Fergus Farrell

Fergus was born in or near Longford town in c.October 1806; he was baptised on the 29 October, under the surname Ferrall. Prior to his enlistment, Fergus worked as a labourer. He married Catharine Shanley (or Stanley), at Killashee on the 18 September 1826. They had at least three children, Mary (born 1829), Anne (born 1831) and Charles (born 1833). Sadly Ann died aged 2 on the 2 August 1833 at Fort William, Bengal, India, followed by Charles almost a year later on the 21 July 1834, aged 1, and their mother Catherine passed a few days later on the 25 July 1834, when Fergus was serving at Fort William* 

Fergus initially enlisted with the 47th Regiment of Foot on the 9 October 1826 in Dublin, and transferred to the 49th Regiment of Foot in January 1829. He served in the army until his discharge in May 1848, and was a Corporal for some years. Fergus served overseas for one month shy of sixteen years from October 1827: just over thirteen years in India, including at Fort William, Bengal, later serving in China for almost three, likely in the First Opium War of 1839-42, where the regiment gained the 'China Dragon' on its colours and badge. 

 After his time with the British Army, Fergus returned to Longford, and lived in Abbeycartron, where he died.

Link to baptism record in Templemichael parish; link to Civil Record of Death (if the link fails, please type .pdf at the end of the web address)