Here is the complete family line of the Knox family associated with Prehen House, Derry and the rectorship of Culdaff. This page includes the tragic story of Mary Anne Knox of Prehen House and McNaughton, who murdered her. He was hanged at Lifford for the crime. On the first attempt to hang him the rope broke so he climbed the gallows a second time to finish the job as he did not want to be known as half-hanged McNaughton. He had the option of walking away after the failure of the first attempt.The Knox coach which was involved in the murder can be seen in the City Museum in Derry. Prehen House is open to visitors and is well worth a visit, just off the Derry-Strabane road not far from Craigavon Bridge. Thanks to Hanneke for the family tree.
Rt. Rev. Andrew Knox, Bishop of the Isles,
Elizabeth Knox and Elizabeth Bingley
Rt. Rev. Andrew Knox, Bishop of the Isles, 1605 and Bishop of Raphoe 1611, of Phehen,
near Derry, died on 27‑03‑1630, son of Uchterd Knox and Isabella Cunninham.
Married (1) to
Elizabeth Knox, daughter of Sir William Knox and Heiress of Sylvieland.
Married (2) to
Elizabeth Bingley, daughter of Sir Ralph Bingley, Knight of Rosguill, Co. Donegal.
Sir Marice Bartley, first Patentee, 2,000 acres called
Drummore and Llurgagh. Now held by Sir Ralph Bingley, Knight. Sir Maurice Bartley
(Berkeley) planted on his lands certain British settlers named: Nich. Apthwilyn, Geo.
Cartwright, William Ridgett, John Sheppard, Robert Torkington, Abraham Gorveill, and
Tristran Emercy.
Grant of of a market at Rathmollane,
83 To RALPH BINGLEY knt and his heirs was granted on 8th Oct in the first year a Monday
market to be held for ever at Raithmollane in the province of Ulster with the profits thereof at
a rent of 2s 6d engl etc
Nominated on the 2d April 1606 Bishop of the Isles by writ of privy seal, Mr Knox was permitted by the Presbytery of Paisley to proceed to his diocese for four or five weeks. On the 20th February 1607, the presbytery, ” lamenting the desolation of the place so frequently” since his acceptance of the bishopric, proposed a coadjutor, but the
parishioners would not agree to accept of a colleague, except ” he wald altogether denude himself of the bishopric, and tak to the ministerie.” Mr Knox preferred to demit, and was, on the 12th November 1607, relieved of liis charge. On the 15th February 1610, he was a member of the court of high commission, and on the 26th June 1611 was, by letterspatent, preferred to the bishopric of Kaplioe, in Ireland. He held both bishoprics till 22d September 1619, when he resigned that of the Isles. To his bishopric of the Isles had
been annexed, 11th August 1615, the Priory of Ardchattan and Abbey of Icolmkill ; from the latter he carried to Raphoe the two principal bells. These, his successor, Bishop Lesley of Raphoe, was, by royal edict, dated 14th March 1635, commanded to restore.
Bishop Andrew Knox died on the 27th March 1633, at about
the age of seventy-four. He has been commended for his piety and zeal,^ but others have charged him with intolerance, deceit, and avarice. He married his cousin-german, Elizabeth, daughter of William Knox of Silvieland, by whom he had three sons, Thomas, James, and George ; and two daughters, Margaret, who married John Cunningham of Cambuskeith, son of James, seventh Earl of Glencairn ; and another, who married John Hamilton of Woodhall.
The bishop’s three sons took orders in the Church. Thomas, the eldest, was educated at the University of Glasgow, where he graduated M.A. in 1608.^ He and his cousin, John Knox of Ranfurlie, were, in October 1614, retained as hostages by the left-handed Coll of Isla, on his making terms with the bishop, subsequent to his seizure of the castle of Dunivaig. From the incumbency of Sorabie, in Tiree, he was constituted Dean of the Isles, at the re-establishment of the diocesan chapter, on the 4th August 1617; in February 1619 he was promoted to the bishopric of the Isles, in succession to his father. He was in 1622 appointed non-resident rector of the parish of Clondevadock, in his father’s diocese. He was B.D., and died in 1628, without issue, aged about forty. He is represented as a man of learning and piety.
MS. Notes by Mr David Semple of Paisley, Silvieland, a small estate, is situated on the banks of the river Gryfe, in the parish of Kilbarchan. According to another account, Bishop Andrew Knox married the daughter of John Knox, merchant in Ayr.
Children from the first marriage:
1. m Thomas Knox, born ca. 1590, died ca. 1628, at the age of ca. 38. Bishop of the Isles, 1619. Appointed to the See of the Isles of Scotland, 24-02- 1619, married to Prudence Benson, born 1608, daughter of Peter Benson, Esq., of Elaghmore, Co. Derry, and Jane Hobson, widow of John Cunningham, a daughter
2. m Andrew Knox, born ca. 1593, died 31-03-1643, at the age of ca. 50. Rector of Killagher, a parish not far from Drumholm. ordained priest and deacon, 26th April 1628, married to Rebecca Galbraith, alive 1673, daughter of Robert Galbraith, Lieutenant‑Colonel and Margaret Seton.
3. m Rev. John Knox, A.M. died on 31‑03‑1643, of Ballygonnah, Co. Donegal.Ordained priest and deacon, 6th Jan. 1619. Collated to the Church of Kilbarron, married to Jane Downham, died March1643, daughter of George Downham/Downame, D.D. Bishop of Derry nom. 28 Oct. 1616; con. Jan 1617, and Ann Harrison. ( Jane is the sister of Dorothie, the wife of Rev. Charles Vaughan, Rector of Banacher, Dungiven and Badony
4. m Rev. Claudius, Rector and Vicar of Inishkeel. Administrator to his father, 1633, Was ordained priest and deacon 2 June 1615.
5. m James. Administrator to his father Will 1633.
6. f Margaret, married 28-01-1618, to John Cunningham, of Camberkeith, born ca. 1680, died after 28-07-1627, son of James Cunningham, 7th Earl of Glencairn and Margaret, daughter of Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurquhy and Catharine Ruthven. A daughter Elizabeth
7. m George.
8. f Daughter, married to John Hamilton, of Woodhall.
Children from the second marriage:
9. m William Knox, born bef. 1632, married to Barbara Nisbett, sister of Alexander Nisbett of Tullydonell, metioned in William Knox will 1710, daughter of James Nesbitt and Prudentia Grove.
10. f Margery Knox, born 1620‑31, married to James Nesbitt, of Woodhill, son of Alexander Nesbitt and Alice Cunningham(see Nesbitt)
11. m Alexander Knox, of Ballybofey, Alive 1710.
Andrew Knox and Rebecca Galbraith
Andrew Knox, born ca. 1593, died 31-03-1648 at the age of 50,Rector of Killagher, a parish
not far from Drumholm, ordained priestand deacon, 26th April 1628, son of Rt. Rev. Andrew
Knox and Elizabeth Knox.
Married to
Rebecca Galbraith, alive 1673, daughter of Robert Galbraith, Lieutenant‑Colonel and
Margaret Seton
Children from this marriage:
1. m Robert Knox, born bef. 1673. Living at Moneymore, married to daughter of N.N. French or Sampson.
2. m Andrew Knox, Major at the Siege of Derry, died bef. 1672 in Derry, will 1715, married to Mary, surename unknown
Andrew Knox and Mary.
Andrew Knox, Major at the Siege of Derry, born ca. 1650 Rathmullan, co. Donegal, died bef.
1672 in Derry, at the age of ca. 22will 1715. Son of Andrew Knox and Rebecca Galbraith.
Married to
Mary, surename unknown
Child from this marriage:
1. m George Knox, born ca. 1671, died before 29-07-1741. Proved 1741,will dated 1739. Proved 1741, of Munnymore, married at the age of 38 at 18-08-1709 to the 22 year old, Marianna or Mary Wray, of Ards, daughter of William Wray and Angel Galbraith
George Knox and Marianna or Mary Wray
George Knox of Munnymore, born ca. 1671, died before 29-07-1741,will date 1739. Proved
1741, son of Andrew Knox and Mary.
Married at the age of 38 at 18-08-1709 to the 22 year old Marianna or Mary Wray, of Ards.
Daughter of William Wray and Angel Galbraith.
Children from this marriage:
1. m Andrew Knox, born ca. 1693 in co. Donegal, who inherited Prehen. Entered Trintity College Dublin July 1727, aged 18. B.A. Vern. 173, married to Honoria Tomkins. Co‑Heiress, daughter of Alexander Tomkins and Hannah, daughter of Rt. Rev. Samuel Foley. (Honoria,’s sister married William Montgomery)
2. m Rev. George Knox, Rector of Strabane, born 1729, died 1795. Enterd Trinity College Dublin April 1729. Sch. 1748. B.A. Vern 1750, 1763. Ordained for the curacy of Culdaff, in the Diocese of Derry,in 1752. married to Catharine Nesbitt, daughter of James Nesbitt and Elizabeth, daughter of John Hamilton and Jane Crighton. (see Nesbitt)
3. f Letitia Knox, married to Thomas Atkinson, born 1713, died on 11‑05‑1873, first cousin of Letitia Knox, son of John Atkinson and Rebecca Wray.
4.f Mary Knox, died ca. 1768. Will dated 1768, proved 1770, married 1730 to Captain Frederick Stewart, of Horn Head,High Sheriff, 1742, died ca. 1799, will dated 4 Oct.1799, proved 12 Jan. 1809, son of Charles Stewart, Officer in the Army of William III, and Anne Hamilton.
5. f Elizabeth, married to John Sinclair, of Holy Hill, Co. Tyrone, son of James Sinclair and Elizabeth Wray. John Sinclair married Elizabeth, daughter of George Knox of Moneymore, Co. Donegal. Not long after this he entered the service of the eighth earl of Abercorn. The retiring agent, Nathaniel Nisbitt, when recommending a suitable replacement, pointed out to Abercorn that John Sinclair of Holy Hill was ‘a rough honest man’. Abercorn heeded Nisbitt’s advice and appointed Sinclair his agent for the manor of Dunnalong in 1757. Sinclair was responsible for Dunnalong for the next thirteen years and his frequent letters to the earl reveal him to have been a conscientious and diligent agent.
7. f Angel Knox, born 20-01-1765, died 23-08-1786 Fahan House, at the age of 31, married to Rev. Josiah Marshall, son of Henry Marshall.(see Lawrence and Marshall)
Andrew Knox and Honoria Tomkins
Andrew Knox, born ca. 1693 in Co. Donegal, who inherited Prehen.Entered Trintity College
Dublin July 1727, aged 18. B.A. Vern. 1732. From them descend the Knoxes of Prehen, son
of George Knox andMarianna or Mary Wray.
Married at the age of ca. 45, ca. 1738 to
Honoria Tomkins. Co‑Heiress, daughter of Alexander Tomkins and Hannah, daughter of Rt.
Rev. Samuel Foley.
Children from this marriage:
1. m George Knox, born ca. 1740, died 23-08-1840, married 1760 to Jane Mahon of Stroketown, Co. Roscommon, daughter of Thomas Mahon and Jane, daughter of Maurice Crosbie. Life at Prehen House continued and each Year on the anniversary of Mary Ann's death, her mother would retire to her room to lament her daughter's fate and would not emerge until the next day. She eventually recovered from her grief with the marriage of Mary Ann's brother George to Jane Mahon of Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, and this girl became as a second daughter to her. For 170 years the Knox family lived at Prehen during which the house and estate were passed down the generations from father to eldest son. George, who took over as landlord at Prehen House. He married Jane Mahon, a member of another significant family in the Irish gentry, the Pakenham Mahon’s of the remarkable Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. She was a sister of Sir Maurice Mahon, Lord Hartland. George Knox a local Crown Agent deputy in Strokestown for Ballykilcline. He reported to John Burke in Dublin regarding the rent and arrears due, list of legal tenants and conditions in Ballykilcline. However, he only visited the townland twice before the mass evictions. Knox used a driver,John Cox, instead for information. George and Jane Mahon Knox had a son, Thomas Knox. The family lived at Clonfree House. George Knox died in winter of 1840. John Cox was a Driver /bailiff for George Knox. A native of the townland with a younger brother, Owen Cox, among the cottiers. John passed on rumors and rents up the chain of authority to George Knox. John had a shebeen on Shebeen: was a premises selling illicit spirits. The owner made the product also. the road between Strokestown and Ballykilcline for gathering news andrecruiting informers. He arranged and conveyed the five batches of Ballykilcline emigrants to Dublin. 2. f Mary Anne Knox, died 1761 in Cloghcorr near Stabane,shot by McNaughton. 3. f Honoria Tomkins, died on 16‑02‑1881, married on 09‑04‑1822 to the Venerable Charles Galway, 30 years old, orn on 05‑03‑1792, died on 13‑03‑1882 at the age of 90, son of the Veneralbe William Galway, archdeacon of Cashel and Lydia, daughter Patrick Webbe.10 children.
John Macnaghton was born in the year 1722 his father died when he was about six years old leaving one other son and three daughters At a proper age he was sent to the public school of Raphoe From the school of Raphoe he went to Trinity College Dublin where he continued till he came of age and wasputin possession of his estate from this time he began to evince a taste for gambling He had a good person a polite address and hy no means a contemptible understanding these qualifications recommended him to the notice of Clotworthy first Earl of Massareene who introduced him to some of the leading people in the kingdom by favour of this introduction he became acquainted with several persons who were remarkable for their love of play and was generally one in parties of the best company In this school he is said to have made rapid progress and to have pursued his favourite study with great success for about two years when being still at college and of sufficient standing he took his bachelor’s degree He was not however long contented to move in so narrow a sphere visited all the public places both in England and Ireland he with less reputable company and for still larger sums so that in a years his debts were more than his whole estate would pay some of it therefore be was obliged to sell and to mortgage the rest yet his friendship and connection with Lord Massareene enabled him to retrieve his affairs by marrying a daughter of the Very Rev Richard Daniel Dean of Down to whose only other daughter his Lordship was himself married The lady’s fortune however which was 5,000 was settled to portion their younger children what remained of Macnaghton’s own estate was left to descend to his heir and he bound himself by a solemn oath never to play again at any game either of chance or skill except for a trifling sum at a sitting which oath was by the lady’s friends made the condition of his marriage marriage To his wife Macnaghton made an affectionate husband and kept his promise to abstain from gaming about two years but being uneasy under restraint he pretended to his wife that on a certain night he might have won a thousand pounds if he had not been tied up from play and alleging that opportunities of equal advantage might again offer he prevailed upon her and Mrs Daniel her mother then a widow to absolve him from his oath which he supposed to be no longer binding than whilst those who exacted it desired it should In consequence of this fatal liberty thus artfully procured he returned to the gaming table with yet greater eagerness than before In a short time he was involved in new distresses
more hopeless than the first as his credit was less and many of his resources were cut off Several suits were now commenced against him for large sums of money and some sheriffs officers having a writ to execute against him got intelligence where he was spending the evening and beset the house he staid till it was very late and then went into a sedan chair in order to go home the officers did not think proper to stop the chair but followed it till it came to his house but as it was necessary they should execute their writ before he went in as it would be difficult afterwards to get admittance they came up to him when the chair stopped and told him their business Macnaghton declared he would not be arrested and the officers proceeding to use force he resisted the scuffle that ensued made a great noise and happened unfortunately to be just under the window of Mrs Macnaghton’s chamber who had then lain in about afortnight and was impatiently expecting him home the noise first alarmed her and upon hearing the occasion of it she was so terrified at the apprehensions of his danger and so shocked at the desperate situation of his affairs that she fell into a nervous disorder which in a very short time put an end to her life Some years after the death of his wife Macnaghton having partially improved in circumstances paid his addresses secretly to Mary Ann Knox daughter of Andrew Knox Esq of Prehen in the county of Derry a gentleman possessed of an estate of about fifteen hundred pounds per annum and as by the marriage settlement five thousand pounds had been settled on the younger children Miss Knox having only one brother and no sister was entitled to the whole of five thousand pounds even though she disobliged her parents by marriage The beauty sweetness of temper and other accomplishments of the young lady were remarkable She was then about fifteen Mr Macnaghton who became an intimate friend of the Knox’s and a constant visitor among them obtained a promise from the young lady to marry him if he could get her father’s acquiescence He soon after spoke Mr Knox on the subject who not only absolutely refused his consent gave his reasons for it but showed his resentment by forbidding him house Mr Macnaghton then begged Mr Knox would permit him to visit as as he said it would look strange to the world to be prevented a family all the neighbours knew he had been so intimate with solemnly promised upon his honour never more to think of or mention this affair and added that as he had not spoken of it to the young Mr Knox need never do so and thus the affair would drop of itself obtained the leave he sought and made use of the favour continue his addresses to the daughter and told her Mr Knox had him his consent but desiring however that no further mention might be made of the affair for a year or two till some material was decided which he would acquaint him with The young lady again promised she would marry him as soon as that consent was obtained He remained some time constantly watching his opportunity to complete his design One day being in company with Miss Knox and a young gentleman a mere boy in a retired room in the house he pressed her to marry him protesting he never could be happy till he was sure of her and with an air of sprightly raillery pulling out a prayer book he began to read the marriage service and insisted on the lady’s making the responses which she did but to every one she added provided her father consented Some short time after this Miss Knox going to a friend’s house on week’s visit Mr Macnaghton who was also an intimate there soon followed her Here he fixed his scene for action here he claimed her and calling her his wife insisted on her living with him which the young lady absolutely refused and leaving the house went directly and informed her uncle of the whole affair On this Mr Knox wrote a letter to Macnaghton telling him what a base dishonourable villain he was and bade him avoid his sight for ever Upon the receipt of the letter Macnaghton advertised his marriage in the public newspapers cautioning every other man not to marry his lawful wife This was answered by a very spirited advertisement from the father with an affidavit of the whole affair from the daughter annexed
Mr Knox then by the advice and under the direction of Doctor Rat cliffe a very celebrated civilian commenced a suit in the ecclesiastical court of the diocese of Londonderry with a view first to get the contract proved and then to set it aside by virtue of an Act of Parliament which made all such contracts with respect to persons under age ipso facto void but Macnaghton defeated his first intention of proving the contract by keeping Mr Hamilton the young gentleman present at the sham marriage the only witness out of the way and therefore no pleadings were had in that court on either side While this suit was depending in the ecclesiastical court of Londonderry Mr James Knox heard that Macnaghton was at Ballybofey a village in Donegal not far from Strabane and had threatened to waylay him there upon which he obtained a warrant from Alderman Hog to take him into custody This Macnaghton treated in ludicrous and printed and dispersed great treated in a ludicrous manner and printed and dispersed a great number of hand bills in which he represented the warrant as obtained not against him but his shadow as he himself neither was nor could have been at Ballybofey at the time pretended this warrant however was executed upon him but it was immediately superseded and had no consequences Soon after Macnaghton thought fit to remove the cause that was depending in Londonderry court to the metropolitan court of Armagh but with what particular view does not appear as he still continued to keep Mr Hamilton from being examined Mr Knox who was in earnest in the cause and impatient to bring it to an issue remoTed it from the court of Armagh to a court of Delegates in Ireland where Mr Hamilton was obliged to appear and give his testimony and after several hearings the contract being proved was afterwards declared to be void and Mr Knox obtained five hundred pounds damages After the determination of this suit Macnaghton’s affairs became e ery day more desperate he had often been heard to vow vengeance against Mr Andrew Knox Mr James Knox and others of the family upon which they obtained Bench warrants against him of Mr Justice Scott and they had also sued out a writ against him as the foundation of a suit to recover the damages which had been awarded in the court of Delegates From this time therefore he appeared no more in public but skulked about the country by stealth and in disguise so that Mr Knox could never get either the warrants or the writ executed In this situation was Macnaghton in the month of November 1760 at which time he came over into England as he pretended to lodge an appeal in the court of Delegates there against the sentence which had heen pronounced against him in the court of Delegates in Ireland he however did not take any steps relating to the appeal After returning to Ireland recrossing to England and again going hack to Ireland during the whole of which time he persevered in his foul persecution of Miss Knox and her family Macnaghton attained the acme of his criminal conduct by perpetrating the murder of the young lady in the following manner About the latter end of October 1761 knowing that Mr Knox of Prehen would be obliged shortly to set off from thence for Dublin to attend the business of parliament Macnaghton caused it to be given out that he was at Benvarden but on the first of November he repaired to the country in the neighbourhood of Prehen near Londonderry in the character of a sportsman as if to shoot game and assumed the name of Smith He set out with no less than twelve associates all of whom deserted him one by one except his own groom one George Mac Dou gil his plough driver James Mac Carrel and one Thomas Dunlap his tenant In this character with these attendants and under this name he went to the house of Mr Irwin which was situated on the banks of a considerable river called the Burndermit and is distant from Prehen about eight miles being near the road from thence to Dublin Mr Irwin was a grentleman of family employed in the hearth money collection whose
known hospitality rendered his house the common resort of gentlemen who came as sportsmen into that part of the country who were all welcome whether he had a personal knowledge of them or not While he was at Mr Irwin’s he received intelligence from one of his scouts that Mr Knox was to set out from Prehen on the tenth of November in the morning and that he would take his daughter and the rest of his family with him. As soon as he had received this notice he reconnoitered the adjacent to the road through which Mr Knox and his family must on his way to Dublin to a considerable distance and he pitched upon spot on the lands of Cloughean about a mile from Mr Irwin’s about quarter of a mile from the banks of Burndermit and about three from Strabane This spot was thought most convenient for his because there were at least ten different avenues to it by any of he might escape and because there was a very narrow pass which Mr Knox’s carriage must come between a large dunghill and cabin belonging to one Keys that was also under a bank of oak which as well as behind the dunghill he or his accomplices might concealed till the very moment when the carriage should come up. Before day break on the morning of the 10th of November he repaired to Keys cabin with his accomplices on horseback bringing with him in a sack six fire locks nine pistols with several ropes and a long leathern strap which he declared was to tie Miss Knox on horsehack behind himself or one of his people When this apparatus was safely lodged in the cabin Macnaghton and those who were with him took their stations and waited for the appearance of their prey Mr Knox had been told that Macnaghton was lurking about and that he had declared he would leave nothing unattempted to get Miss Knox into his hands throwing out at the same time the most terrible menaces against any that should oppose him he said he would cause a scene of blood in Mr Knox’s family which should make the ears of the child that was yet unborn to tingle and that though he had begun with a comedy yet he would end with a tragedy confirming his menace with an oath This had determined Mr Knox to take the young lady with him to Dublin and to arm himself and the servants that attended him His brother Mr James Knox who was also at this time with him at Prehen was to be of the party Accordingly Mr James Knox set out in a single horse chaise with a servant behind him on horseback young Mr Knox the brother of the young lady on horseback with his servant also on horseback Mr Knox Mrs Knox Miss Knox and Mrs Knox’s woman in a coach attended by one MacCullough Mr Knox’s blacksmith armed with a blunderbuss and a case of pistols in his surtout coat pocket and James Love Mr Knox’s own servant armed with a fusee Mr Knox himself being also armed with a case of pistols in the coach Mr Knox was so confident that Macnaghton notwithstanding his declarations and menaces against him and his family would not dare to attack him when he saw him attended by persons properly armed that neither Mr James Knox nor young Mr Knox nor either of their servants were armed at all nor did Mr James Knox think it necessary for him to keep pace with the coach he therefore with his servant went on before and Macnaghton saw him pass by the cabin where he was lying in wait about eleven o clock lying in wait about eleven o clock This served them as a signal to prepare more immediately for action as they knew the rest of the family could not be far behind At about half an hour after eleven they saw young Mr Knox and his servant on horseback both of whom they suffered to pass on and immediately afterwards discovered the coach at about twenty yards distance behind and close behind the coach the two attendants who were armed As soon as the coach had passed the door of the cabin Macnaghton and two of his accomplices rushed out each armed with pistols and a gun Macnaghton presented his gun at the coachman and threatened him with instant death if he did not stop the horses the coachman thus terrified complied and Macnaghton’s servant coming up to him presented his gun and threatened that if he offered to put his horses on again he would shoot him The coach being thus stopped and detained Macnaghton hastened round the horses heads to the coach door in order to force out the lady but Mac Cullough the blacksmith coming up to him at that instant and presenting his piece Macnaghton fired at him and wounded him in the hand the fellow however snapped his blunderboss but it unfortunately missed fire Macnaghton then fired a second snot at him which wounded him in the knee and the groin and totally disabled him In the meantime Mr Knox snapped a pistol at Macnaghton from the coach window but the cock flying off that missed fire also While this was doing one of Macnaghton’s accomplices was charging guns i the cabin and handing them out and Macnaghton having received 01 from him in the room of another he had discharged advanced upon tl fore part of the dunghill opposite to the cabin towards that side of tl coach where Miss Knox sat and with his gun presented fired into tl coach and lodged no less than five bullets in her left side he then wei round by the wheels to the other side of the coach but as he was goii about James Love Mr Knox’s own servant fired at his back from b hind a turf stack and lodged three swan shot in his shoulders Mr Knox at the same time firing again from the coach but without effect Macnaghton though he felt himself wounded having got round receive another pistol from the cabin and fired that also into the coach with a intention to kill Mr Knox but providentially the shot missed hiir After this Macnaghton and one of his accomplices fired each of them random shot through the coach probably with a design to kill ever creature that was in it for all the guns were loaded with swan shot yet in all these discharges the poor young lady only was wounded After the last random shots through the coach Macnaghton and his accomplices walked off towards Mr Irwin’s without any apparent concern and without certainly knowing what mischief they had done Wha became of young Mr Knox and his servant during the rencounter doe not appear but it is supposed that being unarmed they were kept bay by the fellow that overawed the coachman nor does it appear there was any interchange of words between the parties during the time As soon as Macnaghton and his accomplices were gone off young Mr Knox who was well mounted rode away to Strabane about three miles distant where the Londonderry troop of Sir James Caldwell’s regiment of Inniskilling Light Horse were quartered to obtain their assistance in the pursuit Miss Knox was carried into the cabin where she expired in about three hours She had received five wounds three of which were mortal The murderer and his accomplices fled but the country was soon raised in pursuit of them and amongst others some of Sir James Caldwell’s Light Horse who were directed to search the house and offices of one Wenslow a farmer not far distant from the scene of slaughter But though some of the family knew he was concealed there they pretended ignorance so that Macnaghton might have escaped had not the corporal after they had searched every place aa they imagined without success and were going away bethought himself of the following stratagem Seeing a labourer digging potatoes in a piece of ground behind the stables he said to his comrades in the fellow’s hearing It is a great pity we cannot find this murderer it would be a good thing for the discoverer he would get three hundred pounds Upon which the fellow pointed to a hayloft The corporal immediately ran up the ladder and forced open the door upon which Macnaghton fired at him and missed him By the flash of the pistol the corporal was directed where to fire his piece which wounding Macnaghton he ran in and seized him dragged him out and instantly tied him on a car and conducted him to Lifford gaol Here Macnaghton remained in the closest confinement entirely deserted by all his friends and acquaintance until his trial which commenced the 9th of December 1761 when he was arraigned with an accomplice called Dunlap before Baron Mountney Mr Justice Scott and Mr Justice Smith who went down upon a special commission to try the prisoners The counsel for the prosecution were Mr Hen and Mr Helen
Macnaghton was brought into court on a bier rolled in a blanket with a greasy woollen nightcap the shirt in which he was taken being all bloody and dirty and along beard which gave him a dreadful appearance In that condition he made a long speech and complained in the most pathetic manner of the hard usage he had met with since his confinement He said they had treated him like a man under sentence and not like a man that was to be tried He declared he never intended to kill his dear wife at saying which he wept that he only designed to take her away that he would make such things appear upon his trial as should surprise them all But when the trial came on all this great expectation which he had raised in the mind of every one came to nothing The trial lasted five days The jury found both prisoners guilty and they were sentenced to death It seemed as if every stage of this fearful tragedy was to be marked by Mme peculiar feature of horror The very execution was extraordinary The common people had conceived the most false notions with regard to Macnaghton’s conduct and looked upon him as no more than the victim of a gallant attempt to obtain lawful possession of his own wife The consequence ensued that there was not a carpenter to be found in all the country about Strabane that would erect a gallows for his execution aor could any other person be procured to undertake it for hire The Sheriff therefore was obliged to look out for a tree which serve for the purpose and upon atreehemust at last have been cuted if the uncle of the unhappy young lady and a party of who were moved with indignation at the thought of being to the necessity of such an expedient to execute a wretch who had mitted a murder with every possible aggravation had not made a gallows and set it up It was erected upon a plain between Strabane and Lifford and on fifteenth day of December about one o clock in the morning who had been fettered upon his condemnation was brought down from room in the prison in order to have his fetters taken off but there not a smith to be found that would do it and if one of those who had fused the office had not been compelled by a party of the Light Horse perform it the criminal must contrary to law have been executed his fetters on the Sheriff was obliged to send for the executioner a old man from Cavan The execution of Macnaghton and Dunlap was then effected but not until the former had broken the rope and was hung up a second time The bodies were buried together in one grave behind the church of Strabane.
CELEBEATED TRIALS CONNECTED WITH THE UPPER CLASSES OF SOCIETY IN THE delations of Vttbate ftife BY PETER _BURKE ESQ OF THE INNER TEMPLE BARRISTER AT LAW
Tues 8, 1761, John M Naghten Esq was arraigned at Strabane for the murder of Mil’s Mary Anne Knox daughter to Andrew Knox of Prehen Esq and M of P for the county of Donegall The prisoner moved to put off his trial and the court was so indulgent as to give him time until the next day to prepare wlnt he had to offer for granting his request accordingly his affidavit was read jetting forth that one Owens a material evidence was absent and could not then be found Upon this the court allowed him that day and part of the next to support his affidavit by other testimony and being then of opinion that there did not appeal sufficient cause directed him to prepare for trial the next day the nth Accordingly the court sat by 9 o clock and the trial continued until 11 at night when the jury brought him in guilty with Thomas Dunlap of Ballyboy one of his tenants and sentence was passed for execution the Tuesday following During the trial Mr M Naghten took notes and cross examined with great dexterity and resolution which he held to the last for when the jury pronounced him guilty he said with great composure that they had acquitted themselves with honour to their country and tho the judge in going threugh the arduous task of giving sentence did it with the most becoming humanity and with so much self felt concern as to move the whole court yet he still remained unmoved and only desired a little time to consult with a divine before his execution but earnestly intreated the court to have compassion upon his accomplice whom he had forced by threats to assist him The circumstances accompanying this horrid fact were very extraordinary for on the 10th of November Mr Knox in order to attend his duty in parliament set out from Prehen in a coach with his lady daughter and her companion when he was stopped near Dunncmana Bridge by Mr M Naghten and three others armed who suddenly rushed from an out house that joined the road desiring the coachman to stop otherwise they would kill him accordingly one of them fired at him and the ball passed through his great coat and M Naghten at the fame instant fired at Davjtl M Cullogh who was armed with a Blunderbuss which not taking place M Cullogh presented at M Naghten but the piece did not go off upon this M Naghten called to his accomplices to level M Cullogh when one of them fired and wounded him in three places so that he dropped from his horse but was molt providentially preserved by a leather apron he had round him in several folds through which one of the slugs passed and broke the kin of his groin Mr M Naghten now advanced to to the coach and discharged two shots into it the last of which threw three slugs into Miss Knox’s side just below her stays Mr Knox fired a pistol without effect and on preparing a second the cock broke M Naghten now judging he had satisfied his resentment very deliberately walked off with his assistants but had not gone above 40 yards when a servant of Mr Knox’s who lay concealed behind a turf stack fired and wounded him under the shoulder which made him incapable of proceeding more than a mile and obliged him to conceal himself in an out house of one Window’s but being perceived to enter by a lad who had been concealed with the servant behind the turf stack and dogged him after he was wounded he acquainted some of Sir J Caldwell’s light horse who immediately secured him in Lifford gaol The young lady the victim of so much cruelty deserved a better fate possessing all the accomplisliments of mind and body flic lived four hours in the highest agony The other assassins for that time escaped but on the 15th Thomas Dunlap was committed to Carrickfergus gaol on the information of a person whohas since received cool the reward given by government M Naghten and Dunlap were executed the 1 5th inst at Strabane when the former continued as immoveable as ever The gentlemen of the country mewed a most becoming attention on the occasion for they by turns guarded the prisoners that they might not by any means escape he hand of Justice M Naghten for sometime refused food but the call os nature was too prevelent for him to withstand hunger.
-KNOX, Georg Carl Otto Ludwig VON SCHEFFLER-, Esq., of Prehen, co. Londonderry.
Only son of Dr. Phil Ludwig von Scheffler, of Weimar, Germany, bv Virginia, elder dau. of the late George Knox, Esq.,” J. P. and D.L., of Prehen; b. 1883 ; s. his maternal grandfather 1910 and assumed the additional surname of Knox ; educated at Weimar ; is Lieut, and
Adjutant to the Commander of the Cadet Corps Governor of the Royal Pages, Prussian Army. — Nassainsdsc Sirnsse 21, Wilmersdorf, Berlin. Grandson of George Knox and Jane Tomkins
George Knox succeeded his mother in the lands of Prehen. Having married, in 1760, Jane, daughter of Thomas Mahon of Strokestown, county Roscommon, and sister of Maurice, first Lord Hartland, he had by her four sons and two daughters. Thomas, the second son, in holy orders, married Helen, daughter of Eedmond Dillon, Esq. of Ashbrooke, county Dublin, and had two sons, George, born 1806, resident magistrate, county Sligo, and Thomas.
Maurice Knox, third son of George Knox of Prehen, acquired the lands of Farn, county Eoscommon. He married Anne Maple, daughter of James Wilson of Derks, county Meath, by whom he had two sons and three daughters George Knox, elder son of Maurice Knox of Farn, rector of Castle Blakeney, county Galway, married Frances, daughter of Holmes, wdth issue, a son Maurice, and a daughter Janet. Maurice Wilson, the second son, born 1805, purchased in 1862 the estate of Kilmannock in the county of Wexford. He married, in 1831, Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Francis White, Esq. of Oldstone, county Antrim, with issue, a son, Francis William White, born 1848 ; also seven daughters.
Alexander Knox, fourth son of George Knox of Prehen, captain, Donegal Militia, married Miss Lyneham, by whom he had a son William, who married his cousin Hannah, daughter of Maurice Knox of Farn.
Andrew Knox, eldest son of George Knox of Prehen,succeeded to the family estate. Colonel of the Donegal Militia, he was M.P. in the Irish Parliament at the Union ; he died in 1840. By his wife Mary, daughter of Dominick MacCausland, Esq. of Daisy Hill, county Derry, he had five sons — George, his heir; Dominick, who died unmarried;
Andrew, vicar of Birkenhead, honorary canon of Chester Cathedral, manied, with issue; Marcus, captain, RN.; and Thomas, married, with issue; also five daughters — Jane, married Captain Hay, R.N. ; Honoria, married Rev. Charles Galway, Archdeacon of Derry; Mary, died unmarried; Caroline, married R. Eickards, Esq., Glengallow, Glamorgan- shire ; and Benjamina, married Captain Loeffel, Belgian
Service. George Knox, eldest son of Andrew Knox and Mary
MacCausland, succeeded his father in the estate of Prehen in
1840. He was captain in the 2d Dragoon Guards, and died
in 1848. Having married, in 1827, Anna Maria, daughter of
Robert Johnston, Q.C., of Magheramena, county Fermanagh,
he had, with two daughters, a son George, now^ of Prehen,
and lieutenant-colonel of the Londonderry Militia, born 1834.
Rev. George Knox and Catharine Nesbitt
Rev. George Knox, Rector of Strabane, born 1729, died 1795. Enterd Trinity College Dublin
April 1729. Sch. 1748. B.A. Vern 1750, 1763. Ordained for the curacy of Culdaff, in the
Diocese of Derry, in 1752, son of George Knox and Marianna or Mary Wray.
Married to
Catharine Nesbitt, daughter of James Nesbitt and Elizabeth, daughter of John Hamilton and
Jane Crighton.
Children from this marriage:
1. m Rev. James Knox, Rector of Aghanloo, born on 10‑04‑1756, died on 14‑01‑1848 in Carthage, Culdaff at the age of 91, was for over forty years Head Master of Foyle College, married to Mary Frances Nesbitt, daughter of George Nesbitt and Catharine, daughter of John Irwin.
2. m George, born 1757, died 1804 at the age of ca. 47.
3. m John Russel Knox, norn ca. 1770, died 23-12-1830 Ballyshannon, Vicar of Innismagrath, Co. Leitrim, born 1769, died on 23‑12‑1830 in Ballynascreen. Entered Trinity College Dublin 1786, B.A. 1790, married at the age of 21, ca. 1791, to Abigal Hill, daughter of Edward Hill and Sarah Martin.
4. f Letitia Catharine Knox, born 1774, died on 30‑04‑1846, buried in St. Michael Churchyard, Bristol, married on 05‑05‑1798 in Cochin, India to Alexander Lawrence, 33 years old, Lieutenant Colonel, born on 07‑11‑1764 in Londonderry, died on 07‑05‑1855 in Clifton at the age of 90. Served in India, 1788‑1808, Governor of Upnor Castle, 1815-1835 on the Medway, son of William Lawrence and Amelia Fleming. Upnor Castle was a military officer who commanded the fortifications at Upnor Castle, part of the defenses of the Medway estuary. Upnor became largely obsolete as a fortress after 1668, but it continued to serve as a magazine and ordnance facility until 1945. Major Alexander Lawrence, Major in 19th Foot 21 September 1809; Lieutenant-Colonel in 2nd Garrison Battalion 28 May 1812; Governor of Upnor Castle in 1820.
He was an Indian offcer who led, with three other Lieutenants, the forlorn hope at the storming of Seringapatam on 4 May 1799. The three others were killed and Lawrence was severely wounded and left for dead in the breach) 5. f Angel, died in at Culdaff House, buried in Culdaff church yard in the vault. 6. f Marianne, died in Culdaff House, buried in in Culdaff church yard, in the vault.
Rev. James Knox and Mary Frances Nesbitt
Rev. James Knox, Rector of Ahanloo, born on 10‑04‑1756, died on 14‑01‑1848 in Carthage,
Culdaff at the age of 91, was for over forty years Head Master of Foyle College. Son of Rev.
George Knox and Catharine Nesbitt
Married to
Mary Frances Nesbitt, daughter of George Nesbitt and Catharine,daughter of John Irwin.
Children from this marriage:
1. f Marcia, born 1792, died on 25‑04‑1880 in the Warren Culdaff.
2. m George Nesbitt, Rector of Termon, Co. Tyrone, died 1851 in Chapel of Ease Londonderry, married on 12‑01‑1837 in Cheltenham to Henrietta ffolliott, 33 years old, born on 28‑02‑1803, died 12‑02‑18 in Glenalmond, Bournemouth, daughter of John ffolliott and Frances Homan.
3. f Eliza, died 1880 in at Culdaff House of Burns.
4. f Angel.
John Russel Knox and Abigal Hill
John Russel Knox, Rector of Lifford, later Vicar of Inismagrath, Co.Leitrim, born 1769, died
on 23‑12‑1830 in Ballynascreen. Entered Trinity College Dublin 1786, B.A. 1790, son of
Rev. George Knox and Catharine Nesbitt
Married ca. 1790 to
Abigal Hill, daughter of Edward Hill and Sarah Martin
Childern from this marriage:
1. f Catharine, born May 1766 Dublin died 07-02-1889 at the age of 100, married at the age of 22, to 37 year old James Alexander Gibson, born Feb. 1733 Montrose, Angus, Scotland, died 20-02-1841 at the age of 68 in Hobart, Tasmania, son of William Gibson and Helen Stewart, 6 children
2. m. George, born 15-12-1793, died ca. 1847, married Mary Jane Stuart Griffiths, 7 children
3.m James, born 09-07-1799, drowned on the way to Tasmania from India on the Lady Minto, the 12-10-1833 at the age of 34, to gether with his wife Eliza Moorson, drowned at the age of 21, born 1812, daughter of William Moorson and Elizabeth Tindale.
4. f. Elizabeth Sinclair, born ca. 1804 in Ireland, died 10-03-1876 New Norfolk, Tasmania, she married at the age of 21, to Neil Campbell, died 1827, after his death in Indua, she remarried at the age of 24, 03-04-1828 in Bengal to 39 year old, Michael Fenten, born ca. 1789 in Sligo, died 06-04-1874 Fenton Forest Tasmania, son of Michael Fenton and Catharina Rea. 8 children by Michael Fenton
Fenton, Michael (1789 – 1874), birth: 1789, Castletown, Sligo, Ireland, Death: 6 April 1874, New Norfolk, Tasmania, Australia Occupation: hop farmer ; landowner Member of Lower House ; Member of Upper House
FENTON, MICHAEL (1789-1874), politician and landed proprietor, was born in Castle Town, County Sligo, the third son of Michael Fenton, sometime high sheriff of Sligo. The family was of French origin and had been established in Ireland for some centuries. Michael Fenton joined the 13th Light Infantry in 1807 and served in India and Burma until 1828, when he sold his commission and emigrated to Van Diemen’s Land. He received an initial grant of 1,970 acres (797 ha) at Fenton Forest, near New Norfolk. He was one of three brothers (the ‘Fighting Fentons’) who all eventually settled in Van Diemen’s Land, and who were all captains in the army.Captain Michael Fenton was nominated to the Legislative Council in 1840, but resigned with others of the Patriotic Six on the question of whether financial responsibility for the convict services in the colony should be borne by the local administration or the imperial government. The issue came to a head when the six unofficial members of the council (Richard Dry, William Kermode, John Kerr, T. G. Gregson, John Dunn and Fenton) withdrew from the council in October 1845, leaving it without a quorum; they thus prevented the passing of the appropriation bill, to the great satisfaction of many colonists. Fenton was reappointed by Lieutenant-Governor Denison in 1847.
In 1851 Fenton was voted into the new partly-elective Legislative Council as member for New Norfolk, and made Speaker in 1855. He was the subject of legal action brought by J. S. Hampton against the council. Hampton, the comptroller-general of convicts, refused to appear before the council when summoned to do so and give evidence concerning administration of the Convict Department. Fenton, as Speaker, issued a warrant for his arrest. A writ of habeas corpus was then served upon Fenton and the serjeant-at-arms, and the case went to the Privy Council which gave judgment against the Legislative Council. In 1856 Fenton was elected unopposed to the House of Assembly in the first election; he was also appointed Speaker, a position he occupied until 1861 when he retired from public life. He died on 6 April 1874 at his property, Fenton Forest, near New Norfolk. Hops were cultivated on Fenton’s property, and nearly thirty families were tenants on Fenton Forest estate when he died; the rent roll figures amounted to approximately £800 a year. In 1832 the Lindsays (Captain Daniel Ross) brought out seventy- six men, women and children as his indentured servants. The ship was evidently owned by Fenton.In 1828 at Calcutta Michael Fenton married Elizabeth, the widow of Captain Neil Campbell, also of the 13th Light Infantry. She was a daughter of Rev. John Russel Knox, rector of Lifford and Inishmagrath, County Leitrim. They had six children, of whom one son, Michael, and three daughters survived Fenton. His wife’s The Journal of Mrs. Fenton, a Narrative of her Life in India, the Isle of France—Mauritius—and Tasmania During the Years 1826-1830, was published in London in 1901. Select Bibliography
Hobart Town Courier, 15 Aug 1829, 26 Feb 1831, 9 Nov 1832, 13 May 1836, 29 Apr 1848; Hobart Town Gazette, 1840, p 799; Mercury (Hobart), 9, 13, 18 Apr 1874; CSO 1/397/8993, 1/604/13764 (Archives Office of Tasmania); LSD 1/75/117, 160a, 161, 162, 188, 1/76/94 (Archives Office of Tasmania).
“Valley of the Derwent” by L.S. Bethell page 88 described Fenton’s life, Melbourne “Argus” 5 May 1874 :”FENTON -On the 5th ult., at his residence, Fenton Forest Tasmania, Captain Michael Fenton, father of Mrs. Robert M’Culloch, Kilmore, Victoria, aged 85 years.”Mercury” 12 Jan 1875 :
“THURSDAY, 18th February IMPORTANT TO CAPITALISTS. THE FENTON FOREST ESTATE,
Comprising 14,900 Acres.
THOMAS WESTBROOK, Is favoured with instructions from the Trustees under the will of the llate Captain Michael Fenton, to sell by public auction, at the mart, Collinsstreet, on THURSDAY, 18th February, at 12 o’clock,
THAT MAGNIFICENT ESTATE situate on the weat bank of the Derwent River, and known as “FENTON FOREST,” Comprising 14,900 acres. The estate is bounded by Jones’ River, by the River Styx, by the Meadow Bank Estate, and by lands of Joseph Clarke, E. Shoobridge, and Ralph Terry, Esqs. It is situated 14 miles from New Norfolk, and three from the telegraph station at Gretna Green. The grazing land is all warranted sound. There are 300 acres only, now under crop but over 1,000 aro cleared for cultivation, and 1,500 acres of the bush land have been rung. There is a capital hop ground of 16 acres, in full bearing, and well irrigated, and a productive garden and orchard of five acres.The Township of Glenora, laid out by the late Captain Fenton, and on which there is an inn, a public school under the Board of Education, and other establishments, forms parts of the estate. The whole of this truly valuable property is well fenced and abundantly watered ; the Russell’s Falls, a never failing stream, flows through it. All the rivers are supplied with English Trout, thus affording an endless source of amusement to the sportsman. There are now on the estate 7,000 sheep and 200 head cattle, but its carrying capabilities are greater, being considerably under-stocked,
THE HOMESTEAD
Comprises a spacious brick residence, replete with every convenience, with abundance of water laid on to the house. There is a barn, stable, coachhouse, hop kiln, water corn mill, and all other necessary outbuildings, ec, ec.
TERMS.-20 per cent, cash deposit ; 15 per cent, by bill, at 4 months ; and 15 per cent, by bill at 12 months ; each bearing 6 per cent, interest. The balance may remain for a term of years at same rate.The auctioneer has much pleasure in an- nouncing the sale of the above truly magnificent Estate. It is suitable for both agricultural and pastoral purposes, and is situated within an easy distance from New Norfolk, from whence there is both water and land carriage daily to the city. The late Captain Fenton laidout a very large sum in improving this Estate, which will be found one of the best and most complete on the southern side. Instructions having been received to realise without delay, the special attention of capitalists is specially invited.
Reference to Messrs. Allport, Roberts, and Allport, Solicitors, Macquarie-street, or to the auctioneer.N.B.-The whole of the stock, farming implements, &c., will be disposed of within one month of the sale of the above, due notice of date will be given.”
Tasmanian History. The Fenton Family
“Two Anglo–Irish families, cousins, settled in the Derwent Valley and Forth. Michael Fenton (1789– 1874) arrived in 1829, developed Fenton Forest, Glenora, and was a member of the nominee Legislative Council, then MHA and Speaker (1856– 61). His wife, Elizabeth, wrote Mrs Fenton’s Tasmanian Journal 1829–30.
James Fenton (1820–1901) was the first settler at Forth, introduced ringbarking to clear the forest and gained wealth from shipping timber to Melbourne. He wrote A History of Tasmania (1884), a biography of Charles Price (1886) and Bush Life in Tasmania 1891). His only son, Charles Benjamin Monds Fenton, farmed at Table Cape, was MHA for Wellington (1886–97) and founded the Table Cape Co-operative Butter Factory. Arthur Benjamin Fenton, a son of Charles Benjamin, was MLC for Russell (1933–57), and was succeeded by his nephew, Charles Balfour Marcus Fenton AC, MLC for Russell 1957–81 and President of the Council. Ernest Henry Fenton (1872–1941), another son of Charles Benjamin, was active in the timber industry, as were several of his sons.
Further reading: P Fenton, James Fenton of Forth, Melbourne, 2001.
Paul Fenton “Central Tasmania :”Fentonbury
Situated 72 km from Hobart between Westerway and Ellendale. Named for Michael Fenton who had large areas of hops on his estate Fenton Forest. He was a member for New Norfolk in the Legislative Council. Thirty tenants lived on the Estate, the rent roll was 800 pounds per year. There was a post office, shop, sawmill and school. The school closed in 1937. James and Henry browning, whose descendants still live in the area, were credited with discovering Russell Falls whilst out looking for bullocks in 1856. The Falls were originally known as Brownings Falls.
Mt Field National Par :
“Early Exploration
From the 1830s, trappers and snarers worked the high country around Mt Field, coming in from Montos Marsh (now Ellendale). Bushrangers and escaped convicts were known to have hidden out in the country around Bushy Park in the 1840s, trapping and taking advantage of local farms such as Fenton Forest.
Prior to 1910, the only access to the high country was by pack track from Ellendale. In 1869, the eminent botanist Baron von Mueller visited Mt Field East on a week-long collecting trek, guided by the Rayner brothers, local trappers. He described the snow gum (Eucalyptus coccifera), the urn gum (E. urnigera), the cider gum (E. gunnii) and cushion plants (Donatia novaezelandie) from the meadows around Lake Fenton. The botanist Leonard Rodway also explored the area from the 1850s. ”
“Hobart Town Courier” 28 Apr 1832 :
“£100 REWARD.
STOLEN from tbe Paddock of. the undersigned
between the 8ih and 21st instant, a pare Saxon Ewe, with a scar or seam in the breast where it was worried, and 68 highly improved Ewes, fire branded on the 14|ih instant with the letter F on the left cheek. Also, prior to the above; 100 Sheep, pitohbranded with the letters M. F, on ¦ the leftside besides private ear-marks. Any person giving such information as will lead to tbe conviction of tbe offender or offenders will receive the above reward,
MICHAEL FENTON, Fenton Forest, New Norfolk
District, April 26,1832.”
William Knox and Barbara Nisbett
William Knox, born bef. 1632, son of Rt. Rev. Andrew Knox and
Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Ralph Bingley.
Married to
Barbara Nisbett, sister of Alexander Nisbett of Tullydonell, metioned
in William Knox will 1710. Daughter of James Nesbitt and Prudentia
Grove.
Children from this marriage:
1. m Rev. Alexander Knox, Rector of Ramelton, Aghnish, 1704, of Whitehall, Co, Down, in 1745, married to Rebecca Ussher, died 1695, daughter of Rev. Adam Ussher, Archdeacon of Clonfert, 1702, and Rebecca, daughter of Gilbert Wye and Joan.
2. m William, died 1710, of Drumachill and Woodhill.
3. m Ralph, died 1710, of Bannach.
Rev. Alexander Knox and Rebecca Ussher
Rev. Alexander Knox, Rector of Ramelton, Aghnish, 1704, of
Whitehall, Co, Down, in 1745, son of William Knox and Barbara
Nisbett.
Married to
Rebecca Ussher, died 1695, daughter of daughter of Rev.Adam
Ussher, Archdeacon of Clonfert, 1702, and Rebecca, daughter of
Gilbert Wye and Joan.
Children from this marriage:
1. m William, born bef. 1707. Alive 1770.
2. m Adam, born bef. 1708.
3. f Rebecca, born 1709, died 1766. Herv will dated 1766. Left lease of Ashmoyne to her Brotherss‑in‑Law, the Rev. Bernard Ward and Rev. Dr. John Lamy.
4. f Ann Knox, born after 1710, died bef.1770, alive 1766, married to Rev. John Lamy (L’Amie or Lammie), Prebendary of Killymard 1746‑1750, Vic general of Raphoe 1742, Rector of Aghanushin, 1556‑1773, of Raphoe, As to the Lammies or L’Amys ” John Lamy M.A. Vicar general of the diocese was collated on July 11, 1746 to the prebend of Killymard.
Verner and Lamy Families 2D S x 89 Your transatlantic correspondent will find that the former of these families figures in the Baronetage and a reference to the authorities usually consulted will no doubt supply the information he desires As to the Lammies or L Aniys one of whom tradition says was Bishop of Raphoe I may remark that the succession of Bishops of Raphoe is matter of history and record not of tradition It does not appear that any person of this name ever held the See of Raphoe but I find that John Lamy MA vicar general of the diocese was collated on July 11 1746 to the prebend of Killymard in that cathedral Cotton’s Fasti JScc Hib The name is evidently of French extraction and probably belongs to one of the numerous Huguenot families who quitted France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes and settled in various parts of Ireland An interesting account of these lately appeared in the Ulster Journal of Archaeology as already noticed at p 54 of the current volume of N & Q I should like to know whether Mr Verser can assign any reason to account for the tradition which he mentions John Ribton Garstin Dublin . A family named L Amie resides on Cork Hill in the city of Dublin a member of which informed me it was of Huguenot extraction In a roll about 1685 now before me containing the names of tenants of the Huguenot family of Kobillard Seigneurs de Champagne the name of Jean Lamy occurs who appears to have been resident in the seigneury of Bernere parish of St Sauvinien near St Jean D Angely EDB ,
1746. John Lamy MA. Vicar General of the Diocese. Moved to Aughanunshin
5. f Barbara Knox, born 1710, married to Rev. Bernard Ward, Precenter of Down Cathedral, died 1784. Will date 7 March 1784, prob. 8 April 1784, son of Charles Ward and Deborah, daughter of Francis Annesley and Doborah Jones. lived at Vianstown House in 1798
6. m John, died 1706, of Ashmoyne and Ballynamore.
7. m Oliver.
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