Information about Gerald (2) of Arkansas, orig Sleaty, 1771-1812

1. Pedigree of the Byrne Family of Sleaty by John E. Browning, Carlow, 21st
October 1867 .  ( PRO, M .58924 (8V111)                     
Extract.

" Gerald Byrne, Gent,of Sleaty. He went to  the Americas where he died but left his family at home.
Married  Bolger,daughterofMr. Paul Bolger, merchant of Enniscorthyand had issue 3sons and 2 daughters.
The last of the property was sold in L.E.C. ( Landed Estates Court ) in Nov 1865 "

2. The Shearman Pedigree 1875

Shearman quotes " 7. Gerald Byrne to be the eldest son of Charles and Julia.and that he was deceased by 1875 " Gerald according to his death certificate ( Extant cerificate as illustrated held in VB Family Archives ) died in 1858 in Arkansas USA. He followed his brother Charles of New Orleans who subsequently died there, he left all of his earthly goods to the family back in Ireland. It is interesting to note that both reverted back to the Roman Catholic faith  at a ceremony in Carlow Cathedral before they left Ireland.

Extract from the Shearman Pedigree

Notes:

Gerald (2) of Sleaty inherited a considerable land and rental portfolio from his father Charles (2) as can be seen from the original rent accounts (extant documents in VB family archives ) with the Honorable Rev. Paul Francis Stopford 1790- 1803, and signed  by him on  behalf of his father. In 1832 he achieved the the honour of being able to obtain a "Cerificate of a Rent-Charger, Freeholder or Leaseholder" ( extant document inVB family archives ) which also  allowed him to vote.  Eventually over the coming years the estate dwindled as the rents due were not paid because of  theGreat Famine culminating in1840-1850. By 1852 Gerald decided to find a new life elsewhere and emigrated to the USA. Arriving in New Orleans he met his brother Charles who was working there as a mercantile clerk. Probably on his advice he proceeded up  the Missisipi to Arkansas whre he settled in Lisbon, in the County of Union. There he integrated well with the local aristocrasy including his good friend Squire Gatlin in whose house he died of bronco pneunomia on the 4th of April 1858 aged 54 years. His wife Eliza and family were left virtually penniless and had to fend for themselves. In 1865 the balance of the estate of about 40 accres was taken over by the Landed Estates Court and  sold off by auction.
They had issue 3 sons and 2 daughters.

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