MOUNTMELLICK Mountmellick, a market and post town, partly in the parish of Coolbanagher, barony of Portnehinch, but chiefly in that of Rosenallis, barony of Tinnehinch, Queen's county, and province of Leinster, 5 miles (N.W.) from Maryborough, and 40 (W.S.W.) from Dublin, on the road from Portarlington to Clonaslee; containing 4,577 inhabitants. This town, which is nearly encircled by the small river Owenas or Onas, was anciently called Moun-cha-Meelick, signifying the "green island". It consists of one principle with some smaller streets, and in 1831 contained 700 houses, many of which are very neat and some elegant buildings; from the extent of its trade and manufactures it ranks as the chief town in the county. The weaving of cotton is carried on very extensively, and affords employment to about 2000 persons in the town and neighbourhood; the manufacture of woollen stuffs and coarse woollen cloths also is conducted on a very extensive scale by the Mssrs. Milner & Sons who have lately erected very spacious buildings adjoining the town for spinning and weaving, in which nearly the same number of persons are employed. In 1834 Mssrs. J and D. Roberts from Anglesea, established an iron and brass foundry here, on an extensive scale, for the manufacture of steam and locomotive engines and machinery in general, in which about 40 persons are employed. There are also an extensive manufactory of bits and stirrups, a tan yard, three breweries, a flour mill, two soap manufactories, a distillery making about 120,000 gallons of whiskey annually, and some long established potteries for tiles and coarser kinds of earthenware. A branch of the Grand Canal, which has been brought to the town from Monasterevan has greatly promoted its trade in corn, butter and general merchandise is rapidly increasing. The market days are Wednesday and Saturday; fair days for cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs are held on Feb 1st, March 17th, May 1st, 2nd, Thursday after trinity Sunday, July 20th, 26th, Sept 29th, Nov 1st. and Dec 11th. A chief constabulary force is stationed in the town, and there are subordinate stations at Clonaslee, Kilcabin and Rosenallis. By a recent Act of parliament, quarterly sessions are held here in April and October; and sessions are held by rotation weekly at Mount-N???, Ballymachugh and Ballyjamesduff. A new courthouse is about to be erected in or near a new street at pr?? In progress from the Church square to Irishtown. A branch of the Bank of Ireland was opened here in ??? Here is a chapel of ease to the parish of Rosenallis, a handsome edifice, lately repaired by a grant of £110 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the R.C. Divisions this place is the head of the union or district of Mount Mellick and Castlebrack, comprising parts of the parish of Rosenallis, Castlebrack and Coolbanagher, and containing the chapels at Mount Mellick and Castlebrack, the former is a spacious structure. There are also in the town places for worship for the Society of Friends and the Primitive and Wesleyan Methodists. A parochial school of the Leinster Society of Friends was established here in 1788; there are also a school in connection with the church, a national school and a dispensary and a Temperance Society has been formed. There is a chalybeate spring at Derryguile.

Extracted from Lewis Topographical Directory of Ireland: ROSENALLIS OR OREGAN Rosenallis or oregan, a parish in the barony of Tinnehinch, Queen's county, and province of Leinster, on the road from Emo to Birr, through Clonaslee; containing, with the greater part of the post town of Mountmellick (which is separately described), 8463 inhabitants.The parish is said to have derived its name from Rossa Failgea, eldest son of Cathavir O'more. The north eastern extremity of the Slieve Bloommountains is included in it. The Barrow rises in Tinnehinch hill, and after receiving its tributary stream of owenass or Onas, quits the parish near Mountmellick. The soil is cold, but capable of great improvement by the application of lime , which is much used, as is also a compost of clay, bog mould and the refuse of the farm-yard. In the Slieve Bloom mountains are quarries of a soft white sandstone, which hardens when exposed to the air and is susceptible of a high polish; it is in great demand throughout the country for chmney pieces and hearth stones; a coarser kind is used for flagging. Another peculiarity of these mountains is the fertility of their northern side, which is interspersed with neat farmhouses and cultivated enclosures to its summit, while its southern side is mostly a healthy waste. Iron ore was formerly raised but is not now. There is a large tract of bog in this district, affording an abundant supply of fuel. Tillage is more attended to than grazing; there are but few flocks of sheep. The chief crops are potatoes, wheat, barley and oats. Near Mount-Mellick are three public nurseries. Besides the fairs which are held in the last named town, there is one at Tinnehinch on Oct 29th solely for pigs. Comfortable farm houses are thickly scattered throughout the parish,and there are several good mansions,of which the principal are Capard: the residence of John Pigott, Esq., situated on the side of a hill commanding an extensive view of the adjacent country, with the towns of Mount mellick, maryborough, Portarlington, Mountrath and Monastereven. Rynn: of Mrs. Croasdaile Summergrove of J. sabatier, Esq., And the Glebe of the Rev. geo. Kemmis. The manufacture of woolen cloths, stuffs and cottons is carried on chiefly in Mountmellick and its vicinity, there are also breweries and distilleries. The Living is a rectory and vicarage, in the Diocese of Kildare; the rectory is impropriate in Gen. Dunne; the vicarage united with those of Castlebrack, Kilmanman and Rerymore, is in the patronage of Thos. Kemmis Esq. The Tithes amount to £398.15.4 ¾ ., of which £265.16.11 ¼ is payable to the impropriator, and £132.16.5 ½ to the vicar; the parishes of the union constitute the barony of Tinnehinch, and the tithes of the benefice amount to £336.3.3 ½ . The glebe house at camira, is a commodious building on an elevated piece of ground near the village of Rosenallis, and has a glebe of 180 acres annexed to it, besides which there are 356 acres of glebe, including mountain land in the other parishes of the union. The church at Rosenallis, is a neat building, and has been lately thoroughly repaired by means of a grant of £578 from the Ecclesiastical commissioners; there is a chapel of ease at Mountmellick. In the R.C. divisions Rosenallis is the head of a union or district, comprising parts of the parishes of Rosenallis, Castlebrack and Rerymore; the other part of the parish is in the district of Mountmellick; there are chapels at Capard and MountMellick. The Society of Friends have have an enclosed burial ground near the village. Besides the schools at Mount Mellick; there are two in Rosenalis, one of which is a national school. At Rosenalis is a station of the constabulary police. Within the grounds of cappard are several raths, and brass coins of jas. II were dug up near the mansion a few years since. A remarkable togher or bog-pass, in the neighbourhood is pointed out as a place where and engagement took place between the armies of King William's and King James's forces, in which the latter were defeated.

Hi, I have been researching the family of Mary Dunphy who was shipped to Australia in 1849 aboard the William & Mary as an orphan during the famine/ as part of the Carolyn Chisholm Scheme & later married James Atkins formerly of Co. CARLAW in OZ in 1852. There appears to be some discrepancy about the children of Mary's parents. It would seem that records suggest the birth of maybe 3 other children some 14 or so years before??Has anyone any information about this family . My research shows Mary's parents to be Simon Dunphy/Margaret Morrissey married in 1809 at Ballinakill. All information gratefully accepted regards from OZ.

I was able to get over to Ireland last fall for a week, spending four days in the National Archives in Dublin and three days in and around Mountmellick. I stayed in a B&B in Mountmellick and used a woman's bicycle for transport. One day to Rosenallis and the next to Portarlington. I brought back several books. One of which may interest other subscribers to this group. "Documents of Portarlington, No.3" published by John S. Powell it includes "Maps and lots of the sale of Emo and the Incumbered Estates Act, 1852". This describes the sale of the ten divisions of the Portarlington estates and provides townland maps and lists of tenants with map references for the third division. The areas covered are: Cooltederry, Ballymorris, Kilmalogue, and houses in Portarlington Emo park demesne Kilnatogher and Irelands grove Cappakeel Morrett Coolbanagher Ballykillane Killimy Carran Killone Garryduff and Killenny Ballythomas and Killeen Kilmurry Ballyduff Lordship of Lea Lands of Ware's close Lands of Ballymorris Droughill Kilmalogue Derryvilla Shanderry If anyone has anyone in these areas please feel free to email me for a lookup. I was also able to photocopy portions of the COI parish registers for Rosenallis and Mountmellick. I will post the dates of the pages and the names later.

Looking for the family of James P. FINLEY and his wife Mary KANE. James was born about 1817 in Queens County, Ireland and died december 15, 1893 in Rising Sun, Crawford County, WI. Mary was born in Ireland. Her daughter Mary (unknown)age 22, born in Massachusetts, was a stepdaughter to James. She was listed as a teacher on the 1880 Census for Town of Freeman, Crawford Co., Wisconsin. Mary and James had four children: Katie, born about 1868 in Wisconsin James, born about 1871, WI Maria, 1872, WI Rose, abt. 1873, WI The 1884 History of Crawford County book states that "James P. Finley and Martin came in 1857. The latter moved to Iowa where he died. Timothy Finley who came about that date was still a resident in the town in 1884." The reference was to the town of Freeman, Crawford County. Any help would be appreciated. Joyce

Is there anyone living in or near Ballinakill who might know of any Dooleys now living there? I'm told that I may have a distant relative, Gerard Dooley, in that town. I would like to get in touch with him. Could someone help with an address or suggestions on how to contact him. Thanks, John M Dooley

Do registers for the main RC Church in Abbeyleix exist and how/where can they be accessed? Looking for baptism of Patrick DONNELLY 1826-1830 Thankyou for any information Jane Researching DONNELLY (shoemakers) and COSTIGAN Ballinakill areas Co. Laois and Carlow Town Co. Carlow

Is anyone familiar with either of these places with this name, Ballatorin or Ballyfin, near Castletown, Co. Laois(Queens), Diocese of Ossary. I am trying to find the birth place of my great-grandfather, Michael Byrne. I al also interested in the Catholic Church to write to. Thanks, Mike

This is my first message to this particular group. I am currently researching my own family who come from a place called Arles and Ballickmoyler in the Co.Leix and Carlow. IRL The names of the family I am researching are as follows: Brennan family from Arles/Cooper Hill/Ballickmoyler Co. Leix. IRL. Burn family from Arles.IRL Moran family from Arles/Ballickmoyler.IRL Lawler/Lalor/Lawlor family from Arles/Ballickmoyler and also Carlow.IRL Kelly Family from Ballickmoyler and Ardateggle. Co. Leix.IRL Bulger/Bolger family from Dublin City.IRL Kavanagh family from Carlow and Co. Kildare.IRL McDonald family the Counties of Carlow.IRL If any of these names ring a bell with your research or if you have come across any info during your own research such as census returns which may have these names on I would be most interested to hear from you. Kindest regards Michael Brennan Kent England Home: michael@janbren.freeserve.co.uk

HI LOKING FOR A MARY DUNPHY WHO IMMIGRATED TO AUSTRALIA ON BOARD WILLIAM -MARY C1849 UNACCOMPANIED BUT GAVE DETAILS AS FOLLOWS. PARENTS SIMON/MARGARET LIVED ABBEYLEIX,QUEENS COUNTY ,WHICH I BELIEVE IS NOW KNOWN AS BALLINAKILL ??,. ANY LEADS WILL BE APPRECIATED & ANSWERED REGARDS FROM SUNNY oZ. PCH.

This my first posting with IRL-LAOIS-L and hope this strikes a familiar cord with someone. Bridget was born 1837 in Co Laois (Queens). She went to England at about 11 years of age, and was later married in Bradford, York, Eng to Hugh (O') Carroll, (born 1831 in Co. Offaly) and raised her family in Stockton on Tees, Co. Durham, Eng. Does anyone know any of this family? Bye for now, Marj.

----- Original Message ----- From: CorkWeb To: Kildare Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2000 10:13 AM Subject: Cork GenWeb Site Update For those of you that may have ancestors in Cork as well, we have updated the Cork GenWeb Site (http://www.rootsweb.com/~irlcor/ ) with new content. 1. Cork Property owners list. Many were from other counties. (2300 records) 2. Tithe List form early 1800's (3400 records) 3. Christening, Marriage, Death, and Cemetery Records database. 4. New site search engine. 5. Surname query board has over 4300 searchable messages. We would welcome your visit. Tom Webmaster

This is a response I got to an inquiry about locating the book on "Abbeyleix: Life, Lore and Legend". The site does not list the book but there is a query that you can file and they can search for it. -------------------------- I'd try the Eason's site at: http://www.eason.ie/ They're very good and should be able to help you. ___________________________________________________________

I wonder if there is possibly a typo and it should be Fermanagh, rather than Franamanagh? At 03:00 AM 16/07/00 -0700, you wrote: >Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2000 12:42:31 -0400 >From: Tom Wilde <wildeman1@home.com> >To: IRL-LAOIS-L@rootsweb.com >Found a description of the book at: ><http://laois.local.ie/content/29734.shtml/history/cultural_history> >However, there was no mention of cost or how to purchase the book. >If anyone knows where to purchase it and how much it costs, please >post that info here. >Thanks, >Tom

Found a description of the book at: <http://laois.local.ie/content/29734.shtml/history/cultural_history> However, there was no mention of cost or how to purchase the book. If anyone knows where to purchase it and how much it costs, please post that info here. Thanks, Tom

Recently, I sent a message to this list asking for information on a new book titled "Abbeyleix: Life, Lore and Legend" by Kevin P. O'Brien and published this year by Franamanagh Books of Abbeyleix. Although I still haven't received any information about the book, several people have asked me to inform them when I do. If it's alright with the listmanager, I will post that info to this list as soon as I get it. Tom

I have received information that there is a new book, published this year, titled "Abbeyleix: Life, Lore and Legend" (or something similar) and written by Kevin P. O'Brien. It was published (according to my info) by Franamanagh Books of Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. I have checked several booksellers online (including Amazon.com and Genealogical Publishing Co.) with no results. Also checked with Barnes & Noble and Waldenbooks plus I looked up 'Irish Publishers' via the Dogpile search engine but do not see the name 'Franamanagh Books' listed anywhere. Has anyone on this list heard of this book or have any idea where I might purchase a copy? Would appreciate any info anyone may have. Thanks, Tom Wilde Chesapeake, Virginia P.S. My Wilde family came from Abbeyleix.

Am new to the list and am most interested in a small town called Arles .I believe my GGGrandmother came from there , she was sent out to Australia as one of the Irish Orphan Girls onboard Lady Peel in 1848,her name was Catherine Price .As they apparently chosen from the workhouses can anyone tell me 1 Was there a workhouse in Arles 2. How were these girls chosen and 3 are there any records kept on these particular girls. Catherine also had a sister Bridget sent out the following year 1849. Looking forward to hearing from anyone . Thanks from Jan in Sunny Australia

Arthur Gerald Geoghegan Arthur Gerald Geoghegan, who was born in Dublin on the 1st of June 1810 entered into the Civil Service on June 12th 1830. He wrote poems for the 'Dublin Journal of Temperance'; 'Science and Literature'; the 'Irish Penny Journal'; the 'Dublin University Magazine'; the 'Irish Monghtly' and in its early years The Nation. He normally signed his poems with three asterisks and sometimes with the figure of a hand. He wrote a ballad poem "The Monks of Kilcrea which appeared in the Temperance Journal and this was published in book form a few times. An ardent antiquary, he was one of the earliest members of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and contributed to its journal. He exhibited a collection of his own antiquities on one occasion in London. Geoghegan became collector of the Inland Revenue in 1857 and retired from the service in 1877. Charles Gavan Duffy states that on the eve of his (Duffy's) emigration to Australia: - "Some practical men insisted that before seeing me for the last time there ought to be some permanent testimony of good will...Arthur Geoghegan, then a young Protestant Nationalist in the Excise Department, afterwards one of the four officials called 'The Kings of Somerset House', wrote to offer me (Duffy) all the savings that he had accumulated to be repaid without interest, and at my absolute convenience....It adds a flavour of rare magnanimity to Mr. Geoghegan's offer, that he did not agree with me in the contest which had brought about my exile. 'There is not on the face of God's earth,' he wrote (Geoghegan), 'a more pious and self sacrificing priesthood than yours and as an Irishman I am proud of them..I differ from you on many points, but on none more so than that it is neither desirable or expedient for the Clergymen of your Church to take an active share in politics. O'Connell hastened emancipation some years ago by their assistance, there is no doubt equally true is it that they have most habitually checked and retarded, either directly or indirectly, the growth of a free and manly opinion in Ireland ever since" Geoghegan settled down in London in 1869. Tw of his poems "The Mountain Fern" and "After Aughrim" have found their way into several anthologies. He died in Kensington, London, England on November 29th, 1889, 79 years old..and was buried in Kensal Green cemetery... After Aughrim By: Arthur Gerald Geoghegan Do you remember long ago Kathleen? When your lover whispered low, "Shall I stay or shall I go, Kathleen?" And you proudly answered "GO!" And join King James and strike a blow For the Green." Mavrone, your hair is white as snow, Kathleen; Your heart is sad and full of woe, Do you repent you made him go, Kathleen? And quick you answer proudly, "No! Far better die with Sarsfield so, Than live a slave without a blow For the Green."

The following is an article written by Thomas Davis in 'The Nation'. It simnply gives some explanation of the Griffiths valuation - an explanation which I've not seen anywhere else - it should be of interest to some :-) Griffiths: Richard John Griffith, son of Richard Griffith, M.P. for Askeaton in the Irish Parliament, and grandson of Richaard and Elizabeth Griffith, the playwrights and novelists. He was professor of Geology under the Royal Dublin Society before he was appointed to the post under which he carried out the famous "Griffiths Valuatoin of Ireland". he died in 1787 at thre age of 94. Mr. Griffiths instructions were clear and full, and we strongly recommend the study of them, and an adherance to their forms and classifications, to valuators of all private and public properties, so far as they go. He appointed two classes of vlauators - Ordinary Valuators to make the first valuation all over each county, and Check Valuators to re-value patches in every district, to test the acuracy of ordinary valuators. The ordinary valuator was to have two copies of the Townland (or 6 inch) Survey. Taking a sheet with him into the district represented on it, he was to examine the quality of the soil in lots f from fifty to thirty acres, or still smaller bits, to mark the bounds of each lot on the surtvey map, and to entere in his field book the value thereof, with all the special circumstances specially stated. The examination was to include digging to ascertain the depth of teh soil and the nature of the subsoil. All land was to be valued at its agricultural worth, supposeing it liberally set, leaving out the value of timber, turf, etc. Reductions were to be made for elevation above the sea, steepness, exposure to bad windes, patchiness of soil, bad fences, and bad roads. Additions were to be made for neighbourhood of limestone, turf, or sea or other manure, roads, good climate and shelter, nearness of towns. The following classification of soils was recommended: Arrangement of Soils: "All soils may be arrranged under four heads, each representing the characteristic ingredients, as in 1. Argilaceous or clayey 2. Silicious or sandy 3. Clacareous or limy 4. Peaty. For practical purposes it will be desirable to subdivide each of these classes: Thus Argillaceous soils may be divided into three varieties viz: Clay, clay loam, and argillaceous alluvial Of Silicious soils there are four varieties viz: Sandy, gravelly, slaty and rocky Of calcareous soils we have three varieties viz: Limestone, limestone gravel and marl. Of peat soils two varieties viz: Moor and peat or bog. In describing in the field book the different qualities of soils, the following explanatory words may be used as occassion may requre: Stiff: Where a soil contains a large proportion, say one-half, or even more of tenacious clay, it is called stiff. In dry weather - this kind of soil cracks and opens, and has a tendency to form into large and hard lumps, particularly if ploughed in wet weather. Friable: Where the soil is loose and open, as is generally the case in sandy, gravelly and moory lands. Strong: Where a soil contains a considerable portion of clay, and has some tendency to form into clods or lumps, it may be called strong. Deep: Where the soil exceeds ten inches in depth , the term deep may be applied Shallow: Where the depth of the soil is less than eight inches Dry: Where the soil is friable, and the subsoil porous (if there be no spriongs) the term dry should be used. Wet: Where teh soil or subsoil is very tenacious or where springs are numerous. Sharp: Where there is a moderate proportion of gravel or small stones. Fine or Soft: Where the soil contains no gravel, but is chiefly composed of fine sand or soft, light earth without gravel. Cold: Where the soil rests on a tenacious clay subsoil and has a tendency when in pasture to produce rushes and other aquatic plants. Sandy or Gravelly: Where there is a large proportion of sand or gravel through the soil. Slaty: Where the slaty substratum is much intermixed with the soil. Worn: Where the soil has been a long time under cultivation without rest or manure Poor: Where the land is naturally of bad quality. Hungry: Where the soil contains a considerable portion of gravel, or coarse sand, resting on a gravelly subsoil; on such land manure does not produce the usual effect. The colours of soils may also be introduced as brown, yellow, blue, gr4ey, red, black etc. Also where applicable, the wrods steep, level, shrubby, rocky, exposed etc may be used. List of market prices were sent with the field books and then amounts then reduced to a uniform rate, which Mr. Griffith fixed at 2 shillings and 6 pennies per pound over the prices of produce mentioned in the Act.