Cavan Observer
Published in Cavan, county Cavan
February 7, 1863
LAW INTELLIGENCE
MASTER BURKE'S OFFICE--FEB. 2BREACH OF PROMISE OF MARRIAGE
KELLY v. BLAKEThis was an action for breach of promise to marry. The promise was not denied, and damages were laid at £1,000.
Mr. Charles ROLLESTONE, Q.C., and Mr. W. J. O'DRISCOLL, instructed by Mr. WATTS, appeared for the plaintiff. Mr. Sergeant ARMSTRONG and Mr. Michael MORRIS, instructed by Mr. REYNOLDS, appeared for the defendant.
Mr. O'DRISCOLL said the facts to be disclosed were distressing as regarded the plaintiff and disgraceful as regarded the defendant, who, being a gentleman of fortune, education, and position in the county of Galway, ought to have avoided the conduct of which he was clearly guilty in this case. The defendant in 1857, and previously, resided at Gurtnamonn, in the county of Galway, in the neighbourhood of which the plaintiff, a young woman of humble station, but of must prepossessing appearance and manners, and of considerable educational acquirements, also lived. It would appear that the defendant was smitten by the charms of the plaintiff, and paid her marked attention. He sought her society and tried to seduce her, but failed in his purpose. He then declared that his intentions were strictly honourable, and that he would marry her at once but for a provision in his father's will, by which the family estate would pass from the defendant, who was the eldest son, if he married within five years of his father's death without the consent of the executors to his brother, the second son. The father of the defendant died on 24th July, 1857, and according to the defendant's statement, which the plaintiff implicitly relied on, he was free to marry in August 1852. The defendant promised to marry the plaintiff when that period came, and relying on his word she yielded to him, and for a considerable time the defendant resided with her. They lived together at various respectable houses in the city of Dublin and elsewhere, she passing under the name of "Mrs. Blake," and being introduced by him as his wife. In August, 1862, the defendant actually prepared to fulfil his promise to the plaintiff, and applied for a license to marry the plaintiff, at the Registrar's Office, but the influence of certain parties was brought to bear upon him, and at length he determined to break his word, and towards the close of the year he basely deserted the girl that he had confided so much to his honour and truth. The promise to marry was admitted by the defendant and the jury in such a case would feel gratification in awarding the plaintiff exemplary damages for the loss she had sustained by the defendant's misconduct towards her.
Alderman John REYNOLDS was examined as to the property of the defendant. His evidence went to show that the defendant was entitled under his father's will to land property in Galway of the yearly value of £2,800, but subject to charges, the interest of which amounted to about £1,600 a year. After the defendant deserted the plaintiff the latter came to witness for assistance, and he gave her a small sum, £5 or £6, to relieve her distress.
Andrew KELLY sworn--I am the brother of the plaintiff; I am a herd in the service of the Rev. Mr. SEYMOUR, of Gurtnamona; I know the defendant; after he took away my sister I went to see him at Gurtnamona; he said that it was for no bad purpose that he took away my sister, but to make her his "married wife;" my object in going to the defendant was to take away my sister from him, but he would not let me do so; I was summoned as a witness here by Mr. Reynolds, the attorney for the defendant.....Cross-examined--My sister lived as servant in the house of Mr. Seymour; I saw my sister since I came up.....she is living in a Mrs. BURKE's house.
To Mr. O'DRISCOLL--Mrs. Burke's house is respectable, and she is a respectable woman; my sister is not living in an improper house.....
Mrs. EGAN sworn--Kept a respectable house in Sandymount in 1860; in August of that year the defendant, Mr. Blake, and the plaintiff came to live in my house; Mr. Blake told me the plaintiff was his wife; they went for a while to Ballinasloe, and left their goods with me while they were away;.....
Michael EGAN, son of the last witness deposed to the defendant, Mr. Blake, always treating the plaintiff as his wife....
Mrs. M'GEE deposed to the defendant and the plaintiff having lived in her house in Queen's square from February till June, 1862...
Mr. Dillon, a victualler, proved that he supplied the plaintiff with meat during the time she and the defendant were living at Queen's-square.....
Mr. Richard WARD examined--Remembers supplying the plaintiff with groceries....
Mr. MALONE examined--Knows the defendant; remembers going with him to the Registrar's Office in Dublin; thought up to that time that the defendant was married to the plaintiff....
The jury found for the plaintiff--damages £500 and costs.
LOCAL NEWS
RIBBON OUTRAGE--On Saturday night last, an armed party, numbering 17 or 18 persons, attacked the house of a man named COX, at Mountnugent. After threatening the members of his family, and placing a pistol in the mouth of his eldest son, they took their departure, bringing with them COX's gun. When outside the house, the ruffian in command of this lawless gang, quietly marshalled his force, who proceeded on their way with the coolest disregard of detection. Cox lost no time in giving information of the occurrence to Robert Edward NUGENT, Esq., J.P., Bobsgrove, Mountnugent, and that gentleman at once took steps to collect a large police force from the neighbouring stations. In a few hours after the outrage, the police succeeded in arresting thirteen persons, all of whom have been identified by Cox and his family as the parties, and they are at present in our county gaol to abide their trial at the approaching assizes. Cox is a small farmer and water bailiff, and no cause can be assigned for the dastardly attack, except that being an inoffensive, well-conducted man, he became obnoxious to the members of the Ribbon confederacy.
The Rev. Hugh MURRAY and Mrs. MURRAY are at present staying at Kilmore Palace on a visit to the Lord Bishop of Kilmore.
DIED
On the 7th instant, in Church-street, Cavan, William, the youngest son of the late Zachariah WALLACE, Esq., proprietor and editor of the ANGLO-CELT, in the seventh year of his age. The deceased was an engaging and promising child, of a most affectionate disposition--to whom all who knew him were greatly attached.
LANDED ESTATES COURT, IRELAND
COUNTY OF MEATHIn the Matter of the Estate of
PATRICK KEARNEY and Others, Owners;THE REV. JOHN BAMBER, Petitioner
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, before the Hon. Judge LONGFIELD, on Tuesday, the 17th day of March, 1863, at the Landed Estates Court, Inns-quay, Dublin, in Two Lots, the following Lands and Premises, situate in the COUNTY OF MEATH, viz:--
LOT 1--Part of the Lands of Lower Cormeen and Upper Cormeen, and Cloggs, with a portion of Bog, in Lower Leitrim, situate in the Barony of Lower Kells, held in fee simple, containing 253a. 0r. 4p., statute measure, and producing the net annual rental of £141 13s.
LOT 2--Part of the Lands of Balreask, situate in the Barony of Lower Kells, containing 82a. 0r. 11p, statute measure, or thereabouts, held under lease dated 12th of January 1847, for the term of 31 years, from 1st of November, 1846, at the yearly rent of £119 2s.
Dated this 29th day of January, 1863.
HENRY ROBERT GREEN
First Assistant
February 14, 1863
CAVAN PETTY SESSIONS
MONDAY, FEB. 9
(Before William Babington, Esq., J.P.)ASSAULT
James HENDERSON and Mary HENDERSON of Ballyhaise, summoned John and James HENDERSON, of the same place, for an assault.
The complainant applied for a postponement. He said his wife was unable to attend from the effects of the beating she received from the defendants, and produced a certificate from Dr. HUMPHRYS, in which that gentleman expressed his opinion that it would be dangerous for her to attend.
Mr. John Armstrong, solicitor, who appeared for the defendants, said the parties were near relatives, and he would recommend them to settle the matter between themselves.
Mr. Babington--If the complainant presses for postponement, I shall grant it on the certificate of Dr. Humphrys.
The complainant wished the case postponed, and it was accordingly adjourned till next Court day.
BREAKING WINDOWS
Hugh HAIGE complained that some person or persons unknown had broken 24 panes of glass in his father's house; it was a new house to which his father went to reside on last Saturday, and on the next morning all the windows were found broken; he estimated the value of the glass at 15s; none of the wood work was injured, and it was evident from the manner the windows were broken that the injury was malicious.
The Court took the informations of HAIGE against some person or persons unknown.
WAGES
Rose FLYNN summoned James ROONEY for 6s wages. The plaintiff deposed that she was employed by the defendant scutching flax at 8d a day, and the amount sued for was due.
The defendant denied owing plaintiff any money, and said he engaged her at 6d a day.
Mr. Babington asked was there any one present at the agreement? The defendant said her father was present.
The Court adjourned the case in order that defendant's father might be produced.
James LYONS summoned Bernard M'LENNAN for £1 6s wages.
LYONS deposed to having been hired by the defendant for half a year at £3; left his employment in consequence of bad treatment; had to get up at four o'clock generally, and on one occasion at one o'clock in the morning; he was compelled to work on Sundays, or defendant would not feed him on that day; got for his supper potatoes that were boiled for the pigs "share."....
A fellow servant of plaintiff's, named BRADY, was produced as a witness on the part of LYONS, who corroborated the evidence of LYONS as to the early rising and bad treatment, and also in respect to taking the stones from the public bridge.
Defendant's wife said that Lyons and Brady had entered into a conspiracy to injure them. The defendant deposed that Lyons was not asked to rise earlier than any of the other members of the family, except on one occasion when going to the fair of Belturbet; he was never asked to work on Sundays more than to do a little domestic work....
Mr. Babington--I will released the boy from his engagement, and give him a decree for his wages. The defendant's wife said she would not agree to that.
Mr. Babington--You are a very troublesome woman. It is what I decide, and not what you like, that you must abide by.
The defendant said it would inconvenience him very much to part with the boy at the present time, as it was difficult to get workmen.
Mr. Babington recommended Lyons to return to his service, and if he received any bad treatment to bring the case before the Court.
DISORDERLY PAUPERS
Mr. MULLIGAN, Master of the Cavan Workhouse, charged a female pauper named REILLY, with breaking the wall of one of the wards of the workhouse and assaulting him.
Ellen REILLY proved that the accused broke a hole through the wall of a female ward in the workhouse; she put two blankets on her as a petticoat for the purpose of conveying them away; when the alarm was given she tore the blankets.
Jane CARTWRIGHT deposed that when the Master came into the ward the accused attempted to lift an iron bar to strike him with when witness prevented her....
Mrs. SPINKS, Matron of the workhouse, proved that the accused struck Mr. MULLIGAN when conveying her to the lock-up.
Mr. MULLIGAN--The accused absconded from the workhouse some time since, and after she went away a blanket was missing.
Mr. Babington--Mary REILLY, you are guilty of a very serious offence. You not only destroyed the property of the union, but you assaulted the Master, and if the circumstances of the iron bar was proven against you the punishment would be much greater. As it is I shall commit you to gaol for two months with hard labour.
After disposing of a few trivial cases the Court rose.
THE ALLEGED VIOLATION AND POISONING CASE--BALLYMENA, THURSDAY--The investigation was resumed here to-day. The only witnesses examined were the nurse who attended the deceased in the latter part of her illness and the nurse of Mrs. SMITH, sister of the deceased. Both deposed that the deceased was properly and carefully treated by her mother, and the last swore distinctly that the worst expression that ever she heard her use in reference to Dr. COURTNEY was "the old brute, he put his tumblers on my breast." At this stage of the proceedings the case was adjourned till Wednesday, the 25th, to allow of another analysis of a portion of the deceased.
DIED
January 19, at his residence, Errington, County Tyrone, Colonel Robert William STORY, of the Royal Artillery, aged 71 years, sincerely regretted, especially by the poor.
February 21, 1863
SUDDEN DEATH--On Wednesday, a man named Thomas LYNCH of this town, died very suddenly, when proceeding to the fair of Belturbet. He was travelling on an outside car, in company with others, and when near Annagh he complained of sudden illness. His fellow passengers deemed it advisable to have him removed to a house, and he was accordingly conveyed to the residence of Mr. LANG, at Annagh. Shortly after his removal he became insensible, and expired in about an hour and a half. On next day an inquest was held by Mr. BERRY, the coroner of the district, when it appeared from the medical testimony that the deceased died from apoplexy. A verdict was returned in accordance with the circumstances.
EMIGRATION TO AMERICA--Emigration from the neighbourhood to America is greatly on the increase at present. At our railway station every day, numbers, whose appearance denote them of the farming class, are to be seen wending their way to the New World, and the disturbed and distracted state of America seems entirely forgotten by the people of this country in their anxiety to establish a home there.
MALICIOUS INJURY--A few nights since some evil-disposed persons cut down some fir trees on the farm of Mr. Bernard WALL, at Cullies, near this town. Mr. WALL has offered £2 reward for the discovery of the perpetrators of the outrage.
DEATH FROM BURNING--On this day (Friday) an inquest was held in the County Infirmary of this town, before William POLLOCK, Esq., one of the coroners for the county, on the body of Bernard MAGUIRE, a child of five years of age. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased and two younger children were left alone in the house; that one of the younger ones (two years old) fell on the hearth stone, and in trying to lift it deceased's clothes caught fire, and he was burned so severely as to cause his death. The father, in his evidence, blamed the mother for the accident, as she was in the habit of leaving the children alone in the house, although frequently warned by him of the consequences, and he apprehended it she was not held accountable the other children would meet with a similar fate. The wife said she went to a shop in the neighbourhood for herrings for the men's dinner, and that her husband was in the habit of stopping away a couple of nights at a time, and leaving the children and herself alone. Adam CLARKE, the resident medical pupil of the infirmary, proved to the deceased having been admitted to the infirmary on the previous evening, and Dr. MEASE being from home, he called in Dr. MATTHEWS, who attended deceased. Dr. Matthews proved that when he saw the deceased on the previous evening he was in a state of collapse; examined him carefully, and found him deeply burned and charred on the chest, upper extremities, back and side of the abdomen; dressed deceased, and administered stimulants, but he never rallied from the shock caused by the severe burn, which, in his opinion was the cause of death. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."
CAVAN PETTY SESSIONS
Monday, Feb. 16
(Before William Babington, Esq., J.P.)John HENDERSON and his wife summoned George and James HENDERSON for an assault. This case was adjourned from last court day in consequence of plaintiff's wife not being able to attend. The parties are brothers, and reside at Ballyhaise.
Mr. TULLY, solicitor, who appeared for the plaintiff, said his client's wife was not yet sufficiently recovered to attend.
Mr. Babington--Do you wish a further postponement?
The plaintiff said he was satisfied to go on with the case. He was then sworn and deposed that on the night of the 4th instant, the defendants came to his house and assaulted both himself and his wife; George HENDERSON gave him a blow of a stick; witness lifted a stool to defend himself, when James HENDERSON held him; witness's wife called out to defendants not to murder him, when she was struck by James Henderson, who knocked her down and kicked her; his wife is not able to leave her bed since the occurrence; gave the defendants no provocation whatever.
George Henderson said he went to plaintiff's house to search of a gate which had been stolen; saw plaintiff breaking the gate in his house, and when he spoke to him about it he lifted a stool to strike him.
Mr. Babington--It is a shame for brothers to be fighting in such a way. It is quite evident the woman is injured, and I will fine the parties 5s each, to go to her as compensation.
The defendants declined to pay the fine, and were committed to gaol for a week.
It is painful to see cases like the above coming before the Court. The clergyman, of whatever denomination the parties belong, should use his influence to settle such disputes and prevent litigation between relatives.
WAGES
The case of James LYONS v. Bernard M'LENNAN for wages, which was tried last court day, again came on for hearing.
LYONS deposed that on that morning he was told by defendant he need not go to work, and was refused his breakfast. James BRADY proved that he heard defendant tell LYONS it was not worth his while to go work as he had law to attend to; defendant did not tell him to go away.
Mr. Babington directed the plaintiff to go back to his work, and dismissed the complaint.
William THICKPENNY summoned John MEEHAN for stopping away while in his service without leave. The complainant proved that the defendant was in the habit of being out at night contrary to his wishes and directions.
Mr. Babington remarked that the Court was always anxious to protect servants; but when they acted improperly they should submit to the consequences. He would release the plaintiff from his engagement with defendant, and the latter should forfeit whatever wages were due him for his misconduct.
INJURING A PUBLIC BRIDGE
Philip SMITH, road contractor, summoned Bernard and Sarah M'LENNAN for taking away stones from a public bridge. SMITH deposed that some stones were removed from the bridge in question, but understood they were left back; the bridge has been broken these years past; the injury done has not rendered it dangerous or impassable.
Mr. Babington--At how much do you estimate the value of the stones taken?
Smith said he could not specify their value. the stones were not worth much.....
LYONS and BRADY, two servants of defendant's, proved that two cart loads of stones were taken from the bridge by the directions of the defendants. Mr. HOPEWELL, Assistant County Surveyor, said he could not actually say how much stones were taken. The bridge was broken for some time past....
The defendant's wife said that Mr. GAHAN, the County Surveyor, directed her to take away some mud off the road, or she would be summoned; took the stones to repair a cart way for the purpose of taking away the mud. Defendant said he would put back the stones in the same way they were.
Mr. Babington consulted the act of parliament bearing on the case, and observed that if the bridge had been rendered insecure or impassable, it would have amounted to a felony. For taking away the stones the defendants were liable to a penalty of 5s for each cart load, which penalty he would impose with costs.
THE NEW WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT
Head-Constable MOORE, inspector of weights and measures for this district, summoned a man named WEST, for purchasing butter from Hugh MONAGHAN, in violation of the provisions of the new weights and measures act.
MONAGHAN proved that he sold six firkins of butter to WEST at three guineas a firkin; if the firkins weighed more than 75lb each he should be paid for the overweight; one of the firkins weighted 1 lb. over the stipulated weight; he demanded payment for it which West refused; Mr. Reilly, the market weighmaster, deducted 14lb for each firkin; witness remarked that was too much as the wood was light; when weighed the firkins were only 13½lb; told the police of the circumstance, who instituted the present proceedings...
West remarked that the police should have posted copies of the regulations in the market in order that the public might become acquainted with the law....
Mr. Babington--I will not permit any reflections to cast on the constabulary.....Mr. NAPIER, Sub-Inspector, said the object of the police in bringing forward the case was to have some system of selling definitely settled......The further hearing of the case was adjourned till next Court day.
STREET BEGGING
The Town Sergeant brought up an old woman, named PICKENS alias SMITH, charged with street begging, at the suit of the Cavan Board of Guardians. The Town Sergeant proved the offence, but observed it was her first time to be brought up. FINLEY, the workhouse porter, said the accused was at present receiving outdoor relief.
Mr. Babington said he would discharge the accused on her promising not to repeat the offence. She gave the required promise, and was discharged.
A NOTORIOUS CHARACTER
An ill-disposed looking ruffian, named ROONEY, was brought before the Court, charged by an inmate of the Cavan Workhouse, named TIERNEY, with assaulting him. About two months ago this Rooney figured before the Court on a charge of assaulting a woman in this town, and biting the hand of a warder of the gaol. At that time the Bench considered him so desperate a character that they considered it advisable not to admit him to the gaol, and allowed him to go at large, on his guaranteeing to leave the neighbourhood.
The prosecutor deposed that he was an inmate of the workhouse; he was assaulted by Rooney because he would not give him a smoke of his pipe.....never got such abuse from any man before....
FINLEY (the workhouse porter) said there could not be a worse character. On one occasion it took six men in the workhouse to restrain him from committing violence.
Mr. Babington--....I shall commit him to gaol for two months, and if informations were tendered for the former offence, on the warder of the gaol, he would take them.
LARCENY
Sub-Constable M'CARNEY brought up a woman named Catherine CAVANAGH, on a charge of stealing a dress from the shop of Mr. KERNAN, pawnbroker, of this town.
Mrs. KERNAN proved that a dress was stolen from her husband's shop; the dress shown to her by Sub-Constable M'CARNEY was the one that was stolen. Sub-Constable M'CARNEY deposed to having arrested the prisoner with the dress on her......
Mr. Babington--I must adjourn the case till next court day, as it requires a second magistrate to dispose of it...
PROCESS
Mr. DONNELLY, of this town, processed Peter GALLIGAN for 12s 9d, due for shop goods. Plaintiff's shopman proved the debt; and a decree was granted.
There was no other cases of any public interest, and the Court adjourned.
BIRTHS
February 14, at Quivey Parsonage, Belturbet, the wife of the Rev. Thomas GLOSTER, of a son.
On the 16th instant, at Keadue Lodge, the wife of Alexander BEATT, Est., of a daughter.
MARRIED
February 17, at St. George's Church, Hanover-square, London, James M'LAUNAHAN, Esq., of Lissagoan House, county Cavan, to Caroline STEVENSON, niece of Dr. STEVENSON, F.S.S., 37, Upper Grovernor-street, London.
DEATHS
February 16, at Churchtown House, Navan, John SCOTT, Esq., aged 69.
February 12, at Brampton Park, Hants, the Lady Olivia Bernard SPARROW, aged 88.
January 25, in New York, Andrew BARRETT, a native of the county Mayo, in the 67th year of his age.
January 29, in New York, Patrick BRADY, a native of the county Louth, in the 55th year of his age.
January 29, in New York, James MONAGHAN, a native of the parish of Drumgoon, county Cavan, aged 78 years.
January 31, in New York, Mrs. Margaret QUINN, widow of William QUINN, a native of the county Longford, aged 63 years.
February 28, 1863
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SPRING ASSIZES, 1863
COUNTY WICKLOW--FEBRUARY 28
RECORD COURT
(Before Baron Hughes)This was an action brought by the plaintiff, a doctor in Bailieborough, county Cavan, against the defendant, who is medical officer of the Bailieborough Union, to recover £20 16s. 8d. for four months attendance at the workhouse at £4 3s. 4d. a month, the rate at which defendant was himself remunerated.
Sergeant ARMSTRONG, Messrs. ROLLESTONE, Q.C., and Mr. DEVITT, were for plaintiff. Messrs. J. E. WALSHE, Q.C., and PURCELL, for defendant.
The action was resided on the ground, by way of set off, that £31 10s. was due to the defendant for medical attendance on plaintiff's wife. He (defendant) had previously brought a proceeding against the other party for libel, for statements contained in letters written by the present plaintiff to the Poor Law Commissioners, and received £100 damages.
The jury found for the plaintiff for the sum claimed, with 6d. costs.
CO. MONAGHAN--FEB. 21
CROWN COURT
(Before Mr. Justice Ball)The following criminal cases were then disposed of:--
In the case of James TREAVER, who was indicted for a riot and assault, the jury returned a verdict of guilty of riot. Sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment.
Sir T. STAPLES, Bart., Q.C.; Messrs. JOY, Q.C.; M'MEEHAN and PIGOT appeared for the Crown; Mr. FALKNER defended the prisoner.
CHARGE OF STABBING
John BAILY, was indicted for having on the 4th February inst., assaulted and stabbed one Michael HANRATTY, at Derrycreevy-bridge, in this county.
It appeared that the prisoner, the prosecutor, and several other persons were returning from a fair at Castleblaney, in separate parties, and having met on the road, HANRATTY asked "Was there an Orangeman on the road?" to which the prisoner replied, "Here's the Orangeman," and then shouted "To h--- with the Papishes," and thereupon a general row ensued, in which the prosecutor was stabbed severely, as it was alleged by the prisoner.
Mr. HAMILL defended the prisoner, and relied on the insufficiency of the evidence of identity.
His Lordship having charged the jury, they retired, and after deliberating for a considerable time, returned a verdict of acquittal....
ASSAULT
Andrew GILLESPIE was indicted for having assaulted one George SMITH, on the 1st of Dec., 1862. It appeared that they had been drinking in a public house in Monaghan, when a constable observing that the old man had been knocked down, brought both men to the police barracks. The old man afterwards left, and was on the following day found lying dead on the road.
The prisoner was charged with the manslaughter of deceased, but the Grand Jury ignored the bills. It was proved that the prisoner had been on friendly terms with deceased, and he received a good character. The jury acquitted the prisoner.....
ASSAULT
Jervis HENDERSON was indicted for having assaulted two sheriff's bailiffs, who had proceeded to execute a decree for £5 18s. against the goods of prisoner's brother. The defence was that the bailiffs were, in fact, trespassers, and had seized a horse which was not the property of the defendant in the decree, and whilst the prisoner was ploughing with him......The jury convicted the prisoner, who was sentenced to one month's imprisoner (sic).
FELONIOUS ASSAULTS
Thomas M'ENEANY was found guilty of having committed this offence on the person of a married woman named Margaret DORAN. He was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude.
James M'CLOREY was indicted for a similar offence on the person of a young girl, named Jane ANDERSON, aged twenty years. It appeared that the prosecutrix was, at the time, engaged to be married to a respectable young man, who subsequently married another girl. The prosecutrix gave birth to a child within nine months after the commission of the offence, and it was alleged that the prisoner was its father. She stated that he told her in April last not to tell, and he would marry her. The prisoner left the country, and did not return for several months. The jury acquitted the prisoner.
CATTLE STEALING
Thomas MITCHELL was indicted for stealing, on the 2nd July last, two heifers and a bull, the property of Mr. Thomas MULHOLLAND, of Cashel, from his farm in Urcher, in this county. There was also a count for receiving them, knowing them to be stolen. The prisoner was identified as being the person who sold the beasts subsequently in the fair of Aughnacloy. The prisoner was arrested in Liverpool, and there stated that he had purchased them from a person he did not know. The prisoner received a good character.
The jury found the prisoner guilty on the count for receiving the cattle knowing them to be stolen. He was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment.
Mr. Justice BALL having completed the ruling of the books, the business of the assizes was concluded.
CO. ARMAGH--FEB. 23
CROWN COURT
The Right Hon. Baron DEASY, attended by William KIRK, Esq., the High Sheriff, and W. HARDY, Esq., the Sub-Sheriff, and at half-past ten a.m.
The Commission having been read by Leonard DOBBYN, Esq., the Clerk of the Crown, the Grand Jury were re-sworn....
LARCENY
Thomas LEE pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing a pair of trousers from a shop in Armagh.
BIGAMY
Thomas CARROLL pleaded guilty to a charge of having intermarried with one Bridget M'SHANE, his former wife being still alive. Sentence deferred.
LARCENIES
William M'MULLEN was charged with stealing two planks of timber and two iron pins. He was also charged with receiving the same, knowing them to be stolen. Sir T. Staples, Q.C., and Mr. Lowry, Q.C., prosecuted.
He was convicted and sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour.
John M'CLEAN was charged with stealing a watch, the property of his master. He was convicted, but recommended to mercy on account of his youth. Sentence deferred.
MANSLAUGHTER
Ellen M'GUIGHAN was indicted for the manslaughter of her infant child.
Sir T. Staples, Q.C., Mr. Lowry, Q.C., and Mr. Dix prosecuted on the part of the Crown. Mr. Kaye defended the prisoner.
The mother of the prisoner described her violent conduct and various strange acts committed by her, and stated that she had been frequently confined in lunatic asylums both here and in America.
Dr. LEEPER was examined and deposed that he saw the prisoner months ago, and considered that mental derangement was then commencing; he saw here about two months after; she had just been confined; she was very depressed and nervous; she had the deceased child then with her and told me that she had broken the child's arm and burned it in the fire; he examined the child and found that its leg was broken; examined the body of the child at the inquest and found that it died from the injuries already described.
Cross-examined--She was insane when I saw her first; she was deranged and very violent when he saw her the second time; she was then decidedly insane, and could not distinguish between right or wrong, and had been insane for some time previous; he had signed a certificate some time previous for her being placed in a lunatic asylum as a dangerous lunatic.
The prisoner was acquitted on the ground of insanity.
CIVIL COURT
The Right Hon. Judge Ball sat shortly after eleven o'clock and was engaged during the day in hearing some civil appeals, none of which, however, presented any feature of general interest.
LOCAL NEWS
DREADFUL CASE OF HOMICIDE--On Saturday evening last, a dreadful affray, which eventuated in a loss of life, occurred between two persons near Killeshandra, in this county. It appeared from the evidence elicited at the inquest, that two neighbours, named GRIMES and WHITE, who, up to the time of the fatal occurrence were on the most friendly terms, quarrelled on the above mentioned evening. WHITE had a horse ploughing belonging to GRIMES, and the latter when going to the market of Arvagh, on that day, had a conversation with a neighbour, as to the quantity of oats a horse should get daily, and remarked that White was not properly treating his horse. While in Arvagh, it seems Grimes indulged rather freely in liquor, and when he returned he proceeded to the field where White was ploughing, and upbraided him with overworking his horse and not properly feeding it. Angry words ensued, and Grimes, it is alleged, struck White with the pin of the plough, when the latter lifted the tree of the plough, which was a very weighty double one, and struck the deceased a blow of it on the head, which instantly rendered him insensible. Grimes was at once conveyed to his home, where he was promptly attended by Dr. KENNY, but he never rallied, and expired at five o'clock next morning. James BERRY, Esq., the coroner of the district, held an inquest on the body, when the above facts were deposed to, and the jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against White, who was committed on the coroner's warrant to stand his trial at the present assizes. Grimes has left a wife and six children to deplore his untimely fate.
AWFUL SUDDEN DEATH--On yesterday (Friday) a process server, named James M'MILLAN, was found dead in his house in Belturbet. He resided alone in the house, and was seen going home on the previous evening in apparently good health. The body awaits an inquest.
County Cavan Newspaper Transcription Project
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