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Shirleys of Burnchurch and
Garnaman House, Kilkenny

Lineage Chart: Shirley of Kilkenny

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2(i). Paul Shirley, gent. of Bellmount, Kilkenny died 1794 (age 34? See below, Thus born 1760) - identified as the father of elder sons Thomas and John Shirley who in turn were grandchildren of Thomas Shirley of Belmount, Kilkenny

1 January 1794 Old Leighlin Parish Register - Paul Shirley of Old Leighlin buried (Co Carlow)

Modern family letter: "Their father Paul was buried in Old Leighlin churchyard, and his headstone reads 'Erected by Margaret Shirley in memory of her husband Paul Shirley who depd. this life Jan 6th 1794, aged 34 years'. This is the oldest MI in the Shirley area of the churchyard"

2 June 1794 Will of Paul Shirley, proven 3 July 1794, probate granted to John Shirley Index to Ossery Wills Co Kilkenny

Dec 1 1794 Between Paul Shirley of Ballinkee Co Kilk. Farmer in whom all of the right and title of John Shirley his father late of Koan in Co Kilk. Farmer dec'd the lesser in the original lease came to and vested off of the one part, and John Shirley of Bellmount Killkenny farmer, Brother and administrator with the Will of Paul Shirley late of Bellmount aforesaid farmer and trustee in deed of renewal for Thomas Shirley and John Shirley two elder sons of said Paul Shirley dec'd and devises in his said Will named minors under age of 21 in whom all the title and interest of their grandfather Thomas Shirley late of Bellmount said original lease of the other part. Said John Shirley the lessor in said original lease and said Pail Shirley father of said Thomas and John Shirley and that John Shirley in trust for his nephews said Thomas and John according to the tenor of said lease.

married Margaret ________ (according to MI at Old Leighlin churchyard)

children:

3(i). Thomas Shirley, esq of Garrynaman, Kells Parish, Kilkenny - identified as an elder son of Paul Shirley of Bellmaine in the above 1794 document; named as a cousin of John Shirley of Croan in his 1811 will

Garrynaman House, Kells Parish, Kilkenny

married __________

3(ii). John Shirley, esquire of Newlands (Burnchurch), Kilkenny - identified as an elder son of Paul Shirley of Bellmaine in the above 1794 document; named as a cousin of John Shirley of Croan in his 1811 will; identified his brother Thomas Shirley in his 1844 will. John was a Protestant of Burnchurch and wife Mary was a Catholic of Newlands.They had 3 sons and 5 daughters. Their sons who were baptised Protestants and the girls baptised Catholic. Due to the influence of the mother Mary, the father and sons became Catholics.

Shirley House at Burnchurch, Kilkenny

In the name of God Amen. I John Shirley of Burnchurch being of sound mind memory and understanding blessed be God for it do hereby make this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say First leave and bequeath my soul to God and my body to be interred in my family burying place in Burnchurch at the discreation of my family and my Executors hereafter named - Secondly I leave to my son Richard all my right title and interest in my part of the lands of Bellmount forever. Subject to the following legacies and bequests. My son Richard is to pay my daughter Eliza ten pounds a year for ten years after my decease. But the first four years is to be kept by Richard and at the expiration of four years after my decease to pay Eliza the sum of forty pounds together and ten pound a year for six years after. And my son Richard is also to pay unto my grandaughter Maria Dow in fourteen years after my decease the sum of twenty pounds ster. and also to my granddaughter Agness Shirley the sum of twenty pounds ster. in seventeen years after my decease. Thirdly I leave and bequeath to my son Henry Shirley all my right title and interest in my farm in Burnchurch together will all my personal property. I mean all my stock of cattle, cows houses corn hay potatoes money and so forth. But Richard is to have his bed and bedding. But my son Henry is to pay and be subject ot the following legacies. He is to pay my daughter Maria one hundred pounds ster. in twelve months after my decease out of my property bequeathed him and also to pay my daughter Johanna one hundred pounds ster. in two years after my decease out of my property bequeathed him. And in order to enable Henry to pay my daughters Maria and Johanna the sums bequeathed them I will and bequeath my son Henry all my interest in part of the lands and houses in Kilbline being six pounds ten shillings by the year during the life of Philip Hayden and his wife Catherine and it is my further will and desire that my children herein named shall live together at Burnchurch as usual and assist each other until they get married, or otherwise find it their mutual interest to separate. And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my brother Thomas Shirley and Thomas Way Bayley to be my executors to this my last will and testament in witness - where of I have put my name and seal this 27th day of December 1844 ----------John Shirley ----------- seal.

married Mary Rice of Newlands. She died on 27 July 1825 and was buried at Burnchurch; She was the daughter of John Rice and Jane Murphy.

[Burnchurch]This stone placed here by Mr. John Shirley Burnchurch in memory of his dealy beloved spouse Mary Shriley (alias Rice) when God hath called from this frail and fallible world 27th July 1825 in her 39th year to partake of the blessing of celestial being so clearly purchased for her and all she was a treasure in her family as a wife and mother in piety in the love and will may she obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with everlasting glory amen.

"Mary Rice, a catholic and the daughter of a half sister to Edmund Rice, (the founder of the Christian Brothers), married John Shirley, a Protestant. As was usually agreed in those days of a mixed marriage, the sons of the marriage were to be brought up as Protestants and the girls in the religion of their mother, as Catholics. There were eight children of this marriage. It is said that Mary Rice requested Edmund Rice to pray for the conversion of her husband and sons to the Catholic faith and this duly happened."

This was originally a Protestant (males) and Catholic (females) family, but all became Catholic

Note: Most Burnchurch C of I records burned at Record Office in 1922 (extant: bap from 1888, mar 1845, bur 1882)

Children

4(i). Anne Shirley (likely daughter) born say 1814. In John Shirley's 1844 will, he named his grandaughter Maria Dow. It is assumed that Maria was the daughter of the following marriage - thus making Anne Shirley the daughter of the above John Shirley of Burnchurch Kilkenny

1834 Marriage - Shirley, Anna Marie and James Dow Index of Marriage License Bonds- Diocese of Ossery, Ferns and Leighlin

4(ii). Richard Shirley - born about 1817 at Kilkenny Ireland; He inherited all his father, John Shirley's lands at Belmount Kilkenny in his 1844 will; Evicted from family lands in 1850 and sentenced to transportation to Tasmania for rebellion; He settled at Kilkenny House, Hobart Tasmania. He died 14 April 1898 at Hobart Tasmania. This family was Roman Catholic.

1850 July 29 - The Freeman's Journal (newspaper) pg 1 The Burnchurch Outrage - Richard Shirley, Eliza Shirley, Robert Howard, Thomas Doran, Ellen Lanlgan, Bridget Maher, and Ellen Sinnott who had been evicted on the first day of the assizes for compelling a man named Hoolahan to leave his farm, were all placed at the bar. The prisoners who ere of the better class of farmers, were very respectfully clad. An immense number of persons intimately connected with them were present, and considerable anxiety prevailed as to the probably sentence about to be passed on them.

Family info - "The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released."

Shirley, Richard; Sex: M; Age: 30; Trial place: Co. Kilkenny; Trial date: 25/07/1850; Crime desc: Unlawfully assembling and injuring property; Sentence: Transportation 10 yrs; Ship: Lord Dalhousie 00/04/1852; Document ref1: TR 10, p 126; Document ref2: CRF

1855 Dec 7 The Waterford News (newspaper) - A conditional pardon has been granted by the Queen to Mr Richard Shirley of Kilkenny, transported to Van Dieman's Land

4(iii). Henry Shirley lived in Rathclough, Danesfort; He inherited lands at Burchurch in his father's 1844 will; The 1849 Griffiths Valuation shows him at Burnchurch. He was indicted with his brother Richard Shirley in 1850, but was found not guilty. He was granted 44 acres of Belmount Kilkenny by his brother Richard Shirley in 1862; His brother James Shirley granted 28 acres of Bellmount to him in 1863; He held 61 acres at Rathclough in 1871 and 1876.

1844 Will of John Shirley of Burnchurch. "...I leave and bequeath to my son Henry Shirley all my right title and interest in my farm in Burnchurch together will all my personal property. I mean all my stock of cattle, cows houses corn hay potatoes money and so forth...I will and bequeath my son Henry all my interest in part of the lands and houses in Kilbline being six pounds ten shillings by the year during the life of Philip Hayden and his wife Catherine..."

"It was originally believe that this eviction took place because of the conversion of the Shirley males to the Roman Catholic religion but the real reason was non payment of rent. In any event the incoming tenant, Richard Holohan of Knocktopher, whilst trying to take possession of the Shirley farm met with considerable resistance and violence from the local people who did not take favourably to his tenancy and Richard Holohan had to retire. Richard Shirley aged 30 years and brother of Henry Shirley who had lost the farm at Burnchurch was subsequently sentenced to transportation to Van Dieman's Land and arrived in Hobart in August 1852"

1862 Oct 8 - Registry of Deeds Vol 37 No 67 (next page) - Richard Shirley to Henry Shirley - Between Richard Shirley of No 205 Macquarie Street Hobart Town Tasmania storeman and Henry Shirley of Rathclough Co Kilkenny farmer. Indenture of lease dated 2 April 1766 between John Shirley who devised unto Thomas Shirley all the lands of Bellmount held for 3 lives mentioned...The sd Richard Shirley did grant unto the said Henry Shirley all that part of town and lands of Bellmount containing 44 acres lying in the Barony of Fassadineer late in the possession of Richard Shirley or his undertenants that part of sd lands of Bellmount demised by sd therein recited original leas of 2 April 1766 (saving and reserving thereout as is therein saved and reserved), subject ot yearly Fee Farm, execution by the sd Richard Shirley is witnessed by Thomas Sansome Preston of 35 Lincoln Inn Fields in Co Middlesex solicitor, execution by Henry Shirley witnessed by Arthur Joshua Boyd of the Parade in City of Kilkenny solicitor and William McGrath of High St in City of Kilkeeny law clerk Henry Shirley <seal> Registered 18 October 1862. (9 folios)

married Judy Mullins on 26 January 1857 at Danesfort Catholic Church

1857 January 26 Danesfort Catholic Church - Marriage of Henry Sherly to Judy Mullins, Wit: James Sherly, Miss? McDonell

children:

5(i). Mary Anne Shirley baptised 26 ?February 1858 at Danesfort Catholic Church, daughter of Henry Shirley and Judy Mullins

1858 [obliterated, likely February] 26 - Danesfort Catholic Church - [above 'con'] Baptism of Mary Anne, daughter of Henry Shirley, Judy Mullins; Sponsors: James Shirley, Mary McDonnell; Residence: Rathclough

5(ii). Eliza Shirley baptised 1860 at Danesfort Catholic Church, daughter of Henry Shirley and Judy Mullins

1860 [obliterated, possibly January] - Danesfort Catholic Church - Baptism of Eliza, daughter of Henry Shirley, Judy Mullins; Sponsors: [oblit] Mullins, Eliza Shirley: Rathclough [Note: Rathclough is in Danesfort Civil Parish]

4(iv). James Shirley - Not named in the 1844 will of his father John Shirley of Burnchurch, Kilkenny. But supposedly sentenced to Transportation to Tasmania upon the family's eviction from lands in 1850; He was named in the 1912 "obituary" (report by a family member much later?) of his sister Elizabeth Shirley (nee Shirley) (Editor: What is the source for this child, James Shirley? Are the sources confusing James for Richard Shirley?)

"The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released."

4(v). Elizabeth Shirley She was named in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch, Kilkenny sentenced to Transporation to Tasmania upon eviction from family lands in 1850. However, Elizabeth and sister Catherine were freed after imprisonment for 2 years

Eliza Shirley - Female, age 20. Tried at Kilkenny on 22 July 1850; Crime: Unlawful assembled and injuring property. Sentence: Transportation for 10 years - Document ref1: TR 10, p 332

"The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released."

married James Shirley, Coroner for county Kilkenny, her cousin (see photo and story above)

4(vi). Catherine Shirley Not named in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch, Kilkenny; Supposedly sentenced to Transporation to Tasmania upon eviction from family lands in 1850. However, according to family, Catherine and sister Elizabeth were freed after imprisonment for 2 years (Editor: What is the source for this child, Catherine Shirley?)

"The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released."

4(vii). Maria Shirley She was mentioned in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch Kilkenny;

4(viii). Joanna Shirley She was mentioned in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch Kilkenny;

from MARIA JONES

Hi Ken just to let you know what Ive discovered. I worked backwards from my grandad Henry Robinson born 1905 died 1987. His mum was Margaret Howe (not Hawe) born 1872 died 1962. Her mum was Margaret Hayden married to Matthew Howe. Her mum was Margaret Shirley married to Stephen Hayden. Apparently Margaret Shirley was the daughter of John Shirley of Burnchurch and Mary Rice, daughter of Jane Murphy (Edmund Ignatius Rice of the Christian Brothers Kilkenny) and John Rice of Newlands....Thanks again, Maria - Liverpool

John Rice m. Jane Murphy - Note: Jane was the half sister to the famous Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers catholic religious order. Jane's mother Margaret Tierney Murphy later as a widow married Robert Rice, the father of Edmund I. Rice.

Mary Rice m. John Shirley of Burnchurch

(apparently) Margaret Shirley m. Stephen Hayden

Margaret Hayden m. Matthew Howe

Margaret Howe b 1872.

Henry Robinson b 1905

Family info provided by descendants.

We claim our Shirley line came from the dramatist, James Shirley 1596-1666 of England. Our James, the coroner, appears to us as an identical copy of the dramatist "MERMAID" . Our crest stamped on the silver tea spoons, etc... was always our mark of identity. Mermaid and JS.

Betty Shirley - "YOUR EDITOR HAS BEEN TO THIS LOCATION AND VISITED WITH THE SHIRLEYS DESCENDED FROM THIS FAMILY. I DID SEE THE TEASPOONS WITH THE MERMAID AND THE J.S. INITIALS."

Taken from a letter written in 1988 by a member of the Shirley Association.

"I felt I should have no trouble fitting the pieces into place. The more I read the more confusing it became.

KNOCKABRANNA I found was only 2miles from Coolcullen and John Shirley came to Burnchurch from there. I did not find the name PAUL in his family. After reading your Shirley NEWS, I took off on John Shirley of Croan who in 1761 lesed 398 acres in Bellmouth. I followed my imagination last Sunday and to my surprise, I discovered the headstone in a remote graveyard ACHAVILLAR in KNOCKTOPHER BARONY. A Shirley was known to have had land near KNOCKTOPHER and BELLMOUNT.

The headstone is in very bad shape and the writing is almost worn off. No year could be found there, just the words: ERRECTED BY PAUL SHIRLEY OF CROAN IN THE MEMORY OF HIS FATHER JOHN SHIRLEY, ESQ.

There are more Shirley names but the Christian names are missing from the rain, etc.

CROAN is in the Parish of DUNAMAGGIN.

I did meet a man who told me that Thomas Shirley was in Garnamon in 1830-1850 and he took for g ranted that James Shirley the coroner was his son.

The lands of Garnamon were 345 acres and April 25, 1860 James Shirley became legal owner. Some of this acreage was leased to tenants leaving 213 acres with Garnamon House.

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		Shirleys of Burnchurch and Garnaman House, Kilkenny Lineage Chart: Shirley of Kilkenny
		< Back to Thomas Shirley of Belmount
		2(i). Paul Shirley, gent. of Bellmount, Kilkenny died 1794 (age 34? See below, Thus born 1760) - identified as the father of elder sons Thomas and John Shirley who in turn were grandchildren of Thomas Shirley of Belmount, Kilkenny 1 January 1794 Old Leighlin Parish Register - Paul Shirley of Old Leighlin buried (Co Carlow) Modern family letter: "Their father Paul was buried in Old Leighlin churchyard, and his headstone reads 'Erected by Margaret Shirley in memory of her husband Paul Shirley who depd. this life Jan 6th 1794, aged 34 years'. This is the oldest MI in the Shirley area of the churchyard" 2 June 1794 Will of Paul Shirley, proven 3 July 1794, probate granted to John Shirley Index to Ossery Wills Co Kilkenny Dec 1 1794 Between Paul Shirley of Ballinkee Co Kilk. Farmer in whom all of the right and title of John Shirley his father late of Koan in Co Kilk. Farmer dec'd the lesser in the original lease came to and vested off of the one part, and John Shirley of Bellmount Killkenny farmer, Brother and administrator with the Will of Paul Shirley late of Bellmount aforesaid farmer and trustee in deed of renewal for Thomas Shirley and John Shirley two elder sons of said Paul Shirley dec'd and devises in his said Will named minors under age of 21 in whom all the title and interest of their grandfather Thomas Shirley late of Bellmount said original lease of the other part. Said John Shirley the lessor in said original lease and said Pail Shirley father of said Thomas and John Shirley and that John Shirley in trust for his nephews said Thomas and John according to the tenor of said lease. married Margaret ________ (according to MI at Old Leighlin churchyard) children: 3(i). Thomas Shirley, esq of Garrynaman, Kells Parish, Kilkenny - identified as an elder son of Paul Shirley of Bellmaine in the above 1794 document; named as a cousin of John Shirley of Croan in his 1811 will Garrynaman House, Kells Parish, Kilkenny married __________ 3(ii). John Shirley, esquire of Newlands (Burnchurch), Kilkenny - identified as an elder son of Paul Shirley of Bellmaine in the above 1794 document; named as a cousin of John Shirley of Croan in his 1811 will; identified his brother Thomas Shirley in his 1844 will. John was a Protestant of Burnchurch and wife Mary was a Catholic of Newlands.They had 3 sons and 5 daughters. Their sons who were baptised Protestants and the girls baptised Catholic. Due to the influence of the mother Mary, the father and sons became Catholics. Shirley House at Burnchurch, Kilkenny In the name of God Amen. I John Shirley of Burnchurch being of sound mind memory and understanding blessed be God for it do hereby make this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say First leave and bequeath my soul to God and my body to be interred in my family burying place in Burnchurch at the discreation of my family and my Executors hereafter named - Secondly I leave to my son Richard all my right title and interest in my part of the lands of Bellmount forever. Subject to the following legacies and bequests. My son Richard is to pay my daughter Eliza ten pounds a year for ten years after my decease. But the first four years is to be kept by Richard and at the expiration of four years after my decease to pay Eliza the sum of forty pounds together and ten pound a year for six years after. And my son Richard is also to pay unto my grandaughter Maria Dow in fourteen years after my decease the sum of twenty pounds ster. and also to my granddaughter Agness Shirley the sum of twenty pounds ster. in seventeen years after my decease. Thirdly I leave and bequeath to my son Henry Shirley all my right title and interest in my farm in Burnchurch together will all my personal property. I mean all my stock of cattle, cows houses corn hay potatoes money and so forth. But Richard is to have his bed and bedding. But my son Henry is to pay and be subject ot the following legacies. He is to pay my daughter Maria one hundred pounds ster. in twelve months after my decease out of my property bequeathed him and also to pay my daughter Johanna one hundred pounds ster. in two years after my decease out of my property bequeathed him. And in order to enable Henry to pay my daughters Maria and Johanna the sums bequeathed them I will and bequeath my son Henry all my interest in part of the lands and houses in Kilbline being six pounds ten shillings by the year during the life of Philip Hayden and his wife Catherine and it is my further will and desire that my children herein named shall live together at Burnchurch as usual and assist each other until they get married, or otherwise find it their mutual interest to separate. And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my brother Thomas Shirley and Thomas Way Bayley to be my executors to this my last will and testament in witness - where of I have put my name and seal this 27th day of December 1844 ----------John Shirley ----------- seal. married Mary Rice of Newlands. She died on 27 July 1825 and was buried at Burnchurch; She was the daughter of John Rice and Jane Murphy. [Burnchurch]This stone placed here by Mr. John Shirley Burnchurch in memory of his dealy beloved spouse Mary Shriley (alias Rice) when God hath called from this frail and fallible world 27th July 1825 in her 39th year to partake of the blessing of celestial being so clearly purchased for her and all she was a treasure in her family as a wife and mother in piety in the love and will may she obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with everlasting glory amen. "Mary Rice, a catholic and the daughter of a half sister to Edmund Rice, (the founder of the Christian Brothers), married John Shirley, a Protestant. As was usually agreed in those days of a mixed marriage, the sons of the marriage were to be brought up as Protestants and the girls in the religion of their mother, as Catholics. There were eight children of this marriage. It is said that Mary Rice requested Edmund Rice to pray for the conversion of her husband and sons to the Catholic faith and this duly happened." This was originally a Protestant (males) and Catholic (females) family, but all became Catholic Note: Most Burnchurch C of I records burned at Record Office in 1922 (extant: bap from 1888, mar 1845, bur 1882) Children 4(i). Anne Shirley *(likely daughter)* born say 1814. In John Shirley's 1844 will, he named his grandaughter Maria Dow. It is assumed that Maria was the daughter of the following marriage - thus making Anne Shirley the daughter of the above John Shirley of Burnchurch Kilkenny 1834 Marriage - Shirley, Anna Marie and James Dow Index of Marriage License Bonds- Diocese of Ossery, Ferns and Leighlin 4(ii). Richard Shirley - born about 1817 at Kilkenny Ireland; He inherited all his father, John Shirley's lands at Belmount Kilkenny in his 1844 will; Evicted from family lands in 1850 and sentenced to transportation to Tasmania for rebellion; He settled at Kilkenny House, Hobart Tasmania. He died 14 April 1898 at Hobart Tasmania. This family was Roman Catholic. 1850 July 29 - The Freeman's Journal (newspaper) pg 1 The Burnchurch Outrage - Richard Shirley, Eliza Shirley, Robert Howard, Thomas Doran, Ellen Lanlgan, Bridget Maher, and Ellen Sinnott who had been evicted on the first day of the assizes for compelling a man named Hoolahan to leave his farm, were all placed at the bar. The prisoners who ere of the better class of farmers, were very respectfully clad. An immense number of persons intimately connected with them were present, and considerable anxiety prevailed as to the probably sentence about to be passed on them. Family info - "The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released." Shirley, Richard; Sex: M; Age: 30; Trial place: Co. Kilkenny; Trial date: 25/07/1850; Crime desc: Unlawfully assembling and injuring property; Sentence: Transportation 10 yrs; Ship: Lord Dalhousie 00/04/1852; Document ref1: TR 10, p 126; Document ref2: CRF 1855 Dec 7 The Waterford News (newspaper) - A conditional pardon has been granted by the Queen to Mr Richard Shirley of Kilkenny, transported to Van Dieman's Land 4(iii). Henry Shirley lived in Rathclough, Danesfort; He inherited lands at Burchurch in his father's 1844 will; The 1849 Griffiths Valuation shows him at Burnchurch. He was indicted with his brother Richard Shirley in 1850, but was found not guilty. He was granted 44 acres of Belmount Kilkenny by his brother Richard Shirley in 1862; His brother James Shirley granted 28 acres of Bellmount to him in 1863; He held 61 acres at Rathclough in 1871 and 1876. 1844 Will of John Shirley of Burnchurch. "...I leave and bequeath to my son Henry Shirley all my right title and interest in my farm in Burnchurch together will all my personal property. I mean all my stock of cattle, cows houses corn hay potatoes money and so forth...I will and bequeath my son Henry all my interest in part of the lands and houses in Kilbline being six pounds ten shillings by the year during the life of Philip Hayden and his wife Catherine..." "It was originally believe that this eviction took place because of the conversion of the Shirley males to the Roman Catholic religion but the real reason was non payment of rent. In any event the incoming tenant, Richard Holohan of Knocktopher, whilst trying to take possession of the Shirley farm met with considerable resistance and violence from the local people who did not take favourably to his tenancy and Richard Holohan had to retire. Richard Shirley aged 30 years and brother of Henry Shirley who had lost the farm at Burnchurch was subsequently sentenced to transportation to Van Dieman's Land and arrived in Hobart in August 1852" 1862 Oct 8 - Registry of Deeds Vol 37 No 67 (next page) - Richard Shirley to Henry Shirley - Between Richard Shirley of No 205 Macquarie Street Hobart Town Tasmania storeman and Henry Shirley of Rathclough Co Kilkenny farmer. Indenture of lease dated 2 April 1766 between John Shirley who devised unto Thomas Shirley all the lands of Bellmount held for 3 lives mentioned...The sd Richard Shirley did grant unto the said Henry Shirley all that part of town and lands of Bellmount containing 44 acres lying in the Barony of Fassadineer late in the possession of Richard Shirley or his undertenants that part of sd lands of Bellmount demised by sd therein recited original leas of 2 April 1766 (saving and reserving thereout as is therein saved and reserved), subject ot yearly Fee Farm, execution by the sd Richard Shirley is witnessed by Thomas Sansome Preston of 35 Lincoln Inn Fields in Co Middlesex solicitor, execution by Henry Shirley witnessed by Arthur Joshua Boyd of the Parade in City of Kilkenny solicitor and William McGrath of High St in City of Kilkeeny law clerk Henry Shirley <seal> Registered 18 October 1862. (9 folios) married Judy Mullins on 26 January 1857 at Danesfort Catholic Church 1857 January 26 Danesfort Catholic Church - Marriage of Henry Sherly to Judy Mullins, Wit: James Sherly, Miss? McDonell children: 5(i). Mary Anne Shirley baptised 26 ?February 1858 at Danesfort Catholic Church, daughter of Henry Shirley and Judy Mullins 1858 [obliterated, likely February] 26 - Danesfort Catholic Church - [above 'con'] Baptism of Mary Anne, daughter of Henry Shirley, Judy Mullins; Sponsors: James Shirley, Mary McDonnell; Residence: Rathclough 5(ii). Eliza Shirley baptised 1860 at Danesfort Catholic Church, daughter of Henry Shirley and Judy Mullins 1860 [obliterated, possibly January] - Danesfort Catholic Church - Baptism of Eliza, daughter of Henry Shirley, Judy Mullins; Sponsors: [oblit] Mullins, Eliza Shirley: Rathclough [Note: Rathclough is in Danesfort Civil Parish] 4(iv). James Shirley - Not named in the 1844 will of his father John Shirley of Burnchurch, Kilkenny. But supposedly sentenced to Transportation to Tasmania upon the family's eviction from lands in 1850; He was named in the 1912 "obituary" (report by a family member much later?) of his sister Elizabeth Shirley (nee Shirley) (Editor: What is the source for this child, James Shirley? Are the sources confusing James for Richard Shirley?) "The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released." 4(v). Elizabeth Shirley She was named in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch, Kilkenny sentenced to Transporation to Tasmania upon eviction from family lands in 1850. However, Elizabeth and sister Catherine were freed after imprisonment for 2 years Eliza Shirley - Female, age 20. Tried at Kilkenny on 22 July 1850; Crime: Unlawful assembled and injuring property. Sentence: Transportation for 10 years - Document ref1: TR 10, p 332 "The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released." married James Shirley, Coroner for county Kilkenny, her cousin (see photo and story above) 4(vi). Catherine Shirley Not named in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch, Kilkenny; Supposedly sentenced to Transporation to Tasmania upon eviction from family lands in 1850. However, according to family, Catherine and sister Elizabeth were freed after imprisonment for 2 years (Editor: What is the source for this child, Catherine Shirley?) "The Shirleys were evicted by their landlord, Lord Farmley (sic, Wm L Flood of Farmley estate). They resisted and James and Richard were sentenced to 21 years transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Elizabeth and Catherine were also sentenced to transportation. But while waiting ship were imprisoned on Spike Island in Cork harbour. After two years they were released." 4(vii). Maria Shirley She was mentioned in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch Kilkenny; 4(viii). Joanna Shirley She was mentioned in the 1844 will of her father John Shirley of Burnchurch Kilkenny; from MARIA JONES Hi Ken just to let you know what Ive discovered. I worked backwards from my grandad Henry Robinson born 1905 died 1987. His mum was Margaret Howe (not Hawe) born 1872 died 1962. Her mum was Margaret Hayden married to Matthew Howe. Her mum was Margaret Shirley married to Stephen Hayden. Apparently Margaret Shirley was the daughter of John Shirley of Burnchurch and Mary Rice, daughter of Jane Murphy (Edmund Ignatius Rice of the Christian Brothers Kilkenny) and John Rice of Newlands....Thanks again, Maria - Liverpool John Rice m. Jane Murphy - Note: Jane was the half sister to the famous Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers catholic religious order. Jane's mother Margaret Tierney Murphy later as a widow married Robert Rice, the father of Edmund I. Rice. Mary Rice m. John Shirley of Burnchurch (apparently) Margaret Shirley m. Stephen Hayden Margaret Hayden m. Matthew Howe Margaret Howe b 1872. Henry Robinson b 1905 Family info provided by descendants. We claim our Shirley line came from the dramatist, James Shirley 1596-1666 of England. Our James, the coroner, appears to us as an identical copy of the dramatist "MERMAID" . Our crest stamped on the silver tea spoons, etc... was always our mark of identity. Mermaid and JS. Betty Shirley - "YOUR EDITOR HAS BEEN TO THIS LOCATION AND VISITED WITH THE SHIRLEYS DESCENDED FROM THIS FAMILY. I DID SEE THE TEASPOONS WITH THE MERMAID AND THE J.S. INITIALS." Taken from a letter written in 1988 by a member of the Shirley Association. "I felt I should have no trouble fitting the pieces into place. The more I read the more confusing it became. KNOCKABRANNA I found was only 2miles from Coolcullen and John Shirley came to Burnchurch from there. I did not find the name PAUL in his family. After reading your Shirley NEWS, I took off on John Shirley of Croan who in 1761 lesed 398 acres in Bellmouth. I followed my imagination last Sunday and to my surprise, I discovered the headstone in a remote graveyard ACHAVILLAR in KNOCKTOPHER BARONY. A Shirley was known to have had land near KNOCKTOPHER and BELLMOUNT. The headstone is in very bad shape and the writing is almost worn off. No year could be found there, just the words: ERRECTED BY PAUL SHIRLEY OF CROAN IN THE MEMORY OF HIS FATHER JOHN SHIRLEY, ESQ. There are more Shirley names but the Christian names are missing from the rain, etc. CROAN is in the Parish of DUNAMAGGIN. I did meet a man who told me that Thomas Shirley was in Garnamon in 1830-1850 and he took for g ranted that James Shirley the coroner was his son. The lands of Garnamon were 345 acres and April 25, 1860 James Shirley became legal owner. Some of this acreage was leased to tenants leaving 213 acres with Garnamon House.
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