From Bohillion, Newtoncunningham to Lewis Street, Londonderry…

Ferris Row was located just off Bishop Street in Londonderry and was the birthplace of my great grand aunt, Mary Wilson.  Known as Minnie, she was born on 7 Jan 1865 to Thomas Wilson, a carpenter; and Margaret Norry.  Minnie was the eldest of thirteen children and sister to Thomas Wilson, my great grandfather.

On 20 Dec 1870 in the First Derry Presbyterian Church Minnie was married to John Alexander Hunter of Toulette, Burt, Co. Donegal.  Thomas Godfrey and Amelia Short witnessed their union.  The marriage record revealed that John Alexander’s father was also John, a labourer.  With further research I discovered that his mother was Matilda McDonald, she too was from Donegal.

John was born on 7 May 1857 in Bohillion, Newtoncunningham, Co. Donegal, and baptized in the Newtoncunningham Presbyterian Church.  He was one of at least six children that I’ve discovered so far.  The Newtoncunningham Presbyterian Church Communicants’ Roll book revealed that John Alexander attended the Church.  On 21 Oct 1883 it showed that he had left the Church and was a parishioner at the Greenock Presbyterian Church in Greenock, Scotland.  I can only assume that he went to Scotland to find work.  The Communicants’ Roll Book also revealed that he became a member of Derry First Presbyterian Church in Jun 1887, shortly after his marriage to Minnie.

The newlyweds took up residence in Londonderry, initially living in Marlborough Park; where their first son William was born in 1888.  By 1890 and the birth of their second son David the family was living on Lewis Street.  Lewis Street is where many of my Wilson, Beattie’s and extended family lived for over a century.  With the birth of their third son the family is found living on Creggan Road; another street in Londonderry where many of my ancestors lived.

John and Minnie had several more children; six of which I have been able to find.  As there is a “gap” in births between 1890 and 1897, I believe there are more children to be found on this particular Twisted Limb of my family tree.

The 1901 Census showed that the family was still living on Creggan Road and John was working as a “Dock Labourer”.  At this point in time their house was full; as his sister in laws, Maggie Wilson and Elizabeth Diver, along with Elizabeth’s two children were living with the family.  By 1911 the family was once again living on Lewis Street; where they remained until their deaths.

In 1918 at the age of sixty one with his daughter Mary by his side John, a “Watchman on the Quay”; passed away from “Rheumatic Paraplegia”; three years certified.  He, like many of my family; is interred at the Derry City Cemetery on Lone Moor Road, Londonderry.

“In the end, we’ll all become stories” Margaret Attwood.

Not Just A Chamber Maid…

Matilda (Tillie) Graham Sweeney was one of ten children born to John Sweeney & Matilda Graham of Garrowcarry, Edenacarnan, Co. Donegal.  She was also a granddaughter of James Baxter Sweeney and Fanny Robinson, who were my 2^nd great grandparents; of Garryharry, Co. Donegal.

Tillie was born on 17 May 1905; she was the 7^th child and the 3^rd daughter in the family.  In 1911 the Census revealed that she was a scholar and living at 16 Garrowcarry with her parents and eight of her siblings.  Her older brother Alexander had died prior to the census being taken. 

Not much is known about Tillie’s life between 1911 and 1929 when I discovered her on the Caledonia’s Ships Manifest.  On 6 Apr 1929 Tillie departed Londonderry; her destination… Philadelphia, USA.  After ten days at sea the Manifest of Alien Passengers for the United States recorded her arrival on 16 Apr 1929.  Two of Tillie’s brothers immigrated to the USA as well; however it’s unclear yet if they made the journey before or after Tillie left Ireland.

Tillie “disappeared” off the grid again until 13 Nov 1935 when I unearthed the U.S. Naturalization Records Indices.  At the age of thirty, and just over six years after her arrival in Pennsylvania; she became a citizen of the U.S.A.   The record revealed that she was living at 8240 Crittenden Street, Philadelphia, PA.

On 4 Sep 1937, two years after being naturalized and eight and a half years after leaving her homeland; Tillie was once again onboard the Caledonian traveling from Londonderry to Philadelphia via New York.  It would seem she was returning from her first trip “back home” since she emigrated.  The record shows she was living on Chestnuthill, Pennsylvania.  The Ships Manifest and List of US Citizens revealed she arrived back in New York on Sept 13, 1937.

The 1940 US Census revealed that Tillie was a Chamber Maid for the “well to do” Dick Family; and had been working for them since at least 1935.  The record also showed that she had worked for 72 hours the prior week and had earned $884 US Dollars that year.  Her salary was the equivalent of $14,826.70 today; a paltry sum when working 72 hour work weeks.

For reasons that I will never know Tillie remained single for the duration of her life.  The US Social Security Death Indices recorded that she passed away in the Fall of 1971.  Her last known residence was 19117 Elkins Park, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA.

Matilda Graham Sweeney was not only a Chamber Maid; she was a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter and aunt; she had family who loved her.  I will always wonder if her life was as she had hoped; I will remember her.

I am bound to them…

…though I cannot look into their eyes or hear their voices.

I honor their history

I cherish their lives

I will tell their story

I will remember them!

Author – Unknown

A Preponderance of the Evidence!

Several months ago, upon obtaining burial records for my 2^nd great grandfather, Thomas Wilson; I discovered he was born in Burt, Co. Donegal.  The record also revealed that his parents, and my 3^rd great grandparents; were William and Cherry Wilson!  Cherry seemed like a rather unusual name to me, especially for someone born in the very early 1800s; a “nick name” perhaps?  A few months later “Mr. WUGS” was able to provide me with baptism information for Thomas from the Burt Presbyterian Church.  That particular record showed that Cherry’s maiden name was Lynch and the Wilson’s lived in Carrowreagh, Burt!  Now I had another Twisted Limb to follow; namely my Lynch ancestors!

Initially, I believed that this was the first time the Lynch surname appeared in my tree (of over 5000 ancestors so far); however, I was wrong!  Thomas Lynch Hunter is my 1^st cousin twice removed; his mother is one of my great grand aunts and he is Cherry Lynch’s great grandson.  I had always realized that the name Lynch had to be a family surname; however, up until this point I had not known its origin.

My next step – find more of my Lynch/Wilson family in Burt, Co. Donegal!  How difficult could it be; after all, Burt isn’t very big.  Cherry and my Lynch ancestors should be easily found since she had such an uncommon Christian name.  Or so I thought!

In the 1901 Census of Ireland I discovered that there were three people with the Lynch surname and four Wilsons living in Burt.  The 1911 census revealed that there were now two people with the Lynch name and five Wilsons.  Since William and Cherry Wilson were already long deceased I had to expand my search and work “backwards” (or sideways) so to speak!  I needed to find a way to confirm that these families were in fact mine!

In the 1901 census residing at 18 Toulett, Burt, I found Samuel Wilson Porter living with his father James; who was the head of the family and widowed.  Also living with Samuel and his father was his brother John “a lunatic”, and a domestic servant by the name of Margaret Coll.  The 2^nd last entry in the census, the name that got my attention; was Ellen Wilson –spinster and sister in law!  Hmmm… now I know that James Porter had married a Wilson.  I will be eternally grateful that Ellen never married and still carried her maiden name!

The Church Marriage Record for James Porter, a farmer, of “Toolitte” disclosed that he had married Catherine Wilson of Coshquin, daughter of George; on 23 Aug 1855.  Andrew Wilson & Mary Wilson witnessed their union at the Second Derry (Strand) Presbyterian Church in Londonderry.  Catherine passed away in 1899 at the age of 75; based on this particular fact and her approximate birth year it might suggest that Catherine was a sibling of my 3^rd great grandfather William Wilson!  If so, then is George my 4^th great grandfather? Much more research is required for this particular Twisted Limb.

Interestingly, the 1901 census recorded the residents of a house at 16 Toulett, Burt – the Lynch family!  Robert, a farmer and his wife Matilda along with their eighteen year old son Samuel George resided right next door to the Wilsons!  Sadly, by the time the 1911 census was taken Matilda Lynch was deceased – Robert and his son Samuel George were now living in 14 Toulett, Burt.

The Civil Birth Record for Samuel George Lynch showed that he was the son of Robert Lynch and Matilda Hall of Ture, Kilderry, Co. Donegal.  Now, with another family address I have one more clue in my never ending search for my “dead people”!

A preponderance of the evidence would suggest that these families are connected to one another and definitely mine!  However, I have much more research to do in order to cite and source the records before “claiming” the families as my own and moving back one more generation!

Just another “Crooked Branch” to follow in my ever expanding tree!

Lived in Coleraine and Buried in Ballymoney…

He was the eldest son of William Murdock and Jane McDougall, one of ten; and the only one born in Scotland.  Alexander was my great grand uncle, brother of Thomas Murdock, my great grandfather.

Alexander was born on 24 June 1873 in 14 Inverskip Street, Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland; a small village on the banks of the Clyde.  In the 1500’s Greenock mainly focused on fishing; later becoming largely involved in shipbuilding.  In the very early 1700’s it was a main port; and by the year 1850 there were over 400 sugar ships docking at Greenock, which had set up over fourteen sugar refineries.  It was in one of these sugar refineries that his father William worked as a labourer in 1873.

By May 1875 William, Jane and Alexander had left Scotland and returned to live in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim.  Records from the First Ballymoney Presbyterian Church in 1891 show the family living on John Street; with Alexander working at Kennedy’s and his father working as a Railway Porter.

On 16 November 1894, at the Drumreagh Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney; Alexander married Sarah Anne Crawford.  Rev. S. Wallace joined the two in holy matrimony; their union was witnessed by the bride’s sister Ellen Crawford and Frank Bouthart.  The record reveals at the time the couple were married Alexander was a Railway Porter and his father William a Labourer.  Sarah Anne’s father, Robert, was a weaver by trade.

It is unclear where the couple lived immediately after their marriage.  The 1901 Census of Ireland finds Sarah (married) living at 2 Seacon Moore, Seacon, Co. Antrim.  She was living with her children at the home of her sister Martha J. Crawford along with two more of her siblings; Lizzie & Ellen.  Strangely, Alexander is nowhere to be found!

Once again, the 1911 Census of Ireland revealed that the couple wasn’t living in the same home.  Sarah, along with her children; was living at the home of her sister Elizabeth Crawford and two of her siblings Martha Jane and Ellen.  The record also revealed she had been married for “16 years”; indicating the couple was still married.  I then discovered Alexander, working as a carter; listed at the home of his father in Mount Street, Coleraine.  Was Alexander just visiting or was he living with his parents and extended family?  Alexander signed the Ulster Covenant on 28 Sep 1912 and once again his address was recorded as Coleraine.

No further records for Alexander were to be found until 28 Feb 1924!  Alexander Murdock of Coleraine passed away in the “Asylum in Derry” from “Enteric Fever”; better known as Typhoid Fever.  In an article by Professor W. James Wilson, M.D., D.Sc. entitled “Typhoid Fever in Northern Ireland” it states:  “Ireland in the past century suffered severely from typhus fever and relapsing fever, and in many parts enteric fever claimed a large number of victims.”

Sadly, it would seem that my great grand uncle Alexander was one of its unfortunate victims.  Once again he returned to Ballymoney; he is interred at the Knock Road Cemetery along with his parents.

Jane Johnston – My 2^nd Great Aunt or… Is She?

A daughter, sister, wife and mother – Jane Johnston was born about 1854 in Lough Eske, Co. Donegal.  Jane is one of six children born to John Johnston and Isabella Smyth – OR is she!  Her older “sister” Catherine is my 2^nd great grandmother.

Parish records reveal that Jane Johnston of Ardnableask married William Elvin of Castlenavean, Stranrolar on 16 Mar 1875 in the Donegal Church of Ireland.   The Marriage Record shows that John Beattie and George, whose name is illegible; witnessed the couples union.  William’s father was recorded as James Elvin; however, Jane’s father was recorded as “Johnston” his first name was not given!

Jane and William’s married life began in Donegal, by 12 Mar 1876, and the birth of their first daughter, Mary Jane; they were living on the Lower Road in Londonderry.  Records indicate they were living at the home of Jane’s sister and brother in law; John and Catherine Chambers.  In 1879 and the birth of their second and third children (Elizabeth and John James) the family still resided on Lower Road; records confirming that the “occupier” was still John Chambers.

Sometime between the birth of their son, John James, on 24 Dec1879 and his death on 29 Jun 1881 the couple and their small family had moved to Scotland.  John James, their third child was born in Londonderry and sadly passed away in the small town of Calder, Scotland.  “Calder can be found in West Lothian, Scotland, and is located four miles west of Livingston.  In the 19^th and 20^th Centuries it was an important centre for the oil shale economy.”

It would seem, as many had during that period in time; the family had moved to Scotland in order for William to secure work.  The 1881 Census of Scotland disclosed the family was living at 41 Close in the village of Calder, and William was working as a labourer in the iron works.

In October of 1881, a few short months after the death of John James, Jane gave birth to their fourth daughter Isabella.  Their family continued to grow with the birth of their second son, and fifth child; Joseph in June 1884.  Once again the family suffered another death – sadly, Joseph too died in infancy in March 1886.

Baptismal Records from St. Columb’s Cathedral, for their sixth child and fourth daughter – Margaret, dated 11 Nov 1888; confirm that once again the family had returned to Londonderry.  At this point in time the family was living on Nailors Row with William working as a labourer.  The family was complete in 1891 with the birth of their last child – another daughter named Catherine; she too was baptized at St. Columb’s Cathedral.

On 27 Apr 1892 tragedy struck the Elvin family once again.  William passed away at 113 William Street, Londonderry in the presence of his brother in law, John Chambers; with whom the family was still living.  His death record indicates his cause of death was “disease of kidneys & albuminuria”.  It would seem that the males in the particular line of the Elvin were not destined to live long lives.

At the time the 1901 Census of Ireland was taken Jane and her daughters were living in 15 Argyle Terrace.  An article in the Derry journal, published on 27 Mar 1903; entitled “Sales of House Property in the City” stated “Three new houses of six apartments each and scullery, situate Nos. 28, 30, and 32, Argyle-terrace, were purchased by Mrs. Jane Elvin, Mrs. Sherrard and Mr. Patrick Woods respectively at £200 each.”  28 Argyle Terrace is that home that Jane remained in until her death.

On 15 Jun 1940 Jane passed away in her home on Argyle Terrace; her nephew Alexander Love (my great grandfather) of 47 Abercorn Road was present.  Her death record noted her death was due to “a cerebral haemorrhage due to arterio sclerosis due to senility”.  Jane, along with her husband William and daughter Isabella; is interred in the Derry City Cemetery.

Some mystery surrounds Jane.  Although I, and several distant cousins; have searched for her Birth and Baptism Records … none are to be found.  Approximately fourteen years separate her assumed birth year and that of her closest sibling.  Her father’s Christian name is not on her Marriage Record – which may or may not be relevant.  Although I have acquired a lot of information on Jane, much more remains to be found on this particular Twisted Limb.

“In the end, we’ll all become stories” Margaret Attwood.

Born in Londonderry to parents from Stranorlar and Lough Eske, Donegal…

A  Birth Notice published in the Derry Journal on 15 Mar 1876 stated; “Elvin – March 12, at the Middle-road, Derry, the wife of Mr. William Elvin of a daughter.”  Mary Jane Elvin is my 1^st cousin 3x removed, eldest daughter and one of seven; born to Jane Johnston of Ardnableask and William Elvin of Cashelnavean, Donegal.  Mary Jane’s mother and my second great grandmother, Catherine Johnston Chambers; were siblings.

Mary was baptized on 25 Apr 1876 in Christ Church Londonderry.  The record reveals her father William was a labourer and the family was living in the Lower Road, Londonderry.  In finding the 1881 Scottish Census Record it was discovered that Mary was living with her parents and siblings in 49 Close, Old Monkland, Lanarkshire; it would seem her father had moved the family there for work opportunities.  Two of her siblings, Isabella and Joseph, were born in Old Monkland.  By the birth of her next sibling, Margaret, confirmed by the Baptism Record from St. Columb’s Cathedral; the family had once again returned to Londonderry and was living on Nailor’s Row.

Sadly, Mary’s father, William Elvin; died at the young age of forty two when the family was living at 113 William Street.  The 1901 Census finds Mary, working as a “Machinist”; along with her mother and siblings living in 15 Argyle Terrace – this particular Twisted Limb of my family seemed to move often.

On 9 Sept 1901 Mary Jane was moving once again.  The Ship’s Manifest for the Moravian from London, England to Sydney, New South Wales discovers Mary traveling to Australia to live with her paternal uncle, Samuel Elvin; and his wife Jemima.  The Australian Electoral Rolls in 1908 show Mary, a dressmaker; living on Juliette Street, Coorparoo, Oxley, Queensland.

On 14 Mar 1910 Mary was again making an ocean voyage on board the S.S. Pericles making a trip “back home”.  The Pericles had stops in both Sydney and Melbourne enroute to Freemantle; however, it never made it!

“Just after noon on 31 March 1910, five days after leaving Melbourne, the Pericles passed White Topped Rocks, with the coast about five miles to starboard. At 3.32 p.m., in clear weather and with good visibility, the steamer travelling at 14 knots struck an uncharted rock near St Alouarn Islet, 6.5 km south-east of Cape Leeuwin.  It passed over the rock, but the damage to the forward plates was so great that within three minutes there were 5 m of water in the forward hold. The chief engineer, W.L. Robertson, and his crew worked waist deep in water attempting to shore up bulkheads and keep the pumps going.

The steamer Strathfillan was steaming southwards to the west of the Pericles at the time but, despite turning his vessel broadside on to the Strathfillan and blowing the whistle and flying distress signals, Captain Simpson could not attract its attention.  He therefore ordered the passengers and crew to abandon ship, which was carried out in an orderly manner within 25 minutes.”

Passengers were helped into lifejackets and then into fourteen lifeboats, which were rowed towards the shore where fires had been lit by the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse staff to guide them to the best landing place in Sarge Bay.  An officer could not be put in command of each boat, as that would have left none to look after the launching of later boats. Several of the officers who had stayed behind and only boarded the last boat therefore jumped overboard and swam to those boats which were without a responsible person in charge. All passengers and crew were saved, but the one-eyed ship’s cat, Nelson, was drowned.  The ship drifted with the swell and south-east wind for a short while before going down by the bow, canting to starboard at the same time. All the boats landed during daylight except the last, that containing the captain, who had stayed behind close to his ship until it had sunk.  This boat did not reach shore until 7.00 p.m.

The steamship Monaro took most of the passengers to Fremantle the day after the wrecking, embarking them from the Flinders Bay Jetty during rough weather in what was described as a fine example of seamanship.  Some thirty or so passengers elected to make their way overland to Fremantle. (http://museum.wa.gov.au)

On 14 May 1910 the Ship’s Manifest for the Orsova shows Mary arriving in London, England making her way back to Ireland.  In the 1911 Census of Ireland she was working as a “Ladies Maid” to Sarah Edith Williams of 1 Derry More, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh.  In Feb 1913, and the birth of her son; Mary is working as a dressmaker; and is living in 166 Falkner Street, Liverpool, England.  Mary had moved once again.

From the late 1920’s to 1940, and her retirement; Mary was employed as a “Ladies Companion” to Miss Margaret Riddel Duffin of “Ardna Valley House”, Shawsbridge.  Mary was obviously not afraid to travel by sea after her experience on the Pericles; the ships manifest for the City of Calcutta revealed that once again Mary was traveling.  On 23 Dec 1920, as a companion to Miss Duffin; Mary was enroute to Bombay, Karachi, India.  The Manifest recorded that the “Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence” was India.  It’s not clear why or when Mary returned to Ireland as I have yet to unearth the Manifest for her return trip.

At the age of seventy nine, on 17 Aug 1955 from “Cerebral Thrombosis”, Mary Elvin an “Old Age Pensioner” of Killybready, Limavady passed away at the Roe Valley Hospital; M.H. Graham was present at her death.  Based on oral family history; after her retirement, Mary had been living with her niece Pearl in Limavady.

Mary’s life appeared to have been interesting, one which included much international travel.  I still wonder – was it everything she hoped it would be?  Mary is another family member who has claimed a little piece of my heart!

From Duke Street to Kammel, Belgium and Back…

Born on 18 Mar 1895 he was the fourth son and seventh child of nine born to Samuel Starrett and Ellen Neely Beattie.  William, most commonly known as Willie; is my 1^st cousin 2x removed.  His mother, Ellen, is my great grand aunt and sister to my great grandmother Charlotte.

Willie was born, and spent the first years of his life; at 1 Derry View Terrace where the family resided.  Sometime between Dec 1898, the birth of his brother Edward; and the 1901 Census being recorded the family had moved to 25 Spencer Road; where they still lived in 1911.  On 28 Sep 1912, and the signing of the Ulster Covenant, I discovered Willie, a printer; had noted his address as 34 Spencer Road.  This little tidbit of information I found quite interesting; and upon researching the 1911 Census Record for 34 Spencer Road found a Hunter family!  It would seem I had discovered another Twisted Limb of my Hunter/Wilson family line!

After unearthing a Military Record, entitled “Proceedings on Discharge”, I discovered Willie, at the young age of nineteen; had enlisted with the 9^th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 8 Sep 1914.  These records confirmed that he was a printer by trade and once again showed his home address as 25 Duke Street.

An article published in the Londonderry Journal on 22 Sep 1916 stated: “Mr. Samuel Starritt, 25, Duke Street, has been notified that his son, Private William Starritt, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has arrived at an English hospital from France.  Private Starritt enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the war.”

A “Medical Report on an Invalid”, from the Ontario Military Hospital, Kent, England; dated 3 Aug 1917 revealed that on 29 Apr 1917 in Kammel, Belgium Willie was injured.  “Patient stated that a piece of shrapnel struck his left hand, causing much damage to his ring and little fingers.  At the same time he received a GSW to his upper lip which is now healed completely.  He was taken at once to the 53^rd Field Ambulance where his wounds were dressed and the ring and little fingers amputated above the metacarpo-phalanged joint.”  The noted “opinion as to the causation of the disability” indicated “G.S.W. Left Hand” caused by “active service in presence of the enemy”.

The record also revealed that Willie had several ailments.  His respiratory system and expansion of his lungs was somewhat “deficient”; he also suffered from chronic bronchitis.  The record goes on to state: “Ring and middle fingers of left hand missing.  Middle finger partially flexed and bound down by contracted scar tissue.  Wound on ulna border of hand almost healed. Slight discharge from small area on surface.  Patients condition not likely to improve appreciably”.

Accounts show that Willie was of “Very Good Military Character – A very good man who served his country well and was wounded in its defenses”.  He was of “fresh complexion”, 5’ 10 ½” tall with grey eyes and light brown hair.  On 22 Aug 1917 and only 21 years of age Willie received a medical discharge.

Willie’s life, like many of his siblings; was not to be a long one.  At 25 Duke Street on 3 Mar 1919 and in the presence of his brother Samuel, Willie passed away.  His Death Record revealed that he suffered from chronic pleurisy for two years and six months and septic pneumonia for nine days.

Private William Starrett of the 9^th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers is interred at the Glendermott Church of Ireland Graveyard.  He is Remembered with Honour and Commemorated in Perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission.  He is also commemorated on the Diamond War Memorial located in the Diamond in Londonderry.

A Memorial published by his family on the first anniversary of his death read:

“One year ago to-day the voice we loved was stilled
And in our hearts remain a place
That never can be filled
Someday we’ll hear that voice again
Someday we’ll see his smile
If only we wait in patience here
For just a little while”

Willie is another member of my family whom I have never met – one I will never forget – one who has stolen a little piece of my heart.

Mr. Alfred Beattie of Lewis Street, Derry…

“Mr. Alfred Beattie (59) of Lewis Street, Derry has been missing from his home since Wednesday last and considerable anxiety prevails as to his whereabouts. Mr. Beattie, who is unmarried, lived with his sister, Mrs. Wilson, and is a well known Derryman. He was last seen about six o’clock on Wednesday evening last. The matter has been reported to the police, who are making inquiries with the object of trying to ascertain his whereabouts, but up to the present there has been no news of him.” Published in the Derry Journal on 6 February 1929.

Alfred was born in Fountain Place on 17 Jul 1868 in the City of Londonderry; he was the fifth son and eight child of ten born to James Beattie and Rebecca McCadden. He is my great grand uncle and a brother to Charlotte Wilson (nee Beattie), my great grandmother.

Little is known of Alfred until 1893 when I discovered the death record for his sister Rebecca. Her death registration revealed that Alfred was with her at time of death; at their parents’ residence at 81 Marlborough Park.

The 1901 Census record finds Alfred, a Cooper; living at 52 Creggan Road with his widowed mother, two of his brothers and his niece Millie. By the time the 1911 Census was taken Alfred, who never married; was still living with his brothers and mother – still in Creggan Road, but now at number 81.

Alfred disappeared off the radar once again until 8 Feb 1915 when I unearthed a Short Service Attestation. “Oath To Be Taken By Recruit on Attestation” – “Alfred Beattie, swears by Almighty God, that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to His Majesty King George the Fifth, His Heirs, and Successors, and that I will as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, in Person, Crown, and Dignity against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs, and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me. So help me God.” Interestingly the record shows that Alfred was thirty three years of age at the time he enlisted… in fact, he was forty six!

In a document entitled “Certificate of Trade Proficiency” it confirmed that Alfred was a Cooper. Details from an examination by a “Civilian Tradesman” stated, “I certify that I have tested the Recruit Alfred Beattie and find him to be Very Good Cooper.” The same document disclosed that “he had been seventeen years employed as a Cooper with Messrs. D. Watt Distillers, Ltd. in Londonderry.”

His Military Medical History revealed “Sapper Alfred Beattie of the Royal Engineers, Regimental No. 64259 was five feet six inches in height and weighed nine stone. On 18 Mar 1915 another Medical record divulged that he was “unfit for General Service, RE Depot.” The documentation also demonstrated that Alfred had been enlisted before. Although I have not found any other Military Records for him; his Attestation Record has given me a clue – two previous Regimental Numbers! It would seem much more information remains to be discovered about Alfred’s Military history.

By 9 Jan 1918 and after numerous assessments and internal memos between Alfred and the Ministry of Pensions; I uncovered that he was receiving a weekly pension of 27/6 shillings for four weeks. The amount was then reduced to 16/6 shillings which was to be reviewed after an additional 26 weeks. Disability notation on the record stated: “Injury to fingers”. After further research more details were uncovered which validated that Alfred’s injury was incurred while on leave as he was disembarking from a tram car! It’s unclear if Alfred worked again as a Cooper after his Military Medical Discharge.

Alfred, a bachelor; who lived with his sister Charlotte was reported missing on 30 Jan 1929. A subsequent article published in the Derry Journal on 8 Mar 1929 entitled, “Derry Panic, Alarm About Water Following Reservoir Discovery, Citizen Trek to Springs” declared, “Something in the nature of a panic has been caused among householders in several parts of the city by news of the discovery of the dead body of a man in one of the reservoirs at Creggan. The man, Alfred Beatty, aged 59, of Lewis Street, was missing since 30th January. On Wednesday his body was found by Wm. Hutchinson, caretaker at the reservoir. It was floating a few yards from the edge of the basin.”

An Inquest was held on 6 Mar 1929 by John Tracy Esq., Coroner for Derry City; stating that Alfred had drowned in the Creggan Reservoir. I will never know for sure his actual date of death; he had been missing for over a month.

Such a sad and lonely way to die – not all stories have happy endings! Like so many others, my 2nd great uncle Alfred is someone I will never forget.

President of the Amalgamated Union of Cabinetmakers…

On 5 June 1875 at the Second Derry (Strand) Presbyterian Church, in the presence of Margaret Wilson and Thomas Cooper, David Norrie and Annie Short (nee Cooper, a widow) were united in Marriage.  David, a “cabinetmaker” is one of six children that I am currently aware of, born to Robert Norry and Mary MacFarland – he is also my 3^rd great uncle.  At this point in time I have been unable to locate David’s birth record, so his year of birth remains a mystery.  Judging by his siblings birthdates I would make an educated guess that he was born circa 1845.  Unfortunately, the dates on the documents that I have discovered for my 3^rd great uncle are contradictory at best.

On 3 April 1876 at Bridge Street, Derry City their first son and seemingly only child David was born.  Information is rather sparse on David senior until 28 June 1897 – on Monday 28 June 1897 the Derry Journal reported:

Inquest At The Memorial Hall.

An inquest was held on Friday by Mr. Thomas Lindsay, coroner, in the Memorial Hall, Derry, on the body of Annie Norry, wife of David Norry, the caretaker, who had been found dead in bed the previous evening.  Sergeant Dobson represented the constabulary, and from the evidence it appeared that Mrs. Norry had been in her usual health on Thursday, but complained of fatigue in the afternoon.  At two o’clock she was helped to bed by Mrs. Peoples, who was assisting to clean the Hall after the Jublilee celebration.  From this until six o’clock, when her son, David Henry Norry, returned from his work, she was not seen, and on young Mr. Norry going upstairs to inquire as to the condition of his mother’s health he found her lying in bed apparently dead.  He immediately ran out for his father, and subsequently Dr. Thos. MacLaughlin was sent for, but his services were of no avail, as he found life extinct.  Mrs. Norry had been in weak health for some time past, the result of a severe attack of influenza, and from the appearance the body presented Dr. MacLaughlin formed the opinion that the woman had died from convulsions.  The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.”

On 25 June 1897 T. Lindsay, Esq., Coroner for Londonderry filed Annie’s death record indicating her cause of death was from “Convulsions – Instantaneous”.  Annie a resident of Society Street is interred at the Derry City Cemetery.

It would seem that I was destined to find out much about David’s life by reading the archives of the Derry Journal.  On the 13 September 1897 the Derry Journal reported:  “The Amalgamated Union of Cabinetmakers recently held their annual excursion to Termone. Leaving Derry at seven a.m. in waggonettes supplied by the Imperial Hotel, the long drive passed pleasantly, and on their arrival at Termone the members enjoyed a plunge and then a ramble over the rocks along the shore.  Dinner was served in Mr. James Elkin’s in capital style.  After dinner Mr. David Norrie, president of the branch, gave the toasts of “Success to the branch” and ‘Prosperity to the trade in Derry.”  The toasts were responded to by Mr. George Murray and Mr. Jas. Howatson, representing respective local firms.  A programme of sports, including football match, tug of-war, flat races, &c., was carried out on the warren, at the conclusion of which tea was served, and the home journey commenced.  Under the management of Messrs. D. Norrie, S. Anderson, G. Forman, G. Murray, J. Godfrey, T. Colhoun, J. Craig, and R.  Kerr, the outing went through most successfully.” 

A Marriage announcement published in the Derry Journal on 8 December 1897 revealed:  “Norrie & Boarland – December 2, at St. Augustine’s Church, Londonderry, by Rev. William Cowan, David Norrie, Londonderry, to Isabella (Bella), eldest daughter of Daniel Boarland, Ballybegley, Newtowncunningham.”  Further research disclosed – on 2 December 1897 David Norry (Widow) was united in Marriage with Isabella Boreland at St. Augustine’s Church of Ireland.  Thomas Wilson, David’s brother in law and my 2^nd great grandfather; along with Mary J. Boreland, the bride’s sister, witness their union at St. Augustine’s Church of Ireland, the Wee Church on the Walls.  David had remarried just six short months after Annie’s death.

David and Isabella had three children together between the years 1899 and 1902 – sadly their second daughter died a few short weeks after her birth.  Tragedy seemed to follow this particular line of my family as on 18 Oct 1904 Isabella Norrie of the “Memorial Hall, Society Street” passed away at the young age of forty two.  She, like David’s first wife Annie, is interred at the Derry City Cemetery.  Her headstone reads: “Erected by her daughters”. 

David a cabinet maker of the Memorial Hall, Society Street, Londonderry died on 23 May 1913 at home from “Bronchitis and Heart Failure, 2 days certified”.  His son David Henry Norrie was present at his death.  Like his wives and daughter my 3^rd great uncle David is buried at the Derry City Cemetery.  May They Rest In Peace!

Starrett of Derryview Terrace…

“On Friday a very sad burning fatality occurred at the Waterside, resulting in the death of a little girl eight years old, daughter of Samuel and Ellen Starrett, of Derryview-terrace, Waterside, lately of Rosemount…”

Born in Marlborough Park, Londonderry in January of 1886 she is second daughter and third child of nine born to Samuel Starrett and Ellen Beattie.  Her name is May Louisa Starrett and she is my 1^st cousin 2x removed; her mother and my great grandmother were siblings.

“…Mr. Starrett is employed as a machinist in the Journal Office, which necessitates him being at work all night.  After he had gone to bed on Friday morning his wife had occasion to go to Rosemount to see some friends, and left the children downstairs in the kitchen, where there was a fire burning in the range.  The little girl, it appears (who was in her night-dress), reached forward either to close or open the damper of the range, when the nigh-dress caught on fire.  The screams of the child awoke the father, who hurried downstairs, and with all haste extinguished the flames, getting very badly burned himself about the arms and face in his efforts.”

On 23 Aug 1882 in Christ Church Church of Ireland Londonderry Samuel Starrett and Ellen Beattie were joined in wedlock by Rev. Francis Lewis Riggs.  Their union was witnessed by Joseph Edward Woods and Mary Anne Beattie, the bride’s sister.

“The child had an inside flannel wrapper on at the time, and this becoming ignited as well as the night-dress the poor child was horribly burned from the toes to the head.  Dr. M’Caul was sent for, and did all he could to alleviate the child’s sufferings, but the injury was of such a serious nature that it gradually sank, and died in great agony a couple or three hours after the accident.  Great sympathy is felt for the parents, who are naturally much distressed about the accident, and are very highly respected in the neighbourhood.”

After their marriage Samuel and Ellen initially lived in Marlborough Terrace where their first six children were born.  By 1895 and the birth of their seventh child the family was living in Derryview Terrace.

The Inquest…

“On Saturday morning an inquest was held at Derryview-terrace, the residence of the deceased’s father, before Mr. Thomas Lindsay, Coroner, and the following jury: –

James Irwin (foreman), Denis Bradley, Robert M’Cullagh, Henry Doherty, Edward Logue, John Archibald, Patrick Brolly, Joseph Gormley, Patrick Harkin, Samuel C. Donnell, John Donnell, and Thomas Watts.

Head-Constable Funston and Sergeant O’Hagan were also present.

Ellen Starrett, mother of the deceased, May Louisa Starrett, said about a quarter to eight the previous morning she went to Rosemount.  She left three of the children in the kitchen all right and the eldest, Daisy, in bed with her father.  The deceased was in the kitchen with Samuel, the oldest boy, and the baby.  When she came back at ten minutes to nine o’clock the deceased was burned black.  She was not dead then.  Witness had been in Derry four times before she died.  Dr. M’Caul had been sent for and was present when the deceased died.  Her little brother tried to get assistance, but could not get the passage door open.  Deceased’s nails were burned off her fingers she was so long burning.  When witness came home her husband met her at the door and told her what had occurred.  He was burned about the face and arms.”

Deceased’s father was too ill to be examined.

Samuel Starrett jun., a very intelligent boy, who was in the kitchen at the time of the unfortunate occurrence, was not sworn, but stated the deceased was in the kitchen, and in reaching over to pull out the damper in the range her nigh-dress took fire.  Witness made to run upstairs to tell his father but could not get the passage door open.  When he did manage to get the door open and call to his father the deceased was in flames.  His father on coming down caught the deceased in his arms and put out the flames.  Witness brought down some blankets, which were put round the deceased.

Mrs. M’Closkey, a neighbor, deposed to being called in and finding the deceased badly burned.  Witness applied lard to the burns but the child expired about two o’clock.

Dr. M’Caul, who was called into see deceased, said about ten o’clock the previous day he saw her.  He found her hands, and almost the entire body, badly burned.  It took him nearly two hours to dress the burns.  The deceased died about two o’clock, the cause of death being shock to the nervous system, consequent on severe burns.

The jury returned a verdict accordingly.”  Published in the Derry Journal 22 Jan 1894

Three days before her eighth birthday, May Louisa died from a fatal burn in the kitchen of her family home in the presence of her father and brother Samuel.

Sadly, many of Samuel & Ellen’s children did not live into adult hood; those however, are stories for another day.

“Deaths:  Starrett – January 19, at her father’s residence, 1, Derryview-terrace, Waterside, Londonderry, May Louise, second daughter of Samuel Starrett, aged 8 years.  Her remains will be removed for interment in Glendermott Burying ground this (Monday) evening, 22^nd inst., at half-past two o’clock.”

May She Rest In Peace!

Mr. John Chambers, William Street, Derry…

An article published in the Derry Journal – Monday 19 November 1906 stated:   “On Friday Mr. John Chambers, William Street, Derry, died under painfully sudden circumstances.  He and some other men were standing at the junction of Fountain Street and Hawkin Street waiting to attend the funeral of Mr. John Alexander, Fountain Street, when his companions noticed him staggering, and he would have fallen had he not been caught by a man named George Laverty.  Robert Archibald, James Jackson, and M’Intyre, who also lent assistance, had him carried into the Fire Brigade Station.  Drs. M’Curdy and Brown were quickly summoned, but on arrival they pronounced life to be extinct.  The police then had the remains conveyed in the ambulance to the deceased’s residence.  Deceased was employed in Mr. Lynn’s coach-building factory in Great James Street for many years, where he was well-respected among his fellow employees as a decent, obliging man.”  

John was born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1840; his father was Daniel Chambers a printer.  On 19 May 1848 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Daniel, a widower and resident of Letterkenny, was united in a civil marriage with Mary Kelly of Letterkenny in the presence of Robert Strain & John Carson.  It would seem that John’s mother, whose name remains unknown to me, had died shortly after his birth.  John is my 2^nd great grandfather.

On 13 September 1870 John Chambers and Catherine Johnston were joined in marriage.  Their marriage was solemnized at St. Columb’s Cathedral, in the Parish of Templemore in Co. Londonderry; John Barr and Alicia Doherty witnessed their union.  The marriage certificate revealed that the couple resided in the City.  Their first daughter, and my great grandmother, Isabella was born on 26 Dec 1871 in Arnableask, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal.  It would seem that Catherine chose to go back to her birth place to give birth to her daughter.  By 1871 Isabella’s “Certificate of Successful Vaccination” divulged that the family was living at 9 Lower Road, Londonderry and John was a “Driver of Her Majesties Mail.”

As most families do, John and Catherine’s family grew.  Twin daughters, Catherine and Mary Ann, were born on 15 March 1874 in the Lower Road.  Family history indicates that John and Catherine had a son whom they adopted – another member of my family waiting to be found.

The 1901 Census of Ireland finds the family living at 64 William Street.  By then their daughter Catherine was married and living in Milltown, Tawnawully with her husband, Adam Bustard, and their young daughter Mary Jane.  On 5 October 1903, from their family home at 113 William Street, their eldest daughter and my great grandmother, Isabella married Johnston Alexander Love in the “Wee Church on the Walls” – St. Augustine’s.  Records confirm that John was working for Mr. Lynn’s Coach-building Factory in Great James Street in the City.

John’s death record disclosed that he “died from heart disease” and stated that “he died on the street at New Gate”.  It also revealed that his son in law, Mary Ann’s husband, “William Walker, was present at his death”.

“Chambers – November 16, suddenly, John Chambers, William Street, for over thirty years in the employment of Lynn & Co., coachbuilders.  Interment in the City Cemetery to-day (Monday), the 19^th inst, at half-past two o’clock.  Friends will please accept this the only intimation.”  Published in the Derry Journal – Monday 19 November 1906.

My 2^nd great grandfather leaves me with many questions – which currently remain unanswered!  My research on this particular Twisted Limb continues!

“In the end, we all become stories” – Margaret Attwood.

“Result of Accidental Burning…”

Once again I found myself exploring the British Newspaper Archives, specifically for Leah Love, when I came across a publication which, to me, was like a gift from the universe.

A death notice published in the Derry Journal on Wednesday 22 February 1882 stated: “LOVE – February 19, at her father’s residence, Rosemount, Derry, Sophia, the dearly beloved daughter of John and Leah Love, aged 7 years”.

She was a daughter, sister, niece and granddaughter – she is also my 2^nd great aunt.  Her parents John Love and Leah McLaughlin married on 3 May 1865 at the Killowen Church of Ireland in Coleraine.  The couple was joined in matrimony in the presence of John Gray and Richard Crossley.  Prior to finding the death notice of their daughter Sophia, I never knew she existed.  She is the eighth child and fifth daughter of eleven children, a sibling of my great grandfather Johnston Alexander Love.

Although her death notice indicated Sophia was seven at the time of her death, her death and burial records revealed that she was only six.  Thomas Lindsay, Coroner for Londonderry, noted that her death was the “result of an accidental burning”.  This little nugget of information sent me back to the British Newspaper Archives to search for a publication regarding an inquest.  I was not disappointed!

“An inquest was held by Mr. Lindsay on Monday on the body of a little girl named Sophia Love, daughter of John Love, of Rosemount, Derry, who met her death by burning.  Deceased’s mother was examined, and stated that between eight and nine o’clock on Saturday morning she left the little girl standing in front of the fire in her night-dress while she went to the front door.  Her attention was immediately afterwards attracted by the child’s screams, and on going back she found her night dress on fire.  She believed a spark or coal cinder must have come in contact with the dress and set it on fire.

Dr. M’Laughlin deposed that, acting for Dr. Corbett, he was called in to see the deceased on Saturday morning.  On visiting her he found her suffering from extensive burns, extending over right side of body and abdomen as far as the neck.  The right arm was also burned.  Deceased was suffering very much from the shock to the system at the time he saw her.  In his opinion death resulted from the shock to the system caused by the burns received.  Having heard all the evidence, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that Sophia Love died at Rosemount on the 19^th February, from the result of an accidental burning on the 18^th instant, and added that no blame was attached to any person.”

Sophia’s short life met with a tragic end – sorrowfully, she was not my only ancestor who died from an accidental burning at a very young age.

One hundred and thirty four years after her untimely death my 2^nd great aunt Sophia left me a sign!  For several years I have been trying to confirm that Sophia Love who died on 15 Feb 1826 in Drumachose, Co. Londonderry, the birth place of my 2^nd great grandfather, is my 4^th great grandmother.  There were many clues which led me to believe that Sophia of Drumachose was “mine” – I just needed a little more validation in my direct family line.  All of my 4^th great aunts and uncles have Christian names that have recurred through my family for decades– the name Sophia had only, to my knowledge, ever occurred once – she was the daughter of my 4^th great uncle Johnston Love.  Now the name has appeared in my direct line validating my belief!

Sophia, like her cousin,  was named after her great grandmother.  Thanks to her I have many more Twisted Limbs and Crooked Branches to follow.  Once again, the British Newspaper Archive has been a wealth of information, allowing me to find, cite and source my 5419th ancestor!

Like so many others – Sophia Love of 20 Lower Road, Londonderry is interred at the Derry City Cemetery.  Sadly, she is buried in “pauper’s ground”.

May She Rest In Peace!

Interred at the Western Necropolis in Maryhill, Glasgow…

She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and aunt – she is my third great aunt and sister to my 2^nd great grandfather William.  She was the third child and first daughter of six children born to John Murdock and Sarah MacMillan.

Sarah Jayne Murdoch was born on 12 May 1857 in my paternal home town of Ballymoney Co. Antrim.  Like many of my family before and after her, she was baptized in the First Ballymoney Presbyterian Church.  The Church is said to be the oldest building in the Borough having opened in 1777 – it is still in use today.

On 1 May 1883 at the Agherton Church of Ireland in Portstewart, Co. Londonderry in the presence of Samuel Gilmore and James McCurdy, Sarah Jayne Murdoch of Flowerfield, Portstewart was wed in Holy Matrimony to John Henry Burkhill, a labourer of Cappagh, Portstewart.  The Church Marriage Record confirmed her father was John Murdock, a labourer, as was John’s father William.  Sadly, Sarah Jayne’s mother had passed away before seeing her daughter marry.

Prior to her marriage, Sarah Jayne worked as a cook to Colonel, Lord and Lady Knox and Major and Mrs. Molyneux William Shuldham of Ballymulvey, Co. Longford.  Molyneux William Shuldham at the time held the office of Justice of the Peace and the office of Deputy Lieutenant.  Upon leaving their employ to marry, she pledged to call her first son Molyneux William Shuldham in memory of the couple’s son of the same name who died at a very young age.

Molyneaux William Shuldham Burkhill was born on 10 Feb 1884 in Burnside, Port Stewart and baptized in the Agherton Church of Ireland on 4 May 1884.  At some point between Molyneux’s birth and the birth of Herbert, their second son, the couple had relocated to England.  The 1891 Scottish Census revealed the family had grown once again; the couple had two daughters – Henrietta and Walterina.  The ever expanding family was now living at 64 Montgomerie Lane, Ardrossan, Ayrshire – an ancient town which can be found in a map of Scotland as early as the thirteenth century.

The 1901 Scottish Census disclosed that, yet again, the family had relocated and were now living at 46 Hutcheson Street, Maryhill, Lanarkshire.  They had another addition to their family – a daughter named Lillias.  Census records are a wealth of information and verified that two of Sarah Jayne’s nephews, Alexander and Archibald Murdock (the sons of her brother Alexander) were living with the family.  In 1911 the census documented Sarah Jayne and John living at 246 Main Street, Maryhill with their two youngest daughters along with Elizabeth McCafferty, a 14 year old domestic servant.

Described as a “strong and hearty man” John was a Steam Manager and Engine Man who was required to travel extensively throughout the British Isles due to his career.  Initially he worked for Lawson & Sons and later MacAlpine & Sons Contractors.

The 1903 Slater’s Royal National Directory of Scotland revealed another clue about Sarah Jayne and the life she led.  It stated: “Burkhill, Mrs. Sarah, refreshment rooms, 154 Wyndford Street, Maryhill.”  It is my understanding that the restaurant was funded solely by compensation received by John Henry after an accident at work where he lost both an arm and an eye.  This is a Twisted Limb that I will continue to follow to gain more clarification and verification.

Sadly, Sarah Jayne met with a violent and untimely demise.  A True Copy of Declaration made by The Reverend H. Otley Mayne, Vicar of St. John the Evangelist Church, stated (in part):  “After spending most of her life at Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland she was knocked down by a motorcycle and her skull was smashed on the 7 Nov 1926.  She was unconscious until she died the following morning.”  On 9 Nov 1926 a death notice published in the Lancashire Evening Post clarified her death and simply stated: “Sarah Murdoch, or Burkhill (69), who was knocked down by a motor cycle in Maryhill-road, Glasgow, died yesterday.”

My third great aunt Sarah Jayne Murdoch Burkhill is interred at the Western Necropolis in Maryhill, Glasgow.  In her remembrance, one day I hope to lay flowers on her grave.  May She Rest In Peace!

Note:  The two different spellings of Murdoch/Murdock are completely intentional.  To this day my various family lines spell it both ways!

From Stoneyford to Belfast and Back...

Mary Agnes Scott was born on 21 Jan 1867 in Knocknadona, Magheragall Parish, Co. Antrim.  She was the third child of ten born to Mary Agnes Hendren and Richard James Scott.  She is my paternal great grandmother.  Family history indicated, and records have since confirmed, that Richard was a long-established, wealthy and well respected farmer in the area.

My grandmother Lizzie told the story of Mary “running off to Belfast to avoid marrying a neighbouring farmer” – something that was apparently done “back in the day” in order to increase the size of the family farm holdings.  Wedding plans were well underway; the wedding dress had already been purchased when Mary left for Belfast.  At this point in time I have been unable to discover to whom she was betrothed – chances are I will never know!

Family whispers also suggested that Mary was written out of her father’s Will.  Again something I was able to validate with the discovery of Richard James Will – apparently “R.J.” wasn’t a very forgiving man!

I decided very early on that this was a lady with a will and mind of her own, a lady whom I definitely admired and could relate to.  It must have taken considerable courage, especially in the late 1800’s, to leave her family and country living for the “big city” of Belfast!  After her “great escape” I discovered Mary living on Westmoreland Street working as a mid wife for a Belfast Doctor.

On 25 Feb 1893 and “according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of Ireland, after licence by John G. Hopkins in a Marriage solemnized at Willowfield Church in the Parish of Willowfield in the Diocese of Down” and in the presence of James Stewart and Annie McIlwaine, Mary Scott of 44 Westmoreland Street, Belfast was United in Marriage with James Berry, a labourer, of 41 Moore Street, Belfast.

The couple resided on Tyne Street at the beginning of their marriage and spent the remainder of their lives on Cherryville Street, Belfast.  They seem to have led a full and happy life, unfortunately, not without the sadness and tragedy that often follows any family. Together they had eight children – five daughters and three sons – two of their daughters died as infants.  Family lore confirms that Mary continued her work as a midwife until much later in her life.  While James, a plumber, had his own business and worked on the Titanic at one point in time, along with several of his employees.

On 12 Aug 1939 at 41 Cherryville Street Belfast Mary passed away.  “Widow of James Berry, a Plumber; Died from Diabetes Mellitus, 6 months, certified, William Berry, Son, present at death at 41 Cherryville Street, Belfast, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.  Registered 14 Aug 1939.”

In reading some of her obituaries I have the sense that my great granny, Mary Agnes Scott Berry, was loved by many.

“BERRY – August 12, 1939 at her residence, 41 Cherryville Street, Mary Agnes, dearly beloved mother of Mary A. (Minnie) Rae. “A voice is from our household gone, A face we loved is still; A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled.  Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Daughter and Son-in-law.  Minnie and Robert Rae, and grandchildren.”

“BERRY – August 12, 1939, at her residence, 41 Cherryville Street, Mary Agnes dearly beloved mother of Frances Whaley. “Dearest mother how I’ll miss you, Life will never be the same. Tear of earth will never wake thee, But through Christ we’ll meet again.  Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Daughter and Son-in-law.  Frances and James Whaley.”

BERRY – August 12, 1939, at her residence, 41 Cherryville Street, Belfast. Mary Agnes Berry, dearly beloved sister of Frances Geddis. “Love in death can let us see, What love in life should always be.  Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Sister, Brother-in-law, and Family.  Frances and Robert G. Geddis.”

“BERRY – August 12, 1939 at her residence 41 Cherryville Street Belfast, Mary Agnes widow of James Berry and dearly beloved daughter of the late Richard James and Mary Agnes Scott, Stoneyford.  Funeral from above address, to-morrow (Tuesday) at 11 a.m. to the family burying-ground, Stoneyford Churchyard.  Friends will please accept this intimation.  ‘Absent from the body, present with the Lord’.  Deeply regretted by her sorrowing family.”

Mary Agnes finally returned “home” to the place where it all began – May she Rest in Peace!

Young Man Said to Have Been Victim of a Joy Ride…

The Alexandria Gazette was a succession of newspapers based in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. The newspaper was established on February 5, 1784 by George Richard & Company as the Virginia Journal.  A publication in the Alexandria Gazette on May 17, 1915 stated:

“Crushed By Auto – Young Man Said to Have Been Victim of a Joy Ride…

Wilmington, Del., May 17 – Edward Scott, aged 21, stableman on the country estate of Henry B. Thompson at Greenville, died yesterday as the result of injuries sustained yesterday afternoon when an automobile he was driving turned over and rolled into Red Clay Creek below Ashland.  Charles Peoples, aged 26, gardener on the Thompson estate, who was with Scott, is at his home suffering with serious injuries to the chest and head.

The young men are said to have taken their employer’s automobile in the absence of the family.  They were speeding down the hill below Ashland and when they failed to slow up at the turn near the bridge spanning the creek the machine upset.  They managed to extricate themselves from the wreckage and crawl to the shore of the creek, where Edward Clark, of Wilmington, who was passing in another automobile, found them and brought them to their homes.  Scott had several broken ribs which punctured the lungs and he died yesterday morning.”

Edward was born on 18 Nov 1893 at Ballycollin, Derriaghy, Co. Antrim; Mary J. Straton was present at his birth.  He was one of eleven children born to Richard J. Scott and Sarah Crowe.  He was the 2^nd child and first son born to the couple who resided at Lagmore, Derriaghy.  Records from Christ Church Derriaghy revealed he was baptized on 14 Jan 1894 – a Church that many of my Scott family attended, where they were baptized and married.  Many of my Scott’s, and connected families, are also interred in the Church Yard.  Edward is my 2^nd cousin 2x removed.

The 1901 Census of Ireland shows Edward, a scholar, and his family residing at 2 Lagmore, “Derraghy’.  By the time the 1911 Census was taken they were living in 18 Lagmore and Edward, now seventeen, was farming with his father.

The S.S. Merion’s Ships Manifest was the next record I unearthed – dated 10 Apr 1913 the manifest showed Edward of “Legmore“ traveling with David McCourt of White Mountain and William Crowe of “Legmore” – Edward was traveling with his cousins.  The young men left Liverpool, England and after a thirteen day voyage across the Atlantic arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on 23 Apr 1913.

Two short years after his arrival in Philadelphia, a Death Certificate issued by The State of Delaware Bureau of Vital Statistics, dated 17 May 1915, recorded that Edward Scott of Greenville, Delaware and formerly of Ireland had died in an “automobile accident” and an “inquest was pending”.  The record confirmed that he was in the employ of H.B. Thompson and the son of Richard Scott of Ireland.

Edward is interred at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Wilmington, Delware and is memorialized on the family burial ground at the Christ Church Derriaghy.

“Erected by Richard Scott

Legmore

In memory of his son

Edward who died on the 17^th May 1915

As the result of an accident

And was interred

In Silverbrook Cemetery, USA.”

Sadly, his death date inscribed on the headstone is incorrect.

In the summer of 2014 while photographing and documenting the graves at Christ Church Derriaghy – I did not realize that Edward was one of “mine”.  He has connected me to another Twisted Limb in my ever expanding family tree.

“Step Softly, A Dream Lies Buried Here” – Yates

Derry Pilot Officer’s Death – Tribute by Rev. J.A. Donaldson, B.A. …

“At the morning service of Great James Street Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, on Sunday, Rev. J.A. Donaldson, B.A., recalled that on Remembrance Sunday Mr. S. Morrison, accompanied by Captain Sir James Wilton, M.C., had laid the wreath on the War Memorial of the congregation.  We were unaware then” he said. ‘that just a few hours before that very moment his son, Pilot Officer Cecil Morrison, had given his life on service in the Middle East. …”

Samuel Cecil Morrison, known as Cecil, was the first son of Samuel Morrison and Charlotte Rebecca Wilson (Cissy) and the eldest of six children.   He was born on 22 Jun 1920 on Creggan Road in Londonderry, and was baptized in Great James Street Presbyterian Church where his family worshipped and his father Samuel was a Scout Leader.

During the Second World War, Cecil joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve circa 1940 when he traveled to California, USA to start training for the Royal Air Force.  On May 27, 1942 records reveal that he was joined in Holy Matrimony to Margaret (Betty) Elizabeth Barclay at Runcorn, Cheshire, England.  Known as Betty, she too was serving her country during World War II.

“… A few hours afterwards official communication came that Cecil Morrison had been killed.  On Sunday that first communication was confirmed when the Chaplain at Malta wrote to his young wife, telling her how the last offices were performed in a little cemetery there.

‘We wish this morning to express our sympathy to his young wife, to his father and mother, and to the members of the family,” said Rev. Mr. Donaldson, who added that he knew Cecil Morrison for almost two years after he came to Great James Street Church.  He was a member of their Christian Endeavour Society, a teacher in the school, and a young fellow who promised well as far as the Church and the Kingdom of God was concerned.’

That day they as a congregation sorrowed.  Although they had been in the fourth year of war and although they had 70 and 80 members on active service, that was the first son of that congregation to fall in this war.  They remembered Cecil Morrison with gratitude to God for his interest in the work of that Church as a young man growing up in the midst of them.  On entering the Service, he speedily won promotions and just before he was killed it was intimated that further promotion was shortly to be given to him.  ‘He has now been promoted to a place of honour and to higher service,’ Mr. Donaldson concluded.”

The congregation bowed in silent prayer for a short period.”

An excerpt from the Morrison/Wilson Family Bible penned by his mother, and my great aunt, Cissy read “F/O. S.C. Morrison died on Active Service 1942.  Laid to rest in Malta 11th 1942. God makes no mistakes, He knew the way others would have to tread; and took him in his manhood to be with him forever.  Safe from this worlds mire.”

May He Rest In Peace!

“When Great Trees Fall” …

The north of Ireland was battered by heavy rains as violent storms caused flooding.  The downpours swept in from the Atlantic, hitting Co Donegal before moving across Northern Ireland during Tuesday evening.  Bridges collapsed, roads were washed out and people had to be rescued after being trapped in their cars and homes.

On 23 August 2017 I awoke to a Facebook post by Martin Parke … sadly “My Tree” with Twisted Limbs & Crooked Branches was another ‘victim’ of the storm.

‘When great trees fall,

rocks on distant hills shudder,

lions hunker down

in tall grasses,

and even elephants

lumber after safety.



 When great trees fall

in forests,

small things recoil into silence,

their senses

eroded beyond fear. …’



In July of 2012, shortly before my trip “back home”, I decided to rename my family tree as it was simply named the Murdoch/ Wilson/ Berry/ Love Family.  Original, I know!  As I follow all of my family lines, not only my direct ancestors, I have discovered first cousins who married first cousins and their children married their first cousins – which seem to have been common practice in the very early 1800’s.  I often joke that the ‘gene pool’ was getting rather shallow; and maybe I should be grateful that no ‘webbed feet’ had turned up yet!  ‘Twisted Limbs & Crooked Branches’, in my opinion, was a fitting name.

Two weeks later we, my little family and I, were in Londonderry to visit with ‘living family’ and of course, to visit the Derry City Cemetery the resting place of many of my ancestors.  The Cemetery is old, however not as old as some you will find in Ireland, where graves date back to the 1400’s.  The first reported burial in the Cemetery was of a ten month old child named Robert McClelland.  Robert, who resided on Orchard Street, died on December 10, 1853.

‘When great souls die, 

the air around us becomes

light, rare, sterile.

We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly, 

see with

a hurtful clarity.

Our memory, suddenly sharpened, 

examines, 

gnaws on kind words

unsaid, 

promised walks

never taken
…’

Arriving at the Cemetery and joined by my aunt, map in hand, I was in awe of the number, size and diversity of headstones.  I was immediately drawn to the trees scattered throughout the Cemetery – and to one tree in particular.  My aunt thought I was just a little crazy… to her, they just looked dead!

After a few hours, and great success, one grave remained elusive.  We continually returned to the same area where the grave obviously should have been, but there was no headstone or marker at the site.  We checked with the Cemetery staff who indicated we were in the right location.  We left the Cemetery only to return with our husbands – handed them the map with a ‘please go find this particular grave’.  They ended up in exactly the same location that we had…

‘Great souls die and

our reality, bound to

them, takes leave of us.

Our souls,

dependent upon their

nurture,

now shrink, wizened.

Our minds, formed

and informed by their

radiance,
fall away.

We are not so much maddened

as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of
dark, cold

caves….’. 

There is no headstone on the grave, it must have eroded or was vandalized.  However, the grave does have a VERY significant marker… the plot is to the left of the tree that I had been drawn to when initially entering the Cemetery.  The tree with Twisted Limbs & Crooked Branches!

And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.

Maya Angelou

“My Tree” with Twisted Limbs & Crooked Branches was a monument, and will continue to be, to my family who are interred beside it and the name of my family tree before I ever knew of its existence. A strange coincidence… I think not!