Person Page 58

For further information see the citations below.²

Samuel and his two daughters were living in Omoresforest for the 1901 census. His age was said to be 52, and he was a widower and farmer at the time.

Charles Henry Meredith was a Constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary. He enlisted aged 25 and served in Mayo from Nov 1883 and in the Reserve from Nov 1887. In 1907 he was the Depot van driver at the R.I.C. Depot in Dublin. He received a pension in 1907 afted 25 years service.

Family history is that Richard Meredith was from Cappagh, Queen's county, and immigrated to New York in the late 1840s. If so, naming patterns of his children suggest he may have been a son of Samuel Meredith and Sarah Ince of Cappagh, although we have no documentation to support this. He appears to have lived in Lea parish, Portarlington from 1820 to 1830, according to baptism records for six children from St. Paul's Church. There are baptisms for two younger children in Maryborough Methodist records.

There is an account of Richard Meredith and Anne Greene’s courtship, as well as other details of the Greene family, in the book "Family History of Richard Greene" published in 1909, and available online.³

She is most likely to be the Ann Meredith, aged 50, living with Fanny aged 20 in the household of James and Matilda McKay in Brooklyn in 1850.

A lengthy obituary appeared in the book “Heroines of Methodism”, probably written by her son Rev. Samuel Meredith, as follows:

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MRS. ANN MEREDITH.
Mrs. Ann Meredith, whose maiden name was Green, was born at Penock Hill, near the ancient town of Swords, County Dublin, Ireland, April 4,1799. Though surrounded by great spiritual destitution and a low state of morals, her father's family was known as one in which the Scriptures were read. Like Cornelius they " feared God," and as in his case so in theirs, the Lord sent his servant to "tell them what they ought to do."
A pious man belonging to the Wesleyan Society in the City of Dublin, one who labored for the salvation of souls as he had opportunity, received the impression that he ought to visit Swords; that the Lord had something for him to do there. Followed by this impression until it became fixed in his mind, and under what he now regarded as a Divine call, he and two others visited that place on a Saturday evening. At the public house in which they were staying, they made inquiries next morning, as to the religious condition of Swords and its vicinity, when they ascertained that there was one family, at least, in which the Bible was read, that of " John Green, on the hill."
They called immediately at Mr. Green's residence. The family, with one exception, had not yet risen. That one was his daughter Martha, then graciously disposed and afterward an eminent Christian, whose death was the most remarkably triumphant ever known in that part of the country. She had just been at prayer as the strangers called. In stating their object to her father, she told him that three men, belonging, she thought, to his order, (he was a freemason,) wished to pray with him. They were soon surrounded by Mr. Green and his family, with whom they conversed for some time, and after prayer requested permission to hold a meeting in their house that afternoon. To this Mrs. Green was opposed. She remembered that when she was a little girl Mr. Wesley had preached in Swords, and that the windows of the house in which he stopped were broken by persons who were opposed to the " Swaddlers," (as the Methodists were then called;) and she feared that if they opened their house to these men, similar results would follow. But some of her daughters becoming interested in the object the men proposed, she was induced to give her consent.
In the afternoon these zealous men came up from the town, accompanied by about a dozen individuals whom they had invited to the meeting. One of them preached from, " Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Everything about this meeting was as novel and striking to the Green family, as its results were permanent and blessed. My uncle, now the only surviving one of those of his family then present, writes concerning it: " The singing entranced us all, and we thought the text, sermon, and all were made on purpose for us." Henceforth Mr. Green's house was open for the messengers of the Gospel, and He whose blessing rested upon the house of Obed-edom, caused it also to abide on his. But a short time passed until several members of his family were brought to God.
The fears entertained by Mrs. Green were fully realized. Their windows were broken frequently, and their lives endangered by the drunken, popish rabble, who were enraged because the Methodists had obtained a footing in the neighborhood. For several years Mr. Green and his family were subjected to the most provoking annoyances. They ceased at length, and then Mrs. Green would repeatedly express her fears that they were not as faithful as when they suffered persecution.
We ought to note, that Mr. Green's household embraced all who were ever known to be benefited savingly by the Gospel thus introduced into the neighborhood, and preached there for several years. To the worldly they alone were known as a family who respected the Bible, and they alone received the greater light when it came.
Mr. Green's daughter Ann, the subject of this notice, was in the fourteenth year of her age when, as an earnest seeker of the Divine favor, she entered the apartment in her father's house in which meeting was about to be held. The opening hymn had been sung, and the little company were engaged in prayer, when she was enabled to cast herself upon Christ for the salvation she needed. In an instant her mourning was turned into joy, and her full soul broke out in joyous and grateful proclamation of the blessed fact that her sins were forgiven. Her mother did not understand it. Such, displays of religious emotion were a new thing in the place, and she endeavored to silence Ann. But if she were to be silent, would not the stones immediately cry out? Some short time afterward she united with the Wesleyan society, in which she found a religious home until she came to this country, in 1847, when she united by letter with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was an intelligent and ardent lover of Methodism. Her attendance upon its ministry and ordinances was regular and punctual, and of its prudential means she early formed, and ever maintained, the highest estimate.
She was one of those Christians who, though decided in their devotion to God, yet from their exalted views of the Christian life, and from their humbling views of themselves, are seldom found referring to their spiritual progress. But if her professions were, as we believe, too modest—if in this she failed to make the impression she should have made— there was in her life a uniform and definite testimony in favor of religion, that was felt by those who came within the range of her influence. One who knew her many years writes concerning her, " I don't know any person who bore the same deep impress of Christian character she did, nor whose life was so consistent with her profession."
Her maternal influence was directly calculated to awaken in the minds of her children those realizations which lead the soul to God; and it was her joy to find them nearly all, and early in life, giving themselves up to Him. We call her blessed. We saw her spirit in all of the many ordeals through which she passed. We were observers of her secret religious engagements since we were capable of noticing such things. Long as I remember (and I am her first born) she used to spend a portion of every evening in the sacred engagement of private devotion. Nor were these cold and formal approaches to the throne of grace. I have frequently heard her agonizing but subdued pleadings when in an adjoining room; and many a time have I seen her come out from her room, at those times, with her eyes bathed in tears, showing that hers was no fruitless waiting on God. I remember well how she would sit at the parlor fire with two or three of us around her, just between day and dark, and there talk to us of God and judgment, and of the importance of being good that we might all be together in heaven. Once we were talking with her something about Christians, when, to my great surprise, (I never forgot it,) she told me that not all who professed to be Christians were prepared for heaven, and tried to show me the difference between the form and the power of godliness. It was her aim to educate and render duly sensitive the consciences of her children. I did something that was evil in itself as well as disobedient to her. It was in the earlier part of the day, but at night, when an opportunity served, she took me round to a school room, and there, in the dark and alone, she pointed out the nature and consequences of my conduct; and when I was humbled and penitent, she knelt down and pleaded with God in my behalf. The effect was powerful upon my mind, though I suppose the change in my conduct was far from showing it.
It pleased her heavenly Father, before taking her to himself, to cause her to pass through some four months' severe suffering. But in all she manifested a cheerful submission to his will. To her leader she said, " The greatest desire of my heart is that the will of the Lord be done." For several weeks previous to her release it did not appear that Satan was permitted to tempt her. She was as free from doubt, therefore, as from murmuring. In an unmolested confidence, and with a grateful submission, did she wait the coming of her Lord. She took great delight in having those around her, and those who visited her, sing. At times when her favorite hymns were sung, she seemed to be filled with delight . On one occasion some Christian females were singing for her, when becoming very happy she said,li If I were able I would shout his praise, but I'll praise him in a nobler strain through all eternity." On one occasion she spoke to considerable extent on the plan of salvation and the amplitude of the divine provisions. She quoted the words, " to the uttermost," and having enlarged upon them, added, " He will save me to the uttermost." From that time she sunk gradually until she breathed her last.
Thus on the twenty-ninth of June, 1856, in the fiftyeighth year of her age, did my sainted mother pass from the scenes of earth, to that long sought rest for which, during so large a portion of her life, she labored in the exercise of a Scriptural faith. S. M.

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Samuel James Meredith was the eldest child of Richard Meredith and Anne Greene;. He emigrated to USA where he served as a Methodist minister. He lived in Williamsburgh, NY in 1850; Adams Township, Massachusetts in 1855; Clifton, NY in 1860; Albany, NY in 1870; Troy, NY in 1880. Baptism record transcribed as "James," born 1 March 1820 and is probably the same child as Samuel whose records are found in New York, said to have been born 9 March 1820.

In 1850 Samuel and his wife Ellen, aged 30 and 25, were living in Williamsburgh, Kings county, NY. As a Methodist clergyman, he evidently moved around a fair bit. Their first child Mary Ann was born ca 1851 in Ohio; the next child Richard B. ca March 1855 in Massachusetts (he was recorded as being 3 months old in the census taken on June 1), and the third, about 1858 in New York. In 1860 they were living in Clifton Park, Saratoga county, NY. 1870 finds them in Albany, NY, and in 1880 Samuel is a widower, living with George, Sophia and Martha in Troy, NY. Interestingly, this census indicates incorrectly, that his father was born in Wales. His obituary, published in the New York Times (18 Dec. 1894), notes he entered the ministry at the age of 17 and he had lived in Mansfield, Ohio for one year.

He served as Pastor in the following Methodist Episcopal Churches in Troy: Congress Street (Trinity) Church, 1872-73; North Second Street (Fifth Avenue) Church, 1873-76; Levings Chapel, 1879-82.

Excerpts from the Minutes of the Troy Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church provide the following information (1895, pp. 135-136):
“Samuel was born in Dublin, March 9, 1820. His parents were among the first Irish Wesleyans and his grandmother's house being the first place where a Wesleyan preached in that country, and because of which the house was nearly destroyed. The family came to NY in 1847. He married Eleanor Boomer in NY in 1850. Three of their six children were still living in 1895, George and two daughters. Both daughters were living in Stillwater, NY at the time; one was a Mrs. Carver.”

Photo of tombstone: Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, Albany County, New York, USA: Plot: Section 71, Lot 15, Grave 3. Noted: Birth: Aug., 1820; Death: Dec. 16, 1894; New York, USA; Died of softening of the brain. Source is Albany Rural Cemetery records. Also named on tombstone: Eleanor Boomer Meredith (1824 - 1880); Mary A. Meredith Brownell (1851 - 1888); Sophie E. Meredith Carver (1853 - 1916); Richard Boomer Meredith (1855 - 1893); and Martha J. Meredith (1862 - 1905).

In the 1900 census Jane is said to have immigrated to the USA in 1848. It also states that she had given birth to 7 children, only one of whom was still living. She lived on 10th Avenue in Manhattan with her daughter Elizabeth.

She was enumerated in the 1850 Census in New York. The Meredith household comprised Ann 30, Elizabeth 21, John 18, Frederick 14, Robert 12, Charlotte 10, and Emily 8.

He was enumerated in the 1850 Census in New York, and described as a Coachmaker. The Meredith household comprised Ann 30, Elizabeth 21, John 18, Frederick 14, Robert 12, Charlotte 10, and Emily 8.

Richard was a farmer in Shrahane at the time of his marriage. He was the son of Joseph Thompson.

George was a resident of Clondarrig, Clonenagh Parish, at the time of his marriage in 1859. This was the same time as Plot #1 in Clondarrig was passed from Anne Meredith to George Meredith. However, a year later the land passed to Representatives of Anne. George evidently emigrated to Canada at that time as he was enumerated in Essa tp, Simcoe county, Canada West (Ontario) in 1861: Essa Tp, Simcoe County: Div. 3, p. 27, line 31:?Miredeth, George, born Ireland, English Church, age 24, Male, Married [there were no others listed in the household, apparently George initially came to Canada alone and Martha followed after this census was recorded].?In 1871 George and his wife Martha lived in Tosorontio, Simcoe County: SIMCOE SOUTH, Sub-district: Tosorontio. Div: 2, p. 28; Microfilm reel: C-9961?MERIDETH , GEORGE: Male, 37, Birthplace: IRELAND, Religion: Church of England, Anglican, Farmer; Martha, 25, born Ireland; Robert, 8, born Canada; William, 7, born Canada; also in household Amelia Robinson, 45, born Ireland.?In the 1872 Gazeteer & Directory for Simcoe County, George Meredith is on Lot 3 of the1st Concession, not far from Thomas and Edward Meredith who were on Lot 2 of the 2nd (sons of John Meredith and Jane Wilkinson, presumed to be cousins of George).?In 1881 George is listed as a widower and he and his sons were in Sinclair & Franklin tp, Muskoka, Ontario, Film C-13243; District 131; Sub-district L; p. 12; household 55.?Name Marital Status Gender Ethnic Origin Age Birthplace Occupation Religion?George MEREDITH W Male Irish 46 Ireland Farmer Presbyterian?Robert MEREDITH Male Irish 18 O Farmer Presbyterian
William MEREDITH Male Irish 17 O Farmer Presbyterian?And in 1891 George is still a widower, age 59, farmer; Robert is 28; William is 26. Also in the household is William Shaw, 14, born Ontario. They are in the "Franklin, Sinclair and Chaffey subdistrict of Muskoka/Parry Sound" (film #T-6354, p. 3, line 12, family 10).?I was unable to find either George or Robert in the 1901 census. The death record is for George "Belton" Meredith in the Parry Sound district, born Ireland, age 75 years, 27 days; cause of death indigestion for 18 months (reg'n #22611-1906). Robert shows up in the 1911 census, still in the same area.?Burial record, Muskoka Cemeteries, Sinclair Township: St. Paul's Anglican Cemetery
Headstone reads: George B. Meredith, Died September 25th, 1906, Age 75 years, 29 days
I was sent a brief bio. of George taken from a local history book: "Hillside Pioneer Memorial United Church," a centennial history (the write-up includes a photo of George).
"George Meredith was born in 1831 in Queens County, Ireland & came to Canada in 1860 settling at Alliston, Essa Township, Simcoe County, Ontario. In about 1875 he & his wife Martha, and their two sons Robert & William came to locate land in Franklin Twp., Muskoka District. George was Master of LOL #418 at Cain's Corners in 1888 & 1889. Martha died sometime before 1891. Their son William was accidently killed in a hunting accident September 19, 1893. George was the secretary for the Hillside United Church & active as an assessor with the school section for many years. William Proudfoot, a Huntsville architect & builder was commissioned to drawings for the Meredith stone home, built in 1905 on the Portage Road. George died September 25, 1906 & his son Robert continued to live there until his death on May 17, 1922. George & his two sons are buried at Grassmere Cemetery [St. Paul's Anglican Church Cemetery].
"Robert Meredith bequeathed the farm to Tom Shaw who with his sister had come to live with the Meredith family as teenagers." Perhaps this was the same family as Wm Shaw found in the 1891 census.

For further information see the citations below.³

John is the first child of Rice and Ann recorded in the parish register--there may have been older children as there were only fragmentary records prior to this date (Register 1793 - 1825, p. 4). He is believed to have been the John Meredith who married Anne Bolton in 1826 (MLB, Diocese of Ossory, IGI), although we have no firm documentation for this. Similarly, not documented that he is the John whose son George married Martha Claxton, but George was from Clondarrig when he married. No other known John seems to be the right age and in 1850 in the Griffiths Valuation an Anne Meredith holds land in Clondarrig, home of Rice and Anne Neill, which was briefly held by a George Meredith. A John Meredith of "Clondarrigmoyle" was registered as a voter in Maryborough East 5 January 1841--probably this man. We have not been able to identify any parish records for this branch of the family other than those indicated. Hence, these relationships are somewhat speculative, but are supported by the finding of a Canadian death registration for son of George giving his full name as "George Belton Meredith."

She was the daughter of John Alexander, according to the certificate of her 2nd marriage.

In 1860 William Strong became the landholder of Block #5 in Cappagh, formerly held by the late husband (Richard Meredith) of his wife, Maryanne. In 1906 Mary Anne Strong became the registered holder of Block 5.

For further information see the citations below.²

For further information see the citations below.³

John Wilkinson was the son of Edward Wilkinson, who is believed to be the Edward who married Eliza Meredith and who was living at Ballyadams in 1882. John was a farmer living at Ballyadams at the time of his marriage in 1890. He was recorded in the 1901 census as head of household at Monascreeban, Ballyadams, Queen’s County with his wife Margaret, daughter Elizabeth, son Edward, nephew Thomas Meredith, a nurse domestic servant and 32 farm servants. He was enumerated in the 1911 census at Monascreeban, Ballyadams, Queen’s County, and described as a Farmer, aged 54, Church of Ireland. In the same household were: Margaret Wilkinson (wife, 49), Lizzabeth Wilkinson (daughter 18), Edward Wilkinson (son, 10), Violet Mathers (visitor, 15) and Edward Holahan (servant, 27). He was known as “Happy John” Wilkinson.^3,5,1

For further information see the citations below.²

For further information see the citations below.²

She was enumerated in the 1911 census as a Grocer’s widow, of Maryborough, aged 69.

For further information see the citations below.³