Thomas Barrett was an RIC Constable that worked here in Millstreet in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Originally from Limerick, he began working in Kerry, married Elizabeth Browne from Scartaglin in 1889, and was transferred to Carrigadrohid soon after. In 1896 he was transferred to Millstreet, where the family lived at the West End and the Killarney Road. Some of their children were born here, and some of them died there too. Thomas’ wife Elizabeth died young, and Thomas himself died a few years later at the family home on the Killarney Road.
Below are our notes on him and his family, including the sensational murder of his wife’s father in 1882:
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…To Mr Cronin — He saw about a hundred fish passing about in the river in dying condition that morning. Constable Barrett deposed to seeing Thomas Linehan take a out of river and Daniel Connell committed a similar offence about eleven o’clock in the day.
Constable Ryan saw Wm Murray about seven o’clock in tbe morning take a fish out the river, and about hour afterwaids he saw Patrick Lynch do same…. [Cork Constitution – Wednesday 15 June 1892]
Richard Hinchin and Jeremiah Dunne were prosecuted at the suit the Lee Fishery Conservators, for illegally taking poisoned salmon from the river Lee, on the 25th and June, Ponladermott., near Carrlgadrohid. Mr A Blake, with E J Brennan, secretary of the Conservators, appeared to prosecute. Constable Barrett and Water-Bailiff John Sullivan proved the cases, and the Bench fined the defendants £2 and 10s costs. – [Cork Constitution – Wednesday 13 July 1892]
no notes on him in Millstreet 🙁
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Thomas Barrett’s family:
His parents: Patrick Barrett (1805–1900) and Mary Culhane (1832–1882)
Their children:
John Culhane Barrett (1849–1930 Oregon)
Margaret Barrett (1851–1934 Rathkeale)
Edmond “Ned” Barrett (1855–1949 Newcastle (Limerick))
Thomas Barrett (1857–1912 Millstreet) Baptised 18 Mar 1857 at Monagea, Co. Limerick
Catherine (Kate) P Barrett (1859–1929 Oregon)
Daniel P Barrett (1861–1940 Oregon)
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His wife Elizabeth Browne’ family:
The wife of thomas, she was the daughter of Thomas Browne and Johanna Kerrin(c.1835–1911)
Her Parents:
Marriage of THOMAS BROWN of DRUMULTON and JOANNA KERRIN of KILHOURAN on 1 March 1862, at Castleisland Church by REV.G.O’LEARY. He the son of John Brown and Mary Cotter, she the daughter of Timothy Kerrin and Mary Riordan. In the presence of Timothy Kerrin and John Browne
Siblings:
Baptism of MARY BROWN of DRUMULTAN on 26 February 1863
Baptism of MARGARET BROWNE of DROMALTON on 24 May 1865
Baptism of JOHN BROWN of DROMULTAN on 1 October 1867 [birth]
Birth of Elizabeth Brown at Dromultin on July 18th 1869 to Johanna Brown (Kerrin) and Thomas Brown a farmer
Birth of Patrick Brown at Dromoltin 1871 September 3rd to Johanna Brown (Kerrin) and Thomas Brown a farmer
Baptism of THOMAS BROWN of DROMULTON on 17 August 1873 (was this Timothy mentioned in the 1901 census?)
Death of Thomas Browne of Dromultin on October 3rd 1882, 46 years, farmer, Murdered by gun shot wounds, information received from Major Thomas Gosing (?) coroner for Kerry
“On the 3rd October, 1882, Thomas Browne a respectable farmer residing at Dromultin, between Castleisland and Farranfore, while working in a field within view of his own house was approached by two men, who beckoned Browne towards them, and on his coming near them a short conversation took place, after which five shots were fired into his body and he fell dead… more“
1901 census: Residents of a house 5 in Dromultan East (Scartaglin, Kerry)
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browne | Johanna | 60 | Female | Head of Family widow |
Roman Catholic |
| Browne | Mary | 34 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Browne | Margaret | 32 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Browne | Patrick | 28 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Browne | Timothy | 26 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Barrett | Patrick | 11 | Male | Grand Son | Roman Catholic |
1911 census: Residents of a house 2 in Dromultan (East) (Scartaglin, Kerry)
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browne | Patrick | 38 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Browne | Timothy | 36 | Male | Brother | Roman Catholic |
| Browne | Mary | 45 | Female | Sister | Roman Catholic |
| Browne | Margaret | 43 | Female | Sister | Roman Catholic |
| Barrett | Patrick | 21 | Male | Nephew | Roman Catholic |
| Barrett | Elizabeth Mary | 8 | Female | Niece | Roman Catholic |
Death of Johanna Brown of Dromoltin on March 20th 1911, aged 76 of old age, Patrick Brown present at death
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Thomas and Elizabeth:
1889 September 3rd: Marriage of Thomas Barrett and Elizabeth Browne by Rev D. M. Allmann C.C. at the Catholic Chapel of Castleisland, Tralee, Kerry. He, 24 yrs old, a constable from Cordal, son of Patrick Barrett a farmer (?). She 20 yrs old, a farmer from Dromulton, the daughter of Thomas Browne a farmer, in the presence of John Cullen and Mary Browne. [Catholic Register ]
Their Children (detailed below):
Patrick Barrett (1890-1936)
Thomas Barrett (1892-1950)
Mary Barrett (1894-1894)
Johanna Barrett(1895-1897)
Edward Barrett (1899-)
John Barrett (1901-1901)
Elizabeth Mary Barrett (1903-)
1901 Census: Residents of a house 6 in Killarney Road (Coomlogane, Cork)
The family are not living in the barrack, but in a house back the Killarney Road.
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrett | Thomas | 44 | Male | Head of Family Constable Royal Irish Constabulary |
Roman Catholic |
| Barrett | Elizabeth | 33 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Barrett | Thomas | 9 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Barrett | Edward Joseph | 2 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
1901 census: Patrick (11 yrs is living with his grandmother and aunts and uncles at Scartaglin)
1905 September 5th: Death of Elizabeth Barrett 37 years, wife of Thomas Barrett pensioner from the Royal Irish Constabulary, Capillary Bronchitis 7 days cardiac Disease, Thomas Barrett widower present at the death Coomlagane
1911 census: Residents of a house 3 in Killarney Road (Coomlogane, Cork)
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrett | Thomas | 54 | Male | Head of Family widower pensioner from the RIC |
Roman Catholic |
| Barrett | Edward Joseph | 12 | Male | Son scholar |
1911 census: Residents of a house 2 in Dromultan (East) (Scartaglin, Kerry)
Patrick and Elizabeth Mary are living with their unmarried aunts and uncles in Scartaglin, Kerry.
1912 August 19th: Death of Thomas Barrett from Millstreet at the Union Workhouse, widower, 55 years old, Brights Disease 6 months
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The children of Thomas Barrett and Elizabeth Browne are below:
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Patrick Barrett (1890-1936)
Baptism of PATRICK BARRETT of DROMULTON on 1 March 1890 (assumed date), son of Thomas Barrett and Elizabeth Brown, sponsored by Patrick Brown and Mary Brosnan. Date of Birth 27th March 1890.
1901 census: Patrick (11 yrs is living with his grandmother and aunts and uncles at Scartaglin)
1911 census: 2 April 1911 • Living in Scartaglin, Kerry, with aunts and uncles … details above
27 July 1911 Departure from Queenstown, Co. Cork, Ireland on the S.S. Adriatic along with his brother Thomas Barrett (21 yrs old)
3 Aug 1911 Arrived in New York
5 Jan 1917: Married Cora Nancy Meade Barrett LaGrange (1885–1980). Vancouver, Clarke, Washington, USA
1920: Residence: Antelope, Wasco, Oregon, USA
1930: Residence: Antelope, Wasco, Oregon, USA
4 Dec 1936: Died at Wasco County, Oregon, USA
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Thomas Barrett (1892-1950)
Born 28 Nov 1892 • Carrigadrohid County Cork (could not find birth registration)
1901 census (31 Mar 1901): living at West End, Millstreet with his family (details above)
1911 census (2 April 1911): living with aunt/uncle at Monagay, Limerick
27 July 1911: Departure from Queenstown, Co. Cork, Ireland on the S.S. Adriatic along with his brother Patrick Barrett (22 yrs old)
3 Aug 1911: arrived in New York
1920: Residence Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, USA. Marital Status: Single
1930: Residence: Dee, Hood River, Oregon. Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Head
26 Nov 1931: Marriage to Lucy Magdalen Voltin Barrett (1906–2007) at Polk, Oregon, USA
Birth of Daughter Mary Elizabeth Barett (4 Oct 1933–2011), Oregon, USA
Birth of Son Thomas Joseph Barrett Jr(18 Nov 1934–2002), Oregon, USA
Birth of Son Edward Joseph Barrett(9 Nov 1935–2014), Oregon, USA
+one more child (living)
1935 • Portland, Multnomah, Oregon
1939: see WWII draft registration
1 Apr 1940: Residence: Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, USA. Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head
25 May 1950: Death: Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, USA
Buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA [Find a grave]
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Mary Barrett (1894-1894)
Birth of Mary Barrett of Carrigadrohid on February 7th 1894, to Lizzie Barrett (Browne) and Thomas Barrett, Carrigadrohid, Constable R.I.C.
Death of Mary Barrett of Carrigadrohid on May 10th 1894, 2 months old, daughter of a policeman, debility since birth
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Johanna Barrett (1895-1897)
Birth of JOHANNA BARRETT in 1895 Macroom Area (probably Carrigadrohid again) (incorrect register sheet, but the only one left)
Death of Johannah Barrett on January 5th 1897 of West End Millstreet, 16 months old, child of Thomas Barrett a Constable Royal Irish Constabulary, Debility from Birth
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Edward Barrett (1899-)
Baptism of EDWARDUS JOSEPH (EDWARD) BARRETT of MILLSTREET on 9 February 1899 by Fr. C. O’Sullivan. Son of Thomas Barrett and Elizabeth (Browne). Sponsored by Timothy O’Keeffe and Honora Howard.
1901 Census: with family in Millstreet (see above)
1911 Census: with family in Millstreet (see above)
No track of Edward after this time
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John Barrett (1901-1901)
1901 December 5th: Birth of John Barrett of Coomlegane to Elizabeth Barrett (Browne) and Thomas Barrett of Coomlegane a Constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary
Baptism of John Barrett on December 6th 1901 at Millstreet by Fr. C. O’Sullivan, son of Thomas Barrett and Elizabeth Barrett (Browne), sponsored by Edward Barrett and Joanna Murphy
1902 April 13th: Death of John Barrett at West End Millstreet, 4 months old, child of Thomas Barrett, a constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary, Pneumonia 14 days
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Elizabeth Mary Barrett (1903-)
Birth of Elizabeth Mary Barrett of West End Millstreet, daughter of Elizabeth Barrett (Browne) and Thomas Barrett of West End a Constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary
Baptism of ELIZABETH BARRETT of MILLSTREET on 6 April 1903 by Fr. C. O’Sullivan, daughter of Thomas Barrett and Elizabeth Browne, sponsored by John Bransfield and Catherine Moynihan
1911 census: Living with her unmarried aunts and uncles (mother’s family) in Scartaglin, Kerry.
1942 June 27th: Marriage of Patrick Reidy and Elizabeth Barrett at Castleisland Church by Rev. C Moriarty C.C. He a labourer from Dromulton, son of John Reidy (deceased) a labourer. She the daughter of Thomas Barrett. In the presence of John J Fitzgerald and Nora (?) Fitzgerald.
Is this them on Find a Grave?
Erected In Loving Memory Of
PATRICK REIDY Dromulton Scartaglen Died 2-Oct. 1973
His Wife ELIZABETH Died 1-April 1978
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Resources:
[Thomas Browne on Ancestry (mmbarrett5)]
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On the Murder of Thomas Browne, Dromultin, Castleisland (father of Elizabeth Browne)
Skibbereen Eagle 1882-1922, Saturday, April 02, 1910; Page: 3
A KERRY CRIME RECALLED. THE EXECUTION OF POFF AND BARRETT
The Tralee Correspondent of the ” Cork Examiner “. says :—The sacrifice of two innocent lives on the scaffold at Tralee just twenty-seven years ago is recalled by the death, which occurred at Castleisland on Good Friday, of the widow of one of-the victims, Mrs. Poff.
The circumstances connected with that tragedy are still fresh in the public mind. On the 3rd October, 1882, Thomas Browne a respectable farmer residing at Dromultin, between Castleisland and Farranfore, while working in a field within view of his own house was approached by two men, who beckoned Browne towards them, and on his coming near them a short conversation took place, after which five shots were fired into his body and he fell dead. Subsequently, on the information of an old woman named Brosnan, Sylvester Poff and his first cousin, James Barrett, were arrested and charged with the murder. They were brought before the famous Captain Plunkett and remanded, The magisterial investigation, took place on the 13th October and the prisoners were committed for trial to the Winter Assizes in Cork, the principal evidence being that of the old woman Brosnan. They were placed on trial on the 20th December before the late Mr. Justice Barry. The trial concluded on. the 23rd December, when the jury found both prisoners guilty, and they were sentenced to be hanged in Tralee jail on the 23rd January, 1883. Both the condemned men vehemently protested their innocence. While awaiting execution they had the constant ministrations of the Prison Chaplain, Rev. Humphrey O’Riordan, C.C., now the worthy Canon of Cahirciveen, who was convinced of the innocence of both men. A. petition for their reprieve was numerously and influentially signed, but the Foster regime declined the memorial, though, it was an open secret that the authorities themselves were satisfied of the innocence of the accused and actually knew the real murderers after, if not before Poff and Barrett had been sentenced. Amongst the other priests who visited the condemned men in their, cells was; the present Right Rev. Monsignor John O’Leary; then P.P. of Ballymacelligott, who from the pulpit ; proclaimed, the innocence of both men. He referred, to-the extraordinary resignation of both, especially Poff, whose cell, he said, was ” like the cell of a dying nun..” Marwood, the executioner, arrived in Tralee on Thursday, 18 January, and proceeded to superintend the erection of the scaffold, which was done by men. brought down from Dublin. This scaffold was erected within earshot of the cells of the condemned men, who were forced to hear every hammer sound on the structure which was being prepared to launch their innocent souls into eternity. The fateful morning at length came when two more brutal murders were added to the long list of English massacre in Ireland. Both men heard Mass and received Holy Communion, after which Marwood proceeded to pinion them. While the process was going on Poff, in firm voice proclaimed anew, his innocence. “I declare before my God,” he solemnly said ” that I am innocent of this murder. I never murdered Browne or took, any part in it; but I forgive them that have sworn against me.” Barrett made a similar statement. Both men also left written statements reiterating their oral protestations, adding that not only had they no hand in the murder of Browne but that they did not know who did it, and that they never had anything to do with any crime or outrage in their lives. These protestations of innocence were accepted as conclusive not only by the people in general, whose indignation knew no bounds, but even by the police authorities themselves. As a mark of respect for the memory of the victims, the shops in Tralee and Castleisland were closely shuttered on the day of the double execution. Since then death has called away two of Poff’s children. His widow as already stated, died on Good Friday after a lingering illness. Her funeral to Ballymacelligott on Sunday was extremely large and representative of all classes in the community. Mrs. Poff, senior, the mother of Sylvester Poff, and the aunt of James Barrett, though Upwards of ninety years of age is still in good health, and is held in the highest esteem and veneration by all who knew her.
“One confession is worth 100 exorcisms.”
Patti Armstrong
(lots on his murder online)
