Theaker Wilder - Later Life and Death

Later Life and Death

He became rector of Tullyaughnish (Ramelton, Co. Donegal) in 1769 and died in late 1777 or, most likely, January 1778 at his home, Grovehall (a townland between Ramelton and Kilmacrenan - not Castle Grove near Letterkenny). The living of Tullyaughnish was in the gift of Trinity College, Dublin at that time.

His death was reported in the first issue of the Dublin Evening Journal and a few days later in The Londonderry Journal. According to one account - "It is interesting to know that Mr. Theaker Wilder was killed in a drunken riot, just at the time when Goldsmith's social success was at its height" - but this cannot be true since Goldsmith had already been dead for almost four years by the time Wilder died. Another source ascribes his death to an accident sustained when arriving home late from a local hostelry. In any event, his widow took steps to secure his assets. Advertisements to this effect appeared in the Londonderry Journal for several weeks after his death.

The notice of his death in the Dublin Evening Journal of Feb 3rd, 1778, reads:

Deaths Near Rathmelton, the Rev. Dr. Wilder, formerly a fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.

The notices in the Londonderry Journal read:

The Inhabitants of Tully and Aughnish, in the County of Donegal, who are indebted to the Heirs of the late Dr. Wilder for Rent, Tythes, &c. are desired to pay the same immediately to Mr. John Delap of Rathmelton. - 16th Feb 1778 Letitia Wilder

and

A Caution Those who are indebted to the Rev. Dr. Theaker Wilder, of Grovehall, near Rathmelton, in the County of Donegal, deceased, by Bond, Note or otherwise, are desired not to pay any Person but me, his Widow, who purposes to administer immediately, or to my Lawful Attorney; and those who can give information of any of his Effects that may be secreted to Mr. Smyth, No. 8, William-street, Dublin, or to me at Mr Robert Nesbet's, Rathmelton, shall be rewarded. Given under my hand this 1st Day of February, 1778 Letitia Wilder