Daniel Corley Jennings [1818-1896], Newry, County Down. Part 3

While Daniel and Johanna were living in Clontarf, they lost two of their children, Ellie and John Bray.

Their daughter Ellen [Ellie] Sophie Mary Jennings died at 6 Castle Avenue, Clontarf, on the 4^th of August 1878, aged 26.

JENNINGS, Ellie M Miss "dau of Constable"; Clontarf.[1]

Three years later John Bray Jennings, L.R.Q.C.P.I and L.R.C.S.I, died at 6 Castle Avenue, Clontarf, on the 7^th of May, 1881 aged 27. He had qualified as a doctor and was living in Yorkshire. His Death Certificate states that John Bray Jennings, Bachelor, aged 26 years, Physician and Surgeon, died of phthisis (6 months certified), and his father D.C. Jennings was present at his death. He was Daniel’s fourth son and the second to die, Joseph, his youngest son,  having died as a child in Ennis, County Clare.

On his retirement from the Royal Irish Constabulary, Daniel and Johanna moved to 18 Morehampton Rd., Dublin. His pension was £400 per annum.

Morehampton Road features many redbrick houses with granite under-courses and steps with cast iron decorative railings laid out and built from 1860 onwards.[2]

Daniel died there on the 15^th November 1896.

JENNINGS, November 15, at his residence, 18 Morehampton Road, Dublin, Daniel Corley Jennings, C.I., R.I.C.[3]

His daughter-in-law Henrietta, wife of Ignatius Ronayne Bray Jennings, commented in her account book.

November 1896 15th Old Mr J. died. Wreath 5/- .[4]

After Daniel’s death Johanna went to live with her daughters Kate and Mary in 23 Waterloo Place, Dublin. It was located in a small group of houses off Waterloo Lane. All three stated in the 1901 Census that their income came from dividends. Johanna died there on the 14^th of March 1908. She was 89.

JENNINGS – on March 14^th at 23 Waterloo Place, Dublin, Joanna Maria, relict of the late Daniel Corley Jennings Esq., County Inspector Royal Irish Constabulary, and last surviving daughter of the late Luke Bray of Ballycarrane and Galberstown, Co. Tipperary, Esq. RIP.[5]

Daniel and Johanna are buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, together with Ellie and John Bray Jennings.[6]

A report on the Tramore Races of unknown date gives us a last glimpse into Daniel’s life  in the police force:  A body of police under the command of sub-Inspector Jennings was called into active requisition to suppress numerous fights at intervals between races. One unfortunate jockey (Hogan from Tipperary) had a bludgeon broken over his head by an assailant. Several medical gentlemen were prompt in their attention to the poor fellow.[7]

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[1] Cork Examiner  1878-8-7

[2] A walking tour of Donnybrook by John Holohan, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook & Sandymount Historical Society Annual Record 2007.

[3] Henrietta Jennings, The Mall, Armagh. Private Account Book.

[4] Cork Constitution, 17 November 1896.

[5] Weekly Irish Times, 21 March 1908.

[6] Glasnevin Cemetery. Dublin Section. D.C. Jennings. Kf 14, 15.

No.168.

[7] Waterford News, n.d.

Daniel Corley Jennings [1818-1896] of Newry, County Down. Part 2.

Ballickmoyler

Carlow

December 16^th 1846

I have the honor to report for the information of the Inspector General with reference to the state of the people of the District that their wants from scarcity of food have increased and are doing so daily to rather an alarming extent. Sheep stealing and larcenies of all kinds have very much increased and many of those employed in the Public works particularly in the Colliery District give expression to their intentions by Publicly Stating that they will not much longer submit to starvation, the Price of Provisions is so very high and the wages which they are able to earn being quite insufficient to supply their wants and those of their families, who appear in the greatest distress add to which there are very few able to earn any wages whatever since the frost set in and should it continue I really do not know how they are to exist nor what unforeseen steps they may take to procure food.

The Relief Committee of this District have since the beginning of the season purchased whole meal which is sold out to the Poor at something less than first cost. Still the wages earned are insufficient to afford even a limited supply.

The foregoing statement I feel called on to make owing to my own observations as also those of the Magistrates and other respectable inhabitants of this District.

D. C. Jennings

2^nd S. Insp.

Daniel was transferred to Tuam, County Galway.[1]

His children Ignatius, Daniel, John and Ellen were all born in Tuam.  The baptisms of Ignatius, Daniel and John are recorded in Tuam Cathedral. Charles, the eldest son, had been born in County Tipperary in 1848.

In 1853 his name appears in the Irish Prison Registers Galway, a man arrested ‘having in his possession several articles of clothes property of D.C Jennings Esqr. S. I. Police at Tuam.’

By 1858 he was Sub-Inspector of Constabulary in Tramore.[2] Kate, Mary, Joseph, and possibly Sophia, were born in Tramore.

In 1865 he was transferred to Wexford to replace Inspector Wray.

The Constabulary - First Class Sub-Inspector Daniel Corley Jennings, Tramore, has been promoted to Second-class County Inspector and transferred to County Wexford to occupy the post vacant by the death of the late much-esteemed Inspector, Mr Wray. Mr Jennings comes amongst us preceded by a high reputation, and from what we have heard of him we have no doubt that he will discharge his duties with ability and impartiality.[3]

It was a short appointment. In 1867 he appears in the Clare Electoral Register. The family was living in Church Street, Ennis – a house office yard and small garden in Church Street.[4]

By 1868 he was County Inspector in Ennis, County Clare.[5]

On the 31^st January 1870 Daniel’s fifth son Joseph died in Ennis. He had been born in Tramore in 1859. He is buried in Drumcliff Cemetery, Ennis, County Clare.

 Erected by DC Jennings C.I. In memory of his son Joseph who died at Ennis January 31st 1870, aged 10 years. May he rest in peace, Amen. [6]

In 1871 Daniel became the executor for Pierse Ronayne [1791-1871], Beresford Street, Waterford. Pierse Ronayne was his maternal uncle and had left many bequests including one hundred pounds to the Reverend Nicholas Cantwell, Parish Priest at Tramore, as a donation towards the completion of the new Catholic Church there.

By 1873 Daniel was County Inspector in Clontarf.

Letter from D. C. Jennings Esqr, Co. Inspr., Royal Irish Constabulary, Clontarf, 1^st July 1873.

The Pump at Blanchardstown is now dry and the little water that comes out of it in the morning is unfit for human use and requesting that directions may be given to have the deficit remedied as soon as possible.

To be informed that the Board are in communication with a Tradesman on the subject.[7]

Letter from D. C. Jennings Esqr, Co. Inspr., Royal Irish Constabulary, Clontarf, dated 17^th August 1873.

Stating in reference to his letter of the 1^st of July last relative to the defective supply of water to be had from the pump at Blanchardstown which has not yet been remedied and hoping that the Guardians will see the absolute necessity of placing the Pump in working order without further delay.

The Board has taken the necessary means as to this,[8]

Letter from Danl Murphy Pump Borer 123 Coombe dated 19 August 1873

Stating as he had a good deal of trouble and lost time about Blanchardstown and not getting it, he will thank the Guardians for the Amt of his  a/c sent namely 17/8-

Board decline payment.[9]

Letter from D. C. Jennings Esqr, Co. Inspr., Royal Irish Constabulary, Clontarf, dated 18^th November 1873.

Stating that the supply of water from the Pump at Blanchardstown is still defective being unfit for use as it becomes quite red after being some time taken from the Pump owing to the old rusty pipes having been again put down.

Inform Co. Inspector that Chairman with Capt. Brinkley y and he on Monday was at Blanchardstown, and they think that on a sufficient quantity of water being pumped out the water supply will then be good.[10]

You have to wonder was it ever fixed!

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[1]  RIC History and Directories Constabulary Lists. Vol 3. 1848-50. County of Galway. W. R.

[2]  Post Office Dublin Directory 1858.

[3] Wexford People 8^th April 1865

[4] Ireland, Clare Electoral Registers, 1867.

[5]  Thom’s Directory, Clare, 1868.

[6] Grave 905  Memorial ID 80451449.

[7]  PLU Board of Guardians 1873

[8]  Ibid.

[9]  Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

Daniel Corley Jennings [1818-1896], Newry, County Down. Part 1.

Daniel Corley Jennings was born in Newry, County Down, on the 7th of August, 1818. He was the son of Charles Jennings and Sophia Corley of Monaghan Street, Newry.

He appears to have been appointed by Drummond to the Irish Constabulary as a 3rd class sub-inspector on the formation of the force in 1836.[1] Daniel’s father Charles Jennings was Chairman of the Commisioners of the Newry Police in 1834.

Daniel’s career is on record:

Jennings, Daniel Corley; LDS 2097/107; born 1816, Co. Down, Ireland; 3rd Class Sub inspector 17/11/1836; C.I. 1/4/1865; pensioned 1/10/1882; died 15/11/1896.[2]

Thomas Drummond was Under-Secretary for Ireland from 1835 until his death in 1840.

The Irish Constabulary (Ireland) Act, 1836. (6 William IV c.13), was known as the Drummond Act. It consolidated and repealed all preceding Acts.[3]

An account from the Waterford Museum gives some of the background:

Drummond had some noble intentions when passing this law, he wished to eliminate the influence of local landlords (and the Orange Lodge in Northern Ireland) from police matters. He also wished to make the force acceptable to Catholics by allowing them to join it as officers and constables. This policy initially appeared to work as between 1836 and 1847 complaints against the police force were much rarer than in previous decades. Drummond also intended that the force would ensure the continuation of British rule in Ireland. The force had a strength of 10,000 at its foundation rising to 10,500 in 1856. Policemen were generally much better educated than the local population as a whole and were expected to maintain a position of importance and high standing in their community.[4]

According to Crossle Daniel was a Cadet in the R.I.C.  However the police cadet training system in the new Depot in the Phoenix Park did not appear until 1842, and the Irish Constabulary only became the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1867 when Queen Victoria honoured the Irish Constabulary with the title ‘in recognition of its loyal and faithful service and for its role in suppressing the rising of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.’

The Nenagh Vindicator had a strange story in 1844:

"Curious if True : Mr. Gray, stipendiary magistrate, has been ordered to Dublin to answer a charge made against him of having employed one of the police to go to a poor printer of the name of Morgan, in Cashel, and solicit him to print seditious ballads! Colonel M'Gregor has expressed the greatest indignation that one of the police should be employed in the disgraceful manner in question. Sub-Inspector Jennings and Head-Constable Foot have been examined on the subject; but of the result we are not aware." -  Nenagh Vindicator[5]

Daniel married Johanna Maria Bray, daughter of Luke Bray and Ellen Ronan of Ballycarrane, Thurles, County Tipperary, on the 11th of February 1846.  They had 9 children. Their first son, Charles, called after his grandfather, was born in Thurles. The variety of birth places of their subsequent children give some idea of the manner in which a member of the Constabulary could be relocated around the country during his career.

1. Charles Borromeo Jennings b. November 1846, in Thurles, County Tipperary.
2. Ignatius Ronayne Bray Jennings b. 1850 in Tuam, County Galway.
3. Ellen Sophie Mary Jennings b. abt 1852.
4. Daniel Jennings b. 1853 in Tuam, County Galway.
5. John Bray Jennings b. 1854 in Tuam, County Galway.
6. Catherine (Kate) Jennings b. 1857 in Tramore, County Waterford.
7. Mary Jennings b.1858 in Tramore, County Waterford.
8. Joseph Jennings b.1859 in Tramore, County Waterford.
9. Sophia Mary Jennings b. abt 1860.

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[1] Crossle, NAI.

[2] Jim Herlihy, Royal Irish Constabulary Officers:  A Biographical Dictionary and Genealogical Guide, 1816-1922, Dublin, Four Courts Press, 2005, (reprint 2016), P. 177.

[3] Jim Herlihy, The Royal Irish Constabulary: a short history and genealogical guide, Dublin, Four Courts Press, 1997, P.43-4.

[4]  http://www.waterfordmuseum.ie

[5] The Coleraine Chronicle, April 20, 1844.

Charles Jennings [abt 1780-1855] Monaghan Street, Newry, County Down. Part 4.

The construction of the Newry and Enniskillen Railway began in 1844 with a call for investment in shares in the Newry and Enniskillen Railway Company. The engineer William Dargan was one of its main promoters.

Prospectus of the Newry and Enniskillen Railway .....extension to Sligo.....to be raised in shares. Provisional Committee ...

Charles Jennings Esq. was a member of the Provisional Committee.[1]

At this time Charles’ business interests at 30 Merchant’s Quay, Newry, were comprised of a Coal merchants, Iron merchants, and Timber and Slate merchants.[2] It appears he not only sold shares in the Railway Company but may have invested heavily himself. The Railway Company ran into financial difficulties and collapsed. Charles was declared bankrupt in 1851.

Bankrupt: Charles Jennings, of Newry, county Armagh, merchant, dealer, and chapman, to surrender on Tuesday, the 3rd day of December, and on Tuesday, the 31st day of December next.[3]

According to the Oxford English Dictionary a chapman was a man whose business was buying and selling, a merchant, trader or dealer; an agent in a commercial transaction, a negotiator or broker.

Bankrupt Court - Yesterday (Before Mr. Commissioner Plunkett). In the matter of ---- Jennings. the bankrupt in this case was a shopkeeper in Newry, and his certificate was signed. Agent - Mr. F. Hamilton.[4]

Joseph Corley Jennings, who was born in 1827, was Charles’ third surviving son. He had been apprenticed to William Dargan, the engineer overseeing the building of the railways in Ireland. After the collapse of the Newry and Enniskillen Railway Joseph emigrated to the United States and spent the rest of his life in California.

Another son, Charles, who was born in 1837, and was Charles’ youngest son, was apprenticed to Arthur O'Hagan, Solicitor, Harcourt Street, Dublin, after a year at Clongowes Wood College. Arthur O’Hagan came from Newry, and was a friend, and possibly a distant cousin, of the Jennings family. Charles also emigrated to the United States where he died unmarried.[5]

Charles Jennings died in Queen Street, Newry, aged 74, in November 1855.

Death. November 12, Queen Street, Newry, at his residence, of an attack of paralysis, Charles Jennings, in the 75^th year of his age.[6]

He may have been living with Thomas Jennings, who resided at 49 Queen Street, also known as Needham Street, in Newry.

Charles Jennings, Queen Street, Newry, 14 November 1855.[7]

His widow, Sophia, moved to Dublin with one of her daughters, Kate Sophia, and her son Andrew John.

She died at 8 Cabra Parade, Phibsborough, on the 16th February 1871 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.[8] Her daughters Sophia Corley, who died in 1897,  Kate Sophia, who died in 1900, Ellen Mary who died in 1891, and her son Andrew John, who died in 1892, are buried in Glasnevin Cemetery with her.

It is not known where Charles Jennings is buried.

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[1] The Armagh Guardian, Armagh, Co. Armagh, December 3, 1844.

[2]  Slater's Commercial Directory 1846 

[3] Freeman's Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser, Wed., November 20, 1850.

[4] Freeman's Journal, Wed, July 30, 1851.

[5] Crossle, NAI

[6] Belfast Newsletter, 19 November 1855.

[7] Catholic Church Records. Newry. Funerals. 1855 p. 69. 05502/05.

[8] Glasnevin Cemetery, VB, 12, SOUTH.  

Charles Jennings [Abt 1780 - 1855], Monaghan Street, Newry, County Down Part 3

Charles Jennings is on record as giving a to number of charitable donations He gave £1.1.0 to dispensary and fever hospital in 1827.

Subscription List, Newry Workhouse and Mendicity Institution, 1834. Monaghan Street: Dennis Caulfield and Co. 10 pounds, D.C. Brady M.P. 5 pounds, Henry Murdoch I Os, James M'Clenahan 5 pounds, Charles Jennings 3 pounds.

List of Subscribers to Workhouse in 1835.  Monaghan Street: Henry Murdoch 10s, James M'Clenahan 3 pounds, Charles Jennings 3 pounds, Constantine Maguire 10 pounds, Mathew Darey 5 pounds, James Anderson 1 pound.

He was also involved in helping those in need in more practical ways.

Charles Jennings was very actively involved with the Catholic Church.

We, the Undersigned, request a MEETING of the CATHOLIC INHABITANTS of the PARISH of NEWRY, at the NEWRY CATHOLIC POOR SCHOOL, on SUNDAY the 13th day of January, 1828,  at the hour of TWO o'clock, for the purpose of petitioning the Legislature for the ENTIRE and UNCONDITIONAL restoration of our unjustly withheld rights; and of adopting such other proper measures, with reference to this subject, as may appear necessary to said meeting.Newry, 8th January, 1828.

Denis Maguire, Constantine Maguire, John Caraher, Patrick m'Parlan, Mark Devlin, Charles Jennings,P,C.Byrne.[1]

John Caraher, mentioned above, was one of the executors in Daniel Jennings' will.  He married one of Andrew Jennings' daughters.

Catholic Association. New Catholic Rent :

Charles Jennings  1 pound.

Francis Jennings 1 pound.

Andrew Jennings 1 pound.[2]

In 1839 there appeared in the Newry Telegraph[3] a biased article describing the arrival of Daniel O’Connell in Newry. He received a warm and enthusiastic reception, or as the Newry Telegraph put it ‘O ye gods and little fishes! What an exhibition of themselves they did make! What a reception they did give their burly idol!’

The full and detailed description of the procession through Newry to the Quays is well worth reading if only to capture the atmosphere of the occasion. Charles Jennings provided the premises on Merchant’s Quay where the dinner was held. The Newry Telegraph describes the dinner [or lack of] in great detail.

The following day Daniel O’ Connell left Newry at 7 o’clock. The Newry Telegraph still had nothing good to say about his visit. ‘Mr Andrew Jennings, mounted on his grey poney, rode in solitary dignity beside the carriage, which soon reached the Dublin road and passed onwards. We have time only to wish Mr. Daniel O’Connell much joy of his agitating tour to the North - his first and his last. It has been and ever will be the “black North” to him and his designs.’

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[1] The Newry Commercial Telegraph, Newry, Co. Armagh and Co. Down. Jan 8, 1828.

[2] The Kilkenny  Independent, Wed. May 7th, 1828.

[3]  The Newry Telegraph April 11, 1839.

Charles Jennings [abt.1780-1855], Monaghan Street, Newry, County Down. Part 2.

  
As early as 1811 Charles Jennings is recorded as having warehouses on Merchant’s Quay in Newry.

Charles Jennings having commenced the spirit trade begs leave to inform his friends, that he has now on sale a neat assortment of

Dublin, Dundalk, and Newry Whiskey,

Jamaica and Irish Rum,

Brandy, Geneva, and Wine

Of the strongest and best description

Newry, Merchants Quay, March 23^rd.[1]

By 1819 he was listed in Bradshaw’s General Directory.

Jennings, Charles. Merchant. Merchant's Quay.[2]

His brother Andrew and his brother-in-law John Caraher also had warehouses on Merchant’s Quay. Andrew was shipping in iron, planks and coal.

John Caraher was married to Elizabeth Jennings. He was a coal and corn merchant.

Merchants Quay. No. 15. John Caragher. House, stores, kiln, office and yard.[3]

He was shipping his goods into the port of Newry.

JOHNS Master: W. Savage. Built: 1828. Owner: Caraher. Port: Newry.[4]

Charles too had a schooner called the EXPERIMENT, built in 1802.

EXPERIMENT - 1843-44

Master: Captain Richardson (1843); Captain McVeigh (1844)

Rigging: Schooner: fastened with iron bolts

Tonnage: 77 tons using old measurements and 60 tons using new measurements

Construction: 1802 in Maryport; new topsides in 1832; repairs to damages in 1839; new deck and some repairs in 1842

Owners: Jennings

Port of registry: Newry

Port of survey: Beaumaris (1843); Newry (1844)

Voyage: sailed for Lancaster (1843); on Coastal Trade (1844).[5]

Her sailings, and his cargo, can be traced through the newspapers.

Preston Custom-House Report. Arrived EXPERIMENT, Jennings, Newry, general cargo.[6]

Preston Custom-House Report. Arrived EXPERIMENT, Jennings, Newry, 840 brs oats, C. Gradwell.[7]

Bristol Ship News. Came in: the EXPERIMENT, Jennings, from Newry.[8]

Preston Custom House report. Sailed. EXPERIMENT for Newry, coal.[9]

Charles Jennings’ growing business interests can be found listed in another commercial directory in 1846.

Coalmerchants: Jennings, Chas, 30 Merchant's Quay.

Ironmerchants: Jennings, Charles 30 Merchant's Quay.

Merchants: Jennings, Chas., 30 Merchant's Quay.

Timber and Slate Merchants: Jennings, Chas., 30 Merchant's Quay.[10]

He also leased a yard and limekilns at no. 5, Butter-crane-quay. The details appear in the encumbered estate sale of James Scott Molloy in 1851.

Incumbered Estate - Sale - 1851.

Lot n. 1 (1-7).

5. Charles Jennings, no. 5, Butter-crane-quay, yard and limekilns. Yearly rent of £30.0.0. Gale days, 1st May nd 1st Nov. Head rent £8.10.5 PLV £15.0.0. Tenant under the Court of Chancery, from 1st May, 1849, fro seven years, determinable with suits, Small v. Boyd, and Moody v. Boyd. This rent is payable in respect of these premises, as also of a yard, no. 5, in Lot 1, which yard is of the estimated value of £4.0.0.

"...limekilns on it, in constant work..."

Sale in the town of Newry...in the matter of the Estate of James Scott Molloy, assignee of Samuel Boyd, continued in the name of William Glenny, assignee. Rental and particulars...to be sold by Auction on Tuesday 21st October, 1851, at the Commercial Coffee Room, Newry.[11]

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[1] Newry Belfast Commercial Chronicle 25 March 1811

[2] Thomas Bradshaw's General Directory of Newry, 1819/20.

[3]  Field Books 1841. NAI MFGS/54/006.

[4]  Lloyd's register of British and Foreign Shipping 1st July 1838 to 30th June 1839, London, 1838

[5] Lloyd's Register 1843 and 1844.

[6]  Preston Chronicle, Sat., Oct 1, 1842.

[7]  Preston Chronicle, Sat, Oct 15, 1842.

[8]  The Bristol Mercury, Sat., March 11, 1843.

[9]  The Preston Guardian, Sat., Sept 6, 1845.

[10] Slater's Commercial Directory 1846.

[11] Reside Collection. Newry and Mourne Museum. Newry, County Down.

Charles Jennings [abt 1780-1855] Monaghan Street, Newry, County Down, Part 1.

Charles Jennings was the son of Andrew Jennings and Catherine O’Toole of North Street, Newry, County Down. He married Sophia Corley, daughter of Patrick Corley of Clones, County Monaghan, in 1811.

They had sixteen children.

1. Sophia Corley [1812-1897] died in Dublin. Unmarried.
2. Patrick Charles [1813-1814] died as a child.
3. Anna Maria [1814-1892] joined the Poor Sisters of Saint Clare, in Newry, in 1843.
4. Kate Sophia [1814-1900] died in Dublin. Unmarried.
5. Andrew John [1816-1892] died in Dublin.
6. Daniel Corley [1818-1896] married Johanna Maria Bray of Ballycarrane, Thurles, County Tipperary c. 1847.
7. Charles [1820-1830] died in Newry as a child.
8. Elizabeth [1822-1909] a nun in the Presentation Order.
9. Margaret [1824-1901] a nun in the Sisters of Mercy.
10. Cecilia [1826-1839]
11. Joseph Corley [1827-1918] emigrated to America.
12. Mary [1829-1838] died as a child.
13. Ellen [1834-1891] died in Dublin. Unmarried.
14. Letitia [1835-1924] entered Newry Convent of Mercy in 1883.
15. Charles [1837 -] emigrated to America. Unmarried.
16. John of whom nothing is known.

The family lived in Monaghan Street, Newry, and appear to have held other properties on the street, offices and stores.

Charles Jennings, 18 Monaghan Street, Newry.

Charles Jennings, 24 Monaghan Street, Newry.[1]

Nothing remains of the houses on Monaghan Street. There is a supermarket and a car park.

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[1] 1836 British Parliamentary Papers.