BTW Do you understand Edward's occupation !?
Sorry if you do already
Just incase not ~
Justices of the peace existed in Ireland prior to 1922, sitting in a bench under the supervision of resident magistrates at petty sessions to try minor offences summarily, and with a county court judge (in his capacity of chairman of quarter sessions) and jury to try more serious offences at quarter sessions.
Basically Edward was a farmer whom was obviously well respected in his area.
He would have been elected by the locals to hold the position.
He would have continued as a farmer but would had mainly gone to local petty session to help in local minor crimes.
As we (Ireland) were under British rule at the time the title of Esquire became an honor that could be conferred by the Crown, and by custom the holders of certain offices (such as barristers, justices of the peace, and higher officer ranks in the armed services) were deemed to be Esquires.
Tara
