Lisburn Standard - Friday, 3 August, 1917

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

XLII.

-- -- --

HEARTH-MONEY.

(From Encyclopedia Britannica.)

Hearth-money, hearth tax, or chimney-money was a tax imposed on all houses except cottages at a rate of two shillings for every hearth. It was first levied in 1602, but owing to its unpopularity, chiefly caused by the domiciliary visits of the collectors, it was repealed in 1689. The principle of the tax was not new in the history of taxation, for in Anglo-Saxon times the King derived a part of his revenue from a "fumage" or tax of smoke farthings levied on all hearths except those of the poor. It appears also in the hearth-penny; or tax of a penny on every hearth, which as early as the 10th century was paid annually to the Pope, and became popularly known as "Peter's pence."

Belmore's "Two Ulster Manors."

Extract.

An Act of Parliament, Charles II., 1662 -- Imposes a tax of 2s each on every hearth and other place used for firing and stoves within every dwelling and other house and edifice that are or hereafter shall be erected within this Kingdom of Ireland other than such as are in this Act hereinafter excepted. Persons living on alms exempted, and all houses certified by two justices to be not of greater value than 8s upon the full improved rent, and that the persons occupying the same do not have, use, or occupy any lands, or tenements of the value of 8s per acre, or have any lands, tenements, goods, or chattels of the value of £4 in their own possession, or held in trust for them.

Houses having no fixed hearth, with chimneys, chargeable with two hearths.

Hearth-Money Rolls.

1669

The original lists or rolls for County Antrim are in the Record Office, Dublin. A copy is in the possession of the Presbyterian Historical Society, Belfast. From this copy J. W. Kernohan, M.A., extracted the names relating to Lisburn Parish and Town, as here given. Where a number follows a name it indicates the number of hearths, stoves, ovens, &c., taxed. In all other cases there was one hearth only. These rolls are obviously an index to the social status of the inhabitants of the period, the number of hearths taxed indicating the social position or wealth of the individual, Sir George Rawdon heading the list with 39.

It is rather curious that Sir George Rawdon's name appears as occupying the Castle, Lisburn, and not the name of Baron Conway, as there can be no other means of accounting for the 39 hearths than locating them in Baron Conway's Castle, in the Castle Gardens. Sir George Rawdon was the ancestor of the Earls of Moira. He married in 1654 as his second wife Dorothy Conway, sister of the second Viscount Conway. We find Rawdon in 1654 building a house in Lisburn, and this is possibly the house that appears against his name for 3 hearths. He died in 1634, and was buried in Lisburn.

The third Viscount Conway succeeded to the estate in 1665, and died in 1683. He built the Castle at Portmore, on the shores of Lough Neagh, in 1664. It was pulled down in 1761. This was his favourite residence, and was much more splendid and extensive than the Castle at Lisburn. His Lordship spared neither time nor expense in adorning and beautifying it, and the grounds were stocked with ail kinds of rare animals, birds, trees, and shrubs. Sir George Rawdon may therefore have been temporarily in occupation of Lisburn Castle in 1669, thus accounting for his name appearing in the Hearth-money rolls for that year. Indeed, it would appear that after Portmore Castle was built the Lisburn Castle was neglected, and rarely, if at all, occupied by Viscount Conway. We find from "Bonnivert's Journey, 1690," that in that year Lady Mulgrave was in occupation. "There is a great house and good gardens at Lisburn belonging now to my Lady Mulgrave. The house is out of repair." "Bonnivert's Journey," is given in the Ulster Journal of Archæology, vol. 4, 1856. He was a French refugee who followed the fortunes of William III.

It is noticeable, and rather unusual, compared with other districts, the large number of names appearing in the Parish of Lisburn as paying tax on more than one hearth. The inference, of course, is that in 1669 the town of Lisburn, although small, must have had within its bounds a number of people of comparative wealth, and in the immediate neighbourhood, comprising the parish, there must have been, a considerable population in comfortable circumstances. Story, a chaplain in Duke Schomberg's army, writes of it twenty years later, in 1689:-- "One of the prettiest inland towns in the North of Ireland, and one of the most English-like places in the Kingdom."

Unfortunately, the names in the Hearth-money rolls for 1669 are given as a whole fOR "Lisbourne Parish and Towne," no differentiation being made as between the town and country, nor are the names of the townlands included in the parish stated. The parishes of Lisnagarvagh and Blaris were united about the year 1641, the combined parishes forming what is now known as the Parish of Lisburn. This amalgamation causes some uncertainty as to what townlands were included in the 1669 rolls, as up to the present time frequently the two parishes are treated as if they were still distinct.

Referring to a return published by the "Standard" Office, Lisburn, some years ago, of the electoral divisions of the Lisburn Union, it would appear that Lisnagarvey, Old Warren, Tonagh, Knockmore, and part of Lambeg South are described as being in the Parish of Blaris or Lisburn; Ballymullen, Largymore, Broughmore, Gortnacor, Lurganure, Lissue, Blaris, Ballantine, Deneight, Lisnatrunk, Lisnoe, Taghnabrick, Annacloy, Aghnatrisk, Ballykeel-Ednagonnell, Culcavey, Carnbane, Carnreagh, Drumatihugh, Maze, Magherageery, and Ravarnette, or portions of them, in the Parish of Blaris; Magheralave in the Parish of Derriaghy.

On a map of the Hertford Estate dated 1833 the Parish of Lisburn is described as containing the townlands of Broughmore, Lurganure, Lissue, Knockmore, Tonagh, Old Warren, Blaris, Ballentine, Taghnabrick, Largymore, Ballymullen, and Lisnagarvagh, all being included in the Hertford property and in the vicinity of the town. It is a fairly reasonable assumption that these, are the townlands included in the Hearth-money rolls for the Parish and Town of Lisburn for 1669.

Hearth-money Rolls for Lisbourne Parish and Towne, 1669.

A
David Adams Wid Amas 2
Tho Aldrige John Anderson
John Abernathy Alex Arte
Robt Achison 3 Edward Atkins
Adam Andersone John Armstrong
B
James Browne Docter Brooks
David Barber Alex Bann
George Barber Ffrancis Burich
John Backster Thomas Branket
James Bodkin Mr. Broadhead
Wid Bleare Robert Barrel
Thos Badleir Wm Browne
David Bingham Robert Bell
Widd Burton 2 John Barns
Wm Bell Thos Bridges
C
Wm Cherry Mr. Cooper 3
Widd Close 5 Derby Coody
Arch Curry James Chisdell
Thomas Curran Wid Costly
John Caunell Wid Clidseell
Autho Coslett 4 Phill Caine
Chris Coale Richard Coulson
Marke Coale Geo Cludrye
James Chaplin Wm. Connoway
Henry Covert John Chapman
Murt Cofforee James Coale 2
D
John Dick 2 Wm Docker
Ffrancis Dicksone Wid Deale 3
Mr. Davis 3 Josias Dawson
Owin Davis Geo Doniss
Wm Duffe 2 Henry Dexter
Tho Denman Robert Dobson 2
Wid Dowdell 3
E
Mr. Ellis 4 Richard Edmonston
Richard Edmonston Thos Emersone
F
Tho Fflann 2 Tymothy Ffletcher
Thomas Ffarly 2 Edward Ffoster
Wm Ffulsbourne 2 Edward Ffisackerty
Clem Ffibbs Mathew Ffearne 3
John Ffountaine 2 Lantell Ffell
G
Wid Giffins 2 Wm Goff
Henry Godard 2 Geo Gregstone 3
Jonn Gregstone Patrick Goffe
Robert Gorden 3 James Gorden 2
Nicholas Giviging Ffrancis Garner 2
Thomas Granger Jerene Gresson
Thomas Granger Patrick Gill
Thomas Galcill
H
Wm. Higinson Richard Hignat
Tho Haslam 2 Tho Hodskinson 2
John Hart 3 Thomas Hodskinson
Robert Hoberstaffe Robert Hamelton
John Hameltone Robert Hendron
Wm Higsson, jr. Henry Haythorne 2
Wm Hill 8 Arthur Hoole 2
John Heyes Tho Hayes
Ffrancis Hartly James Hunter
Wm Heare Edward Hall
David Hunter 2 Chr Harrison 2
John Hodgin 2 Robt Hoole
Wm Hancock Henry Horner
Edward Hull John Hodgsone
James Holles 2 Widd Hollon
Tho Hadskes 3 John Hilsbee
J
Robert Jentleman Widd Johnston 2
Nicho Jacksonne 2 John Johnstone
Roger Jackson 8 Wid Johnston
Mathew Johnston Anthony Johnson
Hugh Joanes
K
Law Kenly Richard Kinge
Henry Kirby 2 Geo Kilburne
John Kennedy Robert Knox
John Kirke
L
Geo Locker 2 Mr. Levistone
John Lydell Nicholas Lawrence 2
Robert Linsey John Landel
Thos Little 2 Adam Leathes 2
Anth Leroy 4 Robert Lucas
Andr Linsey George Lorymore
Antho Lightfoote Robert Leacocke
John Lackey
M
Patrick Magee 2 Wid Moore 2
Wm Morrow 2 Mr. Mase 6
Mary Murrow James Miller
Edward Moore Ffarrell Magee
Edmund Magee Wm Morecraft
Wm Moore Robert Mearns
Mc.
Murt McAunel Shane McSherry
Brian McMahon Brian McBrinn
John McCullagh John McDowell 2
John McFfadin Neale McAncale
David McAllexander Henry McCamby 2
John McAnally
N
John Nicksone 4 Henry Nickolsone 3
Wid Nicklesone
O
Hugh O'Kelly 3 Daniel O'Dougherty
Edward Odger 2 Capt Obrey 3
Wid Oges John O'Tewel
Dainel O'Rogan Shane O'Sherridan
Shane O'Logan Daniell O'Delan
P
Robert Porter 2 Wid Porter
Richard Pooley Morris Pruderick
Richard Plunkett Daniell Patisone 2
Mathew Parman George Preston
Robert Pybus
Q
Wid Qale
R
Sir George Rawden 39 Sir Geo Rawden 3
John Robinson Robert Rogerson 2
Robert Hanson 2 And Reach
Samuel Roberts Geo Redall
Thomas Redall John Right
Mrs. Rona 2 Ffrancis Russell
Geo Rogers 5 Thos Rigsive
John Robinson 2 Mr Ramsey
Chr Renisone
S
John Speete 2 Adam Scott
Mr. Smith 3 Wm Swift
Tho Saffley Wm Steevens 3
Robert Sumerside John Scott
Wm Sympson Antho Smith 2
Widd Steenson 2 James Smith
School House Richard Swinerton
Daniel Stoker Major Stround 5
John Steephens Wm Shakeshaft
John Steward And Steward
Robert Steward James Stalker 5
Mrs. Sinklear Robert Stewart
Allex Smithsone Richard Ard Sands
Wm Sands Humphrey Sherlick
Thomas Smith John Smith
Tho Sayston Thomas ye Sadler
T
Ann Taylor 2 Wm Thomas 3
Wid Taylor James Tyle
Ffruncis Thomsone Thomas Tomson
Richard Tomson Wilfec Townsend 2
Jo Templeton 3 Mrs. Tandey 6
Thomas Taylor Thos Taylor
George Tomson Quinton Todd
Edward Townsend John Tugman
George Townsend John Twynem
U
Edward Upton Joseph Underwood
W
Hugh Williams Henry Williams 2
Robert Wilson Thomas Willox
Henry Wellin 3 Geo Wimble 5
Thos Williamson Wid Wilsone
Tho Whitly 2 Mr. Webster 3
Lawrence Whiteside 2 Robert Williams
John Wills 2 John Williamson 2
John Watson 2 Henry Wetherbee 2
John Williams Anthony Wrightson
Wm Wright Robt Welsh
Phill Woods Ralph White
Hugh Wixted John Watsone
Thomas Watsone Hugh Wuthnall 2
Tho Watsone
Y
Andrew Younge 2 Alex Young
Robert Younge

 

(Hillsborough next week.)

 

^ top of page

Lisburn Standard - Friday, 10 August, 1917

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

XLIII.

-- -- --

SOME WORKS DEALING WITH HILLSBOROUGH AND CO. DOWN.

The Ancient and Present State of the of County of Down, by Walter Harris. 1744.

Topographical and Chorographical Survey of County Down, by Walter Harris. 1740.

History of County Down, by Alexander Knox, M.D. 1875.

Statistical Survey of the County of Down, by Rev. John Dubourdieu, Rector of Annahilt. 1802.

Ireland Exhibited to England (volume 1), by A. Atkinson. 1823.

Ulster Journal of Archæology.

Belfast and Province of Ulster Directory. From 1882.

The House of Downshire, by Hugh M'Call. 1881.

Pigot's Provincial Directory. 1824.

Reports from Commissioners on Municipal Corporations in Ireland. 1833.

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

PRINTING IN HILLSBOROUGH.

From the "Ulster Journal of Archæology," 1901.

1786 -- Six Anthems performed in Hillsborough Church. The music composed by Michael Thomson, Mus.D. "Hillsborough: Printed for the Author, January 2nd, 1786. Pr. 15s."

1790 -- Anthems, &c, as performed in Hillsborough Church. The music composed by Michael Thomson, Mus.D., and others. (Words only.) 32 pages. No place or printer is given.

1790 -- A letter from Lord de Clifford to the Worthy and independent Electors of the Town of Downpatrick, with pertinent Queries to the Electors of the County of Down. (Charles Price.) 24 pages.

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

LINEAGE OF THE DOWNSHIRE FAMILY.

Colonel Moyses Hill of Devonshire was founder of the House of Downshire. He entered the army of Queen Elizabeth in 1575. Come, to Ireland about 1590. Received for his services some forty thousand acres of land in Down and two thousand in Antrim. He was knighted, died in 1630, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Peter Hill. Peter's only son, Francis, resided at Hill Hall, and died without male issue. Arthur Hill, younger son of Sir Moyses, then succeeded, and was created constable of Hillsborough Fort in 1660. Moyses Hill, son of Arthur, succeeded his father, and married his cousin, daughter of Francis Hill of Hill Hall, dying without male issue. Next in succession was William Hill, half-brother of Moyses. He married as his second wife Mary, eldest daughter of Sir Marcus Trevor, who was created Viscount Dungannon in 1662 for his signal gallantry in wounding Oliver Cromwell at Marston Moor. William died in 1693, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Michael. He married the daughter and heir of Sir John Trevor of Brynkinalt, Co. Denbigh. Next in succession was Trevor Hill, born 1693, died 1742, first Viscount Hillsborough, created in 1717 Baron Hill of Kilwarlin, and Viscount Hillsborough. Wills, only son of Trevor, born 1718, died 1793, was created Viscount Kilwarlin and Earl of Hillsborough in 1751, enrolled amongst the peers of Great Britain in 1756 as Lord Harwich, Baron of Harwich, in the County of Essex, and advanced to a British viscounty and earldom in 1772 by the titles of Viscount Fairford, County Gloucester, and Earl of Hillsborough. Created Marquess of Downshire 1789. His son Arthur, second Marquess of Downshire, succeeded; bora in 1753, died 1801. Arthur Blundell Sandys Trumbull, third Marquess, born 1788, died 1845. Arthur Wills Blundell Sandys Trumbull Windsor, fourth Marquess, born 1812, died 1868. Arthur Wills Blundell Sandys Roden, fifth Marquess, born 1844, died 1874. Arthur Wills John Wellington Trumbull Blundell, the sixth and present Marquess, was born in 1871. He married in 1893 Katherine (from whom he obtained a divorce in 1902), daughter of Hon. Hugh Hare, Berks; issue, two sons and one daughter. Married secondly (1907) Evelyn Grace Mary, daughter of E. Benson Foster. Clerver Manor, Windsor.

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

INSCRIPTIONS ON MONUMENTS.

To commemorate the public and private virtues of the Most Honourable Arthur Wills Blundell Sandys Turnbull Hill, third Marquis of Downshire, Lieutenant of the County of Down, Colonel of the Royal South Down Regiment of Milita, and Knight of the Most Illustrious Order of St. Patrick. Alike distinguished for patriotism, rectitude of principle and honesty of purpose, upholding his station with becoming dignity. He was also mindful of the wants of others, and practised those duties with benevolence and humility, which won the regard of every generous mind, adding lustre to his exalted rank. Those who best knew his worth and admired the rightness of his character and conduct in the several relations of life have erected this monumental column as a token of their friendship and esteem. 1848.

-- -- --

The Fourth Marquis.
"The Big Marquis of Downshire."
In honour of Arthur, "4th Marquis of Downshire,
Born 6th August, 1812,
Died 6th August, 1868.
Erected by his friends and tenants.

Mural tablet in the Presbyterian Church:--

Erected in memory of Revd. Galbraith Hamilton Johnston,
by the members of the congregation of Hillsborough,
who laboured among them for years.
He was an earnest preacher, a devoted pastor,
and a true and faithful friend.
Installed 30th September, 1858:
             Died 6th June, 1894.
         "He rests from his labours."

-- -- --

Sir Robert Hart, of Chinese fame, was connected with Hillsborough, having lived there during, his early boyhood. According to Juliet Bredon, his biographer, he was born in Dungannon Street, Portadown, in 1885, and when two years of age his parents removed to Hillsborough.

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

REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS ON MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS IN IRELAND, 1833.

Extracts.

King Charles II., by charter 1662, granted to Arthur Hill, that the lands in that charter named should be a Manor by the name of the Manor of Hillsborough, and by the same charter ordained that 100 acres of land, in the town and lands of Hillsborough, should be a free borough and corporation, and be called the Borough and Town of Hillsborough, "the said town already built, or to be built, erected, and made in the most convenient place of the said 100 acres."

These 100 acres have not been set out, but are supposed to be the 100 acres lying in a circle round the Market House of the borough, as a centre.

There is a book in the hands of the Sovereign of Hillsborough containing entries of the proceedings from 1773 to the present year, 1833.

The corporate name is "The Sovereign, Burgesses, and Free Commons of the Borough and Town of Hillsborough."

The corporation, by the charter, consists of a Sovereign, 12 burgesses and freemen.

The "Recorder and Town Clerk" is the only inferior officer appointed.

The Sovereign is elected annually on the Monday after the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, and holds for one year, from the Monday after the Feast of Saint Michael next ensuing.

The right of election is placed by the charter in the entire body. The Sovereign is to be elected out of the burgesses.

The election to the office of burgess is exercised in point of form by the remaining burgesses, but, in truth, all are the nominees of the Marquis of Downshire, the heir of Arthur Hill.

The Marquis of Downshire is the "patron" of the corporation, and received the compensation for the disfranchisement of the borough at the period of the Union, amounting to £15,000.

The office of burgess is considered of little importance. They are not sworn on admission.

The entire number of the burgess is kept up. Only two of tho burgesses are resident.

There are not at present any freemen, except Lord Talbot and a few of his friends.

No Roman Catholics have been admitted into the corporation; indeed, the notion seems to exist that Roman Catholics are not yet admissible by law into corporations, although the disabilities were removed in 1793.

The Sovereign is made coroner within the borough. He also acts as justice of the peace "within the bounds and lymitts of the sayd town and precinctes thereof" during his term of office and for the space of one whole year thereafter.

There is no salary or emolument of any kind attached to the office of Sovereign. The Marquis of Downshire gives twenty guineas annually to the Sovereign to entertain the burgesses upon the days of election and swearing-in.

Two places called "Black Holes" have been used as temporary places of confinement; a district bridewell is in process of building.

There are also notes on privileges and rights of other members of the corporation. Court Leet, Seneschal, Manor Courts, Quarter Sessions, Petty Sessions, Constabulary, the Streets, Schools, Weighmaster and fee, &c., &c.

Fairs to be held in Hillsborough on the first Wednesday of every month, between the 1st March and last of November; and a market every Thursday, with a court of Pie Poudre.

Population in 1831 -- 1,453.

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

THE POST CHAISE COMPANION OR TRAVELLERS' DIRECTORY THROUGH IRELAND, 1803.

This volume (660 pages) is very meagre and uninteresting in its references to Lisburn and district. It mentions that "Lisburne gives the title of Earl to the noble family of Vaughan." The Vaughans were an ancient Welsh family tracing in direct line back to the year 1200. Viscount Vaughan was created 1776 Earl of Lisburne and Lord Vaughan.

The following reference to Hillsborough is the only extract worth quoting:--

HILLSBOROUGH is pleasantly situated and almost newly built, much in the style of an English town, on a healthy, gravelly soil, in view of Lisburn, Belfast, the bay and town of Carrickfergus, and commanding an extensive prospect of a well-improved country. The Mase course is a mile north of the town, near the banks of the Lagan. A rising hill in the middle of the course, about two miles in circumference, affords a full view of the whole field. The Church of Hillsborough is magnificent, and cost the first Marquis of Downshire near £15,000. The spire is as lofty as that of St. Patrick's, Dublin, and much more elegant; it has also seven painted windows. There is a small castle or fort at Hillsborough, in perfect repair, in which were deposited the arms of the county. A very thriving manufacture of muslins has been introduced into this town under the patronage of the first Marquis of Downshire. The present Marquis has a fine demesne and neat villa here.

(Hillsborough to be continued.)

 

^ top of page

Lisburn Standard - Friday, 17 August, 1917

Death

BROWN -- August 7, killed in action, Edward Brown, Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles, aged 25 years, eldest and dearly-beloved son of Robert and Mary Brown, Pond Park. -- Deeply regretted.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

XLIV.

-- -- --

PIGOT & CO.'S

CITY OF DUBLIN AND HIBERNIAN PROVINCIAL DIRECTORY.
1824.

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

HILLSBOROUGH

Is a small market town in the County of Down, agreeably seated on an eminence upon the mail road from Dublin to Belfast, 70 miles north of the former and 10 miles south of the latter. It is neat and modern built, and possesses a very good market, principally for linen yarn. The public buildings here are very handsome, and give an air of respectability not usually possessed by a small town. The church is a very elegant building, consisting of a nave and cross aisles; the tower is 110 feet high, and the steeple 100, forming together a most beautiful piece of workmanship, which may be discerned at a considerable distance; there are also two smaller towers at the sides. The interior corresponds with the exterior, every window being adorned with stained glass; it has a good organ, and a monument by Nollekens to the memory of Archdeacon Leslie is well worthy of attention. The market and courthouse is a large stone building adorned with a clock and vane, and admirably calculated for the purposes of its erection. The other public buildings are the shambles, and two neat schools; but the meeting-houses are situated at some distance from the town. The charitable institutions are a dispensary, open every Wednesday and Saturday, and a school for children of both sexes, conducted on the modern system of education, founded by the Marquis and Marchioness of Downshire, supported by subscription, and attended by about 80 boys and 50 girls; Mr. Francis Ford is the master, and Mrs. Margaret Ford the mistress. There is also an extensive Sunday School patronised by the Marquis and Marchioness. In the adjoining parish of Annahilt is a school founded by Thomas Jameson, a merchant of Belfast, for the benefit of this his native parish; he liberally endowed it with £l,000, which are placed out at interest upon landed property, and the noble Marquis granted four acres of land, upon which the school house stands; 130 boys and 90 girls upon an average attend; Mr. Robert Forsyth is the master, and Mrs. Margaret Forsyth the mistress. Hillsborough contains the noble mansion of the Marquis of Downshire, to whose family this town gives the title of Earl; the Marquis is the proprietor of this place, and also possesses vast estates in the neighbourhood. This town was a borough before the union, and sent two members to the Irish Parliament. Here is a small ancient castle, still kept in repair, of which the Marquis is governor. The quarter sessions are held here; the market day is on Monday, and there are fairs on the third Wednesday in February, and the third Wednesday in May, the third Wednesday in August, and the third Wednesday in August, and the third Wednesday in November. The population is about 1,200.

Post Office.

Post master, Mr. Edward Conkey. The mail from Dublin arrives at eight in the morning, and leaves at half-past six in the evening. The mail from Belfast arrives every evening at half-past six, and departs every morning at eight.

Nobility, Gentry, and Clergy.

Archer, Wm., Esq., Rocks-hill.
Clarke, Lieutenant, Shamrock-vale.
Corry, Colonel Marcus, Homra-house.
Cowan, Andrew, Esq., Ballylintogh.
Downshire, the Most Noble the Marquis of.
Forde, Rev. Wm. B., Annahilt Parsonage.
Hawkshaw, Colonel, Blain's-lodge.
Moore, Hugh, Esq., Eglantine.
Reid, Christopher, Esq., Belleview.
Reilly, Wm. Edmund, Esq., agent to the Marquis of Downshire.
Scott, John, Esq., Wellington-lodge.
Stannus, Lieutenant; Ballynock.

Places of Public Worship.

Parish Church of Hillsborough.
Rector, the Venerable and very Rev. Robert Alexander, Archdeacon of Down.
Curate, the Rev. Mr. Hill.
Organist, Mr. James Stephenson.
Parish Clerk, Alex. M'Connell.

Presbyterian Meeting-house, Annahilt.
Minister, the Rev. William Wright.

Seceding Meeting-house.
Minister, the Rev. Wm. Moorhead.

Roman Catholic Chapel.
Parish Priest, the Rev. Edward M'Carten.
Curate, the Rev. Hugh Dempsey.

Merchants, Tradesmen, &c.

Professional Gentlemen.

M'Kay, Hugh, attorney.
M'Lorn, Ranny, surgeon.
Moorhead, John Nesbitt, physician.
Paxton, John Cowan, surgeon.

Inns and Hotels.

Corporation Arms (posting inn), Samuel Waring.
Downshire Arms, James North.

Publicans.

Dawson, Thos'. Harrison, Wm.
Fletcher, Thos. Scandrett, A.
Fraser, David. Standfield, James.
Halliday, Wm. Tate, John.

Shopkeepers and Traders.

Andrews, Edward, baker.
Bradshaw, H., brewer and malster.
Bradshaw, Margaret, grocer, and timber and iron stores.
Brownless, Hugh, grocer.
Burnett, Jas., baker.
Carleton, S. A., grocer and linen draper. Carrothers, John, grocer.
Connor, Foster & Jas., grocers, haberdashers, and earthenware and glass dealers.
Crogan, John, grocer.
Druitt, E., grocer and hardwareman.
Ellis, Valen., grocer and leather cutter.
Henderson, John, miller, Agnes-ville.
Jefferson, J., grocer and butter merchant.
M'Conkey, Edward, grocer.
M'Leavy, Robt., grocer.
Roberts, John, saddler.
Robinson, Richd., grocer.
Trail, F. & M., haberdashers, and straw plait and straw hat makers.

Coaches.

BELFAST, the Royal Day Mail every evening at half-past seven, from the Corporation Arms, through Lisburn, and returns-every morning at half-past six.

BELFAST, the Royal Night Mail, every morning at eight, from the Corporation Arms, by the same route, and returns every evening at half-past six.

BELFAST, the Fair Trader, every evening at seven, from the Downshire Arms, by the same route, and returns every morning at seven.

BELFAST, the Shamrock, every Tues., Thurs., and Sat. evening at half-past seven, from the Coach and Horses, same route, and returns Monday, Wed., and Friday, at 40 minutes past five.

DUBLIN, the Royal Day Mail, every morning at half-past six, from the Corporation Arms, through Dromore, Banbridge, Loughbrickland, Newry, Dundalk, Castle-Bellingham, and Drogheda, and returns every evening at half-past seven.

DUBLIN, the Royal Night Mail, every evening at half-past six, from the Corporation Arms, by the same route, and returns every morning at eight.

DUBLIN, the Fair Trader, every morning at seven, from the Corporation Arms, by the same route, and returns every evening at seven.

DUBLIN, the Shamrock, every Monday, Wed., and Friday morning, at twenty minutes before six, from the Coach and Horses, and returns every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening at half-past seven.

Carriers.

BELFAST, a Caravan every Wednesday and Saturday, at seven in the morning, takes goods for Lisburn, from the Corporation Arms.

BELFAST, a Waggon every Tuesday and Friday, from Mr. Harrison's, and takes goods for Lisburn.

DUBLIN, a Caravan goes every Monday, and Thursday afternoon, at half-past four, from the Corporation Arms, and takes goods for Dromore, Banbridge, Loughbrickland, Newry, Dundalk, Castle-Bellingham, and Drogheda.

DUBLIN, a Waggon every Monday and Thursday, from Mr. Harrison's, takes goods for the same places.

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

KING WILLIAM III. AT HILLSBOROUGH.

By Richard Lilburn.

On the evening of the 19th of June, 1690, William and the Williamite forces arrived in Hillsborough, nothing remarkable having occurred during the march from Lisburn. The town, which, was then, and still is, the property of the titled family of Downshire, whose name it bears, was incorporated by charter of 14th Charles II., and the Corporation was styled "The Sovereign, Burgesses, and Free Commons of the Borough, and Town of Hillsborough." Its political history is very interesting to the loyal men of Ulster. There the Council of the Antrim Association met at stated times, in 1688, and deliberated in regard to the means to be adopted for the defence of the lives, liberties, and properties of the Protestants of the North. There, also, had been Schomberg and his army, on Tuesday, the 3rd of September, 1689, on their way to Loughbrickland. And a weary way it was; for what the Protestants spared in the flight from their homes the Jacobites destroyed, so that in the district not a sheep nor a cow was to be seen; the track of Schomberg and his men was through ruin. Now the King himself and his forces had arrived. As already stated, the castle had been prepared to receive and accommodate his Majesty. It was a magnificent structure, built by Sir Arthur Hill in 1641-2, and consisted of four bastions. Bonnivert describes it as "a great house belonging to the King, standing on a hill on the left hand of the road;" and in a certain sense the Frenchman was right. The site was chosen so that the fort might command the Pass of Kilwarlin, the chief road between Belfast and Dublin. Accordingly, it was strongly fortified within, and had the additional strength afforded by a trench. At the close of the year 1660 it was made a Royal garrison, and placed in command of a Constable, who received 3s 4d a day, having under him twenty-four warders who pay was each 6d a day. The constableship was vested in the Hill family for ever.

As might be expected, the old Castle in the demesne is much venerated by loyal men. There his Majesty remained two days, and strangers are still shown relics of the Royal visit. They have pointed out to them the apartments he occupied; the chair on which he sat; the table on which he wrote his Orders; the window opposite which chair and table stood; the bedstead on which he slept; the stable in which his horse was put up; the situation of the gardens, and the direction in which he walked -- in fact, everything is to be seen but the King himself. More interesting than the silent witnesses is the testimony borne by the successors of the original warders. They are regularly on duty at the new Castle of Hillsborough, wearing the uniform, somewhat modernised, of the Dutch Guards -- blue coat with red lappels; cocked hat trimmed with white lace, and for plume a red feather; white breaches and gaiters.

From the Court at Hillsborough his Majesty issued two important documents. One was a Royal Warrant, addressed to Christopher Carleton, collector of customs at Belfast, authorising the payment of £1,200 yearly to the Presbyterian ministers of Ulster. This is understood to be the origin of the grant called "Regium Donum." The pension was inserted in the Civil List and made payable out of the Exchequer.

- - - - - - -

George Story, chaplain to the Earl of Drogheda's Regiment, relates in his "Impartial History" that -- "On Tuesday, 3rd September, 1689, Schomberg's army marching through Hillsborough, a place where the enemy before our coming had kept a garrison, near which, on the highway side, were two of our men hanged for deserting. That night we encamped at Dromore."

(Hillsborough to be continued.)

=========================

THE WAR.

-- -- -- --

BRITISH RENEW ATTACKS.

-- -- -- --

BIG BATTLE IN PROGRESS.

-- -- -- --

PRISONERS AND GUNS CAPTURED.

-- -- -- --

A new British offensive was begun at dawn on Wednesday morning, and extended from the north-western outskirts of Lens to north-west of Loos. All our objectives were captured, including Hill 70. Our casualties were slight. Five counter-attacks were completely broken up.

Following the above attack, Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig has lost no time in striking another blow against the enemy. Early yesterday, in conjunction with the French operating on our left, an attack was delivered on a front of over nine miles north of the Ypres-Menin road. In the centre of the advance our troops (consisting of line battalions of Great Britain and Ireland) carried the village of Langemarck (four miles north-east of Ypres), and pressing on took the German trench system half a mile further to the east. Over 1,800 prisoners have already been sent back, and a number of German guns have been taken.

The only serious fighting elsewhere is reported from Roumania, where our Allies are slowly falling back, fighting gallantly.

-- -- -- -- --

KILLED.

Lieutenant E. Brown, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Rifleman James Beck, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Private Henry Little, Leinster Regiment, Lisburn.

WOUNDED.

Second-Lieut. E. M. Laird, Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

-- -- -- -- --

Lieut. E. Brown, R.I.R.

Lieut. Edward Brown, Royal Irish Rifles, killed in action on 7th inst., was a son of Mr. Robert Brown, Pond Park, Lisburn, manager of Messrs. R. M'Bride & Co.'s works, Alfred Street, Belfast. Before the war he was employed by Messrs. William Heney & Co., Brunswick Street, Belfast. He received his commission on 16th November, 1914, was promoted lieutenant on 1st April, 1916, and was slightly wounded during the attack on Messines Ridge on 7th June, 1917, taking over command of a company after his captain had fallen. He was a member of the South Antrim Regiment U.V.F., and was a signalling instructor at the Old Town Hall. Before being transferred to the battalion with which he lost his life Lieut. Brown served with the South Antrim Battalion and with a reserve battalion in County Down. He was a member of the "Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, and was one of the finest goalkeepers who ever figured between the sticks for the first eleven.

Lieut. Brown was killed by an enemy grenade. His body was carried back to the British lines, and was later interred in a British cemetery, the chaplain of the division officiating at the graveside.

Lieutenant E. Brown.
Lieutenant E. Brown.

-- -- -- -- --

Second-Lieut. E. M. Laird.

Second-Lieut. E. M. Laird, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, wounded on 10th inst., is the only son of the late Rev. Caleb S. Laird, formerly Methodist minister of Lisburn. He has received slight shrapnel wounds in the head, but is progressing favourably at the Prince of Wales's Hospital, Marylebone. He was previously wounded on 9th August, 1915, at Suvla Bay.

-- -- -- -- --

Memorial to South Antrim Volunteer.

A memorial tablet has been dedicated in Drummaul Church, Randalstown, to the memory of the late Captain O. B. Webb, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), who fell in action last year.

-- -- -- -- --

Rifleman James Beck, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), Longstone Street, Lisburn, son of Mrs. Rogan, Hillsborough, has been killed in action. The first news was contained in a letter from a brother, Rifleman Harry Beck, who is on active service. Deceased was a member of Christ Church Company Church Lads' Brigade1 and a member of the U.V.F.

Mr. Frank Little, Barrack Street, Lisburn, has received official intimation to the effect that his brother, Private Henry Little, Leinster Regiment, who was reported missing since September 3, 1916, was killed on that date.

Relatives of other local men have received intimation of their friends being either killed or wounded, but these have not reached us officially as we go to press.

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

LISBURN OFFICER'S THRILLING EXPERIENCES

IN PREPARATION FOR BIG BATTLE.

THE CHEERFUL BRITISH SPIRIT.

The following is a very interesting excerpt, full of colour, from a letter of a Lisburn artillery officer to his father:--

This is my second effort to write since my last letter. I made an attempt yesterday, but I do not think even you would have found the surroundings at all congenial. It was my day at our forward position. To call it a position is a stretch of imagination, for it is nothing more than a mud heap, where the mud is not so deep as in the surrounding heaps. Yesterday was the first dry day for a week, and "things" around us had begun to smell. Our dugout, in which it is impossible to sit upright or even to stretch oneself in, was stuffy to suffocation and steamed with heat, and the Hun was paying close and heavy attention to a battery some hundred yards on our left front. So you can excuse my silence yesterday.

To-night I am doing the midnight watch under the old ruin, and things are almost too quiet outside. Inside there are two most distracting sounds -- the buzz of mosquitoes and the varied snores of my two gun crews. I have been wondering for the last, half-hour at the dozens of distinctly different tones, and I wonder if the distinction in snores would be of any use to the police, in the same way as thumb-marks. I am certain none of these fellows make the same sound.

A week ago I was really very cheerful and congratulating myself on having got the worst over -- that is, the preparation -- and was a proud as a king to see some hundreds of the pick of our labourers slouch past our position. Everybody -- gunner's, infantry, and cavalry -- looked cheerful; walking wounded with broken arms and heads staggered along, always with a joke and good news, and even stretcher cases had a smile. Now everybody, from generals to privates, is back to the old slouch and curses the rain, and I am looking forward with far from pleasant feelings to another preparation. Still, I derive great comfort from the thought that even though it is pretty rotten on this side of the line it is some odd hundred times worse on the other. I have grown very vindictive since June 30th, when poor S------ fell ,so gloriously. Yesterday it looked like clearing, but to-day it is nearly as bad as ever. Leather and waterproof will not withstand the rain and mud, and I can't think how often I have changed my clothes in the past week.

. . . Yesterday was a busy day for everybody, as the weather has cleared. Luckily D------ and I had a cushy time at the forward post, as our telephone line to the battery went west about 10 o'clock and nobody could mend it, and as no work could come through to us till 10p.m., when we took our two cannon into action for five glorious minutes. Then No. 1 stepped off her platform, and No. 2 recoiled so hard that her trail sank back into the mud, and it took both gun crews to pull her out. It had started to rain, too, so everybody was very "happy." However, an extra rum ration has been issued, which we served out, and everybody's outlook immediately became brighter. D------ and I boiled some milk, added our ration and a little sugar, and found it very excellent; then, in spite of having only a blanket and a ground-sheet between us, slept the sleep of our lives in that position.

 

^ top of page

Lisburn Standard - Friday, 24 August, 1917

Death

MAGEE -- August 22, 1917, at his residence, Oatland House, Hillhall Road, Lisburn, George, dearly-beloved husband of Eliza Magee. -- Funeral to Lisburn Cemetery to-morrow (Saturday), at 3 o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation. Deeply regretted.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

XLV.

-- -- --

EXTRACTS PROM A BROCHURE PUBLISHED IN CONNECTION WITH A BAZAAR A FEW YEARS AGO.

The village of Hillsborough, lies on the leading road from Belfast to Dublin, 12 miles distant from the former and 100 from the latter city. In the old coaching days Hillsborough was the first stage on the Dublin journey from Belfast, where the hotel afforded stabling for the horses and excellent accommodation for the traveller. The former name of the parish was Crumlin or Cromlyn -- the crooked glen -- and the present town was built in the middle of the 17th century by Colonel Arthur Hill. Some years after, by a charter of Charles II., a Corporation was established, consisting of a sovereign, 12 burgesses, and an indefinite number of freemen, assisted by a recorder, a sergeant at mace, and inferior officers. This Corporation ceased to exist in 1832, but "The Corporation Seal" is still shown in the Parish Church, and the mace is preserved in the Castle. The borough returned two members to the Irish Parliament until the Act of Union in 1800.

The Church.

Along with the building of the town Colonel Hill built in 1662 the first Parish Church. (A pre-Reformation chapel of ease to Drumbo parish existed, of which the ruins can still be seen in the demesne.) On its site, and still preserving parts of the walls of the nave and transepts, the first Marquis of Downshire built the present edifice in 1774. He superintended the work himself, and it was thirteen years in building. The materials and workmanship were of first-rate quality, so that today the walls and roof are in perfect order, the old oak pews remain, and the pulpit, with its quaint canopy and oak panelling is of much interest. The organ, one of the first in the North of Ireland, was supplied by John Snetzler, a well-known Belgian organ-builder of 100 years ago. It has been rebuilt on three occasions, but the old pipes and sound-boards of the Snetzler organ have been retained. There is a fine peal of eight bells, by Rudhall, of Gloucester, erected in 1773, with curious inscriptions, and in connection with them is an old carillon which plays tunes upon the bells at the hours of 12, 4, and 8. A company of bell-ringers is maintained by the Marquis of Downshire, who also provides the funds for a surpliced choir and organist. A beautiful chancel floor in Irish marble has recently been laid down by the Right Hon. Lord Arthur Hill in memory of his father, the fourth Marquis of Downshire. The vessels for the Holy Communion were presented by Mary, relict of Colonel Arthur Hill, in 1666. They are very beautiful, of solid silver, bearing the sacred monogram surmounted with a cross; beneath the letters are three nails, and the whole is encircled by rays.

Other memorials worthy of note are a brass eagle lectern, also presented by Lord Arthur Hill; a beautifully-executed monument of the fifth Marquis, by Forsythe, erected by his widow; and also one to Archdeacon Leslie, by Nollekins.

The Fort or Old Castle.

Standing on a slight eminence, adjoining the church and commanding the main road, is Hillsborough Fort, a redoubt built in the reign of Charles I. as a depot of arms when the country was in a disturbed state, and still in a state of good preservation. It is a square building with corner turrets, containing three or four apartments below stairs, and the first floor occupied by one large hall. It stands in the middle of the west side of a large square enclosure with high ramparts, and having a bastion at each angle, thus forming a redoubt. On the north side is a small tower or barbican, with an arch, which was formerly the principal entrance. The yard has on two occasions accommodated over three thousand. In 1690 the Fort was visited by King William III. on his way from Carrickfergus to the Boyne. He spent three days and three nights within it, and many Huguenot settlers of the locality joined his standard. Here he signed two very remarkable though widely differing instruments -- the grant of regium donum to Presbyterian Ministers, and the yearly grant of king's plate and incorporation of the Royal Down Corporation of Horse Breeders. After the Restoration the Fort was made a royal fortress by Charles II., who constituted Arthur Hill and his heirs hereditary Constables of Hillsborough Fort, with power to enrol Castle warders. This right the present Marquis retains, and it is an interesting sight and forms a strong link with the past to see the "Castlemen" march to church on Sunday mornings dressed in their quaint uniform. From the old Fort stretches

The Park,

all the way around and containing 1,500 acres. It is well wooded, beech, oak, elm, and ash growing freely, and some very fine trees are to be seen. There is a fine lake beautifully situated, and the covers abound with game.

A smaller park, commonly called the demesne, surrounds the Castle, the present residence of the Marquis of Downshire. This mansion was rebuilt in 1843 by the third Marquis. The rooms are spacious, the library well stocked with books, and there is a fine collection of family portraits, from "Sir Moyses Hill" (the first of the family, who came to Ireland at the end of the 16th century) downwards. At the postern gate grows a fine old Cedar of Lebanon, which, tradition says, was planted by a Maginness centuries ago on his return from the Crusades. The whole district was owned and occupied by the Maginness clan in ancient times, and the present representative of the family, Lord Iveagh, takes his title from the name of the barony.

A short distance from the town, adjoining the Dromore road, upon the summit of a hill stands, a handsome column, surmounted by a large statue of the third Marquis. It is a striking and conspicuous object for miles around, and from its base a fine view can be obtained of the rich valley of the Lagan stretching from Moira to Belfast.

A bronze statue, by Lynn, of the fourth Marquis, stands in the principal street of the town, and is greatly admired for its lifelike character.

The Downshire Schools,

built in 1887, are large and well proportioned. There is a school for boys and girls and an infant school, with classrooms for each. In the infant school the kindergarten system is followed.

The Presbyterian Church

adjoins the Lisburn road at the entrance to the town. It was rebuilt and much improved in 1885. Attached to it are a schoolhouse and teacher's residence.

The Society of Friends

have a meeting house, with burial-ground attached, adjacent to the Park. In the demesne, in a secluded corner, the visitor is suddenly surprised by a small graveyard embowered in fir trees. It is the old burying-place of the Quakers in years gone by.

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

THE HOUSE OF DOWNSHIRE:
A Sketch of its History from 1600 to 1868,

By HUGH M'CALL.
1881.

Dedicated to G. G. Tew, Esq., Manager of the Lisburn Branch of the Ulster Bank.

This interesting and valuable work comprises some 130 pages, and in addition to the history of the House of Downshire contains details of the founding of Tenant-right in Ulster.

EXTRACTS.

According to the best authority to be had on the subject, it appears that at the close of the sixteenth century, and when England's Queen was well stricken in years, the soil of this island was little better cultivated than is the home village of Belfast to the great seaport of Olderfleet (Larne), and for many miles of country on each side, was an almost interminable waste of furze and forest, with here and there a solitary farmstead, rude in construction as the wigwam of an Indian hunter. A few main roads there were, but the general mode of journeying was by bridle-paths, over which norsemen rode and pedestrians travelled, the carriage of merchandise being usually conducted by means of mountain-bred ponies -- a hardy race of animals capable of carrying great weights of goods on their backs at a pace of four or five miles an hour. Outside these pathways there was such a dense growth of elm, oak, and ash that one of the native Chiefs said -- "A man might almost make his way from MacAart's Fort to Lisnagarvey on the tops of trees."

About that time a soldier of fortune, Lieutenant-Colonel Moyses Hill, who, unaided by the influence of family power or official patronage, had made his way in the army by the force of his own prowess, was fortunate enough to attract the notice of her Majesty. The Hill family, of which the Lieutenant-Colonel was the sole representative, had at one time owned valuable property in Devonshire. In the reign of Henry the Fourth the Right Honourable John Hill, Judge of the Queen's Bench, possessed a handsome estate in that county, and his mansion at Hill's Court had been famed as a seat of old English hospitality. Sir Robert Hill, a cousin of the Judge, had also been very successful in the legal profession, and sat as Chief of the Common Pleas in the succeeding reign. This learned baronet became heir to the property of his cousin, which afterwards descended to his son John, a private gentleman, who resided at Hill's Court in Devon. It would appear that the next heir, Thomas Hill, Lord Mayor of London in the second year of Richard the Third's reign, had been an extensive merchant in that city. He added much to the family estate, and owned a mansion in Devon called Hillton. This gentleman died at an advanced age, and his successor, Robert Hill, came into possession of a very large property; but, being of a reckless spirit and fond of gaming, he continued with his elder son Edward to dissipate the property, and before the young lad Moyses came of age the entire inheritance had been sold, leaving the junior to push his fortune as best he could. Having early evinced a desire for military pursuits, young Hill entered the army of Queen Elizabeth in 1575, and for several years, was on active service in different parts of the European Continent. In course of his early career he had displayed so much celebrity in the field, and become so popular with his commander, that he was raised to the rank of major, and on his return to England in 1590 he had the honour of being presented to the Sovereign, and obtained the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

About that time the state of Ulster was one scene of anarchy. The rebellion of the Chiefs against all forms of British rule had become nearly general, and the head of the O'Neill dynasty, who was twice pardoned on his promise to surrender arms and let his followers betake themselves to rural industry, once again broke faith and took to the field. Lord Essex, Deputy-Governor of Ireland, sent a special messenger to London with despatches containing full reports of the continued tendency to outbreak on the part of the Chiefs. Colonel Arthur Chichester, a distinguished soldier, the descendant of a famous family in Devon; Sir Fulke Conway, of Conway Castle in Wales; and Lieutenant-Colonel Hill were selected, by the Queen to carry on with all possible effect the war against the native princes, under the command of the Earl of Essex.

(House of Downshire to be continued.)

=========================

THE LATE MR. ALEX. KIRKWOOD.

Lisburn Rural Council's Tribute.

At the monthly meeting of Lisburn Rural Council on Tuesday -- Mr. Henry Balance, J.P. (chairman), presiding.

Mr. Mockler referred in feeling terms to the death of Mr. Alexander Kirkwood, Magheralave, who for a long number of years had been a member of the Council. He said Mr. Kirkwood was one of the oldest and most respected members of the Council, and they all very much regretted his death. He moved that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mrs. Kirkwood, and a similar expression of condolence to Mr. Hugh Kirkwood, brother of the deceased.

Mr. M'Connell seconded the motion. Mr. Kirkwood, he said, was one of the most valuable members of the Council.

Mr. Hull said he was sure every member of the Council would agree that that resolution should be passed. Mr. Kirkwood -- Alexander Kirkwood -- was a straightforward, consistent, and good-hearted man who made friends wherever he went. He did his duty on that Council n conscientiously and earnestly and by his death the Council had suffered a great loss.

The Chairman, speaking on behalf of the Council, said they were all very sorry to lose such a valuable man as the late Mr. Kirkwood. He was a man who always did his work well and they would miss him very much indeed.

The motion was put and passed in silence, all the members standing.

A similar expression of sympathy was passed with Mr. Isaac Sloan, another member of the Board, on the death of his wife. This was sympathetically proposed by Mr. Armstrong, and seconded by Mr. Mockler. The Chairman said they all sympathised deeply and sincerely with Mr. Sloan in the great loss he had sustained.

had been forced off their little hill and had been unable to get beyond the German chain of concrete houses.

The enemy's aeroplanes came over to survey the situation, and, taking a leaf from our book, flew very low, firing their machine-guns at the advanced posts of Irish lying in shell-holes and in the hummocky grounds. They were in a desperate position, those advance posts. Then the enemy launched his counterattack from the direction of Zonnebeke, and gradually the shattered lines of the Irish fell back slowly, fighting little rearguard actions in isolated groups. Many of them were surrounded and cut off, or had to fight their way back in the night or the dawn of next day.

=========================

FORTUNE DID NOT FAVOUR THE ULSTERMEN.

HIGH TRADITIONS OF IMPERIAL PROVINCE MAINTAINED.

Another glorious chapter has been added to the record of Ulster's battle honours in this war (says the "Northern Whig"). To the names of Thiepval and Messines, already proudly blazoned on the colours of our heroic Division, must now be added that of Ypres. Unfortunately their latest achievement has taken a heavy toll of officers and men, and throughout the province to-day many homes are again clouded with sadness and anxiety. . . . The fortune of war has certainly not favoured the Ulstermen. Their latest task was one of the heaviest any troops were ever called upon to perform: but they have maintained once more the high traditions of the Imperial province, and the glory of Ypres has put the seal on the valour displayed so signally at the Somme. If the cost has been great the honour is also great. . . . The heavy losses which have been sustained must of necessity raise once more the question of conscription in Ireland. . . . There is no reason why the Government should not decide at once to extend compulsory military service to Ireland. By so doing it would add considerably to the fighting forces of the Allies, and it would at the same time ease a situation which owing to the lack of firm rule is becoming dangerous. It is an outrage that soldiers should be kept in this country to watch over men whose proper place should be in the fighting ranks of an army to which Irishmen have brought immortal glory.

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

FURTHER HONOUR FOR LIEUT.-COLONEL BEATTY.

Lieut.-Colonel William Dawson Beatty, Royal Engineers, who receives the Croix de Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Beatty, grandson of the late Mr. David Beatty, J.P., Bow Street, Lisburn, and relative of Rev. Canon Pounden.

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

"GAZETTE" ITEMS.

Monday evening's "Gazette" notifies that Major W. B. Ewart, Royal Irish Rifles, has relinquished his commission on account of ill-health contracted on active service, and is granted the hon. rank of major. Major Ewart, who is a son of Mr. F. W. Ewart, Derryvolgie, Lisburn, has served with the North Belfast Battalion since its formation.

The "Gazette" also notifies that Temporary Captain C. A. Whitfield, of the Ulster Division Train, has relinquished his commission to resume his medical studies, and is granted the hon. rank of captain. Captain Whitfield is a son of Mr. H. S Whitfield, Lambeg, and is a Queensman.

=========================

THE WAR.

-- -- -- --

TREMENDOUS BATTLES RAGING.

-- -- -- --

BRITISH MAKE PROGRESS AT LENS.

-- -- -- --

FRENCH AND ITALIANS TAKE MANY PRISONERS.

-- -- -- --

Further tremendously heavy fighting is reported this morning. A desperate struggle is in progress at Lens, where the British have made fresh progress and repulsed counter-attacks. They have also advanced north-east of Langemarck, and repulsed attacks there and near Ypres.

The French have gained ground on the right bank of the Meuse, and have foiled several attempted enemy attacks on the Aisne. The prisoners taken by them on the Meuse since August 20 now number 7,640, including 168 officers; 600-wounded prisoners have also been taken, and the material captured includes 24 guns and 200 machine-guns.

The Germans claim to have repulsed a British attack on a front of 9½ miles between Langemarck and Hollebeke, except at two points -- east of St. Julien and on the Ypres-Menin road. They admit a slight French gain on the Meuse.

The Italians have made considerable further progress on the Julian front, though the Austrians are redoubling their counter-offensives. From Sunday to Wednesday the Italian captures amount to 366 officers and over 16,000 men.

The Russians, in face of German pressure in the Baltic Sea region, have retired somewhat, the enemy occupying the vacated ground. The Russians set fire to villages before abandoning them.

=========================

THE LATE CAPTAIN A. S. TAYLOR, R.A.M.C.

Referring to the sporting side of the career of Captain A. S. Taylor (brother of Dr. Taylor, Lisburn), who was killed at the front recent, "Ireland's Saturday Night" says:--

He made his debut (for Ireland) in the scoreless match at Twickenham in 1910. That was the match which was attended by the King, and the start of which was delayed by a motor accident to the Irish team going to the ground. It is difficult to realise that Taylor is no more. He was so full of life and vitality that in ordinary circumstances a very successful career seemed to be in store for him. But a German shell has put an end to him, and no finer spirit has gone west in this war than the genial "A. S." He was a fine three-quarter at Queen's and at Edinburgh University, where he was so popular that he was president of the Union and captain of the 'Varsity XV. He played for Ireland on four occasions. His brother, Dr. David R. Taylor, and the other relatives will have the sincere sympathy of all Rugbeians in their sorrow.

We have received the following tribute:-- The late Captain A. S. Taylor, of Balfast, was one of many noted Irish Rugby men who captained Edinburgh University. Probably his last and greatest game was played on a beautiful afternoon at Hawick against the noted "Greens" of that Border town. Three well-known teams -- the Watsonians and 'Varsity, of "Auld Reekie," and the Hawick Club -- were all running a neck-to-neck race for the Scottish championship. No one would doubt Taylor's loyalty to his country (Ireland were playing Wales that same afternoon), yet Taylor thought it a duty to stand by his Scotch friends, and there is little doubt but that his personality that day saved his men from defeat. Captain Taylor, associated as he was with another member of the R.A.M.C., Lieut. Jimmy Huggan, an old Jed Forest boy, who also sleeps in Flanders, made a brilliant wing that day, which was crowned with the Irishman's finely-earned score. Not since the great days of that inimitable half-back Louie Magee has a more perfect sportsman than fleet-footed A. S. Taylor been seen on the playing fields of Caledonia.

=========================

Recovered from the Sea.

The Rev. S. Priestley, headmaster of Farnham Grammar School, received a cheque drawn by Major Francis G. Hearne on June 1 at Salonika for his son's tuition. The cheque had been recovered from a torpedoed mail-boat in the Mediterranean.

 

^ top of page

Lisburn Standard - Friday, 31 August, 1917

Birth

SHAW -- August 28, 1917, at Westerlea, Belfast Road, Lisburn, to Mr. and Mrs. J. M. W. Shaw, a daughter.

Roll of Honour

CHERRY -- August 16th, killed in action, Sergeant James Alexander ("Jim"), Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, only son of James Cherry, Bow Street, Lisburn.

TOPPING -- Killed in action, Corporal Henry Topping, Royal Irish Rifles, second son of Mr. Henry Topping, 6 Walton Place, Longstone Street, Lisburn. Deeply regretted by father and mother, brothers and sisters.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

XLVI.

-- -- --

THE HOUSE OF DOWNSHIRE:

A Sketch of its History from 1600 to 1868,

By HUGH M'CALL.
1881.

Dedicated to G. G. Tew, Esq., Manager of the Lisburn Branch of the Ulster Bank.

This interesting and valuable work comprises some 130 pages, and in addition to the history of the House of Downshire contains details of the founding of Tenant-right in Ulster.

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

EXTRACTS (Continued.)

In 1603 Lord Deputy Montgomery paid some high compliment's to the commanders of the troops, as well as to the soldiers under them, for the heroism they had displayed in their endurance of hardships which, he added, were sometimes more difficult to fight against than the weapons of the enemy. Colonel Moyses Hill, having been knighted, was thus raised in civil rank to the same position held by his brother-commanders. For some time, however, the royal troops made little progress in the campaign, the followers of the O'Neills, the Magennisses, and the O'Hagans fighting every inch of ground with the bravery that has ever distinguished the Celt in the battlefield. But, after years of struggle, the military education of the royal army, the superior discipline and experienced power of concentrating forces, finally overcame the Irish soldiers, and left the English commanders in full possession of Antrim, Down, and a great portion of Derry. The aged Queen had then been gathered to her fathers, and James the First wielded the royal sceptre. He was greatly overjoyed at hearing of the victories in Ireland, which his ministers and himself hoped would prove a total discomfiture of the Ulster Chiefs. But the Celtish Princes were not utterly cast down; they had all the sympathies of the natives on their side, and fleeing with the remnant of their armies into the wild fastnesses of Derry and Tyrone, they found safe refuge there for the time being. Ample estates, forfeited by the Chiefs who had repudiated English rule in Ireland, were handed over to the triumphant commanders of the King's soldiers. Sir Arthur Chichester, who in Elizabeth's day boasted that he had laid waste the dwellings of native farmers and the cabins of labourers for twenty miles, on each side of Carrickfergus, was presented with an entire tract of country which had some time before been wrested from Sir Thomas Smith, and was granted him by royal patent; Sir Fulke Conway received the entire Manor of Killultagh as his reward; and Sir Moyses Hill got about forty thousand awes of land in Down, besides nearly two thousand acres of property in Antrim. Nor did the Crown gifts end with these presentations. The former-named commander was appointed Lord of the Castle of Belfast and Governor of the Fort; Sir Fulke Conway was made military chief of Ennisloughlin; and Sir Moyses Hill a few years before had been raised to the dignity of Governor of Olderfleet Castle and its fortifications.

The gallant warrior resided for the greater part of his later days in an ancient building not far distant from Carrickfergus, and in 1597 married a Celtish beauty, Alice MacDonnell, of Dunluce Castle. That lady died before the end of twelve months, leaving an infant son named Peter. Some years afterwards Sir Moyses commenced the erection of a mansion and stronghold at an extreme point of his Down estate, and on a piece of rising ground situate at a picturesque spot not far distant from the hamlet of Lisnagarvagh. The work, as ultimately completed by his grandson Francis, was constructed after the design of an old baronial hall in Devon, and when finished, with its castellated turrets, high-peaked gables and loop-holed towers at each end, it was said to be one of the most picturesque castles in Down. The walls were of great strength, and the interior finish of carved oak panelling gave the character of both gloom and grandeur to the principal apartments. According to the architectural philosophy of that age, the windows were high and very narrow, as if the great object of those who designed plans for dwellings had been as much as possible to build out the light; even pure air seemed to have been placed under the ban of the architect. Around the mansion there was erected a high wall, on the top of which a number of cannons were placed. Two very powerful guns were placed in either side the archway that formed the grand entrance, causing the whole erection to appear as a powerful fortress. A broad range of tall elms surrounded the Castle, and through these there was hewn an avenue leading to the rude roadway that skirted the hillside. The structure was called Hill's Court, after the name of the mansion which, more than two hundred years before, was owned by the Right Honourable John Hill, of Devon; but the country people gave it the title of the Hall of the Hills, and hence arose the name Hill Hall, by which a large district in that part of Down is distinguished, and is still famed as being the home of sturdy men and handsome women. A portion of the well which formed the outer defence that surrounded the stronghold may yet be seen; but as there does not appear to be any care taken for the preservation of that remnant of the old Hall of the Hills, hardly a vestige of it will likely remain in a few years hence.

One of the most beautifully situated, as well as one of the healthiest summer retreats, is to be found at Hillhall House, the old home of the Malcolm family. It is said the entrance hall and staircase of this rural mansion had been designed from an old painting that represented the hall of Hill's Court. The site of the house is known to have been a portion of the pleasure-grounds attached to the old stronghold, and within the recollection of some of the older farmers of the district not long passed away there had been still standing at the commencement of the present century several ancient oaks planted by Francis Hill. In very few inland districts of Ulster could there be seen so much of the beautiful in natural scenery, or such glorious sunsets, as may be looked upon from this section of the pleasure grounds of the old Castle.

According to the tradition respecting Sir Moyses' second marriage, he had frequently met at a friend's house in Carrickfergus Miss Anne Dobbin. He was then on the shady side of forty; the young lady did not exceed half that age; she was very attractive, of good family, and the usual finale of the old story wound up the affair. Sir Moyses had been the hero of many battlefields, and gained much military fame, but in this second love chase he surrendered, as readily as the most juvenile courtier would have done, and in a few weeks after his first introduction to the county belle he was carried away captive even to the foot of the matrimonial altar. The young wife entered on her household duties with something like matronly wisdom. Her step-son was three years old, and to that child she proved herself a mother indeed. Twelve months after marriage she had a son of her own, who received the name of Arthur. In the very heartiness of fraternity the lads grew up from childhood, and that affectionate feeling increased as they reached riper ages, Mrs. Anne Hill having always shown to Alice MacDonnell's orphan the same motherly attention she did to her own son.

Like all other Undertakers to whom lands had been granted by the Crown, Sir Moyses was bound to give his tenants good leases at reasonable rents, and also to build a castle and stronghold as places of defence, to plant the land with English settlers, and he was not to exact of them either "cuttings" or "cosheries;" that was, he should not, under certain penalties, force the tenants to entertain him and his servants on journeys, nor could he demand that his military followers, as was the case under the feudal Princes, should be free of the farmers' houses, nor should they carry off cattle except on paying the owners their value.

Sir Moyses induced a number of farmers to come over from Devon and settle in Down, and to each of them, as well as to the four hundred native tenants already occupying small holdings on the estate, he granted leases at from one to two shillings an acre, and the area of every occupier might be extended by whatever breadth of land he could reclaim from the wilderness that lay near his farm. As a condition of these advantages tenants were bound to erect farm buildings and improve the land at their own cost.

The gallant knight lived, as his successors have done, on the most friendly terms with his tenants. Their interest's in the soil they had improved, and in the farm buildings they had raised, he looked upon as second only to his own rights as owner in fee simple, and they had perfect liberty to dispose of each interests on the best terms they could command. In the good spirit of the feudal chiefs, Sir Moyses always celebrated holiday seasons at Hill's Court. The Yule log was burned at Christmas, the mistletoe had its special place in the Hall, and from that day until the new year set in there was open house is for all comers, with no lack of home brewed ale and ample sirloins of beef and barley bread. Easter festivals were maintained in all the spirit of the good old times, as kept up in Devon, and the Maypole was raised on the last night of April and handsomely decorated for the sports of next day. On each of these occasions the old knight joined with the people in their amusements, and for the time being all grades of rank were cast aside.

Sir Moyses Hill proved himself to be the patron as well as the protector of his tenantry of all classes and creeds. The farm stock and other property of the Roman Catholics, the Dissenters, and the Episcopalians who resided on his estates in Down and Antrim were held sacred as he considered the patent by which he was chief of those lands. The rents were duly paid, and the grateful feeling which always accompanied the discharge of these obligations was highly appreciated by their landlord. After having for more than a quarter of a century enjoyed the pleasures of proprietorship the old warrior died at Hill's Court, Hill Hall, on the tenth day of February, 1630, and in the seventy-sixth year of his age. In an obituary notice of that event an ancient chronicler said:-- "Sir Moyses Hill departed this life full of years and honours, highly respected as a statesman, and very popular as a magistrate and a landowner." In course of his reign the old soldier had made several purchases of land from those native Chiefs who had either not joined in the local campaign against the English, or, having done so, laid down their arms and were pardoned. Several thousands of acres had thus been added to the original grant from the Crown, making the next heir one of the most extensive of Ulster's territorials.

Peter Hill, eldest son of the deceased, had, some time before his father's death, rebuilt the old castle that had formerly been one of the strongholds of the Magennisses. Immediately after his accession to the estates he set about founding a town on the mound which formed the site of the little village, consisting of mud-wall cabins built in the old and comfortless style of rude architecture, and some of which lacked the luxury of glass windows. A number of brick houses were erected, nearly all of the two storey high, and covered on the roof with slates or shingles. Such was the origin of Hillsborough, the capital of the Downshire estates. The first heir of the property did not long enjoy his baronial honours, and at his death an only son, Francis, who till then had resided at Hill's Court, Hill Hall, removed to Hillsborough, but soon afterwards went back to his parents' mansion. It does not appear from the very few incidents which have been preserved of this gentleman's biography that he ever showed any ambition either for the greatness of the Senate or the glory of the battlefield. He had no family, and no desire for travel, the length of his journeyings rarely exceeding the run from the Castle at Hillsborough to the rural fortification at Hill Hall.

Francis Hill died without male issue in March, 1655, and was buried in the family vault of the Lisburn Church, after which his uncle, the Right Honourable Arthur Hill, second son of Sir Moyses, founder of the family, became heir to the estate. This scion of the house inherited all his father's love of military life, and had joined the army when little beyond his boyhood. Having distinguished himself in the wars undertaken by Charles the First, he retired from the service with the rank of colonel. During the Protectorate he entered the English Parliament, and continued to attend his duties there until the Restoration, when he was appointed a member of the King's Privy Council.

(House of Downshire to be continued.)

=========================

THE WAR.

-- -- -- --

THE TURNING-POINT OF WHOLE WAR REACHED.

-- -- -- --

BRITISH MAKE SLIGHT ADVANCE.

-- -- -- --

ANOTHER HEAVY LOCAL CASUALTY LIST.

-- -- -- --

The British on the Ypres front have advanced their line slightly south-east of Janshoek. The French have repelled attacks on the Aisne, Meuse, and in the Champagne. The Germans claim to have repulsed a violent British attack north-east of Willtje (two miles north-east of Ypres), and French reconnoitring attacks on the Aisne.

The Italian captures of prisoners in the present great Isonzo battle total 25,061. The struggle is now for the retention of the ground gained, not a yard of which have the Austrians been able to retake. General Cadorna states that he regards the battle as one of the most important of the war owing to its vast objectives and probable results. He asserts that "the imminent and decisive success of Italy means the turning-point of the whole war."

In a Roumanian battle east of Ireshti, in the Focsani direction, the Russians state that many of their men of two regiments abandoned their positions and retired. One of these regiments afterwards dispersed. Probably as a result of this craven action, the Germans, dealing with the same battle, state that they threw the Russo-Roumanians out of Ireshti, taking 300 prisoners and numerous machine-guns.

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

THE SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

23 Big Vessel Sunk Last Week.

Last week there was an increase in the steamers lost by enemy action -- 23 against 18, but no fishing vessel was sunk. During the 27 weeks of unrestricted war on merchantmen 523 ships of 1,600 tons or over have gone down, 178 under that tonnage, with 162 fishing vessels.

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

THE IRISH LOSSES.

Startling Allegation.

The "Daily Sketch" learns there is likely to be some trouble over the Irish losses in the last push. The allegation is that they were needlessly heavy.

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

KILLED.

Second-Lieut, A. H. M'Cullagh, R.I.F., Upper Ballinderry.
Second-Lieut. Charles L. Henry, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Sergeant William Orr, R.I.R.
Corporal Robert Porter, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Corporal Henry Topping, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Rifleman S. M. Patterson, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Rifleman William Hamilton, R.I.R., Tullynacross.
Private William Gribben, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Lisburn.
Rifleman George Adair, R.I.R., Crumlin.
Rifleman Walter Baker, R.I.R., Lisburn.

WOUNDED AND MISSING.

Second-Lieut. W. H. Clements, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

WOUNDED.

Second-Lieut. J. O. M'Cammon Dunwoody, South Staffords.
Company Sergeant-Major Thomas Lunn, D.C.M., R.I.R., Lisburn.
Sergeant Wm. Kelly, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Sergeant David Fisher, R.I.R., Lambeg.
Corporal Robert Frazer, R.I.R., Tanaghbrick, Lisburn.
Corporal John Orr, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Rifleman John A. Beare, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Private W. J. M'Keown, Irish Guards, Dunmurry.
Rifleman S. Ayre, R.I.R., Glenavy.
Rifleman S. M'Clelland, R.I.R., Glenavy.
Rifleman Geo. Steadman, R.I.R., Lisburn.
Rifleman J. Graham, R.I.R., Lisburn.

GASSED.

Corporal T. Matier, R.I.R., Glenavy.
Rifleman Johnston, R.I.R., Glenavy.

RELATIVES' DEEP ANXIETY.

A number of other soldiers are unofficially reported killed, much to the anxiety of their relatives.

-- -- -- --

KILLED.

Second-Lieut. A. H. M'Cullagh.

Second-Lieut. A. H. M'Cullagh, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, reported last week as missing (believed wounded) since the 16th inst., is now reported killed in action. Deceased was attached to a trench-mortar battery, and a letter received on Saturday fron a chaplain puts it beyond doubt that he was killed. Deceased was the elder son of Mr. W. J. M'Cullagh, principal of the Upper Ballinderry National School, and had been at the front since February, 1917. He was studying at Connell's Academy in Belfast for the Civil Service before he entered the army.

Second-Lieut. Charles L. Henry.

Second-Lieut. Charles L. Henry, Royal Irish Fusiliers, killed in action on 16th inst., was the youngest son of Mr. James Henry, barrister-at-law on the North-East Circuit, formerly of Lisburn and now of 32 Belgrave Square, Dublin. His brother, Lieut. W. C. Henry, Royal Irish Fusiliers, was killed in action in May, 1916. Deceased fought in the ranks with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers at Suvla Bay, and was subsequently sent to a cadet unit. He was appointed to a commission in the Royal Irish Fusiliers on the 10th December, 1916.

Corporal Robert Porter, R.I.R. (Y.C.V.) killed in action, is the husband of Mrs. Porter, East Down View, Low Road, Lisburn. He was a reserve man with nine years' service. He was servant to Lieut.-Colonel M'Cammond before that officer went to the front, and Mrs. M'Cammond, widow of that gallant officer, on hearing the sad news came up to Lisburn specially to personally express her sympathy with Mrs. Porter and her two little children. Corporal Porter was only five weeks in France, and was killed in his first action. His stepfather and brother-in-law are both serving.

Sergeant William Orr, R.I. Rifles, killed in action, was the husband of Mrs. Orr, 33 Belvoir Street, Belfast. He was a member of the U.V.F. and of Maze Masonic Lodge.

Corporal Henry Topping, R.I.R., killed in action, is the second son of Mr. Henry Topping, 6 Walton Place, Longstone Street, Lisburn, who received the official intimation of his son's death yesterday morning, together with a message of sympathy from the King and Queen. This soldier prior to the war was in the employment of the Great Northern Railway in the engine-shop at Windsor. Captain W. Ellis has forwarded the following letter of sympathy to Mr. Topping:-- "It is with feelings of the deepest regret I have to inform you of the death of your son Harry. He was killed by a fragment from a shell which burst close to his section during the first ten minutes of our advance on the 16th inst. Everything possible was done for him at the time, but he passed away a few minutes afterwards, apparently suffering no pain. It will comfort you in the hour of your sad bereavement to know that he died doing his duty nobly and faithfully to the end. He will be greatly missed in the company, where he was a great favourite with all ranks. All the company officers join with me in tendering to you our deepest sympathy in the sad loss of your dear son." A brother of the deceased soldier, Sergeant Thomas Topping, was reported wounded last week, while, considerable anxiety is felt about an uncle of these soldiers, Private Samuel Topping, whose wife resides at 44 Millbrook, Lisburn. It is unofficially reported that he was seen to fall in the fight, but so far no definite news has been received.

Rifleman S. M. Patterson, killed in action on 8th inst., was the eldest son of the late Mr. Rainey Patterson and Mrs. Patterson, 26 Old Hillsborough Road, Lisburn.

Rifleman William Hamilton, R.I.R., killed in action, was a son of Mr. Thomas Hamilton, Tullynacross, Lisburn.

Private William Gribben, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action, was a son of the late Mr. Charles Gribben, Manor Street, Longstone, Lisburn. He was a hairdresser by occupation. Shortly after the outbreak of war he enlisted in the Munster Fusiliers, but afterwards applied for and was successful in getting transferred to the Inniskillings. His brother, Trooper Samuel Gribben, is in the Inniskilling Dragoons, and is at present home on leave.

Rifleman George Adair, R.I.R., killed in action on 16th inst., a son of Mr. Geo. Adair, Seacash, British, Crumlin. He was a member of the U.V.F. and of Ballynadrenta L.O.L. 1059, Glenavy district. His company commander writes that his loss is very deeply felt throughout the battalion, and that he was greatly loved and respected, both by the officers and men.

Rifleman Walter Baker, R.I.R. (Y.C.V.) killed in action, resided at 10 Seymour Street, Lisburn. He was a member of the Church Lads' Brigade and of the Temperance Silver Band. He went out to the front in October, 1915, and it is just five weeks since he was home on his first leave. As uncle of this soldier died in France; another uncle and four cousins are serving.

WOUNDED AND MISSING.

Second-Lieut. W, H. Clements.

Second-Lieut. W. H. Clements, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, wounded and missing since 16th inst., is the younger son of Mr. Andrew Clements, LL.D., Anahilt, Knutsford Drive, Belfast, and formerly of Anahilt, Lisburn, and nephew of Mr. James Hunter, C.E., Antrim Road, Lisburn. He was educated at the Lisburn Intermediate School, and was in the Ulster Bank when the war broke out. He joined the Pals Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on its formation, and took part in the landing at Suvla Bay and the subsequent hard fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsula, including the famous battle for Chocolate Hill. He afterwards served at Salonica. Being recommended for a commission, he came home, and after spending some time with a cadet corps was posted to the Inniskillings.

WOUNDED.

Second Lieut. J. O. M'Cammon Dunwoody.

Second-Lieut, J. O. M'Cammon Dunwoody, South Staffordshire Regiment, wounded in France, is the eldest son of Mr. J. O. Dunwoody, H.M. Customs and Excise, London, and a nephew of Mr. William Dunwoody, Moorhall, Lisburn.

Company Sergeant-Major T. Lunn, Royal Irish Rifles, wounded in the chest and back, is a son of Mr. Joseph Lunn, Old Hillsborough Road, Lisburn. He won the Distinguished Conduct Medal some time back for gallantry in the field. A brother, Corporal James Lunn, R.I.R., was killed at the Somme.

Sergeant William Kelly, R.I. Rifles, reported wounded, resides at Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn. He is one of several brothers who volunteered on the outbreak of war.

Sergeant David Fisher, Royal Irish Rifles, wounded, is a son of Mr. William Fisher, Greenhill, Lambeg.

Corporal Robert Frazer, wounded in the leg, and in hospital in Leeds, is a son of Mrs. Matthew Frazer, Tanaghbrick, and brother of Mr. James Frazer, Market Square. He is doing well.

Corporal John Orr, R.I.R., wounded for the fourth time, is the husband of Mrs. Orr, Longstone Street, Lisburn. He is a well-known Lisburn United footballer.

Rifleman John A. Beare, Royal Irish Rifles, wounded, is a son of the late Mr. David Beare, Bridge Street, Lisburn, and Mrs. Beare, now of Rugby Avenue, Belfast.

Private W. J. M'Keown, Irish Guards, wounded and in hospital, is the youngest son of Mr. T. M'Keown, Ballycollin, Dunmurry. Before enlisting he was an apprentice plumber in Messrs. Harland & Wolff's.

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

Rifleman S. Ayre and Rifleman S. M'Clelland, reported wounded, and Corporal T. Matier and Rifleman Johnston, gassed, all of the local battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, belong to Glenavy district, and are members of Glenavy Parish Church.

Rifleman George Steadman, R.I.R., reported wounded, is a son of Mrs. Steadman, Bachelors' Walk. Before the war he was a prominent in local football circles.

Rifleman J. Graham, R.I.R., reported wounded, resided at Sloan Street, Lisburn.

=========================

LISBURN GUARDIANS' SYMPATHY

WITH RELATIVES OF FALLEN SOLDIERS.

Before the commencement of the business at the weekly meeting of Lisburn Board of Guardians on Tuesday -- Lady Keightley (chairman) presiding,

Mr. M'Connell said that since the last meeting of the Board the sad news had come to hand of the great losses sustained by the Ulster and Irish Divisions in an important attack made on the northern section of the fighting line. Many homes in Lisburn and the surrounding country were in mourning and sorrowing for the loss of loved ones, and he thought it only fitting that the Board of Guardians as a public body should give expression to their deep sympathy and sorrow, and place on record their pride at the gallantry and pluck of those heroes who had fallen in defence of their country and the cause of liberty. While sympathising with all the mourners of the fallen and their friends whose relatives were wounded, they (the Board) were sure that the brave men did all they could do in the struggle for the honour of the Empire.

Mr. John Martin said they all endorsed the remarks that had just been made. He might say that he had it from the best authority that the Division were given what appeared to be an almost impossible task, yet they faced it with courage and confidence and added glory to their name. Many of the brave men fell, and while their names would ever be honoured he had a melancholy pleasure in seconding that a resolution of sympathy be passed with the bereaved relatives.

Mr. Scott said there never was a time in the history of the world when so many good men were laying down their lives. It was terrible to think of it. He was in all sympathy with the resolution.

Lady Keightley -- I'm sure we all agree with it. I don't think we can feel enough for those who have lost their dear ones in the frightful battle, and it is only right that we should not allow this meeting to pass without expressing our deep sympathy for them, as well as our great admiration for the heroes who sacrificed their lives in protecting those at home.

The resolution was passed in silence, Mr. Doloughan adding that none of them could really realise the awful sorrow caused throughout the country. There was hardly a home that had not lost some member of the family.

=========================

THE LATE SERGEANT CHERRY.

As we mentioned last week, the late Sergeant Jim Cherry, who was killed in action on the 16th inst., was the only son of Mr. James Cherry, Bow Street. Mr. and Mrs. Cherry have received many letters of sympathy and consolation in their grief. "Jim's death brings great sorrow to you, but great joy to him," says one, and adds:--

I hope his noble example, and that of the other brave men who have fallen, will make those at home who have not risen to a sense of duty ashamed of themselves. As I saw in a in memoriam notice the other day: "It is better to die in honour than to live in shame."

Captain H. C. Gordon, in a letter to Mr. Cherry, says:-- I knew your son for years in Enniskillen, and had a great regard for him. He joined the same time as I did. He always did his work cheerfully and well, and we all looked upon him as one of the best sergeants in the company.

In another letter the Church of Ireland Chaplain, Captain Alexander Spence, says that Sergeant Cherry took part in the advance on the morning of the 16th inst., and that he was struck by shrapnel and died instantaneously while gallantly advancing in the face of a very intense shell and machine-gun fire. He had a very high character in the army, and was a most capable soldier, upon whom the utmost confidence could be placed.

=========================

SECOND-LIEUTENANT CHARTER'S GALLANTRY.

His Great Coolness Averted Many Casualties.

The deed for which Second-Lieutenant Wm. F. Charter, Scottish Rifles, Special Reserve (son of Mrs. Charter, 28 Seymour Street, Lisburn), was awarded the Military Cross, has now been gazetted, viz.:--

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His company formed part of a working party 200 yards from the enemy lines. They were discovered and subjected to very heavy shell-fire. When ordered to withdraw he remained behind and succeeded in getting in all the wounded of his company, working under very heavy fire. He also went out to order the covering party to withdraw when all the working party had gone in. His great coolness and disregard of danger contributed very largely to the orderly nature of the withdrawal, whereby many casualties were avoided.

=========================

GAZETTE ITEMS.

Royal Irish Rifles.

Temporary Major (acting Lieutenant-Colonel) P. L. Kington Blair Oliphant, D.S.O., to command a battalion, and to be temporary lieutenant-colonel (5th May, 1917, with seniority 15th Sept., 1916). Lieutenant-Colonel Oliphant is the commanding officer of the South Antrim Volunteers.

Temporary Second-Lieutenant R. P. Hatch to be acting lieutenant (24th July, 1917). Lieutenant Hatch is a son of the late Mr. Hatch, C.P.S., Hillsborough.

Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Temporary Second-Lieut. W. C. S. Magill to be temporary lieutenant (21st May, 1917). Lieut Magill is the only son of the late Dr. Magill, Lisburn. He was reported wounded last week.

=========================

Famous Airman Dead.

The death is reported at Kieff of Col. Jas. Valentine, D.S.O. He was practically the last of the air pioneers who gave demonstrations at Leopardstown some years ago under the auspices of the Irish Aero Club.

=========================

"THE WINNERS."

We stand one with the man that died;
Whatever the goal, we have these beside.
Living or dead, we are comrades all--
Our battles are won by the men that fall.

He died quick with his face to the foe,
In the heart of a friend must needs die slow.
Over his grave shall be heard the call--
The battle is won by the men that fall.

For a dead man leaves you a work to do;
Your heart's so full that you fight like two.
And the dead man's aim is the best of all--
The battle is won by the men that fall.

Oh, lads, dear lads, who were loyal and true,
The worst of the fight was borne by you;
So the word shall go to the cottage and hall--
Our battles are won by the men that fall.

When peace dawns over the countryside
Our thanks, shall be to the lads that died;
Oh, quiet hearts, can they hear us tell
How peace was won by the men that fell?

 

^ top of page