June 1917

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

JUNE, 1917,

DEATH OF MR, GEORGE CALVERT,

IT is with a sad heart we have to record in this issue the death of Mr. George Calvert, foremost in every good and useful work in the Parish of Seagoe and throughout North Armagh.

In the long history of this Parish we cannot think that there has ever been a Parishioner more loved and respected than George Calvert.

It is only since his death that we have begun to realise how many he helped by his

kindly action and sound advice. He was " everybody's man," and whoever needed a helping hand

George Calvert was ready to undergo any degree of trouble and spend any amount of time if only he could oblige those who came to him.

He was cut off very suddenly in the midst of his unselfish work.

For some time he had complained

of not feeling very well. The many positions which he filled in public life were beginning to prove too great burden, and on several occasions lately he had said that he must surrender some of them. His illness only became acute on the evening of Sunday, May 6th. On Monday afternoon he suffered severe pain, and on Tuesday morning the doctor attending him decided that an immediate operation must take place. Before the operation he was quite calm and not suffering much pain. Every precaution was taken during the operation, but in the midst of it he passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 8th.

The Funeral took place to Seagoe on Thursday, May 10th, admist every possible mark of respect and mourning. We should like to say something here of the special work which George Calvert did for his Church and Parish.

As a member of Seagoe SELECT VESTRY, Mr. Calvert did splendid work for the Parish. He was

present at every meeting, and took a leading part in all the discussions on Parish affairs, He was always ready to take more than his share in the task of collecting money for any special object. At the time of his death he had almost finished a collection in his District towards the debt on Seagoe School Building Fund. Year after year his collection for the Sustentation Fund always kept its high level. Everything was done with the greatest thoroughness. Almost his last work was to prepare the residence house at Hacknahay School for a tenant. Nothing was overlooked. Even the door handle had special thought given to it. He had been member of the Vestry for 32 years, being first elected to it in 1885. His terms of office as CHURCHWARDEN were very frequent. He was first appointed to that office as Rector's Churchwarden in 1885, and also acted as Churchwarden in 1886, 1891, 1892, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1900, 1906, and 1915. As Churchwarden he showed the same diligence and thoroughness in his work, safeguarding the fabric of the Church and watching

over all Church property with constant interest.

In 1888 he was appointed to the highest office

in the gift of the Parish, that of PAROCHIAL

NOMINATOR, and in that capacity was a member of the

Patronage Board, which met in 1905 to fill the

vacancy created by the resignation of the late Dean

Dawson.

Perhaps the work in which he took the greatest

interest was that of SUPERINTENDENT OF HACKNAHAY

SUNDAY BCHOOL. He was present there on Sunday,

April 29th, although not quite in his usual health.

The affection existing between the Superintendent

and the Teachers and the Children of the School was

very deep and real. The School was most efficient.

The Roll Books and Prize Lists were most carefully

compiled, and as a result of this care the attendance at

the School reached the highest average in the Parish.

The Prizes for 1916 were distributed by the Rector

on the last day of Mr. Calvert's attendance at the

School.

The Funeral.

The Funeral took place on Thursday, May 10th,

leaving Mr. Calvert's residence, at Breagh, at 8 p.m

The procession was formed as follows : —At the head

of the procession, in front of the hearse, the members

of Miss Calvert's G.F.S. Class walked, then followed

the children and teachers of Hacknahay Day School.

The Clergy, Churchwardens, and members of the

Select Vestry walked on either side of the hearse. The

members of the Orange Order, who attended in full

Regalia and were present in large numbers, followed

the hearse, and behind them were over 100 vehicles.

Along the route large groups of people assembled to

see the last of one whom they so loved and respected.

A service was held in the Parish Church, which was

crowded. The Rector read the opening sentences, the

Rev. T. H. Scanlon said the Psalm, and Colonel

Blacker, D.S.O., read the Lesson. The Rector gave

an address, referring to the splendid work done by

Mr. Calvert as a Christian citizen; and as a Churchman.

The Service was continued at the graveside, and at

its close the children of Hacknahay Sunday School

sang very sweetly and with much feeling the hymn

Safe in the Arms of Jesus." Many beautiful

wreaths were sent including one from the Clergy,

Churchwardens, and Select Vestry of Seagoe Parish.

Everyone feels the deepest sympathy for Miss

Rebecca Calvert in her great sorrow. She has

received very many kind letters of sympathy. We

pray that in the midst of her loneliness she may be

comforted and supported by the presence of One

who is the Divine Comforter and who is specially

near His people in every time of trouble.

In our next issue we hope to print a portrait Of

Mr. Calvert and to gay something about his work on

the many Public Boards of which he was a member.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Appointment,

The Lord Bishop of the Diocese has appointed the

Rector to the Prebend of Dromara in the Cathedral

Chapter of Dromore. The position also entitles the

holder to a seat in the Chapter of St. Anne's

Cathedral, Belfast.

Rev G, Bloomer in France,

The Rector has received the following letter from

the Rev. G. Bloomer.

Y.M.C.A.,

c/o Town Major, Captain J. S. M 'Arthur,

1st Army Corps, B.E.F., France.

Just a few lines to let you know I am still in the

land of the living. I am kept fairly busy when at it.

The work lasts about 7 hours each day. We start at

11 a.m., have intervals for dinner and tea, and close

at 8 p.m, Sometimes we have great rushes of men

wanting tea, cigarettes, tinned fruit etc. The first

week was the most difficult, as there were only two of

us, now there are three, and there are not so many

men in the neighbourhood. We expect to open

another place, under the management of this one, in

a few days. It is about 1 ½ miles nearer the line.

There are none nearer than this at present. I am

now about as far from the trenches as you are from

Knocknamuckley.

Just now everything is fairly

quiet, the only noise I hear as I write is

AN AEROPLANE SOMEWHERE OVERHEAD

firing a machine gun. Sometimes the air fairly hums

with aircraft. It's not all ours. We have some fine

air fights. Last week I had the pleasure of seeing

one of Fritz's being brought down by one of ours.

We have plenty of artillery activity. You would

fairly enjoy it all. The second day I was here over a

thousand shells came into the village from across the

way. Nobody seemed to mind about them except

some women folk, who kept to the cellars until the

storm went past. Very few have come this week so

for, but one never knows when they will start. The

week before I came here a shell came through the

roof of this building. It did not kill anyone, as the

men had already retired to the cellar, but one man

had to leave through shell shock. We slept in the

cellar for the first week I was here. It was safe, but

it was not pleasant. What with the bad air and

FIGHTING RATS,

it was not pleasant when one happened to awake

during the night.

However, we have removed our quarters above ground again.

It has some disadvantages. It is not very easy to sleep when a big

bombardment by our own guns commences, as it often

does about midnight. The last one was a few nights

ago ; it was mentioned in Monday's papers.

I am a little less than seven miles from where Herbert

Murray was killed, and less than that distance from a

place called by the same name as the instrument you

examine the insects on your gooseberry bushes with.

If it were possible I should like to go and see where

poor Herbert is buried, but it might not be possible,

as it is very difficult to get from one place to another.

Everyone must keep to his own area. There are two

cemeteries near here, and in one of them some of the

Inniskilling Fusiliers are buried. I have not been to

it yet ; I. only heard of it to-day, but I intend going

to see it as soon as possible. There may be some

R.I.F. men in it also, though not of the 9th. I have

not seen any of our men, nor am I likely to, at least

for some time. They are in a different army

but, of course, they may be changed into this area

before I leave. visited the

CHURCH ARMY HUT

in neighbouring village last Sunday. I was greatly

pleased with it, and with the men in charge. They

are coming to have tea with us some evening soon.

One of the Army Chaplains takes service in our hut

every Sunday morning. They have asked me to take

the Communion Services any time that the Chaplain

cannot be there. Just now they are short of Chaplains,

as some are away sick, and the others have a great

deal of extra work. I have not met any of the Church

of England Chaplains yet, but I expect to run across

some of .them soon. We have two services in this

place each week, one on Sunday evening and the

other on Thursday evening. We have not many at

the Thursday service, but the Sunday one is very

well attended ; the place is crowded. I have arranged

with the other man here to take the Church Service

on alternate Sundays.

I had my first one on Sunday.

I did not know how it would do, but I was

greatly delighted when I commenced the General

Confession to find that they were nearly all

joining in. The service was as hearty and

congregational as anyone could wish, we had a

professional organist at the piano, and the singing quite

DROWNED EVEN THE NOISE OF THE GUNS

that was going on all the time Just after I

commenced speaking to them a machine gun in an

aeroplane rattled almost over our heads ; no one took

the least notice of it. We have got no service books

but I intend asking the Chaplain for a supply when I

see him.

I was very sorry to hear Of George Calvert's death;

it was very sudden. He will be very much missed

in the whole community, and in Seagoe in particular.

I see by the Portadown Express, just received, that

the Rev. J. Taylor has been appointed to St. Jude's.

It is a very good appointment.

I think I will stop

now, as you will be tired reading long before you get

this length. The next time I write I will give you

description of the house I am living in.

Give my best wishes to all my friends in Seagoe.—

Yours faithfully,

GEORGE BLOOMER.

ITEMS,

At meeting of Sunday School Teachers and

Superintendants held on Wednesday, May 23rd in

Seagoe School, it was decided not to hold a Sunday

School Excursion this year,

The Rev. W. T. Grey has paid a brief visit to

Dublin. He hopes shortly to visit Seagoe.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Lance Corporal Herbert Murray,

The death of Herbert Murray so well known in

Seagoe Parish has caused deep and sincere regret. In

our last issue we noted the unofficial announcement

of his death. Since then it has been officially confirmed.

The circumstances of his death are recorded

in the following touching letter addressed to Mrs

Murray by one of his chums. It is a, noble record of

duty faithfully done even unto death—

Sergeant H Howard, A. 10989,

" A." Section,

7th Canadian M.G. Corps.

May 1st, 1917.

Dear Mrs. Murray,—Please accept the sympathy of

myself and the boys of the above section on your very

sad bereavement Your son Herbert was killed on

Tuesday, April 24th, about midnight. Whilst standing

on guard over his gun a shell dropped at his feet,

knocking in the roof Of the dugout in which I and

two of his crew were partially buried. Herbert was

rendered unconscious by concussion, and except for a

bruise on the head was not cut. I had him removed

to Headquarters with all possible speed, and looked

with hope for the doctor's opinion. I learned the

following evening of his death, which occurred whilst

on his way to the Clearing Station several miles behind

the line. The cause was a fractured skull.

The hospital authorities arranged his burial with one

of our officers in attendance, His personal effects

including pay book, pocket book, etc: will be sent to

you by these people. Other things in his pack and

haversack will be sent through our orderly room as

soon as we get out. Since coming out here nothing

has quite so upset me. In very truth he was the

nicest lad in the section, and I personally mourn his

loss. He accompanied me together with another gun

crew " over the top " on April 9th, and right well

did he perform his duty. I might mention that our

officer recommended him for his work and cheery

behaviour on that day.

I have enclosed herewith

two small photos which you will probably like to

have. His place of burial is noted, and anything

else you desire to know I shall be only too glad

to help. My home is in Belfast, and if fortunate

enough to get leave in the near future I should like

to call and see you. May the God of comfort be

your strength and stay in this saddest hour. You

have lost a worthy son, we a faithful comrade. God

be with him.—Yours in sympathy, HENRY HOWARD.

Another testimony to the fine character and

christian courage of Herbert Murray, is borne in the

following letter sent to the Rector by his officer

Lieutenant McKenzie—

In the Field,

May 14th, 1917.

The Rev. J. E. Archer.—Dear Sir,— In answer to

your letter dated May 7th, Lance Corporal Herbert

Murray was killed by an enemy shell which burst

very close to him. I don't think he suffered any pain

as he was unconscious to the end. I attended to him

personally, and saw that everything possible was done

for him. I felt the death of poor Murray very much,

for he was an absolutely reliable soldier, and a very

bright, clean-living boy. He was loved and respected

by all ranks in the Company. I may say all his

private belongings which he carried with him will be

sent to his next of kin in due course, the same applies

to any unposted letters found on him at the time of

his death.—Yours very sincerely.

HUGH MCKENZIE, LIEUT.

7th Canadian M.G. Company.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge.

[This letter from Herbert Murray, received shortly

before his death gives vivid picture of the conflict

raging on the Western Front, in which so many of

our brave Seagoe lads are doing their bit for God

and King and Country.]

April 13th 1917.

My dear Mother,—Just a few lines to let you know

I have been in the big battle of Vimy Ridge, and am

glad to say have again come through all right

We went " over the top " at 5-30 a.m. on Easter Monday,

and although the weather was not very favourable,

raining at first and then turning to snow, we

penetrated the enemy's trenches to a depth of from

a mile to two miles on a twelve mile front. Our

artillery was splendid, and the borage which covered

our advance was timed so accurately, that, as the

infantry advanced, there was absolutely nothing left

but dead and dying Germans until we had gone as

far as the third line where we were met with some

machine gun and rifle fire, but our artillery was so

perfect and concentrated that these were soon put out

of action, and those that were not killed or were down

in their dugouts were taken prisoners. The Hun

seemed to be stunned by the suddenness of our attack,

as three minutes after our artillery opened up, the

first wave went over, and in few minutes more the

second wave and so on, and we were upon the Hun

before he had time to run away. I have never seen

a finer spectacle in my life than I witnessed on

Easter Monday as I walked over

THE MOST FAMOUS RIDGE

on the British front, and which the Germans

sacrificed thousands of men to take from the French

in the early part of the war. The German casualties

must have been enormous, as I have not seen any.

thing (not even at the Somme) to equal the bombardment

we gave the enemy several days before the

attack, getting more intense as time went on, Until

a short time before the attack our guns almost ceased

fire, we waited anxiously

COUNTING THE SECONDS,

when just to the very second every gun of all

calibres burst into one great roar as if they all had

been connected by an electric wire and some one

pressed the button. The noise that followed was

'deafening, but we knew that our task would be easy

as nothing could be left of the Boche or his defences,

I am glad now that I have come through it, that I

took part in the greatest and most

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

FAMOUS BATTLE OF WAR,

the battle is still going on, and as we are resting a

short distance behind the front line, I took this first

opportunity of letting you know I am all right. I

will be able to give you some more news later on,

but I must close new, hoping you are all well.

remain your loving son. HERBERT.

PARISH REGISTER FOR

MAY, 1917.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church on 5th May, i 917.

Humphries—Samuel Henry, son of Robert John and Martha Humphries, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Stewart. Martha Humphries.

Liggett—Thomas, son of Thomas (Private, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, B.E.F., France) and

Sarah Jane Liggett, of Drumnngoon.

Sponsors — Mary Forde, Sarah Jane Liggett.

Magee—Margaret, daughter of George and Hannah Jane Magee, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—George Magee, Hannah Jane Magee.

Stanfield—Thomas Edward, son of Thomas Edward (Corporal, 1st Batt. Royal Irish

Fusiliers, B.E.F., France) and Mary Jane Stanfield.

Sponsors —Anne Weir, Mary Jane Stanfield.

Burials

Steenson—lst May, 1917, Mary J. Steenson, of Killicomaine, aged 70 years.

Metcalfe—6th May, 1917, Jane Metcalfe, of Tarsan, aged 89 years.

Gilpin—8th May, 1917, Thomas Gilpin, of Tarsan, aged 25 years.

Calvert—- 10th May, 1917, George Calvert, of Breagh, aged 61 years.

Webb—11th May, 1917, Sophia Webb, of Portadown, aged 4 months.

Hewitt—16th May, 1917, Sarah Jane Hewitt, of Edenderry, aged 24 years.

Offertories for May,

Sunday—Mornings, £15 16 7

Evenings, 1 12 4

Week Days 0 10 8

£17 19 7

The above includes the following Special Collections

—Jews' Society, £4 5s 0d, and Bishop's Fund, £8 10s 0d.

Old Seagoe Notes,

The Woolsey Family in Portadown. We

continue from our last issue the extract from the

Rev. J. B. Leslie's book on The Parish of Kilsaran,"

relating to the local history of the Woolsey Family in

Seagoe and Portadown—The family appears to have

owned the greater part of the town of Portadown,

with the surrounding townlands of

Tavanagh, Seagoe, Edenderry and Derreskinive

John Woolsey was father of Benjamin Woolsey (will

proved 1741) and of the Rev. William Woolsey,

Rector of Dundalk from 1709 to 1728, and Chaplain

to Primate Boulter. The Rev. W. Woolsey married

Isabella, granddaughter of the Rev. George Walker„

D.D., the celebrated Defender of' Derry. He helped

to introduce. into Dundalk from Portadown the art

of Damask Weaving, which Primate Boulter fostered.

A son of his was the Rev. Thomas Woolsey, M.A„

who in his will (proved in 1780) mentions a Miss.

Anne Woolsey, daughter of Mr. Benjamin Woolsey„

of Portadown." The family afterwards intermarried

with the Bellinghams, of Castlebellingham. The

present head of the Woolsey Family is Major General

O'Brien B. Woolsey, who resides at Milestown, Co.

Louth.

Edenderry in 1831.—The following items are

extracted from The Belfast News-Letter for 1831.

The News-Letter for Tuesday, January 11th, 1831,

records the following

Wm. Overend and Wm. Peden, Esqrs. having

requested a meeting of their Tenantry at Edenderry,

near Portadown, on the 4th inst., very generously

informed them that they had resolved to make a

reduction on their rents of 10/- per acre. The Tenantry

were so highly pleased at this announcement that

they chaired their respected and benevolent Landlords

amidst the most enthusiastic cheering.

The following item occurs in the News Letter for

Tuesday, January 18th, 1831.

On Saturday afternoon between 400 and 500 men,

consisting of the Seagoe and Portadown men, under

Colonel Blacker, were inspected near Portadown.

The appearance of the Corps was highly creditable

and soldierlike, and from the general feeling expressed

and the immense number of fine young fellows

pressing forward for admission into different corps,

there can be no doubt that if the hour of trial arrive

the Yeomanry will be found the same loyal, high.

spirited and efficient force they have hitherto proved.

Under date Tuesday, 25th, 1831, the News Letter

records : —

Died on 15th inst., at Breagh, Portadown, Mr.

William Lutton, aged 90 years, senior tenant on the

Carrick Estate.

Under date Friday, January 7th, 1831, we read——

Important Arrest at Portadown. On Friday last Mr.

Patton, Officer commanding the police stationed at

Portadown, arrested Wm. Wilson, formerly a Private

in the 82nd Foot. He was examined before Colonel

Blacker and Curran Woodhouse, Esq., and has made

some important disclosures concerning the proceedings

of Tommy Downshire's men and the new Union

Society. Wilson was employed by certain persons

from Portadown at 36 shillings per week to attend in

the neighbourhood of the Shane Hill by night and

instruct them in Military exercises and drill with

arms.