Old News and Court Cases, Banbridge And Seapatrick Area

Mon. Nov. 21st.1796

Thursday the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland held a Privy Council at Dublin Castle, when a proclamation was issued, declaring the parishes of Tullylish, Aghaderg, Donagheloney, Maralin and Seapatrick, in the County of Down, to be in a state of disturbance, a certified memorial for the purpose to his excellency the Lord Lieutenant having been received, signed by 24 magistrates of that County.

Tues. Aug. 6th. 1828 Down Assizes

Robert Cairns and Margaret Reid for stealing £10 in money on the 16th April, property of Robert Arderry at Banbridge_ Not guilty

Julia Birmingham for stealing a piece of woolen cloth from the shop of Mr. Herron, Banbridge, on 28th. April, _Guilty 7years transportation.

Friday April 3rd. 1829

James Armstrong for stealing 15 shillings in silver, and £3, 10s in banknotes, the property of James Killis on 17th. Nov. in Banbridge_Guilty

Friday April 2nd. 1830

William Campbell for stealing in Aug. last at Banbridge a sum of money from the person of Patrick Hillan _ Guilty, transported for 7 years.

George Mathews for stealing two sheep, the property of William Quinn, at Loughbrickland, on 5th. March last_Guilty, Transportation.

Patrick Denvir, for having a forged note of the Bank of Ireland in his possession in Banbridge on the 18th. Feb. last and endeavouring to pass it.

Tuesday April 6th. 1830.

Catherine Roddy, indicted under Lord Ellenborough's act, for assaulting Wm. McTier at Banbridge on the 28th. Sept. last by stabbing him with a knife, acquitted, no prosecution. Same prisoner was then indicted for a common assault on the said Mr. McTier,_ Guilty, 12 months imprisonment.

Friday April 1st. 1831

William Hogg, for the burglary in the dwelling house of Margaret Mitchell on 8th. Jan, last in Banbridge. Margaret Mitchell keeps the post office in Banbridge, her house was broken into on the morning of 9th. Jan.

Wednesday March 30th. 1831

Richard Bright and Henry McCarrol for stealing ten yards of linen cloth the property of Wm. Hayes, in Dec. last_ Case dismissed

James McShane, for stealing 30 yards of sacking the property of George Black. of Banbridge on the 2nd. of Feb._ Guilty

Friday Aug. 5th. 1831

Ann McGowan for a robbery on the person of Robert Carruthers and stealing from him £14 at Banbridge on 12th. Jan. last._Guilty

Sat. July 23rd. 1831, Banbridge Affray

At the inquest held by Dr. Tyrrell ,coroner on the bodies of the persons who were drowned in the Bann, in the conflict between catholics and orangemen on the 1st.instant, the following testimony was elicited, the names of the deceased were Peter Farrell , Peter Byrne, Patrick Macken and Bernard McLenan. Dennis Timothy Murphy, excise officer of  tullyorier about two o'  clock p.m. on the 12th. day of July, saw a number of  persons standing on the road, understood their object was to prevent the orange men walking, he advised the people to disperse, as their intention was foolish, he thought they would have done so, several of them had fire and side arms, he knew none of the party, the party told him they had received a challenge from the orange men and would prevent them if they could.

Bernard Magee a farmer, sworn- lives in Tullyorier he saw deceased persons ,knew two of them, Peter Farrell and Bernard McLenan, he saw two others lying on the bank of the river Bann which runs through the town land of tullyorier, they had been taken out of the river that morning, Wednesday the 13th. of July he saw those men, now dead running to that part of the river from which they were taken out, about seven o, clock on the evening before and run into it, he thinks they ran into the river for the purpose of saving their lives, by getting across it, he saw two persons driving after them, he supposed they were chasing them, but cannot of himself tell the names of those person who were pursuing them, but heard others, whom he believed belonged to their party, they call them Gilly Logan and Robert Logan, each of these persons had a gun, he saw Gilly Logan fire a shot at the deceased, as they were running into the river, the distance between the parties at that time was 18 or 20 perches.

The Logans then returned to their party and heard the man called Gilly Logan while throwing up his hat say there was one Kiln? cast? gone. In Logans party about 20 had fire arms. Bernard Linden of Tullyorier a farmer swore that he saw about 12 men running toward the Bann on the evening of Tuesday July 12th. who were chased by a number of persons who he believed were orange men, each party had firearms, he swears that Gilly Logan was one of them, he had a sash on and Gilly Logan fired two shots. Rose Flanigan of Tullyorior swore she saw the bodies of the deceased, she saw two of them living on the 12th. of July, their names were Farrell and McLenan, William Kelly of Banbridge swore he heard an engagement was to take place that day between the orangemen and catholics, he heard the catholics were preparing to stop them. Michael Hook also swore a statment. James Marrin swore that he also saw the engagement that day. Robert Dempster also swore he saw the engagement

Tuesday, Feb. 12th. 1833 Lent Assizes, Murder.

Joseph Lyons, residing at Tullyeer on the road leading from Banbridge to Rathfryland was on the night of the 12th. of January, beat and abused by a number of fellows, in such severe a manner as to cause his death. A reward of £200 has been offered for the discovery of the persons concerned in the murder.

Tuesday, June 11th. 1833 Bleach Green Robbery

On Friday night or Saturday morning on the 25th.ult. the bleach green of Ed. C. Clibborn Esq. Banbridge was broken into and a quanity of fine linen cloth taken there from, of the value of £30 upwards, early on Saturday morning two sub constables of Captain Griffin's constabulary force searched the houses of two notorious characters, Sam and Ed. O'Neill, They found a large quanity of linen under the bed in one of the rooms, and in another room ,three inches below the floor was a box containing the remainder of the cloth. Sam had the confidence to appear before Captain Griffin on Sunday morning and demanded the cloth back, he was kept in custody till Monday, then committed for trial at Downpatrick.  Samuel O'Neill was found guilty and sentenced to be transported for 7 years.

Friday, Aug. 2nd. 1833 County Down Assizes,

John Harewood, William Ferguson, James Kennedy, George Ferguson, Arnold Hamilton, Robert Mercer, John Birch, John Gallagher, James White, and Patrick McDowell were placed in the dock, charged with unlawfully assembling at Banbridge on July the 12th. last bearing flags and other emblems, to the danger of his Majesty's well disposed subjects, particularly those of the Roman catholic persuasion, the prisoners having voluntarily submitted, it was agreed by council that they should be held to bail in their own cognizances of £50, to appear, when called upon to receive judgment.

Friday March 14th. 1834  Boy Missing

On Friday 7th. Inst. A boy about 11 years of age named Thomas Connelly, silly in his manner, timid, and unwilling to speak, strayed from his place of abode. Any person who will give information to his father, Thomas Connelly, of Drummillar, or to Mr. John woods of Banbridge will perform an act of great charity to his afflicted parents.

Friday, Aug. 1st. 1834  Stole Shirt,

Thomas Butler was indicted for stealing a shirt near Banbridge on the 9th. of July, the property of Peter McGra, also for stealing a vest and other articles at the same time and place, the articles were found on the prisoners person in Newry the same day, the prisoner said he only borrowed them, and intended to return them _Guilty

 Tues. Aug. 11th. 1835 County Down Assizes, Downpatrick Crown Court,

Thomas Mulligan, for having a forged 30shilling note of the Bank of Ireland in his possession on the 10th. of November in Banbridge. knowing the same to be forged, _ Guilty.

John Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Joseph Green, Nath. Jordan, and William Blakely, for a riot at Ballyroney, on the 12th. of July last. Prisoners were allowed to traverse in prox. till next assizes, not having been amenable in time.

Mary Carrand and Mary Smith, for stealing a cow, at Banbridge the property of Henry Sheil, it appeared that the younger prisoner was the daughter of the prosecutor, _no prosecution.

Friday March 13th. 1836.

John Laverty for stealing a Gelding, at Banbridge on 27th. July the property of John McAleece_ Guilty, Transported for life.

Tuesday March 14th. 1837.

Oliver Magennis, for passing a forged order to Joseph Morton, on the 5th. Feb. 1830, and obtaining a quanity of linen yarn, guilty of obtaining by false pretences, sentenced to two months imprisonment.

Tuesday March 13th. 1838

Susannah Hainey and John Thornberry, for stealing £9 from the person of Hiram Moneypenny at Banbridge, on 19th. Oct. last. Hiram Moneypenny was in bed in a lodging house in Banbridge on the night in question, and the prisoner Thornberry with him, witness had his small clothes on, and had his pocket book containing the money in the the right hand pocket, during the night he felt a hand in his pocket taking out the book, and immediately saw the prisoner Hainey she blew out the candle and ran down the stairs, witness attempted to rise, but Thornberry put his arm round his neck and prevented him from following as quickly as he would have done, witness got downstairs and procured a light, shortly afterwards he went back upstairs,

Thornberry pretended to be asleep, witness pulled him in the bed to awaken him, but Thornberry pretended to be fast asleep, then Thornberry got up and they went downstairs, Thornberry told him not to be afraid as Hainey was his cousin and he would get back the money from her, but Hainey and Thornberry accused each other of stealing the money, witness said he would give Hainey 30shillings if she gave the money back, she promised to do so but went upstairs and jumped out of the window, witness went out and got a policeman, Thornberry was taken into custody, and Hainey a short time later._Guilty each transported for 10 years.

Tuesday July 24th. 1838,

John McEnally and Thomas McEnally, for stealing a Ewe and lamb from James Morran at Loughbrickland on 23rd. June, John Hawthorn deposed that he met prisoners about a mile from Mr. Morran's, driving a sheep along the road._Not quilty

Sat. July 19th. 1840, Hayes V Hayes. County Of Down Assizes

This was an action brought by Mr. Richard Hayes against his brother Mr. Fredrick William Hayes, flax spinner, Seapatrick, near the same place. The grounds of action were, that the defendant had injured the plaintiffs mills and water course, by making certain alterations which threw the plaintiffs mill wheel into back water, and impeded the working of the machinery, nominal damages merely were sought. Defendants plea was a broad denial.

Friday April 9th. 1841, cruelty to horses.

Robert Hughes and john Moore, fined 5shillings each and costs.

Tuesday Feb. 28th. 1843

Charles Hamilton was indicted for stealing a quanity of oats the property of John Bell, at Banbridge on the 19th. Jan. last, aquitted for lack of evidence, prisoner was again indicted for obtaining a flour bag from William Finlay, under false pretences, on 17th. Jan. last _Guilty

Tuesday Aug. 8th. 1843, Affray at Ballyvarley

According to arrangements made last week, on Tuesday before the bench of magistrates in Banbridge, informations were preferred and perfected against the following persons of the Protestant party, charged with being concerned in the riot at Ballyvarley on the 13th. of July, John Morgan, James Brown, William Hume, (recruiting)-sergeant), John Edmonson, Sen., John Edmonson, Jun., R. McBurney, George Harper, James Topley, Thomas Anderson, William Campbell, S. Waldron, William Jackson and Joseph Edmonson. On Wednesday information was sworn against the following persons, of the Roman catholic party, Francis McGrath, Andrew Kerr, John Kerr, son, John Kerr, Jun., Thomas McAteer, James McAvoy, Francis O'Neill, James McGrath, Ann McGrath, and James McElroy, both parties gave in bail to take their trials at the ensuing Assizes for this County, and thus the matter rests for the present.

Sat. Jan. 28th. 1844.Woman Poisoned

Woman poisoned by her husband and mother in law, a poor woman named Mary Potts, died in the town land of Kilpike, and the parish of Seapatrick, three miles from Banbridge on the 6th. instant after a short illness, and was interred in Dromore on the following day. Suspicion having been excited by the abruptness of the interment, and by a communication made to her brother, to the effect that her death had not resulted from natural disease, the body was exhumed and an inquest held, before the county coroner at Banbridge on the 11th. after a post mortem examination. The inquest was adjourned till Tuesday last, and the stomach of the deceased in the meantime was submitted to test by eminent chemists in Dublin.

The husband of the deceased John Potts and his mother Elizabeth Potts, being committed to Newry bridewell. The result has been, that a verdict of wilful murder has been returned against both, on the evidence of a little girl, daughter of the deceased and of a young woman named Isabel Dickson, and they have been committed to Down Goal for trial. Potts was proved to have purchased poison in Banbridge about six weeks before, and on the day of the death of deceased, the little girl saw her grandmother mix some white substance from a paper in deceased's drink (she had been lately confined). Arsenic was found in deceased's stomach.

Tuesday March 11th. 1845

James Logan, for receiving three hackles, the property of  F. W. Hayes, Banbridge on 19th. Feb. last. -Guilty

Tuesday March 11th. 1845

Joseph Smith, For receiving two hackle stocks, the property of F. W. Hayes, Banbridge, knowing the same to be stolen.-_Not guilty.

Tuesday March 11th. 1845, Stealing

Rose Jarvis, for stealing a piece of cloth, the property of Mrs Jane Herron, Banbridge, _Guilty, to be imprisoned for three months.

Friday March 13th. 1846

Robert Mulligan, for stealing a hand vice and some keys on the 31st. Jan. the property of James Baird, Banbridge, pleaded guilty, to be imprisoned for three months, and kept at hard labour.

Sarah Ann Morrison, for having stolen a letter, containing a half note of the Provincial Bank of Ireland, the property of Charlotte McHugh, at Loughbrickland, on the 10th. of Jan. last, Not guilty

Friday July 17th. 1846,

Patrick Savage, was indicted for having sent threatening letters to William Ewart, Martin Magill and Matthew Maxwell, and having posted a threatening notice at Kates-bridge, on March 3rd. The prisoner had sold a farm to Ewart, and afterwards demanded it back, which Ewart refused to do, some days after, he and other prosecutors, who live in the neighbourhood of Katesbridge, received the documents which formed the subject of indictment, these were signed Patrick savage and uttered threats in relation to the occupation of the farm by Ewart. The evidence to prove the handwriting of the letters was entirely defective, -Not guilty.

Friday July 17th. 1846,

James Eager Wilson, for assaulting Thomas Malcomson at Banbridge on the 15th. June last, _Guilty, sentence not passed.

Tuesday march 9th. 1847

Susanna McDowell, for stealing a yard of pink lining calico, the property of Robert Robertson, Banbridge on the 1st. Feb. Guilty, to be imprisoned three Months and kept to hard labour.

Tuesday march 9th. 1847

Jane Dixon, for stealing two geese, the property of William Malone, at Ballydown, on the 11th. Feb, Not guilty.

Monday Dept. 17th. 1848, Arrests, for murder.

On Wednesday evening the 13th. Sub. constable Skelly, of the Dunkiven  constabulary arrested two notorious characters, named George Curran and Mary Anne Clifford, who appeared in the "Hue and Cry" under the head of County Down, and who it has been supposed were participators in the murder of Eliza Fitzpatrick at Banbridge in the latter end of august last.

Tues. Sept. 4th. 1849. Frightful Accident

On the morning of the 27th. the following fearful occurrence took place in Seapatrick flax spinning mill near Banbridge, Samuel Bambrick a young man employed in the above mill as a belt maker and repairer came accidentally in collision with a horizontal shaft, by which spinning frames are driven, when he was entangled thereon, and instantly killed, his body having been mutilated in a fearful manner, his skull and brains were literally scattered through the room, one arm taken off and the other dislocated. Both of his feet were broken off by the ankles, one of them was driven through the top of the mill and found on the slates, a coroners inquest being held, the verdict returned was death by accident.

 Monday July 19th. 1852, Tullylish Murder

Thomas Connor, was indicted for the manslaughter of his wife Ann Connor on the 9th. July, in the parish of Tullylish near Banbridge, Anne Adamson examined by Sir T. staples, I live at Tullylish, the prisoner and the deceased lived under the same roof, on the evening in question the deceased came running into my room, and her husband, the prisoner came running in after her, he gave her a kick when he came in, and she commenced scolding him, and struck him with a cup she had in her hand, she also struck him with a cloth, on the next morning a little girl came running in for me, and when I went into the prisoners room I found her very pale and throwing off, she died that evening. she never told me that she had bad health previously, she was always doing the work in the house, the prisoner had boots on him, they were very strong, George Bright Examined was in Connors house, there was a dispute between the prisoner and his wife, there was a great deal of provoking talk on the part of the deceased, after she got the kick, she came in holding her side, and said she was hurt , Surgeon Malcomson examined the body, found a contusion on the hip, , a large effusion of blood in the abdomen, the fallopian tube was ruptured, which was the cause of death, the body appeared healthy otherwise. Verdict for prisoner, guilty with a recommendation to mercy, sentenced to one week imprisonment from the date of committal.

Wed. Aug. 18th. 1852, Embezzlement

Henry Kelly, of Lisnasliggan, near Banbridge, sewed muslin agent, appeared to answer the summons and the charge,  by Thomas Waugh, of making away with some muslin which had been given him to be worked, postponement was granted for a week.

July 4th. 1853, HILLSBOROUGH QUARTER SESSIONS

George Greenaway and James McKeown, pleaded guilty to stealing two bags of rags at Banbridge ,the property of Robert Cathcart, each man to be imprisoned for four months.
 

Sat. June 3rd. 1854. Killed by lighting

At half past two o;clock on Monday last, Banbridge and its area were visited by a thunder storm, with heavy rain and hail, three men working in a field at Drumascamph, midway between Gilford and Banbridge, in the townland of Tullylish, when the rain commenced, they took shelter under a hedge, leaving their spades in the field, shortly afterwards two of the men, named Fearon and McKevoigan were struck down, by the electric fluid, their clothes were torn and their bodies scorched by the fire, one of them being quite black and the hair singed off, the third man narrowly escaped with his life, he is injured, and his clothes torn, it is evident that the spades conducted the fluid to the spot the men were sheltering, as the ground was torn up and more so under the hedge.

Thursday, 10th, Jan. 1856, Hillsborough Quarter Sessions

Mary Connery, indicated for stealing a piece of flannel on the 14th. Dec. at Banbridge, guilty, one days imprisonment, as she had already spent three months in jail.

John smart was tried for endangering the life of, and doing grievous bodly harm to a woman named Alice Campbell, Smart was employed as a watchman of a bleach green near Banbridge, having also charge of an adjoining garden, the woman Campbell entered the garden in quest of her brother as she stated, and took a few potatoes in her apron, the watchman challenged her and told her to come to him or he would shoot her, she was obeying, and proceeded to within ten yards of Smart, when he fired and lodged several slugs in her person, her life was for some time in danger, but she has recovered although partially disabled. Smith was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment, the general feeling was the punishment was too light.

Tuesday March 17th. 1857, Belfast Police Court

Eliza Wilson was charged by a man called John Lands with having stolen a quanity of wearing apparel in Banbridge, Constable Flannigan of the Constabulary force stated that acting on information he received, he went to the Glasgow boat, on her departure from the Quay, and found the prisoner with some of the stolen articles in her possession, the case was sent for trial at Banbridge Petty Sessions.

Sat. 4th. March 1858, Banbridge Petty Sessions

A man was charged at the Banbridge Petty Sessions ,by Constable Doyle with selling "Moore's Almanac" in Banbridge on 22nd. Feb. last, a similar prosecution took place lately  in Dublin , the constabulary were ordered to prosecute any parties selling the same, accused was sent for trial at Down assizes.

Monday Dec. 17th. 1860, The Belfast News Letter

A few days ago a woman of infamous character, named Margaret Campbell, who has an intimate connection with the light fingered fraternity, extracted by dint of tact and experience, the sum of £32 from the person of Patrick McGivern, at Drumsallagh, near Loughbrickland, she was immediately afterwards arrested, and brought before John J. White Esq. who committed her to Newry Bridewell until the 20th. of Dec. when she will be tried for the offence ,at Banbridge Petty Sessions.

July 14th. 1864,  Banbridge Petty Sessions

John Cunningham, was summoned for malicious injury to a drum, some young men were yesterday going to the Sham fight in Scarva, and with them they were taking a drum, but were not beating it, as one of the party had the drumsticks in his pocket, as the parties carrying the drum passed the defendant, where he and other navvies were working, on the new railway to Rathfriland, he shouted at them that he would not allow any "d-d" protestant drum to pass him, and then threw a stone which passed through the drum, Mr. Bagnel, director of the Railway works offered to pay the cost of the drum, case was adjourned for a fortnight.

Jan. 13th. 1865

Hugh Lavery, indicted for having violently  assaulted Patrick Monaghan at Banbridge fair day, and causing him bodily harm, Monaghan said on fair day in August, he went into O'Callaghans public house, and as he was leaving the door, the prisoner attacked him, struck him, and knocked him down, his jaw was broken, cross examined by Mr. Tyrrell it seemed there was discrepancies in the prosecutors statement, in a previous statement Lavery had said, he was going down Scarva street to the pig market, the prisoner ran out of a public house and caught witness by the neck, struck him on the head with a stone, and with the same broke his jaw. Not guilty the prisoner was discharged.

Aug. 11th. 1865.

The following parties were summoned for having taken part in an unlawfully assembly on the 13th. July, Edward McBride, Loughbrickland, william Brown, Loughbrickland, Joseph Brown, Ballynagreagh, James Beatty, William Pillow, Leganamy, David gibson, Ballymacarratybeg, James Thompson, William Black, John Black, Tullycan, William John Bodel, John Barclay, William Bigham, Banbridge, James Clugston, William Henry Graham, Edenderry, John Fivey, Banbridge, Hugh Campbell, Loughbrickland, John Craig, Andrew Pilson,Andrew Burnett, Banbridge, Thomas Hoy, William McBurney, Sam. Magill, Ballydown, Robert Bednell, Gilford, John Evans, Richard Hutchinson, Tandragee, Moses Tully, James Murphy, Ballynagreagh, Andrew Hare, and James Hall.The case against all parties was dismissed.

Wednesday, January 10, 1866

Michael Somers pleaded guilty to having stolen a piece of tweed, the property of Samuel Word, of Banbridge, sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labour

Thomas Gardiner was indicted for feloniously entering the house of Henry Kane, of Ballygowan and stealing a number of articles of wearing apparel , the prisoner was aquitted.

Thursday Sept.20th. 1866.

The late demonstration near Scarva, John Coyle, Laurencetown, Patrick Lavery, Coolnacian, James Henry Byrne, Tullyorier, Felix O'Hare, Patrick Byrne, and John Byrne of Lisnatierney, Patrick sands, Meenan, John McGivern, Lisnagonell, William Adamson, Loughadian, and Patrick Kane, Moneymore, were summoned by constable Patrick Coghlan of Loughbrickland, for having on the 15th. day of august 1866, formed themselves into an unlawful assembly and met and paraded together at Loughbrickland, accompanied by and having among them persons playing music which tended to provoke animosity between different classes of her Majesty's subjects, a summons was issued against a man named McCumiskey, of Beckland, but had not been served.  The hearing of the case was postponed till Thursday the 4th. Oct.

Tuesday 17th. Dec. 1867, Riot & Unlawful assembly

About 34 persons were summoned at Banbridge, for riot and unlawful assembly, at Greenan, near Loughbrickland on the 5th. November last,

Ellen Short, examined by Mr. Magee, I was at Greenan on the 5th. Nov. last, between 3 and 4 o'clock in the evening, I heard drums and fifes, there were 6 or 7 people there, when they reached Mrs Murnaghan's field they stopped drumming and began cursing, they lifted stones of the road and threw them into the field where Hugh Murnaghan and William McClory and two women were raising potatoes, William McClory was struck between the shoulders by a stone, the men who were digging had their backs to the road, the stone throwing continued for an hour or so.

Some of the men came up to my mothers house and said they would not leave a slate on the roof, after breaking some slates they went off towards Poyntzpass, Iam married, I dont know when I was married, my husbands name is John Short, and a Roman Catholic, I have one child, but I cannot tell you when it was was born, I heard two shots from the crowd when they were coming back, there was no first and second shot, they were let of together (laughter), there was a great deal of injury done to the slates on my mothers house, William McClory examined, I live at Drumsallagh, on the 5th. of November I was digging potatoes in widow Murnaghan's field with her son Hugh, Rose Ellen and Mary Murnaghan were also gathering, I was hit with stones between the shoulders, till I was cut and knocked down, there were about 150 in the field then, Hugh Murnaghan was hit by a stone and ran away, Isaac Watson knocked me down with the shaft of a spade,

witness identified Robert McKee, John Miskimmon and also Thomas English who had stones in his hand and was cursing them to knock the souls out of the papishes, also identified were Thomas Alexander Mackay, who threw stones, Samuel Fulton and Andrew Bigham also had stones in their hands, also identified were William McKee, Joseph Ruddock, James Jenkins and Samuel Thompson, the case was still proceeding when the last train left for Belfast at six o'clock.

Thurs. 27th. Feb. 1868. Flax Burned

Thomas Wilson and Thomas McDowl claimed £22. 10shillings as compensation for loss and damage sustained by the malicious burning of one stack of flax, their property, situated at Ballymoney, Seapatrick, Mr. Glass appeared for the applicants, the claim was allowed.

Thursday May 27th. 1869, Banbridge Petty Sessions

A young man named James Cunningham was brought up on remand, charged with stabbing Robert Gallagher in Banbridge on the 16th. the Bench after hearing evidence came to the conclusion it seems to be  unfortunately of a party nature, the accused was committed to the next assizes, and accepted bail for his appearance, himself in £50 and two sureties of £25 each.

Thursday 17th. Aug. 1871, Banbridge Petty Sessions

William McAleavey, a medical student, and Francis McAleavey described as a Lieutenant, were charged with assaulting Crawford Kennedy and James Hawthorne on the 31st. July last in Scarva, William Pillar cross examined, said he knew James Hawthorne and saw him in Scarva on the 31st. July, he saw William McAleavey strike Hawthorne with a pair of tongs, accross the shoulders, the blow knocked Hawthorne down, McAleavey was not provoked, this occurred at about half past 8 o'clock when the procession was returning, Hawthorne might have thrown a stone without me seeing it, I saw some parties lift stones out of a heap in Scarva street, I did not see Richardson throw any stones, I threw a stone at Mcaleavey, he was after beating me on the head and I had a wound there, I did not charge McAleavey as I always liked him, he was always a fine manly fellow, I saw a man named John Quinn there, he did nothing, I saw Graham Forsythe, Hugh Hawthorne, James Sefton, Alex Hawthorne, Alexander Richardson but I did not see them do anything, after Hawthorne was struck I saw James Bartley and McAleavey fighting,I heard McAleavey's father say to his to his sons " come into the house you blackguards you" at the same time catching William McAleavey by the shoulder,

Thursday ,6th. July 1871.

Five men appeared here today, William Loughran, Jun., Magherally, David Moorehead, John Mulligan, James McDonnell and John Ross, charged with felonicously entering the church of Magherally on the 1st. of July and assaulting the Rev. George Fortescue Reed, the rector. it appeared that for some time the Rev. Mr. Reed and many of his parishioners had not been on friendly terms, a large section of the parishioners desired to erect a flag on the tower of the church, during the July anniversaries, Mr. Reed was oppposed to this, on the 1st. July a number of the parishioners came bearing a flag with them,  and entered the church, the door of which was open at the time, and proceeded up the tower to erect the flag, two only of the men charged were parishioners of the Rev. gentleman, the remainder being members of a Presbyterian congregation in the neighbourhood,

Mr. Reed had just finished a service and a portion of his parishioners were leaving, witness then said that three of the party charged had proceeded up the tower, McDonnell was left behind to guard the door, he had put his back to it, McDonnell then pushed him outside the church, McDonnell cross charged Mr. Reed saying that Mr. reed assaulted him, Verdict, McDonnell was fined£2 for an assault, and the others fined £1 each, a notice of appeal was handed in, on leaving the courthouse, the Rev. Mr. Reed was followed down the road by a large mob who hooted and used offensive language and other expressions towards him.

Thursday Sept. 15th. 1871

This evening as the defendants were coming home from Banbridge, they were attacked at a place called "The blue road" in the well known district of ballyvarley, by a large number of Roman Catholics and severely beaten, stones were thrown by the attacking party and a number of shots were fired from behind ditches, where they lay in ambush, they cursed the orange men and swore they would do for them this evening, one man named Couser, father to one of the defendants was badly hurt about the head with stones, and lay on the ground for some time as if he was dead, after a hard fight they were scattered by the protestant party, some of the parties are well known and will be proscetuted, some parts of clothing worn by the catholics was brought back into Scarva.

Thurs. Aug. 1872. Presentation, Seapatrick Schools

There are some very beautifully executed goods in the windows of Mr. William Gibson, Donegall Place, for presentations and prizes, one very conspicuous article, a massive silver trowel, very beautifully ornamented with gold, to be presented to Mrs. Wilm. Hayes, Seapatrick House, Banbridge, by the inhabitants of Seapatrick village, on the occasion of her laying the foundation stone of their schools, it is one of the finest things we have seen in trowels.

Thursday, 29th. Aug. 1872, Banbridge Petty Sessions

Catherine Campbell, weaver, Drumsallagh, summoned linen manufacturer, Nathaniel Glass Ballyvalley, for the sum of £1 three shillings and six pence, amount of wages due, Mr. hugh Glass said there was a cross charge taken out, by his client charging her with embezzling a quanity of yarn, Hugh Campbell was in the house and seen his sister weave the cloth, he was present when Mr. Glass refused to pay his sister the wages, decree was granted for the sum claimed.

John Rose for shooting at and wounding at Laurencetown on the 13th. Sept. 1873.

Monday March 2nd. 1874. Assizes News

John Chambers , John Moffett and Samuel Chambers and twenty two others, for riot at Scarva on the 15th. Aug. 1872.

William Wiggins for forgery of a medical certificate at Banbridge.

John Redpath for assult with violence at Seapatrick on the 24th. Jan. 1874.

Thursday Dec. 30th. 1875

Fatal row near Loughbrickland, On Christmas day a number of men were drinking in a public house near Loughbrickland, the parties began to fight, and in the melee a man named John McAnulty, of Ballinaskea was killed, two men named Thomas Alderdice and John Bruce are in custody and will be brought up at Banbridge Petty Sessions today.

Sat. Jan. 1st. 1876, Stabbing

At Banbridge Petty Sessions yesterday, Bernard Rorke, Michael Brennan and Joseph Brennan were brought forward on remand charged with assaulting a man named Alfred Anderson, by stabbing him on Christmas day, inflicting serious injuries, the injured man could not attend court, case was adjourned for a week, Johnston was admitted bail.

Yesterday Issac Mehaffy, Drumsallagh, was charged with having in his possession a certain quanity of yarn, supposed to have been embezzled, Mehaffy was fined £1 or a months imprisonment.

Thursday Aug. 21st.. 1879, Banbridge Petty Sessions

A woman named Catherine Brennan was charged with murdering her male infant child, the accused was sent for trial.

Sat. Aug. 1st. 1885. Man Shot Dead near Banbridge

The magistrates presiding at the Petty Sessions yesterday had before them a young man named Fredrick Sullivan, butler at Seapatrick House, who was charged with feloniously killing and slaying one William Watson. from the evidence adduced it transpired that Watson, who was a general messenger, was standing at the servants hall at Seapatrick House joking with Sullivan and other servants. Sullivan brought from the pantry a rifle which Mr. Charles Hayes had left there after using it on Saturday. While Sullivan was holding it Mr. Hayes passed up the stairs and asked him if it was loaded, he said not, almost immediately it went off, and Watson fell with a bullet in his brain. He was returned for trial at the next Down Assizes, bail being taken out for his appearance, himself in £100 and two sureties in £60 each, an inquest was held and the verdict was accidental death.

Friday April 19th. 1889. Mill Strike

A strike occurred at Seapatrick Thread Spinning mills yesterday, about 200 boys and girls in the combing department demanded an increase in wages, which has not been conceded, if the strike continues until Monday over 600 hands will be idle.

Wednesday Oct. 23rd. 1889

At Banbridge Special Petty Sessions, Thomas Finnigan, Bridget McDonnell and Anne Murray were charged with being drunk and disorderly on the public street,  the former two were sentenced to one months imprisonment, and Murray to fourteen days. Head constable McCaffrey also charged John Heffrin and Edward Murray with attempting to rescue Anne Murray from the police, defendants were remanded for eight days.

Friday July 18th. 1890, Sudden Death at Banbridge

Yesterday Dr. Alexander Heron, J. P. coroner for the Southern division of Down held an inquest on the body of a man named Charles Gartland, of Seapatrick age fifty four years who died at his residence, the jury returned the following verdict, that the deceased Charles Gartland in the village of Seapatrick on the morning of 16th. July 1890, came to his death from a epileptic coma.

Thursday Oct. 29th. 1891, Banbridge Petty Sessions

Disturbance at Loughbrickland, Robert Patton was charged by sergeant Elliott, Scarva with being drunk and disorderly at Loughbrickland, the same defendant was charged by district inspector Davies, for unlawfully resisting arrest and wilfully obstructing sergeant Hamilton Elliott in the execution of his duty at Loughbrickland, constable Hugh Barr charged Francis Ryans, with being drunk and disorderly at Loughbrickland on the same date, William R. Cousins was charged with a like offence, and James Chambers was called upon to find surety to be of good behaviour, Robert Patton was fined 20shillings and costs, Francis Ryan was fined 10shillings and costs,

Thursday Jan. 7th. 1892.

Alice Strain was charged with selling James P. Fenlon, excise officer, a cigar for two pence without having a license, defendant  previously held a tobacco license, but never renewed it, Strain was fined £50, reduced to £12 ten shillings.

Thursday March, 3rd. 1892,  Banbridge Petty Sessions

Banbridge Murder case, Patrick Doran was brought forward in custody, that on the night of the 27th. February 1892, did at Tullyorier in the county of Down, feloniously and wilfully, kill and murder one Felix McMahon, John McMahon of Tullyorier, Felix McMahon was my son, he was single, unmarried and 34 or 35 years of age, the deceased left my house in the evening of the 27th.Feb. about 6.30 o'clock , he then appeared to be in his usual health between 12. 30 and one o'clock that morning I saw him again, when he was being put into bed next to my two boys, Joseph McCarey and Pat Burns (Vals son) they stripped him of his coat and waistcoat, leaving on his shirt and trousers, he then called for his mother and she got up, the two boys after putting him to bed left the house as quick as they could, his mother hooked him down to the fire, then I rose, I held the deceased by the head while his mother bathed his feet with hot water, I then noticed his bowels protruding, he died at four o'clock on Sunday evening.

The dying deposition of Felix McMahon

Felix McMahon of Tullyorier, said on oath, About six o'clock last night, I left home to go to a drumming party at Felix's Burns in Tullyorier, the drumming part proceeded to Alex McGreevy's public house in Tullintanvally, Joseph McCarey or McGarry took me into McGreevy's, I took a drum of the neck of the defendant and put it round my neck, we then went to the schoolhouse in Tullyorier and that man there Patrick Doran, the defendant gave me a shot with what I thought was a rod in my belly, it stooned me, it gave me pain, I did not think I was stabbed at the time, no one touched me that night except the defendant, defendant pleaded not guilty, and said he was as innocent as a child, he was returned for trial at the next assizes.