Elizabeth Moon

341

Maureen Withey on 6th November 2025

BLEACH GREEN ROBBERIES. Elinor Moon was indicted, for stealing, on 2d April, at Ballymena, from the bleach-green of Mr. Thomas Dickie, eight or ten pieces of linen. John Farrel, an approver, described the robberies committed with prisoner and another man. Geo, Clarke and Archibald M‘Kane—Were present when the marks were found.—Not Guilty, Elinor Moon alias Harkin, again indicted, for stealing, on the 22d April, one hundred yards of linen cloth, the property of James and Wm Cunningham, at Ballymena; and John Knox and Robert Know, were indicted for receiving the same. Robert Smith—ls overseer  of the green—lost four pieces of what are called average goods, which are made in Westport—also four pieces in April  marked T. and numbered, saw them again in George Clarke’s, the constable ; observed the same marks as on the linen missed ; got the linen in J. Knox’s; witness  said it was that kind of linen manufactured in Westport; the  linen was in an unfinished state ; linen of that description was sometimes made in the country for private use. John Farrel—went to rob the Messrs. Cunninghams’ bleach-green ; prisoner was with witness ; she went into the bleach-green, saying she had a charm about her which prevented her being taken, and that no dogs could injure her;  she brought two webs, and cut off the marks and hid them ; went a second time to the same green, and took four webs, the marks were cut off; webs were put in a dry stone ditch, and the marks hid ; was taken from jail with a constable and  pointed out the marks—was present when the linen was found in J. Knox's, who desired  prisoner, Moon, to bring as many more as she could, and he would sell them for her. George Clarke, constable—Saw linens in J. Knox’s, in an unfinished state, cut up, and some made into shirts and into a bed tick. Alex. Bar—Knows the prisoner Moon ; saw her in witness’s shop ; she offered a piece of linen, about a yard, for sale; suspected her, and asked it she had any more; she produced about 24 yards from under her cloak ; did not pay for it ; afterwards proposed to purchase some more, in order to get her into custody, with her accomplices;  prisoner never returned, but was taken two months after. John Mcllwrath and Jane Mcllwrath gave testimony as on preceding  trial—Moon, Guilty ; John Knox, Guilty; Robert Knox, Not guilty. Moon to be transported for life.—Knox one year’s imprisonment. Belfast Commercial Chronicle, 16 Aug 1824. and Belfast News-Letter, 20 Aug 1824. On Monday the undermentioned convicts passed  through this town, on their route to Dublin, from the Gaol of Carrickfergus :— To be transported for seven years.—Ellen Dunn, Anne Mellish, Frances Stewart, Eliz. Heyburn, Margaret M‘Guire, Mary Patterson, Rose Morgan. To be transported for fourteen years.—Mary Screen, alias Johnston. To be transported for life.--Elizabeth Moon, alias Harkin. Belfast Commercial Chronicle, 8 Dec 1824.

341

Maureen Withey on 1st December 2020

Irish Convict Database by Peter Mayberry. Elizabeth Moon, alias Harkins, Harkin, age on arrival, 31, per Mariner (2) 1825, Tried Antrim Co., 1824, Life, for Robbery bleach green. DOB 1794, native of Derry Co. Catholic. Married husband in Derry Co farmer 1 child left behind. Milker butter maker washer. -------------------------------------------------- Convict Index 1791-1873. Elizabeth Moon, alias Harkins, per Mariner 1825, Conditional Pardon, 25 Sep 1840. Elizabeth Harkins, alias Moon, per Mariner 1825, Recommended Conditional Pardon, 1 Oct 1840. Recommended by S. North, PM; J Brady, RCC.