Anecdotes
Here are 2 excerpts from the Belfast Timeline which is a research aid compiled by the Glenravel Local History Project.
February 1867
A girl named Cobain, who was in charge of her brother
in a house in Henry Place, was amusing him with some
peas, and inadvertently put one into his ear, causing him
great pain. The boy had to be removed to the General
Hospital where an operation of a critical nature was
performed in order to remove the pea.
April 1897
William Cobain was charged with seriously assaulting
Richard Johnston in Cosgrave Street. Both men had been
sparring with gloves in the prisoner's yard. The accused
struck Johnston with his head, knocking him through
the back door of the premises. He was ordered to pay
£2 compensation.
The following is taken from the Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London's central criminal court, 1674-1913.
Famous and Infamous Cobains
Rachael Cobane Theft, 2nd May 1764.
Reference Number: t17640502-17
Offence: Theft — grand larceny
Verdict: Guilty
Punishment: Transportation
Rachael, wife of Joseph Cobane, was indicted for stealing one linen handkerchief, value 2 d. one linen frock, value 6 d. three linen shirts, value 9 s. one pair of linen breeches, value 1 s. and one pair of yarn stockings, value 6 d. the property of John Haywood , April 19.
John Haywood . I am a watchman to a brewhouse, upon Mill-bank . The prisoner came into the watch-house to warm herself, and was not willing to go out again: I went out, and was not gone above five minutes, but she and the things mentioned, which were tied in a bundle, were gone. The next day, about 12 o'clock, I found her drunk in bed, and some of my watch-house candles lying in the window; and the handkerchief which my things were in, was tied about her neck (Produced and deposed to.) After she was committed to the Gate-house, I told her I would not appear against her, if she would tell me where my things were; she said, they were at a pawnbrokers, pawned in the name of Polly Wilson; I went as she directed, but did not find them; the people told me, she had been and offered them, but they would not take them in.
Prisoner's Defence.
Nanny Wilson brought me this handkerchief; she worked at weeding with me at Chelsea.
Prosecutor. The prisoner's maiden name is Wilson.
Guilty. Transportation.
Edward DeCobain
Educated at the Belfast Mercantile Academy. Mr De Cobain held office under the Belfast Harbour Commission and as Borough Cashier (Treasurer) to the Belfast Corporation (more information)
If you have any Cobain anecdotes please email me at marionv@mts.net
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