22973 William Mathews. Native of Queens (Laois), connected in Kings (Offaly). Protestant.
5 foot 8. Aged 19 on joining on 22 January 1858.
Recommended by Rev. R. Clarke. Previously a gardener.
Assigned to Tipperary NR 12 May 1858.
Some stations served in: Killeagh; Templetuohy; Templemore.
One unfavourable record.
Resigned 6 August 1864 'to join the English police'.
Midland Counties Advertiser 9 December 1863:
TEMPLEMORE—WEDNESDAY.
Magistrates presiding—J. Mason, and J 6 Jones, RM, Esqrs.
Michael McNally was brought up in custody for
attempting to stab a private soldier named Carr,
2nd battalion 16th Regiment of Foot, on the night
of the 28th ult.
The soldier stated that he was in company with the
prisoner in a public house on the night stated,
and that he (the prisoner) suddenly put himself
in a menacing position, armed with a dagger, and
told him to retire. Witness went to inform the police
whom be immediately met, and who afterwards took
the prisoner into custody.
Sub-constable William Mathews deposed that on the
night in question the soldier informed him that the
prisoner was armed with a dagger which he threatened
to use, whereupon he (the Sub-constable) accompanied
by Sub-constable Lodwick arrested him and found the
dagger in his pomession.
The prisoner, a tall man, whose emaciated countenance
bore evident traces of Bacchanalian revelry, on being
asked what he had to say, replied that he was a watch
and clock maker, and that the large knife was one of
the implements used in his trade.
The Magistrates, from want of sufficient evidence,
dismissed the case, ordering the dagger to be forfeited.
