John Walsh - Suicide - Burial Records

[Miriam_90]

This might be a sensitive subject for some, but I’m hoping somebody can point me in the right direction.

September 9th 1898 my 3rd great uncle (by marriage) ended his own life on his farm near Millstreet, Cork. Sadly, there was even a small write up about it in the Cork Examiner. He was a widower with two young girls who ended up living with his parents-in-law. I have the administration papers from his estate dated 1903 where the grandparents had to be recognised as the girl's legal guardians to request administration on their behalf. His daughters were Bridget (15 – in 1903) and Mary (13 in 1903).

I’m planning a trip to Cork to visit a few of the family graves. I have records of certain family members being buried in Kiskeam cemetery but I’ve been unable to find any burial record for John.

Seeing as he died by suicide would they still have been so strict on Catholic teaching at the time that he wouldn’t have been buried on consecrated ground? It’s possible that the burial records have just been lost. As it is I’m still trying to trace his wife’s death so I’ve no idea where she’s buried that might help narrow it down.

Thanks in advance

[Miriam_90]

Johns wife was Honora Lane, daughter of Owen Lane and Honoria Healy. Her youngest was born 21st September 1890 so she must have died between then and September 1898.

I've been asked to share the 1901 and 1911 census records for the girls but I'm not sure how that helps since the father died in 1898?
Below is 1901:
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Cork/Boherboy/Droomskarra_Beg/1146743/

By 1911 Mary is married but I'm not sure what happened to Bridget just yet.

[Maggsie]

Hi,
Use this site
https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/
births up to 1916
FamilySearch.org births up to 1958.
Honorah's death
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1897/05860/4661091.pdf
so sad.

By asking for the census I picked up the maiden name and other names. Better for searching.
The saw your updated info.

Maggsie

[Miriam_90]

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for that.  Very familiar with that site. . . I had already found that Honorah. It's actually John's sister in law. Redmond on the death record is also a signatory on some of the administration papers.

Also found Honoria mentioned on her father's headstone but no dates given. Rules out him being buried with her.

Just interested in how a suicide would have been buried at the time

[iluleah]

You might be interested to read this https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/humaninterest/cradle-to-the-grave-204120.html and https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/sinners-sailors-and-those-who-died-by-suicide-the-adults-buried-in-ireland-s-cill%C3%ADn%C3%AD-1.3389630

It might give you a clue to where he could be buried

[Maiden Stone]

Was there a public cemetery in the area with a section set aside as "unconsecrated ground"? This provision is made in cemeteries in England owned by local authorities.

[hallmark]

Can't answer for R.C but have seen C of I...

" ....buried, no Service due to committing Suicide"

[Miriam_90]

You might be interested to read this https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/humaninterest/cradle-to-the-grave-204120.html and https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/sinners-sailors-and-those-who-died-by-suicide-the-adults-buried-in-ireland-s-cill%C3%ADn%C3%AD-1.3389630

It might give you a clue to where he could be buried

Thanks for this. I had a nasty feeling it might be something like this. Having done some more digging it looks like the only one to really survive in the family was the youngest daughter who marries at 20. Her older sister is mentioned on their grandfathers headstone as being buried there. It's such a sad family.

[Miriam_90]

Random piece of trivia but the Aurora Borealis could apparently be seen as far south as Cork the night before he died. It's a striking thought that he could have seen something so stunning and still made this decision. The Cork Examiner mentions it may have been because of money issues. Sure enough when the administration was granted on the estate the entire estate was only worth £5.

I'll keep looking but I dont think John's going to give up anymore secrets.

Thanks for the help everyone!