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Hi. Can anyone help me with the parentage and ancestors of Matthew Phibbs. Dubbed the 'Ballymote Slasher' he was hanged in 1861 for a triple murder.

My Phibbs connection begins with Robert and William Phibbs (brothers) who came to Ireland 1590's. There are many of the branches now scattered across Sligo / Roscommon. 

Any help at all warmly appreciated

jacqui63m

Sunday 17th Jan 2016, 12:19PM

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  • Hi Jacqui

    There are 5 baptism records - all from Sligo - on www.rootsireland.ie/: 3 are with 2 TT's and 2 with 1

    Here are the 2 tt's:

    Name:Matthew PhibbsDate of Birth:

    Date of Baptism:15-Sep-1827Address:
    Parish/District:AHAMLISHGender:MaleCountyCo. Sligo

    Denomination:Roman Catholic
    Father:MatthewMother:Dorothy O'ConnorOccupation:

    Sponsor 1 /
    Informant 1:Michael ConwaySponsor 2 /
    Informant 2:Catherine O'Connor

    Name:Matthew PhibbsDate of Birth:10-Jul-1849

    Date of Baptism:19-Aug-1849Address:CartronParish/District:ST. JOHNS UNIONGender:MaleCountyCo. Sligo

    Denomination:Church Of Ireland
    Father:ThomasMother:MargaretOccupation:Farmer
     

    The 3 with 1 t are 1822 1835 1838. How old was he when hanged?

    Col

     

     

     

    ColCaff, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Sunday 17th Jan 2016, 07:49PM
  • Hello jacqui63m

     

    You probably have these details from newspaper reports, but if not it may be of use.

     

    His given age at the execution was about 25 or 26 born in Ballymote, and in attendance were ministers from the C of I , a Primitive Wesleyan minister and a Methodist minister, who I believe are named as Rev Samuel Shone , Mr Lindsay and Rev George Garrett of Coolaney.

    His father was a former draper and shop proprietor in Ballymote having died circa 1849 and his mother was still alive during the trial, and four other siblings. Matthew and his mother were living next door to the victims of his crime.

    A Matthew Phibbs is shown as a grocer and draper in Slaters guide for 1846 for Ballymote which I would suggest is the father of the individual concerned.

    P McG

    Monday 18th Jan 2016, 08:50AM
  • Hi Colcaff

    Thank you so much for this. This looks promising. 

    He was about 26 when hanged. All the newspaper reports talk mainly of the victims, with only minor personal references to Matthew and his family.

    Hopefully, with the details you gave, I can establish a connection or, as the case may be, rule out the connection.

    Thanks again

    Jacqui

    jacqui63m

    Monday 18th Jan 2016, 12:24PM
  • Hi P McG

    Thank you for getting back to me. Yes I have seen all the newspaper reports but I didn't look at Slaters which looks very promising. 

    Hopefully, from all the info received, I will be able to establish a connection or, at least, rule out any connection.

    Thanks again

    Jacqui

    jacqui63m

    Monday 18th Jan 2016, 12:28PM
  • Here's the only C of I record from 1825 + - 5 years:

    Name:Mathew PhibbsDate of Birth:05-Mar-1822

    Date of Baptism:19-Mar-1822Address:
    Parish/District:ST. JOHNS UNIONGender:MaleCountyCo. Sligo

    Denomination:Church Of Ireland
    Father:MathewMother:Jane Clifford

    Col

    ColCaff, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Tuesday 19th Jan 2016, 11:23AM

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