I have recently been sent a copy of a reference written by Richard Dyas of Heathstown House on 14 Feb 1855. He states:
"I have known Michael Allen and his father for some years & from their high character of strict honesty and attention to their business I employed them to superintend a property in which there was a heavy charge that I was concerned for & which remit they discharged the trust reposed in them entirely to my satisfaction. I look on Michael Allen as a young man that could fill a situation with credit to himself and advantage to his employer."Michael Allen was my great grandfather. Most facts of his life are known [wife, children, death, other positions [I have references from 1857, 1888, 1892 & 1898] but WHO WAS his father? One possibility is Thomas Allen who married Anne Englishby in 1827 in Athboy & had a Michael in 1829 baptised at Balgrath, Athboy & also a Bridget baptised in 1837 but no proof this Michael is MY Michael yet.
What I wondered was - might there still be any employment records for Heathstown where Michael's father may be named?
Thanks for any help, Josey.
ADDED: I looked up Richard Dyas & apparently there were 4 attempts to assassinate him over the years! With political motives, so hopefully not disgruntled ex-employees
