The Rev. Arthur Mahon (1779-1820) was a Cornet in the Roscommon Militia at the time of the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 (later promoted to Lieutenant).
In December 1798, he Mary Jones Waldron of Ashford House co. Roscommon who was only 14 years old at the time. His family did not approve due to his lack of resources and the youth of his bride. Litigation over the ownership of the Cavetown estate soon followed. In November 1800, when Arthur successfully recovered the Cavetown property "after a long and expensive Law-suit", his good friend, the Rev. John Graham of Kilrush, Co. Clare, wrote him an epistle fondly imagining the war with France ending and:
"Then shall my friend retire with her he loves, To Cavetown's vale - romantic lake and groves;
There, as our own dear Goldsmith wished in vain, Returning view his natal spot again."
By 1802 Lieut. Arthur Mahon had quit the army and entered the church. In 1808 he inherited the Cavetown, lands at Creeve and Laragh, and property in Templeogue, Dublin.
On 12th September 1809, he began construction of a new 3 storey house at Cavetown. (The date inscribed above the central back door). The foundation stone was laid by his son Robert. It was built on an incline; the basement floor only visible from the rear. Steps at the front entrance led to the first floor. The new house was later described as "commodious and beautifully situated" with "convenient Offices, Garden and Orchard" and 16 acres of plantations. Traces of Dean Mahon's 17th-century extensive garden, ornamental architecture, belfry, and obelisk were still extant.
In 1812, Arthur became Vicar of Eastersnow and Kelcold parishes.
Arthur and Mary had ten children between 1800 and 1817, Maurice (b. 1811) was one of two who died in infancy.
In 1820, the Rev. Arthur Mahon died.
DEATH On the 23d ult at Cavetown Co Roscommon the Rev Arthur Mahon. [Freeman's Journal - 8 March 1820 ]
MARRIAGE On Saturday the 22nd instant. terence Hughes of Gloucester Street, in the city of Dublin. Esq to Mary (née Waldron b.1784), relict of the late Rev Arthur Mahon of Cavetown. [Drogheda Journal - 27 July 1825].
Children
Robert Henry Downes Mahon (b. 1802) their eldest son, inherited Cavetown. Arthur Mahon Jr. born 1803; Robert Mahon b? Charlotte Mahon b 1813.
In 1826, Mary Jane Mahon (1805-1879) the second daughter, married John Esmonde Dunne Esq. of Kilcconey Lodge, Ballykeane, King's County.
In 1829, Jane Mahon (b.1807), the third daughter, married the Rev. Samuel Malcolm Morgan of Geashill, King’s county.
In 1830, Robert Henry Downes Mahon ran into financial difficulties and Cavetown house was put up for sale.
In 1841, Maurice Hartland Mahon. Esq (1817-1891) of the 86th Regiment, son the late Rev. Arthur Mahon. of Cavetown, married Louisa Blake, daughter of Captain R- Bourne, R N. Nov. 30. at St. Jude's Church, Glasgow.
In 1843, Sarah Mahon, youngest daughter, married George Fergusson, Esq. M.D., in Booterstown Church, Dublin.
In 1844, Catherine Hartland Mahon (1809-1893), fourth daughter, married Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Inglis, E.I.C.S., of Kersehill, near Falkirk, Dumfriesshire.
[Dublin Evening Mail - 30 August 1850]
DEATH in Lower Gardiner-street, at an advanced age, Mary, relict of the Rev. Arthur Mahon, of Cavetown House, Co. Roscommon
