Robert Goodbody Journal

On the 26th of 9th mo. 1796 my dear Grandmother died suddenly in her 63rd year. She had been for some time in declining health. Her husband dropped dead twelve years before, she had never after had good spirits, which was increased by her only son Robert marrying out of the society to an Elizabeth Palmer, a person well connected, but of a very loose living family, then living on Ossary, which at that time was famous for visitors living. He settled with his wife's family. I don't think his mother over saw him afterwards, but once a short time before her death, when he breakfasted at my father's in her company. He was naturally a good natured man, but had little firmness or sense. He died in Dublin in 1906 leaving a widow and family. To return to my grandmother, she was going upstairs after dinner, perhaps 1½ hours after, and was in the act of speaking to my Aunt Alice, enquiring something of her, when she dropped dead on the stairs. My poor Aunt called in a great fright to get help to lift her up, I heard her call and with others run up, but she was dead and her jaw fallen. Except my Aunt and I all the rest of the family were from home at the meeting of Edenderry. The day before was first day, and I recollect well her greeting us children into the back parlour and she sitting in the window reading to us the conclusive or summing up by William Penn, of "No cross no crown". The family that were from home were sent for immediately, and came back that night about 12 o'clock. I was awake in bed not having slept, and my father came to see me. I recollect Fanny Bewley, and Margeret Pim, afterwards my wife, coming to lay my grandfather out. She was buried on the 6th day following at Newton near Rathangan, having a very large funeral leaving Mountmellick, and we met on the road at or near Cushina

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Note. My grandfather died the 26th of 9th mo. 1796 of a 2nd day, and was buried at Rathangan the 6th day following.

Copyright © 2004 Mr Tony Lynch All rights reserved.