick Daly, Secretaries. June 7th, 1862.
All contributions received in future shall be duly acknowledged.
The Clare Journal, Thur 19 Jun 1862:
Killadysert and Kilfiddane Relief Fund.
Additional Subscriptions:
Anonymous, per Rev M. Roughan, £1;
Felix Joseph McCarthy, Esq, J.P., £1;
Somerset Keogh, Esq, S.I., 10s;
Mansion House Committee, £10;
Protestant Lord Bishop of Killaloe, per the Rev. Michael Fitzgerald, Clk, £5;
Rev. George Rosslewin, Clk, £1;
Messrs. Hutton & Baird, Glasgow, per Mr. M. Nealon, £1 1s;
In small sums, from the people of Coolmeene parish, £12 13s;
Daniel Garry, jun, 5s;
John Hallinan, 5s;
John Grace, 4s;
Michael Carrig, 4s;
Thomas Doyle, 4s;
Pat Kelly, 4s;
Pat Keane, 2s 6d.
Received to the present date, £90 4s 6d sterling. 1096 persons relieved last week at a cost of £16, which, we hope, we will be able to continue for the next two months. The Landlords have not as yet responded to our applications, but expect they will before long. Thomas Reed, Patrick Daly, Secretaries. June 7, 1862.
All contributions received in future shall be duly acknowledged.
Sheila
Last edited by Sduddy on Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:59 am, edited 1 time in total.

smcarberry
Posts: 1281
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
Location: USA

Re: Distress in Clare, 1861-1862

Post by smcarberry » Tue Jan 12, 2021 1:59 pm

Thanks, Sheila, for taking time to look up those Quaid items. I do have the one on his father's death -- that was Timothy of Rathkeale. Anyone also looking up news items on a Fr. Patrick Quaid in mid-1800s should be on alert for Limerick-oriented ones since most of those would be for Fr. Quaid's cousin, also named Patrick and also a priest although the cousin stayed in Limerick and died well before Fr. Quaid of East Clare. The official 1880 death entry on East Clare's Fr. Quaid (by then residing in the Croom Registration District) has him born in 1790, while news reports vary from that. After 1857 there was yet another Fr. Quaid, Patrick's nephew.

I didn't have anything on the Col. White controversy, and that rounds out Fr. Quaid as a stickler for authenticity. That is at least the second time he wrote to a newspaper to make a correction like that.

As to the May 1862 relief donor list, Rev. Huleatt there is undoubtedly Rev. Hugh Brady Huleatt, who died in March 1878, residence listed as Glenarra House, Ballyvaughan. Marriage reports for his daughters also list Rathbourney for him. His origin, though, was the Scariff area. A likely relative was Rev. John Huleatt whose lease of Clashduff property (near Kilkishen) had ended as of Dec 1849, possibly linked to the wholesale eviction of all Clashduff tenants on Dec. 6th, my family included. That item was sent to me by another generous and helpful genealogist. I had never heard of that surname in East Clare until I received the 1849 news item, but now my Huleatt file is slowly developing. RC and Protestant clergy as rural landowners and landlords is definitely on my radar. That includes Fr. O'Reilly and what interests he had in common with Fr. Quaid when the two of them were living in East Clare.

One last note -- after sale of his Mount Allon property in Dec 1858, Fr. Quaid was in a position to be a donor, as he then had over 1700 pounds on hand.

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