storyteller. Many very powerful dramatic situations, and many vigorous, original, and thoroughly lifelike sketches of character are to be found in their stories. But they failed to force their way finally across the barrier which shut in provincialism of any kind, unless where the impulse of genius carries an author fairly over it. … Tales by the O'Hara Family aimed distinctly at a national reputation, and they seemed at one time not to miss the mark by a great deal. … The early repute of the Banim brothers was a good deal owing to a kind of impression engendered by the marvellous success of Sir Walter Scott. Because Scott's novels succeeded in bringing Scottish history, legends, life and manners into public notice and into fashion, it seemed to be supposed that other parts of the Empire had a right to expect the same result if attention were likewise directed to them. The feeling prevailed in England just as much as elsewhere. People reminded each other of what delight they had had when Scott illustrated for them his country's life and history—'Why should not some one do the same for Ireland?' Of course there was not the slightest reason why some one should not do this, provided only that some one had the genius." 233
Barber, Mary, one of Dean Swift's female coterie, was born in Dublin about 1712. She married a woollen-draper, and appears to have been an estimable character. She published a small volume of poems under the patronage of the Dean and Lord Orrery. Mrs. Barber died in 1757. There are numerous references to her in Swift's Life. When she went to London to have her poems published, an anonymous letter to Queen Caroline in her favour drew or led Swift into a serious scrape, as it was generally imputed to him. It is probable that it was really indited by Mrs. Barber herself, if not by some friend. The Dean eventually forgave the annoyance, and on more than one occasion presented her with the copyright of some of his short pieces. 42 321
Barker, Francis, M.D., a distinguished chemist and physician, was born in Waterford the latter part of the 18th century. He obtained his degree from the University of Dublin in 1793, and completed his medical education in Edinburgh, where he became intimate with Sir Walter Scott. Previous to the discovery of the voltaic battery, he suggested the identity of the nervous fluid with dynamical electricity. Returning to his native city, he practised for five years, and took part in the establishment of what has been said to be the first Irish fever hospital. Afterwards in Dublin, as a chemical lecturer, he became deservedly popular, and started the first medical journal in Ireland. In 1821, in conjunction with Dr. Cheyne, he published a treatise on Epidemic Fevers in Ireland, in two volumes; and in 1826 he edited the Dublin Pharmacopœia. Until 1852 he continued Secretary of the Irish Board of Health. Judging by the omission of his name in Thom's Directory for 1860, he probably died the previous year. 39 151 323*
Barker, Robert, was born at Kells in 1739. He was the inventor and patentee of the now well known exhibitions called panoramas, first brought out by him in Edinburgh in 1788. He died 8th April 1806, and was buried at Lambeth. His son married a daughter of Admiral Bligh, and was, with his wife, living near Bath in 1851. 146 254(1) 277
Barnewall, John, Lord Trimleston. His ancestors came over originally with Henry II. and received large grants of land in the County of Cork. On the first favourable opportunity the old proprietors, the O'Sullivans, rose and murdered the whole family save one young man, who was absent studying law in England. He ultimately returned and settled at Drimnagh, near Dublin. The subject of our sketch rose to high office in Ireland under Henry VIII. and received grants of land near Dunleer. In 1536, with Lord-Treasurer Brabazon, he made an incursion into Offaly, and drove back the O'Conor, who was then ravaging the Anglo-Irish settlements. The next year, commissioned by the Privy Council, he treated successfully with the O'Neill. He died 25th July, 1538. He was four times married. 216
Barnewall, Nicholas, Viscount Kingsland, was born 15th April 1668. The family had been ennobled by King Charles I., 12th September 1645, for loyalty to his cause. Before Nicholas was of age he married a daughter of George, Count Hamilton, by his wife Frances Jennings, afterwards married to the Earl of Tyrconnel. In 1688 he entered King James's Irish army as captain in the Earl of Limerick's Dragoons. After the defeat of the Boyne he was moved to Limerick; and being in that city at the time of its surrender, was included in the articles and secured his estates. In the first Irish Parliament of William III. he took the oath of allegiance, but upon declining to subscribe the declaration according to the English Act, as contrary to his conscience, he was obliged to withdraw with the other
