Eustace Families Association

 

 

Eustace Families in Multyfarnham, County Westmeath

Compiled by David F. Carberry & Ronald F. Eustice

Franciscan Friary at Multyfarnham

 

 

Multyfarnham’s greatest claim to fame is its Franciscan friary, founded seven hundred years ago and still providing its visitors with a quiet retreat. The friary of Multyfarnham was founded in 1236 and became a renowned centre of learning. In the 15th century the friars rebuilt their church and its tower and substantial parts of the walls survived the removal of its roof and other damage in the 17th century. In spite of centuries of persecution, generations of friars stayed nearby until 1839 when a new friary was built, centred on the ruins of the ancient church, with its ancient tower, and the community became fully established once more. Two features in particular make Multyfarnham Friary a very special place. The first is the beautiful, secluded garden, shaded by old trees in which there are outdoor Stations of the Cross. The second is the brilliant modern stained glass by Richard King. Its central figures are four swans, with silver chains around their necks. This commemorates the ancient legend of the Children of Lir.

Members of the Eustace family were living in the Multyfarnham area at least as early as the 1820's. These families appear to be closely related based on similar names of baptismal sponsors, but owing to the lack of earlier records, a positive connection is difficult and would be speculative.

 

Clonmellon & Delvin

Multyfarnham

Kinnegad

Tubberclaire & Rosemount

 

James Eustace and Bridget Evers of Multyfarnham:

James Eustace and Bridget Evers were married before 1824 and lived in Multyfarnham Parish. They were Roman Catholic and the parents of at least one child;

·         Edward; baptized 23 November 1824; sponsors were Patrick Spollan and Catherine Sharky.

 

Edward Eustace and Bridget Allen of Multyfarnham:

Edward Eustace and Bridget Allen lived in Multyfarnham and were married before 1824; they were the parents of at least one child;

·         Ellen; baptized 11 May 1824 at Multyfarnham; sponsors Elizabeth Gilligan.

 

James Eustace and Margaret Donoho of Multyfarnham:

James Eustace and Margaret Donoho were married on 6 February 1826 in Multyfarnham Parish. Their sponsors were Laurence Rooney and Ellen McLoughlin.

 

William Eustace and Elizabeth Dalton of Multyfarnham:  

William Eustace and his wife Elizabeth Dalton lived in Multifarnham Parish, near Mullingar, County Westmeath.  They were married before 1830 (record not found) and became the parents of at least eight children all baptized at Multyfarnham;

1.     Ann; baptized 15 April 1830; sponsors Peter Gaynor and Mary Dalton;

2.     James; baptized 1 Oct. 1831; sponsors were Michael Ferrall and Ellen Wallace;

3.     Michael; baptized 18 June 1833 at Church of St. Nicolas; sponsors Richard Wallace & Anne Glenon;

4.     Thomas; baptized 19 Jan.1835; sponsors Richard Wallace and Mary Wallace;

5.     Patrick; baptized 11 July 1837; sponsors John Flood and Mary Wynne;

6.     Mary; baptized 3 February 1840; sponsors were James Eustace and Catherine Serteant;

7.     Bridget; baptized 8 October 1842; sponsors were Edward Wynne and Bridget Browne;

8.     Elizabeth; baptized 30 September 1845; sponsors were James Eustace and Kathleen Dalton.  

Elizabeth (Dalton) Eustace, of the Townland of Cullenhugh, died 1 July 1882 at the age of 75, in the presence of her son Patrick.  William Eustace died 14 April 1887 at an advanced age (the records say 101 years) in Cullenhugh, in the presence of his son Michael.  Michael Eustace married Catherine McKernan on 4 November 1864 per Mullingar, County Westmeath records.  They had a son W. Eustace who was present when Michael died on 23 April 1889 in Cullenhugh.

 

Richard Griffith’s Valuation (1848-1864) lists a William Eustace, Parish Leny, Townland Cullenhugh, County Westmeath as a householder.   It also lists a Patrick Eustace, Parish Leny, Cullenhugh, County Westmeath.  There is a high probability that this may be father and son, respectively. Although William Eustace and Elizabeth Dalton lived in the same area as Michael and Catherine (Parker) Eustace listed below, a link has not been positively determined but it is likely they are of the same extended family.

 

Patrick and Mary (Rooney) Eustace of Multyfarnham:

Patrick Eustace married Mary Roony (Rooney) on 11 February 1820 at Mullingar, Westmeath. They lived in Multyfarnham Parish near Mullingar and were the parents of at least five children;

1.     William; born 6 October 1824; baptized at Multyfarnham; sponsors were Richard Ferrall and Mary Rooney;

2.     Michael; baptized 17 Sep. 1828; at Multyfarnham; sponsors were Michael Rooney and Bridget Eustace;

3.     Patrick; born 1 July 1831; baptized at Multyfarnham; sponsors were Patrick Gilligan and Catherine Ferrall;

4.     Edward; baptized 2 May 1834 at Multyfarnham; sponsors were William Eustace and Catherine Rooney;

5.     John; born 1 September 1837). Sponsors for John Eustace are listed as John Dalton and Jane Eustace. Note that the Dalton link may indicate a connection between this family and William and Elizabeth (Dalton) Eustace above.

 

Michael Eustace and Catherine Parker of Brunbrosna, Multyfarnham Parish:

Michael Eustace son of Patrick and Mary (Rooney)  Eustace was baptized 17 Sep. 1828 at Multyfarnham Parish, County Westmeath. Additional children born to Patrick and Mary (Rooney) Eustace included; William, (born 6 October 1824); Patrick, (born 1 July 1831); John, (born 1 September 1837).

 

Michael Eustace married Catherine Parker, daughter of Daniel Parker and Margaret (Marcella) Geraghty (also Geraty) of Corrydonnellan Townland, Rathowen Parish, County Westmeath, sometime before October 1865. Michael died 21 January 1910 in Townland Farrow, Westmeath and Catherine (Parker) Eustace died 10 February 1907. Michael and Catherine Eustace lived in Bunbrosna, Multyfarnham, County Westmeath, Ireland and were the parents ten children born between 1866 to 1882.  Brunbrosna is a Townland in Multyfarnham Parish located located about three kilometers south of the village of Multyfarnham. Five members of the family emigrated to the USA and settled in the New Haven, Connecticut area. 

Family of Michael Eustace and Catherine Parker

 

 

These pages © Ronald Eustice, 2009