I believe Abraham Bunbury was the
youngest son of Henry - or Harry - Bunbury (1753 -
1819) of Bunbury Lodge, Russeltown, Co. Carlow ...
Harry never married but had five sons by his lover,
Margery Walsh. There are several Dublin Deeds
relating to this de facto arrangement. Abraham, was
born in 1792, lived variously at Castledermot and
Russelstown. On 13th October 1819, the year of his
father's death, he married Margaret Leonard in St
Anne's. There may have been a daughter who married a
Lieutenant Horwood in India but further evidence is
needed for this. In October 1810, Abraham Bunbury
was living at Russelstown in the Parish of Killerrig
in the Barony of Carlow when he swore before
Fishbourne that he had been assaulted by Michael
Dwyer and others. By 1st March 1815, Abraham was
stating that he lived on the Pollerton Road outside
Carlow and maintained himself 'by his Income arising
out of Tythes', suggesting that he was closely
connected to the Church of Ireland. In 1821, Abraham
Bunbury, Householder and Farmer, and John McGuinnes,
Cabinet Maker, were recorded as going bond for
Richard Walsh of Johnstown who was in trouble with
the Excise Officer, Edward Waters. (PPP) Richard was
perhaps Abraham's cousin on his mothers side. In
September 1822, the Carlow Morning Post reported
that Abraham Bunbury of Castledermot was lying
dangerously ill following a gunpowder explosion.
(PPP) There is a gap in the Morning Post from Dec
1822 until his death in January 1828, so his
immediate fate is unknown. His wife Margaret died in
1827. As to Russelstown, a report from 4th April
1835 states that 'Thomas C. Bunbury of Russelstown,
Gentleman' (brother or son of Abraham) had a
Freehold in Russelstown 'of the clear Yearly Value
of Twenty Pounds at the least' signed to him on 27th
May 1819 by Henry Bunbury of Russelstown. It was
certified that Thomas C. Bunbury was 'duly
registered as a voter in Carlow on above date'. (Pat
Purcell Papers)
Note from Michael Purcell:
1821
Edward E. Waters, Excise Officer of
N.....? District bringing charges against Richard
Walsh of Johnstown, Carlow.
Sureties : John McGuinnes, Cabinet Maker, and Abraham Bunbury, Farmer.
Witnessed by William Fishbourne., Magistrate.
Source: Michael
Purcell & Turtle Bunbury 2009
- The above is a true and
accurate transcript of the original documents