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Who was Frank Elliott? Frank Elliott was born in Strokestown Workhouse on 10th March 1880. His mother was Eliza Flanagan and his father was James Elliott, a Labourer, who resided at Lanesboro. At some stage he moved to Scotland (a brother called Patrick was living there) and he appears to have attested into the Connaught Rangers in Hamilton, Scotland on October 31st 1899. He deserted at the Army Barracks in Athlone, Co Westmeath on the 6th November 1899. He was described as 5ft 9¼ inches, fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He also had a scar on the back of his right hand. It is not known if he returned to Scotland after this or perhaps stayed in Ireland and joined the colours again for WW1, as there is a Francis Elliott No 11104 who enlisted in 1915 with the Connaught Rangers.
Francis Elliott married on the 17th August 1910, in Longford District, to Hannagh McCormack. James Elliott was listed as deceased. The couple’s residence is given as Moydow, Co Longford. The couple are listed in Drummeel Townland, Drummeel DED, Co Longford on the 1911 census. The House had a thatched roof and one window to the front and no out-buildings. The property was owned by Jane Shaw. Francis and Hannah’s first child was born on 22nd September 1911 in the Townland of Acres in Co Longford - her name was Elizabeth. There was only one family living in Acres Townland - the Egan’s,
Their second child, Patrick Elliott was born on 13th December 1912 at Derryart Townland, not far from Moydow Village and Francis was listed as residing at Abbeydarrig. Sometime after this Francis moved to Roscommon Town and according to the Newspaper article was the Caretaker of St Coman’s new Cemetery on the Athlone Rd for a short period. It is not known where their third child was born, but the forth was born on 14th August 1920 in Fearagh Townland, Kilmeane, Co Roscommon -a son called Francis. Bracknagh, where Francis is listed as living in Newspaper articles, is an area within Fearagh townland. There are several cottages close together, some still remain today.
Francis Elliott’s death certificate records his death as having taken place on the night of 3rd/4th March and he is described as an Ex-Soldier and Labourer. His age is given as 35 and the cause of death is given as gunshot wounds - instantaneous. The informant was a certificate received from the Military Court of Enquiry held on 5th March. The death was registered on the 31st March 1921.
The Roscommon Journal and Western reported of Saturday 2nd April 1921 states - "A Military Enquiry held at Roscommon into the death of Francis Elliott, an Ex-Soldier of Brackna (sic), returned a verdict of wilful murder against a person or persons unknown. The evidence showed that deceased was brought from his house by disguised men on March 3rd and the following morning his body was found on the road, bearing several bullet wounds and a card in his pocket with the words Spies Beware”.
The Roscommon Journal and Western Reporter reports on Saturday 30th April 1921 edition - The awards at Roscommon Quarter Sessions. “County Court Judge Wakely awarded Hannah Elliott, Corry (sic), for the murder of her husband, Francis Elliott - £2,600.” No further information is given, although other Quarter Session cases where reported in more detail.
Hannah Elliott remarried on the 7th November 1924 in Knockcroghery Church. Her husband was James Dunican. Hannah’s address is given as “Breackna (sic), Knockcroghery” and James was from the Townland of Cloonaddra, which is next to Moher. James would have been aged 57 and Hannah 34.
Elizabeth Elliott (Francis and Hannah's first child) died on 12th April 1932 in Moher Townland. Her Uncle Patrick (born in Scotland) registered her death.
From: The Irish Independent. 7th March 1921. (page 5). Articles also appeared in the Freemans Journal and Strokestown Gazette.
Roscommon ex-soldier. Body found on Roadside.
The body of Frank Elliott, ex-Soldier and Labourer, was found at Corry (sic) near Ballymurray Railway crossing on Friday. According to the official account, Elliott, at midnight, was taken from his house by two armed men who said that they where military. These men walked away, one on either side of him, having revolvers in their hands. He was found shot dead on the public road. The wound indicate he had been shot by a revolver and a shotgun. Inside his vest pocket was a piece of paper on which was written “Spies Beware”. Elliott resided with his wife and 4 children in a labourer’s cottage at Bracknagh, Portrun.
Late on Thursday night, another report states; A knock came to the door, and when Elliott asked who was there he was told Military, who wanted to know the way to Athlone. Elliott hesitated about opening the door, saying it was too late for a man to leave his house. He was then peremptorily ordered to open. Two men entered and presenting revolvers ordered him to come with them.
Elliott seemed to have had some bad premonition, as before leaving he bade goodbye to his wife and family. He was then taken a couple of miles away. The body contained revolver bullets, slugs and shot. Deceased, who was a native of Longford, acted for a short time as gatekeeper at the new cemetery on the Athlone Rd, Roscommon.
© K. Snow 2010. |