McCaul, also spelt MacCawell is an
Irishsurname, derived from the
GaelicMac Cathmhaoil, meaning the "son of Cathmhaol", descendant of being implied. The name Cathmhaoil itself is derived from cath mhaol meaning "battle chief".[1] The Mac Cathmhaoil were the leading family of Cenél Fearadhaigh, of the
Uí Néill, and were based around
Clogher in modern-day
County Tyrone,
Northern Ireland.[1] They were one of the seven powerful
septs that supported the
O'Neills. Mac Cathmhaoil is now rare in Ulster as it has been Anglicised under various different forms such as, Campbell, McCawl, Caulfield,[2][3][4][5] McCall, Alwell, Callwell, McCowell, Cowell, McCuill, Howell, MacHall,[6][7] and
McQuade.[8][9][10]
The height of their power was in the 12th century where their territory covered most of modern County Tyrone, and deep into
County Fermanagh.[1] By the mid fourteenth century their power in Fermanagh, was broken by the rise of the
Maguires.[1] Having controlled the seat of power of the diocese of Clogher, the MacCawells provided many abbots, deans, canons etc. to it and mostly neighbouring dioceses including six bishops and two archbishops.[1] By the end of the sixteenth century there appears to have been a large migration of the sept into the modern counties of
Down and
Armagh.[1]
History
The MacCathmhaoils took their
patronymic name from Cathmhaol in the 12th century, descended from Feradhach (or Fearadhaigh), grandson of
Eoghan son of "
Niall of the Nine Hostages" a 5th-century Irish King . They were the leading sept of Cenél Fearadhaigh, sometimes called Cenél Fearadhaigh Theas or Cinel-Farry, based in the
barony of Clogher, to distinguish them from the offshoots of
Cenél Fearadhaigh who remained in
Inishowen or thereabouts. After this expansion into mid Ulster with
Cenél nEoghain, the MacCathmhaoils were fixed in the
Clogher area of
County Tyrone, the former capital and
inauguration site of
Airgíalla. As Cenél Fearadhaigh, it was their function to hold a
bastion for
Cenél nEoghain against
Cenél Conaill on the northwest and the descendants of the
Three Collas on the south-west and south.
In the
Annals of the Four Masters, under 1185 (16 years after the
Norman invasion of Ireland), the second mention is made of a MacCathmhaoil with "Gillchreest MacCathmhaoil, head
chieftain of the Cineal Fereadaidh being "the chief of the councils of the north of Ireland", who was slain by Teag O'hEighnigh (O'
Heaney) from Tir-Manach (Fermanagh), aided by Muintir Chaonain (O'
Keenan). This Gillchreest MacCathmhaoil, was also head chieftain of clan Aongusa (
Magennis?
McCann?) of eastern Ulster, clan Dubhinreacht (O'Dubhin?
Devaney), clan Fogarty O'Ceannfhoda (
Tirkennedy in Fermanagh),[11] and clan Colla of Fermanagh." The townland name Druim Mhic Cathmhaiol (Cathmhaoil's Ridge) on the border of Armagh and Louth might attest to a regional leadership role (in the "Councils of the North")[12] organizing the defenses of Ulster against the Normans.[13] The family name, in a much truncated form, is also preserved in the townland name Clonmakate in north Armagh adjacent to
Maghery, (near Lough Neagh and the Blackwater); the original form was Cluain Mhic Cathmhaoil 'Mac Cathmhaoil's meadow'.[14] The inauguration of the Cineal Fereadaidh Chiefs probably happened at ancient royal site of
Clochar Mac nDaimhín.
They receive mention in Ceart Ui Néill being one of the three, along with
MacMurchaidh and O'
Devlin, classed as "fircheithearna" (select fighting men or foot soldiers i.e. "true kerns") of
Ui Néill. A
Kern (soldier) was a Gaelic soldier, specifically a light infantryman of
Gaelic Ireland during the
Middle Ages. From Ceart Ui Néill 14. "it is their duty to take and to guard
hostages; and they are bound by their office to keep watch for the first three nights in camp and on a hosting..." and elsewhere "In his time, it was usual to for victorious conquerors to take captives, usually of exalted rank, as hostages for the good (i.e. subservient) subsequent behaviour of the vanquished".[15]
Later they became an important church family. They were also
Brehons (judges of
Irish law) in Cenél nEoghain (Tyrone), are famous in Irish history for their learning and the many dignitaries they supplied to the church. In
Cenél nEoghain about this time, 1300, the Mac Cathmhaoils were the hereditary advisers of the king,[16] being one of the seven main septs of the Cenél nEoghain
Ui Neill. The family's importance is obvious from a glance at the events listed in connection with them under MacCathmhail in the index to the
Annals of Ulster.
Family tree
This is one version of a list of male descendants from
Niall of the Nine Hostages to
Raghnall MacCathmhaoil who is claimed as being the first to use the Mac Cathmhaoil surname, seven generations removed from the ancestor whose name he chose to bear:
Niall of the Nine Hostages; Eógain (son of Niall);
Muiredach mac Eógain; Fearach (or Feradach[17][18]), a brother of Muircheartach, brother of
Muirchertach mac Muiredaig (Mac Ercae) and
Fergus Mor; Fiachra; Fichna;
Suibne Menn (or Suibne mac Fiachnai); Edalach; Donchar; CuGabhana; Conan; Donachar; Cathmhaoil; Breasal; Murtogh; Fogartach; Maoilcolum; Suibhneach; Colla; Raghnall MacCathmhaoil;[19] Cu Uladh; and Giollachrist (died 1185).[20]
967, Cionaedh Ua Cathmhaoil, airchinnech Dhoire Chalgaigh, d'ecc in aen-mi. Meaning Cionaedh descendant of Cathmhaoil,
erenagh of Dhoire Chalgaigh (the early name of the ecclesiastial center at Derry) died this year. Note: Cionaedh means born of fire, and was also the name of the first King of the Scots and Picts
Kenneth MacAlpin.[21][22]
1180, the son of Niall Ua Coemain (O'
Keenan) was killed by Donnchadh Mac Cathmail and
Donnchadh himself was killed therein.[23] Note: The Hui Caeman (Muinter-Caemhain) ruled Magh Leamhna (Plain of Elm river),[24] the area around Clogher, until about 1180 when they were ousted from the lordship of that region by the MacCathmhaoil.[25]
1185, Gillchreest MacCathmhaoil, royal chief of the Cineal Fereadaidh, clan
Aongus (
Mac Cana), clan Dubhinreacht (Mac Ualgharg or
McGoldrick Lords of Hy Dubhinreacht in Clogher),[26] clan Fogarty O'Ceannfhoda (
Ó Daimhín Lords of
Tirkennedy in Fermanagh), and clan Colla (of Tir-Manach), and head of
counsel of the North of
Érinn, was slain on the 2nd of
Nones (6th) of May[27] by O'hEighnigh (O'
Heaney) chiefs in Fermanagh (and Arch
Kings of Airgíalla) before the
Maguire ascendence in 1202, aided by Muinter-Caemhain (O'
Keenan); and they
carried off his head, which was obtained from them at the end of a month afterwards. Note: Fogarty O'Ceannfhoda was a 5th-century Airgailla chieftain Fergus Cennfhota 'long-head' of Ui Chrimhthain who had descendants known as Ui Chennfhota and the kingdom of Tir Cennfhota, later anglicized to Tirkennedy.[28]
1238,
Flaithbertach Mac Cathmail, arch-chief of Cenel-Feradhaigh, crown of championship and generosity of the Gaidhil (Irish Gael) and arch-chief, moreover, of
Clann-Conghaile (Connelly) and Ui-Cennfhoda (
Tirkennedy) in Tir-Manach (Fermanagh), was killed by Donnchadh Mac Cathmail, his own kinsman, in treachery.[29]
1252,
Conchobur Mac Cathmhail, royal Chief of
Cenel Feradhaigh and of many territories besides, tower of hospitality and valour of the North of Ireland, peace-maker of
Tirconnell,
Tír Eoghain (Tyrone), and
Airgíalla, was killed by the
routs of the people of
Brian O'Neill, while defending his protegees against them, he himself being under the safeguard of O'
Gormly and
O'Kane.[29] For older translation found in British Museum see reference.[30]
Mac Cathmhaoil chiefs of Kinel-Farry (Cineal Fereadaidh), slain: Murrough 1215, Flaherty 1238, Donough 1251 (slain by the people of
Airgíalla), Conor 1252, Donslevy 1262 (slain by
Yellow Hugh Buidha O'Neill), Gillapatrick 1370.[31]
1261, A great victory was gained by O'Donnell (
Donnell Óg) over
Niall Culanagh O'Neill in a battle, in which many of the chiefs of Kinel-Owen, under the conduct of Mac Cawell, Chief of Kinel-Farry, and many other chiefs not mentioned here, were killed or taken prisoners. AFM[32]
1362,
Ruaidhri, son of Domnall Ua Neill, was killed by Maelechlainn (Mac Cathmaoil), with one shot of (a
bow) an arrow. Note: An earlier
Domnall Ua Neill was grandson of the 10th century O'Neill Clan founder
Niall Glúndub. The name
Maelechlainn means "Devotee of
St Sechnall" who is thought to be a 5th-century Italian bishop that preceded St Patrick.
1365, when Malachy of the Mac Cathmhaoil, the ruling house of Clogher, Tyrone, slew an O'Neill of Tír Eoghain, Malachy was known as 'Maelechainn Mac in Ghirr meic Mac Cathmhaoil'. Translated his name is 'Malachy the son of the Short-Fellow Mac Cathmhaoil'. This feat of slaying an O'Neill warranted a change of name so he became Malachy mac in ghirr or simply Malachy MacGirr. Later this family survived the Ulster Plantation, receiving a number of grants of lands at the time. They are to be found later in the 1660s as taxpayers in the Clogher Valley and elsewhere in Tyrone. Today the family is generally found as
McGirr, McGerr, McKerr and in the English version as Short.[36]
Cu-Uladh Mac an Ghirr Mac Cawell (died 1368), chief of his own
tribe and a son of his, who was a learned and
illustrious professor of
Sciences, died in England.
1370, Gillapatrick Mac Cawell, Chief of Kinel-Farry; Cu-uladh, his son, and his wife, the daughter of Manus Mac Mahon, were treacherously slain by the sons of Hugh Mac Cawell. Murrough, his Gillapatrick's brother then became Chieftain of Kinel-Farry.[37]
1376, Richard Mac Cathmail (Mac Cawell) was slain by Philip Mag Uidhir (Philip Maguire), the king of Fir-Manach and Domnall Ua Neill (Donnell O Neill).
1403, Cú Uladh mac Giolla Patraicc Meic Cathmaoil (Cu Uladh Mac GillaPatrick McCawell) was treacherously slain at an assembly by his own people.
Donough Mac Cawell, Chief of the two Kinel-Farrys, was slain by Maguire in 1404.
1427, Siobhan (Joan), daughter of the bishop Mac Cathmhail, wife of Maurice Mag Uidhir (
Maguire), that is, of the great Archdeacon, died on the 13th of the
Kalends of February 20 Jan.; one, that maintained a hospital or
hospice at Claen inis (now Cleenish) and at Ros-oirther (or Rossorry), in Fermanagh for six and fifty years reputably, humanely and charitably.[38] Note: Claen inis or Cleenish (sloping Island on Lough Erne) was a
monastic site founded by St Sinnell in the 6th century, an early instructor of
Columbanus, who was said to be the most learned man in
Ireland or
Britain. Ros-oirther or
Rossorry, was a monastery founded in 480 by
St. Fanchea and a church in 1048 in
Magheraboy, Fermanagh.
1434, O'Donnell and his son Turlough heir to the lordship of Tirconnell and Mac Cawell went in search of plunder and booty in another direction and their evil fortune brought them into collision with a large body of English
cavalry who surrounded them. They contended with them for a long time until Turlough O'Donnell, Mac Cawell, Hugh Mac an Easpuig Mac Cawell and many others were slain and this was on the day after
Michaelmas After the loss of his people O'Donnell was taken prisoner and delivered up to the son of
John Stanley the King's Deputy, who had shortly before arrived in Ireland, and who sent him to be imprisoned in Dublin.[40]
1444, Duvcovla daughter of Thomas Maguire, Lord of Fermanagh and wife Owen Mac Cathmhaoil a humane charitable and truly hospitable woman died. The old Irish name Dubh-choblaith pronounced Duvcovla means dark victory.[33]
1461, Mac Cawell i.e. Brian Lord of Kinel Farry died and Owen Mac Cawell was made lord.[41]
1480,
O'Donnell went upon an excursion into Tyrone accompanied by the sons of Art O'Neill and the sons of Felim O'Neill, and committed great depredations on Mac Cawell in Kinel Farry and slew Brian, the son of Turlough Roe, son of Henry O'Neill and the son of Mac Cawell, i.e. James. O'Neill and his sons happened to be in their neighbourhood at that time, and the sons of O'Neill and Mac Cawell pursued the preys, and slew the son of Art O'Neill a distinguished captain, who was along with O'Donnell. O'Donnell however carried off the preys and returned in triumph to his residence with numerous spoils.
1481, the son of GillaPatrick Mac Cawell with many others not enumerated were killed when a great war arose between the O'Neill.
1492, Donnell, son of Henry, son of Owen O'Neill, and Gilla-Patrick MacCawell (MacCathmhaoil), were taken prisoners; and Edmond MacCawell was slain by the sons of Redmond
McMahon of
Airgíalla, i.e. Glasny and Brian. Many others besides these were slain and taken prisoners on that occasion. Donnell, however, made his escape from the castle of Muineachan (
Monaghan) a week after his capture.
1493, A brawl between the Cenel-Feradhaigh themselves in
Clochar (of Ui-Daimin) and
Aedh, son of Mac Cathmail, namely, son of Edmond, son of Brian Mac Cathmail, was slain there and Brian, son of
Toirdelbach, son of
Aengus, son of the Dwarf, was slain there also, namely, the Sunday before
May Day (or
Bealtaine).[42] Note: The Irish word for dwarf
Abhartach is also the name of an early Irish death defying character.
1498, GillaPatrick Mac Cawell, Henry O'Neill, Felim
McMahon and a great number of the other chiefs of the province were slain in a conflict between the O'Neill.[43]
William (Uilliam) Oge Mac Cathmhaoil, Son of Art,
Dean of Clogher died 1508. Note: he was brother of Eoghan Bishop of Clogher.
1508 Great depredations were committed by Art, the son of Con O'Neill, upon the Kinel-Farry. Owen, the son of O'Neill, and the sons of Mac Cawell, overtook him; and Aengus
MacSorley 'Bacagh' (the Irish nickname bacach, meaning lame), was slain on the side of Art; but Art himself made his escape from them, and carried off the prey. Note: Art is lightly
Art Oge O'Neill the half brother of
Conn Bacach O'Neill, 1st Earl of Tyrone and son of Conn Mor who would become head of the O'Neills from 1513 to 1519.
1515 Eoghan Mac Cathmhaoil (Eugene Mac Camoeil, Owen), Bishop of the
Diocese of Clogher (1505–1515). Owen, the son of Art, son of John, son of Art Mac Cawell, Bishop of Clogher, died. He was buried in
St Macartan's Cathedral.
1518, in a raid on the territory of Brian O'Neill, Brian met them at Donaghanie (Domhnach-an-eich meaning Church/Sunday of the Horse, near Omagh), and defeated them. Hugh, the son of
Donnell O'Neill was taken prisoner and
Donough Mac Cawell, the son of Edmond was wounded and many of the Kinel Farry were slain. Mac Cawell died of his wounds afterwards. Note: According to a local legend, the horse belonged to St Patrick and it achieved fame by kicking and killing an amphibious creature which emerged from Lough Patrick! It may also be an older sacred site![44] Donaghanie could be derived from Dun Eachaidh for 'fort of the horseman' perhaps referring to St Eachaidh who was a fifth century
Clones saint, an hours horse ride away.[45] Or did the horse belong to
Donn "god of the dead" portrayed as a phantom horseman riding a white horse? Donn is considered an aspect of
The Dagda "the great God" also known as "the horseman" and is the origin of the
Irish "Loch nEachach" for
Loch Neagh.
1519, in another raid on the territory of Brian O'Neill at Sliabh Troim (mountain of elder or
elderberry) by Domnall O'Neill with the McCathmaoils, Cu-Uladh and Thomas sons of Edmund McCathmaoils and Edmund and Brian two sons of Gilla-Padraic McCathmail were slain. The defeat having taken place at Clogherny, Omagh. Note: Elder or Trom was one of the sacred flowering trees carried in procession at
Beltane and a townland called Beltany lies just below it.
Sliabh Troim and
Clogherny have boggy ground, which may have contributed to their deaths.[46][47]
Neal McCamal,
Rector of Termonayncomagn died 1367 conveyed to the Primate
Milo Sweetman at his manor of
Termonfeckin' (near Drogheda inside the Pale). Note: A Termon (in Irish Tearmann), means place of sanctuary, were lands associated with the Church.[49] As territory connected to a church or monastery, it enjoyed certain immunities, privileges and protection as
sanctuary lands (though not all church land was termon land). The tenants of termon land were called termoners which is thus a generic name for coarbs and erenaghs.[50]
John McKathmayl (Mackathmeyl, McCamul or McCawell). 1441: Rector of Argull (Errigle Keerogue in Clogher, Tyrone),
Prebendary of Termon (church lands) and one of the
beneficed clergy of
Tullaghogue, Tyrone. 1441, 19 May: A definitive sentence, "in causa beneficiale," ..."A complaint for non-residence at Argull, preferred against John McKathmayl." 1445, 21 Nov.:
Excommunication, inter alia (among other things), against John McKathmayl for not paying the
Archdeacon his proxies ;[52] Note: proxies were certain sums of money which parish priests pay yearly to the bishop or archdeacon.[53] "There was a suspicion that the Gaelic chiefs wished to make the Rectory hereditary in some of their own families; as the
coarb-ships and
erenaghies had been and were."[54] In 1424 he "received papal
dispensation, as the son of a bishop (Arthur McCathmhaoil) and an unmarried woman related in certain degrees of affinity, to be promoted to all, even holy orders... says he is of a race of dukes..."[55]
Eoghan McCawell, Dean of Armagh (1505–1549) "
Armagh's cathedral was in a poor state at the start of the sixteenth century and suffered from a devastating fire in 1511. Under Dean Eoghan McCawell (1505–1549) the edifice was renovated, and soon after his death the cathedral was described by
Lord Chancellor Cusack as 'one of the fairest and best churches in Ireland'. The archbishop had to work with the dean and chapter in managing the archiepiscopal estates. All leases of the see lands and the tithes attached to the archbishop's mensa had to be endorsed with the seal of the dean and chapter. The seal was kept under three locks, the keys to which were held by the dean, chancellor and
precentor of Armagh... The primary responsibility of the dean and chapter of Armagh was to ensure that the fabric of the cathedral was well-maintained, and that the
liturgy was celebrated in a manner appropriate for the mother-church of the archdiocese."[56] Note: mensa is that portion of the property of a church which is appropriated to defraying the expenses either of the prelate or of the community which serves the church.[57]
James MacCawell, (McCaghwell), is listed as the first
Church of England Anglican Archbishop of
Cashel 1567–1570. Although now called Anglican, the church at the time considered itself Catholic and so technically James was still a Catholic Bishop and Ireland had dealt with competing influences before under Norman and Gaelic lordships and an early schism with Rome over the
date of Easter.[58] James was appointed in October 1567 by
Elizabeth I, however, a few months before
Maurice MacGibbon was appointed Archbishop by
Pope Pius V in June, which lead to a conflict between the two Bishops as
Second English Schism was developing: "McCaghwell who had been before disappointed of the Down bishopric (appointed by Elizabeth in 1564, but never consecrated), through terror of
Shane O'Neill was wounded, with a
Skeine (an Irish knife or dagger), by Archbishop MacGibbon". Furthermore, in 1568 Archbishop MacGibbon was said to have taken rival Archbishop McCaghwell "out of his own house and carried him to
Spain."[59] Another source says "Soon after his appointment to
Cashel, a worse fate was in store for him: for when he ventured beyond
the Pale to claim his flock in the name of her Majesty, he was assailed and arrested by the people, and sent off a prisoner to
Spain in the safe keeping of the
kerne of Fitzmaurice. "[60] Note: In 1570
Pope Pius V excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I and later in 1584 she would have Archbishop MacGibbons successor
Dermot O'Hurley tortured and
executed for treason (for not converting to Protestantism). Failure for James to accept Elizabeth's
supremacy over the church or to accept her appointments could have led to a similar fate.
Miler Cawell, Bishop of
Killala, County Mayo, appointed
vicar apostolic by papal brief on 15 May 1591 (N.S.).[61] Note: Miler is an anglization of the Gaelic name Maol Mhuire meaning Devotee of
Mary also written as Miles and Milo.
Owen MacCawell, Archdeacon of St. Columba Derry, the Union of Donebooe (
DunDoe) 1612–1622.[62] Member of Jury of "The Inquisition to distinguish between crown and church lands" taken at
Limavady, (then in
County Coleraine, now in County Londonderry) on 30 August 1609.[63]
The
Plantation of Ulster and
penal laws (1607-1920s) period is reflected in these figures, where it was said, "With only two, or perhaps three exceptions, every native landlord, and every native tenant within the bounds of the six counties was dispossessed and displaced;..." Later the Penal Laws were intended to degrade the Irish so severely that they would never again be in a position to seriously threaten Colonial rule.[64] From sources other than (and after) the Annals of the Four Masters, with names spelled as they were found.
Hugh McCawell, Captain: commander of 600 men with Rory and
Gillispick McReverin (
McGiverin) in the Army of
Hugh O'Neill during
Nine Years' War (1594–1603).[65][66] Note: McReverin is most likely a misspelling of McGiverin another leading family in Cenel Ferry.
1607
Flight of the Earls, Fearghas MacCathmhaoil (
Scholar), listed as being one of about 100 who left with Hugh Ó Néill. From the book Imeacht Na nIarlí The Flight of the Earls 1607–2007 by Cardinal
Tomás Ó Fiaich[67]
1610
Plantation of Ulster, Land Grants: Grant to Hugh McCawell, jjent., Tullinecrosse, one balliboe, 60 acres. Rent, 13*. 57. (Tulnacross,
Dungannon Upper, Tyrone)[68] Note: Tulaigh na croise means "Hill of the cross".[69]
1609–1614 Pardons: Pardon was granted among others to Edmond Duffe Mc Cawell (Black Edmond), James Rowe Mc Cawell (Red James), Edmond Brier Mc Cawell (Fair-haired Edmond). In 1610 to Patrick Oge Mc Cawell (young Patrick). In 1612 to
Tirlagh Grome Mac Cawell (Blue/Green Tirlagh),
yeoman/
kern (yellow Tirlagh), Brien Glasse McOwen McCawell (Green Brien, son of Owen Mc Cawell). In 1613 to Brien
Daire Mc Cawell, Donnell Carragh Mc Cawell, yeomen (
kern) of
Tyrone county. In 1614 pardon among others to Tirlagh Mc Manus Boy Mc Cawell (Turlough, son of Yellow/Bui Manus Mc Cawell), of Killetragh, Tyrone county. From the Pardon lists, English
Patent Rolls,
James I.[16] Note: McCawells named Turlough where possibly named after The O'Neill Mor
Turlough Luineach O'Neill (1532–1595).[71]
1631 Tyrone Tenant Lists: Patricke McCawell houldeth Aghnegarry (in Barony of Omagh), being 1 balliboe. Listed in Inquisition held at
Dungannon, 1 May 1631.[72] Hugh McCawell, 60 acres to Hugh McCawell, gent. in County of Tyrone: Precinct of Donganon[73] Note: A balliboe, meaning cow-land was a Gaelic division of land, the common English translation for a variety of small local land units that varied in name and meaning throughout Ireland. Roughly synonymous with 'Townland'.[74]
1631 The Inquisitions on
Attainder (Lands Seized By The King 1631): The said Richard Cooper (1500 acres graunted to him by Ires patents) contrary to the intent and effect of the said Ires, hath sett severall balliboes within the said proportion unto the meer Irish viz; "Torlogh Groome McCawell held the balliboe called Roveagh(Raveagh) and Graghrafynn. Bryen McCawell did hould the towne and balliboe of land called Lysnely (Lisanely Irish Lios an Ailigh 'ringfort of the stony place'), and Bryen O'Neel and Gilgroome O'Connogher held the balliboes called Lysraneese(Raneese), Derrywarde(Derrybard from Doire Barda'oakwood of the guard' or Ir. Doire Baird 'oakwood of the poet'), and Garvallagh. All the said severall balliboes and peells of lands become forfeitt.
Conogher Mc'Ghir being a meer Irishman doth plough, pasture, and graise, upon the balliboe of land called Ballyorran (Baile Uaráin' meaning townland of the spring or fountain') within the proportion of Bally [----] barony of Clogher, and therefore the rents and profits of said balliboe are become forfeited to the King"
Charles I of England, for being rented to meer Irish.[75]
1639 Tyrone Tenant Lists: Inquisition held at Koragh, (
Sixmilecross), in 1614
Teige m'Caell (born at Killanele bar Dung.) in Derrybroghes, 1616 (for 1? year) Pattric' m'Cawell (born in town of Wexford) in Branar, 1614 for 1 year Tirlagh Oge m'Cawell (born at Clane in said co.) in Doogerry, Neale
Garave m'Cowell (born at Ballentacken) in Tiremany are listed as tenants(among others) of
Earl and Countess of Castlehaven.[76][77]
1641 Rebellion/War: Torlogh Grome McCawell and his sons Donnell & Bryen McCawell, Clogher.
Planter John Kairnes said that he had been robbed and had stolen from by the Shane Oge O'Neell, Bryen
McShane Oge O'Neell, Torlogh Grome McCawell and Shane McCawell of Fenaghdrome, (Fernaghandrum, Clogher, Tyrone) among others.[78] Examination of Henry McCawell – 1653/6/9 (regarding 1641) " ...his brother Patrick McCawell agreed (as this examinant was informed) with Capten Morris and his brother Thomas Morris to carry them by water along
Logh Neagh to some place... but by reason of a Storme that was then on the Logh, were forced to retorne with this examinant and his brother Patrick to
Mountjoy Castle...where they both remayned prisoners for one night and then set them both at liberty and being asked if he sawe or heard of any of Capten Morrisse his company murdered..."[79] Examination of John Morris "...Aforesaid Patrick Mccawell with us; but he most Earnestly Crying to Mr Hastings for Gods sake to put him Ashoare, least (said he) that Thorlacgh G Quin, who then was Governor of Mountioy Castle, should kill his father,..."[80] Note: The 1641 Depositions are witness testimonies mainly by Protestants, but also by some Catholics, from all social backgrounds, concerning their experiences of the 1641 Irish rebellion. The testimonies document the loss of goods, military activity, and the alleged crimes committed by the Irish insurgents.[81]
Yoemen/
Kern during 1641 Rebellion: Agholy McCawell, Fergus McCawell of Down and Murtagh McCowell, of Ballinlogh, Down. Note: The name Agholy comes from the Irish Eachmhílidh 'horse-soldier', and has strong County Down associations.[82]
1642 Father Henry Caghwell, Professor of
Philosophy, Studied Humanities at
Louvain and Philosophy at
Douai. Confined to his bed due to sickness, he was dragged from his house in Dublin by soldiers,
scourged and
cudgeled in the public square and left dying. He was then thrown in
prison and later shipped in a dying condition to France with 20 other priests, where he made an unexpected recovery with "great care" from the Rector of the Jesuit College in
Rochelle. He later returned to Ireland where he died a few days later attending the sick.[83][84] It was actions like these that drove many, such as Irish
Franciscan philosopher and theologian
John Punch towards revolutionary thought and a reassessment of
Scotist philosophy arguing that "the Stuarts had lost the right to rule Ireland for natural reasons, not supernatural ones; because the
Stuarts were tyrants, not because they were
Protestants."[85]
1659
Petty's Survey: 12 McCawell households are listed (out of 255 Irish households) in the Barony of
Oneilland in north
Armagh. Note: The Pender/Petty Survey along with the
Down Survey of 1655–56 was "clearly part of the preparatory work for the mass confiscations that took place under the
Cromwellian Commonwealth Dictatorship" and for tax levying purposes.[88]
1663 Armagh
Hearth Tax Rolls:
Torlogh McCawell (1 Fire hearth), Collowe McCawell of Ballyreagh (1 Fire hearth).
Cormock McCawell & Patrick Modder McCawell of Corcloghan (1 Fire hearth). Donnell McCawell of Tolly (1 Fire hearth). 2 shillings where due on each heart.[89] Phellem (
Féilim) McCawell, Kiltibritt[90] Note: Collowe is the 17th century version of heroic name Cú Uladh 'hound of Ulster'[91][92] and Modder/Madra is Irish for dog.
1666, Charles (alias
Cahel) McCawell, declared a rebel on 25 June 1666.[94] After supporting
the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy of
Charles II (1660–1685) in 1660 there was an expectation by Catholic Irish that they would have some of their own land restored. After the disappointment of the 1662 and 1665
Acts of Settlement many turned to open revolt and looked to other means of survival. Note: This may be the same Charles who in 1701 couldn't afford the sublease under John O'Hanlon a tenant of Lucas Pointz, if so his life may have been similar to other
tóraidhe or
rapparee "outlaw" Irish such as
Redmond O'Hanlon who resisted
colonial rule.
1668 Rebellion: Carragh McCawell late of the parish of Donagh Cavagh (
Donacavey,
Clogher, Tyrone), and others declared "Rebels and traitors" in June 1668, Proclamation of the
Lord Deputy and Council for being in arms against the Kings authority in Tyrone, Monaghan, Antrim and Down. Pursued by the Kings good subjects they escaped in the woods and mountains. The reward set on the head of each rebel is £10.[95] Note: £10 was about the yearly wage of a day Labourer, so perhaps about £20,000 in today's money.[96] Proclamation of the
Lord Lieutenant and Council (23 April 1669), states that "Carragh McCawell is since killed" and regarding other rebels "all who comfort, relieve or abet them, will be considered traitors in the like degree"[97] Note: The name Carragh is likely Gaelic for a stone pillar (a standing stone).[98]
Jacobites and Republicans
With the defeat of
James II in 1690, most native Irish were reduced to the role of a servant class within their own country. In this era, Catholics are not permitted to vote, join the armed forces, bare arms, even for protection, or be educated as Catholics abroad. They made up 70% of the population of around 2 million, yet own only 5% of the land.
While the hope that the
Jacobites would regain their power diminished, new hope arose from abroad with the revolutions and new republics in USA and France.
1701 Charles McCawell (alias Cahir) sub leaser in Aghantaraghan (just below
Poyntzpass),
Orior Lower, County Armagh: "Defendant Edward Courtney replies, 6 Nov., 1701, that the said John O'Hanlon had a lease of said lands from Francis Lucas, Esq., who was guardian to Lucas Pointz, a minor, grandson and
heir to
Sir Toby Pointz, deceased, and the said lease commenced in or about Nov., 1694. Cahir McCawell, finding himself not able to pay the rent of the townland of Aghentaragh, applied to Edward Courtney, he then living near and having a considerable stock; and requested said Courtney to take said lease from him (McCaul), alleging that the lands were very convenient for his (Courtney's) stock. Courtney agreed to do so, provided
LoghlinDonnelly made over his right and title thereto, which was so done. Donnelly the 2nd husband of Jane O'Hanlon soon afterward died without taking out probate of John O'Hanlon's will. Said Joane married a third time with Plt. Bryan
Mullane, who in right of his wife came administrator of said John O'Hanlon, and has taken out
probate of his will, and has become entitled to said lease, which he and his wife now demand from Edward Courtney..."[99] Note: Sir Toby Pointz received a grant of 500 acres for his military service which was part of the forfeited lands of the O'Hanlons and built a fortress or
bawn in
Acton, County Armagh, half a mile above Poyntzpass with a
colony of 24 cottages for English settlers.
Diocese of Derry, Index of wills: Owen McCawell of Drumragh (ridge of the ringfort), (
Omagh East, Tyrone), A.D. 1718. Thomas McCawell of Drumragh, 1723. Robert McCawell Drumragh, 1734. Hugh McCawell, 1737, to be buried in the churchyard of Clogher.[100]
Clogher Diocese District, Index of wills, Registry
Armagh: Rev. Fergus McCawell, Cornamuck (Hill of the Pig), (
Omagh East, Tyrone), 1758. Patrick McCawell, Bolies (Buaile 'summer milking place'), County Tyrone, A.D, 1790. Hugh McCawell, Aughanameena (fine/small field), County Monaghan, 1802. Owen McCawell, Cavan (Chabháin meaning Valley or Hollow), (
Omagh East, Tyrone), 1806. Bernard McCawell, Scotstown, County Monaghan, 1809.
1700s
Penal transportation: Micheal McCowell, County Tyrone, in March 1741, was convicted of being a
vagabond with hundreds of other native Irish and ordered
deported (usually to North America before 1776). Note: A vagabond is defined has someone without a home and/or a job. Charles and Edmund McCowell, County Tyrone, in April 1742, both convicted of sheep stealing and ordered deported. Pat Campbell, otherwise McCavill, County Armagh in 1742 was convicted of being a Vagabond and ordered deported. Examined by Deputy Clk. Edward Fleming.[101] Note: "Sometimes Deportation ships were converted from slave-trading ships, the 100-plus transport vessels carried up to 300 convicts, in appalling conditions. Convicts who survived the horrendous passage were cleaned. Then they were advertised in newspapers and sold into
indentured servitude, with men priced at up to 20 pounds and women up to 9 pounds. The human cargo trade made fortunes for those involved on both sides of the Atlantic" and encouraged a vicious cycle of colonial oppression and a corrupt justice system.[102]
1758 James McCawell and Janet Martian christening of
Dorothea McCawell on 1 Feb, in
Irvine, Ayr, Scotland.[103]
1766 Roger McCamel, George McCamel and Charles McCamel listed as "
Papists{RC}" in
Magherafelt in the
Dioceses of Armagh in the barony of
Loughenshollen, County Londonderry during the Religious census of Magherafelt County Londonderry, 28th day of March 1766.[104]
1766
Robert McCawell. Fr. Robert McCawell is listed as being the parish priest of Camus, Tyrone.[105]
1780 Thomas McCawell. Father Thomas McCawell
vicar general replaced Bishop Philip McDevitt as pastor of
Urney, Tyrone when McDevitt is said to have removed his see from Urney to Derry about 1780. McCawell was a graduate of the
Sorbonne in Paris.[107][108]
The Defenders: Robert Caulfield tried in Dublin City in 1795, for being part of "The Defenders" an agrarian secret society and was sentenced to 7 years in
penal servitude in Australia. Deported on the
Britannia I in 1797, he "received 200
lashes for planning ship
mutiny & allowing Miles
Mulhallsirons to be cut" Note: Miles
Mulhalls, originally a soldier in
55th Regiment, was tried for stealing
spurs and sentenced to 7 years. He "escaped in
Rio de Janeiro". 21 died on ship, including 6 defenders (
political prisoners) died after receiving over 300 lashes, 2 women died, one who commit suicide by jumping overboard and another who tried the same outside Rio. About 40 Defenders (most were given Life sentences at trial) and one
Orangeman were given 300 lashes for planning a mutiny and others given lashes for taking the defenders oath. An enquiry into the conduct of Captain Dennott (Demmett) was held in Sydney on his "callous and brutal" treatment of the convicts produced little consequence.[110][111]
James
Caulfield, Catholic
Bishop of Ferns,
Wexford from 1786 to 1814. During the
1798 Rebellion, Bishop Caulfield like the other Irish Catholic bishops supported the government line. He was regarded as a collaborator (or mediator) with the British and he ordered all Catholics to surrender their arms and be loyal to "the good gracious
King George III". He denounced
Father Murphy and the other priests who took part in the
Wexford Rising. (see poem by
Seamus Heaney and song by
Patrick Joseph McCall written 1898
Boulavogue) Note: With the promise of
Catholic Emancipation in the late 1700s and the setup of Maynooth seminary in 1795 they probably considered it ill-advised to rock the boat. However many reformers despaired of peaceful change, particularly in the lack of
Tithe reform.
Cemetery headstone: IHS./ James McCawell died / May ye 5th, 1812. Aged 50 yrs./ Also his wife Eleanor / Martin died 1 February 1795 / Aged 55 yrs. Lord / Have Mercy on their souls. An inscriptions from Donaghcavey Cemetery (or Findonagh) Note: LATIN- in hoc signo spes mea (I.H.S.) – In this sign (the cross of Christ) is my hope.[112]
Famine and emigration
In 1801 the
Act of Union was passed by the
Parliament of Ireland abolishing itself in reaction to the
Rebellion of 1798. The second
United Irishmen Rebellion failed in 1802 and
Catholic emancipation didn't happen until 1829, but without Tithe reform so the
Tithe war followed from 1831 to 1836. Poverty, lack of opportunity, high rents and discrimination forced thousands to leave for North America, the largest exodus happening during the
Great Irish Famine (1845–49) leading to an estimated 1 million deaths and emigration of a further 1 million people. However many emigrated before this time, and for some
Nova Scotia was the first stop in the New World, where "McCaul Island", near
Cape Breton, would bear testament to some family members new home. Many new branches of the family formed abroad including the "Caul" in Canada who many have gotten the "Mc" dropped in their name perhaps due to being orphaned as a result of the famine. Others came from better circumstances but still chose to emigrate. Still Catholics, faced much of the same institutionalized discrimination in the new world.
Thomas McCawell (or Campbell), Parish of
Fintona, County Tyrone. Listed in 1837 as being in the
Ribbonmen, a popular movement active against landlords and their agents.[113]
1847
Great Famine: John & Helen McCawell famine immigrants to Canada, died on route or on
Grosse Isle, Quebec, Canada. Two of the (mostly Irish) 7553 buried there. The island was the site of an immigration depot which predominantly housed Irish immigrants coming to Canada, many on
coffin ships, to escape the
Great Famine, 1845–1849.[114] During the Famine period, an estimated half-million Irish were evicted from their cottages. Many unscrupulous landlords simply paid to send their penniless tenant families overseas to British North America.[115]
1847 Emigrants: Orphans. 16 August, John Caul, age 4, in good health. Richard Caul, 3, sick. 22 Aug, James Caul, 10, healthy, came on Marchioness of Abercorn. 2 Oct, Elizabeth Caul, 6, well. Listed as Adopted: Mary Caul, age 14, adopted by Mr. John Brooman. Taken from "Semi-monthly Return of RC Orphan Children in charge of the
Archbishop of Quebec and principality... 12th July 1847".[116] Also North American Passenger Lists 1847–1849, 19 May 1847, Derry to Philadelphia: John Caul 26
tailor and Margaret 21
spinster. The
barque is listed as 'owned by F. S. Means and others of Boston' with F. S. Means as master.[117]
John McCaul (1807–1887), Irish-born musician, Canadian educator, theologian, and the second president of the
University of Toronto from 1848 to 1853.
Charles McCaul (1839–1900), Carpenter, Builder and Contractor in Philadelphia, PA in the late 1800s. He emigrated from Derry on board the Caledonia on 13 May 1867.[118] Described as one of the most prominent builders in the US at the time of his death, he was "engaged in the building line from the earliest boyhood" in Derry.[119] He built school houses, institutions, banks, factories, breweries, prisons, residences, powerhouses & car barns, store & office buildings, an early skyscraper,[120] and hotels throughout the Philadelphia area.[121]
People
There was a late-nineteenth-century
national revival of interest in the
Irish language and
Irish Gaelic culture (including folklore, sports, music and arts). Irish had diminished as a spoken tongue, partially as a result of the famine and poverty, remaining the main daily language only in isolated rural areas. Some of these figures were part of that revival.
Seaghan Mac Cathmhaoil (1883–1962), (brother of poet Seosamh), illustrator; author of engravings in
Ethna Carbery, Winds of Eirinn (1906) and
Art Nouveau illustrations for Mary Hutton's translation of the
Táin Bó Cúailnge (1924 ed.), and other works including designs for the 1913 "Irish Historic Pageant", held at the
69th Regiment Armory in
New York, United States
Joseph John Campbell (1904–1987), Irish American
mythologist, philosopher, writer and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative
mythology, religion and many aspects of the human experience
This page lists people with the
surnameMcCaul. If an
internal link intending to refer to a specific person led you to this page, you may wish to change that
link by adding the person's
given name(s) to the link.
McCaul, also spelt MacCawell is an
Irishsurname, derived from the
GaelicMac Cathmhaoil, meaning the "son of Cathmhaol", descendant of being implied. The name Cathmhaoil itself is derived from cath mhaol meaning "battle chief".[1] The Mac Cathmhaoil were the leading family of Cenél Fearadhaigh, of the
Uí Néill, and were based around
Clogher in modern-day
County Tyrone,
Northern Ireland.[1] They were one of the seven powerful
septs that supported the
O'Neills. Mac Cathmhaoil is now rare in Ulster as it has been Anglicised under various different forms such as, Campbell, McCawl, Caulfield,[2][3][4][5] McCall, Alwell, Callwell, McCowell, Cowell, McCuill, Howell, MacHall,[6][7] and
McQuade.[8][9][10]
The height of their power was in the 12th century where their territory covered most of modern County Tyrone, and deep into
County Fermanagh.[1] By the mid fourteenth century their power in Fermanagh, was broken by the rise of the
Maguires.[1] Having controlled the seat of power of the diocese of Clogher, the MacCawells provided many abbots, deans, canons etc. to it and mostly neighbouring dioceses including six bishops and two archbishops.[1] By the end of the sixteenth century there appears to have been a large migration of the sept into the modern counties of
Down and
Armagh.[1]
History
The MacCathmhaoils took their
patronymic name from Cathmhaol in the 12th century, descended from Feradhach (or Fearadhaigh), grandson of
Eoghan son of "
Niall of the Nine Hostages" a 5th-century Irish King . They were the leading sept of Cenél Fearadhaigh, sometimes called Cenél Fearadhaigh Theas or Cinel-Farry, based in the
barony of Clogher, to distinguish them from the offshoots of
Cenél Fearadhaigh who remained in
Inishowen or thereabouts. After this expansion into mid Ulster with
Cenél nEoghain, the MacCathmhaoils were fixed in the
Clogher area of
County Tyrone, the former capital and
inauguration site of
Airgíalla. As Cenél Fearadhaigh, it was their function to hold a
bastion for
Cenél nEoghain against
Cenél Conaill on the northwest and the descendants of the
Three Collas on the south-west and south.
In the
Annals of the Four Masters, under 1185 (16 years after the
Norman invasion of Ireland), the second mention is made of a MacCathmhaoil with "Gillchreest MacCathmhaoil, head
chieftain of the Cineal Fereadaidh being "the chief of the councils of the north of Ireland", who was slain by Teag O'hEighnigh (O'
Heaney) from Tir-Manach (Fermanagh), aided by Muintir Chaonain (O'
Keenan). This Gillchreest MacCathmhaoil, was also head chieftain of clan Aongusa (
Magennis?
McCann?) of eastern Ulster, clan Dubhinreacht (O'Dubhin?
Devaney), clan Fogarty O'Ceannfhoda (
Tirkennedy in Fermanagh),[11] and clan Colla of Fermanagh." The townland name Druim Mhic Cathmhaiol (Cathmhaoil's Ridge) on the border of Armagh and Louth might attest to a regional leadership role (in the "Councils of the North")[12] organizing the defenses of Ulster against the Normans.[13] The family name, in a much truncated form, is also preserved in the townland name Clonmakate in north Armagh adjacent to
Maghery, (near Lough Neagh and the Blackwater); the original form was Cluain Mhic Cathmhaoil 'Mac Cathmhaoil's meadow'.[14] The inauguration of the Cineal Fereadaidh Chiefs probably happened at ancient royal site of
Clochar Mac nDaimhín.
They receive mention in Ceart Ui Néill being one of the three, along with
MacMurchaidh and O'
Devlin, classed as "fircheithearna" (select fighting men or foot soldiers i.e. "true kerns") of
Ui Néill. A
Kern (soldier) was a Gaelic soldier, specifically a light infantryman of
Gaelic Ireland during the
Middle Ages. From Ceart Ui Néill 14. "it is their duty to take and to guard
hostages; and they are bound by their office to keep watch for the first three nights in camp and on a hosting..." and elsewhere "In his time, it was usual to for victorious conquerors to take captives, usually of exalted rank, as hostages for the good (i.e. subservient) subsequent behaviour of the vanquished".[15]
Later they became an important church family. They were also
Brehons (judges of
Irish law) in Cenél nEoghain (Tyrone), are famous in Irish history for their learning and the many dignitaries they supplied to the church. In
Cenél nEoghain about this time, 1300, the Mac Cathmhaoils were the hereditary advisers of the king,[16] being one of the seven main septs of the Cenél nEoghain
Ui Neill. The family's importance is obvious from a glance at the events listed in connection with them under MacCathmhail in the index to the
Annals of Ulster.
Family tree
This is one version of a list of male descendants from
Niall of the Nine Hostages to
Raghnall MacCathmhaoil who is claimed as being the first to use the Mac Cathmhaoil surname, seven generations removed from the ancestor whose name he chose to bear:
Niall of the Nine Hostages; Eógain (son of Niall);
Muiredach mac Eógain; Fearach (or Feradach[17][18]), a brother of Muircheartach, brother of
Muirchertach mac Muiredaig (Mac Ercae) and
Fergus Mor; Fiachra; Fichna;
Suibne Menn (or Suibne mac Fiachnai); Edalach; Donchar; CuGabhana; Conan; Donachar; Cathmhaoil; Breasal; Murtogh; Fogartach; Maoilcolum; Suibhneach; Colla; Raghnall MacCathmhaoil;[19] Cu Uladh; and Giollachrist (died 1185).[20]
967, Cionaedh Ua Cathmhaoil, airchinnech Dhoire Chalgaigh, d'ecc in aen-mi. Meaning Cionaedh descendant of Cathmhaoil,
erenagh of Dhoire Chalgaigh (the early name of the ecclesiastial center at Derry) died this year. Note: Cionaedh means born of fire, and was also the name of the first King of the Scots and Picts
Kenneth MacAlpin.[21][22]
1180, the son of Niall Ua Coemain (O'
Keenan) was killed by Donnchadh Mac Cathmail and
Donnchadh himself was killed therein.[23] Note: The Hui Caeman (Muinter-Caemhain) ruled Magh Leamhna (Plain of Elm river),[24] the area around Clogher, until about 1180 when they were ousted from the lordship of that region by the MacCathmhaoil.[25]
1185, Gillchreest MacCathmhaoil, royal chief of the Cineal Fereadaidh, clan
Aongus (
Mac Cana), clan Dubhinreacht (Mac Ualgharg or
McGoldrick Lords of Hy Dubhinreacht in Clogher),[26] clan Fogarty O'Ceannfhoda (
Ó Daimhín Lords of
Tirkennedy in Fermanagh), and clan Colla (of Tir-Manach), and head of
counsel of the North of
Érinn, was slain on the 2nd of
Nones (6th) of May[27] by O'hEighnigh (O'
Heaney) chiefs in Fermanagh (and Arch
Kings of Airgíalla) before the
Maguire ascendence in 1202, aided by Muinter-Caemhain (O'
Keenan); and they
carried off his head, which was obtained from them at the end of a month afterwards. Note: Fogarty O'Ceannfhoda was a 5th-century Airgailla chieftain Fergus Cennfhota 'long-head' of Ui Chrimhthain who had descendants known as Ui Chennfhota and the kingdom of Tir Cennfhota, later anglicized to Tirkennedy.[28]
1238,
Flaithbertach Mac Cathmail, arch-chief of Cenel-Feradhaigh, crown of championship and generosity of the Gaidhil (Irish Gael) and arch-chief, moreover, of
Clann-Conghaile (Connelly) and Ui-Cennfhoda (
Tirkennedy) in Tir-Manach (Fermanagh), was killed by Donnchadh Mac Cathmail, his own kinsman, in treachery.[29]
1252,
Conchobur Mac Cathmhail, royal Chief of
Cenel Feradhaigh and of many territories besides, tower of hospitality and valour of the North of Ireland, peace-maker of
Tirconnell,
Tír Eoghain (Tyrone), and
Airgíalla, was killed by the
routs of the people of
Brian O'Neill, while defending his protegees against them, he himself being under the safeguard of O'
Gormly and
O'Kane.[29] For older translation found in British Museum see reference.[30]
Mac Cathmhaoil chiefs of Kinel-Farry (Cineal Fereadaidh), slain: Murrough 1215, Flaherty 1238, Donough 1251 (slain by the people of
Airgíalla), Conor 1252, Donslevy 1262 (slain by
Yellow Hugh Buidha O'Neill), Gillapatrick 1370.[31]
1261, A great victory was gained by O'Donnell (
Donnell Óg) over
Niall Culanagh O'Neill in a battle, in which many of the chiefs of Kinel-Owen, under the conduct of Mac Cawell, Chief of Kinel-Farry, and many other chiefs not mentioned here, were killed or taken prisoners. AFM[32]
1362,
Ruaidhri, son of Domnall Ua Neill, was killed by Maelechlainn (Mac Cathmaoil), with one shot of (a
bow) an arrow. Note: An earlier
Domnall Ua Neill was grandson of the 10th century O'Neill Clan founder
Niall Glúndub. The name
Maelechlainn means "Devotee of
St Sechnall" who is thought to be a 5th-century Italian bishop that preceded St Patrick.
1365, when Malachy of the Mac Cathmhaoil, the ruling house of Clogher, Tyrone, slew an O'Neill of Tír Eoghain, Malachy was known as 'Maelechainn Mac in Ghirr meic Mac Cathmhaoil'. Translated his name is 'Malachy the son of the Short-Fellow Mac Cathmhaoil'. This feat of slaying an O'Neill warranted a change of name so he became Malachy mac in ghirr or simply Malachy MacGirr. Later this family survived the Ulster Plantation, receiving a number of grants of lands at the time. They are to be found later in the 1660s as taxpayers in the Clogher Valley and elsewhere in Tyrone. Today the family is generally found as
McGirr, McGerr, McKerr and in the English version as Short.[36]
Cu-Uladh Mac an Ghirr Mac Cawell (died 1368), chief of his own
tribe and a son of his, who was a learned and
illustrious professor of
Sciences, died in England.
1370, Gillapatrick Mac Cawell, Chief of Kinel-Farry; Cu-uladh, his son, and his wife, the daughter of Manus Mac Mahon, were treacherously slain by the sons of Hugh Mac Cawell. Murrough, his Gillapatrick's brother then became Chieftain of Kinel-Farry.[37]
1376, Richard Mac Cathmail (Mac Cawell) was slain by Philip Mag Uidhir (Philip Maguire), the king of Fir-Manach and Domnall Ua Neill (Donnell O Neill).
1403, Cú Uladh mac Giolla Patraicc Meic Cathmaoil (Cu Uladh Mac GillaPatrick McCawell) was treacherously slain at an assembly by his own people.
Donough Mac Cawell, Chief of the two Kinel-Farrys, was slain by Maguire in 1404.
1427, Siobhan (Joan), daughter of the bishop Mac Cathmhail, wife of Maurice Mag Uidhir (
Maguire), that is, of the great Archdeacon, died on the 13th of the
Kalends of February 20 Jan.; one, that maintained a hospital or
hospice at Claen inis (now Cleenish) and at Ros-oirther (or Rossorry), in Fermanagh for six and fifty years reputably, humanely and charitably.[38] Note: Claen inis or Cleenish (sloping Island on Lough Erne) was a
monastic site founded by St Sinnell in the 6th century, an early instructor of
Columbanus, who was said to be the most learned man in
Ireland or
Britain. Ros-oirther or
Rossorry, was a monastery founded in 480 by
St. Fanchea and a church in 1048 in
Magheraboy, Fermanagh.
1434, O'Donnell and his son Turlough heir to the lordship of Tirconnell and Mac Cawell went in search of plunder and booty in another direction and their evil fortune brought them into collision with a large body of English
cavalry who surrounded them. They contended with them for a long time until Turlough O'Donnell, Mac Cawell, Hugh Mac an Easpuig Mac Cawell and many others were slain and this was on the day after
Michaelmas After the loss of his people O'Donnell was taken prisoner and delivered up to the son of
John Stanley the King's Deputy, who had shortly before arrived in Ireland, and who sent him to be imprisoned in Dublin.[40]
1444, Duvcovla daughter of Thomas Maguire, Lord of Fermanagh and wife Owen Mac Cathmhaoil a humane charitable and truly hospitable woman died. The old Irish name Dubh-choblaith pronounced Duvcovla means dark victory.[33]
1461, Mac Cawell i.e. Brian Lord of Kinel Farry died and Owen Mac Cawell was made lord.[41]
1480,
O'Donnell went upon an excursion into Tyrone accompanied by the sons of Art O'Neill and the sons of Felim O'Neill, and committed great depredations on Mac Cawell in Kinel Farry and slew Brian, the son of Turlough Roe, son of Henry O'Neill and the son of Mac Cawell, i.e. James. O'Neill and his sons happened to be in their neighbourhood at that time, and the sons of O'Neill and Mac Cawell pursued the preys, and slew the son of Art O'Neill a distinguished captain, who was along with O'Donnell. O'Donnell however carried off the preys and returned in triumph to his residence with numerous spoils.
1481, the son of GillaPatrick Mac Cawell with many others not enumerated were killed when a great war arose between the O'Neill.
1492, Donnell, son of Henry, son of Owen O'Neill, and Gilla-Patrick MacCawell (MacCathmhaoil), were taken prisoners; and Edmond MacCawell was slain by the sons of Redmond
McMahon of
Airgíalla, i.e. Glasny and Brian. Many others besides these were slain and taken prisoners on that occasion. Donnell, however, made his escape from the castle of Muineachan (
Monaghan) a week after his capture.
1493, A brawl between the Cenel-Feradhaigh themselves in
Clochar (of Ui-Daimin) and
Aedh, son of Mac Cathmail, namely, son of Edmond, son of Brian Mac Cathmail, was slain there and Brian, son of
Toirdelbach, son of
Aengus, son of the Dwarf, was slain there also, namely, the Sunday before
May Day (or
Bealtaine).[42] Note: The Irish word for dwarf
Abhartach is also the name of an early Irish death defying character.
1498, GillaPatrick Mac Cawell, Henry O'Neill, Felim
McMahon and a great number of the other chiefs of the province were slain in a conflict between the O'Neill.[43]
William (Uilliam) Oge Mac Cathmhaoil, Son of Art,
Dean of Clogher died 1508. Note: he was brother of Eoghan Bishop of Clogher.
1508 Great depredations were committed by Art, the son of Con O'Neill, upon the Kinel-Farry. Owen, the son of O'Neill, and the sons of Mac Cawell, overtook him; and Aengus
MacSorley 'Bacagh' (the Irish nickname bacach, meaning lame), was slain on the side of Art; but Art himself made his escape from them, and carried off the prey. Note: Art is lightly
Art Oge O'Neill the half brother of
Conn Bacach O'Neill, 1st Earl of Tyrone and son of Conn Mor who would become head of the O'Neills from 1513 to 1519.
1515 Eoghan Mac Cathmhaoil (Eugene Mac Camoeil, Owen), Bishop of the
Diocese of Clogher (1505–1515). Owen, the son of Art, son of John, son of Art Mac Cawell, Bishop of Clogher, died. He was buried in
St Macartan's Cathedral.
1518, in a raid on the territory of Brian O'Neill, Brian met them at Donaghanie (Domhnach-an-eich meaning Church/Sunday of the Horse, near Omagh), and defeated them. Hugh, the son of
Donnell O'Neill was taken prisoner and
Donough Mac Cawell, the son of Edmond was wounded and many of the Kinel Farry were slain. Mac Cawell died of his wounds afterwards. Note: According to a local legend, the horse belonged to St Patrick and it achieved fame by kicking and killing an amphibious creature which emerged from Lough Patrick! It may also be an older sacred site![44] Donaghanie could be derived from Dun Eachaidh for 'fort of the horseman' perhaps referring to St Eachaidh who was a fifth century
Clones saint, an hours horse ride away.[45] Or did the horse belong to
Donn "god of the dead" portrayed as a phantom horseman riding a white horse? Donn is considered an aspect of
The Dagda "the great God" also known as "the horseman" and is the origin of the
Irish "Loch nEachach" for
Loch Neagh.
1519, in another raid on the territory of Brian O'Neill at Sliabh Troim (mountain of elder or
elderberry) by Domnall O'Neill with the McCathmaoils, Cu-Uladh and Thomas sons of Edmund McCathmaoils and Edmund and Brian two sons of Gilla-Padraic McCathmail were slain. The defeat having taken place at Clogherny, Omagh. Note: Elder or Trom was one of the sacred flowering trees carried in procession at
Beltane and a townland called Beltany lies just below it.
Sliabh Troim and
Clogherny have boggy ground, which may have contributed to their deaths.[46][47]
Neal McCamal,
Rector of Termonayncomagn died 1367 conveyed to the Primate
Milo Sweetman at his manor of
Termonfeckin' (near Drogheda inside the Pale). Note: A Termon (in Irish Tearmann), means place of sanctuary, were lands associated with the Church.[49] As territory connected to a church or monastery, it enjoyed certain immunities, privileges and protection as
sanctuary lands (though not all church land was termon land). The tenants of termon land were called termoners which is thus a generic name for coarbs and erenaghs.[50]
John McKathmayl (Mackathmeyl, McCamul or McCawell). 1441: Rector of Argull (Errigle Keerogue in Clogher, Tyrone),
Prebendary of Termon (church lands) and one of the
beneficed clergy of
Tullaghogue, Tyrone. 1441, 19 May: A definitive sentence, "in causa beneficiale," ..."A complaint for non-residence at Argull, preferred against John McKathmayl." 1445, 21 Nov.:
Excommunication, inter alia (among other things), against John McKathmayl for not paying the
Archdeacon his proxies ;[52] Note: proxies were certain sums of money which parish priests pay yearly to the bishop or archdeacon.[53] "There was a suspicion that the Gaelic chiefs wished to make the Rectory hereditary in some of their own families; as the
coarb-ships and
erenaghies had been and were."[54] In 1424 he "received papal
dispensation, as the son of a bishop (Arthur McCathmhaoil) and an unmarried woman related in certain degrees of affinity, to be promoted to all, even holy orders... says he is of a race of dukes..."[55]
Eoghan McCawell, Dean of Armagh (1505–1549) "
Armagh's cathedral was in a poor state at the start of the sixteenth century and suffered from a devastating fire in 1511. Under Dean Eoghan McCawell (1505–1549) the edifice was renovated, and soon after his death the cathedral was described by
Lord Chancellor Cusack as 'one of the fairest and best churches in Ireland'. The archbishop had to work with the dean and chapter in managing the archiepiscopal estates. All leases of the see lands and the tithes attached to the archbishop's mensa had to be endorsed with the seal of the dean and chapter. The seal was kept under three locks, the keys to which were held by the dean, chancellor and
precentor of Armagh... The primary responsibility of the dean and chapter of Armagh was to ensure that the fabric of the cathedral was well-maintained, and that the
liturgy was celebrated in a manner appropriate for the mother-church of the archdiocese."[56] Note: mensa is that portion of the property of a church which is appropriated to defraying the expenses either of the prelate or of the community which serves the church.[57]
James MacCawell, (McCaghwell), is listed as the first
Church of England Anglican Archbishop of
Cashel 1567–1570. Although now called Anglican, the church at the time considered itself Catholic and so technically James was still a Catholic Bishop and Ireland had dealt with competing influences before under Norman and Gaelic lordships and an early schism with Rome over the
date of Easter.[58] James was appointed in October 1567 by
Elizabeth I, however, a few months before
Maurice MacGibbon was appointed Archbishop by
Pope Pius V in June, which lead to a conflict between the two Bishops as
Second English Schism was developing: "McCaghwell who had been before disappointed of the Down bishopric (appointed by Elizabeth in 1564, but never consecrated), through terror of
Shane O'Neill was wounded, with a
Skeine (an Irish knife or dagger), by Archbishop MacGibbon". Furthermore, in 1568 Archbishop MacGibbon was said to have taken rival Archbishop McCaghwell "out of his own house and carried him to
Spain."[59] Another source says "Soon after his appointment to
Cashel, a worse fate was in store for him: for when he ventured beyond
the Pale to claim his flock in the name of her Majesty, he was assailed and arrested by the people, and sent off a prisoner to
Spain in the safe keeping of the
kerne of Fitzmaurice. "[60] Note: In 1570
Pope Pius V excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I and later in 1584 she would have Archbishop MacGibbons successor
Dermot O'Hurley tortured and
executed for treason (for not converting to Protestantism). Failure for James to accept Elizabeth's
supremacy over the church or to accept her appointments could have led to a similar fate.
Miler Cawell, Bishop of
Killala, County Mayo, appointed
vicar apostolic by papal brief on 15 May 1591 (N.S.).[61] Note: Miler is an anglization of the Gaelic name Maol Mhuire meaning Devotee of
Mary also written as Miles and Milo.
Owen MacCawell, Archdeacon of St. Columba Derry, the Union of Donebooe (
DunDoe) 1612–1622.[62] Member of Jury of "The Inquisition to distinguish between crown and church lands" taken at
Limavady, (then in
County Coleraine, now in County Londonderry) on 30 August 1609.[63]
The
Plantation of Ulster and
penal laws (1607-1920s) period is reflected in these figures, where it was said, "With only two, or perhaps three exceptions, every native landlord, and every native tenant within the bounds of the six counties was dispossessed and displaced;..." Later the Penal Laws were intended to degrade the Irish so severely that they would never again be in a position to seriously threaten Colonial rule.[64] From sources other than (and after) the Annals of the Four Masters, with names spelled as they were found.
Hugh McCawell, Captain: commander of 600 men with Rory and
Gillispick McReverin (
McGiverin) in the Army of
Hugh O'Neill during
Nine Years' War (1594–1603).[65][66] Note: McReverin is most likely a misspelling of McGiverin another leading family in Cenel Ferry.
1607
Flight of the Earls, Fearghas MacCathmhaoil (
Scholar), listed as being one of about 100 who left with Hugh Ó Néill. From the book Imeacht Na nIarlí The Flight of the Earls 1607–2007 by Cardinal
Tomás Ó Fiaich[67]
1610
Plantation of Ulster, Land Grants: Grant to Hugh McCawell, jjent., Tullinecrosse, one balliboe, 60 acres. Rent, 13*. 57. (Tulnacross,
Dungannon Upper, Tyrone)[68] Note: Tulaigh na croise means "Hill of the cross".[69]
1609–1614 Pardons: Pardon was granted among others to Edmond Duffe Mc Cawell (Black Edmond), James Rowe Mc Cawell (Red James), Edmond Brier Mc Cawell (Fair-haired Edmond). In 1610 to Patrick Oge Mc Cawell (young Patrick). In 1612 to
Tirlagh Grome Mac Cawell (Blue/Green Tirlagh),
yeoman/
kern (yellow Tirlagh), Brien Glasse McOwen McCawell (Green Brien, son of Owen Mc Cawell). In 1613 to Brien
Daire Mc Cawell, Donnell Carragh Mc Cawell, yeomen (
kern) of
Tyrone county. In 1614 pardon among others to Tirlagh Mc Manus Boy Mc Cawell (Turlough, son of Yellow/Bui Manus Mc Cawell), of Killetragh, Tyrone county. From the Pardon lists, English
Patent Rolls,
James I.[16] Note: McCawells named Turlough where possibly named after The O'Neill Mor
Turlough Luineach O'Neill (1532–1595).[71]
1631 Tyrone Tenant Lists: Patricke McCawell houldeth Aghnegarry (in Barony of Omagh), being 1 balliboe. Listed in Inquisition held at
Dungannon, 1 May 1631.[72] Hugh McCawell, 60 acres to Hugh McCawell, gent. in County of Tyrone: Precinct of Donganon[73] Note: A balliboe, meaning cow-land was a Gaelic division of land, the common English translation for a variety of small local land units that varied in name and meaning throughout Ireland. Roughly synonymous with 'Townland'.[74]
1631 The Inquisitions on
Attainder (Lands Seized By The King 1631): The said Richard Cooper (1500 acres graunted to him by Ires patents) contrary to the intent and effect of the said Ires, hath sett severall balliboes within the said proportion unto the meer Irish viz; "Torlogh Groome McCawell held the balliboe called Roveagh(Raveagh) and Graghrafynn. Bryen McCawell did hould the towne and balliboe of land called Lysnely (Lisanely Irish Lios an Ailigh 'ringfort of the stony place'), and Bryen O'Neel and Gilgroome O'Connogher held the balliboes called Lysraneese(Raneese), Derrywarde(Derrybard from Doire Barda'oakwood of the guard' or Ir. Doire Baird 'oakwood of the poet'), and Garvallagh. All the said severall balliboes and peells of lands become forfeitt.
Conogher Mc'Ghir being a meer Irishman doth plough, pasture, and graise, upon the balliboe of land called Ballyorran (Baile Uaráin' meaning townland of the spring or fountain') within the proportion of Bally [----] barony of Clogher, and therefore the rents and profits of said balliboe are become forfeited to the King"
Charles I of England, for being rented to meer Irish.[75]
1639 Tyrone Tenant Lists: Inquisition held at Koragh, (
Sixmilecross), in 1614
Teige m'Caell (born at Killanele bar Dung.) in Derrybroghes, 1616 (for 1? year) Pattric' m'Cawell (born in town of Wexford) in Branar, 1614 for 1 year Tirlagh Oge m'Cawell (born at Clane in said co.) in Doogerry, Neale
Garave m'Cowell (born at Ballentacken) in Tiremany are listed as tenants(among others) of
Earl and Countess of Castlehaven.[76][77]
1641 Rebellion/War: Torlogh Grome McCawell and his sons Donnell & Bryen McCawell, Clogher.
Planter John Kairnes said that he had been robbed and had stolen from by the Shane Oge O'Neell, Bryen
McShane Oge O'Neell, Torlogh Grome McCawell and Shane McCawell of Fenaghdrome, (Fernaghandrum, Clogher, Tyrone) among others.[78] Examination of Henry McCawell – 1653/6/9 (regarding 1641) " ...his brother Patrick McCawell agreed (as this examinant was informed) with Capten Morris and his brother Thomas Morris to carry them by water along
Logh Neagh to some place... but by reason of a Storme that was then on the Logh, were forced to retorne with this examinant and his brother Patrick to
Mountjoy Castle...where they both remayned prisoners for one night and then set them both at liberty and being asked if he sawe or heard of any of Capten Morrisse his company murdered..."[79] Examination of John Morris "...Aforesaid Patrick Mccawell with us; but he most Earnestly Crying to Mr Hastings for Gods sake to put him Ashoare, least (said he) that Thorlacgh G Quin, who then was Governor of Mountioy Castle, should kill his father,..."[80] Note: The 1641 Depositions are witness testimonies mainly by Protestants, but also by some Catholics, from all social backgrounds, concerning their experiences of the 1641 Irish rebellion. The testimonies document the loss of goods, military activity, and the alleged crimes committed by the Irish insurgents.[81]
Yoemen/
Kern during 1641 Rebellion: Agholy McCawell, Fergus McCawell of Down and Murtagh McCowell, of Ballinlogh, Down. Note: The name Agholy comes from the Irish Eachmhílidh 'horse-soldier', and has strong County Down associations.[82]
1642 Father Henry Caghwell, Professor of
Philosophy, Studied Humanities at
Louvain and Philosophy at
Douai. Confined to his bed due to sickness, he was dragged from his house in Dublin by soldiers,
scourged and
cudgeled in the public square and left dying. He was then thrown in
prison and later shipped in a dying condition to France with 20 other priests, where he made an unexpected recovery with "great care" from the Rector of the Jesuit College in
Rochelle. He later returned to Ireland where he died a few days later attending the sick.[83][84] It was actions like these that drove many, such as Irish
Franciscan philosopher and theologian
John Punch towards revolutionary thought and a reassessment of
Scotist philosophy arguing that "the Stuarts had lost the right to rule Ireland for natural reasons, not supernatural ones; because the
Stuarts were tyrants, not because they were
Protestants."[85]
1659
Petty's Survey: 12 McCawell households are listed (out of 255 Irish households) in the Barony of
Oneilland in north
Armagh. Note: The Pender/Petty Survey along with the
Down Survey of 1655–56 was "clearly part of the preparatory work for the mass confiscations that took place under the
Cromwellian Commonwealth Dictatorship" and for tax levying purposes.[88]
1663 Armagh
Hearth Tax Rolls:
Torlogh McCawell (1 Fire hearth), Collowe McCawell of Ballyreagh (1 Fire hearth).
Cormock McCawell & Patrick Modder McCawell of Corcloghan (1 Fire hearth). Donnell McCawell of Tolly (1 Fire hearth). 2 shillings where due on each heart.[89] Phellem (
Féilim) McCawell, Kiltibritt[90] Note: Collowe is the 17th century version of heroic name Cú Uladh 'hound of Ulster'[91][92] and Modder/Madra is Irish for dog.
1666, Charles (alias
Cahel) McCawell, declared a rebel on 25 June 1666.[94] After supporting
the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy of
Charles II (1660–1685) in 1660 there was an expectation by Catholic Irish that they would have some of their own land restored. After the disappointment of the 1662 and 1665
Acts of Settlement many turned to open revolt and looked to other means of survival. Note: This may be the same Charles who in 1701 couldn't afford the sublease under John O'Hanlon a tenant of Lucas Pointz, if so his life may have been similar to other
tóraidhe or
rapparee "outlaw" Irish such as
Redmond O'Hanlon who resisted
colonial rule.
1668 Rebellion: Carragh McCawell late of the parish of Donagh Cavagh (
Donacavey,
Clogher, Tyrone), and others declared "Rebels and traitors" in June 1668, Proclamation of the
Lord Deputy and Council for being in arms against the Kings authority in Tyrone, Monaghan, Antrim and Down. Pursued by the Kings good subjects they escaped in the woods and mountains. The reward set on the head of each rebel is £10.[95] Note: £10 was about the yearly wage of a day Labourer, so perhaps about £20,000 in today's money.[96] Proclamation of the
Lord Lieutenant and Council (23 April 1669), states that "Carragh McCawell is since killed" and regarding other rebels "all who comfort, relieve or abet them, will be considered traitors in the like degree"[97] Note: The name Carragh is likely Gaelic for a stone pillar (a standing stone).[98]
Jacobites and Republicans
With the defeat of
James II in 1690, most native Irish were reduced to the role of a servant class within their own country. In this era, Catholics are not permitted to vote, join the armed forces, bare arms, even for protection, or be educated as Catholics abroad. They made up 70% of the population of around 2 million, yet own only 5% of the land.
While the hope that the
Jacobites would regain their power diminished, new hope arose from abroad with the revolutions and new republics in USA and France.
1701 Charles McCawell (alias Cahir) sub leaser in Aghantaraghan (just below
Poyntzpass),
Orior Lower, County Armagh: "Defendant Edward Courtney replies, 6 Nov., 1701, that the said John O'Hanlon had a lease of said lands from Francis Lucas, Esq., who was guardian to Lucas Pointz, a minor, grandson and
heir to
Sir Toby Pointz, deceased, and the said lease commenced in or about Nov., 1694. Cahir McCawell, finding himself not able to pay the rent of the townland of Aghentaragh, applied to Edward Courtney, he then living near and having a considerable stock; and requested said Courtney to take said lease from him (McCaul), alleging that the lands were very convenient for his (Courtney's) stock. Courtney agreed to do so, provided
LoghlinDonnelly made over his right and title thereto, which was so done. Donnelly the 2nd husband of Jane O'Hanlon soon afterward died without taking out probate of John O'Hanlon's will. Said Joane married a third time with Plt. Bryan
Mullane, who in right of his wife came administrator of said John O'Hanlon, and has taken out
probate of his will, and has become entitled to said lease, which he and his wife now demand from Edward Courtney..."[99] Note: Sir Toby Pointz received a grant of 500 acres for his military service which was part of the forfeited lands of the O'Hanlons and built a fortress or
bawn in
Acton, County Armagh, half a mile above Poyntzpass with a
colony of 24 cottages for English settlers.
Diocese of Derry, Index of wills: Owen McCawell of Drumragh (ridge of the ringfort), (
Omagh East, Tyrone), A.D. 1718. Thomas McCawell of Drumragh, 1723. Robert McCawell Drumragh, 1734. Hugh McCawell, 1737, to be buried in the churchyard of Clogher.[100]
Clogher Diocese District, Index of wills, Registry
Armagh: Rev. Fergus McCawell, Cornamuck (Hill of the Pig), (
Omagh East, Tyrone), 1758. Patrick McCawell, Bolies (Buaile 'summer milking place'), County Tyrone, A.D, 1790. Hugh McCawell, Aughanameena (fine/small field), County Monaghan, 1802. Owen McCawell, Cavan (Chabháin meaning Valley or Hollow), (
Omagh East, Tyrone), 1806. Bernard McCawell, Scotstown, County Monaghan, 1809.
1700s
Penal transportation: Micheal McCowell, County Tyrone, in March 1741, was convicted of being a
vagabond with hundreds of other native Irish and ordered
deported (usually to North America before 1776). Note: A vagabond is defined has someone without a home and/or a job. Charles and Edmund McCowell, County Tyrone, in April 1742, both convicted of sheep stealing and ordered deported. Pat Campbell, otherwise McCavill, County Armagh in 1742 was convicted of being a Vagabond and ordered deported. Examined by Deputy Clk. Edward Fleming.[101] Note: "Sometimes Deportation ships were converted from slave-trading ships, the 100-plus transport vessels carried up to 300 convicts, in appalling conditions. Convicts who survived the horrendous passage were cleaned. Then they were advertised in newspapers and sold into
indentured servitude, with men priced at up to 20 pounds and women up to 9 pounds. The human cargo trade made fortunes for those involved on both sides of the Atlantic" and encouraged a vicious cycle of colonial oppression and a corrupt justice system.[102]
1758 James McCawell and Janet Martian christening of
Dorothea McCawell on 1 Feb, in
Irvine, Ayr, Scotland.[103]
1766 Roger McCamel, George McCamel and Charles McCamel listed as "
Papists{RC}" in
Magherafelt in the
Dioceses of Armagh in the barony of
Loughenshollen, County Londonderry during the Religious census of Magherafelt County Londonderry, 28th day of March 1766.[104]
1766
Robert McCawell. Fr. Robert McCawell is listed as being the parish priest of Camus, Tyrone.[105]
1780 Thomas McCawell. Father Thomas McCawell
vicar general replaced Bishop Philip McDevitt as pastor of
Urney, Tyrone when McDevitt is said to have removed his see from Urney to Derry about 1780. McCawell was a graduate of the
Sorbonne in Paris.[107][108]
The Defenders: Robert Caulfield tried in Dublin City in 1795, for being part of "The Defenders" an agrarian secret society and was sentenced to 7 years in
penal servitude in Australia. Deported on the
Britannia I in 1797, he "received 200
lashes for planning ship
mutiny & allowing Miles
Mulhallsirons to be cut" Note: Miles
Mulhalls, originally a soldier in
55th Regiment, was tried for stealing
spurs and sentenced to 7 years. He "escaped in
Rio de Janeiro". 21 died on ship, including 6 defenders (
political prisoners) died after receiving over 300 lashes, 2 women died, one who commit suicide by jumping overboard and another who tried the same outside Rio. About 40 Defenders (most were given Life sentences at trial) and one
Orangeman were given 300 lashes for planning a mutiny and others given lashes for taking the defenders oath. An enquiry into the conduct of Captain Dennott (Demmett) was held in Sydney on his "callous and brutal" treatment of the convicts produced little consequence.[110][111]
James
Caulfield, Catholic
Bishop of Ferns,
Wexford from 1786 to 1814. During the
1798 Rebellion, Bishop Caulfield like the other Irish Catholic bishops supported the government line. He was regarded as a collaborator (or mediator) with the British and he ordered all Catholics to surrender their arms and be loyal to "the good gracious
King George III". He denounced
Father Murphy and the other priests who took part in the
Wexford Rising. (see poem by
Seamus Heaney and song by
Patrick Joseph McCall written 1898
Boulavogue) Note: With the promise of
Catholic Emancipation in the late 1700s and the setup of Maynooth seminary in 1795 they probably considered it ill-advised to rock the boat. However many reformers despaired of peaceful change, particularly in the lack of
Tithe reform.
Cemetery headstone: IHS./ James McCawell died / May ye 5th, 1812. Aged 50 yrs./ Also his wife Eleanor / Martin died 1 February 1795 / Aged 55 yrs. Lord / Have Mercy on their souls. An inscriptions from Donaghcavey Cemetery (or Findonagh) Note: LATIN- in hoc signo spes mea (I.H.S.) – In this sign (the cross of Christ) is my hope.[112]
Famine and emigration
In 1801 the
Act of Union was passed by the
Parliament of Ireland abolishing itself in reaction to the
Rebellion of 1798. The second
United Irishmen Rebellion failed in 1802 and
Catholic emancipation didn't happen until 1829, but without Tithe reform so the
Tithe war followed from 1831 to 1836. Poverty, lack of opportunity, high rents and discrimination forced thousands to leave for North America, the largest exodus happening during the
Great Irish Famine (1845–49) leading to an estimated 1 million deaths and emigration of a further 1 million people. However many emigrated before this time, and for some
Nova Scotia was the first stop in the New World, where "McCaul Island", near
Cape Breton, would bear testament to some family members new home. Many new branches of the family formed abroad including the "Caul" in Canada who many have gotten the "Mc" dropped in their name perhaps due to being orphaned as a result of the famine. Others came from better circumstances but still chose to emigrate. Still Catholics, faced much of the same institutionalized discrimination in the new world.
Thomas McCawell (or Campbell), Parish of
Fintona, County Tyrone. Listed in 1837 as being in the
Ribbonmen, a popular movement active against landlords and their agents.[113]
1847
Great Famine: John & Helen McCawell famine immigrants to Canada, died on route or on
Grosse Isle, Quebec, Canada. Two of the (mostly Irish) 7553 buried there. The island was the site of an immigration depot which predominantly housed Irish immigrants coming to Canada, many on
coffin ships, to escape the
Great Famine, 1845–1849.[114] During the Famine period, an estimated half-million Irish were evicted from their cottages. Many unscrupulous landlords simply paid to send their penniless tenant families overseas to British North America.[115]
1847 Emigrants: Orphans. 16 August, John Caul, age 4, in good health. Richard Caul, 3, sick. 22 Aug, James Caul, 10, healthy, came on Marchioness of Abercorn. 2 Oct, Elizabeth Caul, 6, well. Listed as Adopted: Mary Caul, age 14, adopted by Mr. John Brooman. Taken from "Semi-monthly Return of RC Orphan Children in charge of the
Archbishop of Quebec and principality... 12th July 1847".[116] Also North American Passenger Lists 1847–1849, 19 May 1847, Derry to Philadelphia: John Caul 26
tailor and Margaret 21
spinster. The
barque is listed as 'owned by F. S. Means and others of Boston' with F. S. Means as master.[117]
John McCaul (1807–1887), Irish-born musician, Canadian educator, theologian, and the second president of the
University of Toronto from 1848 to 1853.
Charles McCaul (1839–1900), Carpenter, Builder and Contractor in Philadelphia, PA in the late 1800s. He emigrated from Derry on board the Caledonia on 13 May 1867.[118] Described as one of the most prominent builders in the US at the time of his death, he was "engaged in the building line from the earliest boyhood" in Derry.[119] He built school houses, institutions, banks, factories, breweries, prisons, residences, powerhouses & car barns, store & office buildings, an early skyscraper,[120] and hotels throughout the Philadelphia area.[121]
People
There was a late-nineteenth-century
national revival of interest in the
Irish language and
Irish Gaelic culture (including folklore, sports, music and arts). Irish had diminished as a spoken tongue, partially as a result of the famine and poverty, remaining the main daily language only in isolated rural areas. Some of these figures were part of that revival.
Seaghan Mac Cathmhaoil (1883–1962), (brother of poet Seosamh), illustrator; author of engravings in
Ethna Carbery, Winds of Eirinn (1906) and
Art Nouveau illustrations for Mary Hutton's translation of the
Táin Bó Cúailnge (1924 ed.), and other works including designs for the 1913 "Irish Historic Pageant", held at the
69th Regiment Armory in
New York, United States
Joseph John Campbell (1904–1987), Irish American
mythologist, philosopher, writer and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative
mythology, religion and many aspects of the human experience
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