He was born in 1827 in Belturbet, Co Cavan, Ireland.
By 1847, he may have lived close to Denn or more likely Killashandra, Co Cavan. [NB Father John Brady, who recommended him for employment in the Irish Constabulary in 1847, was Curate of Killashandra Parish at that date].
He joined the Irish Constabulary on 27 May 1847 and was allocated to Depot 0.4 in County Wicklow. His service record shows that he joined at the age of 19, was a native of County Cavan, a Catholic and a Labourer.
He married Bridget Bolger on 9 May 1852 at St Brigid Church, Tomacork, Co Wicklow.
They had six children: James (1853-1928); Andrew (1855-1880); Thomas (1857-1886); Patrick Joseph (1859-1929); Francis (born 1862); and Margaret (1864-1887).
He emigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand in 1879. There must have been a reason for his suddenly leaving Ireland without his family, with his departure assisted by Irish Constabulary funding. He lived at Burke's Family & Commercial Hotel, Christchurch until his death, probably with his son Patrick Joseph Allwell in the 1880's, who had followed his father to New Zealand in 1880.
He died on 2 April 1894 at Christchurch Hospital and was buried on 4 April 1894 at Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Individual History Report.pdf (21.47 KB) | 21.47 KB |
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1827 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 2nd Apr 1894 | |
