Page:A Compendium of Irish Biography.djvu/30

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appear to be known. After his time, many of the well-known Irish physicians were Catholics, medicine being the only profession left open to members of that church. 10 (1867) 85

Ashe, Andrew, a celebrated flautist, was born in Lisburn about 1758. He was sent to school at Woolwich, where he learned the first principles of music. On account of reverses of fortune, his parents were about removing him, when Count Bentick adopted the lad, took him to the Continent, and secured for him a musical education. He devoted himself to the flute, and soon rose to be principal player in Brussels, Dublin, and London, successively—being one of the first to use the additional keys. After engagements in the Italian opera, in 18 10 he became director of the Bath concerts. He spent the last years of his life in retirement in Dublin, and died in 1838. His wife and daughter were celebrated pianists. 35 250

Ashe, St. George, D.D., was born in the County of Roscommon in 1658. He was educated at Trinity College, where he became a Fellow, and Professor of Mathematics; he afterwards acted as secretary and chaplain to the British Embassy at Vienna. Returning to Ireland in 1692, he was made Provost of Trinity College. He was consecrated Bishop of Cloyne in 1695, and promoted to the see of Clogher in 1697, and to that of Derry in 1717. He occasionally contributed to the proceedings of the Royal Society, of which he was a member. He died in Dublin, 27th February 1718, and was buried in Christ Church. He bequeathed his mathematical library to the College. 118

Ashford, William, a distinguished landscape painter, and first President of the Royal Hibernian Academy, was born in Birmingham, 1746, and settled in Ireland, 1764. He resided in College-green. "His works were many, and were justly appreciated. His early pictures were somewhat in the manner of Claude." 145 He died at Sandymount-park, 17th April 1824, and was interred in Donnybrook old churchyard. 145 233

Atharne, a reputed poet and courtier of the 1st century, who resided at Beinn Edair (Howth). He made an expedition round Ireland, demanding exorbitant "gifts" for the recital of his lays—King Eochaidh is said to have given an eye to satisfy him! On the way, he was attacked at Ath-Cliath (Dublin) by his late hosts, to recover some of their "presents." In the engagement that ensued, Conall Cearnach fought on his side. On one occasion Atharne fought and killed Mesgedra, whose wife Buana died soon after of fright at the sight of her husband's head. This was at the ford of Clane. Atharne buried them near by, preserving their brains in a lime ball—the same with which Conor MacNessa was afterwards killed. 194 339

Averell, Adam, Rev., a distinguished Primitive Wesleyan Methodist minister, was born at Mullan, County of Tyrone, 7th May 1754. His father was a landed proprietor. He early studied for the ministry of the Established Church, was appointed to a curacy, and then married. Becoming acquainted with Wesley, he resigned his preferment, so as to be free to extend his religious ministrations wherever he felt called. About 1797, after having being married about seven years, his wife separated from him, apparently from religious incompatibility. He made her an ample allowance, relinquished the personal care of his property, and unreservedly devoted himself to preaching in different parts of the country. His journal, which proves him to have been a man of exceeding earnestness and great piety, is full of interesting particulars concerning the condition of Ireland in his day. He was a profound believer in special providences. For nearly thirty years he was president of the Primitive Wesleyan Conference. Mr. Averell died at Mount Salem, near Clones, 16th January 1847, at the advanced age of 92. 17

Baillie, William, Captain, an amateur engraver of some note, was born in Ireland in 1736. He passed the early part of his life in the army, from which he retired with the rank of Captain of Cavalry. Thenceforward he devoted himself to the arts, and was for many years considered one of the most enlightened connoisseurs of his time. His best productions are those executed in the style of Rembrandt. Bryan's Dictionary gives a list of his principal plates. 277

Baldwin, Richard, D.D,, was appointed Provost of Trinity College in 1717. Little is known concerning his early life, further than that he obtained a Scholarship at the College in 1686, and a Fellowship seven years later. For forty-one years he governed the institution, and upon his decease (aged 92, on 30th September 1758) he bequeathed to it his fortune—upwards of £80,000. A fine marble monument was erected to his memory in the Examination Hall. The will was disputed by his English relatives, but was decided in favour of the College, in 1820, after sixty-two years' litigation. 151 160 332

Balfe, Michael William, a musician