Examination of the VESTRY BOOKS for Church of Ireland Wicklow (1710-)
The Vestry minutes normally show the Election of Officers for the coming year such as Church Wardens, Sidesmen, etc. and are signed by some of the local landed gentry. From time to time they include lists of people paying "Cess" and accounts information. There appears to be at least one Vestry per year – usually more.
I hope these minutes will help in locating some early information on Halpins and their possible relations in Wicklow. Here are some of the results:
1. At a vestry meeting held on 26th March 1733 Mr.Thomas HALBERT was chosen as a sidesman.
2. Thomas HEAPENY was ? in 1742
3. Elected Church Warden in 1749 was a Thomas HALBERT
4. In 1771 among the list paying “the CESS” were Mrs.EATON, Thos HALFPENNY, John HALFPENNY and Thos HALBERT.
5. 14 November 1787 minutes signed by James HALBERT (among others).
6. Minutes signed in August 1788 by Eaton COTTER.(among others).
7. In 1789 Eaton COTTER was a warden.
8. June 1790 Vestry minutes signed by among others, Thomas HALBERT and Thomas HALFPENNY.
9. 1791 minutes signed by Wm HALFPENNY (among others).
10. 1793 and 1795 minutes signed by Eaton COTTER (among others).
11. Wm HALFPENNY (among others) signed Vestry minutes October 1798.
12. Wm. HALPIN was elected Church Warden in 1801 and 1802
13. Minutes signed by Wm HALPIN in 1801, (among others).
14. Vestry of 20th April 1802 signed by Wm HALPIN (among others).
15. Minutes of Vestry 3rd November 1803 signed by, among others, Eaton COTTER.
16. Vestry 3rd April 1804 – minutes signed by Wm HALPIN and Eaton COTTER (among others).
17. Among the “proprietors names” listed paying “CESS” in 1804 – (Of a total of 188) were Mr.John HALBERT; Mr.Wm HALPIN; Mrs. Eliza HALPIN; Widow HALBERT.
18. Vestry minutes of 22nd January 1807 signed by James HALPIN (among others).
Hope this is of some interest,
Tavern