Mention of Aherns
in Newspaper Stories
1830-1840

Execution of Felix Cleary and Martin Ahern These unhappy men suffered the extreme penalty of the law about twelve o'clock yesterday, for the murder of John Cantwell, on triangles erected in the street opposite the gaol, the drop being out of order. The unhappy men addressed the sub-sheriff and the crowd, and declared their innocence of the crime for which they were about to suffer. They forgave their prosecutors, who, they said, were mistaken with respect to the persons concerend in the murder.—Clonmel Herald. — London Morning Journal 9 April 1830

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Two men, named Patrick and Michael Ahern, underwent the sentence of death passed on them at the last assizes, for burglary, and an attempt to murder a man of the name of Clare, of Ballivrislane, on the 29th of December last. They neither admitted or denied their guilt, further than that they tacitly admitted being of the party that committed the outrage.—Ennis paper. — The Times 12 April 1830

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Committed to the City Limerick Jail, from Petty Sessions, James Hallinan, for the murder of Michael Ahern. — Limerick Evening Post 28 August 1830

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A shocking murder was committed in Clare-street, Limerick, on Tuesday night. A person, named Michael Ahern, against whom there was some party grudge, was returning from the Newscastle race course, when a person came up and warned him to be away home with all speed, as there was a party on the look out for him. This caution had been scarcely uttered, when Ahern's friend was knocked down by a blow given from behind, and an attack was made on Ahern before he could offer any resistance. His forehead was fractured dreadfully, and the upper part of the head actually driven down by the repeated battering of an iron bar! When the body was found a large black circle appeared on the neck, from which it is believed strangulation was resorted to in effecting this horrible deed.—Limerick Evening Post. — The London Courier 28 September 1830

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Principal Superintendent of Convict's Office, Sydney, 22d October, 1831,    THE undermentioned Prisoners having absconded from the Individuals and Employments set against their Names, respectively, and some of them being at large with stolen Certificates, and Tickets of Leave, all Constables and others are hereby required and commanded to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in safe Custody.    Any Person harbouring or employing any of the said Absentees will be prosecuted as the Law directs :— Flood Thomas or William, No. 29-852, Mellish, 19, Paper-stainer, London, 5 feet 2 1/2, dark brown eyes, dark brown hair, ruddy freckled comp. from Abraham Ahern, Sydney. — The Sydney Gazette 27 October 1831

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POLICE INCIDENTS. Thursday, Dec. 1.—Kate O'Hearn, so deeply in love with a drayman that she frequently absented herself from service to enjoy his sweet company, was ordered to one month's sour discipline in the 3d class. — The Sydney Herald 5 December 1831

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LIST OF RUNAWAYS APPREHENDED UP TO THE 2d. APRIL Ahern Owen Asia from 25 Road Gang — Sydney Monitor 7 April 1832

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INSOLVENTS Applying to be Discharged. LONDON TAKE NOTICE, If any Creditor intends to oppose a Prisoner's discharge, notice of such intention must be given, by entry thereof in the proper page and the column of the book kept for that purpose at the Office of the Court, between the hours of Ten in the forenoon and Four in the afternoon, three clear days before the day of the hearing above mentioned, exclusive of Sunday, and exclusive both of the day of entering such notice and of the said day of hearing ; but in the case of a Prisoner, for the removal of whom for hearing in the country an order has been obtained, but not carried into effect by the Creditors, notice of opposition will be sufficient if given one clear day before the hearing. . . .  Petitions to be heard at Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn-fields, on the 10th July, nine.  . . .  Same place, 16th July, nine. AHERN, Thomas, of Great Dover-st. leather seller, glue dealer, and patent leather manufacturer.  . . .  — Law Chronicle 28 June 1832

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TICKETS OF LEAVE. THE following Prisoners of the Crown have obtained Tickets of Leave since the last day of publication, viz :— County of Gloucester. MERTON.—Ahern, Patrick, Marquis Huntley (2) — The Sydney Herald 2 July 1832

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IRELAND    A man named Ahern was found guilty at the Limerick assizes of the murder of his wife. He was sentenced to be hanged this day. — The Times 12 March 1833

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Married At Carrigrohane church, Bellingham Swan, Esq of Cork to Emily daughter of the late Mr John Ahern — Limerick Chronicle 24 April 1833

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LAW INTELLIGENCE. SUPREME COURT.—Criminal Side. Friday.—Before Judge Burton and the usual Commission. John Hearn, alias O'Hearn, was indicted for cutting and stabbing Joseph Waters with a knife with intent to kill and murder him at Windsor, on the 6th May. The second count charged him with intent to disable, and the third count with intent to do some grievous bodily harm. The prisoner was acquitted and discharged. Mr. D. Chambers defended the prisoner. — The Sydney Herald 2 September 1833

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RIOT NEAR BONMAHON.—On Sunday night last one of those quarrels which so frequently spring out of public-houses occurred at the village of Ballylanbeen, near Bonmahon, in this county. In the course of the night a man from Kilmacthomas received such a serious blow on the head, that his life is in a precarious way. His name is Hearn, or Ahearn. He was a particularly quarrelsome character, so much so that he was named "Ahearn of the fights." He was also a leader amongst that contemptible and mischievous faction called the Poleens. This faction have, in consequence, for the last two or three days, been parading that neighbourhood, looking for the man who is supposed to have given the blow to Ahearn with the openly avowed intention of murdering him. It is quite unpardonable of the magistrates of the neighbourhood to allow the country to be disgraced by this open parade of lawless ruffianism. They are the very dregs of the community—for the most part servant boys of the worst character, and a cowardly set when at all resisted. On Tuesday last these ruffians were going about in large gangs, drunk. They attacked and broke in several houses in the neighbourhood of Ballylanbeen. —Waterford Chronicle. — Baldwin's London Journal 12 October 1833

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SUPREME COURT—CIVIL SIDE. WEDNESDAY, November, 5.— Before Mr. JUSTICE BURTON, and a Jury of Inhabitants. John O'Hearn, a native of the Colony, and Peter Kelly, assigned to Mr. Francis Ewen Forbes, were indicted for burglariously entering the house of Mr. Forbes, at Liverpool, on the 16th June, and taking therefrom 500 lbs of flour, the property of the said F. E. Forbes ; and James Witney, William Gwillam, Robert Lock, and Michael Donelan were indicted for severally receiving part of the above flour, they well knowing the same to have been feloniously stolen. Gwillam, Lock, and Donelan. no case ; remanded to take their trials for another charge. Witney, Not Guilty, O'Hearn and Kelly, Guilty. Death Recorded.  . . .  James Donelan and William Gwillam were indicted for receiving 200 lbs. of flour, value £1, they well knowing the same to have been feloniously stolen by John O'Hearn and Peter Kelly, from Francis Ewen Forbes, at Liverpool.—Guilty Remanded. — Sydney Monitor 8 November 1834

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Married At Passage church, Cork, Mr Bellingham Swan to Alice relict of the late Mr William Ahern of the parade Cork — Limerick Chronicle 26 September 1835

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LA.W INTELLIGENCE. SYDNEY QUARTER SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before W. Foster. Esq., Chairman, J. Campbell, jun. Esq., J. P., and a Military Jury.    John Ahern was indicted for stealing a coat and a tin of blacking, the property of the King ; the second count laid it as the property of John Lee. It appeared that prisoner, on the 21st October, went into the Barracks early in the morning and accosted two soldiers, inviting them to the Canteen to take their morning ; it was acceded to ; after a time prisoner walked out, carrying with him one of their great coats, which was found in his possession a few minutes afterwards ; prisoner said in defence that he had purchased the coat of them, and it was a planned job—Guilty. — The Sydney Herald 10 December 1835

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BIRTHS In Cork, the lady of Bellingham Swan Esq of a daughter. — Limerick Times 14 January 1836

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TICKETS OF LEAVE CANCELLED. THE Tickets-of-Leave granted to the following prisoners have been cancelled for the reasons set against their respective names :— Ahern, Michael, Brampton, absent from his district. — Sydney Monitor 23 July 1836

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COLONIAL SECRETARY OFFICE Sydney, 7th March 1837    THE undermentioned Prisoners of the Crown have obtained Tickets of Leave since the last day of publication. County of Bathhurst, BATHURST. Ahern, Michael, Eliza (6) — The Sydney Gazette 11 March 1837

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GOVERNMENT NOTICE, No. 2, Colonial Secretary's office, Jan. 2. The ship "Bussorah Merchant" having arrived with Free Immigrants from Cork, and another vessel being also shortly expected with Free Immigrants from Scotland, the Lieutenant Governor is very anxious to interest the community in the early distribution and employment of these individuals, and confidently calls on the inhabitants generally to promote this object. It has occurred to His Excellency that to forward it is peculiarly within the province of the several Agricultural Associations throughout the country ; and the members of them, and other settlers in the rural districts, are therefore specially invited to interest themselves in relation to it. Applications to hire mechanics or farm labourers, who either have arrived, or may thus yet arrive, should be addressed to the Colonial Secretary as early as possible ; and the selection will be made with strict regard to priority of Application. The Immigrants by the Bussorah Merchant are now undergoing a rigorous quarantine, from which they will not be released until they are perfectly healthy. The following is a list of them, with their trades, ages, families, &c. By His Excellency's Command, John Montague. List of Emigrants embarked, on board the ship "Bussorah Merchant" L. W. Moncrief, at Cove of Cork, between the 19th and the 24th August, 1837.  . . .  Michael Ahern, 26, carpenter of Mallow ; Catherine, 27, wife of do; Michael died of mesenteric, child of do.  . . .  — Hobart Town Courier 5 January 1838

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KINGSTON BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS, Saturday, Jan. 27. ——<•>—— (Before Mr. J. NIGHTINGALE, Mayor, and Messrs. C. SCHOLEFIELD, G. VESEY, G. TAYLOR, and W. H. JENKINSON.) ASSAULT ON THE WIFE OF A RESPECTABLE TRADESMAN BY MR. SMITH, THE GOVERNOR OF THE KINGSTON UNION WORKHOUSE.    Mrs. Duffell said, she appeared before their worships to prefer a charge of assault against the governor of the Kingston workhouse. On Wednesday, the 17th of January, she attended the board to present a bill (the guardians being then assembled), which bill had at a former sitting of the board been objected to as extravagant, &c. She had not been in the passage of the house but a short time before Mrs. Smith accosted her in a very rude and improper manner, charging her with wanting to force herself into the board-room, &c., and finally abruptly ordered her off the premises, She remonstrated with Mrs. Smith on the impropriety of such conduct, and particularly toward a rate-payer; at length Mrs. Smith called to her husband (the governor) to aid and assist, and immediately, without further notice, she was violently ejected from the premises.    Mr. Rowland (the relieving officer) was next called, who corroborated Mrs. Duffell's statement. He heard a scuffling in the passage, immediately went to ascertain the cause, and found the governor in the act of pushing Mrs. Duffell from the premises.    Michael O'Hearne, groom to Dr, Taylor (the medical officer in attendance at the workhouse) also substantiated the statement of Mrs. Duffell, and said that he saw Mr. Smith forcing Mrs. Duffell from the house and into the road adjoining; did not see Mrs. Duffell make any resistance.    Mr. Smith having been called on for his defence appeared confused ; he stated that Mrs. Duffell had used strong and violent language, and had refused to leave as ordered ; that she had attempted to force herself into the board-room to see the guardians, and that he had quietly remonstrated with her, and gently handed her out of the premises.    The BENCH then called on Mrs. Duffell to put any questions to the defendant she thought proper ; she said she had no wish to put any, but totally denied the defendant's statement, the whole of which was false.    Two inmates of the workhouse, named Walter and Lambert, were examined on behalf of the defendant. They stated, that they had seen every thing that had passed on the day mentioned, and attempted to corroborate the evidence of the defendant ; they also thought that Mrs. Duffell had from her manner been drinking ; but on cross-examination it was much doubted whether the parties had seen the fracas.    John Ashby, a boy aged 12 years, porter at the gate, was much questioned on the nature of an oath ; he admitted he did not know what it meant, but knew well what was meant by telling a lie ; said he was there during the whole time Mrs. Duffell was in the passage, but persisted in asserting that the governor did not touch the complainant ; said no person had arrived, which could have taken off his attention during Mrs. Duffell's stay on the premises.    Mrs. Duffell asked the boy whether he could not recollect the arrival of two of the guardians (Messrs. Kent and Stevens) during her stay in the passage ; the boy answered “No.” Mrs. Duffell said she could prove it from the guardians themselves.    The BENCH decided immediately and unanimously that the assault was fully proved, and adjudged the defendant to pay a fine of 20s. and costs.    It was evident to all present, that the witnesses for the defendant were remarkably confused ; the boy Ashby appeared as if he had been tutored, but unfortunately for the defendant went “rather too far,” and swore that the defendant did not even touch Mrs. Duffell, and also that no guardian entered the house during Mrs. Duffell's stay on the premises, both assertions being notoriously false.    Is it right that a boy of only 12 years of age should be the porter at the gate or entrance? We are sorry to hear that this is not the first charge that has been brought against Mr. Smith, but sincerely hope it may be the last. — The Times 31 January 1838

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Ellen Ahearn, who was charged with the murder of her infant child and for exposing it for sale to an apothecary in Buttevant, was given in charge to the jury to try whether she was sane or not. The Jury found the prisoner insane, and the Court ordered her to be sent to the Lunatic Asylum. — The Nenagh Guardian 4 August 1838

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Two Murders! On Thursday night, about half past nine o'clock, as Mr James Scully's herdsman of the name of Bourke, who lived on his farm at Garnacanty, was on his way home, he was waylaid and brutally murdered about forty perches outside the town of Tipperary.There are two persons taken up on suspicion of murder. Also same evening, as a man of the name of Ahern, was proceeding home to Donaskee, with a pair of shoes in his hand, he was attacked and murdered at Grenane by two men. No reason can be assigned for these atrocities.—Limerick Chronicle. — The Nenagh Guardian 12 September 1838

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HOBART TOWN DEPARTURES January 20-the bark Merope, Clinch, for Twofold Bay, in ballast — passengers, A. Imlay, Esq., Mrs. Clinch and child, J. Hutch, W. Lintoll, M. Ahern, wife, and child, J. Kind. — The Hobart Town Courier 25 January 1839

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Clonmel Court. Murder. William Donovan was indicted for the murder of William Ahearn, at Grenane, on the 6th of September, last. Thomas Dwyer deposed that he saw William Ahearn the night in question; remembers the time he was struck at the cross of Grenane; William Donovan, the prisoner, Tom Collopy and witness were together in Tipperary; they left the town together; they met some people at the cross; witness passed the men on the road, and looked back to see if Collopy was coming on, and saw William Donovan , the prisoner, strike the deceased with a stone, which knocked him down; and when down he struck him another blow; shouted for Donovan and ran away; witness and two more persons brought the deceased into the house of man named Dwyer; he was dead, he never spoke a word after he got the blow; the prisoner is the man who struck the blow; he came behind deceased at the time he struck him; did not hear of any quarrel between deceased and the prisoner; never saw the deceased before that day; did not see Collopy at the time deceased was struck; it was not Collopy struck the blow; is positive it was the prisoner. Cross-examined by Mr Rolleston—Came out of gaol now; is not in custody for this murder; on his oath does not know what he was taken for; was taken on the 6th of Sept, the day Ahearn was killed; witness took off his small clothes after Ahearn was murdered, and left them at the house to be dried, as they were wet; was arrested the night of the murder in the house were he was in the habit of working. To a juror—The prisoner struck the second blow when the deceased was down. Mary Ahearn—Was in the town of Tipperary on the 6th of September; left the town with her husband; William Donovan and Thomas Dwyer, the last witness, had some variance on the road with deceased; Rody Murphy bid her husband take up the stones and witness bid him not; her husband asked her to take off his coat, and she would not; witness had some things in her apron, which she had bought in Tipperary, and while she just looked if she had dropped any of them, her husband ran about 20 or 30 perches before her, and when she came up to him he was lying dead on the road; she shook him, and called him, but he was as dead as he is now; there was no one near him on the road; Dwyer, Donovan and Rody Murphy, and deceased, had the argument; her husband had a cut on each side of his head; just as her husband went on before her on the road, Rody Murphy went into Mr. Mansergh's grove. To the Jury—saw Dwyer in the house where they took the deceased to; witness tried to hold Dwyer as she heard some of the people blame him and Donovan, for striking her husband, and Dwyer caught her and threw her down and then made away; Dwyer did not then say it was Donovan struck the blow. — The Nenagh Guardian 20 March 1839

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LICENSES FOR THE YEAR 1840. Thomas Aherne, Queen's Arms, Harrington-street; . . .  — Colonial Times 10 September 1839

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GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1839. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 7th September, 1839. GRANTS OF LAND. THE following description of Grants of Land, with the names of the Persons to whom they were originally promised, or by Whom they are now claimed, are published for general information in order that all parties concerned may have an opportunity of correcting any errors or omissions that may have been made inadvertently. James Ahern, Ninety acres, parish of Bathurst, No. 17 of the Allotments in Queen Charlotte's Vale. Promised by Sir Ralph Darling, on the 1st January, 1831, and possession given on 31st March following as a small Grant. Quit rent 15s sterling per annum, commencing 1st January, 1839. — The Sydney Gazette 14 September 1839

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THE GAZETTE. GRANTS OF LAND. The following Grants of Land, with the names of the persons to whom they were originally promised, or by whom they are now claimed, are published for general information, in order that all parties concerned may have an opportunity of correcting any errors or omissions that may have been made inadvertently. It is requested that within three months from the present date, the particulars are required by the Government Notice of the 1st of October, 1838, may be accurately furnished to this office, viz:— Surname and all Christian names of persons in whose favour the Deed is to be prepared, written in full length, his residence, and the intended name of the property. Also, (if required in any name but that of the original promisee) the grounds of the claim, and a letter from the said promisee, if living, and from all intermediate assigns, if any, giving his and their consent and sanction thereto, and witnessed by a Magistrate, or by a Solicitor of the Supreme Court. If those be furnished, and satisfactory, and if no caveat be lodged, or other cause of uncertainty appear, the Deeds will be prepared accordingly, as soon as possible after the expiration of the stated period of three months. If the required particulars be not furnished within that period, or if a caveat be lodged, or other cause of uncertainty arise, which cannot be satisfactorily determined by the Government, the case will be referred to the Commissioners of Claims, and the parties subjected to the expenses of that proceeding. BATHURST. 558 James Ahern, 90 acres, Parish of Bathurst. Quit-rent 15s. sterling per annum, commencing 1st Jan., 1839. — Australasian Chronicle 20 September 1839

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