On Friday 4th December 1796, a number of 'armed villains unknown (one of whom had his face blackened)' murdered Joseph Beard in his home at Cargalitgarren, parish of Derrynoose, Armagh. They also stole 14 Guineas in cash and some cloth.
The crime caused outrage in the community and a significant number of people put up money to offer as a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the perpetrators.
We can assume that the people were acquaintances of Joseph Beard and/or lived in the Derrynoose area. The size of the individual subscriptions may also give some indication of their relative wealth.
Compiled by William Hull
