Note on early history of Joyce family
J O Y C E
FAMILY HISTORY
Researched and compiled by John A. Joyce,
with the assistance of Catherine R. Joyce
over a period up to l996.
This document should be read in conjunction with the Joyce Family Chart.
The following sources have been used in compiling this history of the Joyce side of our family:
1) Irish Families, Edward Mc Lysaght M.A., D.Litt., M.R.I.A., Irish Academic Press.
2) Borris Catholic Parish Registers.
3) County Carlow Tombstone Inscriptions, Vol. 3, St. Mullins Muintir na Tire, 1986.
4) Kavanagh Estate Records, Borris House.
5) Personal knowledge and reliable information or tradition given to me by relatives.
Identity Numbers and Keys.
For ease of reference, identity numbers are given to all members of the five earliest generations of which there are records. Spouses are identified by the addition of the letter "A" to the identity number ("B" in the case of second spouses).
List of Family Members.
The list of family members is comprised of the earliest five generations shown on chart. Sources for the dates given, addresses where known, and some brief miscellaneous information are included in this list.
Abbreviations used:
The letters ' K.M.’ indicate Kilmison address.
" " ' B.R.' " Ballyroughan address.
" " ' L.R.' " Lower Rathgeran address.
" " ' U.R.' " Upper Rathgeran address.
" " ' D.Y.' " Died young.
" " ' U.M' " Unmarried.
" " ' B.P.R.' " Borris Catholic Parish Records.
" " ' C.T.I.' " Co.Carlow Tombstone Inscriptions.
" " ' K.E.R.' “ Kavanagh Estate Records.
" " ' P.K.' “ Personal knowledge/Reliable Information.
The letter ‘O’ on chart indicates No Issue. The reference numbers on the text below relate to the individuals on the hand-written Joyce Family Chart..
JOYCE - ORIGIN AND EARLY HISTORY.
The name "Joyce" is of Norman origin, deriving from the French "De Jorse". The first of the name to come to Ireland was Thomas who came from Wales and who in 1283 A.D., married the daughter of O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, and who went with her by sea to Co. Galway. (Thus, the family became half Gaelic very quickly). There in North Conaught, which runs over the borders of Mayo, they were at first tributaries of the O'Flahertys, but they established themselves so firmly and permanently that these territories became known, and are still designated, "Joyces Country". The family had a chief of the name in the Irish manner. The chief had his home in the Barony of Ross (Co. Galway).
The Joyces were known for their exceptional stature. They are sometimes known as Shoye - a phonetic spelling of the Irish form "Seoighe". A curious synonym for Joyce in Mayo is Cunnagher. I understand that McNamara (Son of the Sea) derives from a Joyce who became a famous sea-farer. (See note *[9]*) Shaw, said to be the Scottish form of the name, is phonetically similar to Shoye.
Two Joyces were Archbishops of Armagh in the fourteenth century. Two others were Archbishops of Tuam in the century which followed. Three Joyces of Galway, two of them priests, were instrumental in establishing the Dominican College at Louvain, soon afterwards to become the University there. Several were mayors of Galway City of which the Joyces were one of the "fourteen tribes"..
In recent times most famous were James Joyce the writer,. Patrick W. Joyce, author and historian, his brother Robert Dwyer Joyce physician and poet and William Joyce ("Lord Haw Haw"), broadcaster extraordinary from Germany during World War II, who subsequently was hanged in England for high treason.
"OUR" JOYCES
In our own part of the clan there is an old tradition that the Joyces came from the West of Ireland before setting in South County Carlow. This tradition relates that two "giants", brothers, came from the west and that one of them settled in the Ballymurphy area. The two brothers were very big men, hence "giants". This tradition was passed on to me by my father and my uncle Pat. It was accepted by both of them as being authentic in origin. (Carrie O'Brien, nee Joyce of Ballyogan, told me of a similar Joyce tradition in her family although no relationship is known to have existed between our two families).
Fr. Boylan P.P. of Borris on the occasion of my mother's "office" mass would not accept from me the usual stipend for priests attending, saying that the Joyces were great benefactors of Ballymurphy Church and that the name was one of the oldest in the Borris parish registers. The West Windows of that Church where donated by his sisters and brothers in memory of Nicholas Joyce (71), who died at Johannesburg, South Africa and is buried at Brixton Catholic Cemetery there. Nicholas had joined the police force in South Africa and had retired early, taking up a position in the security department of a gold mine. He subsequently invested and prospered in the gold mining industry, leaving the then very considerable sum of C. £50,000 to his sisters and brothers on his death in 1941.
The Joyce headstones in Ballymurphy churchyard are certainly among the oldest there. My first cousin, the late John Joyce (98) of Lower Rathgeran told me that the oldest of them were "field stones", that is, suitable, uncut stones taken from the fields and used to mark the burial places. It would thus appear that the Joyces were in the Ballymurphy area for some considerable time before John Joyce (1) was born in 1749.
THE EARLY GENERATIONS.
It is probable that the first and second Joyce generations recorded here would have been bi-lingual, using Irish as their day-to-day language until English - the language of the money economy - gradually took over. Yet, up to my father's time, some Irish words and phrases were in common use and his speech was laced with a number of these.
John (1) (1749/1837) who was my great, great grandfather, is the earliest Joyce ancestor whom I can identify. He married Bridget Fenlon(1A) (1758/1845) and lived at Kilmison in the house now, in 1996, owned by the Kelly family - descendants on the female line and relatives of ours.
My Uncle Pat (69) told me that his great-grandmother's name was Bridget Fenlon (1A), but did not give me any other information about her. John and Bridget would appear to have had five sons and five daughters, among them my great grandfather. He was christened Pat but was called John (9), (coincidentally, as in my own case, I was christened Arthur but called John).
There were and are a number of Joyce families in Ballymurphy area and in Borris parish generally. (See note *[1]* hereunder). Some of these, notably the Ballymurphy Village Joyces, were looked upon as "friends", the then colloquial term for distant relatives. It is probable that these "friends" were descended from John (1), his brothers, or perhaps from an earlier generation of their family.
John and Mary
My great-grandfather John (9) married Mary Redmond (9A). She came from "comfortable" farming stock, being a daughter of Nicholas Redmond (R1) of Rathduff, Rathnure, Co. Wexford. My father told me that Nicholas Redmond was related to John Redmond M.P. who was leader of the Irish Party in the British House of Commons in the early part of this century. Before her marriage Mary used to ride to hounds which, when she came to Kilmison , was considered rather a feather in her cap - and a sign of some consequence. It should also be noted, however, that as she was "only" a farmers daughter - and not one of the ascendancy, she had to ride towards the rear of the hunt lest, presumably, she disturb her "betters". (See note *[2]*)
John and Mary lived at Kilmison. They had seven sons and one daughter. Whenever I asked my father about the Joyce family he would recite the names: "James, Ned, John, Tom, Nick, Pat and Piery. Piery died young". (See note *[3]*).
My father told me of how, about the time of the great famine of 1847, the third of these sons John (33), my grandfather (a younger son) went to the Kavanagh family at Borris House and obtained a lease of the house and lands at Lower Rathgeran. He became a tenant farmer there and he lived there until his death following a fall from a rick of corn in 1902.
The family who had previously lived in the house had, shortly before that, "turned the key in the lock" and emigrated to USA (See note *[4]*) . Lower Rathgeran at that time was owned by Robert Tighe J.P. of Michelstown, Co. Westmeath to whom lands in County Carlow had come down through several generations. So it would seem that the Kavanaghs of Borris House were acting as his local agents. John (33) married, on 28th February 1865, Mary Knoll (33A) of Knockroe. Although Rahanna Church is situated within a mile or two of Knockroe, the marriage ceremony seems to have taken place at the bride's home, as Knockroe is the location given for the wedding in the Borris Parish Register. (See note *[5]*).
John and Mary had a family of eight, four boys and four girls as follows:
Mary, born 22nd April 1866.
Catherine, born 17th January 18-- D.Y.
John, born 29th March 1869.
Anne, born 29th March 1869.
Patrick, born 22nd May 1873.
Margaret, born 17th July 1877.
Thomas, born 30th March 1879.
Nicholas, born 27th November 1881.
The third of the above sons, Thomas, was my father. He married Mary Jane Doyle of Graiguenamanagh on 5th April 1910 at the Pro-Cathedral, Dublin.
SOURCES.
Most of the information recorded here regarding the early Joyce generations comes from the Borris Catholic Parish Baptismal and Marriage Records which commence in 1782. The original books of record, now in fragile condition, have been copied and bound, and the information regarding the family which is outlined hereunder and which is marked "B.P.R." has been extracted from these copies. It should be borne in mind that in the early parish records, because of historical reasons, inaccuracies and errors were not unknown. It should also be remembered that the Borris Parish Records are missing for the period 1814 to 1825 - so some gaps in the family records for that period are probable.
Because of the numerous Joyce names and the variety of addresses entered in the Borris records I have confined my research to the branches of the family which have spread from the Mid-1700's Joyce Group at Kilmison. Three of these branches remained at Kilmison up to recent times, while others spread to Ballyroughan, Lower Rathgeran and Upper Rathgeran. It is probable that yet other branches originated at Kilmison in the eighteenth or earlier centuries. However, the records are scanty and I have not sought to follow these up. This applies also to the female members whose marriages, in most cases, I have not traced . (The change of name of the female family members who married resulted in their complete “ disappearance” in most instances - and in most families.)
As far as I have found it possible, I have checked the B.P.R. against the Ballymurphy Tombstone Inscriptions. Where differences came to light they were virtually confined to discrepancies between the dates of birth as derived from the tombstone inscriptions and those recorded in the parish records.
Two major discrepancies were:
a) Patrick Joyce (26) whose age per C.T.I. would seem to be 38 years, but whose actual age per B.P.R. was 43 years.
b) Johanna Joyce (28) whose age per C.T.I. is given as 50 years (perhaps a misreading of 60) but whose actual age, per B.P.R., was 59 years.
In all such cases, I have taken the baptismal records to be accurate and am satisfied - although it is difficult to be certain about some of the relationships in the early generations - that the information now recorded is substantially correct. However, an examination of all sources by a professional genealogist might well reveal errors or omissions.
QUERIES.
Three queries in particular arose which puzzled me. In all three, however, I have suggested what would seem to be probable explanations.
The first query is in respect of tombstone No. 282. The inscription on this refers to Edmund Joyce (4) who erected the stone "in memory of his brother James (2) who died on 24th June 1792, aged forty years. Also Catherine (2A) wife of James who died on 10th November 1832 aged 72 years". I found no account of any issue to this marriage. Catherine's and James' grave is positioned between two other Kilmison Joyces and it undoubtedly belongs to the same family. From the positions of the graves and the date of James' birth it seems very probable that James and Edmund were brothers of John (1) and I have shown them thus. (There may well have been girls in the family but I have not come across any record of them).
The second query arises in connection with Patrick (3) who seems to have been another brother of John (1). He married Nancy Clovens (Coleman, I am told, in modern times) and moved to Ballyroughan. One of their sons, Matthew (16), married and had one son, Pat, who died young. After this it would appear that Matthew's first cousin once removed, James (31) of Kilmison, inherited Ballyroughan and re-established the Ballyroughan line. Jim Joyce (94) now of Glynn, St. Mullins, grandson of James (31) and the last of the Joyces to live at Ballyroughan, retired from farming about 1960 and sold the Ballyroughan property to the O'Shea family who now live there. A number of Joyces from Ballyroughan emigrated to Australia and USA in the second half of the nineteenth century. Some of the Australian relatives as well as an American kinsman, Bob Joyce, have visited Ireland in recent years. (See note *[6]*).
The third query arises in connection with the family of John (9) and his wife Mary. There appears to be a gap of eight years between the birth of their son James (31) and the next sibling Edward (32). However, as the B.P.R. records for the 1814/1823 period are missing, it is probable that other children (31X) of whom no record now exists, were born during that period.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
John Joyce
John Joyce (1) was a farmer. He lived at Kilmison, near Ballymurphy, in the house now, in 1996, occupied by Terence Kelly and his family. John married Bridget Fenlon (1A). He is buried at Ballymurphy. In the 1820's John and five other male Joyces rented one hundred and forty-eight Irish acres and two roods (approximately 250 statue acres) from the Kavanagh family of Borris House. (Ref.: Kavanagh Estate Records at Borris House). The farm was held under a "partnership" lease, with John (senior) who acted as "headman" being responsible for the payment of rent, etc. In the Kavanagh records the land is divided into six equal parts, as hereunder. Such a division would not coincide with the physical lay-out of the farm but this type of lease arrangement was common in the early nineteenth century.
The division was as follows:
Irish Acres. Roods. Perches
John Joyce, Kilmison. 24 3 0
Henry Joyce, Kilmison. 24 3 0
Pierre Joyce, Kilmison. 24 3 0
John Joyce, Kilmison. 24 3 0
Edmund Joyce, Kilmison. 24 3 0
Thomas Joyce, Kilmison. -------------------------------------------
Total 148 2 0
I am taking the six above-named to be John (senior) and his five sons.
Other Kavanagh lands listed (Irish Acres) under the name Joyce in the 1820's were:
Irish Acres. Roods. Perches
Patrick Joyce, at Kilmison. 1 1 36
Henry Joyce, at Marley. 1 30 30
Luke Joyce, at Tinnahinch. 5 3 30
Henry Joyce, at Coolyhune 14 3 15
Henry Joyce , at Ballyling 1 2 5
James Joyce, at Ballycrinogan. 18 0 0
Henry Joyce, at Ballycrinogan. 1 2 0
Bridget Fenlon (1A) is buried at Ballymurphy with her husband. It is probable that she was a member of a Fenlon family of Newtown, Borris. Although Jim Joyce (94) did not know his great grandmother's name he told me that he had heard from his father that the Joyces and the Fenlons of Newtown were related. This connection probably came through John and Bridget.
Nicholas Redmond (R1), one of my great, great grandfathers, lived at Rathduff, Rathnure, Co. Wexford. The farm, in 1996, is owned by the Carthy family (who are also descended from him). Nicholas Redmond is almost certainly buried at Killane. The eighteenth century Redmond home was located in the fields some distance from the present Carthy home. When I visited Rathduff some years ago, the present Mrs. Carthy told me of how her husband (who was absent on the day of my call) had often wondered as a youth why his father had always attended the Joyce family funerals at Ballymurphy. She remarked when I told her of the connection between the families, that her husband would be very interested to hear of it.
John Joyce (1), although he apparently had five sons, appears to have divided his land among his sons Henry (7), Piery (8) and John (9). Their successors continued to live at Kilmison, but at three separate houses situated within a very short distance of each other. Henry and Piery would appear to have been the antecedents of the Joyce families at Kilmison, who to distinguish the different families became known as "The Harrys" and "The Pierys" respectively. ( See note *[7]* ). John was our ancestor. In later generations his descendants at Kilmison were referred to as "The Nicholases". It is probable that some of the other Joyce families in the South County Carlow area sprang from Edmund (4) and/or Patt (3). I have not sought to trace these.
As the B.P.R. before 1782 do not exist, there is no proof that John (1) and Patrick (3) were brothers. However, the dates of their birth, 1749 and 1756 respectively, when taken with the certain close relationship which existed between the Kilmison and Ballyroughan branches, points convincingly in that direction and I have therefore recorded them as brothers. Others probable brothers of John (1) were Edmund (4) and James (2). These I have already referred to.
Catherine Redmond (2A) was probably a younger sister of Mary (9A).
Margaret Joyce (11), who married her next door neighbour John (Sean Rua) Murphy, received a field as her dowry. (Source: Helena Kelly (110). The descendants of John Murphy still live at Kilmison.
Bridget Joyce (12) married a Ryan (12A) of Ballyjohnboy, Graiguenamanagh. Their Ryan descendants still live there. (Source: Mick Ryan, Graigue).
Cathy Joyce (13) (referred to in an American letter as "Kitty"), like her two sisters Margaret and Anne, married a Murphy (13A). Of the three Murphy men who married Margaret, Cathy and Anne , two were brothers, the third a cousin. (See Murphy (Kilmison) Family Chart - Joyce Family Papers)
John and Mary
Around the mid nineteenth century three of John's (9) and Mary's (9A) sons moved from Kilmison to other farms, James (31) to Ballyroughan, Edward (32) to Upper Rathgeran and John (33) to Lower Rathgeran. ( See note *[8]* ). The only daughter Kate (38) went to Askinticloe, Co. Wexford when she married James O'Byrne whose twin sister, Mary Ann, came to Upper Rathgeran to marry Edward Joyce (32). Three other sons, Thomas (34), Patrick (36) and Pierce (37) remained unmarried. The family had hoped and planned that Pierce would become a Priest, but his health was poor and he died as a young man. Mary (9A) survived her husband and Nicholas (35) one of their younger sons, inherited the home farm from his mother, because, it is said, he was named for her father - and was her favourite!
John A. Joyce.
April 1996
Notes to Foregoing:
*[1]*
1798 Joyces
In his "Personal Narrative of 1798", General Thomas Cloney, a leader of the '98 rebellion, who subsequently lived at Whitehall, recounts how, in that year, at Lacken, near Borris, Edmund Joyce and his sons David, Thomas and Andrew, were among one hundred and forty persons murdered by soldiers and yeomen under General Askill at the retreat by Fr. John Murphy's forces from Kilcumney.
*[2]*
The Redmond/John Kelly Connection (?).
John Kelly, friend of Thomas Cloney and hero of P.J. McCall's famous ballad, "Kelly the Boy from Killane" was executed and beheaded on Wexford bridge after the 1798 rebellion. His head, after being exhibited at Wexford for a time, is said to have been brought to Killane cemetery and buried there in the grave of his father and mother. The following is the inscription on the tomb:
"Here lieth the body of John Kelly of Killane who departed this life September 20th 179-, aged 60 years. Also his wife Mary Kelly, alias Redmond, departed December 9th 18-3 aged 60 years. The Lord have mercy on their souls"
Note "A". The above John and Mary are reputed to have been the parents of John Kelly “The Boy from Killane". (See "General Thomas Cloney - Wexford Rebel of 1798", by John Joyce, for references to John Kelly).
Note "B". Nicholas Redmond (RI), one of my great, great grandfathers, lived at that time about a mile from Killane. Although there is no evidence other than the name and the proximity of the family homes to suggest it, it is possible/probable that Nicholas was a relative (a brother?) of the Mary Redmond who was John Kelly's mother - and thus was the uncle of John Kelly.
*[3]*
“The Shilling”
During the 1939/45 war when I was an officer in the L.D.F. and interested in matters military. I asked my father if any of the Joyces were army men. He replied "No, none of the Joyces took the shilling". (He was referring, of course, to the shilling which recruits to the British Army received from the recruiting sergeant when joining up).
*[4]*
The Bolger Connection.
In October 1995 Garrett Bolger of 42. Rosemont Road, Pennsylvania, with his wife, while on a visit to Ireland, called to Whitehall. In subsequent correspondence it transpired that he was a third cousin, once removed, of mine. His great-grandfather, Peter Bolger, had emigrated from Lower Rathgeran to USA with his wife and family sometime between 1843 and 1850. Subsequent to their departure, my grandfather, John Joyce (33), took over the tenancy. The relationship between Garrett Bolger and myself stems from a common antecedent, Anne Joyce (14), of Kilmison, who married a James Murphy (14A) of Borris. They had eight children, four of whom emigrated to USA. One of these, Ellen Murphy, in 1851, married Stephen Bolger in the USA. Remarkably, Stephen was a son of Peter Bolger, the man who, with his wife and eight children (aged 2 to 25 years!) had "turned the key in the lock" at Rathgeran and taken the emigrant ship. Thus, it came about that the Bolgers and the Joyces, who had been neighbours in Ireland, only became related in America. The house which Peter Bolger had vacated was occupied for a short time by a Michael Hanlon (listed in Griffith Survey, c.1850, as occupier). Very soon after that, my grandfather John (33), spoken of in an American letter as "Jack", took over the house and land there. In 1996 one of his great grandsons farms the property.
(The above information and the chart showing the Bolger/Murphy/Joyce connection, together with the other data attached, came to me courtesy of Garrett Murphy. J.A.J.
The Nolan Connection.
The Nolan farm at Knockroe (and the Joyce farm at Upper Rathgeran) are now, in 1996, owned by Pat Joyce (101). They came to him via his Uncle Pat (69) and his cousin Edward Joyce (63) respectively.
The Nolans (O'Nualain) were an old Gaelic family in the Rathanna area. My great grandfather, Michael Nolan (see hereunder), father of Mary Nolan (23A) moved from Knockroe to farm at Coolaught House, Clonroche, Co. Wexford about the 1860's/1870's. He left one of his sons, John, to farm at Knockroe. His daughter, Mary, married John Joyce (33). His son, Luke, and daughter, Bridget, went with him to Coolaught (before that in the possession of the Green family who probably built the house there in the mid-1700's). Luke, my granduncle, inherited Coolaught from his father. He married Ellen Neville of Ballinaboola, New Ross and they had issue of Margaret, Mary, Nan, Bridie, Michael and Pat. I spent many happy holidays as a boy with this kind and loving family. Michael's son, Desmond, still farms at Coolaught. His four sisters are married., with families.
The Nolan Line:
Michael Nolan = Doyle (To Coolaught)
Bridget (U.M.) (to Coolaught).
Mary = John Joyce, Lr. Rathgeran.
John = Doyle, Ballinagrane (remained at Knockroe - No Issue).
Luke = Ellen Neville, Ballinaboola .
Margaret = Cullen (To USA 5 boys + 3 girls).
Mary U.M. Coolaught. D. 1993.
Nan = Ger O'Leary (To Raheenduff-D.1994).
Bridget = P. English (Raheenduff-10 children).
Bridie = Mat Bowe, Ballinavary (1 son).
Michael = Ita Murray, Coolaught (1 boy 4 girls).
Pat (U.M.). Coolaught.
Peter (U.M.).
Willie = ? Tramore.
Ann D.Y.
Bridget (U.M.). Coolaught.
Catherine, Re. JOYCE FAMILY NOTES.
Replace existing pages 10 and 11 with the following ( notes [6] to [9] inclusive) :
*[6]*
The Bob Joyce (USA) Family Tree.
The above is filed with “Joyce Family Papers” at Whitehall. The text, titled “Descendants of John Joyce , County Carlow, Ireland”, was prepared by Bob Joyce of Odenton , USA. It includes the Joyce clans in Ireland (taken from our notes ) also the American and part Australian branches, and is on the Internet.
*[7]*
The Pierys.
The fourth generation of "The Pierys", as shown on chart, was comprised of Michael (45), Piery (46), Eddie (47) and Bridget (48). Bridget had a business in Bagenalstown. I have no knowledge of offspring. Around 1940 this family sold their farm at Kilmison and purchased a farm at Rathcash, Co. Kilkenny where they subsequently lived. The last male to survive is buried at nearby Clifden Cemetery. The male line, I believe, is now extinct.
The Harrys.
Members of the fifth generations of "The Harrys", as far as I can ascertain, are as follows: Pierce (80) of Ballinalour, St. Mullins, Ned (81) and Henry (82) of Kilmison and Hannah (83) of Borris. In 1996 Ned, Henry and Hannah are all elderly and unmarried. Other members of the family are:Bridie
84) m. - Dalton of Ballyine (84A), Mary (85) ) m. Moran (85A) at Shannon, Kitty (86) m. Unknown (86A) in Scotland. Paddy (Decsd.) and another sister, whose name is not known.to me, are not included on the Joyce family tree.
*[8]*
The Upper Rathgeran Branch
The Upper Rathgeran Branch died out with the demise of Edward (63) in 1935. The farm, however, is still in Joyce hands as Pat (101) of Knockroe, a cousin of Edward's, inherited. Pat at that time was a minor and my father, who was trustee for the estate, managed its affairs until Pat reached adulthood.
*[9]*
Early Joyce History
On a short holiday break to Connemara in May 1999 Mam and I stopped for a snack at Kean’s Pub and Restaurant at Maam Bridge in Joyces’ Country. In this rugged and magnificent part of Ireland, in idyllic weather, we enjoyed our snack and were about to resume our tour when I noticed a framed, printed page hanging on the wall of the lounge. As it gave a more detailed account of the early history of the Joyce family than I was conversant with I took a note of the contents which are set out hereunder. I later learned that the abstract was from O’Hart’s “Irish and Anglo-Irish Gentry”. (Incidentally, I enquired at Kean’s about the Joyce families now living in Connemara and was surprised to learn that only three families of the name now reside there. JAJ). The abstract reads as follows:
“Thomas De Jorse who (according to the History of Galway, etc.) was the first of the name that came to Ireland, sailed from Wales in the reign of King Edward 1. immediately after that monarch, AD 1282, had defeated the Welsh prince, Lewyllen, and added Wales to England. He arrived with his fleet at Thomond in Ireland where he married Norah O’Brien, the daughter of the then prince of that principality. He afterwards put to sea, steered from West Connaught and landed in the barony of Tvrewley in the County of Mayo where the sept had a temporary stay and founded the Abbey of Rossert, on the banks of the River Moy. Thence he re-embarked and reached Iar Connaught in the North West part of the County of Galway where he established a colony and acquired extensive tracts of territory contiguous to Killary Bay adjacent to the county of Mayo and extended from Cong River to the River Glenbricken, near Clifden in County Galway in which some of his posterity now reside.
While on his voyage to Iar Connaught his wife was delivered of a son who he named Mac Mara (or, Son of the Sea) who was subsequently called Edmund. This Edmund (Mac Mara) Joyce was first married to the daughter of O’Flaherty, Prince of Iar Connaught by whom he acquired the territory comprising the present parish of Ballinakill and other districts; From him are descended the Joyces of Joyces Country called after their name now forming the barony of Ross, the parish of Ballinakill, etc. in the County of Galway.
The Joyces were a brave and warlike race and great commanders of gallowglasses, particularly Tioboid na Caislean ( Toby or Theobald of the Castle) who is No. 11 on the adjoined list of the chiefs of the Joyce family. This Theobald and the neighbouring chiefs were frequently at war. One of his remarkable battles was with Tiobod na Luinge ( Toby of the Ships, who is No. 28 on the “Burkes, Lord Viscount Mayo” pedigree, p.313), which was fought at Partry on the boundaries of the Burkes territory and Joyces Country in which the Joyces were victorious and Theobald Burke made prisoner. As a result of that battle Theobald na Luinge gave the Joyces a part of this territory, extending from the battlefield ( the original boundary and to this day known as Sraith Na Luinge, indicating where Theobald na Luinge was captured) to Owenbrin. The Joyces were frequently at war with the O’Flahertys, who, during almost the whole of the sixteenth century, strenuously endeavoured to regain the territories which Edmund (Mac Mara) Joyce received with the daughter of O’Flaherty, as above mentioned. In those sanguinary battles the bravest and dearest kinsmen fell on both sides.
In 1587 the Clan Joyce, with great valour, oposed Bingham, governor of Connaught, and assisted by other tribes of the province, defeated him at Caislean na Cailighe on Lough Mask. .......... The Joyces of Joyces’ country held their posessions until the middle of the seventeenth century up to the Cromwelian confiscation; but some of the family are still in possession of extensive property”.
About a month after our Galway vacation I accidentally came into contact with Mrs. Alice Joyce Johnson of Merrion Village, Ballsbridge who sent me an extract from O’Hart’s “The Irish and Anglo Irish Gentry” referring to the early Joyce clan. She had marked on the page a reference to Edward and Rickard Joyce, third and fourth sons respectively of Edmund (Mac Mara) Joyce, and grandsons of Thomas de Jorse. The reference stated that “Edward and Rickard settled in Leinster”. (This must have been during the first half of the fourteemnth century). Elsewhere in the extract was a reference to the Joyces as “a magnificent race of men; the biggest, and the stoutest, and the tallest I have seen in Ireland” - and referring to a number of them as “giants”. (For O’Hart’s references see Joyce Papers at Whitehall. )
On reading the O’Harte extract I was struck by the references to the “giants” and to the two Joyce brothers who had “settled in Leinster”. As noted earlier, my father and Uncle Pat had both told me of an old and firm tradition, handed down to them through the generations, of two Joyce brothers (“giants”) who had come from the West of Ireland and from one of whom our line had descended. No other particulars, no dates, no names had survived, just the tradition of the two “giant” brothers one of whom - their ancestor - had settled in the South Carlow area. It is interesting to note also that the early clan names Thomas, Edward and Edmund (to the early eighteenth century - and perhaps later) had survived in our family.
Some fifty years ago the tradition referred to above was reinforced when Carrie O’Brien, alias Joyce of Ballyogan, whose ancestors had come from Inistioge (where Joyces were a prominent family in the eighteenth century) told me that the same “giant brothers” tradition existed in her family although no relationship was known to have existed between our two families.
It is almost inconcievable that Edward and Rickard, could have been the two “giant” brothers of our family tradition. Yet, the whole set of circumstances is, to say the least, fascinating. There can, of course, be no proof. But the possibility - at least - of our Joyces springing directly from the “Leinster” brothers and their grandfather, Thomas de Jorse - the first Irish Joyce - cannot be dismissed .. .JAJ.
The First Five Recorded Generations of the Joyce Family.
IDENT. NAME DATE SOURCE & REMARKS
NO.
GENERATION 1.
R1 Nicholas Redmond ------- Family tradition. Of Rathduff, Rathnure
1A Unknown ------- ------------------------------
1. John Joyce 1749/1837 C.T.I. No. 288, p.56. In B.P.R. appears as parent. Of K.M. 1A. Bridget Fenlon 1758/1845 C.T.I. No. 288, p.56. In B.P.R. appears as
parent. Of Newtown, to K.M.
2A. Catherine ----- 1754/1832 C.T.I. No.283, P56.
3 . Pat Joyce 1756/1845 C.T.I. No.61, P55. In B.P.R. appears as parent Of K.M., to B.R.
3A. Nancy Clovens ------------ In B.P.R. appears as parent. Of B.R..
4. Edmund Joyce ------------- C.T.I. No. 283. Of K.M.
GENERATION 2.
5. Thomas Joyce ------------ K.E.R. No record of birth, prob. born before records. Of K.M..
6. Edmund Joyce ------------ K.E.R. No record of birth, prob. born before records. Of K.M.
7. Henry Joyce 1766/1862 K.E.R. No record of Birth, prob. born before records , but in B.P.R. appears as parent. C.T.I. No. 282, P56. The Henry of K.M.).
7A. Mary Corcoran 1786/1876 In B.P.R. appears as parent. C.T.I. No.282, p.56.
8. Pierce Joyce 1782/1844 K.E.R., C.T.I No.284, P56. In B.P.R. appears as parent. Of K.M..
8A. Catherine Redmond 1798/1873 K.E.R., C.T.I. No.284, P56. In B.P.R. appears parent. Prob. of Rathduff, to K.M..
9. John (Pat) Joyce 1785/1861 Christened Pat, B.P.R. 13/3/1785. Called John. In B.P.R. appears as parent. Of K.M..
9A. Mary Redmond 1797/1876 C.T.I. No.301, P57. In B.P.R. appears as parent. Of Rathduff, to K.M..
10. Mary Joyce 1787/ --- B.P.R. B.16/1/1787. Of K.M..
11. Margaret Joyce 1789/1843 B.P.R. B.4/1/1789. C.T.R No.288, p.56
Of K.M..
11A. John Murphy 1773/1831 C.T.R. No.288, P56. Of K.M..
12. Bridget Joyce 1791/ --- B.R. B. B. 31//1/1791. Of K.M., to Ballyjohnboy.
12A. ------ Ryan ------------ P.K. Of Ballyjohnboy, Graig.
13. Cathy Joyce 1793/ ----- B.P.R. B.20/1/1793. Of K.M..
13A. -----Murphy See Garrett Bolger’s references above
14. Anne Joyce 1794/ ----- B.P.R. B.26/12/1794.
14A. James Murphy ------------- Of Borris. See Garrett Bolger references above..
15. James Joyce 1805/ ----- B.P.R., B. 21/9/1805. Of B.R.
16. Matthew Joyce 1807/----- P.R.,B. 30/3/1807. C.T.I. No. 61, p.35.Of B.R..
16A. Mary Dalton 1809/1847 C.T.I. No.61, P55. Of Headfield, to B.R.
17. Luke Joyce 1809/ - In B.P.R. B.28/8/1809. Of B.R.
18. Catherine Joyce 1813/ - In B.P.R. B.4/7/1813. Of B.R..
19X. Prob. other offspring of 3 and 3A. Borris P.R. missing 1814/1824.
20. Magaret Joyce 1825/------ In B.P.R. B.6/5/1825. Of B.R..
21. Ellen Joyce 1827/ ------ In B.P.R. B.26/9/1827. Of B.R.
IDENT. NAME DATE SOURCE & REMARKS
NO.
GENERATION 3.
22. Edward Joyce 1813/1884 C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K.M.).
22A. Catherine ---- 1835/1908 C.T.I. No.282, P56.
23. Pierce Joyce 1821/1851 C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K.M.)
24. Henry Joyce 1826/1858 B.P.R., B.18/10/1826. “ “ “
25. Judy Joyce 1831/ ----- B.P.R. B.1/1/1831. “ “ “
26. Patrick Joyce 1833/1876 B.P.R. B.25/2/1833. “ “ “
27. Mary Joyce 1826/----- B.P.R. B.30/12/1825. (The Pierys of K.M.)
28. Johanna Joyce 1828/1887 B.P.R. B.16/1/1828. C.T.I. No.284, P56. (The Pierys o f .K.M.)
29. Pery Joyce 1832/ ----- B.P.R. B.5/2/1832. (The Pierys of K.M.).
29A. Unknown ------------- --------------------------------------------------
30. James Joyce 1833/ - B.P.R. B.20/10/1833. (The Pierys of K.M.).
31. James Joyce 1817/1914 C.T.I. No.60, P55. (Of B.R.).
31A. Bridget Carthy 1836/1904 C.T.I. No.60, P55. (Of Knocksquire, to B.R.).
31X. Prob. other offspring of 9 and 9A. B.P.R. of 1814/1824 missing
32. Edward Joyce 1825/1900 B.P.R., B. 19/5/1825. C.T.I. No.29, P54.
(Of U.R.)
32A. Mary Ann Byrne 1829/1896 C.T..I. No.29, P54, (Of Askinticloe, to U.R.).
33. John Joyce 1827/1902 C.T.I. No.301, P57. (I have failed to locate record of birth in B.P.R.) (Of L.R.)
33A. Mary Nolan 1843/1907 C.T.I. No.301, P.57. (Of Knockroe, to L.R.).
34 . Thomas Joyce 1828/1914 B.P.R. B.26/5/1828, No.301, P57. (Of K.M.).
35. Nicholas Joyce 1831/1913 B.P.R. B.17/4/1831. C. T..I. No.301, P57. (Of
K.M.)
35A. Ellen Kavanagh 1837/1893 C.T.I. No.301, P57. Of Balllymurphy, to K.M.
36. Patt Joyce 1833/1915 B.P.R. B.3/11/1833, C.T.I. No.301, P57. Of K.M., to Australia and back. (U.Md.).
37. Pierce Joyce 1837/1865 B.P.R. B.1/1/1837. C.T.I. No.301, P57.
(Of K.M.)
38. Catherine Joyce 1840/1924 B.P.R. B.1/3/1840. (Of K.M., to Askinticloe. . Buird. at Balindaggin , Co Wexfd.)
38A James O'Byrne 1829/ ----- P.K. (Of Askinticloe. Brd. at Ballindaggin)
39 Patt Joyce D.Y. C.T.I. No.61, P55. (Of B.R.).
GENERATION 4.
40 Henry Joyce 1858/1926 C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K..M.).
41 Peter Joyce D.Y. C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K.M.).
42 James Joyce 1869/1954 C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K.M.)
43 John Joyce 1872/1930 C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K.M.).
43A Mary ------ 1886/1948 C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K.M.).
44 Katie Joyce 1877/1919 C.T.I. No.282, P56. (The Henrys of K.M.)
45 Michael Joyce ------------ P.K. (The Pierrys of K.M., to Rathcash).
46 Piery Joyce ------------ P.K. (The Pierrys of K.M., to Rathcash).
47 Eddy Joyce ------------ P.K. (The Pierrys of K.M., to Rathcash).
48 Bridget Joyce ------------ P.K. (The Pierrys of K.M., to Bagenalstown).
49 Mary Joyce 1856/----- B.P.R. B.17/5/1856. (Of B.R., to Ballykeenan).
49A John McCarthy ------------ P.K. (Of Ballykeenan, Graig).
50 Catherine Joyce 1857/1941 B.P.R. B.17/1/1857. C..T.I. No.62, P29. (Of
B.R., to Graig.
50A Wm. Doyle 1857/1917 C.T.I. No.62, P29. Of Ballinagrane , to Graig.
51 John Joyce 1860/1951 B.P.R. B.5/2/60. C.T.I. No.60, P55. (Of B.R.).
51A Mary Lennon 1870/1962 C.T.I. No.60, P55. (Of Courtnellan Hse, to B.R).
52 Pat Joyce 1862/ - B.P.R. B.29/6/1862. (Of B.R., to America).
52A Unknown ------------ -------------------------------------------------------
IDENT. NAME DATE SOURCE & REMARKS
NO.
(Generation 4 continued)
53 Ellen Joyce 1864/ ---- B.P.R. B.16/10/1864. (Of B.R., to Australia).
53A ----- Doyle ------------ P.K. (To Australia).
54 Pierce Joyce 1880/ - B.P.R. B.18/9/1866. (Of B.R.).
55 Bridget Joyce 1869 B.P.R. B.1/2/1869. (Of B.R., to Australia).
55A Unknown ------------ Australia
56 Johanna Joyce 1870/1952 B.P.R. B.9/10/70. (Of B.R., to Ballinagrane).
56A Thomas Doyle -------------- P.K. (Of Ballinagrane).
56B James Doyle -------------- P.K. C.T.I. No.63, P29. (Of Ballindaggin, Co. Wexford, to Ballinagrane).
57 Margaret Joyce 1873/------- B.P.R., B.16/7/1873. (Of B.R., to Brisbane.)
57A ----- Murphy ------------- P.K. Born in Australia.
58 James Joyce 1875/1940 B.P.R. B.1/8/1875. (Of B.R.).
59 Edward Joyce 1879/1965 B.P.R. B.21/9/1879. ( Of B.R., to U.S.A.).
59A Mary Doyle 1880/1970 “Descendants of John Joyce, Co.Carlow” Text by Rob Joyce. U.S.A.
60 John Joyce 1862/1925 B.P.R. B.6/1/1862. (Of U.R.).
60A Kate Doyle 1867/1925 P.K. (Of Ballyling, to U.R.).
61 Patrick Joyce 1864/1931 B.P.R. 11/9/1864. C.T.I. No.29, P54. (Of U.R.).
62 James Joyce 1866/1931 B.P.R. B.17/3/1866. (Of B.R.).
63 Edward Joyce 1870/1935 B.P.R. B.2/10/1870. (of B.R.)
64 Mary Joyce 1866/ ----- B.P.R. B.22/4/66. (Of L.R., to Mohurry).
64A Patrick Doyle ------------ P.K. (Of Mohurry, Kiltealy).
65 Kate Joyce D.Y. B.P.R. B.17/1/1868. (Of L.R.).
66 John Joyce 1869/1953 B.P.R. B.29/3/1869. (Of L.R.).
66A Ann Walshe 1885/1978 C.T.I. No.301, P57. (Of Ballyogan, to L.R.).
67 Ann Joyce 1869/1931 B.P.R. B.30/3/1869. C.T.I. No.301, P57. (Of L.R., to Ballyhale)
67A John O'Shea ------------- P.K. (widower, of Ballyhale).
68 Margaret Joyce 1877/1966 B.P.R. B.18/7/1877. (Of L.R., to Graig).
68A Patrick Hammond 1876/1940 P.K. (Of Graig).
69 Patrick Joyce 1873/1964 B.P.R. B.22/5/1873. (Of L.R. and Knockroe),
Unmd.
70 Thomas Joyce 1879/1963 B.P.R. B.30/3/1879. (Of L.R., to Graig).
70A Mary J. Doyle 1877/1961 P.K. (Of Graig).
71 Nicholas Joyce 1881/1941 B.P.R. B.27/11/1881. (Of L.R., to South Africa)
72 Boy D.Y. P.K.
73 Mary Joyce 1872/1953 B.P.R. B.25/2/1872. (Of K.M.).
73A Andrew Dunphy MCC 1864/1950 P.K. (Of Ballavarra, Graig, to K.M.).
74 Katie Byrne D. 1950 P.K. (Of Askinticloe). Buried at Ballindaggin. Un..Md.
75 James Byrne 1872/1919 P.K. (Of Askinticloe). U.Md.
6 Charles Byrne ------------ P.K. (Of Askinticloe).
76A ------ Gahan ------------ P.K.
77 Thomas Byrne ------------- P.K.. (Of Askinticloe) Buried at Ballindaggin, U.Md.
78 Edward Byrne ------------- P..K. (Of Askinticloe). Buried at Ballindaggin, U.Md.
79 Bridget Byrne ------------- P.K. (Of Askinticloe, to -----------.
79A ------ Rodgers ------------- P..K.
IDENT. NAME DATE SOURCE & REMARKS
NO.
GENERATION 5.
80 Pierce Joyce ------------- P..K. (The Henrys of K.M., to Ballinalour).
81 Ned Joyce ------------- P.K. (The Henrys of K.M.). U.Md.
82 Henry Joyce ------------- P..K. (The Henrys of K.M.). U.Md.
83 Hannah Joyce ------------- P.K. (The Henrys of K.M., to Borris).
84 Bridie Joyce ------------ P..K. (The Henrys of K.M., to Ballyine).
84A ------ Dalton ------------ P..K. (Of Ballyine).
85 Mary Joyce ------------ P.K. (The Henrys , of K.M., to Shannon).
85A ------ Moran ------------ P.K. (Of Shannon).
86 Kitty Joyce ------------ P.K. (The Henrys of K.M., to Scotland).
86A Unknown ------------ P.K. (Scotland).
87 Paddy Doyle 1896/1942 C.T.I. No.62, P29.
87A Elizabeth Byrne ------------ P.K., of Craane, Borris.
88 Minnie (Mary) Doyle 1887/1936 C.T.I. No.62, P29. Of Ballinagrane, to Graig.
89 Lizzie Doyle 1883/1909 C.T.I. No.62, P29 (Of Graig).
90 Bridie Doyle 1885/1912 C.T.I. No.62, P29. (Of Graig).
91 Mat Doyle 1890/1917 C.T.I. No.62, P29. (Of Graig).
92 Jim Doyle ------------ P.K. (Of Graig).
93 Kathy Doyle D.Y. C.T.I. No.62, P29. (Of Graig).
94 Bridie Joyce 1903/ ----- P.K. (Of B.R., to Ballyine House).
94A Martin Kelly ------------ P.K. (Of Ballyine House, Borris).
95 May Joyce 1904/ ----- P.K. (Of B.R.).
95 Chris Doyle ------------ P..K.
96 Kate Joyce ------------ P..K. (Of B.R., to Co. Kildare).
96A Richard Harris T.D. ------------ P. K. (Of Co. Kildare).
97 Jim Joyce ------------ P.K.. (Of B.R., to Glynn)
97A Kit Flood ------------- P.K. (Of Ballyglisheen, to B.R.).
98 Josephine Doyle -------1993 P.K. (Of Mohurry, to Kiltealy).
98A Martin Brennan -------------- P.K. (Of Kiltealy).
99 Sylvester Doyle 1911/1973 P.K. (Of Mohurry, Kiltealy).
100 Mary (Cis) Doyle ---- - /1994 P.K. (Of Mohurry, Kiltealy).
101 John Joyce ------------- P.K. (Of L.R.).
101A Margaret Waters ------------- P..K. (Of Crannagh, to L.R.).
102 Mary Joyce ------------- P..K. (Of L.R., to Straduff).
102A Tom Butler ------------- P.K. (Of Straduff, Co. Carlow).
103 Nancy Joyce ------------- P.K. (Of L.R., to Cloonagoose).
103A Tom Bolger ------------- P.K. (Of Cloonagoose,Borris).
104 Pat Joyce ------------- P.K. (Of L.R., to Knockroe).
104A Peg Kelly ------------- P.K. (Of Ballytiglea, to Knockroe).
105 Nicholas Joyce ------------- P.K. (Of L.R., to Cullintra, Kiltealy).
105A Mary O'Gorman ------------- P.K. (Of Ballyhyland, to Cullintra).
106 Peggy Joyce ------------- P.K.. (Of L.R., to Gatabawn).
106A Sean Brennan ------------- P.K. (Of Gatabawn, Freshford) d.1998.
107 Mary Hammond ------------- P.K. (Of Graig, to Ballingrane).
107A Tom Donegan ------------- P.K. (Of Co. Wicklow, to Ballingrane).
108 Ann (Baby) Hammond ------------- P.K. (Of Graig).
108A Jim Healy ------------- P.K. (Of Knockbodly, Graig).
109 John Joyce ------------- P.K., (Of Graig). (D.Y.).
110 Maureen Joyce B. 27/1/ 1915 P.K. (Of Graig, to Old Leighlin House).
110A Desmond Foley ------------- P.K. (Of Old Leighlin House, Carlow).
111 Hannah Joyce ------------ P.K. (Of Graig). (D.Y.).
112 Arthur (John) Joyce B. 7/2/1919 .Of Whitehall, Graig).
112A Catherine M. Prendergast B. 26/5/1923 P.K. (Of Graig).
113 Helena Dunphy -------/1989 P.K. (Of K.M.).
113A Mike Kelly 1898/1983 P.K. (Of Ballyine, to K.M.)
114 Josie Dunphy 1908/1987 P.K. (Of K.M.).U.Md.
Later Generations.
Because of lack of knowledge (in many instances) of the 6th, 7th and 8th generations. I have not recorded these in the above list. Among those omitted are the descendants of the families listed hereunder, all of whom are connections of ours.
IDENT NO. NOW (IN 1996).
11 ----------------------- Murphys, Kilmison.
12 ----------------------- Ryans, Ballyjohnboy.
14 ---------------------- Bolgers, Rosemount USA.
52 ---------------------- In Australia.
55 ---------------------- In Australia.
59 ---------------------- Joyces, Odenton, USA.
89 ---------------------- Hennessys, Clohastia.
90 ---------------------- Doyles, Portlaoise.
96 ---------------------- Kellys, Ballyine House.
97 ---------------------- Doyles. (?)
98 ---------------------- Harris, Co. Kildare.
99 ---------------------- O'Carrolls, Glynn.
100 ---------------------- Brennans, Kiltealy.
103 ---------------------- Joyces, Lr. Rathgeran.
104 ---------------------- Butlers, Straduff.
105 ---------------------- Bolgers, Cloonagoose.
106 ---------------------- Joyces, Knockroe.
107 ---------------------- Joyces, Cullintra, Kiltealy.
108 ---------------------- Brennans, Gatabawn.
109 ---------------------- Donegans, Ballinagrane.
110 ---------------------- Healys, Graignamanagh.
112 ---------------------- Foleys, Old Leighlin.
114 ---------------------- Joyces, Graignamanagh.
115 ---------------------- Kellys, Kilmison.
Abbreviations used:
The letters ' K.M.’ indicate Kilmison address.
" " ' B.R.' " Ballyroughan address.
" " ' L.R.' " Lower Rathgeran address.
" " ' U.R.' " Upper Rathgeran address.
" " ' D.Y.' " Died young.
" " ' U.M' " Unmarried.
" " ' B.P.R.' " Borris Catholic Parish Records.
" " ' C.T.I.' " Co.Carlow Tombstone Inscriptions.
" " ' K.E.R.' “ Kavanagh Estate Records.
" " ' P.K.' “ Personal knowledge/Reliable Information.
The letter ‘O’ on chart indicates No Issue. The reference numbers on the text below relate to the individuals on the hand-written Joyce Family Chart..
SCALLAN FAMILY HISTORY
Compiled by John A. Joyce and Catherine R. Joyce, with
the assistance of Catherine M. Joyce and Rev. Wm. J. Prendergast,
over a period up to May 1996.
In making out these notes and the “Scalan Family Chart” which accompanies them, information derived from "Family History of some Scallans of South County Wexford” by Sean and Eithne Scalan, together with their supporting charts, have been of particular help and are gratefully acknowledged. JAJ.
SCALLAN FAMILY HISTORY
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH “THE SCALLAN FAMILY CHART”.
The following sources have been used in compiling this history of the Scallan part of our family.
1) More Irish Families. Edward McLysaght M.A. Irish Academic Press, Blackrock.
2) Families of Co. Wexford, Hilary Murphy, Geography Publications, Dublin, 1986.
3) Family History of Some Scallans of South County Wexford, by Sean and Eithne Scallan.
4) Personal Knowledge and Tradition and Information received and believed to be reliable.
Abbreviations used in this text are as follows:
B.V. = Ballyvaloo address.
B.E. = Ballineskar address.
B.V.H. = Bavayvaloo House address.
E.S. = Eithne Scallan
B.T.I = Bannow Tombstone Inscriptions
C. P. R = Carrick-on-Bannow Parish Registers.
P.K. = Personal Knowledge or Reliable information recieved.
SCALLAN - ORIGIN AND EARLY HISTORY.
Scallan is one of the small number of old Irish surnames to have survived the many settlements which took place in the barony of Forth following the arrival of the Anglo-Normans and their Flemish mercenaries in the twelfth century.
Edward McLysaght in "More Surnames of Ireland" states that the Irish “ O'Scallain” is derived from a word meaning "Kernal". The name has always been associated mainly with County Wexford and in the "census" of 1659 ten families of Scallan and eight of Skallans are listed in the barony of Forth there. Some two hundred years later, in 1853, Griffith's Valuation records twenty-two householders of the name in the same barony and seventy-two in the whole county.
The most notable Wexford man of the name in the last century was Rev. Thomas Scallan O.F.M., a native of Churchtown (Ballymore) near Rosslare. He was bishop of Newfoundland from 1817 to 1830. Like our kinsman, Clement Reville of Lough, he also was a Franciscan and taught in the seminary at Wexford from 1794 to 1812. It is unlikely, however, that the two would have met, as Clement was only a boy of eight years when Thomas Scallan left Wexford during the period of the great saltfish trade, when links with Newfoundland , especially from the south-east of Ireland, were particularly strong .
The Extended Scallan Family - Eithne Scallan’s Research
Eithne and Sean Scallan of Wexford have completed very detailed research and put together a history of the extended Scallan family. A copy of their Scallan History and the accompanying charts are contained in the Scallan Family File at Whitehall. These present notes and the accompanying “Scallan Family Chart”, however, deal mainly with the Scallans of Ballinesker/Tagoat/Lough from which our branch of the family springs.
The Early Scallans
It is clear from the genealogists McLysaght and Murphy that the early Scallans lived in the barony of Forth which is located to the South of Wexford town, and it is there that we find the earliest Scallan ancestor whom we can identify. He was a Scallan (1) who married a Miss Lambert (1A) about 1725. Their son, Richard Scallan (2) of Shilmaine (1726/1806), married Elizabeth Reay (2A) (1740/1800). (Ref: Scallan, Tagoat, Co. Wexford Chart Eithne Scallan). The above two Scallans would appear to have been antecedents, (perhaps grandfather and father respectively), of William Scallan (3) from whom our side of the family have descended. (In this connection see addendum to these notes) .
"Our" Scallans
Eithne shows William's (3) son, Richard (4) (1790/1852) as of Ballineskar. This location is confirmed by information passed down from Willie Scallan of Lough (20). Supporting information on this point is given by Hilary Murphy who states that a Scallan family from Forth settled at Ballineskar and at nearby Ballyvaloo in the parish of Blackwater, "in the early 1800's, or earlier". We may reasonably conclude, therefore, that William (3) moved northwards from the Shilmaine/Tagoat area to the B.E./B.V. area and became the founder, or certainly one of the founders, of the Scallan families who subsequently lived there.
In the generation which followed William (3) (1753/1835) it is possible that Juliann (1779/-), Thomas (1785/1856), Richard (4) (1790/1852), James (1790/1861), William (5) (1804/1832), and were siblings. But, with a span of twenty-five years between Juliann's birth (1779) and that of William (1804), this seems unlikely. Eithne Scallan shows Richard (4) and William (5) as brothers. I have followed her research and shown them as such, taking the others to be their cousins as indicated by her.
Balineskar and Ballyvaloo
What is certain is that in the B.E./B.V. area the Scallans became extensive landholders and throughout the late 1700's and the following century were middlemen, holding at least some of their land from George Ogle MP. of Bellevue. Part of this land they would have farmed themselves while the remainder would have been let to under tenants. Murth Joyce of Wexford town told me that his mother, who came from the area, told him that the Scallans at one time held lands which extended for some seventeen miles along the east coast of County Wexford. But, of course, there were also less affluent members of the clan as Eithne Scallan relates in her "Family History".
According to Professor Kevin Whelan of the Royal Irish Academy, who is recognised as perhaps the expert on County Wexford's history and society, this renting of land by George Ogle (reputed to be a bigoted, hard-line Orange leader), to a Catholic family, was unique, and we can only guess as to how the Scallans - who were Catholic - became tenants of Ogle's estate. (But, in this connection, see Eithne Scalllan's account of the family).
19th Century - The Shilmaine Homestead
By the early part of the nineteenth century we know that Richard Scallan (4) of Ballineskar held lands in the Shilmaine/Tagoat area, for it was he who donated the site of the present "Pugin" church at Tagoat to that parish. His donation was made under a lease dated 5th August 1854 "Richard Scallan to Rev. Nicholas Keating, Revd. Walter Rowe and ors" (See Appendix 'A' - Scallan Family Papers at Whitehall).
On a visit to Shilmaine some years ago we found the Scallan home there unoccupied and falling into decline. The house was a two-storeyed thatched one, located at the end of a very long laneway and, though then becoming derelict, it was obvious that it had once been a very comfortable farmhouse with ample out-buildings, garden etc. adjoining it. Within a mile or two of Shilmaine the family held other land, located directly across the main Wexford/Rosslare Harbour road from Tagoat church. (Source: Niko Scallan of Broadway). Nearby, in the ancient cemetery at Churchtown, are several Scallan tombstones, though it is not certain that all those named on them are buried there.
The Clan Extends.
In the nineteenth century there were many families bearing the Scallan name in County Wexford, especially in the baronies of Forth, North and South Ballaghkeen and in Wexford town and, as Eithne Scallan shows, there was considerable variation in the places of residence, as well as in the occupations of different clan members.. As already referred to, William Scallan (3) went north from Forth barony to the B.E./B.V. area while some of the later generations returned south to the Forth (Tagoat) area - perhaps to the land of their ancestors. According to the Lough family tradition, some of these again "went back across the water" (Wexford Harbour) to B.E./B.V. Indeed it is virtually certain that for a time the family held land in both areas.
Mary Joe Kileen (21) of Ballineskar Cottage, told us in 1995 that "some of the Scallans also came south from Wells, near Gorey to B.E./B.V.". So the family history is a complicated one. Eithne Scallan's "Family History" makes this clear and shows that a considerable amount of intermarriage took place between different branches of the family - some nine marriages in all that we know of. These were arranged, in all probability, with the intention of keeping intact the family property and fortunes.
The Curse
It is said that the Ballyvaloo property was entailed to a male heir. Thus - according to Billy Scallan of Ballyconnick (d.1996) - when Anna Scallan (21), who resided at B.V. after her father's death, died in 1963 the property should have passed to Willie Scallan (20) of Lough House as Finton Scallan (23), the nearest male heir, had died as a child as a result of an accident involving a pot of boiling water. Willie Scallan, however, was about 62 years of age and unmarried in 1963 and did not wish to pursue his claim. So Ballyvaloo passed to Anna Scallan's first cousin, Mary Joe Kileen (22), who later sold it. The accidental death of Fintan Scallan was claimed by some to have had a connection with "the curse" which a dispossessed tenant - a widow - is said to have placed on that part of the family. (See Eithne Scallan's "Family History"). Whatever the truth of the assertion, Fintan was, in fact, the last male of his line.
The Scallans At Lough
William Scallan (6) of Ballineskar and Shilmaine, grandson of William (3) married Mary Reville (6A) of Lough House, Duncormick and thus established the Scallan line there. It is from this alliance that our part of the clan have descended. William (6) died at the early age of twenty-eight. He was survived by his wife, Mary (6A), and two children, Margaret (10), who died as a child, and William (11) - who became a Justice of the Peace. He married Annastasia Byrne (11A) of Bellegrove. We know from surviving rent books that Mary (6A) inherited land in the Tagoat area from her husband.
William (11) and Annastasia (11A) had three children, Mary (18) who married John Prendergast of Graiguenamanagh, Bridget (19) who married Walter Cullen of Duncormick and William (20) who inherited Lough and who did not marry. He died in 1977, bequeathing Lough to his sister Mary Prendergast. About 1978, she sold that property to Garry Fallon, MRCVS, whose family now (in 1996) live there.
SCALLAN FAMILY HISTORY - Ballinesker/Tagoat Branch
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES on the members of the Ballineskar/Tagoat Scallans of whom we have record. The identity numbers correspond with those on our “Scallan Family Chart”.
INDENT. NAME DATE SOURCE & REMARKS
NO.
Generation 1
1 ---- Scallan c. 1735 Scallan - Tagoat Chart, per E.S.
1A ---- Lambert “ “ “ “ “
Generation 2
2 Richard Scallan 1726/1806 Scallan - Tagaot Chart, per E.S. , of Shilmaine
2A Elizabeth Reay 1740/ 1800 Scallan - Tagoat Chart, Per E.S.
Generation 3
3 William Scalan 1753/1835 Scallan - Ballineskar Chart, per E.S.
3A Unknown ---------
Generation 4
4 Richard Scallan 1790/1852 E.S., P.K., Ballineskar.
4A Margaret Scallan ------ /1868 E.S., of Tagoat or Shilmaine. See 1876 Landowners List, Lough, Duncormick.
5 William Scallan 1804/1832 Scallan - B.E. Chart, per E.S.
Generation 5
5 Mary Scallan 1834/ ----- Scallan - B.E. Chart, per E..S.
5A Maurice Roche -------------- “ “ “ “ “
5B ---------- Day -------------- “ “ “ “ “
6 William Scallan 1837/1866 B.T.I., P.K., of Ballineskar, to Lough.
6A Mary Reville 1834/1920 C.P.R., of Lough.
7 Nicholas Scallan 1840/ - E.S., P.K., Married 1864.
6A Anastasia Scallan 1829/ - E.S., of Ballyvaloo.
8 Richard Scallan 1843/ - E.S.
8A Mary Scallan ------------- E.S., Married 1861.
9 Gregory Scallan 1845/1870 E.S.
Generation 6
10 Margaret Scallan 1864/1870 P.K., of Lough.
11 William Scallan J.P. 1867/1906 B.T.I., of Lough.
11A Anastasia Byrne 1857/1903 B.T.I., P.K., of Bellgrove, to Lough.
12 Richard Scallan 1865/ ----- E.S., of Ballyvalo,.M. 1903
12A Mary Scallan 1863/ ------ E.S.
13 Mgt. Mary Scallan 1867/ ------ P.K., E.S., of Ballineskar. M 1905.
13A Francis Kileen -------------- P.K., of Dublin.
14 William Scallan 1869/1937 P.K., E.S.
14A Cecilia Mary Scallan 1866/1944 P.K., E.S.
15 Greg Scallan 1871/ ------ E.S.
16 Thomas Scallan 1874/1956 P.K., E.S. (P.P. of Taghmon)
17 Nick Scallan 1874/1952 P.K., E.S., of Seaview
17A Margt. Kelly ----- /197- P.K., E.S., of Clologue. Ferns.
Generation 7
18 Mary E. Scallan 1898/1984 P.K., of Lough, to Graigue.
18A John Prendergast 1890/1953 P.K., of Graigue.
19 Brigid Scallan 1901/1978 P.K, of Lough, to Cullenstown.
19A Walter Cullen 1892/1973 P.K., of Cullenstown.
20 William Scallan 1902/1977 P.K., of Lough
21 Anastasia Scallan 1907/1963 P.K., of Ballyvaloo House.
22 Mary Jo Scallan ------------- P.K, E.S, of Ballineskar Cottage.
22A John Collins ------------- P.K. of Waterford.
23 Fintan Scallan 1926/1931 P.K., of Seaview.
Generation 8
24 Edward Prendergast 1921/ ---- P.K. of Graigue.
24A Birdy Barron ----------- P.K. of Ballycullane, to Graigue.
25 William Prendergast 1922/---- P.K., of Graigue, (P.P. of Killeagh).
26 Catherine M. Prendergast 1923/---- P.K, Of Graigue.
26A John A. Joyce 1919/---- P.K., of Graigue.
27 Jack Prendergast 1924/1987 P.K., of Graigue, to Old Grange
27A Miriam Bolger ------------- P.K., of Old Grange.
28 Patrick Prendergast SPS 1925/1999 P.K., of Graigue, (Curate at Tullogher).
29 Michael Prendergast 1926/1926 P.K., D.Y.
30 Leo Prendergast 1927/1990 P.K., of Graigue, to Grey Robbin.
30A Cally Hoare ------------- P.K., of Tullybards to Grey Robbin.
31 Noel Prendergast 1932/----- P.K., of Graigue. (Pastor at Clinton),
32 Anna Cullen ------------ P.K., of Cullenstown
33 Mary Cullen ---------- - P.K., of Cullenstown to U.S.A.
34 Bridget Cullen ------------ P.K., of Cullenstown to Skar.
34A Michael Staples ------------ P.K., of Skar.
35 Walter Cullen ------------ P.K., of Cullenstown
35A Mary Harper ------------ P.K., of Bannow.
36 Loretto Cullen ------------ P.K., of Cullenstown, to Rosegarland.
36A Edward. Colfer ------------ P.K., of Rosegarland.
ADDENDUM to Scallan Family History
(to be used in conjunction with our " SCALLAN FAMILY CHART")
On Eithne Scallan's "Scallan Tagoat, Co. Wexford, (Speculative link-up) Chart" Richard Scallan (4) (1790/1852) is shown as grandson of Richard Scallan (2) (1726/1806) of Shilmaine. This relationship, would seem to be correct as the names (grandfather to grandson) as well as the addresses, fit.* There is, however, a problem with regard to the dates, as Elizabeth Reay (1740/1800) could hardly have a son, William (3), born in 1753. These dates are taken from Eithne Scallan's charts, but we are not aware of her original sources and it is possible that her dates are approximate or that there is an error in either Elizabeth's or William's date of birth. Should such be the case it is possible to conclude, as Eithne has done, that Richard (4) (1790/1852) was a grandson of Richard (2) (1726/1806).
Such a conclusion would enable us to go back two further generations and to establish the direct line of descent in the Lough Branch of the family from the earliest Scallan of whom we have knowledge, (the Scallan who married a Ms. Lambert c.1725). I have shown the relationship in this manner on our “Scallan Family Chart”, but have indicated it as “conjectural”. If, on the other hand, we take Eithne's dates for Elizabeth Reay and William (3) to be correct, then it would seem likely that William (3) was the son of an unrecorded brother of Richard (4) (1726/1806), but still a grandson of the Scallan/Lambert alliance.
* On this chart Richard (4) (1790/1852) is shown, incorrectly, as the son of Patrick Scallan and Bridget Stanford. We know, however, that he was, in fact, the son of William Scallan (3) (1753/1835) of Ballineskar, as shown on Eithne Scallan's Ballineskar/Tagoat chart.
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