The Wallace Collection (pt 2)

SOME EXTRACTS
FROM THE
RECORDS OF
OLD LISBURN
AND THE
MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- -- --
Edited by JAMES CARSON.
-- -- -- --

LXXVI.

-- -- -- --

THE WALLACE COLLECTION.

Extracts from Article by
Alfred S. Moore in "The Lady of the House," Christmas, 1917.

(Continued.)

To Paris Sir Richard Wallace, as he became in 1871, was, in sooth, a veritable angel. He endowed the Hertford British Hospital, and not alone provided a multitude of ambulances during the Franco-Prussian War, but also donated 100,000 francs for the sufferers by the bombardment. When this large-minded and generous man died in 1890, he left everything to his wife, a French lady, Mlle. Castlenau. One son was born of the union, and though he entered the French army and is long since dead, he made the life of his father miserable. Sir Richard, in one of his sad moods, once remarked that it irked him "to think how people should look upon him as one of the happiest of men, when, in truth, he was one of the most wretched. The sympathy of a good son was his soul's sorrow, for such he never had." That son was so ungrateful as to cast up his father's paternity as his precedent for his wild depravities. As for Lady Wallace, she lived the quietest of lives amid those great treasures in Hertford House, London, seeing only a few intimate friends. Her companion and intimate secretary was


Sir John Murray Scott, Bart.

Who was Sir John Murray Scott, Bart.? He also must be included in the romance of the great Wallace Collection, for it was mainly through his advice that it passed into England's keeping. He was the grandson of a distinguished physician, who was a great personal friend of Sir Richard Wallace's. Shortly after the death of the fourth Marquess, Sir Richard happened to say that he was badly in need of a secretary. Mr. Murray asked if his grandson, a young barrister just called, might be suitable. His probation proved his worth, and so he continued first the fides Achates of Sir Richard, and, on his decease, similarly of Lady Wallace. In fact, when Lady Wallace desired to make her will she was anxious to bequeath to him all her whole property in gratitude for the devotion with which he had managed her affairs and cared for her interests. Sir John Scott -- for he was honoured with a baronetcy -- persuaded her that it would be a good thing if she would, at any rate, leave the contents of Hertford House to the nation. Moreover, that for him to inherit the entire fortune there might be some suspicion of undue influence. Lady Wallace took his advice -- and so England acquired the Wallace Collection.

Now, one must give here a tribute to the late Sir John Murray Scott, Bart. It is true he became the heir to a very great fortune, and it may be recalled that only a few years ago (July, 1913) the sequel of a sensational cause celebre was to give Lady Sackville some priceless objets d'art which she claimed she was entitled to from Sir John's estates. However, it must never be forgotten that Sir John Scott might easily have inherited all the valuable Collection -- computed to-day as worth nearly 15 millions sterling -- but his generosity made the sacrifice.

The late Sir John Murray Scott, Bart. -- who died suddenly in the midst of the great Collection itself at Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, on January 17th, 1912 -- continued to show the interest in Lisburn which his friend and employer had begun. On favourable terms the water and market rights, so zealously guarded by the Hertfords, as well as the Courthouse, Assembly Rooms, and Estate Office (the latter now used as the Town Hall) were acquired by Lisburn Urban Council. Some years afterwards Sir John Murray Scott presented the Castle Gardens, a very interesting historical site containing a bowling green and monument to Sir Richard Walace, to the town.

Though it is possible a new generation "which knew not Joseph" may, in time, forget the indebtedness of the British nation to Lisburn for its magnificent contribution to its Art, it may also be mentioned that the town has a host of other memories. Here it was that Louis Crommelin, the father of the great Irish linen industry, lived and laboured. John Nicholson, of Indian fame, called Lisburn his home. Harry Monro, the rebel leader at Ballynahinch, was executed in the Market Square. Jeremy Taylor sojourned in Lisburn and the neighbourhood during probably the most brilliant period of his life. Here for a time resided Lady Morgan; and Lisburn also gave the world the actor Master Betty, "the infant Roscius," whose meteoric career in the beginning of the nineteenth century electrified the annals of British drama.


Additional Notes.

Sir John Edward Arthur Murray Scott, Bart., was born at Bolougne-sur-Mer in 1847, was the eldest son of Dr. John Scott (his mother being a daughter of George Murray, D.L., of Chichester), and a grandson of Vice-Admiral Sir George Murray, K.C.B., captain of the fleet to Lord Nelson. He was educated at Marlborough College, at Paris, and in Germany, and was called to the Bar in 1869. From 1871 to 1890 he acted as private secretary to Sir Richard Wallace, Bart., MP., and died January 17th, 1912.

Sir Richard Wallace built the Castle House, in Castle Street, Lisburn, in 1880, at a cost of some £20,000. The work was carried out by James Vernon & Son, local contractors. Sir Richard only resided in it for a very short time, a few months in all. Sir John Murray Scott, although he visited Lisburn on several occasions, never resided in the Castle House, the valuable contents of which were removed to London. The Courthouse, Railway Street, was built in 1883 at a cost of about £4,000.

The Castle House was acquired from the Murray Scott trustees by the Lisburn Urban Council in 1914, at a cost of £2,000, free of all encumbrances, for the purpose, of forming a Technical School. The school has proved an unqualified success. The first Committee of Management consisted of Thomas Sinclair (chairman), James Carson (vice-chairman), Harold Barbour, J. B. Campbell, Edward Donaghy, F. Duncan, Robert Griffith, James A. Hanna, Wm. M'Ilroy, W. J. M'Murray. James M'Nally. Principal -- Cecil Webb.

The Sackville Case.

In July, 1913, there came before the courts in London the extraordinary case of Lady Sackville versus D. Malcolm Scott, the residuary legatee under Sir John Murray Scott's will. The defence was that the bequests to Lady Sackville were wrongfully obtained, or in the alternative that the deceased executed a codicil whereby he revoked the bequests to Lady Sackville and gave her greatly reduced benefits. There was a will dated 1900 and five codicils. Lady Sackville's claim was estimated at about £500,000, including cash and valuable art objects, pictures, and plate. Counsel, in opening the case on behalf of the Scott family, disclosed an extraordinary state of affairs. Sir John had evidently fallen entirely under the influence of her Ladyship, a smart and brilliant woman. A few extracts from the opening will be illuminating:--

Sir John wrote Lady Sackville -- "Your love of spending is your second life. You used to say that you could live on £200 a year in a cottage." With the money the lady received from Sir John in his lifetime, said counsel, she could have bought 400 cottages. In another letter one of the Scott family writes -- "I hear the locusts have arrived in Connaught Place." And when Lady Sackville was told while there by one of Sir John's sisters that the servants called her (Lady Sackville) the earthquake, Lady Sackville became very annoyed, and said that Miss Murray Scott, who communicated this information, had insulted her. There was a great disturbance in the house, and the sisters, went away for a time. When they returned later (this being in 1910) they found that Lady Sackville had taken herself bag and baggage to the Ritz Hotel. Sir John then said to his sisters, "I won't subject you to any more Billingsgate. She is mad. Let her stay at the Ritz."

Having obtained a little fleeting liberty, this unfortunate gentleman seemed to have been delighted for a short time at being master in his own house, but later correspondence was resumed, and up to April of 1910 the lady had £38,000. Counsel quoted further letters and conversations, in one of which it was alleged that Sir John spoke of Lady Sackville as a " revengeful devil." In a letter from Lady Sackville to Sir John she said in reference to what had taken place, "I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of your big fat self and are duly remorseful."

Coming to 1911, counsel said there was a letter which marked a rather new phase It showed the extraordinary lengths to which this gentleman was prepared to go in his generosity. Lady Sackville by this time had became more certain of her control over him. As the correspondence proceeded it became apparent that she was satisfied that she could really do with this man exactly what she liked. There were references to a shop which Lady Sackville was interested in for charitable purposes in connection with which she asked for loan of a thousand, and which, blaming her for her unbusinesslike conduct, he said -- "Do you think I have a thousand or more, kicking about doing nothing, naughty girl." Next he wrote -- "My dear old Jose, -- You are a curious creature, deserving of smacking."

He declared that he never could be angry with her, and after a quotation from Meredith finished up by saying he enclosed a cheque for a thousand.

Referring to Lady Sackville's letter to Sir John, counsel described her as a very clever woman, thoroughly familiar with the psychology of this man. She invariably addressed him as "My Dear Seery" or "My Good Seery." She referred on one occasion  to his efforts to keep the picture "The Mill" for the nation, and concluded -- "I hope you will write me a nice, kind letter, and be a good Seery." In March, 1911, Sir John wrote to her that he could not put up with the manner in which she was treating him, adding -- "It would be a terrible thing for you if I were to die suddenly, and you were to find all your hopes shattered." Counsel had no doubt this meant that if the quarrel were persisted in, and he died suddenly, the consequences might be very disagreeable for her. He might alter his will, or had done so.

To further show Lady Sackville's influence, counsel mentioned that in May, 1911, Sir Jobs had consented to lend his sisters two beautiful necklaces to wear at Court. But Lady Sackville disapproved, and the young ladies had to go without the jewels. There was a curious incident on July 10. Major Arbuthnot went to dinner at Connaught Place. Opening the door of the library by mistake, he saw Lady Sackville and her daughter, the former just rising from a writing-table and appearing to shut a drawer. They afterwards both left the house in a hurried and unusual manner. When Sir John was told of this it was obvious he did not know these ladies had been in the house at all, for the perspiration broke out on his brow, and, speaking in French, he claimed, "My God! my God! it is incredible!"

However, the conclusion of the case was a verdict, with costs, in favour of the Sackvilles, the jury finding that the will of October 26, 1900, and five codicils, were duly executed; that the bequests to Lord and Lady Sackville were not obtained by undue influence of either Lord or Lady Sackville were not obtained by fraud of Lady Sackville.

Next Week: Seymour -- Wallace Litigation.


(This article was originally published in the Lisburn Standard on 29 March 1918 as part of a series which ran in that paper each week for several years. The text along with other extracts can be found on my website Eddies Extracts.)

The Wallace Collection

SOME EXTRACTS
FROM THE
RECORDS OF
OLD LISBURN
AND THE
MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- -- --
Edited by JAMES CARSON.
-- -- -- --

LXXV.

-- -- -- --

THE WALLACE COLLECTION.

Extracts from Article by
Alfred S. Moore in "The Lady of the House," Christmas, 1917.

That the Wallace Collection must be for ever indissolubly associated with the Lisburn district of County Antrim, which, in the very great measure, made its existence at all possible, is beyond dispute. The Hertfords at various times acquired vast wealth by marriage [––?–––?---?---] that in addition there was regularly the "tidy little surplus" derived in rents from the Irish estate. This domain comprises -- or did prior to the tenants purchasing the rights in the eighties -- one hundred square miles. Stretching from Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast itself, too Crumlin, and from Moira to the banks of Lough Neagh, the rent-roll up to 1845 afforded an income of probably £75,000 a year.

To comprehend how the famous Wallace Collection, now the artistic palladium of the British nation, was evolved, it is essential that we go back some generations to learn what manner of people its creators were. This magnificent art collection is attributed to the late Richard Wallace, Bart., but he, in a great measure, only completed the task which his kinsmen, the Hertfords began and successfully carried through during the successive lifetimes. To trace its beginning we turn back through four generations of this family to the first Marquess of Hertford, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1765-6. The portraits of his daughters by Sir Joshua Reynolds might really be regarded as the nucleus of the present Collection, and that is our only interest in him. Concerning the second Marquess of Hertford, who succeeded to the title in 1794, it will suffice to state that his part in augmenting the assemblage of pictures was by two works in 1810 -- one of great importance being the "Nelly O'Brien" of Reynolds, the other Romney's "Mrs. Robinson" ("Perdita").

The Third Marquess and Maria Fagniani.

If ever a specimen of humanity earned the description of "A Character," the popular term synonymous with individuality, it was the Third Marquess of Hertford -- Baron Conway and Killultagh in the peerage of Ireland. Singularly enough, two offers have chosen to immortalise his personality for us in literature. Thus we have his portrait as the Marquis of Steyne in Thackeray's "Vanity Fair;" while he also fascinated Disraeli, and was the original of the Marquis of Monmouth in "Coningsby." There are phases in his character which, not to put too fine a point upon it, scarcely makes his biography, ideally pabulum for the ambitious Sunday school scholar. Born in 1777, he was eminently notorious for the splendour of his entertainments, his accomplishments, his wit -- and his dissipation. But if his career was romantic enough to merit the attention of romantists like Disraeli and Thackeray, what may be said of the mysterious atmosphere in which the lady who became his wife in 1798 lived and moved? Marryat's "Japhet in Search of a Father" was tame enough compared with any attempt to elucidate the paternity of Maria Fagniani. Even now, considerably over a century later, there is nothing approaching certitude of the problem. We are told that, "under the blessing of the law," she was the daughter of the Marchese and Marchesa Fagniani; yet two others, George Selwyn and the Duke of Queensbury ("Wicked old Q"), both also claimed a parental interest. But "the Marchesa," who had been a ballet dancer, kept the secret of the past securely. Whenever her parentage, little "Mie, Mie" was assuredly born under a lucky star, for if her mother was indifferent in affection, she had the compensation of no less than a pair of guardians who absolutely worshipped her, and were both immensely wealthy. When Selwyn died in 1801 he left £33,000 Maria, and the rest to "Old Q." Then when "Old Q" came to quit the scene, dying in the odour of iniquity in 1810, Maria -- who was now Marchioness of Hertford since 1798 -- have her bank account increased by still another £350,000, as well as his famous house opposite the Green Park in Piccadilly.

When the third Marquess of Hertford died in London in 1842 he was credited with the possession of nearly £2,000,000.

"Old Q" had left to his heir £150,000, two houses in Piccadilly, a villa at Richmond, fflc., while the Marchioness was to receive a further £350,000. It must be remembered, too, that, in addition to all the wealth through his wife, the Irish estate at Lisburn County Antrim, was rolling in well up to £75,000 a year probably.

The Marquess was anything but beloved by his County Antrim tenantry. His estate might have had more personal interest had it been situated in the Cannibal Islands out in the wide Pacific. During his lifetime he never set foot in Lisburn, and he never renewed a lease without imposing a swinging fine. In the "Northern Whig" Dr. Henry Montgomery exposed the oppression of the poor tenants with such poignant candour that "My Lord" entered an action for libel against the newspaper. But he pulled in his horns amazingly quick when Daniel O'Connell declared that he would accept the "Whig" brief at the Antrim Assizes "without any fee or reward." An apology -- decidedly more like a repetition of the label! -- was the finale of the case.

The artistic conscience was certainly exhibited in the personality of the third Marquess. Of the pictures in the Wallace Collection, he bought TiTian's "Perseus and Andromeda," a Van Dyck, Gainsborough's "Perdita," five large "Caralettos," and a host of Dutch works. After his death it was indeed a curiously strange menage in Paris, that quartette -- the mother, the brace of sons (one legitimate), and that indefatigable enigma usually called "M. Richard," and often as "Dick Jackson" -- the Sir Richard Wallace, Bart., of later days.

In the next of the line the instinct of the collector had become a positive obsession. To the disgust of his contemporaries,

The Fourth Marquess,

Richard Seymour-Conway (who was born in 1800), was a collector, and nothing else. It is true he was for a time captain in the Dragoons, and attached to the Embassies of Paris, and also at Constantinople for brief spells. But in the main he lived in Paris, where he was regarded as a very cranky, eccentric bachelor, for he never married. Albeit, I had almost forgotten he was an exception to the preceding Seymour's, for (as Earl of Yarmouth) he was actually M.P. for County Antrim for four years (1822-6), but perfectly harmless in that role. He only knew Lisburn by name and by his bank-book, and up to his forty-fifth year had never set foot in the town.

The Marquess hankered after a vacant Garter, and when Captain Meynell (then member of Parliament for Lisburn) approached Sir Robert Peel, that famous statesman said: "No; let him earn the honour by showing me he is no longer a detestable absentee landlord, the curse of Ireland." Some promise was probably given of repentance, and in October, 1845, the great man paid his first, and only, visit to the estate which gave him his immense income.

This fourth Marquess of Hertford, although he possessed four palatial mansions in London, besides Rugley, Sudbourne, and other places, made his home in Paris. He may be described as an impassioned art fanatic, for the gathering of pictures and objets d'art generally, expressed the Alpha and Omega of his existence. Albeit, there is this to be said of this expensive hobby, that it did no harm to others -- and I was actually made the nation its beneficiare. From 1842 to 1870 he was filling his rooms, No. 2 Rue Lafitte, Paris, to overflowing with his purchases. He disliked all publicity, and seldom appeared in the salesrooms. But he had his scouts, and his agent, Mr. S. Mawson, had full instructions and trust. Certainly the letters reproduced by Lord Redesdale, in his recent book, "Further Memories," give much insight into his keenness in the hunt. When he did happen to attend any of the Art Sales in London or Paris, it was Mawson who did the bidding. There was a semaphore code in the movement of the Marquess's hat. To any art critic anxious to glean something of the prices paid -- though the works must be now, in many cases, value for ten times more -- the perusal of Lord Redesdale's chapter must have vital interest.

In 1857 some idea was given of the collection by along to Manchester of 44 pictures. They filled the wall in that wonderful exhibition, and photographs of 30 pictures were published by Colnaghi in 1859. Undoubtedly, he may have paid too much for some Ary Scheffer's (£4,000), but such cannot be stated of Rembrandt bought in 1848 but £2,300, a Reynolds at £64, six other Rembrandts at £5,453, or a Van Dyck at £400. His trusty Lieutenant was "M. Richard," alias Dick Jackson, otherwise Richard Wallace -- for in his youth he bore all names.

This Dick Jackson, otherwise Richard Wallace, was the personage whom Lisburn people knew in the flesh up to 1890, as

Sir Richard Wallace.

He was M.P. for Lisburn from 1873 to 1885.

What was his relation to the Hertfords?

The "Dictionary of National Biography" gives one version of the origin of this great connoisseur. It is that Maria Fagniani was his mother, but of course the fourth Marquess was not his father. Why then did he lavish so much affection and wealth on him? The truth is rather that the Marquess was his father, but Maria Fagniani was not his mother. Lord Redesdale vouches data from people who were intimately acquainted with all the scandals of the early half of the nineteenth century. He makes it out that Richard, Lord Hertford, when a youth, was enamoured of a Scotch girl of humble birth, Agnes Wallace, afterward Jackson, and that she was the mother of Sir Richard Wallace.

Lord Esher confirms this statement by giving chapter and verse. "Wallace was the son of Lord Yarmouth by a girl, Agnes Jackson by name. She was a kind of fille du regiment of the 10th Hussars, and young Yarmouth made a home for her in Paris. There Wallace was born, and when Yarmouth parted from Jackson the child was placed with a concierge in the Rue de Clichy. There he ran wild until he was six years old. My grandfather, who had known Agnes Jackson and all about her short-lived associations with Lord Yarmouth, hunted up the boy, and finding he was smart child, showed him to Lady Hertford (Maria Fagniani). The latter adopted him, much against the inclination, at first, of her son."

Lord Hertford was at times very strict with his protégé, for he was born with prodigal tastes. Sir Richard Wallace used to tell how he picked up a lovely little gem, an engraved crystal tazza of Italian work, as an odd sort of rag-and-bone shop near the Temple. Some time after he was rather hard up, and, taking the curio to Lord Hertford, he asked him  to buy it. "No," was the answer, "I won't have it; I will not encourage your extravagance. You must learn to be more economical." The youth sold the tazza to a dealer for 250 francs, and, happily, was able to buy it back again -- but the ten times that price and more.

So " Monsieur Richard” became Lord Hertford's shadow and agent, his representative at auctions and sales of art. It is one redeeming trait that, if the Marquess was cold and harsh to his tenantry in Ireland, he showed much kindly affection to Wallace, who reciprocated the feeling. Still, I can scarcely imagine that even Wallace anticipated in what whole-hearted and practical way this eccentric nobleman later showed his love for him.

Succeeding the funeral in Paris on that August afternoon in 1870, the reading of the will was the occasion of very much astonishment indeed. Thus the title and entailed estates passed to the elder son of the deceased Marquess's cousin, Sir George Seymour, G.C.B. The legacy looked imposing. There were broad acres in Warwickshire -- but unremunerative. The keeping up with the title itself was a great strain on a man not too wealthy, and then the great costly palace would require £2,000 a year for its upkeep. Where was the money to do so? But SIr George Seymour listend on, for there was surely more to follow. There was. It was the codicil, dated the June previous, to this effect:-- "To reward as much as I can Richard Wallace for all his care and attention to my dear mother, and likewise for his devotedness to me during a long and painful illness I had in Paris in 1840, and on all other occasions, I give all my unentailed property to the said Richard Wallace, now living at the Hotel des Bains, Boulogne." That "unentailed property" comprised not alone the priceless Collection, but the houses in Paris -- Bagatelle and No. 2 Rue Lafitte -- and the big estates in Lisburn vicinity. Richard Wallace was utterly unaware of his great fortune until that afternoon of the funeral. Can you wonder how the legitimate heir waxed wrath, and even entered a caveat, but unsuccessfully? Now, how would Wallace show himself?

Kind hearts are more than coronets. Compare the portraits of Sir Richard and the fourth Marquess and you will observe close resemblances. In general characteristics few gentlemen of kinder heart could be mentioned. In Paris, during the Exhibition there of 1871, he made his mansion at Bagatelle that ever-open resort of linen manufacturers and merchants and others from Belfast, Lisburn, and Ulster generally who exhibited. One of his earliest missions was to visit Lisburn, and he showed his interest in the townspeople and tenantry in general. The reign of terror and oppression so long imposed on the estate was at once changed. Dean Stannus, the old agent, was replaced by another, and tar-barrels burnt in rejoicing. The tenants had encouragement to buy out their farms and holdings, and instead of the bad old "fines" system they had the privilege of twenty years' purchase, even though others were willing to agree to the more extended twenty-five years. The progress of Lisburn was advanced by grants of sites in fee simple, so that the towns valuation, which was only £15,339 in 1874, became £23,650 in 1893. He built a residence for himself opposite the Castle Gardens, and it is now utilised as a splendid technical institute. Then in 1884 he given Lisburn its handsome Wallace Park of twenty-five acres, and the year previously built the handsome Courthouse, with its Corinthian pillars, beside the railway station.


(This article was originally published in the Lisburn Standard on 22 March 1918 as part of a series which ran in that paper each week for several years. The text along with other extracts can be found on my website Eddies Extracts.)

Memorial of James Watson, Brookhill - 1851 (pt 2)

SOME EXTRACTS
FROM THE
RECORDS OF
OLD LISBURN
AND THE
MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- -- --
Edited by JAMES CARSON.
-- -- -- --

LXXIV.

-- -- -- --

MEMORIAL OF 

JAMES WATSON, BROOKHILL

1851.

(Continued.)

Removal from Commission of the Peace.

The course of events now leads on to the period that was so full of interest to Mr. Watson and the country at large -- viz., the year 1845. Before July of that year the temporary Act prohibiting processions had expired. It was considered by a great number of loyal men that the usual Orange anniversary should be observed, with proper decorum, and the Protestant North.

Accordingly, a procession took place at Lisburn, headed by Mr. Watson. It was understood that he did not fully concur in the determination to walk on the 12th July. However, seeing that such a measure was decided upon, it was his aim to afford his countenance to it by his presence. He considered, besides, that his personal concurrence and it would tend to the promotion of harmony and peace.

Now ensued important matters which long occupied the attention of the whole Empire. On 18th July the Marquis of Clanricarde, in the House of Lords, commenced the series of discussions. He asked the Government -- "What course they intended to pursue with regard to Mr. Watson, a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant of the county of Antrim? It had been thought proper not to renew the Party Processions Act; and on the 23rd of June a meeting was held at Lisburn, attended by three hundred masters of Orange Lodges, and presided over by Mr. Watson -- a most respectable gentleman, and most popular in his neighbourhood, but whose conduct in his public and official capacity must not go unnoticed. Resolutions were passed at that meeting, and signed by him, to organise the Orange Institution in the county, and to meet on one of the July anniversaries, and to march in procession to the parish church. Now, magistrates were dismissed very unceremoniously in 1843 attending Repeal meetings, or subscribing to the Repeal Association. What he wanted to know was, whether the Government, after they had taken upon themselves the responsibility of doing away with the Act, had made any arrangement in its stead -- whether they had taken any steps to rebuke this gentleman from what he had done in reference to these proceedings, and had dismissed him from the commission of the peace?"

In a very short time public suspense was brought to an end. Anxious conjecture give place to painful certainty. It was officially announced that Mr. Watson had been formally, in the first instance, dismissed from the deputy lieutenancy, and, next, superseded in the commission of the peace. The effect of this announcement was singularly striking. Men of all parties united in questioning the propriety of the bold and ungracious step of the government.

A Roman Catholic and Repeal paper, called the "Newry Examiner," contained this language:--

"What was Mr. Watson's crime? He attended an Orange meeting and procession, organised proceedings, and appeared decorated with the insignia of the confederacy. Now, in all this there was nothing illegal. The Government had permitted the Processions Act to expire -- the Lord Lieutenant did not issue even an admonitory letter to discountenance the displays which were announced and expected. Within Mr. Watson's district everything passed off in a most orderly and quiet manner. There was neither offensive language nor violence of any kind employed. Mr. Watson is, therefore, declared unfit to continue a magistrate simply because he thinks fit to exercise a legal and constitutional right in the open day, and without the danger of injury to the peace of the country."

In Belfast and Lisburn especially, and in the adjacent districts, the Ministerial insult to Mr. Watson was the absorbing theme of conversation, and discussion. Where his name had been familiar on the lips of men as a household word, the slight which was mediated and cast upon him was received in silent indignation, or with an unrestrained expression of discontent and profound concern. The utmost length to which, it was conjectured, Government interference could venture, would be an official communication to Mr. Watson conveying a disapproval of what had been done under his sanction, and an expectation that there should be henceforward a conformity to the desires of the Queen's Government. An interference of this description from high quarters would not have been taken as trenching upon the union immunities of an individual or party. But when, instead of this, there was a harsh and summary visitation of the displeasure of the Government, without any word or sign of a cautionary nature, the natural love of fair play, common to all classes of the people, attached itself to the side of Mr. Watson.

In all parts of the United Kingdom the magistracy very keenly felt the indignity which their office suffered in the case of Mr. Watson. Several magistrates of the highest standing saw that their independence was at stake, and therefore at once tendered their resignations of their office.

Besides the significant manifestations of the indignant feeling of many honourable minded members of the magisterial bench, there is to be recorded the strong, united testimony of magistrates and others -- a nearly countless host -- assembled at Lisburn on Thursday, Aug. 21, 1845. It had been resolved that a public opportunity should be afforded the whole community for giving proper expression to their sentiments with regard to Mr. Watson. The day which has been mentioned was fixed upon for this purpose. Certainly the grand result, in the magnificent array upon the occasion, must have even more than surpassed expectations of the most sanguine.

Shortly after one o'clock the immense procession, preceded by music, began to move toward the place of meeting, a suspicious field belonging to David Beatty, Esq., on the other side of the road from the Friends' Schoolhouse on the hill. At the upper end of the field a large platform was erected, filled with the ladies and with the persons who were to take a lead in the proceedings. About one hundred and eighty Orange Lodges were in the field -- from Belfast, Lisburn, Hillhall, Ballinderry, Maralin, Moira, Waringstown, Kilmore, Ballylough, Dromore, Dromara, Hillsborough, Ballinahinch, Newtownards, and various other districts. In addition to these, there was a vast concourse not at all connected with lodges. It was calculated that the number of persons at the meeting was at least fifty thousand.

On Friday, the 22nd August, Mr. Watson received another proof of the estimation in which the society held him. A grand entertainment was given to him in the Assembly Rooms, Lisburn, by nearly two hundred gentlemen. Thomas Johnson Smyth, Esq., J.P., D.L., presided.

In Belfast the Protestant people of all ranks were full of anxiety to express their sentiments in regard to the conduct of the Ministry towards Mr. Watson. Accordingly, on the evening of Thursday, the 4th September, a grand Protestant demonstration was held in the Music Hall in honour of the late victim of expediency politics.

A vast number of affectionate and complimentary addresses were presented to Mr. Watson. All parts of the kingdom appeared anxious in this manner to join in the universal tribute of approval and admiration of his principles. In many cases deputations waited personally upon him the Brookhill.

The Government, after not more than fifteen months had elapsed from the date of their hot and hasty displeasure, despatched to Brookhill overtures of reconciliation. An official tender, dated 2nd September, 1846, was authoritatively made to Mr. Watson of restoration to the high offices of which he had been so unceremoniously deprived. The offer was not accepted. It was courteously declined, but in such terms as showed a decision that was unalterable.

Death, 1850.

About midsummer in 1850 he was seized with the affection which ultimately resulted in death. It was understood by the multitude of anxious inquirers that he was not afflicted with any positive disease -- that he laboured chiefly under prostration of strength from the decay and breaking up of his physical system. But he lingered for a considerable time under the attack, hope began to be entertained by the community that he might yet rally. However, at length he sank. After an almost miraculous continuance of his life -- without food or nourishment for a great number of days -- he peacefully breathed his last on Tuesday, the 3rd of September, 1850.

Monday, the 9th of September, was fixed upon for the interment. In the "News–Letter" of September 10 a graphic narrative was published descriptive of the funeral pageant:––

"Yesterday all that was mortal of the late venerable and universally esteemed proprietor of Brookhill was deposited in its last resting place -- a vault in the Magheragall Churchyard. From an early hour in the morning the entire country for miles around the residence exhibited the tokens of preparation for the approach solemnity... From the mansion to the church the road was densely crowded with people -- to such an extent, indeed, that it was a considerable time before the procession could reach its destination. The whole scene was impressive to the last degree... At the church the crush was oppressive, but there was no interruption to the sacred harmony of the procedure. The churchyard was previously filled by groups of men and women, most respectively attired; and therein was prepared for the body a vault, adjoining that which is tenanted by the remains of Mr. Watson's grandfather. At the vestibule the body was received by the Rev. Mr. Courtenay and the Rev. Roberts Mussen. It was then brought inside the church, and after the beautiful and impressive service was concluded, it was carried to the vault in which it was deposited. It was nearly four o'clock in the afternoon before the ceremony was completed, after which the vast assemblage, numbering from 10,000 to 20,000 persons, retired to their homes."

At the patriarchal age of nearly eighty-eight years, Mr. Watson descended to the grave. His remains are laid side-by-side with those of his grandfather -- the ancient worthy inhabitant of Brookhill. Whatever monument may be raised to his memory from the devotion of public and attached adherents, there can be no doubt that his best memorial exists in the ardent and affectionate remembrance of those "troops of friends." As a man Mr. Watson was universally beloved. In the varied duties of his public and professional life he had no rival.

"His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up
And say to all the word -- this was a man."

(Next Week: The Wallace Collection.)


(This article was originally published in the Lisburn Standard on 15 March 1918 as part of a series which ran in that paper each week for several years. The text along with other extracts can be found on my website Eddies Extracts.)

Is Chocolate as Healthy as Fruit?

The good news (according to Yahoo News) is that - Yes! - chocolate can be just as healthy as fruit.  The report repeats claims I've heard before and says:

"When tested and compared to juices from ‘superfruits’ such as blueberries and pomegranate, dark chocolate was found to be higher in antioxidants, which are essential for fighting disease and preventing wrinkles. For a healthy treat, it is best to go for a pure dark chocolate as milk, sugar and too much processing can reduce these health benefits."

The bad news though is that world chocolate supplies are set to run out!

"It is one of the most popular treats worldwide, so it may come as bad news to many that world chocolate supplies may soon run out. Due to political unrest and dangers to farmers in the Ivory Coast (where a large proportion of the world’s cocoa beans are grown), many fair trade cocoa farmers and trainers have fled the country and chocolate production has hit a low. It has been predicted that supplies of sustainable chocolate are set to run out, and a chocolate drought has been predicted for 2014."

If its true that there will be a "chocolate drought" then we can expect the price of the tea-time chocolate biscuit to become far more expensive.

Why is it when they say something is good for you the price goes up?

Memorial of James Watson, Brookhill - 1851

SOME EXTRACTS
FROM THE
RECORDS OF
OLD LISBURN
AND THE
MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- -- --
Edited by JAMES CARSON.
-- -- -- --

LXXIII.

-- -- -- --

MEMORIAL OF 

JAMES WATSON, BROOKHILL

1851.

The name of the author of this little volume of 100 pages is unknown. James Watson, known as the "Young Commodore," was the son of John Watson -- "Commodore Watson" -- and grandson of James Watson, who was buried in Magheragall Parish Churchyard in 1777, aged 77 years. Margaret, the daughter of James Watson, born 1700, married Robert Redman, who afterwards built the old, house at Springfield.

The Old Commodore.

John Watson, known as "Commodore Watson," or the "Old Commodore," entered the Royal Navy about the year 1747. Later he relinquished his commission and proceeded to India, where he again entered the naval service under the East India Company, in what was then known as the Bombay Navy. From 1748 till about 1772 he led an active and adventurous life, rendered the Company signal service, and was several times wounded. In 1766 he married a Miss Popham, of London. It was in Dublin their first-born, James, the "Young Commodore," was born. On their return to India James was left behind in Ireland. In India two other children were born. At length the desire of home turned the Commodore's thoughts towards Europe. His fine Arabian charger, the "Old Major," was shipped before him, and reached Brookhill without accident. Mrs. Watson proceeded on her journey, the Commodore to follow on his return from an expedition then on foot. He was, unfortunately, wounded in the arm by a ball, supposed to be poisoned. The surgeon proposed immediate amputation. This was declined by the Commodore, who is reported to have said -- "If I live, it shall live with me; and if I die, it will die with me." Death speedily ensued.

The Young Commodore.

On Captain Redman and his wife, Margaret Watson, fell the duty of watching over the child James. In Magheragall Parish Churchyard an inscription on a tomb records that Robert Redman, of Springfield, died in 1788, aged 68, and that Margaret, his wife, daughter of James Watson, of Brookhill, died in 1806, aged 78.

A considerable portion of the little volume is taken up with an account of the boy's youthful days; then as he advanced into manhood, his love of hunting, racing, and rural sports; as a magistrate, his Protestant loyalty, his connection with Blaris Camp, and his experiences in Antrim in 1798.

When in the coarse of events he took his place in the county at the head of his hounds the whole population continually cheered and welcomed him. No one was seen in the field who could match him as he followed and encouraged the chase. No figures were better known or more warmly welcomed on the Maze course than that of James Watson and his brother-in-law, Mr. Wakefield. The last race which Mr. Watson rode was upon the Maze course, October 12th, 1825. He ran for the County Cup on Violet, a great pet of his, at that time aged nearly twenty years. He was himself sixty years of age. At the finish of the race stooping down and placing his arms round the neck of the panting and successful animal, he said -- "You are old, and I am growing old, and we shall run no more. This is our last race." This may be said to have been his formal leave-taking of the course, although he hunted and followed the hounds to a few years before his death.

He was remarkably abstemious. Even on the longest day of sporting excitement he would not ordinarily take even one glass of wine before his dinner. The table was no idol of his. This was all the more remarkable considering the days and circumstances in which he was placed.

As a magistrate at Lisburn, Hillsborough, and Belfast, or wherever he was called upon to act, his advice was looked up to as sound and constitutional, and no man enjoyed in a higher degree the confidence of the public and his brother magistrates.

From the very outset of his career James Watson was a thorough Loyalist. He was captain of the BrookhilL Yeomanry. In the troublous days of 1798 frequent reviews of the Magheragall Cavalry and Brookhill Infantry took place under his command on the "Plover Plain," about a mile above Brookhill.

Blaris.

With Blaris Camp he was also is daily communication. On Blaris Moor strange scenes were not unfrequently exhibited. It was known that secret influences were at work among the Irish regiments, corrupting their principles and seducing them from their allegiance. The emissaries of disaffection endeavoured strenuously to sow there the evil seeds of discontent and treason. The knowledge of this obliged the authorities and commanders of regiments to be constantly on the alert. At length three privates of the Monaghan Militia, were detected in treasonable operations. They were tried in Belfast by court-martial. It was found that they belonged to the Society of "United Irishmen." They were sentenced to death. To render the fatal punishment more exemplary, they were ordered to be shot in the presence of their own regiment and of all the other troops encamped at Blaris. Accordingly, the unhappy criminals were marched to the spot where they were to meet their doom. As they drew near Blaris the Dead March in "Saul" was heard in the distance, announcing their approach. The regiments were formed nearly into a square, within which three coffins were placed. As the three unhappy militiamen, the prisoners, were brought forward, each of them took his place and knelt by his coffin. A firing party then advanced. At a signal, the fatal discharge took place. The three fell instantly. One of them, however, seemed to be [--?--] in agony. A sergeant stepped out from ranks and put his pistol to the ear of the wretched fellow. A shot was heard -- the smoke cleared off -- and the three bodies were prostrate, equally quiet, in death. The several regiments were then made to file past them. It was deplorable to mark their clothes saturated with blood, yet, from the inflammable nature of the wadding, partially in a blaze over the lifeless remains.

Such terrible events were the necessary attendants upon the frightful state of the country at that conjecture of affairs. The crisis it length arrived. The rebellion was openly proclaimed. In the South, alarming progress was made. Some portions of the North were only waiting for the watchword, smothering the flame for a little time, that it might, on the outbreak, burn the more fiercely. Much of the County of Antrim was in this state.

Antrim.

On the 7th of June, 1798, Captain Watson was summoned to Antrim to attend a county meeting of magistrates specially called for the consideration of the threatening aspect of the times. There was a large attendance. Earl O'Neill drove hurriedly from Dublin to be present, and arrived in sufficient time to lend his aid in the anxious deliberations. However, the die was unhappily cast. The rebels marched into Antrim while the magistrates were there assembled, and took complete possession of the town. They were attacked by the King's forces. Among these was a troop of the Magheragall Cavalry, under Lieutenant Garrett. Colonel Lumley, from Lisburn, with a party of the 22nd Dragoons, from Blaris Camp, had passed Brookhill on their hasty march to Antrim. The Colonel held a conversation with Captain Wakefield, in the absence at Antrim of Captain Watson, instructing him to forward to Lisburn all unnecessary arms that were at Brookhill or Springfield, lest they might fall into the hands of the rebels. Making his own way onward to Antrim, and taking Lieutenant Garrett and one troop along with him, he left Captain Wakefield, with the rest of his men, to keep charge of the home post.

As the fight proceeded in the streets of Antrim, Captain Watson was close to the Magheragall Cavalry. He was not far from Lord O'Neill when his Lordship was treacherously and savagely piked. At the Massereene Bridge, about the moment of Earl O'Neill's fall, Captain Watson and his party were closely hemmed in by the rebels. To escape from the deadly enclosure in which they found themselves, he and two or three others, who were well mounted, saw that there was on opening for escape but by leaping directly over the parapet of the bridge and into the river. Just as he was in the act of leaping, one of the rebels levelled a pike or gun at him, with an aim so close and sure that there appeared no nope of its missing him. In that instant another rebel shouted -- "Don't touch Watson! that's Watson!" and dashed up the gun or pike that was in his comrade's hand. Captain Watson and one of the troopers, a farmer in Magheragall, made good their desperate leap. A third who endeavoured to follow their example was pierced through and through with pikes, and fell dead into the water, awfully mangled.

On the Captain's gaining the bank, and riding across a field to reach another part of the town, he came full in front of a separate detachment of rebels. He subsequently declared that he then considered his life as not worth many minutes purchase. First he thought of turning and seeking safety in an opposite direction. Ultimately he determined to move forward. Whether the men recognised  him and did not wish to do him injury, or whether they did not think it right to attack a gentleman who was not in a soldier's dress, he could not know. Howsoever it was, he was unquestioned and unchallenged, and permitted to pass them without remark.

Shortly after these momentary disasters Colonel Lumley caused a retreat to be sounded, to allow time for the reinforcements that were every instant expected. The corps of Magheragall Cavalry did not properly understand the signal, and remained exposed to the destructive assaults of the rebels. The Colonel observing this, and exclaiming -- "The poor fellows will be cut to pieces" -- galloped forward himself to lead them out of their perilous position. While engaged in this effort to save others he received a musket ball in the leg, near the foot, from the effects of which he never altogether recovered.

It was a source of great satisfaction to Captain Watson that, during all this terrible period of bloodshed and anarchy, no private causes of feud existed between himself and any of the infatuated people who were betrayed into disloyalty. While some of the gentry, magistrates residing not far from Brookhill, were obliged to brave the perils of private assassination, both day and night, it was his fortunate lot to be exempt from any such terror or peril. It was his great delight to afford hope to those guilty men who were alike dupes and victims. One of the most pleasing circumstances of this exciting period -- connected with Captain Watson -- was a result of the hazardous leap at Antrim. It is matter of history that M'Cracken in Belfast, and Harry Monro at Lisburn, and many others, forfeited their lives on account of their acts at or before the fights at Antrim or at Ballinahinch. The spectacle was but too common of men of respectability and intelligence executed and beheaded for their share in the rebellion. Necessity -- though sometimes but "the tyrant's plea" -- inevitably, in this case, urged the summary infliction of justice; but, in several instances, mercy tempered justice. A Mr. Mulholland, one of the most energetic rebel officers at the battle of Ballinahinch, was pardoned because he had interfered to save the life of a person who had been carried a prisoner into the camp, And when, shortly after the fights, some of the misguided men who had fought at Antrim were sentenced to death by a court-martial, one of the number claimed the protection of Captain Watson. It was the very man who, in the critical moment, had dashed away the murderous weapon directed at his breast. The Captain repaired to the place of his confinement, and was happy to recognise him as the preserver of his life. A representation of the facts being made to headquarters, the condemned rebel was at once set at liberty. Such incidents as these relieved to some extent the horrors of those days of terror and crime.

It is remarkable that, upon a subsequent occasion, long after the sound of rebellion was hushed, Mr. Watson was, a second time, in imminent risk of losing his life in Antrim. At a Corn Law riot there he and other gentlemen were violently assailed by the mob, and severely stoned. Passing down the street, with the late General Coulson, of Belfast, a huge stone -- which, it was supposed, was intended for the General -- struck Mr. Watson on the head and stretched him insensible on the ground. It was found that he had received a wound which was pronounced as likely to be mortal. After a lengthened, confinement at Antrim he was so far recovered as to be removed to Brookhill. His restoration from the consequences of the brutal assault was extremely tedious.

(To be Continued.)


(This article was originally published in the Lisburn Standard on 8 March 1918 as part of a series which ran in that paper each week for several years. The text along with other extracts can be found on my website Eddies Extracts.)

A Voice From The Trenches

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      What are you going to do?
There are blanks, in the files of the blood-stained miles
      Of the trenches we hold for you.

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      Gird on your manhood, do!
We'll fight for the lives of your sweet-hearts and wives,
      But why should we fight for you?

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      Double out to the fighting line;
Dare you disgrace a fighting race?
      Dare you the job decline?

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      To your brothers, oh, be true;
We'll fight for the fame of old Lisburn's name,
      But why should we die for you?

Sergeant JAMES KELLY (of 2 Ballinahinch Road, Lisburn), Mesopotamia.

(As published in the Lisburn Standard of 8 March 1918)

Castlerobin (cont.)

SOME EXTRACTS
FROM THE
RECORDS OF
OLD LISBURN
AND THE
MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- -- --
Edited by JAMES CARSON.
-- -- -- --

LXXII.

-- -- -- --

CASTLEROBIN, by R. R. Belshaw.

From "Lisburn Standard,"
Feb. 17, 1883.

(Continued.)

The second and last escape of the Earl of Antrim was one of thrilling interest -- a sort of miniature of the Royal fugitive. For the better security of the prisoner he was said to have been placed in charge of a "very godly officer" named Wallace, with whom was associated another called Gordon, who, it seems, though not so "truly Christian," was more obliging to the Earl in the way of planning his escape. He brought him the rope with which he let himself down the castle walls, where there was a servant ready to meet him. Both being well mounted, and having avoided the sentries, they made their way safely on to Glenarm Castle, where they remained a while. The alarm, however, was soon given, and they betook themselves once more to the beautiful glen, which was densely wooded. Being closely pursued by the Scotch troopers, the Earl changed clothes with his servant, who then rode on so as to attract their attention. In this way the Earl managed to escape once more, while the servant was taken back, to Carrickfergus, where he was hanged for his fidelity.

After wandering over the mountains for some time, in the month of October, without knowing where he was going, the Earl found himself early one morning under old Castlerobin. An account of this adventure has been written by an old soldier of Sir Hugh Clotworthy's regiment. We can well imagine the arrival of the Earl on the ancient road which winds past Castlerobin, over which the judges of assize were in the habit of travelling, bridle in hand, between Armagh, Carrickfergus, and Antrim, and which was equally well known to the famous outlaw, Redmond O'Hanlon. The grey dawn of the morning had just risen on the hills, and the mists of the mountain were rapidly passing away. The silence of night had given place to the song of the lark, the measured whistling of plover, and the distant lowing of cattle, whose mingled sounds came floating over the purple heather. In this condition of external nature, and on a crisp autumnal morning, the Earl was still wandering along, with the panorama of the ever-beautiful valley of the Lagan opening out before him, when he suddenly found himself beneath Castlerobin. The first person he met was a little withered old man, called in Irish a "scolloge," whose duties had called him forth at that early hour. The tongue of the Gael being common to both, they soon became fast friends, and the scolloge led him to a secret place where be might rest in safety; he then left him there while he went down to Lisnagarvey to buy some bread and beef. The Earl, having refreshed himself by this timely meal, was led to a hollow tree in the wood, where he slept until the following night, when his faithful friend returned and guided him safely to Charlemont, from whence he made his way to a relative who lived at Mellafont, in Meath.

The Earl was not ungrateful to his humble friend on the White mountain, but always made much of him, and gave him an ample pension for life. The officer (Captain Gordon) who connived at the Earl's escape left the garrison about the same time as his friend, and having made love to the Earl's sister Rose, they were married immediately after with the full consent of her noble brother. The captain got another company under the Earl of Leven, and returned to Scotland with his Irish bride, and the best wishes of all the Clandonnell.

In the vicinity of Castlerobin are the well-known Plover Plains, where in later times the Union Regiment of Volunteers, whose headquarters were at Lisburn, held some of their reviews. In after years all the yeomanry companies of the district -- infantry and cavalry, including Brookhill, Magheragall, Lisburn, &c. -- had a grand review there, which lasted two days, under Mr. Watson's command.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

SOME OLD CONWAY SETTLERS,


By R. R. Belshaw.

From "Lisburn Standard," Sept. 29, 1883.

The following list of names, without any reference to their present social position, will be found to include nearly all the original English families who came to Lisburn and the adjoining parishes in the 17th century. The bearers of them were mostly in Lord Conway's regiment and Rawdon's troop of horse, which served through the rebellion of 1641, and the Commonwealth, down to the Restoration. Sir Phelim O'Neill made their acquaintance once at Lisnagarvey, and met with a very warm reception. General Monroe, before he left his wig at Benburb, also paid them a visit while they were on duty at Glenavy. The "Irisshe Enemie," perhaps invited by some dwellers in the lake district, shortly after advanced to within a mile of the latter village, but they soon retired, like the King of France's men, who first marched up the hill -- and then came down again.

Lord Conway, writes on a Monday, in November, 1663, to his "dear brother," Major Rawdon, then in Dublin, stating that "he had raised the country that night to keep watch on all the ways through Killultagh into the County Antrim to arrest some conspirators who had been concerned in a plot to seize the Lord Lieutenant, and that he was afraid they might escape on the morrow, which was the market day." He also complains of the the duty as being "too much for one man."

In a quarter of  century later we find that brave old stock the life and soul of a little army of 4,000 men who had rallied at Lisburn after the unfortunate Break of Dromore. This latter event was not so remarkable after all, when we consider the unarmed state of the multitude which had then been so hastily drawn together. Under the leadership of their old favourite, Sir Arthur Rawdon, who was then the only person excluded from mercy in one of Tyrconnell's proclamations, they retired to Coleraine. On arriving there, they were sent on duty to Moneymore. While thus engaged, Sir Arthur sank under the exposure to which he was subject, and was obliged to withdraw from all further active service. His regiment then moved on to Derry, where their next colonel was the gallant Gov. Baker. With him they gave material assistance during the well-known siege, and having helped to free their country from Home Rule, so called, brass money, and wooden shoes, the moat of them returned to their desolated homes, which were soon restored again by the industry of a free people, and others went off to the tune of "Lillibullero" to see King William safe over the water.

These all having fought a good fight, and another century having passed away, we find them again represented by their worthy grandsons in a published list of voters (in the writer's possession) who did their duty at the general election of 1790, when the old elements of rebellion were again coming to the front. Our Scottish friends, the "Macs," also appear numerously on this election roll -- such as M'Allister, M'Beth, M'Call, M'Cay, M'Clelland, M'Cluskey, M'Clean, M'Clure, M'Connell, M'Cullough, M'Cullom, M'Gill, M'Kee, M'Kinstry, M'Kenzie, M'Neight, M'Nab, M'Fadden, M'Waters, &c. As they do not, however, come under the list of the old Conway Settlers, we have only given a few of them. They are all now in very good company, and we do not expect to hear of their making any mistakes in the marking of their ballots at the next election.

With reference to the old stock of whom this article is written, and who spread themselves over from Lambeg to Glenavy, the selection has been made chiefly to illustrate the nomenclature of the times. The founders of these names have long since passed away, and the remains of many of them, for seven generations, have been sleeping in the dust which surrounds the Cathedral of Lisburn, that is itself the monument of their existence. Some of these ancient and Christian names are still borne by the grandsons of those who voted in 1790. As their enemies alleged they came in with the sword in one hand and the Bible in the other, we shall therefore take the liberty of giving them a Scriptural introduction to the reader.

Adam Blackburn, Abraham Service, Isaac Hodgen, Jacob Bannister, Israel Williams, Joseph Fulton, Benjamin Sheppard, Ephraim Cumming, Moses Cupples, Aaron Brown, Gabriel Taggart, Samuel English, Saul Lendrick, Jonathan Richardson, David Calderwood, Josias Campbell, Elias Hughes, Isaiah Greer, Jeremiah Smith, Ezekiel Davies, Jonas Morrow, Daniel Chesnut, and Nehemiah Craig.

Matthew Thompson, Mark Peel, Luke Johnston, John Robinson, James Alderdice, Andrew Cousins, Simon Nicholl, Peter Sharp, Thomas Courtney, Philip Chapman, Nathaniel Allen, Paul Waring, Silas Steen, Timothy Rusk, Nicholas Oakman, and Alexander Culbert.

Clotworthy Walkinshaw, Skeffington Bristow, Conway Blizard, Thomas Wethered, Richard Whiteside, John Belshaw, Ralph Jefferson, Ravenscroft, Marmion, Gaston, Warwick, Wyckliffe, Latimer, Ridley, Milton, Musgrave, Barnsley, Burleigh, Blakely, Watson, Wakefield, Younghusband, Wolfenden, Gayer, Spencer, Hull, Hyde, Walkington, Shillington, Twaddle, Telfair, Watchett, Mussen, Merritt, Wheeler, Workman, Walker, Greenfield, Sedgwick, Ramage, Garrett, Casement, Entwistle, Cinnamond, Boomer, Braithwaite, Balmen, Maze, Stevenson, Bell, Bunting, Bennett, Sefton, Rollins, Suffern, Frissel, Barron, Gamble, Haslem, Titterington, Fleming, Lyons, Langtry, Love, Fisher, Fowler, Hunter, Horn, Harper, Peacock, Phœnix, Henshaw, Bradshaw, Grimshaw, Fanshaw.

(Next week: Commodore Watson.)


(This article was originally published in the Lisburn Standard on 1 March 1918 as part of a series which ran in that paper each week for several years. The text along with other extracts can be found on my website Eddies Extracts.)