Person Page - 2

John Mooney, son of William Mooney and Lizzie Butler, was born in May 1830 at Mooney's Gardens, Grennan, Attanagh, Queen's County.^{3,4,5,2,6,7,8,9} He was a native of at Lower Grennan, Attanagh, Queen's County, in the in the parish of Ballyouskill, Ballyragget, County Kilkenny. He grew up there with his brothers and sisters.^{4,3,10,11,6,12} He married Bessy McCabe on 4 November 1862 at Crossmaglen Church, Co Monaghan.^{3,4,6,13,14,9}

John joined the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) on 14 September 1852 at the age of 20 on the recommendation of Sub Inspector Reade. He gave Queen's and Londonderry as his county of origin and declared his occupation as Labourer. He was 5 foot 11 1/2 inches tall at the time and was given 16250 as his service number.^1,3,4,6,15,9 He was transferred to the reserve on 1 January 1853³ and promoted to Sub Constable a month later on 1 February 1853.³

A few months after his marriage he was transferred to Londonderry³ and was promoted to Acting Constable ten years later on 1 January 1873.^3,6,9 He was transferred to Co Monaghan where he lived at Drumboat, Inniskeen when his son Patrick Joseph was born³ on 11 February 1875; where his father was stationed with the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC.)^3,4,6,16,9 He was promoted to Constable on 1 June 1875. He was later described as a Sergeant on his son Patrick's marriage record in 1907. Sergeant was a new title introduced for Constables when the rank structure changed in 1883.^3,17,6,9 His last place of duty was in County Down but it is not clear when he was transferred there.³

John Mooney ended his RIC service on 30 November 1882 at Attanagh, Co Laois. Receiving a pension of £270 per year.^{3,4,6,18,13,9} He returned to his father's farm, which was now known as New York House, Grennan, Attanagh, Queen's County, and lived there for the remainder of his life.^19,2,8,13

Soon after his wife died he transferred the farm to John Dorgan, his son-in-law, in exchange for free maintenance for the rest of his life. The property, which he held in tenancy from year to year from the Earl of Orkney, comprised of a dwelling house, other buildings, farming stock and effects. The deed of assignment contains the signatures of both John Mooney and John Dorgan and was witnessed by Patt Mooney, Grenan (sic), a farmer and his son William another local farmer.^18,15

John Mooney died of old age on 14 January 1909. He was 78 years old.^{4,19,5,2,20,7,13,21} He was buried in the Churchyard, Ballyouskill.^5,22,7,23,24 On the day his father died his son Patrick wrote to John Dorgan from Ballyphillip House, Ballymonty, Thurles:

Your telegram and letter only received this morning, I am indeed very sorry to hear of my poor father's death. Hope his end was peaceful. If I can get away from this post at all I'll attend the funeral. However, I am afraid I'll find it hard to.²⁵

All the Mooneys made donations to erect a headstone on the grave. His inscription reads:

In loving Memory of John Mooney of Grennan
Died 14th January 1909 aged 79 years.²⁶

John Mooney left a will in which an Andrew Mooney, who was described as a first cousin, was made his executor.²⁷

Family tradition has it that he was domineering, overbearing, difficult to live with and always shouting orders. Apparently he was 'fond of the drop' and a lot of empty whisky bottles were discovered at the cottage after his death. Nonetheless, he was a well known and popular man who kept an open house and always welcomed visitors. Many people used to call at the farm to play cards. He was much in demand as he could read and write and he had an air of authority.^2,28,29 There is a passage in Dermot Dorgan's book about the history of Ballyouskill that refers to a local man called Hugh Toole who was also in the RIC and remembers the Mooneys:

He often spoke of the men from his native locality who served with him, men like the Mooneys of Lower Grennan, of whom all four sons joined the force in which their father and an uncle had served before them. He was fortunate in his 'Depot days' that Paddy Mooney was a Head Constable there at the time, and to Hugh's benefit the spirit of neighbourliness transcended the strict Victorian regimentation which separated the ranks.

A similar situation applied when he served with Andrew Mooney later during the stirring days in Clare. Andrew, who received all his education in Ballouskill N.S. where his Aunt was Principal, rose to the full commissioned rank of Divisional (sic) Inspector. This he achieved by educational success, winning in the process the coveted police award of the Queen's Gold Watch.³⁰

Sarah Byrne,the bride's cousin, was a witness at the wedding of Paddy Mooney and Sarah Giffney on 5 September 1900 at the Roman Catholic Chapel, Ballinahinch, Ashford, Co Wicklow. Andrew Martin Mooney the groom's brother, was also a witness.^2,1,3,4 Sarah Byrne lived at 18 Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, on 5 September 1900.³

Sarah Giffney, daughter of Michael Giffney and Ellen Nugent, was born on 10 January 1873 at Ashford, County Wicklow,^3,4 and she was baptised there on on 11 January 1873. Her sponsors were Michael Fitzpatrick and Bridget Farrell. (The register has the '12' of the date on the left-hand side amended to '11' but not on the right-hand side.)^5,6 She married Paddy Mooney, son of John Mooney and Elizabeth McCabe, on 5 September 1900 at the Roman Catholic Chapel, Ballinahinch, Ashford, Co Wicklow. The witnessess were Sarah Byrne, the bride's cousin,and Andrew Martin Mooney the groom's brother.^7,1,8,9

Sarah Giffney was a Housekeeper on 5 September 1900.^1,8

Sarah Mooney died on 12 July 1901 at age 28 at 7 Clifford Street from cardiac thrombosis only two and a half weeks after her only son, John, was born. The death was registered by her husband on 22 July 1901.^10,3,11,12 She was buried circa 13 July 1901 at Rathnew, Co Wicklow.^3,13

Michael Giffney was born circa 1845.² He married Ellen Nugent, daughter of Laurence Nugent and Ellen (?), on 28 June 1859 in County Wicklow. The witnesses were Michael Reilly and Mary Darcy.^3,2

Michael Giffney died on 1 June 1900 at Ballinahinch, Ashford, County Wicklow.² Administration of his estate was granted to Patrick Giffney on 29 June 1900. Michael's effects were valued at £85 12s.²

Michael Giffney was a Carpenter.^1,2

Anthony Allan Burton was born on 15 April 1940 at 77 Dudley Road, Birmingham, West Midlands.^4,5,6,3 He was known as Tony throughout his life although he was called Angus during his three years at RAF Locking as an apprentice.⁷

He joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice on 19 September 1956 and spent three years at No 1 Radio School, RAF Locking until 28 July 1959 during which time he gained the rank of Sergeant Aircraft Apprentice. He graduated with an A2 in the trade of Ground Radio Fitter with the rank of Junior Technician. Altogether there were 50 graduates and Angus, as he was known by the other apprentices, came ninth overall.

His first posting was to RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire but, only four months later, he was transferred to RAF South Cerney for training as an Air Electronics Officer. He served many years on Avro Vulcans at RAF Waddington near Lincoln. Later, he trained as a pilot and became a captain flying Vulcans. Most of his service was spent at RAF Waddington but he also served at RAF Cottesmore and RAF Cranwell. He finished his service with a full tour of duty at HQ No 1 Group, RAF Bawtry. He left the RAF on 15 April 1978, his 38th birthday.^1,8,9,10

Tony married Maureen Mooney, daughter of Patrick Joseph Mooney and Miriam Hodgson, on 26 February 1962 at St Hugh Roman Catholic Church, Pixmore Way, Letchworth. He was described as a Pilot Officer at RAF Waddington aged 21 and a bachelor whilst she was shown as a spinster and a Hospital Nurse aged 23 living at Terra Firma, Wilbury Hills Road. The witnesses were Patrick Joseph Mooney and S Vigurs^1,5,2 and took up employment as a Transport Manager in North Wales. He left that job at the beginning of 1980 and was offered a position in August as a Technical Author with BAC where he was to start in September. He didn't take up this post as he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in August. Following a successful operation at RAF Hospital Nocton Hall and a 3 to 4 week stay at RAF Hospital Halton so that he could attend for treatment at Westminster, he had a 2 year period of recovery and self employment before completing a 1 year Teacher Training conversion course at Huddersfield in April 1983.

He took up a position as a teacher in Corby, where he taught young adults, until he left due to staff economies in the summer of 1998. He became a self employed teacher obtaining work through Agencies and running night classes at local colleges. He was very successful and was in high demand as his reputation spread.¹⁰

Tony Burton died on 22 March 2006 at age 65 in the County Hospital, Lincoln. He passed away peacefully in his bed at 3 p.m. from pancreatic cancer in the company of his wife, Maureen and his eldest son, Tony. His other sons John, James and Andrew were also present in the hospital.^6,11 His body was cremated on 30 March 2006 at the Lincoln City Crematorium. The cremation was preceded by a beautiful service at St John the Evangelist Church in Bracebridge Heath where Tony used to worship.⁸

Tony Mooney recalled: Judith and I set our alarm clocks last night to wake us at 5.30 a.m. so that we could leave by 6.30. We knew it was a two hour journey and wanted some leeway in case of heavy traffic. The road was briskly busy but the traffic flowed well and we arrived soon after 8 o'clock. Everyone was in good spirits although subdued. As the time passed everyone quietly made their way to the church about half-a-mile away.

It was a beautiful service with a eulogy read by Tony's eldest son (also named Tony) on behalf of the family. The vicar was a lovely man who knew Tony well having met him on one of his courses. As we left the church I noticed a lot of tears in the congregation.

Lincoln City Crematorium wasn't far away, just a few miles, and we all made our way there by car for a short committal service. Afterwards, Lez provided us all with good maps and instructions and we made our way safely to her house in Saxilby about eight miles away on the other side of Lincoln.

She had arranged a very good and gentle reception; there was tea and coffee as we arrived with her children, Tom and Emma dealing with everyone's coats. I spoke to almost everyone there and they were all very sad at Tony's death. The remembered him as a wonderful, man, husband, father and grandfather and a true friend to all who knew him. He was extremely well-liked and loved.

We came away at about 2 p.m. and drove home in a reflective mood.⁸

Tony and his wife Maureen appeared in a photo probably on holiday in China.¹²

On Father's Day 15 June 2014 John Burton posted on Facebook:

     My Dad was lots of things. When he knew he was dying he told me loads of 'secrets' from his time on Vulcans. The most poignant thing was when he told me he couldn't talk about his work when we were young. I thought it was because of the Official Secrets Act (which no doubt it was). He said "No, it's because you were walking around with Hammer and Sickle and CND badges, and I thought you'd never talk to me again". He was probably half right. We had a difficult relationship for a long time, and I realised eventually that it was because I didn't really know who he was. In the three months when both he and I knew he was going to die, we became great friends, and finally understood each other ( although I suspect he always understood who I was, I just never realised it). Happy Father's Day Dad. (an unknown value.)¹²

Thomas George Reed was Upholsterer in 8 December 1973.¹ He married Louisa Morris.²

Thomas George Reed died.¹

Frederick William Garrard, son of Henry Garrard and Agnes Crack, was born on 13 July 1898 at 5 Churchgate Street, Bury St Edmunds.² He joined the Army on 15 February 1917 enlisting in the Suffolk Regiment as a Private. He was 5 ft 10 in tall, clean shaven with light brown hair, a fresh complexion and two very distinctive vaccination marks. The service number 45575 was allocated to him and he was sent to the Training Reserve Battalion (TR/9/6231)^3,4 and later to the Labour Corps (361604, Private) and the Royal Engineers (WR286153, Sapper). His final engagement was with the Royal Engineers, Railway Transport Department.⁴

During the war he served in the trenches in France and some of his companions saw the 'Angels of Mons' in the sky but he didn't. He also served in Palestine and followed Allenby over the bridge linking Jordan and Palestine. Later he was in North Africa and Cairo. He caught malaria at one time and had a relapse when his daughter, Anne, was about 8 years old.^5,6 Frederick William Garrardwas discharged from the Army on 22 May 1919 as no longer physically fit for war service having served for two years and ninety seven days. His Character Certificate issued on discharge reads:

This is to certify that the above-named soldier was of very good character sober, reliable and intelligent. Classified as a proficient Clerk and checker (Railway.)^4,7

For his wartime service he was awarded the Africa General Service Medal 1902, the British War Medal 1914 - 1920, and the Victory Medal 1914 - 1920.^8,5,6,9,10 Frederick was also awarded the Silver War Badge which was issued in the United Kingdom to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness during World War I. The badge, sometimes known as the Discharge Badge, Wound Badge or Services Rendered Badge, was first issued in September 1916, along with an official certificate of entitlement. The sterling silver lapel badge was intended to be worn in civilian clothes. It had been the practice of some women during the war to present white feathers to apparently able-bodied young men who were not wearing the King's uniform. The badge was to be worn on the right breast while in civilian dress and indicated that the wearer had good reason not to be in uniform. It was forbidden to wear it on a military uniform.^11,7

He had been engaged to a Suffolk girl but found she had 'messed around' with another fellow so he disowned her. He eventually met and married Elsie Janet Clarke whose fiancee had been killed in the war.¹² It is not known why they moved to London but in 1928 they lived at 33 Edward's Street, London NW1, where he had a baker's shop which eventually went bankrupt. Both their daughters were born there and the family moved to Potters Bar before 1932 and stayed there until they moved to Letchworh in 1937.⁶ Anne, his eldest daughter, recalled that he was a special constable during WWII, for which he was awarded the Special Constabulary Medal, and that he went out once a week on police duties checking for violatons of the black out and other tasks.^8,6

After his wife died Frederick married Miriam Hodgson, daughter of George Hodgson and Miriam Osbourne, on 5 December 1964 at The Register Office, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The witnesses were N Titmuss and MJ Thompson.¹ Frederick may not always have been truthful about his age. He gave his age as 63 on his marriage certificate although he was actually 66. After he died Miriam did not receive the full amount due under a life policy in his name because he had declared on the proposal that he was younger than he was and the payout was adjusted in line with his correct age.^1,13

Frederick lived at 64b Icknield way, Letchworth, when he was married and remained there for the rest of his life.¹⁴ He was a Security Officer.¹

In late 1971 his wife, Miriam, paid a three month visit to her son, Paddy, in Australia. Frederick was not well enough to travel with her and he went to stay with his step-daughter in Lincoln for a while and then went to his daughter’s place in Southampton for the rest of Miriam’s absence. Frederick William Garrard died at the General Hospitalin Southampton on 8 February 1972 at age 73, from bronchopneumonia and carcinoma of the stomach. Natural casues. The death was certified by the coroner for Southampton after a post mortem without inquest.^15,16 He was buried in the graveyard at Icknield Way, Letchworth, Hertfordshire. In plot 25, Division T, Section A. Tony Mooney recalled: I can remember a little about the funeral. We were all gathered at Mum's house in Icknield way waiting for the hearse to arrive with Fred's body from Southampton. It didn't arrive at the expected time and Tony Burton went with me to the telephone to find out what had happened. I spoke to the undertakers who told me that the hearse had suffered a puncture on its way from Luton. It arrived eventually about half an hour late and the funeral took place without any further mishap. Mum said to me later that Tony Burton and I looked so 'tall and upright' as we walked to the telephone kiosk.¹⁷ In early winter 2001 the grave was located and three photos taken. The grave was tidy and well kept by he Council but did not have a headstone.¹⁸

In 2002 his step-daughhter had three RAOB medals; two were dated 1940 and the other 1947. She also has a medal ribbon consisting of a white background with a central red stripe and bordered by 2 blue stripes.¹⁹

A scrapbook. It is an old scrapbook and many of the photos are missing. It contains a lot of photos starting before Fred (there are photos which appear to be his parents). The first few pages have photos of a man who looks like Fred clearly serving in the Army. There are various notes "1914-1918 - Daddy in Jerusalem"; "Suez Canal 9 September 1917". There is a blazer badge of the Brigade of Guards. There are various newspaper cuttings about his daughters Jane and Anne and other notes too but most of them can't be included here without further research as to who the relate to.⁵

Standing Instruction on Shelter Management WWII.²⁰

Medal ribbons depicting his General Service Medal 1902, the British War Medal 1914 - 1920, the Victory Medal 1914 - 1920 and the Special Constabulary Medal.⁸

Frederick William Garrard Character Certificate issued on discharge.²¹

He had a diary which his daughter, Jane, read in 1972 when she visited Miriam. Jane believes the diary was passed on to her sister Anne.^8,5,6,9,10

Henry Garrard married Agnes Crack.²

In 1898 he was an Ostler (Domestic Servant) and in 1964 he was a Groom (Racing Stables).^2,1

Henry Garrard was a Groom in 1964.¹

Henry Garrard died.¹

Agnes Crack married Henry Garrard.¹

Agnes Crack lived at 5 Churchgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, on 13 July 1898.¹

William Stanley Burton was born on 29 January 1912.^2,3 He married Avril Kirsteen Purves, daughter of Robert Purves and Agnes Fisher, on 18 May 1939.^4,2,3 William Stanley Burton was known as Stan.⁴ Stan was an Assistant Manager (Tailor)^1,5 and died in 1994.^2,3

Avril Kirsteen Purves was born on 14 April 1917.³ She married William Stanley Burton, son of (?) Burton and (?) (?), on 18 May 1939.^1,2,3

Avril Kirsteen Purves died in 1999.³

John William Wheeler was born on 6 September 1833.¹

John William Wheeler married Emma (?) on 8 March 1858 at the Old Lambeth Church, Lambeth.^1,2

John William Wheeler was a Gentleman.^1,3

John William Wheeler was recorded in Ruth Shaw's notes as a Gentleman.^1,3

Emma (?) married John William Wheeler on 8 March 1858 at the Old Lambeth Church, Lambeth.^1,2

Note: There is a pocket book which belonged to an E Wheeler. There are a number of E Wheelers and it isn't certain which one it belonged to.³

Thomas Wheeler was born on 30 November 1858.²

Thomas Wheeler died on 2 November 1858.³ Note: This is the date Ruth recorded but she placed a ? against it.⁴

Emma Maria Wheeler was born on 30 October 1859 at Kennington, London.^1,2,3,4,5

Emma Maria Wheeler married John Edwin Pickard, son of John Pickard and Ann Wilkins, on 16 October 1887 at the Parish Church of St Phillip, Kennington Road, Lambeth, Surrey.^1,2,6,7

Emma Maria Wheeler lived with John Edwin Pickard on 16 October 1887 at 249 Kennington Road.⁶

Emma Maria Wheeler died on 17 March 1908 at age 48.^1,2,6 She was buried in the Exeter Cemetery at Polsloe.⁶

Note: There is a pocket book which belonged to an E Wheeler. There are a number of E Wheelers and it isn't certain which one it belonged to.⁸

John Edwin Pickard was born on 19 July 1865 at Torrington.^1,2,4,6,7,8

John Edwin Pickard was a Boilermaker on 16 October 1887.^1,4,9,10

John Edwin Pickard married Emma Maria Wheeler, daughter of John William Wheeler and Emma (?), on 16 October 1887 at the Parish Church of St Phillip, Kennington Road, Lambeth, Surrey.^1,2,4,11

John Edwin Pickard lived at 249 Kennington Road on 16 October 1887.⁴

John Edwin Pickard was a Boilersmith in circa 1930.¹²

John Edwin Pickard retired in 1930. A presenation took place early in the New Year in the Locomotive Department Running Shed, Exmouth Junction. A number of speakers spoke highly of his character and popularity. He was presented with a mahogany striking clock after 51 years service.¹² He owns It carried the following inscription:

Presented to John Edward Pickard
by his colleagues of the Loco Dept
Exmouth Junction District Southern Railway
on his retirement. December 31st 1930

The clock eventually passed to Di and Tony Mooney who were given it by Ralph and Grace Pickard about 1979 and still had it in their possession in 1994. on 31 December 1930.⁶

John Edwin Pickard died on 21 November 1951 at age 86 at Exeter.^1,2,3,4

John William Wheeler, son of John William Wheeler and Emma (?), was born on 13 October 1861¹ and died less than six months later on 3 April 1862.¹

Mary Ann Maria Wheeler was born on 15 October 1862.^1,2 She was deaf from childhood.²

Mary Ann Maria Wheeler married (?) (?)³

Mary Ann Maria Wheeler was a Laundry Ironer on 31 March 1901.²