March 16 1781
Londonderry, March 9. In the night of the 14th of December last, Patrick Divin, of Stranback, in the parish of Donaghedy, and County of Tyrone, was most inhumanly murdered near his own house by Nicholas O’Kane and Charles O’Kane, both of Dreen, in the parish of Banagher, and county of Londonderry (Saunders’ News Letter)
March 5 1785
Strabane, March 1. Sunday the 20th ult. Margaret McCay renounced the errors of the Church of Rome, and embraced the Protestant religion, in the Meeting-house of Donagheady, before the Rev. John Holmes(Saunders’ News Letter)
March 20 1821
James Murray Esq., Executor of James Hamilton, Esq., deceased, Plaintiff. John Austin, Andrew Austin and others, Defendants.
Pursuant to a Decree of his Majesty’s High Court of Chancery in Ireland, made in this Cause, bearing date of 26th day of January last, I will on Thursday, the 10th day of May next, at the hour od one o’clock in the afternoon, at my Chambers on the Inn’s-quay, Dublin, set up and Sell by Public Cant, to the best and highest bidder, all that and those, the Town and Lands of Grange, otherwise Gransagh, with the Island Fishery, and the Tithes thereunto belonging, situate in the Parish of Donagheady, Barony of Strabane, and County of Tyrone, with the appurtenances , or a competent part thereof, for the purposes in said decree mentioned, subject , however, and without prejudice to the Defendant, Harriet Austin’s Right, in case she should survive her husband George Austin, to an Annuity, of Rent Charge of £100 per annum, under the deed of the 16th August, 1805, in said Decree mentioned – Dated this 26th day of February 1821.
The Lands are held in Fee, subject to a Crown Rent of 14s. 3d. per annum – they are chiefly situate between to River Foyle, and the road leading from Strabane to Derry, and are distant about five miles from Strabane. A Map, Rental, and Abstract of Title, may be seen on application to D. Simmonds, Solicitor for the Plaintiff, Lower Merrion-street; or Messrs Spiller & Stewart, Solicitors for the Defendants, John and Andrew Austin, 2, Dominick-street, Dublin, and Omagh (Dublin Evening Post)
November 5 1822
NOTICE. --- WHEREAS, on the 14th of October, Elizabeth Sproule, alias Orr, my Wife, made her escape from my house, after taking a number of Articles with her. This is to give Notice, that I will not pay any Debts she may contract, from this date. Robert Orr. Gortavey, Parish of Donagheady, Nov. 4, 1822 (Strabane Morning Post)
December 7 1822
Parge Potato There was lately dug, in a field belonging to Niel Divan of Drumgaty, in the parish of Donagheady, a potato, weighing 7 ½ lbs – Strabane Morning Post (Belfast Commercial Chronicle)
December 24 1822
Saturday se’nnight, William Woods, of Tamnabready, in the parish of Donagheady, was fined the sum of £5 by Sir John James Burgoyne, for purchasing Linen, partly bleached from ------- Carlan, a noted character, knowing the same to have been stolen
May 20 1823
To the Editors of the Strabane Morning Post:
Gentlemen - It becomes my painful duty to acquaint you with the circumstances of a most melancholy accident, which occurred on the evening of Saturday last, at Aughtermoy, near Donemana: - Robert, aged 21, the youngest son of Mr. William Baird, had retired after supper to his bed-chamber, in the full bloom of health, and in the high elevation of juvenile alacrity. He had spent the last moments of the evening in the social circle of his father’s family, enlivened by cheerful and harmless conversation. His garments were laid off as usual; the bed-clothes were folded down, and he had, it seems, taken his seat upon the bed side. No human eye indeed witnessed this arrangement; but all the circumstances of the event rendered it unquestionable. It is supposed that he then commenced loading a large pistol, which he had habitually kept as a terror to the nocturnal assailant. This process completed, the fatal instrument, whose springs were too facile for secure usage, discharged its contents into his most vital parts - even into his brain, entering a little beneath the right eye, passing upwards behind the frontal bone, and carrying off a large portion of the skull from the crown of his head. He was instantaneously laid back lifeless on the bed; and the unexpected report summoned the family to the apartment of death. What an awful heart-agonizing spectacle to father, and brother, and sister! - But language is too weak. - Human strength was not sufficient to sever the woe-stricken sister from her motionless brother; till her fainting arms were all bathed in his blood!
It was too much for the tenderness of female affection; and since that moment, I am grieved to learn, she is sustaining a sad struggle for life.
His corpse, accompanied by a vast concourse of weeping relatives and friends, was entombed last Monday in the cemetery of Grange. I shall never forget that scene of woe - the father - the brother - the uncle - the cousin - with the big tears of sorrow trembling in their eyes, as they gazed into the grave that enclosed his poor remains. Farewell, my dear departed cousin! - Long shall thy memory be sacred to this bosom; and while my heart shall bleed at the remembrance of thy melancholy end, yet shall it ever rejoice that thine was not the death of the degraded infidel, nor of the frantic suicidist; but that of one whose life, though shortened by the visitation of an All-Wise Jehovah, was a brilliant illustration of every Christian principle that can actuate the human heart, and of every lovely virtue that can adorn the human character. Be this the consolation of his surviving relatives, that the whole tenor of his conduct warrants the cheering confidence, that his immortal soul, washed in the blood of the Redeemer, and renewed by the energy of the sanctifying spirit, is now a free-born denizen of
“That land of pure delight
Where Saints immortal reign;
Infinite day excludes the night,
And pleasures banish pain.”
I remain, Gentlemen,
Yours etc.
February 1 1825
MURDER:
On Tuesday the 11th instant, James McCormick, of Moneycannon, parish of Donagheady and county of Tyrone, was barbarously murdered by two of his neighbours, Patrick and James Lynch, in the face of the day, and in presence of his son, Thomas McCormick, who, in making an unavailing effort to save his aged parent, was near sharing the same fate - indeed, would also have been their victim, had he not sought safety in flight, from the consequences of an unequal and desperate contest, he being unarmed. The Lynches, who are brothers, and both young men, were found by deceased trespassing upon his ground; as we have been given to understand, digging earth for the purpose of removing it to enrich their own. Old McCormick very naturally forbid them to proceed at their peril, as if they did, he would appeal to the law for the protection of his property; when, without any provocation, they fell upon him with their spades, and beat him so unmercifully that they broke his skull. - After glutting their rage upon him, and as we have observed, severely beating his son, they left him, and he was soon after borne to his own house, a sad spectacle indeed for his afflicted family, covered with blood and his brains protruding. He survived till the Saturday morning following at five o’clock, when he expired. The Rev. Francis Gouldsbury attended him on the evening he received the beating, and took his examinations, when he swore positively against the Lynches; and on Saturday the same Gentleman and another Magistrate, Hugh Lyle, Esq. held an inquest on the body, when Thomas McCormick having fully corroborated his father’s dying testimony, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of wilful murder against Patrick and James Lynch.
They have absconded, but their apprehension is almost certain, from the strict pursuit which has been instituted. They are from 23 to 25 years of age, about five feet eight inches high, rather slender, but well made. One of them dark complexioned, with black hair and whiskers, the other, rather fair, with brown hair. The deceased was 75 years of age - was a member of the Presbyterian connexion, and had ever borne a respectable character - the Lynches are Roman Catholic, and, as we have heard, violent partymen. - Derry Journal. (Strabane Morning Post)
February 22 1825
APPREHENSION OF THE MURDERERS OF JAMES McCORMICK:
We received a letter last week from Trevor Corry, Esq. a Magistrate in Newry, informing us that on Sunday the 30th ult. two young men were apprehended there, on suspicion of their having been the perpetrators of the foul homicide which was committed at Moneycannon, County Tyrone, on the 11th of the same month, and of which an account was published in this paper. It appears that these two persons enlisted there on the 13th, two days subsequent to the fatal deed and were marched to Newry, the depot for recruits, and Serjeant Hamil, the paymaster’s clerk there, having read our paragraph, detailing the murder, was so struck with the resemblance which they bore to the persons accused, that he had them taken into custody.
There were other circumstances, too, which warranted their detention. They admitted that their name was Lynch, that they were from within ten or twelve miles of Derry; and they could assign no satisfactory reason for abandoning their relatives and their land to enter the army, besides they endeavoured, by feigning bodily indisposition, to evade the personal examination which recruits have to undergo by the Staff Surgeon. Hugh Lyle, Esq., the Magistrate who held the inquest on the body of McCormick, and whose tenants the prisoners are has dispatched a person to Newry to identify them, but we have not yet learned the result. - Derry Paper. (Strabane Morning Post)
September 20 1825
FATAL ACCIDENT:
On Wednesday evening last, as Mr. Richard Ellis, of Benoan, in the neighbourhood of Donemanagh, and county of Tyrone, a publican, was on his return home from this City (in which he had been renewing his stock of liquors) accompanied by his wife, his son, a youth of 18, and another individual, he met with instant death from the following occurrence:-
The party were ascending a steep hill, about four miles hence, the woman a little in advance, on foot, the son at the horse’s head, and the other young man sitting in the cart with MR. ELLIS who was a bulky, unwielding person, when the horse either from restiveness or inability to proceed, began to retrograde, and, in spite all the efforts of the ---- continued doing so, until the cart reached the foot of the acclivity, and unfortunately the edge of the road, where there was a deep and almost perpendicular fall, when it went over, dragging the horse with it, and capsizing, the boxing struck the ill-fated Mr. Ellis upon the head, and fractured it in a shocking manner. Immediate death ensued. The other individual sprung from the cart before it reached the fatal spot, and escaped unhurt. It is remarkable that the horse, cart, or goods, sustained no damage. - There was, among other things, a jar of liquor, and it was
found safe in a little glen into which it had rolled a few yards from where the cart lay. MR. ELLIS was 66 years of age, was a man of unspotted character and great respectability in his situation, and is much regretted in the neighbourhood. --- Derry Journal. (Strabane Morning Post)
November 5 1825
The letter from America which bore the vague superscription, “To Matthew Craig’s Mother, Ireland”, has reached its destination. Mrs Craig lives in the parish of Donagheady – Derry Paper (Belfast Commercial Chronicle)
January 16 1826
At a Petty Sessions, held in the parish of Donagheady, county Tyrone, on Thursday, 29th December, eleven young unmarried women, all pregnant, attended to prove fathers for the progeny. In the years 1817 and 1818, not one illegitimate child was born in the parish, and comparatively few legitimate children to the lower classes of the people – such are the effects of barley meal feeding in 1817, compared with the fine potato crops of 1824. How will Cobbett account for the above, when he asserts, potatoes are not nutritive. – Derry Journal (Belfast Commercial Chronicle)
January 31 1826
LAMENTABLE SUICIDE:
On Friday last, the 21st inst., an inquest was held on the body of Hugh Carbery, a resident of the town of Donemana, in the County of Tyrone, whose sudden and melancholy death had caused a very great sensation in that neighbourhood. About two o’clock on that day, the Rev. Francis Gouldsbury of Alla, and Hugh Lyle, Esq. of Oaks, Magistrates of the County, entered the town and proceeded to investigate the circumstances of his melancholy death. In the absence of the Coroner they empanelled a jury, who, after a lengthened and patient investigation, returned as their verdict, “that the deceased, Hugh Carbery, had come by his death by shooting himself with a carabine, he, at the time, being under the influence of temporary derangement.” The body of the unfortunate man presented a most shocking spectacle, as he had placed the muzzle of the gun to his mouth, and literally fired the contents into his head. That he had long contemplated the act was apparent, this being the second attempt he made to accomplish his wicked purpose. Two years ago, it appeared on the inquest, that he had fired a pistol at his head, but it burst and blew off a part of his hand. (Strabane Morning Post)
February 16 1826
SUDDEN DEATH FROM INTOXICATION – On Friday last, a poor man named Phillips, who lived in the Parish of Donagheady, in the County of Tyrone, accompanied a neighbour who was much addicted to intemperance, into a small public house in Mount-castle, in the same of parish. They drank, it appears, to great excess, and the same evening the unfortunate Phillips died suddenly, from the deleterious effects of the liquor he had taken, it is believed. Sudden death is now so frequent, and in many instances from drunkenness that such cases should not be allowed to pass unnoticed – Derry Journal (Enniskillen Chronicle & Lough Erne Packet)
May 1 1826
Marriages – We have been informed that the following actually took place within a few miles of this town on Friday evening last: - A young man in the parish of Donagheady, ran off with a young woman, with the intention of getting married – the brother of the young woman came shortly after, and took of the sister of the first – the servant girl not wishing to be forgot, set off to pay a visit to the party, met with her sweetheart, and we understand were all married on Saturday – Strabane Morning Post (Belfast Commercial Chronicle)
July 18 1826
GAME PRESERVED The Rev. C. Douglas, wishing to preserve the Game on the Glebe Land of Tyboe, Glenegourland, and Greaghan, request all persons to desist in future from Sporting on any parts of the above named Lands; likewise, the Townlands of Castlewarren, Carickatain, and Gortmellan, belonging to the Marquis of Abercorn, being given up to the Rev. C. Douglas, for the purpose of his Sporting thereon, he requests all persons to desist from Sporting upon them also. All Trespassers after this Notice, will be prosecuted according to Law. July 17, 1826
August 13 1826
RIBBONISM – DARING ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE A CLERGYMAN
From the Londonderry Journal
We mentioned in our paper of the 25th of July last, that as a body of persons, supposed to be orangemen, were walking towards Donagheady, on the 12th July they were assailed by a numerous body of Ribbonmen who lay in ambush for them close to the way which they had to pass, and without provocation received or notification given, fired upon them, intending to commit murder. Although these unoffending men(unoffending as respected the other party) were thus taken by surprise, yet they evinced a presence of mind which would have done honour to veterans; the few of them that had arms (and these did not amount to so vastly inferior above ten or twelve we have been told) instantly formed themselves into a little band, and intrepidly advancing, they soon dislodged and repulsed the aggressors, wounding several of them it is said. Smarting under a defeat from a body so vastly inferior in point of numbers, and anxious, it would seem, to wipe away the stain which their honour had received, they sent repeated messages to individuals supposed to be connected with the successful party, defying them to a trial of strength on the 12th August, on which day they imagined they would walk in procession; the Orangemen, however, much to their credit, treated their challenges and the provoking taunts with which they were accompanied, with merited contempt, and widely resolved that they would not be tempted into a deliberate breach of the peace, which might involve in it, consequences exceedingly deplorable. The Ribbonmen, although those whom they sent to proclaim war were assured that nothing hostile was meditated by those whom they wished to treat as enemies, persisted in their determination to meet on the day mentioned, a circumstance of which the Magistrate, in that neighbourhood got notice, it is understood, from some of the more moderate of the affiliated themselves, who defeated the bloody spirit which animated their associates. The evening preceding the 12th, they got information that Butterloap, in the parish of Donagheady, was the be their place of rendezvous, and they wisely determined to have a force convenient to prevent any bad consequences which might be likely to ensue. Before their arrival, the Rev. Charles Douglas ,the new Rector of Donagheady, an English gentleman, conceiving that, as a Clergyman, he might have some influence on these misguided men, set out in quest of them unattended, with the view of the quietly to disperse. He was not long gone till the Magistrates, with a small detachment of the 62nd Regiment from Lifford, and a few mounted police, arrived at Earlsgift, Mr. Douglas’ seat, and finding him gone. And being apprehensive for his safety, they sent Mr. Taylor and his police after him, who overtook him just as a body of about fifty Ribbonmen came in view. This body was moving towards the main body, which might consist of about 200, mostly all armed with firelocks, and the two gentlemen leaving the police behind them in a friendly manner, and signified to them by signs, that they wished to have a communication with them. Immediately, four or five of the body who appeared to be leaders, advance in front, and, taking deliberate aim at the gentlemen, discharged their pieces at them. The gentlemen could distinctly hear the balls whizzing past them, and Mr. Douglas’ mare trembled so exceedingly that he thought that she should sink beneath him. – Mr. Douglas, supposing that it was Mr. Taylor who was obnoxious to them, and never conceiving that they could never have any bad feelings towards himself, desired Mr. Taylor to fall back and he would approach them alone; and accordingly, taking off his hat, he waved it, and called to them that he wished to speak to them. They made no reply, bur reloading they again levelled; took aim at him and fire – yes, fired upon this minister of the gospel of peace, who was activated by the kindest feelings towards them. The gentlemen now retired and met the soldiers and police advancing, the sight of whom struck a panic into the hearts of these valiant heroes who, but a minute before had been so brave to fire upon an unarmed individual, and instantly dispersing, they fled in all directions. – An active pursuit ensued, but the mountainous nature of the place, and the position which the Ribbonmen occupied upon the hills, favoured their escape., so that not one of them, we regret to say, was either taken or identified.
What a state of Society do we live in, when there is a part of our population, who can reconcile the atrocious motives which influenced these men with a profession of Christianity! The Catholic Association, and the priestly politicians, will see that the machinery which they have set in motion, is working as well as they could wish, and that they have infused a spirit into the people, which has prepared them for engaging in any scheme however desperate, which will be recommended to them, as calculated to promote the expected ascendancy of their Church. We ask, where these doings to terminate?
An investigation was held at Donemana, on Saturday, to which all the people of the surrounding neighbourhood were summoned, who, it was supposed, could throw any light on the business, but we are as yet ignorant of the result. We think it only right to mention, that we have not given the above from official authority; still, we believe, it will be found substantially accurate (Westmeath Journal)
August 26 1826
There was a great assemblage of Ribbonmen (upwards of 500, we understand) at Donemana fair on Saturday, who met, the half of them armed with guns, to destroy any Orangemen who might shew themselves there. The magistrates succeeded in dispersing them, after they had fired on the police, as we have been informed. We are not in possession of particulars to enter more fully into the business at present (Roscommon & Leitrim Gazette)
October 3 1826
On Saturday week a dreadful occurrence took place at Raspberry-Hill, near Donemanagh, in this county. A farmer, named John Rosborough, had, on that night, what is called a “Churn,” that is, a merry-making which generally follows the conclusion of the harvest - and at this Churn had been John Callaghan, John Rodgers, and a number of others. In the course of the evening, Callaghan, it appears, had evinced bad feeling towards Rodgers, calling him opprobrious names, and telling him that all his “breed,” were thieves and robbers. This, however, Rodgers did not resent, knowing, that if he did, he would probably be killed. About twelve at night he left Rossborough’s, and apprehending, it is supposed, he might be badly treated, he asked Callaghan’s wife and daughter to convey him part of the way. They did so, and as they were proceeding, he said to them that, notwithstanding what had occurred, he would fight for any of the family, and insisted on going back. The wife, as we have heard, caught him and intreated him not to do so, but disengaging himself, he was returning, when he was met by John Callaghan, armed, as report says, with a pair of tongs, by which a violent blow was aimed at him. The consequence was melancholy indeed. Rodgers had his reaping hook, and with it he struck Callaghan a fatal blow immediately behind the ear. The point penetrated the skull. The unfortunate man never spoke afterwards - he lingered till Tuesday morning and expired. We understand that Rodgers was soon afterwards almost killed himself by deceased’s two sons, who lay in wait for him, and, altogether ignorant of what had happened to their father, beat him most dreadfully - inflicting seven cuts upon him, one of which nearly severed his arm from his body. We fear this deplorable affair originated in party spirit. - Deceased was a Roman Catholic, and Rodgers is a Protestant. Mr. Ellis, of this city, held an inquest on the body, but there being no surgeon present to ascertain if the wound was the cause of his death, the Jury had not all the evidence they could have wished. The law makes no provision for the remuneration of professional men when 177 they attend at Inquests and had Mr. Ellis employed one, the probability is he must have paid him himself. He had no reason to expect the Grand Jury would, as from motives of economy, they greatly curtail the allowance to himself which the law authorises. The Jury’s verdict was - “That the deceased came by his death by a blow of a shearing hook, inflicted on his head by John Rodgers.” – Derry Journal (Strabane Morning Post)
September 3 1827
COUNTY OF TYRONE
TO BE SOLD, PART of the Lands of Tirkernahan, containing 80 Acres or thereabouts; also the Farm called the Black Park, containing about 41 Acres, with a Dwelling-house and Office houses thereon; also Fields adjoining the town of Dunnamana. These lands were all held by the late Rev. Andrew Thomas Hamilton, deceased, and are situated near the town of Dunnamana, in the County of Tyrone, about 7 miles from Strabane, and 8 from Derry. Also, those Houses or Tenements, in the town of Strabane, on the west side of the street, leading from the Church to the Bowling-green; also, that House or Tenement, at the corner of said street, in Church-street, opposite the Church-gate, held forever. - For particulars, as to Title, &c. apply (if by letter, postpaid), to Mr. Samuel Colhoun, Strabane.
N. B. ~~ The above Premises, will be Sold by Public Auction, at Wauchob’s Inn, in the town of Strabane, on Tuesday, the 25th day of September next, at the hour of One o’clock in the afternoon, unless previously disposed of by Private Contract. September 3, 1827
May 29 1828
A MOST DESIRABLE ESTATE IN THE COUNTY OF TYRONE
TO be SOLD, for the purpose of Carrying into execution the trusts of the Will of the late Samuel Lyle, Esq., the Terkernaghan and Altnachree Estate, in the Parish of Donagheady, Barony of Strabane, and County of Tyrone. This estate in a rapidly improving part of the Country, within seven miles of the Town of Strabane and eight of Londonderry. It contains of 3170 Acres, of which nearly one-half are Arable and the rest good Pasture or easily reclaimable Mountain, with convenient Turbary and abundance of Lime-stone.
The Title is a Fee Farm by grant, without any reservations but the small annual Rent of £6 9s 3d. The present Rental is £1295, and the Lands are almost entirely out of lease.
For Rental and particulars apply to John Acheson Smyth, Esq., Londonderry; Hugh Lyle, Esq., Oaks Lodge, Londonderry; or Acheson Lyle, Esq., 17, Gardiner’s-place, Dublin (Dublin Evening Post)
July 26 1828
On the night of Sunday the 17th inst., the dwelling-house and offices of Mr. Thomas Donalson [Donaldson], of Coolmaghrey, parish of Donagheady, were maliciously set on fire, and from the progress which the flames were making, there can be no doubt that he and his family would have been the victims of this diabolic outrage, had not a girl and a boy, who had been at a neighbouring town, and were returning home, aroused them to a sense of their danger. An alarm was given, and the neighbours collected in great numbers, and rendered such effectual aid as to save most of the property. The fire, however, was not subdued till the roof of the dwelling-house was almost destroyed. Five coals were found in different parts of the premises, so that it was certainly the work of an incendiary. This is the individual who was in danger of being shot shortly antecedent to the last Tyrone assizes, because he was too honest to be induced by a bribe to violate his recognizance by absenting himself. He attended and did his duty, and was mainly instrumental in the conviction of the following persons: - Patrick Collins for robbing his house of money and wearing apparel to a considerable amount, and Peter and James McCall, for stabbing a policeman at the Lent Assizes of Omagh. Collins is to be transported for life, and the two latter to be imprisoned two years, and kept to hard labour. What a vindictive spirit there must be in that part of the country, for a man discharging the duty he owes to society is so persecuted, that he feels it necessary to the safety of himself and his family to quit a place, where if he were allowed to follow his business as a farmer in quietness, he could realise a comfortable living! He has his crop advertised, with a view of disposing of his interest in his farm. This is the peace which the Association produces: they may boast of it! (Londonderry Journal)
April 27 1830
MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE:
On Tuesday the 20th inst. a boy of about eleven years of age, named Charles McDaid, brought the root of an herb, called Monkshood, or Wolfsbane, (or as generally known by the name of Blue Rocket,) with him, to the school at Sandville, in the Parish of Donagheady, and divided it among some of his school fellows. Those who ate any of it were suddenly seized with vertigo giddiness in the head. One boy named James Divine, about nine years of age took unwell in the same manner, and when going home to dinner, was unable to proceed till carried by his brother; when his brother was conveying him he said he thought the fields were all covered with snow. He spoke none after he went home except for his mother not to be uneasy but put him to bed, as he would soon be well; but melancholy to relate, he was dead before the expiration of an hour. Another boy named Forsythe, about ten years of age, ate some of it, and was affected in the same manner, but having caused vomiting, and some medicine having been given him to counteract the poison, his life has been preserved. Some other boys of the same age ate of it likewise, but they are recovering. On Friday, the 23rd inst. an investigation was held by the Rev. Charles Douglas and Wm. H. Ash, Esq. and a most respectable Jury, to ascertain how Divine came to his death. Surgeon Phillips, R. N. was called upon, and described the herb as the most deadly of poisonous ones. The Jury gave in their verdict to the following effect, “That deceased came by his death from having eaten the root of a poisonous herb called Monkshood, given to him by C. McDaid (a boy of about eleven years of age), without any knowledge of its baneful effects. It is but justice to state, that the teacher knew nothing of the scholars having the root in the school, or of their having eaten of it, till after, or about the time of the boy’s death. (Strabane Morning Post)
April 27 1830
On Friday last, as three or four children were playing about a burning lime-kiln in the townland of Ruskey, about a mile from Dunamana, one of them belonging to a man named Henry Craig, somehow stepped or fell into the kiln, and lay there, until one of the children ran for its father, who came running in a state of despair, leaped into the kiln and brought it out. The child was most severely burned about the legs, and extremity of the body, and only lived twelve hours after. (Strabane Morning Post)
August 10 1830
TYRONE ASSIZES
William McGowan, indicted for assaulting the Rev. Charles Douglas, a Magistrate of the county of Tyrone, in the execution of his duty, at Donemana, on the 12th of July last, and also for a riot -- Not Guilty – discharged (Strabane Morning Post)
November 30 1830
SLATES – James Alexander begs to inform his Customers, that he is well supplied with superior SLATES, at the Trentaugh Quarries, and that he has lowered the Price very considerably. He offers the best blue Slates, at 30s per thousand at the Quarry, or at St Johnstown free on board, and the second quality at 22s 6d. per thousand, at the Quarry. Terms, Cash. Sandville, March 15, 1830 (Strabane Morning Post)
July 30 1833
OMAGH ASSIZES RECORD COURT
Lessee David McMorris, Plaintiff; John McMorris, Defendant.
This is an action of ejectment on the title to recover part of the lands of Ardmore, held by the father of the parties under Sir John Hamilton, in the Dunnemana estate. The plaintiff and defendant are brothers. The father, James McMorris, died in 1791, leaving three sons and one daughter, the plaintiff the eldest; Ninian, who was a surgeon, the second; and John, the defendant, the youngest. They were all infants at his death, and continued to reside in the house on the lands with their mother, and afterwards by some arrangement the plaintiff and defendant divided the lands, which the plaintiff now wished to break through, and went on his strict title as heir at law. The defendant however, proved by secondary evidence, the existence of a will and subsequent arrangement by deed, which was destroyed by Ninian, but binding each party to the half of the lands.
On this proof being given, the plaintiff consented to a nonsuit.
Counsel for the Plaintiff, Messrs. Chambers, Lyle and Brook – Agent, Mr. Chambers
Counsel for the defendant, Messrs. Johnston, Deering and Colhoun – Agents, Miller and Franks
January 10 1837
On Thursday last, we understand, some persons attacked the house of Stephen Todd, of Castlemellon, near this town; and on a woman opening the door, she was struck with a stone and fell. Todd, seeing his servant knocked down, was preparing to load his gun for protection, when one of the party fired into the house, and shot him. He survived till Saturday, when he expired.
Jan 15 1842
DESTRUCTION OF A FLAX MILL BY FIRE
On the night of the 28th ult., the flax mill of Mr. Samuel Kee, Gortyleck, near Donemana, was burned, together with about 40 stooks of flax. The machinery was also destroyed; and though, as soon as the fire was observed, the neighbours hurried with all possible speed to render assistance, their efforts were of no avail. The damage is estimated at £50 – a serious loss to the proprietor, who, we understand, is a respectable and industrious man. The fire, our informant states, originated in consequence of a scutcher named McMenemy, who was alone at the time, letting the snuff of a candle fall on the floor, which, as might be expected, ignited the flowings and flax around almost instantaneously. Too much caution cannot be used in flax mills to guard against fire, as flax is so easily ignited (Londonderry Sentinel)
March 15 1842
TYRONE ASSIZES, OMAGH
[Extract]
Andrew Brown, Andrew Thompson, John Hunter, Walter Gormly, Matthew Hawthorn, guilty of walking in an Orange procession in Donemana, were sentenced to one month’s imprisonment; and, at the expiration of this period, to give their own security in £40, and two other sureties in £10 each (Londonderry Journal)
Dec 13 1842
CLEMENCY OF THE WEATHER. – RIPE STRAWBERRIES
Throughout this season, which is now pretty far advanced, we have experienced little of the rigours of winter, but on the contrary, the weather has been exceedingly mild, and favourable to vegetation. As a proof of which we may state, that, on Saturday last, we were presented with a few ripe strawberries, which were grown in the garden of Mr. Robert Stewart, Altrest, near Donemana which has rather an exposed situation. From different quarters also, we understand that thrushes are singing, and sparrows building nests…….(Londonderry Journal)
February 21 1843
DREADFUL ACCIDENT AND LANDLORD MUNIFICENCE. – On, were completely consumed. The utmost exertions, aided by the direction of the wind the night of the 23th ult., while the storm was at its height, the offices of a small farmer, named John Thompson, of Moneycannon, near Donemana, were discovered to be on fire. And together with his entire stock, consisting of a horse and a head of five cows, were completely consumed. The utmost exertions, aided by the direction of the wind, succeeded in saving his dwelling-house, which stood under the same roof. This poor man who has a numerous and helpless family, was thus reduced to a deplorable condition. The generous and kind-hearted landlord of the property, , Leslie Ogilby, Esq., of Dungiven, on hearing of the above occurrence, and also that Thompson was an industrious and deserving tenant, represented to him by his industrious agent, Samuel Lyle, Esq., Oaks, immediately directed that the sum of ten pounds, a full year’s rent of his holding, should be laid out in the purchase of stock for him. And through Mr. Lyle’s influence, Thompson’s father and father-in-law, both living on the same estate, have each given him a good young cow. Mr, Lyle is, with what remains of the ten pounds after buying him a fitting horse, to make up the price of a third cow. By this praiseworthy benevolence and interference, this poor family, who, but a few days ago, were in a state bordering on despair and want, are placed in circumstances which, if quite not so good, are fully as encouraging to proceed in the cultivating of their farm as they were before the accident. Thompson has also a house newly roofed, with timber received from the same human landlord, which will, for the present, supply the place of the one which was burned. The above is a practical proof that we have landlords in Ireland who need not to be told that property has its duties as well as its privileges. The fire is supposed to have arisen from taking out a coal instead of using a lanthorn, a very dangerous practice, but one too common among the people of this class when going out to their cattle. – Correspondent of Sentinel (Londonderry Sentinel)
August 15 1843
ILLICIT DISTILLATION. – On Friday night, the 11th instant, five of the Excise officers stationed at Strabane, proceeded three miles above Donemana, in the Monterloney direction, where they succeeded in seizing two illicit stills, and destroyed 450 gallons of worts, also mash tubs, barrels, &c. After the officers has effectively these illicit concerns, and were proceeding to Donemana with the two stills, they were closely pursued by a considerable number of men, whose yells denoted what the consequences would have been had they been able to overtake them: but fortunately the Excise officers were provided with a good horse and car, and arrives safe in Donemana, where they called on the Constabulary, and remained until daylight. (Londonderry Journal)
May 1 1845
Extracted from STRABANE QUARTER SESSIONS
Charles and Matilda Gormly, for stealing potatoes at Donemana; Charles to be imprisoned four calendar months to hard labour, and Matilda three weeks in bridewell
Joseph Love, for stealing turf at Donemana, submitted, fined 6d. and to find security of peace in £10 with two in £5 each
John McCarbary, Thomas Buchanan, and Alexander Buchanan, John Kelly, and William Buchanan for riot at Donemana, submitted; Thomas Buchanan to pay a fine of £1 to churchwardens of Donagheady parish, and £10. to prosecutor, Hugh Donaghy of police; Alexander Buchanan to pay a fine of 10s. to churchwardens of said parish; all to find security of peace, themselves in £20 each, with two securities in £10 each (Londonderry Sentinel)
November 18 1845
DISCOVERY AND ARREST OF THIEVES. – On Monday, the 9th instant, William Donaghey, of Glenmorning, parish of Leckpatrick, made application to Constable Robert Price, stationed at Donemana, to assist him to look for a quantity of turnips that had been taken out of a field, his property, at Glenmorning: on which application the Constable proceeded with one of the Sub-Constables, Maxwell, and entered the house of James McClintock, of Barren, parish of Donagheady, and thereabout saw four measures of very fine turnips, which Donaghey said they were his property: and in a corner of the same house was a barrel, and, on examination, found in it a quantity of mutton, about as much as two sheep. This led to further search, and, in a bed, where there were three children, they found a sheep’s head and tail. On further examination they found, over another bed, a quantity of wool; and in a corner where a woman was lying, named Mary Campbell, a lodger, with her husband, John Campbell, who said they were from Co. Antrim, they discovered about a measure of turnips, and under the turnips a tub containing more mutton, about the flesh of one sheep. The Constable then desired Maxwell and Patterson to search the dunghill. With their ramrods, and in it they spade, which was claimed by Robert Kee, of Gortalick [Gortileck], as stolen from him about one week back. It now being quite dark, some neighbours had gathered to the place, and, with the assistance of a lamp, the Constable ordered a further search for the skins, saying he would stay till morning, or have them; and, behind the house, buried underground, he found three skins, one of them wanting the tail. He then got on a cart, and removed the turnips to the barracks, with the mutton and skins, and brought James McClintock and William McClintock his son, John Campbell and his wife Mary. There being four children in the house, the Constable left Margaret McClintock, wife to James with the children – and having heard that Thomas Kelly, of Glenmorning, had lost three fine sheep on the Tuesday before, he had Kelly sent for, who came on the next morning, with his heard (sic) boy, J. Forbes, and both identified the head and skins. He then brought the parties to Strabane, where Constable Price saw Margaret McClintock, and took her into custody and had them before Major Humphreys, Capt. Humfrey, and John Holmes, Esq.. Robert Kee swore to his spade; Kelly and Forbes to the sheeps’ skins; and Donaghy, by orders of the Constable, had some of the tops shorn off the turnips; in the field brought, which exactly fitted the tops of the turnips; and, on his depositions and of those of the Constable and Sub-Constable Maxwell, the parties were committed to Omagh gaol, to take their trial at the Quarter Sessions. Too much praise cannot be given to the Constable in this case, as, by his exertions, a nest of thieves has been detected, and, that in all probability, would have done a very great deal of mischief this winter. Nor is this the only case in which his activity and zeal has been displayed, as is well known to the parishioners of Donagheady, who, since he came among them, have, through his exertions, lived in peace and security (Londonderry Journal)
April 14 1846
DONAGHEADY DISPENSARY. – Agreeably to public notice a meeting of the parishioners of Donagheady (who are not subscribers to the dispensary) was held lately in the court-house of Donemana, for the purpose of presenting the medical superintendent of the dispensary, Doctor Baird, with an expression of the high sense in which his services are appreciated, throughout the parish. Mr. Jas. Craig was elected chairman, and Mr. Joseph Boyle acted as secretary. A committee, consisting of Robert McCrea, Esq., Grange House; James Brown, Esq., Donemana; and William Clarke, Esq., Lisdovan; were unanimously chosen to purchase to the extent of the funds contributed, a gig, horse, and harness; and Messrs. Robert Stewart, Samuel Gamble, James Craig, James McCrea, George McLaughlin, Joseph McCrea, Joseph Boyle, were appointed a committee to prepare an address on the occasion of presenting the same to Doctor Baird. The next resolution proposed by Mr. James McCrea, Lisdovan, and seconded by Mr. George McLaughlin, Maghereagh …………………In accordance with the above resolution appointed to prepare the address, together with a large number of the contributors, assembled at Mr. Brow’s inn, Donemana, on Monday, the 6th inst., and presented Mr. Baird with a splendid horse, gig, and appendages &c., procured by the voluntary subscriptions of the parishioners……..(Londonderry Journal)
April 22 1846
LIBERAL DONATION TO THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. We understand that John Blair, Esq., of Yorkville, South Carolina, to two congregations of the General Assembly in this neighbourhood, the handsome of £500 , in the proportions annexed, viz.: to the First Congregation of Strabane, (Rev. Mr. Goudy’s) £300, and to the Second Congregation of Donagheady (Rev. Mr. Porter’s) £200. These sums are vested in the respective Sessions for the time being, and are to be applied to the religious education of the children of the poor connected with these congregations. The generous individual who has made the above munificent grant, emigrated from this country to America many years ago; having spent a portion of the earlier period of his life in Strabane and the vicinity of Donagheady (Londonderry Journal)
January 8 1847
RELIEF COMMITTEES – DOINGS AT DUNNAMANA. – If the rumours that have reached us be correct, there must be something wrong about the Dunnamana Relief Committee. Four of its most efficient members, as we are told, have withdrawn from all connection from it. Four Presbyterian Clergymen have felt it their duty, at a time of unexampled distress throughout the country, to refuse their co-operation from its relief. From the high character of those gentlemen for Christian and charitable feeling, we cannot for a moment suppose, that it is on slight grounds they have taken a step so decisive. We think the public have a right to know what has led to so unusual proceeding, and that the Lord Lieutenant of the County is chargeable with a dereliction of duty if he neglect to order an enquiry into the cause of this extraordinary secession. The Presbyterians of Donagheady, who out-number the other denominations in the parish, have a right to demand why it is that, in a crisis like the present, theirs is the only denomination unrepresented by their Clergy on the Relief Committee. (Londonderry Standard)
March 13 1847
Francis O’Neill, Esq., the Treasurer to the Donemana Relief Committee thankfully acknowledges the receipt of £25 from James Ogilby, of Pellipar House, Esq., being a second donation, of a similar sum, in aid of the Relief Fund in this district (Londonderry Sentinel)
December 27 1848
At Yorkville, South Carolina, 3rd October last, Captain John Blair, aged 78 years. He was born in the county of Tyrone – spent the early part of his life in Strabane and Donagheady, and emigrated to America in 1796. He was a gentleman of character and understanding – a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an enlightened and liberal supporter of literary institutions. Although for more than half a century a citizen of the United States, he took a deep and lively interest in anything that concerned the welfare and prosperity of his native land. He induced a number of families to immigrate, and assisted them obtaining comfortable settlements. Unsolicited, he transmitted annually sums of money to his friends and relations in this country. He gave £500 for educational purposes to the Congregations of Second Donagheady and Strabane, and when news of the famine which lately visited us, reached him, he not only gave a handsome subscription to the “Irish General Relief Fund”, and collected on behalf of it, but sent a quantity of bread stuffs for the relief of the distressed in one of the districts of his native parish. By the death of Captain Blair, America has lost a useful citizen, the Church on earth a valuable member, and Ireland, a friend. Abridged from the “Miscellany”, South Carolina (Londonderry Journal)
October 24 1849
TO BE SOLD
On or before the 1st November, by the Executors of the late James McElhinny,
His interest in a Valuable Farm at Cloghogle, held for ever, under the Most Noble the Marquis of Abercorn. The Townland of Cloghogle is in the County Tyrone and Parish of Donagheady, and the part of same to be disposed of is conveniently situated, being on the Eastern side of the Foyle, near the post road leading from Derry to Strabane, about six miles from the former, and equally distant from the above.
The Dwelling-House and Offices are in excellent order, the Land is in a high state of cultivation, and there is a supply of Turbary on the ground. The present occupants of the Premises are authorised to show them to intending purchasers.
Mr. James McElhinny, Leck. Strabane, will receive Proposals, and furnish particulars as to title, &c., &c. (Londonderry Journal)