2012 - Document of the Month
May
Letter from emigrant John Dullaghan to his parents (Ballinfuil) describing his voyage to New Orleans from Liverpool. 04 June 1849
April
Communicants' roll book for the Dundalk Presbyterian Church, 1856
March
Housing agreement with John Finegan Dundalk for house at Cuchulinn Terrace, 15 August 1904.
February
Anonymous Valentine’s letter (illustrated) sent to Miss Susan Bellingham, 14 Feb 1817
Susan Bellingham was a daughter of Alan and Monique Bellingham. The Bellingham family, originally from the county of Westmoreland (now part of Cumbria in the north of England) settled in County Louth when Henry Bellingham purchased lands at Gernonstown in the 1660s. His son, Colonel Thomas Bellingham, was consulted by both King William and the Duke of Schomberg prior to the Battle of the Boyne. There had been a baronetcy in the family which had become extinguished in 1650. The youngest son of Alan Bellingham (d. 1796) went to the trouble and expense of reviving the title. He became Sir William Bellingham, 1st bart (of the second creation). His eldest brother, Henry, was the owner of the Castlebellingham estates at the time. Henry’s son Alan duly inherited the estate on his death. Alan’s wife was Monique Baby, formerly of Quebec, and the majority of this collection relates to this branch of the family. Alan Bellingham died in 1821, the death of his only surviving son followed a year later. Sir William then became the owner of the Castlebellingham estates. Both title and estate descended together through Alan Bellingham, 2nd bart., nephew of Sir William, who died without direct male issue.
January
Handwritten letter from T Crowley, Larchfield, Coachford, County Cork to Joseph Dolan, grocer, Ardee, recommending a cheese-making company called Newmarket Dairy Company that make 'very nice cheese, some of which I've just had at my dinner.' Crowley says 'if it suits your business I'd like you'd give an order.' He emphasises 'I have no commission to ask and as you know I only dabble in pills, potions and lotions...I'm an Irishman and would like to encourage industry in the country. 27 Nov 1911
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