Limerick, Ireland – Amidst tales of opulence and mystery, the bankruptcy hearing of Mr Robert Nevins Marshall, a resident of Milltown, Bruff, has shed light on the intricate webs of wealth and inheritance tied to the city of Limerick. Mr Marshall, facing bankruptcy proceedings, appeared before Mr Justice Ross to account for his financial affairs.
At the heart of the matter lies the estate of Mr Thomas Nevins, Marshall’s grandfather, who once resided in Mount Shannon, Limerick. Marshall attested that a portion of the furniture in his possession belonged to himself, while the remainder was part of his grandfather’s estate, now under the ownership of his uncle, Mr Thomas A. Nevins, a prominent figure in America known for his banking ventures and oil interests.
Among Marshall’s possessions were five horses, including one received as a wedding gift and others acquired through various transactions over the years. Notably, one horse belonged to Father O’Reilly, who requested its return upon learning of Marshall’s bankruptcy. Another belonged to Mr Murphy of Waterford. However, Marshall indicated that all these animals were currently grazing in fields.
The intricacies of Marshall’s family history reveal a saga of unascertainable wealth. Despite expectations of inheritance from his grandfather’s will, Marshall claimed ignorance about the extent of his entitlement. Letters from Messrs. Fetter dated in 1913 hinted at a substantial inheritance upon reaching the age of 25, yet Marshall lamented his inability to obtain concrete information about the property.
Further complicating matters was Marshall’s relationship with his uncle, who intermittently provided financial support, including an allowance of £50 a month. However, Marshall noted irregularities in these payments, with significant gaps and delays in recent times. Marshall’s uncle, once a prominent figure with business interests in Cheltenham, had ceased visiting Ireland after divesting his tram holdings.
Adding to the intrigue is Marshall’s mother, who, according to him, had been married thrice and currently resided in a nursing home.
Representatives for the assignees and Marshall himself attended the hearing, with Mr Morgan Byrne and Mr E. F. Collins appearing on their respective sides.
As the proceedings unfold, the bankruptcy of Mr Robert Nevins Marshall offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of family fortunes, inheritance disputes, and financial instability, all within the backdrop of the historic city of Limerick.
Irish Independent – Saturday 17 July 1915
