The Silver Bowl: Samuel BRADFORD & Cavananore

1876, February 18. An agreement was drawn up as a tool to indemnify the trustees of Andrew Coulter Bradford's will against potential litigation by the beneficiaries (Thomas Jackson was their representative) after the trustees (including Thomas McCULLAGH - in a controversial decision) leased parts of Cavavanore and Annaghvacky to Samuel BRADFORD of Carnbeg. It was this lease and all the legal shenanigans around it that became the bane of the later years of Elizabeth Jackson's life. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/documents/1876_Agreement_Samuel_Bradford.htm

1879, March 10. Lot 4 - Part of the lands of Ballynahattan, containing 101a. 0r. 21p. statute measure, and producing a net annual rental of £65 6s. Tenement valuation, £103. Sold to Mr. Samuel Bradford for £1,560. Lot 6 - Part of the lands of Sportsman's Hall, Balriggan, and Moorland, containing 127a. 0r. 27p. statute measure, and producing a net annual rental of £256 13s. 1d. Tenement valuation, £177 15s. Sold to Mr. Samuel Bradford for £6000. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/documents/TABLES/BRADFORD-LouthNewsclippings.html

1880, February 8: RENT REDUCTIONS. Samuel Bradford, Esq., J.P., Deputy Vice-Chairman of the Dundalk Board of Guardians, has allowed the tenants on his estates a reduction of 15 per cent on the half-year's rent due last November. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/documents/TABLES/BRADFORD-LouthNewsclippings.html

1880 April 7. He was less fulsomely described by Eliza JACKSON: Our dear Cousin Sam took a warm interest in one of the candidates; but the one he favoured did not win and the mob went through the town singing “We’ll hang Sam Bradford on a sour apple tree”. Sam’s popularity stands at zero, notwithstanding all his mean compliances with the P. party. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1880April7-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1880, Nov 2: Eliza JACKSON writes: Lionsden [home of her son, Andrew Coulter Bradford JACKSON] is a lovely place; but still it is not the old ground [Cavananore], & still I am not without hope to see that back in the family before I die. Sam Bradford is losing by it; & if you were back, I would not be surprised if he would offer it to you. The loss in death of cattle that he has sustained in it is something awful, a thing that never happened before; & I must tell you a good joke that amused me no little; Sam fell out with his mother; so he put a bed & bedding into a [float?]; & set out for Cavananore accompanied by a confidential man of his. They arrived at 10 o’clock at night; & left it at 4 next morning! I would like to know their experience of the sight but they told no one; & kept the whole matter as quiet as possible. The place is said to be haunted; but I know what the ghost is; just the roaring of the chimneys in the empty house. Everyone who had a hand in that villainous transaction about Cavananore now sees their error & is sorry for it; Johnny McCullagh among the rest. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1880Nov2-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1881 June 1: Eliza JACKSON writes: Our “solvent tenant” is beginning to be a little slack in paying his rent. I jogged Mr Reid’s memory this day about it. Did I write you that Sam endeavoured to sleep a night in Cavananore, and had to fly out of it before evening? He fled actually naked; durst not venture back for his clothes; but had to send a man for them. The poor old Perpetual was doting for long before he died. In his lucid moments, he was sorry enough for the offence he gave us; but he never had sense enough to come & ask pardon. If he had done so I would have forgiven him. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1881June1-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1883, June 8: Eliza JACKSON writes: His [Eliza’s son, Andrew Coulter Bradford JACKSON] enemies Sam Bradford and Co did him a good turn; though they did not intend it. Sam is not making a fortune in Cavananore; and I think will get it handy enough, when you come home; at least, at would not be surprised if you would, but I would not hint this to any one. To do so would only make him hold more closely by it. I appear to be quite careless about it. It is best to let the offer come from himself. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1883June8-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1883, November 7: Eliza JACKSON writes: Cousin Sam has got a tenant for Cavananore house and gardens at last. Dr Wilson the Dispensary Dr who is married to Miss [Pollock?] is said to be giving him £30 a year for them. How long he will stay there remains to be seen. He has hitherto been living with Charles [Pollock]; so he cannot but know all about the place. I have heard nothing since, about the sale of Sam’s land; but we still are on the alert; if anything should transpire. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1883Nov7-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1884 June 4: Eliza JACKSON writes: I hear also that Mrs. Bradford is not well. Cousin Sam [?] I hear has plenty to do between rent & interest of borrowed money, he has £2000 a year to make up. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1884June4-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1884-1891 documents: PRONI D3711/2/1/2 Samuel Bradford's Estate Receivership, Ballynahattin, Dundalk, and Dungooly, Faughart, both in Co. Louth.

1885, December 2: Eliza JACKSON writes: Dr. Wilson is going to live in Carrickastuck; so leaving empty walls in Cavananore to Cousin Sam This is a step in the right direction, it will leave Cousin Sam more willing to part with the place; for £40 a year will be missed out of the profits; and he is said to be tired enough of his bargain already. I fully expect that he will offer it to you when you come home, with a great flourish of trumpets & profession of friendship. Alexander Dickie has been making some overtures already; through Eliezer and Peggy; I do not speak to him; so he does not come here. I have dreaded that Sam himself would write to you; and make an offer of selling it. It is not worth a shilling beyond the rent; and he did not give a shilling for it; except what he gave as bribes to the Trustees. But if he would sell his own parts of the land; that might be worth buying; there are 90 acres in which at £20 an acre and he could not get more; would come to £1800.It is said that Sam is coming down in the world; no doubt he feels the hardness of the times as well as all other agriculturists. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1885Dec2-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1887 August 10: Eliza JACKSON writes: Cousin Sam was not able to pay the May rent this time; he has got to the 20th inst. to do it. Probably he will take advantage of this new land act, to break his lease and have the land revalued. We have not seen the last of the rascality of Uncle Bradford’s trustees yet. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1887Aug10-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1887, October 31: Eliza JACKSON writes: Did I tell you that Sam Bradford has put Cavananore into the Land Court, with a view of having the rent reduced? That man has wrought us one annoyance; but he can do nothing more that the Lord permits; and his time will come. Of course the Trustees will make the best defence they can. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1887Oct31-ElizaJACKSON-Minnie.html

1887, November 29: Eliza JACKSON writes: Cousin Sam is making an awful havoc in Cavananore, cutting timber though that was reserved in the lease. Eliezer went to see what was done; and he has written to M^r Reid about it. Willy Corr thinks that his lease can be broken because of it. His case has not yet come on. Alex^r Dickie says that Sam intends to sell the whole place; his own part of the land, and all; when he gets a reduction of the rent. What a job those old wretches the Trustees made of it letting that man in, to plague us. But they thought of nothing but getting bribes for themselves. There is one comfort in this and all other cases; the worst man in the world can do nothing more than God permits to be done. Sam’s time is coming, and old and failed as I am, I hope to live to see it. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1887Nov29-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1887, December 21: Eliza JACKSON writes: Sam Bradford has applied to the Land Court to have a fair rent fixed on Cavananore. Alexr Dickie says he intends to sell both it and his own part of the land, as soon as he gets that done. The case is listed for trial in Dundalk on the 10th of January. Of course the Trustees will make the best defence they can; they have instructed Willy Corr. Sam has also cut down and sold the timber out of the farm; though his lease reserved it. Revd Mr Reid and Thompson Brown are to meet here next Monday with Eliezer Gilmore in order to go up, and inspect what is done. What confusion those perjured wretches, James Gillmer, Thos McCullagh and Joe Dickie laid up in store for us! Mr Reid & his wife, Alexr Dickie & Johnny McCullagh also did their best against us. They profess to be sorry for it now; my opinion is, that if they had been as wise then, as they are now; they would have acted differently; and if they were no wiser now than they were then; that they would do the same thing over again. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1887Dec21-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1888, February 14: Eliza JACKSON writes: The Land Commission have given their decision about Cavananore. Cousin Sam is to get a reduction of £60 a year on his rent; but he is not satisfied with that; and has appealed to the superior Court; so the case must be tried over again. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1888Feb14-ElizaJACKSON-Minnie.html

1888, May 2: Eliza JACKSON writes: Cousin Sam has paid no rent for two terms. He is said to be greatly embarrassed; and I would not be surprised if he would make an offer to sell Cavananore to you. If he does so, beware of him, for he is a kittle customer, and I would not wish him to be enriched at your expense. He has not left a tree worth cutting on C.nore that he has not cut and sold; like the dishonourable fellow that he is. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1888May2-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1888, June 4: Eliza JACKSON writes: But if I was depending on Cousin Sam, I would be badly off. He is due a year’s rent & has no word of paying it that I hear. He has cut & sold all the timber worth selling, though it was expressly reserved in his lease. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1888June4-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1889, January 2: Eliza JACKSON writes: Cousin Sam’s affairs are in every body’s mouth; & the rent cannot be got from him. I dread lest he would write to you; or entrap you on your arrival. Have no dealings with him until after you see us. He is a kittle [8] customer, & capable of playing any trick. There have been ten new Commissioners appointed. Thompson Brown was a candidate but was not successful. I must give you an extract from “The Dundalk Herald” which is not bad; we had a laugh at it. After examining the new Commissioners. “The Herald says – “For the ten new appointments, there were over 1200 candidates, about 20 of them hailing from Co. Louth; the (sic) the generous hearted proprietors of Carnbeg it is stated being one of the number. If so he has failed again. But what he has lost in [Mammon?], he has gained in Righteousness; for we are informed that he was elevated last week by the Dundalk Presbyterian Congregation an elder of this Kirk”! (December 22nd 1888) SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1889Jan2-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1889, November 1: EXTRAORDINARY ACTION - CUTTING DOWN TREES. The plaintiffs sued, as trustees of the lands of Cavananore, situate two miles from Dundalk, Mr. Samuel Bradford, J.P., for loss and damage sustained by reason of the defendant cutting down and converting to his own use twenty-seven trees, which grew along the avenue leading to the mansion or dwelling-house in said lands. Damages were laid at £50. There was a second process for a like number of trees cut down by the defendant, and a like amount of damages was claimed. From the evidence it appeared that the defendant, who holds a very large quantity of land as owner and tenant, took a twenty-one years' lease of the mansion and lands of Cavananore, in February, 1876. Said lands were owned by relatives of defendant, and he was the owner in fee of lands adjoining. Before the lease expired defendant took advantage of the amended Land Act of 1887, and having made the requisite application to the Sub-Commission Court was transformed into a tenant from year to year, and a judicial rent fixed. Defendant then proceeded to cut down the trees on the lands he occupied as tenant as well as upon the lands of which he was the owner. The jury found for the plaintiff, and assessed the compensation at 10s per tree, or £26 in all, with costs. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/documents/TABLES/BRADFORD-LouthNewsclippings.html

1890, February: Samuel Bradford, tenant of the trustees of Bradford, was granted a judicial rent of £185 in the Land Commission Court. The old rent was £247. The location of the land in question was not given, but presumably this referred to Cavananore.

1890, March 6: Samuel Bradford, J.P., Carnbeg, in the Record Court appealed decrees for £13 10s and £4 1s costs and expenses in each case obtained on verdicts given by juries at the October quarter sessions as compensation for timber illegally cut down by appellant (defendant in the court below) and converted to his own use. The judge said said the conduct of the appellant was intolerable, and that if the three actions had been brought before him he would have given £50 in each case. The decrees of the Court below were confirmed, with costs.

1890, March 7: Crown Court of the County Courthouse, Dundalk, From the evidence now given on appeal, it appeared that one Arthur Coulter Bradford died possessed of a large farm and residence at a place called Cavanamore, about four miles from Dundalk. By his will Arthur Bradford directed the farm and residence should be let for a term of twenty-one years, in order to pay some annuities and encumbrances, and trustees were duly appointed to carry out the provisions of the will. After the residence and farm had been in the possession of a Miss Oliver for some time, it was finally leased to the appellant for twenty-one years. The offer of appellant, although not the highest, was accepted because he was a cousin of the deceased owner. A covenant in the will specially reserved the growing timber on the land. Appellant then held extensive lands adjoining on lease, but which he has since purchased, and became the owner in fee. After the passing of the recent Land Act, appellant served notice to fix a judicial rent, which was opposed by the trustees on the ground that it was a residential holding. But before the question was settled appellant commenced to cut down the trees on the land, especially those growing along the avenue - in all sixty-seven trees were cut down. …The decrees of the Court below were confirmed, with costs. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/documents/TABLES/BRADFORD-LouthNewsclippings.html

1890, June 17: case in the Court of Appeal, Samuel Bradford v. Trustees of Andrew Bradford.. The lands in question were located near Dundalk (presumably Cavananore). The Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of the Land Commission. (What I don't understand is why Samuel Bradford was the appellant in this case. Was he trying to get the judicial rent set by the Land Commission reduced?)

1891, January 19: Eliza JACKSON writes: There has been a new instance of "Loves labours lost" in Cavananore; and the pity is that James Gillmer and the other worthies who so generously gave their neighbour's property to Sam Bradford did not live to see it. The case which I mistakenly wrote to you was to be tried on this day week was tried last Thursday before Judge Monroe and the result was that Sam's judicial lease was broken and the Receiver under the Court ordered to take possession of our part of Cavananore next day. Accordingly, he came there on Friday accompanied by Bailiffs and evicted Mrs. McCoy, Thomas Murray, and an old woman who lives in one of the houses; allowing them to go in again as caretakers and giving each a penny a week. So you see that other people beside Alexander Dickie can play at penny a week; and my poor innocent Sam is done with that part of Cavananore. The people who took the land in conacre were in a state of desperation; they had given Sam securities for payment, and now will not get the lands. Kelly of Bally[binvie] gave them great comfort; he said "Devil [mend] them, and that the Jacksons were always civil and decent people; & that nobody should have joined in a plan to rob them." Sam was allowed a certain time to remove his cattle & the judicial lease which he thought a great benefit was just what settled him; for he was not restrained from subletting by the lease he got from Messrs McCullagh and Gillmer. Sam is due a year's rent to the Trustees, & a year's head rent last Novr. These rents must be paid before the farm can be disposed of; but the Bank of Ireland is a very good stake for payment. What the Courts will do with the land now that they have got possession, remains to be seen. There is a great difficulty in this case. A large part of the land is ploughed, and so left useless for grazing; and they cannot let it for conacre; that would be the same thing that Sam was condemned for. They must do something soon; as nothing will be made of it this year. Sam made awful swearing, but was not believed; he swore that the land was in as good condition as when he got it, & that his steward had cut the hedges unknown to him, and plenty more. The Lord grant him repentance. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1891eliza_jackson.htm

1892, November 17: Eliza JACKSON writes: I have quite enough for the present one; besides, probably Mr Reid will expect you to pay the half year’s rent of Cavananore; and of that of course I will get my share. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1892Nov17-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1893 July 11: Eliza JACKSON writes: Your [Thomas JACKSON’s] steward in Cavananore could not get help for love of money to manage the hay and turnips; so Eliezer and I sent all our men up for two days. That place looks beautiful, and the old house at home is not getting out of repair. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1893July11-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1893, August 9: Eliza JACKSON writes: You [Thomas JACKSON] have a fine harvest in Cavananore and it is now being reaped. Eliezer’s men and mine were up yesterday helping; and are then again today. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1893AUg9-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1894, March 28: Eliza JACKSON writes: Urker, Liscalgot and Cavananore are flourishing apace. You would rub your eyes if you saw the latter place; it is coming around to be like what it used to be. If cousin Sam had had it a couple of years longer, it would have been little worth. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1894Mar28-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1894. October 17: Eliza JACKSON writes: I went with Ely to Cavananore yesterday and never since the first day that I remember did I see it in such prosperity; so much corn on it, or so many cattle; the crops [?it] this year were something marvellous, everyone wondered at it; and the cattle throve admirably. Every minute I wished you could see it. The new home is finished and Thomas Murray is living in it; and only that I am tied to Urker, I would covet to live in it myself. It contains two beautiful rooms with boarded floors, & a tiled kitchen, and a nice porch. What made me long for a house like it was that there are no stairs in it. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1894Oct17-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1895, February 6: Eliza JACKSON writes: Sam Bradford is managing to keep on foot much as usual. He is to get £650 for the lowering of the office houses in Dowdalhill. A decision has been given in the Law Courts in Dublin that his sister’s pastures must be the first charge on his property. I am heartily glad that they will not be wronged out of what their father left them. …Elie [Eliezer GILMORE] does all the buying and selling for me and only for him, I could not do so well. He is well able to manage his own business and what he does for me & for Cavananore and is thriving upon it; but I never call him to account about Cavananore; to do so would seem as if I distrusted him. Cavananore has a difficult time since it was got out of Sam Bradford’s hands. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/letters/1895%20Feb6-ElizaJACKSON-Thomas.html

1895, March 4. Samuel Bradford made claims for the malicious burning of his stables and farm buildings at Dowdallshill. The jury returned a verdict that the fire was not malicious. SOURCE: http://www.thesilverbowl.com/documents/TABLES/BRADFORD-LouthNewsclippings.html

1898 , February 25. Court order issued to Eliza Jackson to provide " all Deeds and Documents relating to the premises for sale" in " the matter of the Estate of Samuel Bradford - Owner and Petitioner; and in the matter of the Estate of ... Trustees of the Will of Andrew Bradford deceased - Owners of Land; and in the matter of the Partition Feb 1868 and 1876". What was this all about? My guess is that Samuel Bradford was forced to sell all his holdings, not just those included in the 1900 sale (perhaps because of debt?), and that the court order was issued to clarify boundaries in regard to the Cavananore and Annaghvacky holdings of Samuel Bradford and of the estate of Andrew Coulter Bradford.

1900, October 31. Land Court – estate of Samuel Bradford, and estate of Thomas Jackson (representative of residuary legatees of will of Andrew Coulter Bradford) – sale of lands in Cavananore, Carnbeg, Dowdall's Hill, Sportsman Hall & Ballynahattan. The portion of Cavananore for sale is in the northern part of the townland, and does not seem to be in any way part of the former holdings of Andrew Coulter Bradford.