Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 6 

Meetings held from 27th/28th March 1849 - 24th/25th/26th April 1849

[1] Meetings held on 27th and 28th days of March, l849.
The register book was signed from No. 8708 to No. 8787.
The outdoor relief register was signed from No. 18484 to No. 18652.

[2]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[4]

[5]
Medical Report:-
For the week ending 24th, we had 8 new cases of fever, dysentery and other diseases 3, total under treatment on 24th, fever 62, dysentery and other diseases 86, the deaths for same time, fever 4, dysentery 3, - the health of the house is every day improving. 
                                                            Charles Finucane M.D.

Report relative to cholera:-                                                                  March 28th 1849

The medical officers beg to inform the vice guardians that in the cholera hospital, Ennistymon, there are now 5 cases of that disease. The medical officers take it turn on duty for 24 hours, as also the two apothecaries, a second nurse is required if impowered by the vice guardians, there is a very fit one to be had. No deaths from cholera as yet in Ennistymon, two at Lahinch.,                                                   James Shannon M.D.
                                                Charles Finucane M.D.

Ordered that the nurse be employed forthwith.

[6] Read Letters:-
- 21st March l849, stating that a application has been made for a supply of implements to the Board of Works.
- the Secretary Central Board of Health 22nd March l849, requesting to know what steps had been taken about the cholera.
- 26th March l849, enclosing forms relating to the deaths in the house.
- 24th March l849, about a supply of implements for the use of the union.
- 24th March l849, approving of the appointment of John Cahill as collector of poor rates,Killiagh.
[7] - 24th March l849, approving of the appointment of Thomas Cahill as collector of Rathborney.
[8]
Resolved that the Commissioners be respectfully requested to appoint the Rev. Andrew Quinn as roman catholic chaplain at a salary of £40 per annum and Dr. Edmund Armstrong as medical officer to the Ballykeale Auxillary Workhouse at £30 per annum. 
- that the clerk be directed to inform the Commissioners in reply to their letter of the l4th inst. that the vice guardians, having received a report from Dr. Finucane, the medical officer of the Moymore Temporary Fever Hospital, that that institution is sufficient to meet the wants of the sick labouring under fever and in all the Northern parishes of the union, they deem the establishment of another hospital at Corofin for the present unnecessary in as much as that the Moymore and Miltown hospitals are sufficient to meet every emergency.
- that having read the application of Drs. Finucane and Shannon to the following effect. "Gentlemen, we beg leave to call your attention to 4 guineas each compensation for the four days we spent inspecting the Miltown Auxiliary Workhouse and Fever Hospital in accordance with your order and the instructions of Dr. Phelan. P. L. Inspector to the vice guardians, the clerk be directed to enquire from the
[9] Commissioners whether the vice guardians are at liberty to pay to those gentlemen the sum they demand for the visits to Miltown Malbay.
- that the following persons be appointed stewards at the various stone breaking depots in the union at a salary of 10/0 per week, John Hanlon, Thomas Sullivan, John Moloney, Pat Kitson, John Hickey, Anthony Considine, William Kenny, Francis Martin, Ivers Davouren, Michael Tyrrel, Mort Slattery, William Scanlon, Michael McKeon, William Cummins, Pat Mulqueeny.
- that the proposal of Pat Gardiner be accepted for making 12 spinning wheels at 5/0 each within a fortnight.  The clerk respectfully submits the following query for the opinion of the Commissioners, "how are the expenses incurred under the Nuisance "Removal and Disease Prevention Act", to be charged in the ledger accounts ".  There does not appear a minute of the board for a payment of £8, made to Fergus Curtin, for outdoor relief on the l9th December, l848, and although there was a minute for £150 to be paid to M. Mc Namara for meal for outdoor Relief, he was only paid £100.
                                                                                Auditor, 4th. July, 1849.
                                                                                        R. Simms

[11] Meetings held on 3rd and 4th day of April, l849.

The register book was signed from no. 8788 to no. 8885.
The outdoor relief register was signed from no. 18653 to no. 18750.

[12]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[14]

[15] Medical Report:
There were 82 patients in infirmary and infirm wards and 16 in fever wards on Saturday last, we had 16 new cases of fever during the week and 8 deaths, 2 from fever, one dysentrey, one diarrhea, one dropsy, one measles and two infant convulsions.  I have to inform the vice guardians that three very bad cases of anatic cholera have occured (sic) in the house, two on the first and one on the 3rd. inst., all of which have proved fatal. I have clensed (sic) out the fever hospital for the purpose of receiving those and any other of the kind that may arise in the establishment, and am glad to find that from the great regularity and cleanliness of the house, it is not spreading.  I would recommend the board to take immediate steps to have all parts of the building lime washed once a week for some time. I want the medicines in the accompanying list for the use of the surgery.
                                                                James Shannon. M.D.

The Cholera Report Page [17].

The Master's Report:
The clerk had to report that stock was not taken at the parent house on the 25th March in accordance with the Commissioners' sealed order of 5th July nor has it been done up to the present in consequence of the illness of the master.  He has also to bring under the notice of the vice guardians, the inconvenience he is put to, by not receiving the provision check accounts from the auxiliary workhouse and this house very often not until the sitting of the board. There are now 4 auxiliary workhouses and the parent establishment for each of which a separate set of books are kept and it is impossible that he can authenticate those accounts unless they are received on the Monday, he being absent at Croagh on Tuesday attending the board, he has therefore to request that the vice guardians will be pleased to make some arrangements to cause the several masters to have their accounts prepared on Monday previous to the board day.
Ordered that the respective masters be directed to have all their books prepared for the clerk on the Monday previous to the board day, and that the same be intimated to the respective masters. 
[16] Read Commissioners sealed order bearing date 31st of March authorising outdoor relief to all classes until the 30th day of April inclusive.

Read Letters:-
- J.N. Reddington Esq 19th March, l849, requiring a return of the degrees of education received by inmates in the workhouse. 
-29th March, l849, requiring a return of vaccination in the workhouse. 
- 28th March, l849, directray (sic) books to be kept by workhouse officers in accordance with the sealed order of 5th February, l849.
- 31st March, l849, Secretary Central Board of Health about the use of dispensaries.
- 31st March, l849, Secretary Central Board of Health acknowledging receipt of letters of 29th inst., about establishing an hospital at Corofin.
- Circular 2nd April, l849, requiring a return of monthly liabilities by l4th inst.
[l7] - 2nd April, l849, about taking land in connection with Ballykeale House.
- 2nd April, l849, enclosing weekly returns for outdoor relief expenditure.

Cholera Report                                                                   April 4th l848, Ennistymon.
Cholera made its appearance here first on the 22nd March, since then up to this morning, l0 have been visited outside, and l8 have been admitted to the hospital opened on 26th March.  Males 5, female 13, total l8. Of these 8 have died, 5 have been discharged and 5 remain in hospital, the admissions were from Lahinch 2, Tullygarvin l, Church Hill 5, Bow Lane 3, Kilcornan 1, Deerpark 2, Town of Ennistymon 2, Cloncool 1, and one stranger.
                                    Charles Finucane
                                    James Shannon. M.D
[l8] The various bonds of the poor rate collectors and other officers are duly perfected, also the contractors' bonds, he has to state for the information of the vice guardians that the bread contractor has declined to perfect her bond, he has also to inform the vice guardians that one of his own sureties formed in his bond, (now in the treasurer's hand), has died of cholera. It will, therefore, be necessary for him to obtain another surety and perfect a new bond.
Resolved - that the proposal of Andrew O'Loughlin for an extension of 30 perches of land at the graveyard at "Ballard", for the sum of £5.10.0 be accepted - such addition being indispensable for interment of paupers dying at the Miltown Auxillary Workhouse and Fever Hospital, the said, Andrew O'Loughlin having obtained the written authority of his landlord, Mr. F. G. Moroney to treat with the vice guardians for the said strip of land.
- That the salary of Henry Daly, relieving officer be increased from £40 to £50 per year in consequence of the excess of duty lately thrown upon him by the increased number and distribution in his electoral division, the population of which has been lately ascertained to exceed 10,000, subject to the approval of the Poor Law Commissioners.
[19] - that the tender of Thomas Fox be adopted for supplying 30 stretcher beds for the temporary fever hospital at Miltown Malbay at 5/0 each. 

The matron of the Lahinch House requires the following for the use of the house, 1 doz. buckets, l bread knife, l small hatchet, 1 balance scale, 7 lbs white thread, 7 lbs. black thread, 300 needles of different numbers. For the auxiliary workhouse at Miltown Malbay, 6 grates, 6 sweeping brushes, l small press, 4 locks, l large pot, 3 dozen platters, l dozen pint saucepans, 6 buckets, 4 barrels of lime. 
For the parent workhouse:
300 yds of calico, 600 needles, l scissors, 2 hides of sole leather, 1/4 stone of heel tacks, l lb. copperas [?] 6 strips of insole leather, 1/2 gross of oats, 1/4 lb. of    parsnip seed, 1/4 lb. carrot seed, 1/2 lb onion seed, and 4 stone of potatoes, l000 yds. of calico, l000 yds of linen, l000 yds of ticking, l000 yds of linsey woolsey, 500 yds of Bengal stripe, 500 yds of check, 500 yds of shambray, 12 lbs. white thRead, 12 lb. of black thread, 500 needles, l00 thimbles, l00 pairs of knitting needles, 2 dozen whitewash brushes, 200 platters and l4 lbs. of black lead.
Ordered that the above be procured from the respective contractors.
The clerk respectfully begs leave to ask the Commissioners is there any objection to the formation of a new indoor register - by discharging all the paupers on one day and Readmitting them on same day, as the present register is inaccessible and that irregularity he complained of has gradually crept in for the last few years, namely the marking off of the many persons as either died or discharged and in many instances are now actually in the house.

[21] Meeting held on l0th and 11th day of April, l849.

The register book was signed from no. 8886 to no. 9125.
The outdoor relief register was signed from no. 18751 to no. _______

[22]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[25] Medical Report:
There are 90 patients in infirmary and infirm wards and 54 in fever wards. We had ll new cases of fever during the week. There were l0 deaths, 3 from fever, 3 cholera, 3 diarrhea, l anasarca. Since this day week we had 5 new cases of cholera and about a dozen had premonitory symptoms but being attended to at once. Confirmed diseases had not set in. Total of cases admitted since the lst inst. of confirmed cholera 8, of which 5 died and 3 remains in hospital.
                                                    James Shannon M.D.
See cholera report page 27.

The Clerk's Report:-
The clerk has to report that he has been served with 9 notices of appeal against the present rate to be tried at the quarter session at Ennistymon l7th inst. He would therefore recommend the vice guardians to employ a solicitor to defend them.
Ordered that the clerk do write Mr. Cullinan, solicitor Ennis, and engage his services in the above cases.
[26]
Read commissioners' letters:-
- 3rd April l849, enclosing copy of a memorial for certain rate payers in the parish of Cloony about the appointment of a R. officer.
- 9th April l849, requiring to know the distance Ballykeale Auxiliary Workhouse is from the Union Workhouse.
- l0th April l849, requiring a return of lunatics in the several electoral divisions in this union.
[27]
Cholera Report
Since last report, ll new cases of cholera have been admitted to hospital. Of these, 3 have died and 8 remains under treatment, from Churchill 2, Deerpark 4, Cloncoul 2, Killsenan 1, Mahera 1, Cahar l.  Total admissions from the 26th March, 29 people.

Resolved that the clerk be directed to invite tenders for the supply of the following articles for the auxiliary workhouse, Ballykeale; best wheatin bRead per 4 lb loaf, mould & dipt candles per lb. for six months from the 25th March last, also 500 pairs of blankets for the parent workhouse and straw for the workhouse and its auxiliaries for six months.
Resolved that the clerk be directed to require the attendance of the several rate collectors of this union at the boardroom of the workhouse on Monday night the l6th inst., for the purpose of having their collectors' books strictly scrutinized by the vice guardians, and of taking such other measures as may be necessary for the prompt collection of the rates.
Resolved that the clerk be allowed four days leave of absense to proceed to Cahirciveen and learn the determination of Mr. Reynolds as to his immediate returning to Ennistymon to bring up the union accounts pursuant to his agreement.

[31] Meeting held on l7th and l8th day of April, l849.

The register book was signed from no. 9126 to no. 9176.
The outdoor relief register was signed from no. 18751 to no. ______
Captain Kennedy P.L. Inspector attended.

[32]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[35] Medical Report
There are 87 patients in infirmary and infirm wards and 62 in fever, l7 new cases of fever during the week. There were l4 deaths up to Saturday last, 3 from fever, l dysentery, 5 diarrhea and 5 cholera. 
Cholera has been on the increase since Sunday last in consequence of which I took the liberty of ordering the assistant master to give up stone breaking for the present and to have additional fuel supplied to the day rooms. Since the lst of the month, the date of our first cases of cholera, to this day we had 24 cases altogether of which number, one came, (on yesterday), from Lahinch Auxiliary Workhouse and one from Ennistymon Cholera Hospital. ll died and l3 remains in hospital all convalescent with the exception of 3, four fifths of the above were females which may be accounted for by the crowded state of their dormitories as compared with the male side of the house.
                                            James Shannon M.D.

Cholera Report:
Since last report l4 new cases have been admitted to the cholera hospital, 7 have died.  The medical officers also visited several about the country, the town itself is quite free from cholera. The total admitted from the opening of the hospital 43, died 21, discharged 15, in hospital 7. James Shannon, Charles Finucane, Edward O'Dwyer, M. O.'s
[36]
Read Letters
- Of the 12th of April- About Michael Kerin not collecting rates from 5th to 17th ult.
- Of the 13th of April- Enclosing a new form of notices for immediate lessors.
- Of the 16th of April- About furnishing the treasurer with the signature of the vice guardians.
- Of the 16th of April- About chargability (sic) under the Nusiances Act.
- Of the 16th of April- About paying 4 guineas to the medical officers for their visits to the Aux. Workhouse, Miltown.
- Of the 17th of April- Secretary Central Board of Health requiring daily returns of cholera cases.
[37] - Of the 17th of April- Approving of taking a quantity of land from Andrew O'Loughlin as an addition to Ballard Church yard. 
[38]
Resolved that the clerk shall apply to the treasurer of the union requesting at interest an advance of £1,500 on the credit of the rates to enable the vice guardians to grant an indulgence to the principle rate payers of the union untill (sic) the Fair of Ballinasloe on the 7th of May, such advance to be paid by weekly lodgements of 200 commencing from 20th of May and respectfully to intimate to the treasurer that the vice guardians have reason to know that a similar accommodation has been afforded by other banking establishments in other unions.

Resolved that in consequence of the very urgent and strong resolutions adopted by the several sanatory committees enumerated at foot of the existance and mortality from cholera in the several districts and requiring of the vice guardians to take measures to meet the calamity we hereby legalize the acts of the said committees to the extent of taking hospitals and engaging professional asistance and that in pursuance of such resolutions the appointments of the following medical gentlemen by the sanatory committees in the several localities be ratified.

Drs. Shannon & Finucane each alternative 24 hours.  Messrs. O'Dwyer & Sweeny, apothecaries.
[39] F.G. Morony, Miltown, Dr. Costello and Mr. Flynn. The Very Rev. Dean Armstrong, Kilfenora, Dr. Armstrong. Revd.J. Westropp, Ballyvaughan, Dr. McCormack, aided by Dr. Hynes in consultation if necessary.
William Fitzgerald Esq., Corofin, Drs. Doyle and Dr. McNamara alternate.
Resolved that the clerk be directed to communicate with the chairman of each sanatory committee expressing the hope of the vice guardians that rigid economy will be observed, that weekly accounts of expenditure be supplied to the vice guardians and that the chairman of each committee be earnestly requested to intimate to the vice guardians the earliest moment at which, with due regard to the lives and health of the people, those expensive arrangment may be suspended.  That in every case the salaries of the medical officers and apothecaries shall not exceed the amt. paid in Ennis or Limerick to professional gentlemen and be limited in duration to the period of actual service.

Resolved
- that the several R. officers be required within one week from this date to post the lists of all persons receiving outdoor relief in their respective divisions as frequently directed by the vice guardians under pain of dismissal for further neglect and that they further post notices of the intention of the vice guardians to enter on another revision of said lists inviting the attendance  and co-operation of the rate payers at the following places in the ensuing week; Ennistymon & Miltown on Monday 23rd April, Rathbourney 24th, Liscannor 26th and that due notice will be given of the day of appointment in each other electoral divisions.
- that the altered tender of Mr. Bannatyne for the supply of Indian meal to the 29th Sept. at £10 per ton without penalties sundry payments be accepted, a definite price being in the opinion of the vice guardians more desirable then one unlimited.
- that for the purpose of securing a further extention of house accomodation with the view testing dubious cases of destitution on the outdoor relief lists, 60 single women who have longest submitted to the house test be discharged.
[40] - that the clerk be directed to enquire from the Commissioners whether they will sanction the employment of some of the able bodied recipients of outdoor relief, in cutting turf in the electoral division of Ennistymon, Liscannor & Kilfenora for use of the parent and aux. house at Lahinch & Ballykeale by which a considerable saving in this expensive article of necessaries will be effected.
- that in accordance with the Commissioners' circular of the 13th inst. the clerk be directed to request the several rate collectors of this union to use the amended form of notice to immediate lessors now sent by the Commissioners instead of that heretofore used and that he be instructed to procure a sufficient quantity of those amended forms for that purpose.
- that the following tenders be accepted: Thady Flanagan for the supply of mould candles at 7d per pound, dipt at 7d per pound for Ballykeale Aux. Workhouse and Michael Howard for best white bread at 10 1/2d per 4 pound loaf for the parent workhouse, George Blackwell blankets at 1s 4 1/2d per pound. Drogheda linen 7d per yard: grey calico 4 1/8d per yard, Pat O'Dwyer.

[41] Meeting held on 24th, 25th, 26th day of April
The register book was signed from no. 9177 to no. ______
The outdoor relief register was signed from no. 18751 to no. ______
R.M. Lynch P.L.I. and Captain Kennedy P.L.I. attended. 

[42]
The Treasurer's Book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[45]
Medical Report
There are 85 patients in infirmary and 68 in fever wards.We had 16 new cases of fever during the week and 16 deaths, 10 of cholera, one of which occured at the aux. workhouse Lahinch, 2 fever, 2 dysentry, 1 diarrhea & 1 small pox. We have had 16 new cases of cholera during the week including Saturday last and three on Sunday morning since which day there has not been a new case in the house. Total from its commencement 36 deaths, 20 discharged, cured 7 and remaining in hospital all convalescent, 15.
                                                                    James Shannon, M.D.

Cholera Report, Ennistymon.
23rd April 1849.
We certify that cholera continues to exist in the several rural portions and suburbs of Ennistymon and in our opinion it would be most premature to close the hospital until there is a far greater mitigation of that disease more particularly as it has been decided that all persons presenting themselves in cholera are admisssable.
                                                                Chas. Finucane, James Shannon,
                                                                E. O'Dwyer, & A. Sweeny, medical officers

Clerk's Report
The clerk begs to report that he is unable to produce the R. officers receipt and Ex. books and relief lists in consequence of their non attendance on Monday for settlement of their a/c and in enquiry they state in explanation that they could not close their a/c as the contractor did not forwarding [sic] them the supplies in the usual day [sic].

[46]
Cholera Report, Ennistymon.
25th April 1849
11 cases of cholera have been admitted to hospital since the 19th of April to 25th inst. Of these 3 have died, 6 remains in hospital, 2 have been discharged.

Read commissioners' letters
- Of the 18th of April- Requiring a return of rates for the House of Commons.
- Of the 18th of April- Enclosing copy of a letter from Mr. McNamara about the employment of paupers on roads.
- Of the 23rd of April- Sanctioning an increase of salary to Mr. H. Daly to £50 per annum.
- Of the 20th of April- From James Menzies Esq. Treasurer of the union, intimating that he could not give the advance required by the vice guardians by their minutes of 18th inst. amt. £1,500 to be paid by weekly instalments of £200.
[47]
The master of the Ballykeale House requires the following articles, 2 milk tubs, 2 sets of scales and weights, 20 barrels of lime, 2 ton of straw. It having been reported to the vice guardians that there was no further room for interment in the graveyard attached to the workhouse, Resolved that the clerk be instructed to invite proposals for a piece of land in the neighbourhood of the workhouse for cemetery purposes, to be taken into consideration on  this day fortnight. 
[48]
Mr. Pollen having tendered his resignation as master,
Resolved that it be accepted, and that the clerk be directed to advertise in the local papers inviting proposals from competent persons to fill that office at a salary of 60 per annum, with rations, etc. The election to take place on this day fortnight.

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