James M. “The Barrister” Woulfe (1732–1817)

James Maurice Woulfe, also known as "The Barrister," was born in 1732, probably at Templeathea in western County Limerick. He was the son of Maurice James "Old Maurice" Woulfe, a Catholic farmer, and Kathleen Rearden (also Riordan) Woulfe. He had four siblings: Richard Maurice “Short Dick” (b. ca. 1730), Edmond Maurice, Patrick “Wiggie,” and Maurice James “Young Maurice” (b. ca. 1763).

Woulfe married Johanna McCoy of Coole, near Athea, County Limerick. The couple farmed in Garryantanavally, a townland near Listowel, County Kerry, and had three and possibly four sons: James, Richard James (b. 1763), Maurice James (b. 1755), and Edmund. The last son's relationship is unconfirmed. James Woulfe died at age twelve.

Virtually nothing is known about the elder James Woulfe. His nickname, "The Barrister," was passed down through family oral history and is said to reflect not his profession but his widely credited wisdom.

Johanna Woulfe died in 1811, the Barrister in 1817 at Garryantanvally. They are buried together at Templeathea.

Top of the page: woods in Garryantanavally (Google Street View)