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Relatives: Son of Thomas Foy. Stone Condition: Damaged, Tilted Material: Sandstone Height: 0.7 Breadth: 0.5 Depth: 0.09 Inscription Condition: Clear but worn Inscription Technique: Incised Mason: Not known Pre 1855 no. N/A ( What's this? )

Monument Inscription

ERECTED
BY THOMAS FOY,
IN MEMORY OF HIS SON

EDWARD,

WHO DIED 11TH JULY 1879,
AGED 24 YEARS.

Family History

Edward Foy, the young man laid to rest beneath this very basic stone, was known within the village of Newton as being a spirit merchant to trade.

Prior to the creation and application of licensing laws governing the manufacture and sale of alcohol, many small businesses involved in this trade were set up within domestic premises. Coming as he did from the home of an outdoor labourer, and being of such a young age, it is possible that Edward’s activities may have come within these categories. Such places were given the name shebeens, which continued in use to describe illegal drinking houses after licensing laws came into force.

Edward Foy was born to Thomas his father and Susan Clark his mother. This couple may have originally come from Perth and settled in the parish where Thomas found employment.

Once again, as was so often the case in the times applicable, Edward contracted tuberculosis and succumbed to its ravages on 17th July, 1879. It would appear from the quality of the memorial that family resources were limited, thereby perhaps strengthening the belief that the deceased’s business was not as prosperous as might have been anticipated.