Feeheley, Michael

Michael Feeheley, father of James and William, testified at the 1858 trial of James Donnelly for the murder of Patrick Farrell. Later in life, however, Feeheley attended meetings of the Vigilance Society. When Michael died in 1881 he owed money to many, including Michael Carroll. Carroll took over the Feeheley’s property after Michael died, and he told the surviving family (including sons James and William) that he would pay $500 to them for improving the property, and likely, for remaining quiet about the murders. However, the money was not paid and the Feeheley boys fled Biddulph. However, they were eventually brought back to stand trial for the murders. The case, however, fell through and the sons of Michael Feeheley were freed.