May 11 1805 Vol 576 pg 196. Indenture of lease between
John Sherley of Knockabranagh Co Carlow farmer of 1st
part and Edmund Butler of Coonfile Kilkenny farmer of other partconveyed
lands of Bellmount 13 acres, 2 roads and 32 perches to
Edmund Butler in possession of James Butler of Coonfile farmer
dec'd and part of Bellmount in possession of John Bradley farmer
known as Big Meadow Browfield containing 8 ac in Barony of Tasidinen
Kilkenny for 42 years for lives of James Butler eldest son of
Edmunt Butler the lessor. Wit: Edward Low of Leighlin Bridge
Carlow gent and James Sherley of Belmount Kilkenny farmer.
Sworn 30 Sept 1805. - Registry of Deeds Dublin
6 Oct 1836 - The last will and testament of John Shirley
Knockabrannar in parish of Old Leighlin drawn up at my own
request Oct the 6th 1836. I John Shirley being in perfect
possession of all y faculties and now wishing to make a final
settlement of all my earthly affairs do of my own free will and
choice make the following divisions of all my property and wish
that same should remain unchanged and binding on all concerned,
I John Shirley do will and bequeath to my wife Deborah
Shirley and my son Abraham Shirley farm which I now hold
in Knockabrannar together with all my stock in cattle and all
other property that may be thereon at my death to be equally
possessed and held by same Deborah Shirley my wife and same
Abraham Shirley my son, I further will that if my wife
Deborah Shirley should at any further time wish to separate
or live distinct from same Abraham Shirley my son, that
she Deborah Shirley be entitled to hald of whatever stock
and of all other property wihtin and without, which at time of
separation may exist. And also I will that she Deborah Shirley
shall at such separation be intitled to half of my present farm
in Knockabrannar. I further will that after the death of my wife
Deborah Shirley that all the stock and other property then
existing together with the whole of my farm be the sole property
and possession of my son Abraham Shirley, I further will
that my wife Deborah Shirley and my son Abraham Shirley
pay conjointly the annual of four pounds to Catherine Shirley
widow of my son Thomas Shirley, and that same sum of four
pounds be paid to same Catherine Shirley during the eixstance
of the present lease, I further will that my son Ansley Shirley
and Catherine Shirley widow of my son Thomas Shirley should
hold undisturbed their present farms in the same manner as they
now hold and possess them, I further will and bequeath to my
son Abraham Shirley the profit rent now arising fro Kilfoyle's
farm in Coon, being eight pounds ten shillings annually to be
possessed by same Abraham Shirley during the continuance
of same forever. I further will that Paul Shirley my son
the present occupier of same farm in Coon is not to be disturbed
from its possession by my son Abraham Shirley or any person
representing him provided the annual interest of eight pounds
ten shillings be paid regularly to same Abraham Shriely or his
representation, I further will and bequeath to my son John
Shirley of Brackin the whole interest in and arrising from
my farm near Mount Melick known by the name of Bog Farm, I further
will and bequeather to John Shirley son of Ansley Shirley the
sum of twenty pounds to be paid by my son John Shirley out
of the Bog Farm in four different and equal payments, six months
intervening between each payment, I further will and bequeath
to my son Ansley Shirley all the interest arrising from
the Gowrawn Farm in Coon also known by the name of John Bradley's
farm. I further will that when the interest of my son John
Shirley shall cease in the Bog Farm the life thereof having
fallen, that same John Shirley shall have equal share
with my son Ansley Shirley in the interest arising fro
the Gowrawn Alias Bradley farm in Coon, this only to commence
its interest when interest in the Bog Farm ceases, I further
will and bequeath to my daughter Margaret wife of James Butler
the sum of ten pounds to be paid same Margaret by
my son Ansley Shirley at the experation fo one year from
the day of my death, I further will and bequeath to my son
James Shirley of Ridge the annual interest arising from the
holdings of Martin Kealey, John Tales, Michael Conners and Patrick
Walshe, to be possessed and enjoyed by same James Shirley
as long as same interest continues, I further will that if my
son Abraham Shirley now unmarried should take as wife
a person who is a member of the Church of Rome that no part of
the property herein by me bequeathed to him shall be his, that
such an act shall disentitle him to the possession of any part
of my property and the property thus forfeited be equally divided,
between my sons Paul Shirley. I John Shirley being
in possession of all my faculties and understanding unimparied
and directing every and all distributions of property as herin
expressed I sign this as my last will and testament. Oct 6 1836
<s> John X Shirley [his mark]. Wit present: Mirtin
Kealy, Thos. Morak, Robert Baker [on leaf: 'Dated 6th October
1836; A copy of; John Shirleys will; eldest son of; Thomas Shirley;
Lease in the lase; of 1766']
married 1) _________ (See modern family letter,
accuracy unknown)
Modern Family Letter (See Canada lineage page): "John
of Bellmont was married twice. I don't know anything about his
first wife"
married Deborah _______ at least by 1802 when her child
Dorothea Shirley was baptized at Old Leighlin Parish, County
Carlow. Deborah was born say before 1769, She died on
25 Mar 1845, Knocknabranna, Old Leighlin, Co. She is buried:
Old Leighlin Ch Co. Carlow, Ireland. Carlow. Deborah was left
joint ownership of the farm in Knockabranna
This is a Protestant - Church of England family
Children:
3(i). Mary Shirley born say 1783 at Old Leighlin, Co.
Carlow, Ireland. Not mentioned in the 1836 will of her father
John Shirley of Knockabranna co Carlow. Father identified in
her 1801 marriage record. She married John Watters on 27 Jul
1801, in Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow.
1801 July 27 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish: Married
by license, John Waters of Clogrenan and Mary Shirley daughter
of John Shirley of the parish of Old Leighlin
3(ii). Thomas
Shirley of Knockabranna, co Carlow born say 1785 at
Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow. Thomas was identified as deceased in
his father's 1836 will.
married Catherine _______ ; Identified as the widow
of Thomas Shirley in 1836 will of her father-in-law, John Shirley
of Knockabranna co Carlow.
1836 LW&T of John Shirley....I further will that my
wife Deborah Shirley and my son Abraham Shirley pay conjointly
the annual of four pounds to Catherine Shirley widow of my son
Thomas Shirley, and that same sum of four pounds be paid to same
Catherine Shirley during the eixstance of the present lease,
3(iii). Anne Shirley of Lanark Co Ontario Canada
born say 1786 at Knocknabranna, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow.
Not mentionin the 1836 will of her father John Shirley of Knockabranna
co Carlow. However, her father named in her 1803 marriage record.
She married John George Willoughby on 31 May 1803 at Old Leighlin,
Co. Carlow, He was born 1780, Coon, Co. Carlow, Ireland (Editor:
more likely Coan co Kilkenny), He died 26 Apr 1874, Beckwith
Township, Lanark Co, Ontario, buried: Franktown, Beckwith Township.
Anne died 9 May 1871, Beckwith Township, Lanark Co, Ontario.,
buried: Franktown Cemetery, Beckwith Township. Migrated
to Beckwith Township, Lanark Co Ontario Canada
1803 May 31 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish: Married
by license, George Willoughby of Cooan and Anne Shirleydaughter
of John of the parish of Old Leighlin
Email: "The family emigrated to Canada around 1818
and settled in the Ottawa Valley. George and Ann are buried in
Franktown Cemetery"
3(iv). William
Shirley of Lambton Co, Ontario Canada (somewhat likely
child of John and Deborah Shirley) born say 1786 at Knockabranna
County Carlow Ireland. Not mentioned in the 1836 will of his
?father John Shirley of Knockabranna. Father not identified in
his 1806 marriage. He married Elizabeth Kidd by license on 16
December 1806 at Old Leighlin Parish, County Carlow Ireland.
He and his family moved to Canada sometime after the birth of
son Thomas in 1814 (born Co Carlow); Various family biographies
and obituaries fix the date of migration in 1818. He was granted
land in Drummond Township, Lanark Co Ontario Canada, and lived
for a considerable time in Beckwith Township, Lanark County (see
sister Anne above, also of Beckwith Twp), then moved West to
Lambton County Ontario where he died prior to 1861.
married Elizabeth Kidd at Old Leighlin Parish, Co. Carlow
Ireland on 15 December 1806; She was born in Ireland about 1787
3(v). Elizabeth Shirley born say 1787. Not
mentioned in the 1836 will of her father John Shirley of Knockabranna
co Carlow. She married Francis Edwards on 24 Feb 1805, in Old
Leighlin Parish Co. Carlow Marriage record does not identify
her father. (is this daughter actually confirmed, or simply presumed
daughter of John Shirley of Knockabranna?)
16 Feb 1805 Marriage License. Elizabeth Shirley and Francis
Edwards, of Killedmond, Co. Carlow, Parish of Old Leighlin Cliff-Vigors
Papers, National Archives of Ireland
16 February 1805 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish:
Marriage by license Francis Edwards of Kilelmond and Elizabeth
Shirley of the parish of Old Leighlin
3(vi). Paul
Shirley of Clogrennan, co Carlow born say 1788; occupation
Farmer at Copanare Cloydagh. Paul died 21 Jul 1863, Clogrennan,
Carlow, Co. Carlow. Paul was left the tenancy of Kilfoyles farm
in Coon in his fathers will. See Deed of marriage settlement
3rd October 1815
1836 LW&T of John Shirley. "...I further will
and bequeath to my son Abraham Shirley the profit rent now arising
from Kilfoyle's farm in Coon, being eight pounds ten shillings
annually to be possessed by same Abraham Shirley during the continuance
of same forever. I further will that Paul Shirley my son the
present occupier of same farm in Coon is not to be disturbed
from its possession by my son Abraham Shirley or any person representing
him provided the annual interest of eight pounds ten shillings
be paid regularly to same Abraham Shirley or his representation..."
married Jane Edwards on 1 Nov 1815; She was the daughter
of Francis Edwards.
Oct 3 1818 Marriage Settlement between Paul Shirley of
Knockabranner Co Carlow farmer of 1st part, John Shirley, Frances
Edwards and Jane Edwards daughter of sd Frances Edwards of other
part. Paul and Jane to marry. John Shirley do grant unto sd Paul
Shirley rents of lands of Cavan? or Bellinaut? In Co Kilkenny.
Wit: John Watters, Thos Richarson clk. Registered Oct 19 1836
[full text below] Register of Deeds
3(vii). John Shirley of Brackin, co Kilkenny born say
1795, occupation Farmer, Mentioned in the 1836 will of his father
John Shirley of Knockabranna. He was residing at Brackin co Kilkenny
at the time (lands of Mothel, Coolcullen); John was left an interest
in the Bog farm and half interest in the Gowran farm in Coon.
Nothing more known
3(ivii). Margaret Shirley born say 1798. She married
James Butler. She was named as the wife of James Butler in the
1836 will of her father John Shirley of Knockabranna.
3(ix). Dorothea Shirley baptised 5 February 1802 at
Old Leighlin Parish, co Carlow to John Shirley and wife Deborah
of Old Leighlin possibly died young?
1802 Feb 5 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish: Baptism
of Dorathea Shirley, daughter of John Shirley and Deborah his
wife of Old Leighlin
3(x). Annesley
Shirley baptised 30 November 1804 at Knocknabranna, Old Leighlin,
Co. Carlow, son of John and Deborah Shirley; occupation Farmer.
Annesley died 21 Jan 1888, Knocknabranna, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow;
buried: 19 Jan 1888 at Old Leighlin Church Co. Carlow, Ireland.
Ansley was left the tenancy of a farm by his father John.
1804 Nov 30 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish: Baptism
of Annesley Shirley, son of John Shirley and Deborah his wife
of Old Leighlin
19 Jan 1888 Registration District of Castlecomer - Death
at Coolcullen of Annesley Shirley from Knockabranna, widower
age 85, farmer; Informant: Abraham Shirley son present at death
of Knockabranna co Carlow
married Elizabeth Waters She died on. 25 Jun 1875,
Knocknabranna, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow., buried: 28 Jun 1875,
Old Leighlin Ch Co. Carlow, Ireland
3(xi). James Shirley of The Ridge, b. 1800 - 1810,
Knocknabranna, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow. Living at Ridge in 1836.
2 Jan 1836 Carlow Voter Registration - James Shirley of
Ridge Old Leighlin; lands at Ridge Old Leighlin with value £10
1836 LW&T of John Shirley. ...I further will
and bequeath to my son James Shirley of Ridge the annual interest
arising from the holdings of Martin Kealey, John Tales, Michael
Conners and Patrick Walshe, to be possessed and enjoyed by same
James Shirley as long as same interest continues,
3(xii). Abraham Shirley baptised 15 Jun 1806 at Old
Leighlin Parish, Co Carlow son of John and Deborah Shirley; occupation
Farmer, d. post 1836. Abraham was the principal benefitter from
his fathers will. he was unmarried in 1836. His father's will
stated that if Abraham married a Roman Catholic that he would
be disinherited.
1806 June 15 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish: Baptism
of Abraham Shirley, son of John Shirley and Deborah his wife
of Old Leighlin
1836 LW&T of John Shirley. "...I John Shirley
do will and bequeath to my wife Deborah Shirley and my son Abraham
Shirley farm which I now hold in Knockabrannar together with
all my stock in cattle and all other property that may be thereon
at my death to be equally possessed and held by same Deborah
Shirley my wife and same Abraham Shirley my son...I further will
that after the death of my wife Deborah Shirley that all the
stock and other property then existing together with the whole
of my farm be the sole property and possession of my son Abraham
Shirley...I further will and bequeath to my son Abraham Shirley
the profit rent now arising fro Kilfoyle's farm in Coon, being
eight pounds ten shillings annually to be possessed by same Abraham
Shirley during the continuance of same forever. I further will
that Paul Shirley my son the present occupier of same farm in
Coon is not to be disturbed from its possession by my son Abraham
Shirley or any person representing him provided the annual interest
of eight pounds ten shillings be paid regularly to same Abraham
Shirley or his representation..."
3(xiii). Robert Shirley, baptised 8 January 1808, Knocknabranna,
Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow to John and Deborah Shirley; Not mentioned
in the 1836 will of his father; nothing more known. May have
died young.
1809 January 8 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish:
Baptism of Robert Shirley son of John Shirley and Deborah his
wife of the Parish of Old Leighlin
3(xiv). Edward Shirley buried: 16 Mar 1810, Old Leighlin
Ch Co. Carlow, Ireland. Died Young
16 Mar 1810 Edward Shirley chr to John and Deborah Shirley
(a duplicate says chr date is 13 Mar 1810) Old Leighlin Parish
16 Mar 1810 Edward Shirley of _____ buried Old Leighlin
Parish
3(xv). Sarah Shirley baptised 22 September 1811 at
Knocknabranna, Old Leighlin Parish, Co. Carlow daughter of John
and Deborah Shirley. She married John O'Neill in 1833.
21811 Sept 22 Church of Ireland - Old Leighlin Parish:
Baptism of Sarah Shirley daughter of John and Deborah Shirley
1833 Marriage - Shirley, Sarah and John O'Neill Index of
Marriage License Bonds- Diocese of Ossery, Ferns and Leighlin
Thomas
Shirley of Belmount, Coon, co Kilkenny and Knockabranna, co Carlow