The McPhillips

I Samuel 15:23:
For rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry.

In the Time of Cromwell

In John O'Hart's "The Irish and Anglo-Irish Landed Gentry when Cromwell Came to Ireland" registry, it shows that the McPhillips were among the landed gentry in 1641. Prior to Cromwell's invasion, the McPhillips had been major landowners in northern Ireland for centuries.

The McPhillips trace their lineage to the Anglo-Norman families that conquered Ireland in the 12th century. By the mid 14th century, Richard II and other English noblemen were concerned that these "English were becoming more Irish than the Irish themselves." Laws were passed to stop the Anglo gentry from adopting Irish customs, thier dress, and making it treasonous to marry into the local Irish families. Over time, these cruel laws were abolished and eventually the great Anglo- Norman families, who had become the lords of the land, as the Geraldines, the Fitz Stephens, and the De Veres, and others, were becoming Irish, and adopting Irish names, such as McPhillips, McMahon, and McWilliams.

Cromwell had nearly cut the population of Ireland by half during his siege which he justified by his radical puritan ethics. He considered Catholics as heritics and even today his name is synonymous to the Boogy Man among Irish children. Of the remaining Irish gentry whom survived Cromwell's devastation, many were removed from their lands including the land owning M'Phillips. They included Conner M'Phlilip, Daniel M'Phillip, Gennet M'Phillip, Garrott M'Phillip, John M'Phillip, Mahone M'Phillip and Sara M'Phillip. In Dartry Barony, County Monaghan, among the list of Papists whose lands were confiscated was Cahir McPhillips. After the settlement act of 1660, the Catholic landowners lost their land to "adventurers". They would become tenants to the new Protestant landlords, many of whom were soldiers under Oliver Cromwell.

The disposition of the Irish gentry signaled the end of the Gaelic Era. Most of the Irish named in the deposessions were simply noted as being in the rebellion or, at worst, as having taken cattle and crops from the "English" or "British" farmers. The Papist gentry were labeled "rebels"...and among those labeled "rebels" which may have been our ancient relatives:

Brian Gowan or O'Gown, Dartry Barony (Smith)	Edmond O'Gowan, Aghabog Parish (Smith)
Cahir McPhillip, next neighbor of H. Ward of Aghareah in Galloon Parish	Owen McPhillip, Dartry, Yoeman
McElooskell (McCluskey), Owen Modder, Monaghan	Cahir McPhillip, gen, Ellisafery Parish
Patrick McPhillip, Dartry, Toeman

**Yeoman refers chiefly to a free man owning his own farm, especially from the Elizabethan era to the 17th century

1798 - The Rising

The Greenans, McPhillips and Smyths were ancient residents of Monaghan, and the period prior to 1798 was full of patriotic clamor for Irish independence. One of the independence movements was led by the United Irishmen.

There was a reference to one of our possible ancestors involvement in the United Irishmen movement. It is also interesting because it shows that our McPhillips family may have been living in Aghabog well before the Tithe Census of the 1830s. In one news article we see a reference to this unrest in Monaghan...and in particular how at least one of our possible ancestors was arrested for arms smuggling.

"...early in 1798, when the arms of the Yeomen were "lifted" by the United Irishmen of Slieve Beagh. The arms of one Thomas Brigs, of Itereera, were taken, and he swore informations, and had a lot of his neighbours arrested. None of the prisoners would inform, so the trial broke down, and the prisoners were acquitted. The following are the names of those charged : — Bernard and Denis M'Cluskey, Drumscor ; Pat and Jas. Lappin, of same place ; George and Michael M'Cusker, of Knocknalun ; Owen M'Elroy, of Aughna- meena ; and Pat Sherry, of Feebagh. At the same assizes some Aghabog men, Andrew Smith, James Sullivan, James Finlay, and Pat M'Phillips, were tried and acquitted for swearing in United Irishmen at Drum, while Pat Duffy, of Annagoes, was tried for unlawful assembly at Newbliss.

This Pat McPhillips may have been Susan Smith's great grandfather.

It was estimated that several thousand Ulstermen were armed and aligned with the "traitorous" United Irishmen movement. No doubt the origin of the "Johnny John Smith" story, a story told by our great uncles in the 1960s, had its origin from this time period. See slaying a British officer.

The seeds of rebellion were sown, and by 1798 sporadic outbreaks of violence spread across Ireland. Before the outbreak of violence in Dublin began, rumors spread that the Irish militia had been infiltrated by members of the United Irishmen, and paranoia spread in many military units which began searching for traitors within its ranks.

One of George Cruikshank's illustrations for William Maxwell's History of the Irish Rebellion in 1798 (published in 1845).

Not all people with the surname "McPhillips" wanted independence from Ireland.

...information submitted by the government informer Fr. Michael McPhillips by letter dated 2 November 1795, states that he had a meeting with Anthony Daly, a miller from Longwood, who was the chief Defender in County Meath in that year. Fr. Mc Phillips, a Franciscan friar from Sligo, endeavoured in every way to infiltrate the Defenders in the counties Meath, Louth, Down and Antrim. Some months later his life was brought to an untimely end as a result of being unmasked by the Society of United Irishmen in Belfast, where his remains were discovered and taken from the river Lagan.

After the Rebellion

Corravilla in Aghabog. Our Greenan, McPhillips and Smyth families lived inside this townland.

The map above shows the townland within Aghabog of Corravilla. Susan McPhillips Smith claimed that she was born in this townland, and while there is no record of either a Patrick or his son, Michael McPhillips, living in Corravilla in the Primary (Griffiths) Evaluation census, we do see Patrick McPhillips in the Tithe Applotment records of the 1830s.

In 1833, the Corravilla Tithe census showed Patrick McPhillips along with a few other McPhillips families. These may have been close relatives to Patrick's family. These census records showed the main leaseholder, and not the other family members farming the leased land. It is likely that Michael (Mike) McPhillips was working for his father as he would have been about 9 years old.

There were also several Greenan families...including Terrence Greenan. As we have seen referenced multiple times, Uncle Terrence came to America bringing Irish John, Bridget and Owen. The other Greenans in Corravilla most likely had close family ties with each other, and subsequently related to our own family.

Based on Irish naming conventions, Catherine Greenan's father's name may have been Owen or Hugh Greenan based on the name of her second eldest son (mother of Irish John Smith). In the Tithe census, we find several Owen Greenans in Monaghan in 1833- one living in Clones parish and the other in Clontibret parish. A second possibility is Frank or Francis Greenan. Catherine's sister, Bridget McCarville, named her second eldest son "Francis", and we find a Francis Greenan living in Aghnamullen parish in 1829. In this parish we see several Greenans including Francis, Peter, Mick and Bridget in 1829. A final possibility is that Catherine's father may have been named "Peter". In the 1833 census, there is a Peter Greenan living next door to Terrence Greenan in Corravilla. At some point, we'll figure it out, I suspect.

Click to Enlarge the 1833 Tithe Census

GRAVEYARD Inscriptions

The parishes of Aghabog, Currin, Ematris and Killeevan were formed around the year 1800 from the medieval parish of Galloon, which seems to have corresponded in extend with the tuath named Dartraighe-co-minse. Galloon, which gave its name to the parish and was the size of the parish church was one of the islands. Like most Fermanagh parish churches of the time it was on the edge of the parish. The parts of the parish remote from Galloon were served by churches in Killervan and Edergole.

By 1800 the part of old Galloon in County Monaghan had been formed into the parishes of Aghabog, Currin, Ematris and Killeevan. Catholic chapels were built at Currin in 1790, at Latnamard (Aghabog) in 1812. At Shanco (Killeevan) in 1818.

Killeevan, Monaghan

McPhillips
John McPhillips d. 6 July 1743, age 38. By Cormick McPhillips brother of said John	By Charles McPhillips in memory of his son John d. 1881 , age 17. and Patrick McPhillips
By Felix McPhillips in memory of his son James d. Feb 1792, age 33. (see Elnor Filips buried nearby.)	Kilvaleen RC Church
Smith/Smyth
Patrick Smith d. 25 Feb. 1783, age 66	By Thomas Smith in memory of his father John Smith d. 14 April 1748, age 70. His daughter Margaret died 8 June 1767, age 19.
Patrick Smith d. 17 March 1744, age 26.	By John and Patrick Smith in memory of Catherine Daughter to Patrick Smith d. 1787, age 3.
By Owen Smith in memory of his father John d. August…

St. Marys Roman Catholic Church in Latnamard, Monaghan.

A freestanding rendered barn-style Roman Catholic church with Gothic Revival detailing, which despite its isolated location features a landmark spired tower prominently visible from afar in the rural community. Built 1812 before Catholic Emancipation, which explains its removal from the roadside.

St. Mary’s RC Graveyard, Latnamard

McPhillips – Latnamard
By John McPhillips of Latnamard in memory of his father James d. Jan 1844, age 61.	Michael McPhillips d. 15 May 1913, age 83 (or 63?), Ellen McPhillips d 10 Feb 1942, age 78
McPhillips – Liscumesky
By James McPhillips of Liscumesky in memory of his parents Patrick and Mary, also his sisters Ann, Bridget and Margaret; also John Keelan, Corravilla, d 20 May 1965, age 69.
McPhillips – Coramegan
By Hugh and James McPhillips of Coramegan in memory of his father Edward d. 13 July 1914, age 65. Their brother Michael d. 20 Aug. 1916, age 23, their mother Margaret d. 31 March 1929, above named Hugh d. 20 Dec. 1965 and his wife Alice d. 4 June 1967; James McPhillips d. 12 Nov. 1974.
McPhillips – Tatterclave
Francis McPhillips of Tattenclave d. 7 Feb 1932, his wife Brigid d. 1 Jun 1951; their daughters Rose d. 5 July 1955; Brigid d. 21 March 1962; their sons James d. 2 Sept. 1944, Patrick d. 14 Feb 1966, Thomas d. 19 July 1967; also Catherine McPhillips d. 8 Nov. 1935.
McPhillips – Diskert
By Patrick McPhillips of Diskert in memory of his father Patrick d. 15. Jan 1832, age 66.
Peter McPhillips d. 4 July 1870, age 25.
McPhillips – Feaugh
Myles McPhillips of Feaugh d. 27 Oct 1912; his wife Mary d. 19 May 1927; their daughter Katherine d. 18 Sept. 1913; their son Thomas d. 15 March 1929; their son Patrick. D 4 Feb 1959.
McPhillips
By Rev. Hugh McPhillips in memory of his father Miles d. 16 Sept 1828, age 75; his mother Rose d. 28 Aug 1819, age 56 (See McKenna Parochial Records for Rev. Hugh McPhillips)
McPhilips: Tonaugh
“This stone was erected by Patrick McPhilips of Tonaugh as a mark of esteem in memory of his venerable father Patrick McPhilips who departed this life Oct. 27 1924, age 66 years who was much and deservedly regretted by his friends and neighbours who earnestly implores the prayers of the benevolent.”
McPhillips: Anney
Thomas McPhillips d. 9 Feb. 1953; his father Patrick d. April 1911, his wife d 23 Aug 1970.
McPhilips, Latnamard.
Thomas McPhilips of Latnamard d. 12 Sept. 1877, age 70, his wife Mary d. 12 May 1876, age 40, their children Ellen d. 25 Oct 1891; Mary d. 6 April 1896; his brothers Michael d. 17 April 1870, age 55; Francis d. 30 June 1895, age 75.
McPhilips, Latnamard
By Edward McPhillips of Lattnamard in memory of his father Thomas d. 22 Dec 1816, age 78.
McPhillips: Corleck
By the Ancient Order of Hibernians and friends – of the late brother Francis J. McPhillips shot on the 9th March 1921, aged 19 years.
McPhillips: Tattenclave.
By James McPhillips of Tattenclave in memory of his father and mother Michael and Sarah; also their children john, francis and Ann; James McPhillips d. 16 Dec 1911, age 75.
McPhillips: Crappagh
Patrick McPhillips of Crappogh d. 31 March 1937; his brother James d. 31 Jan 131; his sister Mary d. 7 Sept. 1931. McPhillips, Kate: (See Deighan Monoghan)
Smith – Effernagh
Hugh Smith of Effernagh d. 10 Jan. 1974., age 68, his wife Bridget d. 2 Sept 1978, age 82.
Smith: Dooskey
John Smith of Dooskey, d. 6 Aug 1956.
Smith: Aughalough.
By Joseph Smith of Aughalough in memory of his wife Ann d. 24 June 1831, age 75; his daughter Saragh d. 1 May 1829, age 18
Smyth: Faltaugh.
Peter Smyth of Faltaugh d. 24 May 1919, age 68; Bridget Smith d. 4 Dec 1956, her husband Terence d. 21. Feb 1965.
Smyth: Corlick
William Smyth of Corlick d. 1 March 1917; his wife Susan d. 16 Sept. 1926.	Edward Smyth d. 13 Jan 1966
Smyth: Liscumiskey
Bridget Smyth of Liscumiskey d. 18 March 1905, age 60, her husband Peter d. 7 Jan 1912, age 75; Edward Smyth d. 4 Jan 1957,
Smyth: Rathkeevan.
Thomas Smth of Rathkeeva , d 1914; his wife Brigid d. 1906; and their family
Smyth, Corravilla
Smith, d 28 Aug 1934, age 41; wife Nellie d. 1965, a 64
Patrick Smyth of Corravilla
McCarville: Dooskey
Alexander McCarville of Dooskey, d. 29 april 1969, his wife Rose d. 8 Nov. 1972.
McCarville Descart
Francis McCarville of Descart d. 29 April 1974
McCarvill: Liscumiskey
Thomas McCarvill of Liscumiskey d. 7 July 1877, age 59; his wife Ann d. 24 Jan. 1909, age 71; their daughters Susan d. 1884 age 19; Mary d 17 March 1886, age 24; James d 10 June 1921, age 60; Patrick d. 6 June 1949 age 77; his wife Margaret d. 30 April 1964 age 84.
Greenan: Curleck.
Thomas Greenan of Corleck, d. 8 Oct 1972, age 88. Green, Tom Greenan, Mary Ann d. 9 April 1939, her husband John Greenan, d. 30 January 1951.
By Sarah Greenan in memory of her father and mother Thomas, d. 8 June 1915. Catherine G. d. 26 January 1917; brothers John d. 31 March 1898. Edward d. 4 April 1927, his wife Margaret d. 8 July 1919, Sarah Greenan d. 21 March 1933