File 92 - Will of Mr Arthur McCann

A file relating to Mrs Louisa McCann (sister of Fr Laurence Kieran SJ) and the will of her late husband Mr Arthur McCann. The file relates to the financial difficulties experienced by Louisa McCann following the death of her husband, due in part, to the failure of the trustees of her marriage settlement to ensure that £20,000 was put in trust for her widowhood. Her brother Robert Kieran acted as her solicitor. However, it would appear from correspondence between Louisa and her brother Robert and Fr Kieran SJ that Louisa and Robert fell out with each other and she eventually asked Fr Kieran SJ to act as mediator and to look after the legalities of the estate. Includes a letter from Louisa McCann, Teltown, Donaghpatrick, Navan, County Meath to Fr Kieran, S.J. Remarks '...Bob's behaviour has certainly been awful and his letters all trumped up nonsense...he knows my unfortunate position and is taking advantage of it...I could not have believed he would have turned on me as he has done...I have you at any rate - otherwise I am really a very desolate creature now - struggling hard to pull along and trying not to be a burden on anyone.' (15 June 1938, 2pp). Includes a copy letter from Fr Kieran SJ, Clongowes Wood College, county Kildare to his brother Robert Kieran concerning the disagreement that has arisen between Louisa and Robert. Remarks 'I have often asked you to control your temper and your nerves - you have not done so; on the contrary, I regret to say you are getting steadily worse; so much so that I have often asked myself in sorrow where it is all going to end. Are you any the better now do you think for having inflicted this pain upon one who is poor, defenceless and alone in the world, and do you really believe that in doing this act you have given good example to your children?' (19 June 1938, 2pp). Includes a copy letter from Louisa McCann to her brother, Robert Kieran. Remarks 'I appreciate that you have had no end of trouble or worry over the McCann estate...but your recent attitude and behaviour towards me has made it impossible for me to approach you any further - I am sending the documents to Lal (Fr L Kieran SJ)...I have every confidence in him and shall be directed by what he advises...' (n.d., 2pp).