William Ward (HN:1)

William Ward is first known Ward to inhabit Rathwood, Abington, Limerick. This is confirmed by a survey map of Rathwood from 1815 that shows William Ward leasing a block of land squarely in the centre.

It is believed that William had at least 4 sons: William, John, Thomas and Michael as evidenced by these four men subsequently leasing land within Rathwood at the time of the Griffiths Valuation (1851).

In 1826, a survey was undertaken for church taxes known as the Tithe Aplotments. This reveals that there were two Ward leaseholders: William and a widow. The most likely interpretation is that William Ward (snr) was deceased by this time and that the William listed as a leaseholder is the eldest son.