Maghera Past and present – A view of Maghera in 1913

Lower Main Street, Maghera circa 1903 400x254

Maghera Past and present – A view of Maghera in 1913The Larne Times & Weekly Telegraph covered the town of Maghera in an interesting and wonderfully detailed article featured in their 8th November 1913 edition. This was part of their ‘In Ulster towns and villages’ series of articles and gives a wonderfully informative  zeitgeist of Maghera on the eve of World War I:

          IN ULSTER TOWNS AND VILLAGES

WITH CAMERA AND NOTEBOOK.

MAGHERA PAST AND PRESENT

 Co. DERRY’S OLDEST TOWN.

Progressing to Maghera in continuation of our series of articles on Ulster towns and village the ancient town of St. Lurach is the next natural stopping place after Castledawson and Magherafelt, the outlines of whose history we reviewed last week. If instead of the sequence of geographical situations we had consulted the interests of cultural precedence, Maghera should be given premier place in Derry by way of its rank and standing as the oldest town in the county.

The authority of Lewis, without whose topographical records the country would be much [poorer?] it is not necessary to establish the fact that Maghera is a place of great antiquity. The town to this day bears silent but indisputable testimony, not merely to its existence, but also its great importance, in early epochs of Ireland’s history, when many centres have grown up in the intervening centuries had not taken form from out the forest that covered wide tracts of what is now [ ] pasture land. The Plantation [period marks] the beginning of quite a large [  ] in the northern towns of Ireland. Not such Maghera. Three hundred years have passed into history since first settlers under King James’s scheme of colonisation [mov]ed to the regions watered by the Lower Bann. Twice or thrice three hundred years would not carry us back to the times when Maghera first assumed prominence as a centre of.

LIGHT AND LEARNING.

 St. Lurach’s Old Church.

Although we are told there is no precise account of the original foundation of an abbey for Canons Regular, believed to have been established there at a very early period, yet it is beyond controversy that at so remote a time as 537 the ancient see of Ardstra or Ardstrath was removed to the town. In the olden times the place was called Machaire Ratha Luraigh- Machaire meaning a plain (as in Magherafelt, the plain of the rushes). Gradually the name changed to its present form, Ratha Luraigh means the fort of Lurach, St. Lurach being the patron saint of the parish. This eminent ecclesiastical, of whom the town has more than one memorial, substantial as well as legendary, throws the mind back to the days of St. Patrick himself. Lurach, like many another Irish saint, was of Royal Lineage, and had close family ties with the patron saint of Ireland. One has but to turn to the ruins of St. Lurach’s Church, happily in an excellent state of preservation, to find abundant confirmation as to Maghera’s importance in the era in which Ireland won its first fame as the home of saints and scholars. The old church and grounds have been the hunting ground of the antiquarian and archaeologist who have written and lectured upon some of its features which have a distinctiveness of their own among Irish ecclesiastical remains. Some portions bear marks of very remote antiquity. The square-headed western doorway, with its representation of the Crucifixion, rudely sculptured in high relief with the company of the apostles, has long fascinated the attention of those who find a delight in the study of these memorials of an age, of which relics are but too few. It has been estimated that the date of this interesting piece of sculptury is between the years 960 and 1,000 A.D.. Lewis, in his indispensible Topographical Dictionary (1837) mentioned not only the fact that in the churchyard are the tomb and pillar of Leuri (or Lurach, but added that the grave of the patron saint was opened early in the last century, when a silver crucifix was found in it, and was carefully replaced. It has been placed on record that this addendum had been better suppressed, as it is related that a couple of thieves came afterwards, opened the grave, and

STOLE THE SACRED RELICS.

An information was sworn by the late Alexander Hipson, of Maghera, describing the thieves, and the late Rev. Spencer Knox had them followed to Magherafelt and Moneymore, but unfortunately all traces of them was lost. Readers of the “Ulster Journal of Archaeology” were indebted over ten years ago to the late Mr. A. K. Morrison and to Mr. S. D. Lytle for a copy of the deposition of Hipson, describing the disgraceful act of vandalism, and we take leave to reproduce it here. MADGHS

It was sworn and signed on January 20, 1865, before Mr. J. J. Clarke J.P., at Largantogher, as follows:-

I Alexander Hipson of Maghera in the county of Londonderry carpenter do solemnly & sincerely declare that in or about the year 1839 I think in the month of March I was in the employment of the Rev. James Spencer Knox rector, of the parish of Maghera, when one morning having to pass through the old graveyard on my way from the glebe house to the town of Maghera to buy nails I met two persons dressed like gentlemen in the graveyard, one had a paper in his hand, on which there was writing. He asked was I a native of the town I said I was. He then enquired if there was a long grave in the churchyard in which Saint Lorny was buried. I said I had often heard of it. He again asked if it had a black whin stone for a head stone I told him it had. He looked at the paper and bid the other gentleman to come along. We went together to the grave which I pointed out. He took a rule out of his pocket & measured the grave which he compared with the writing on the paper with it and the headstone. At his request I got him a spade from James Cassidy who was planting potatoes. On giving him the spade he gave me a half crown piece & said to me & Thomas Quinn who had just come up that we might go and have a glass. We went to Billy Crocketts had a glass & divided what was left of the half-crown between us. I then went to Harry Porters the nailer, got the nails & returned  through the graveyard, and there found the two gentlemen filling up the hole in the grave that appeared about 2½ feet long & about 2 ft broad. I don’t know the depth. On the grass was a handkerchief spread out the wind raising it up I saw underneath a cross which might be about 18 inches long. They then left taking the cross with them. I began to think I should tell Mr. Knox & went to the hall door, but he was not in the house. Half an hour after I returned I found him in his study and told what had occurred.  He sent me immediately to the hotel kept by Mr Falls to make enquiry who said, they had been gone for some time, but whether to Moneymore or Magherafelt he could not say. Mr Knox & myself then drove in his gig to Magherafelt but could not find any trace of them there but got a fresh horse & proceeded to Moneymore, with no better success-  came back by Desertmartin to Magherafelt hoping to meet with them Mr Knox having left instructions in Magherafelt to have them detained should they make their appearance there. Mr Knox told me afterwards he had reason to believe they had gone to Dungannon & was greatly displeased with Mr Falls as he blamed him for misleading him.

This is the story which, in point of detail, certainly seems very circumstantial. The resting-place of St. Lurach is marked by a rude whinstone, which is evidently the remains of a cross. The hope has been more than once expressed that some suitable monument should mark the resting-place of Maghera’s patron saint, but this natural and commending desire has not yet been realised. There is a local tradition that an underground passage existed between the old church and the church of Mullagh Hill, about a mile distant. No one, however, has been industrious enough to test the accuracy of tradition by any extensive excavation.

A FAMOUS WELL

Another reminder of St. Lurach is the well which perpetuates his name to the present day. It is in the centre of the town not far from the principal street, at the entrance of Mr. John Marker’s yard. The well was for a considerable time the principal source of the water supply for the town, but was closed in recent years by the district authorities, and a pump erected over it. The legends concerning the efficacy of the waters of the well, as may well be conceived, are numerous.

Reverting to the earlier times we recall that for nearly 600 years Maghera continued to be the seat of the diocese but in 1158 it was united to the See of Derry and the cathedral church was established in that city. The transference meant more than a mere loss of prestige to the ancient town, for it appears to have declined rapidly in importance after that period, and a few events of historical interest occurred, except occasional depredations during the insurrections of the O’Nials, to whom the surrounding territory belonged. On the plantation of Ulster the lands of the ancient See of Maghera were confirmed to the Bishop of Derry, and other parts of the parish were also assigned by James I to the Mercers’, Vintners’, Salters’, and Drapers’ companies of London, who retained possession till their disposal under the Land Acts of the last few decades. In the war of 1641 Maghera suffered very heavily, being burned by the insurgents under Macdonnell. It was in that terrible period that the ironworks which were established at Drumconready in the reign of Charles I, were destroyed. In 1688 the town, which had scarcely recovered from its former devastation, was assaulted by the Irish adherents of James II, and the inhabitants were compelled to abandon their houses and seek refuge in the city of Derry. 1641 and 1688 are outstanding dates, but much could be written of long periods during which hardships tried the people of Maghera, as well as the country’s inhabitants generally. We must hasten on, however, and come to

THE 1798 EPOCH,

Which not unnaturally had its influence upon the folk in and around Maghera. Times were different then, and the general discontent, which was generated by causes which should have been removed, found expression in the well-known incidents of the period. In our reference to the history of Presbyterianism we touch incidentally upon ’98. Suffice here briefly to relate that in Maghera a corps was formed called the Maghera National Guards, which was composed principally of Presbyterians, and a number of Roman Catholics and even a few Episcopalians joined the ranks. The corps was about 5,000, but only a tenth of them had firearms, the remainder carrying pikes, pitchforks, spades, and bludgeons. They assembled at Crewe Hill on the 7th June, 1798, but owing to the defeat of the other corps of United Irishmen in the neighbourhood when the soldiers put in an appearance they disbanded. Some of the leaders escaped to America. Walter or “Watty” Graham was not so fortunate. He found shelter in Limavady, but was betrayed, and brought back to Maghera, where he was hanged, the place of his execution in the Square being pointed out to the present day. His servant man, reputed to be dull-witted, was ordered to proclaim at intervals as his master’s head was carried on the top of the pole through the streets- “Behold the head of a traitor”. The man, whether intentionally or not is not known, cried out,

“BEHOLD THE HEAD OF THE CRAYTURE!”

Many of the people emigrated to America at these times. England had cause to regret her misrule of the country afterwards. In America the Ulster people proved England’s most bitter enemies when that country was wrested from the British. It is a well-known fact that the Declaration of Independence was principally signed by Irish Presbyterians. Two of the signatories on that historic roll are Charles Thompson and a man named Hawthorne, two Maghera Presbyterians. Only two of the signatories added any address, and one was Thompson, who was proud to place Maghera after his name.

MODERN MAGHERA – INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

It is a long skip from 1798 to 1913, but in the interests of space we are compelled to make it. As we have said, Maghera is a town which can boast an historic continuity that none of its neighbours can eclipse. While proud of its almost unique record in this respect, the town by no means lives in the past, its inhabitants being animated by a spirit of progressiveness that has left its impress in many directions. It enjoys the reputation of being the most progressive market town in South Derry. Modern Maghera is improving materially both as regards size and importance. The installation of electric light is one of the indications of its up-to-dateness.

  

By far the most important event in recent times was the establishment of the new handkerchief embroidery works in Hall Street by Messrs. Glendinning, McLeish & Co., Belfast, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction. The advent of this industry as thus introduced holds encouraging potentialities for the future, and will be destined to mark a new era in the history of the town. The splendid structure in fine modern style means more than an ornate addition to Maghera’s buildings, but will prove a boon to the people around, as the prosperity of the works will reflect its influence on the town in an altogether gratifying way. The number of hands employed at present s necessarily somewhat limited, but larger schemes are in the air, including the erection of a large factory, into which the girls, after training in the embroidery works, will be qualified to pass. We trust, with every well-wisher of the town, that nothing will stand in the way of expansion and development. Our illustrations include one or two representations of machine embroidery as carried on in the interior of the well-lighted and pleasantly-ventilated works. The Juxtaposition on the same page of such widely differing views as that of the old Abbey Church and of those depicting his recent industrial development may seem to savour of the incongruous. And yet is there not in them a faithful reflex of Maghera- the one representing the glory of its storied past and the other pointing to the hopes of a brightening future?

A word or two must be said in regard to the churches. The present parish church, of which the respected incumbent is Rev. A. H. Maturin, dates back to 1820. The exact date upon which the last services were held in the old church is not known, but it is likely that the devotions of the church people were conducted there up to the consecration of the present church. The inscription on a stone above the doorway of the modern parish church reads:

ERECTED

A.D.

1820.

REV. J. SPENCER KNOX,

RECTOR.

A. SINCLAIR AND W. MILLER,

CHURCH WARDENS.

Colonel Clark has recalled the fact that his late father, who was born over a century ago, worshiped in the old church. Compared with its venerable predecessor, the “new” parish church is but an “infant”, and yet in a few short years the centenary of its consecration will be celebrated!

PRESBYTERIANISM- A UNIQUE HISTORY.

Columns could be written, and indeed, have been written, of the history of Presbyterianism in Maghera. To the researches of Mr. S. Lytle, a leading merchant of the town, the community owes much for the information which from time to time he has brought to light concerning former times not alone in regard to the Church of which he is an honoured member, but in regard to the general history of the town. As Mr. Lytle pointed out on a public occasion over five years ago, the Presbyterian Church in Maghera has a history in many respects unique. The church was on two occasions closed by a partial Government, once it was burned, and in 1798 it was used as temporary quarters by the Tipperary Militia. The first mention that can be found of the Maghera congregation was in 1665, when a Mr. Anthony Kennedy, of Templepatrick was sent to supply the pulpit for two Sabbaths. The first minister appointed was Robert Rowan, who was placed in charge in 1658, but, after the restoration, which occurred a short time after his appointment, he went over to the Episcopalian Church and became rector of Maghera. The Presbyterian Church was closed, but the congregation continued their worship in a building accommodating 500 people provided by Major Montgomery, a member of the Established Church. For his catholicity of spirit the major was arrested- such was the spirit of tolerance in those early times. The succession of ministers till the famous Dr. Glendy was- Rev. James Kirkpatrick, Rev. John Tomb, Rev. Archibald Boyd, Rev. James Dykes, and Rev. David Smylie. In 1785 the church was removed to its present site from Fair Hill, where one of the foundation stones of the former building is to be seen. The name of Rev. Dr. Glendy, who was a man of outstanding abilities, stands out conspicuously on account of the prominent position he took in the rebellion of 1798. Upon the disabilities of the Presbyterians and all religious bodies except the Established Church and the causes of the ’98 rising it is happily not for us to dwell here, as they are common history. There is no evidence to show that Dr. John Glendy was not a United Irishman, but there is not the slightest doubt that he was in thorough sympathy with their principles. He was, accordingly, a marked man. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and when the soldiers arrived at his house, which occupied the site of Mr. Henry Shiver’s house, they found Dr. Glendy had escaped. Hs house and property was burned, and the doctor found refuge in “The Grove”, where Mr. Wilson now resides. He eventually made good his escape in feminine garb, and in Baltimore, America, founded a church, over which he presided for many years. He became acquainted with Thomas Jefferson, then

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Who became his friend, and in 1805 Glendy was appointed chaplain of the House of Representatives, and in 1815 served the Senate in the same capacity. Dr. John Glendy’s successors in the pastorate of Maghera were Rev. Charles Kennedy, ordained 29th July, 1801 ; Rev. Smylie Robson, 16th June, 1843 ; Rev. Dr. Witherow (afterwards professor in Magee College), 1st October, 1845 ; Rev. Dr. Leitch (now President of Assembly College, Belfast), 2nd October, 1866; Rev. R.H.F. Dickey, B.D. (now Professor in Magee College), 26th January, 1880 ; Rev. Dr. Hall (who afterwards took up duty in Colbrooke Row, London, and Coleraine), 16th September, 1891 ; and Rev. Dr. Magill, 4th February, 1900, who resigned in 1903, when he was appointed professor in Toronto, and is now Minister of Agriculture in Canada. The present minister is Rev. Wm. McMurray, who was ordained on March 3, 1904. It is not out of place to add that during Mr. McMurray’s pastorate many improvements have been effected. What is practically a new entrance to the church has been made, at a cost of about £400, while there has been purchased an acre of ground adjoining for a graveyard. A wall has been built all around, and stabling and coach-houses, for the use of country members, have been provided, while electric light has been installed in the church. Among many others, the following may be mentioned as having been at one time members of Maghera Presbyterian Church- The Rev. Dr. Cooke, who was baptised by the Rev. Dr. Glendy in the Presbyterian Church; Rev. Jackson Graham, Rev. William McCullaugh, Rev. Joseph Barkley, Cormany ; Rev. Thomas Lyttle, Sandymount, Dublin ; and the Rev. Robert G. Milling, Ballinahinch ; also Judge Barkley, all of whom have passed away. Rev. John Macmillan, late Moderator of Assembly ; the Rev. Dr. Patterson, of May Street, Belfast; Professor Woodburn, of Magee College ; and Rev. James Woodburn, of Castlerock, were also members of the church in former days.

FAMOUS MAGHERA MEN.

Amongst the men of wide renown who claimed the neighbourhood of Maghera as the place of their nativity and upbringing, foremost place will be given to the late Rev. Henry Cooke, D.D., L.L.D., the eminent Presbyterian orator and theological controversialist. Dr. Cooke was born on the 11th may, 1788, in a cottage, traces of which no longer remain, in the townland of Grillagh, about a mile and a half north of the town. His father’s house stood on the declivity of a hill. The road to Coleraine then passed over the summit of the hill ; now the new road winds around the base, and on the sloping ground between the old road and the new road was placed the mansion. Like almost every other great leader of men, Cooke was of humble origin. The stock from which he sprang, though poor as the world estimates wealth, was rich in independence and industry. His father was a farmer and his mother had been a farmer’s daughter. By fidelity to their common task they were enabled to transmit to their children, of whom Henry was the youngest, the priceless inheritance of a stainless and honoured name. Much of his stock-in-trade as an orator was inherited, his attractive appearance and his marvellous powers of memory. His speeches were word pictures that dazzled the eyes of all with their beauty. His mind was a galaxy, not of old masters, but of original works of art, whose colour and technique nevertheless revealed an intimate acquaintance with all the best. Neither as a lad at school nor as a youth at college did Cooke display any evidence of the great powers that lay slumbering in his soul, yet, though uncapped with academic honours, he did not go empty away, but carried with him a taste for reading, combined with a knowledge of how to read, which were the highest accomplishments in the gift of a university. As a boy Cooke had witnessed the horrors of the ’98 times, and they left a deep impress on his young mind. Thus he became the confirmed antagonist of every liberal sentiment and the consistent supporter of the powers that were. His college days having drawn to a close, he was ordained, though only in his twentieth year, as assistant and successor to the Rev. Robert Scott at Duneane, a settlement which turned out anything but happily. It could hardly have been otherwise, the two men being as far removed as the poles from one another in temperament and ability. Scott not only held Arian views, but discharged his duties with apathy. Cooke was evangelical and deeply interested in his mission and in his message. He deemed it wise to resign, and after a short interval, occupied as a tutor, he was installed in Donegore, a large and important congregation of about 500 families. The spheres of his subsequent labours were Killyleagh to Belfast. His reply to the Rev. J. Smithurst, which was the beginning of the struggle between Arianism and orthodoxy, culminated in the great debate that took place in Lurgan on the 30thof June, 1829. The one political act of Dr. Cooke’s life , which gave most satisfaction to his brethren, was the bold stand which in 1841 he made against the Repeal of the Union, his challenge of Daniel O’Connell to a public discussion of the whole subject, a challenge which the “Liberaltor” deemed prudent to decline, enhanced his already great popularity. Had Dr. Cooke been guided by no higher motive than the ambition of worldly success he would have sought some more conspicuous field than a remote province in Ireland for the exercise of his great and varied powers. A Scottish parish, a London congregation, a seat in the House of Commons were positions quite within his reach at an early period of his career. But on principle he shut out all such suggestions, and gave his undivided strength to the Church in whose membership he was born, and to the community among whom his lot had been cast. For the last 40 years of his life he was the most conspicuous personage not only in Belfast, but in Ulster. When at the close of a long and laborious life death called him away (13th December, 1868), the whole province did him honour in a manner such as was never shown to any man who hitherto died in Ulster. Belfast buried him with the burial of a king.

Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke, the famous Biblical commentator, was a native of Maghera district, having been born at Moybeg in 1760. Although as a lad he received a very sparse education he blossomed forth into one of the most learned divines of the Wesleyan connexion, a man distinguished for the remarkable variety of his gifts, especially as a linguist. He was president of the Conference three times, an almost unique record. His great work was his commentary, the first volume of which appeared in 1810, and the last in 1826. By special request of the British and Foreign Bible Society, he prepared their Arabic Bible. Dr. Clark was offered a bishopric in England, but declined it. He died of cholera in London in 1832.

Hall Street (Wth RIC baracks)    Hall Street National School

PLACES OF INTEREST

We approach the end of our review with a brief allusion to some spots of interest in the neighbourhood. About an English mile from Maghera, at Tirnoney, there is a very fine cromleac, near to which Lewis says there is an artificial cave formed of field stones and covered with flags; but that there is a souterrain there is doubtful. To the northwest of the cromleac, about 200 yards distant, there are the ruins of Killelagh old church, a very ancient structure, but unfortunately no reliable record can be found regarding its erection. The building, like so many others, is stated to have been destroyed in the wars of 1641 by the Earl of Tyrone and subsequently rebuilt. Lying close to the wall of the churchyard is a large flat stone, 3ft. by 4ft., and about 6in. thick, with two basin-shaped cavities. Close to this old church is a very fine rath, with one circumvallation. About two miles farther there is a sweathouse in Tirkane, with a well a few yards distant from its entrance. The favourite explanation of this sweathouse is that it was used to perform the purpose of Turkish baths, and as a cure for rheumatism and kindred complaints. A fire was lighted on its flagged floor, and when well heated, the fire was cleared out, and after the patient had dipped himself in the well, he was closed up in the house until he perspired profusely, with beneficial results. There are several other places in the neighbourhood of traditional interest, such as giant’s graves- one in Slaghtnail and one in Corlecky, also the remains of what is said to be one of the places of some of the Irish kings in Granaghan. At there is a very large and perfect rath at Dunglady. It is encompassed by treble walls and a trench, but unfortunately, there are no records regarding its occupation. It is said to be one of the most perfect in Ireland, and commands a most extensive view of the surrounding country. There are several other raths and forts in the parish. Numerous celts, swords, spear heads, and ornaments of bronze and brass have been found in the parish and vicinity.

In a sketch like the foregoing much has necessarily been omitted, but we trust we have indicated, even in a general way, sufficient to show that if Maghera had been excluded a prominent place in our present series the omission would have been grave and unpardonable.

Drimbolg Reformed Presbyterian Marriages (1864-1925)

Drimbolg Reformed Presbyterian Marriages (1864-1925)

No.DateNamesAgeConditionOccupationResidenceFather's nameFather's OccupationsWitnessesMinister's Comments / Additional information
129 Mar 1864Robert Taylor27 yearsBachelorFarmerDrumnacannon, P.O.Tamlaght O'CrillySamuel TaylorFarmerJohn McFarlane
Sarah Sloan26 yearsSpinsterNoneMoynock, P.O. KilreaJohn Sloan DeceasedFarmerSamuel Preston
215 Nov 1864James McKeown20 YearsBachelorMerchantLislea, KilreaJames McKeownFarmerHugh C PattersonNB The next marriage in order of date is entered at No.5 instead of No.3. James Smyth Officiating Minister 25 June 1865
Nannie Patterson18 YearsSpinsterNoneLislea, KilreaFrederick PattersonMerchantWilliam John Thompson
34 Jan 1865Torrens Boyd25 yearsBachelorStudentLismoyleMichael BoydFarmerJohn MacNurwn?
Mary Simms30SpinsterNoneDrumlaneWilliam Simms (Senr)FarmerJames A. Smyth
410 Feb 1865Robert Michael24BachelorFarmerBoveedyArchibald MichaelFarmerJ. C. Balderston?
Nancy Ann PaulFullSpinsterNoneBoveedyJames PaulFarmerNancy Johnston
530 Nov 1864Samuel Dickey28BachelorFarmerDrumlamphSamuel DickeyFarmerHenry Pedlow(Transcriber comment- Entries No 5 & 6 are both dated 1864, even though No.3 & 4 are dated 1865.
Rachel Fulton22SpinsterNoneDrumlamphJames FultonFarmerJames A. SmythEither No.5 & 6 were not recorded at the time of marriage or, more likely, the wrong year was entered in error)
621 Dec 1864Kennedy Burnside26BachelorFarmerKillyberryWilliam BurnsideFarmerWilliam Stewart
Jane Speers26SpinsterNoneBallynocherRobert SpeersFarmerRobert Leslie
74 Aug 1868James Simms25BachelorFarmerDrumlaneWilliam SimmsFarmerSamuel Gilmore
Jane Warwick25SpinsterNoneBoveedyRobert WarwickFarmerRobert Proudfoot
810 May 1871Joseph Frazer Hurst27BachelorMinister R.P. ChurchBallymoneyThomas FrazerMerchantHugh Frazer Hurst
Sarah Smyth25?SpinsterNoneInnishrushJames SmythMinister R.P. ChurchMaria Smyth
913 Mar 1873Thomas TaylorFullBachelorFarmerDrumnacannonSamuel TaylorFarmerRobert KelseyNo.9 For Mary Jane Armstrong read Mary Jane Wilson or Armstrong -
Mary Jane ArmstrongFullBLANKNoneDrumlaneThomas ArmtrongFarmerMartha Jane SufferonIsaac Thompson Minister 21st April 1873 Corrected in presence of Thomas Taylor Mary Jane Taylor
1018 Sep 1873John Boyd31BachelorFarmerLismoyleMichael BoydFarmerCharles Scott
Mary Ann Boyd30SpinsternoneLismoyleJohn BoydFarmerMary Jane Boyd
119 Dec 1873John Adams25 yearsBachelorFarmerDrumagarnerBLANKFarmerAndrew Adams
Matilda SmythFullSpinsterNoneDrumack, RasharkinBLANKBLANKMargaretta C. McCaughey
1211 Dec 1874Charles Scott21BachelorFarmerLismoyleCharles ScottFarmerWilliam Starret
Nannie Armstrong22SpinsterNoneDrumardWilliam ArmstrongFarmerSarah J. Armstrong
1328 Dec 1875Alexander CromieFullBachelorFarmerTamniarn, Parish of DungivenJames CromieFarmerSamuel Cromie
Eliza Jane PattersonFullSpinsterNoneKillygullib, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyJohn PattersonFarmerS.H. Patterson
1430 Dec 1875Samuel Brown WarwickFullBachelorFarmerBoveedy, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyHugh WarwickFarmerAlexander Graham
Henrietta WarwickFullSpinsterNoneBoveedy, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyRobert WarwickFarmerAnnie M Warwick
1513 Mar 1876Robert G. WarwickFullBachelorFarmerBoveedy, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyRobert WarwickFarmerAlexander Graham
Annie Maria WarwickFullSpinsterNoneBoveedy, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyHugh WarwickFarmerMaggie Lapsly
167 Jul 1876William James Armstrong25 YearsBachelorFarmerDrumard, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam ArmstrongFarmerArchibald Agnew
Margaret Armstrong20 yearsSpinsterNoneLislea, P.O.KilreaHenry ArmstrongFarmerMary Ellen Armstrong
174 Jan 1882Thomas ArmstrongFullBachelorFarmerDrumard, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam ArmstrongFarmerRobert G Armstrong
Maria Georgina BeareFullSpinsterNoneTernageraghJohn BeareFarmerMaggie Beare
184 Aug 1882Robert SloanFullBachelorFarmerMoyknock, P.o.KilreaWilliam SloanFarmerJohnston Shaw
Margaret CampbellFullSpinsterNoneMoyknockAlexander CampbellFarmerRachel Campbell
1912 Dec 1882James PedenFullBachelorFarmerMayoghillHugh PedenFarmerHugh Peden
Mary Jane BoydFullSpinsterNoneLismoyleRobert BoydFarmerMary E. Moody
2024 Dec 1885David Maxwell26BachelorFarmerTernageeraghJohn MaxwellFarmerJohn Smyth
Martha Young Stewart19SpinsterNoneKillymuckJohn StewartFarmerAnnie Maria Stewart
218 Apr 1886Samuel LytleFullBachelorFarmerDrumlaneWilliam LytleFarmerThomas A Lytle
Hannah MayberryFullSpinsterNoneDrumlaneWilliam MayberryFarmerMargaret A Mayberry
225 Aug 1886Archibald AgnewFullBachelorFarmerDrumard, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyRobert AgnewFarmerRobert Simms
Mary Ellen ArmstrongFullSpinsterNoneDrumard, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam ArmstrongFarmerMary Mayberry
2330 Nov 1886Joseph ReidFullWidowerFarmerDrumlane, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillySamuel ReidFarmerSmyth Kelso
Mary Jane Lamont WorkmanFullWidowNoneDrumoolish, P.O.Tamlaght O'CrillyHugh LamontFarmerJohn Collins
2429 Dec 1889Thomas A. Lytle25BachelorMerchantMagheraWilliam LytleFarmerDavid Wray
Margaret A. Mayberry21SpinsterNoneDrumlaneWilliam MayberryFarmerAgnes Boyd
259 Sep 1887Thomas GibsonFullBachelorFarmerMuletra, P.O. DesertoghillJames GibsonFarmerWilliam Knox
Mary Ann GibsonFullSpinsterNoneDrumoolish, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyJames GibsonFarmerSarah Gibson
2613 Sep 1887Robert Camac StuartFullBachelorLaw ClerkLandhead, P.O. BallymoneyThomas StuartFarmerThomas Stuart
Janie Nevin MooreFullSpinsterNoneBallyboyland, P.O. BallymoneyThomas MooreFarmerAnnie Moore
2720 Oct 1887Robert MillarFullBachelorFarmerMoynock, P.o. KilreaRobert MillarFarmerWilliam Johnston Adams
Margaret AdamsFullSpinsterNoneBallynease, P.O. BellaghyWilliam AdamsFarmerNancy Millar
286 Jun 1889Joseph Stewart21 YearsBachelorLabourerFinvoy, P.O. FinvoyJoseph StewartLabourerWilliam Clark
Matilda Martin21 YearsSpinsterNoneDrumlane, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyJames MartinShoe MakerMaria Martin
2915 May 1889Robert Anderson27 YearsBachelorGrocerHigh Street, AntrimAlexander AndersonShop KeeperJ C Stewart
Sarah Gibson24 YearsSpinsterNoneDrumoolish, P.O.Tamlaght O'CrillyJames GibsonFarmerHelen Huston
307 Oct 1892Robert Simpson30 YearsBachelorFarmerChurch Tamlaght, RasharkinJames SimpsonFarmerRobert McElfatrick
Sara Jane Sloane25 YearsSpinsterNoneDrumlane, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyJohn SloanFarmerMargaret A Sloan
3120 Jul 1893Robert William BoltonFullBachelorFarmerMoneysallinSloan BoltonFarmer& Tax CollectorSamuel John Bolton
Mary MayberryFullSpinsterNoneDrumlaneWilliam MayberryFarmerNannie Scott
3224 Oct 1899Thomas KernahanFullBachelorTeacherDrumard, Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam KernahanRetired TeacherHenry Kernahan
Sarah Hurst WorkmanFullSpinsterNoneDrumoolish, Tamlaght O'CrillyJames WorkmanFarmerJanie Craig
33Jul-02-1901James SimmsFullBachelorFarmerDrumardWilliam SimmsFarmerThomas Mayberry
Nancy Matilda MayberryFullSpinsterNoneDrumlaneWilliam MayberryFarmerMary S. Wilson
34Oct-01-1902Alexander JamisonFullBachelorSchool TeacherDrumoolish, Tamlaght O'CrillyRobert JamisonRoperJames Gibson
Annie WorkmanFullSpinsterNoneDrumoolish, Tamlaght O'CrillyJames WorkmanFarmerMartha J Robertson
35Feb-24-1904Thomas James McCotterFullBachelorFarmerLislea, P.O. KilreaRichard McCotterFarmerJames Burell Mackeown
Mary AdamsFullSpinsterNoneTyanee, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyRobert AdamsFarmerTillie Adams
36Jun-04-1907Thomas Henry IrwinFullBachelorFarmerMoneygran, P.O. KilreaSamuel IrwinFarmerJohn M R Irwin
Nancy Anne ArmstrongFullSpinsterNoneLislea, P.O. KilreaJames ArmstrongFarmerMary E Wilson
37Jan-01-1908John KinneyFullBachelorFarmerGortade, Parish of MagheraThomas KinneyFarmerRobert Logan
Sarah Ellen Sloan19 YearsSpinsterNoneDrumard, Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam SloanFarmerLizzie M? Sloan
38Jun-08-1909Frederick BurnettFullBachelorFarmerBallynagarve, Parish of ArtreaAlexander BurnettFarmerDavid Frederick Mann
Jane WarwickFullSpinsterNoneBoveedy, Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillySamuel Brown WarwickFarmerHenrietta Margaretta Warwick
39Feb-05-1914William MontgomeryFullBachelorFarmerCrossmakeever, Parish of AghadoweyWilliam MontgomeryFarmerSmith Montgomery
Elizabeth McKay SloanFullSpinsterNoneDrumard, Parish of Tamlaghy O'CrillyWilliam SloanFarmerMary McCahon
40Dec-21-1915James Kyle HoustonFullBachelorFarmerCulnady, Parish of MagheraWm J HoustonFarmerJohn Houston
Mary McCahonFullSpinsterNoneMoyagoney, Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam McCahonFarmerAnne McCahon
41Feb-22-1916Thomas McFarlandFullBachelorFarmerKillygullibJohn McFarlandFarmerSimon J. Gibson
Nancy ScottFullSpinsterNoneLismoyleHugh ScottFarmerMary J. McShane
42This space No.42 was passed over by mistake and should not contain the entry of a marriage. Alexander Gilmour, April 13th 1916
43Aug-17-1916Alenander TannahillFullBachelorDraperColeraineAlexander TannahillDraperWilliam John Campbell
Nancy Jane McCahon20 YearsSpinsterMillinerMoyagoney, Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam McCahonFarmerEmma Tannahill
44Mar-28-1918Thomas McNeillFullBachelorFarmerCarndougan, Parish of MacosquinJoseph McNeillBuilderRobert Anderson
Henrietta LyndFullWidowNoneKnockaduff, Parish of AghadoweySamuel PollockFarmerSarah Pollock
45Jul-03-1919Hugh Henry DicksonFullBachelorFarmerLower Coagh, CoaghJames DicksonFarmerDr? Bell
Minnie WarwickFullSpinsterNoneBoveedy, KilreaSamuel B WarwickFarmerHenrietta Warwick
46Dec-07-1920Stanley B CochranFullBachelorFurniture DealerBallymoneyGeorge A CochranFurniture Business dealerWilliam J Douglas
Margaret Ann SloanFullSpinsterNoneMoyknock, KilreaRobert SloanFarmerHester C Duggan
47Aug-11-1921John A. CrockettFullBachelorFarmerDrumnacanonGeorge CrockettFarmerR.A. Crockett
Margaret McAleese Stewart19SpinsterNoneDrumardWilliam Stewart (Deceased)Farmer? Bradley
48Sep-25-1923John BlairFullBachelorEngineerLarne HarbourJohn BlairHarbour MasterJames C Cooper
Elizabeth Ena McCahonFullSpinsterMillinerMoyageney, KilreaWilliam McCahonFarmerMay Moore
49Mar-23-1924John MillarFullBachelorFarmerMoynockJohn MillarFarmerRobert Millar
Annie SloanFullSpinsterNoneDrumardWm SloanFarmerLetitia Sloan
50Aug-06-1925Robert William StewartFullBachelorMedical DoctorLeek, StaffordshireJohn StewartTeacherKelso Watson
Clara LytleFullSpinsterMedical DoctorDrumlaneSamuel LytleFarmerTillie Lytle

Transcribed by Denver Boyd

 

St. Lurach’s Church of Ireland Marriages (1845-1918)

A selection of marriages transcribed from the marriage registers of St. Lurach’s Church of Ireland, Maghera

Complete 20th April 1846 to 6th August 1856, partial transcriptions before and after (although we hope to have a full transcription soon.

No.YearNameAgeConditionOccupationResidenceFather's NameOccupationWitnessesAdditional Information
5 Jun 1845James AdamsFullBachelorFarmerCrew, MagheraJohn Adams deceasedFarmerJames Johnston
Mary McElreeFullSpinsterNoneCrew, MagheraSamuel McElreeFarmerHenry May
11 Jun 1845James PhillipsFullBachelorFarmerBallinahoneSamuel PhillipsFarmerJames Crossit?
Eliza McKeownFullSpinsterNoneCurraghWilliam McKeownFarmerFrancis McGuigan
12 Aug 1845William AndersonFullBachelorFarmerSlattybogieWilliam AndersonFarmerJames Crossit
Isabella ElliotFullSpinsterNoneCarricknakieltRobert ElliotFarmerRobert Elliot
24 Apr 1846James GrahamFullBachelorCotton ManufacturerNear CastledawsonWilliam GrahamManufacturerWilliam R Patterson
Marianne Mawhinney19SpinsterNoneCurrinJames MawhinneyInnkeeper?Henry Rowan
14 Apr 1847Henry MitchellFullBachelorFarmerLurganagoose, Parish of TermoneenyJames MitchellFarmerGeorge ?
May Jane AndersonFullSpinsterNoneHillheadJames AndersonFarmerCharles Bersford Knox
14 May 1847Hugh McKinneyFullBachelorLabourerSwatraghJohn McKinneyFarmerThomas McKinney
Eliza Jane CrocketFullSpinsterNoneTamlaght O'CrillyGeorge CrockitFarmerArchibald Smile
15 Oct 1847Thomas GallagherFullBachelorFarmerBallinahoneJohn GallagherScripture ReaderJohn McConway
Roseanna Phillips19SpinsterNoneBallinahoneSamuel PhillipsFarmerAlexander Phillips
29 Apr 1849William AndersonFullBachelorLabourerCurraghJames AndersonFarmerJohn McIves
Jane HenryFullSpinsterServantCurraghJoseph HenryFarmerJohn Smith
5 Jun 1849Stewart Graham21 yrsBachelorLabourerDrumuckJack GrahamLabourerM. M. Kane
Mary Jane Clark21 yrsSpinsterNoneDrumuckMatthew ClarkFarmerRinny? McKenny
12 Aug 1850Robert HunterFullBachelorFarmerBallinahoneJohn HunterFarmerGeorge Clark
Henrietta ClydeFullSpinsterNoneTernagerahSolomon ClydeFarmerJames J Greer
8 Sep 1850Robert Judge20BachelorWeaverBellaghyRobert JudgeFarmerJames J Greah?
Nancy Anne Ferrier20SpinsterNoneToberhead, Parish of MagheraRobert FerrierFarmerRobert Evans
120 Apr 1851John AtkinsonFullBachelorLabourerLismoyle, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyWilliam AtkinsonLabourerThomas Mackerell
Mattha WilsonFullSpinsterNoneToberheadJohn WilsonLabourerSandy Wilson
225 May 1851Hugh Wilson19BachelorLabourerCulnadyThomas WilsonLabourerWilliam ?
Sarah ServiceFullSpinsterServantCulnadySamuel ServiceClark Culnady Meeting HouseHugh McKeagueHard to make out.. Almost looks like Swain but EA has Service
329 May 1851John Johnston19BachelorLabourerDrumlamphJohn JohnstonLabourerAlexander McCarroll
Jane BruceFullSpinsterSeamstressDrumlamphWilliam BruceLabourerWhiteside Bruce
411 Jul 1851James Martin20BachelorLabourerMagheraAlexander MartinMasonWilliam Kane
Ellen Scott20SpinsterSeamstress?MagheraWilliam ScottBlacksmithGeorge Kyle
530 Jul 1851John MartinFullBachelorWeaverDrummuck, P.O. MagheraSamuel MartinFarmerWilliam Wilson
Nancy DowlingFullSpinsterNoneToberhead, P.O. MagheraJoseph DowlingFarmerJohn Wilson
628 Aug 1851David Paul20BachelorFarmerMullaghJames PaulFarmerHenry McKinney Samuel Martin
Martha Anne Wilson19SpinsterNoneMoneymore, P.O. MagheraEzekiel WilsonFarmerHugh Kane
720 Oct 1851Joseph WilsonFullBachelorWeaverBallymacilcurrWilliam WilsonBuilder?William Kane
Mary PeacockFullSpinsterNoneBallymacilcurrHenry PeacockFarmerFrances McGuigan
831 Oct 1851Patrick Scullion18BachelorFlax DealerCrewCharles ScullionFlax DealerWilliam Kane
Margaret WrightFullSpinsterWeaverKnocknakielt, P.O. TermoneenyJohn WrightFarmerJohn Shiels
920 Nov 1851Robert FlemingFullBachelorFarmerCulnadyRobin? FlemingFarmer?I originally transcibed bride's name as 'Dora' but subseuent records suggest 'Rose'
Rose YoungFullSpinsterNoneTirgarvilJohn YoungFarmerRobert Lynn
1024 Nov 1851John ClarkFullBachelorSoldier 90th Reg't.CurranBLANKFarmerWilliam Kane
Rachel KennedyFullSpinsterNoneCurranBLANKTailorCharles Kennedy
114 Dec 1851William KennedyFullBachelorWeaverParish of TermoneenyHenry KennedyFarmer?William Kennedy
Jane WattFullSpinsterNoneParish of MagheraHugh WattFarmerRobert Curry?
1210 Dec 1851John Magee?FullBachelorLabourerSwateraghJohn MageeLabourerWilliam Kane
Mary GordonFullSpinsterNoneDreenanJames GordonLabourerFrancis McGuigan
1317 Feb 1852Thomas SimpsonFullBachelorFarmerRocktownWilliam SimpsonFarmerWilliam Kane
Wilhelmina BruceFullSpinsterNoneDrumlamphJoseph BruceFarmerRobt McIntyre
144 Mar 1852Dennis McAfeeFullBachelorServantCastledawsonJohn McAfeeLabourerWilliam Kane
Anne Jane MartinFullSpinsterNoneMagheraSamuel MartinServantFrancis McGuigan
1520 Apr 1852James NelsonFullBachelorServantTobermoreRobert Nelson?LabourerWilliam Kane
Mary Jane McCeon alias WhiteFullWidowWeaverColah, P.O. Maghera (Coolagh)William McCroryLabourer?Hamilton Paul
1620 Apr 1852Andrew MartinFullBachelorWeaverCurranAndrew MartinFarmerWilliam Kane
Peggy LennoxFullSpinsterWeaverP.O. MagherafeltJames LennoxFarmerWilliam Marlin
1728 Apr 1852John NeelyFullWidowerLabourerBallinahone P.O. MagheraJoseph NeelyFarmer & BailiffThomas Simpson
Jane HannaFullSpinsterNoneTobermore P.O. KilcronaghanJames HannaThatcherFrancis McGuigan
188 May 1852Hugh WattFullWidowerFarmerP.O. MagheraHugh WattFarmerWilliam Kane
Mary McDonaldFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraCharles McDonaldGuager?James McGaw?
1921 May 1852David HoustonFullBachelorWeaverCurragh P.O. MagheraDavid HoustonWeaverWilliam Kane
Maria Coscoran (she signs Coskran)FullSpinsterWeaverCurragh P.O. MagheraDominick? CoskeranLabourerAllan Hamilton
209 Jun 1852Samuel McKeownFullBachelorFarmerCurraghWilliam McKeown?William Kane
Marianne McCreadyFullSpinsterNoneCrewJames McCreadyFarmerJ.C. McKeown
211 Jun 1852John WrightFullWidowerLabourerFallagloonJames WrightLabourerWilliam Kane
Eliza McLoughlinFullSpinsterNoneFallagloonJames McLoughlinLabourerGeorge Kyle
226 Aug 1852William WilsonFullBachelorFarmerDrumuckRobert WilsonFarmerWilliam Kane
Letitia GrahamFullSpinsterNoneCurrin? (Dreenin? Not clear)David GrahamFarmerWilliam Mulholland
239 Aug 1852John ElliotFullBachelorFarmerLemnaroyRobert ElliotFarmerVance? Richly?
Jane FlemingFullSpinsterServantBallinacrossIsaac FlemingFarmerFrancis McGuigan
246 Sep 1852Samuel MillarFullBachelorLabourerBallymacilcurrJames MillarFarmerWilliam Kane
Peggy Jane MillikenFullSpinsterServantCurragh P.O. MagheraJohn MillikenFarmerIsaac Hamilton
2526 Oct 1852Robert HamiltonFullBachelorWeaverDrumlamphJames HamiltonSoldierRobert Kane
Martha McNeilFullSpinsterWeaverDrumlamphArchibald McNeilFarmerWilliam MacIntyre
269 Nov 1852William Henry RichardsonFullBachelorPrinterMagherafeltLewis RichardsonPrinterRobert Kane
Matilda WallaceFullSpinsterNoneBallinahone P.O. MagheraWilliam WallaceFarmerCharles McGinnis
2715 Nov 1852Samuel BrownFullBachelorWeaverToberheadJoseph BrowneFarmerWilliam Kane
Isabella LeesFullSpinsterNoneToberheadJohn LeesFarmerJames Stewart
2822 Nov 1852John GettyMinorBachelorWeaverCrewJohn GettyProvisioner?William Stewart
Peggy Jane DickeyFullSpinsterNoneMagheraThomas DickeyLabourerJohn Elliot
2925 Feb 1853Hugh ThompsonFullBachelorFarmerParish of BallyscullionJohn ThompsonFarmerWilliam Kane
Esther PhillipsFullSpinsterNoneParish of MagheraThomas PhillipsFarmerJames Anderson
3012 Apr 1853George KentFullWidowerFarmerCurrin P.O. MagheraThomas KentFarmerRobert Kane
Carloine WallaceFullWidowNoneCurrin P.O. MagheraThomas WallaceFarmerThomas Marlin
3113 May 1853Thomas KaneFullBachelorWeaverP.O. TermoneenyThomas KaneLabourerThomas Brown
Margaret BadgerFullSpinsterWeaverCurrinRobt. BadgerLabourerJoseph Marshall
3216 May 1853Samuel Stinton?FullBachelorWeaverBay P.O. MagheraRobert Stinton?LabourerJames Crocket
Peggy McCleanFullSpinsterWeaverBay P.O. MagheraConnolly McCleanLabourerCharles McClean
3320 May 1853John NicholFullBachelorLabourerP.O. BallyscullionThomas NicholLabourerJames McHenry
Betty SpeerFullSpinsterServantP.O. MagheraJohn SpeerLabourerFrancis McGuigan
343 Sep 1853John WilsonFullBachelorFarmerDrummuck P.O. MagheraRobert WilsonFarmerWilliam Kane
Anne SteeleFullSpinsterNoneP.O. BallyscullionWilliam SteeleFarmerDavid Wilson
3520 Sep 1853Campbell McDonaldMinorBachelorWeaverToberheadJohn McDonaldMowerWilliam Kane
Mary HamiltonFullSpinsterWeaverToberheadJames HamiltonLabourerRobert Kane
3629 Sep 1853James McGinnisFullBachelorFlax Dresser?CulnadyJohn MaginnisLabourerWilliam Kane
Sarah Jane WilliamsonFullWidowNoneCulnadyJames MagillFarmerRobert Kane
3711 Oct 1853Archibald McElfetrichFullBachelorFarmer & DealerP.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyArchibald McElpatrichFarmerWilliam Kane
Margaret McCoolFullSpinsterNoneDungleady P.O. MagheraGeorge McCoolFarmerRobert Sloan
3819 Oct 1853Samuel WintonFullBachelorWeaverTobermore P.O. KilcronaghanJohn WintonFarmerWilliam Kane
Matilda LynnMinorSpinsterSeamstressBallymacilcurrSamuel LynnFarmerFrederick Long
3924 Oct 1853Thomas WassFullBachelorFarmerP.O. MagherafeltJames WassFarmerWilliam Kane
Rachel McConaghtyFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraDennis McConaghtyFarmerJohn Garven
4027 Oct 1853William StewartFullBachelorLabourerBay P.O. MagheraAlex? StewartFarmerWilliam Kane
Rebecca McMullanFullSpinsterNoneTamneymullanSamuel? McMullanFarmerJohn Smyth
4110 Nov 1853Robert SimpsonMinorBachelorFarmerDrumlamphRobert SimpsonFarmerRobert Kane
Elizabeth BruceFullSpinsterNoneDrumlamphMatthew BruceFarmerWilliam McIntyre
4210 Nov 1853William ShepherdFullBachelorFarmerParish of MagheraJohn ShepherdFarmerRobert Kane
Elizabeth WhyteFullSpinsterNoneParish of MagheraRobert WhyteFarmerDavid Wilson
4328 Nov 1853Thomas ScottFullBachelorScutcherCulnadyJohn ScottFarmerWilliam Kane
Mary RoweFullSpinsterWeaverDrumoolish Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillyFrancis RoweFarmerAlexander Campbell
4414 Dec 1853James SteeleFullBachelorFarmerP.O. BallyscullionWilliam SteeleFarmerWilliam Kane
Jane WilsonFullSpinsterNoneDrummuck, MagheraRobert WilsonFarmerAlexander Campbell
457 Feb 1854Joseph NeelyFullBachelorLabourerBallinahoneJohn NeelyFarmerWilliam Kane
Matilda BrownFullSpinsterWeaverColahJoseph BrownCottierWilliam Fulton
4623 Feb 1854Alexander McKeownFullBachelorFarmerBay ---Alexander McKeownFarmerWilliam Kane
Elizabeth HipsonFullSpinsterServantCrew ---James Hipson??? SinkerWilliam Fulton
472 Mar 1854Moses McKeeFullBachelorFarmerP.O.KillelaghMichael McKeeFarmerWilliam Kane
Peggy Jane DowningFullSpinsterNoneDreenanHertford DowningPensioner & FarmerAlexander Wilson
484 Apr 1854John McGonigh?21BachelorFarmerP.O. BallyscullionGeorge McGonigh?ShoemakerWilliam Kane
Elizabeth Mayberry21SpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraWilliam MayberryFarmerJohn Hughes
494 Apr 1854Peter Barkley40WidowerWeaverP.O. MagheraHenry BarkleyFarmerWilliam Kane
Margaret Dunlop40WidowNoneP.O. DesertoghillAdam MeekFarmerWilliam John Clark
508 Apr 1854Shaw MontgomeryFullBachelorFarmerP.O. MagheraAlexander MontgomeryFarmerWilliam Kane
Jane AndersonFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraWilliam AndersonLabourerFrancis McGuigan
5113 Apr 1854Thomas HutchinsonFullBachelorLabourerTobermoreNorman HutchinsonLabourerWilliam Kane
Mary ClarkMinorSpinsterSeamstressMagheraRobert ClarkShoemakerRobert Hutchinson
5213 Apr 1854Robert HayesFullBachelorFarmerGortreagh, P.O. Kildress, Co. TyroneRobert HayesFarmerWilliam Kane
Martha FlemingFullSpinsterNoneBallymacilcurrJames FlemingFarmerJohn Johnston
5324 May 1854John Thomas NeelyFullBachelorFarmerP.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyGeorge NeelyFarmerWilliam Kane2 Jun 1854 edition -On the 24th ult., in the Parish Church of Maghera, by the Rev. James Spencer Knox, A.M., Vicar General of the Diocese of Derry, John Thomas,
Nancy Anne LyttleFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraAlexander LyttleFarmerMatthew Lyttleeldest son of Mr. George Neely, Firaconarey, to Nancy Ann, daughter of Mr. Alexander Lytle, of Falgortrany, Maghera.
5412 Jun 1854Thomas EllisFullWidowerFarmerP.O. BanagherRobert EllisFarmerWilliam Kane
Sarah ClarkFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraJames ClarkFarmerJohn Ellis
5520 Sep 1854Robert MulhollandMinorBachelorFarmerEden P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyHenry MulhollandFarmerWilliam Kane
Nancy AndersonMinorSpinsterNoneCurraghSamuel AndersonFarmerJohn Ellis
566 Oct 1854William ScottFullBachelorFarmerTyanee, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyAdam ScottFarmerWilliam Kane
Isabella FrenchFullSpinsterNoneCulnady, MagheraWilliam FrenchFarmerJoseph Robison
579 Oct 1854William John ClarkFullBachelorFarmerDrummuck P.O. MagheraJames ClarkFarmerWilliam Kane
Anne BaxterFullSpinsterNonePerpetual Care? Of Portglenone, ConnorWilliam BaxterFarmerJane? Crocket
5826 Oct 1854William John WilsonFullBachelorBaptist MinisterMagheraWilliam WilsonBuilderJames Barkley
Elizabeth Douglas ThompsonFullSpinsterNoneMagheraDavid ThompsonMerchantJ A Robson
592 Nov 1854John ShielFullBachelorLabourerRocktown, MagheraJames ShielLabourerWilliam Kane
Sarah LyonFullSpinsterNoneRocktown, MagheraRobert Lyon?LabourerJames Crosset
6016 Nov 1854Robert AndersonFullBachelorWeaverCurragh of MagheraJames AndersonThatcherWilliam Brown
Eliza HenryFullSpinsterServantTernageeragh P.O. MagheraRobert HenryLabourerSamuel Miller
6123 Nov 1854Samuel KeenanFullBachelorServantDrumlamphJohn KeenanLabourerWilliam Kane
Catherine TaggartFullSpinsterServantDrumlamphP.A. TaggartShoemakerThomas Atkinson (or Allison?)
6223 Nov 1854John O'NeillFullWidowerrWeaverP.O. MagheraBernard O'NeillLabourerWilliam Kane
Margaret StewartSpinsterEmbroidererP.O. MagheraJames StewartLabourerJames Armour?
6330 Nov 1854William MagugonMinorBachelorLabourerCulnadyPutative father William Magugon?TailorWilliam Kane
Peggy CassidyFullSpinsterServantCulnadyJames CassidyLabourerJohn Braman? (Brannan?)
644 Dec 1854David PorterFullBachelorWeaverCurraghRobert PorterFarmerWilliam Kane
Margaret SmithFullSpinster?apestryBeaghJames SmithFarmerJames Crawford
6515 Mar 1855Thomas WallaceFullBachelorFarmerMoneyshanere, Parish of KilcronaghanThomas WallaceFarmerWilliam Kane17 Mar 1855 edition - At Maghera parish Church, on the 15th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Knox, Mr. Thomas Wallace, Monishinure, Tubbermore, to Roseanna, second daughter
Roseanna PhillipsFullSpinsterNoneBallinahoneJohn PhillipsFarmerJohn McElreeof John Phillips,Ballinahone.
6616 Apr 1855Isabella McKeownFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraWilliam McKeownFarmerWilliam Kane
Wm A McKeownFullBachelorWeaverP.O. MagheraJames McKeownFarmerJames Nisean?
6727 Apr 1855Robert CrocketFullBachelorFarmerSlatabogyWilliam CrocketFarmerWm Kane
Jane TaylorFullSpinsterNoneSlatabogyRobt TaylorFarmerJohn Gray
6816 May 1855Samuel HaganFullBachelorLabourerCurranJames HaganLabourerJohn W??
Nancy KeriganFullSpinsterServantCurranPeter KeriganLabourerJohn Chambers
699 Jul 1855Stephen HarperFullBachelorSoldier, Derry Miof MagheraStephen HarperLabourerRobert McGaw
Nancy GaultFullSpinsterServantof KilreaThomas GaultLabourerWilliam McMillen
7026 Jul 1855Alexander McKeownBachelorFarmerP.O. Maghera CurraghJoseph McKeownFarmerRobert McGaw
Anna Jane FlemingSpinsterNonep.O. Maghera BallymacilcurrJames FlemingFarmerRobt McFarland
7123 Oct 1855Thomas ThompsonFullBachelorLabourerP.O. MagheraDaniel ThompsonLabourerRobt McGaw?
Margaret NugentFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraJohn NugentLabourerArch'd McGinnis
729 Nov 1855David BoysFullBachelorLabourerB hone P.O. MagheraWilliam BoysFarmerWilliam Kane
Esther McConaghyFullSpinsterNoneCraigadick P.O. MagheraThomas McConaghtyFarmerWilliam Hogg
739 Nov 1855Richard McLaughlinFullBachelorLabourerP.O. MagheraJames McLaughlinLabourerWilliam Kane
Jane StockmanFullSpinsterNoneTullyheron, P.O. KillelaghRobert StockmanFarmerWilliam Hogg
7418 Nov 1855John BrownFullBachelorWeaverBay P.O. MagheraJames BrownFarmerThomas Brown
Mariane KelsieFullSpinsterNoneBay P.O. MagheraJames KelsieFarmerWilliam Bra??
754 Dec 1855Thomas McKeownFullBachelorWeaverP.O. DesertmartinJohn McKeownFarmerWilliam Kane
Sarah McKinneyFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraWilliam McKinneyFarmerAlexander Phillips
764 Dec 1855David BullionFullBachelorFarmerCulnadyJames BullionFarmerWilliam McKee
Isabella JohnstonFullSpinsterNoneSlatabogieJohn JohnstonFarmerJames Walkinshaw
7729 Jan 1856John WilsonFullWidowerConstable, ConstabularyMagheraJohn WilsonFarmerWilliam Kane
Mary McMasterFullWidowNoneMagheraJames Mewhon?FarmerWm McDonald
7820 Feb 1856James CrillyFullBachelorLabourerFalgatrevyJohn CrillyLabourerWilliam Kane
Nancy MasonFullSpinsterNoneMullagh, P.O. TermoneenyBenj MasonLabourerRobert McGaw
7921 Feb 1856John BerkleyFullBachelorWeaverDrumoolish, P.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyJames BerkeleyFarmerWilliam Kane
Sarah StewartFullSpinsterNoneP.O. MagheraAlick StewartFarmerThomas Brown
806 Mar 1856George MartinFullBachelorShoemakerMagheraSamuel MartinServantWilliam Kane
Sarah LindsayFullSpinsterSeamstressMagheraRobert LindsayLabourerWilliam Wallace
8125 Mar 1856Michael KeenanFullBachelorRoyal ArtilleryDrumlamphJohn KeenanLabourerRobert Kane
Sarah BanksMinorSpinsterSeamstressDrumlamphDavid BanksLabourerRobert McGaw
8231 Mar 1856James GodfreyFullBachelorLabourerP.O. DesertlynWilliam GodfreyLabourerWilliam Kane
Sarah Anne HumphreyFullSpinsterServantP.O. MagheraJames HumphreyLabourerJohn Wilson
8325 Apr 1856James DixonFullBachelorFarmerDrummackAndrew DixonFarmerWilliam Kane
Margaret Jane ToshFullSpinsterNoneDrummackJames ToshFarmerDavid Clark
8414 May 1856James McConnellFullBachelorServantP.O. Tamlaght O'CrillyJames McConnellLabourerJohn Gray
Martha GivenFullSpinsterServantP.O. MagheraJames GivenLabourerJames Scott
8523 Jun 1856James ClarkFullBachelorFarmerParish of MagheraThomas? ClarkFarmerWilliam Kane
Nancy CooperFullSpinsterNoneParish of MagheraJohn CooperFarmerAndrew Brooks?
866 Aug 1856Richard MayberryFullBachelorLabourerDrumlamphWilliam MayberryLabourerRobert McGaw
Margaret McIntyreFullSpinsterNoneDrumlamphHugh McIntyreLabourerWilliam McIntyre
952 Jan 1857Daniel ScottFullBachelorLabourerCulnadyJohn ScottLabourerWilliam Kane28
Elizabeth KaneFullSpinsterNoneCulnadyJohn KaneLabourerThomas Hutchinson
969 Jan 1857Archibald GrahamFullBachelorWeaverBallynacrossRobert GrahamFarmerWilliam Anderson
Isabella CaskeyFullSpinsterNoneBallynacrossFrancis CaskeyLabourerWilliam Kane
1059 Jul 1857David BoydFullBachelorFarmerCulnadyHugh BoydFarmerWilliam Kane
Sarah LongFullSpinsterNoneCulnadySamuel LongFarmerRobert Mc?
24 Nov 1857John ClarkeFullBachelorSoldierCurrinJohn ClarkeFarmerWilliam Kane
Rachel KennedyFullSpinsterNoneCurrinJohn KennedyFarmerCharles Kennedy
11920 Feb 1858Andrew LyleFullWidowerFarmerAghagaskin, Parish of MagherafeltJohn LyleFarmerWilliam Kane
Charlotte BuntingFullSpinsterNoneToberhead, Parish of MagheraThomas Bunting?Robert McGaw?
1203 Mar 1858Robert KaneFullBachelorShoemakerTamneymullanFrank KaneFarmerRifleman? Kane
Matilda MehargFullSpinsterNoneMagheraJohn MehargFarmerJohn Wilson
1232 Sep 1858William DavidsonFullBachelorFarmerDerryganard, Parish of LissanRobert DavidsonFarmerWilliam Kane
Elizabeth ClarkeFullSpinsterNoneGulladuff, Parish of MagheraThomas ClarkeFarmerWilliam Knight
1293 Mar 1859James ConnorFullBachelorFarmerTamneymullanJames ConnorFarmerWilliam Kane
Matilda DunlopFullSpinsterNoneSwatragh, Parish of KillyleaghCharles DunlopFarmerEdmond Dunlop
12 Nov 1860David ClarkeFullBachelorFarmerDrumuckJames ClarkeFarmerAndyO'Kane
Margaret Eliza StonesFullSpinsterNoneSlatabogeyEdward StonesLabourerFrancis McGuigan
14919 Apr 1861Benjamin ScottFullBachelorFarmerParish of Tamlaght O'CrillyThomas ScottFarmerWilliam Kane
Mary Ann BrownFullSpinsterNoneParish of MagheraThomas BrownFarmerWilliam Brown
1541 Aug 1861Joseph WarnockFullBachelorFarmerRock, Parish of Desertcreat? TyroneJoseph WarnockFarmerHugh Wilson?
Jane PhillipsFullSpinsterNoneBallinahone, Parish of MagheraThomas PhillipsFarmerJohn ??
15728 Aug 1861William McCleanFullBachelorFarmerBallinahone, Parish of MagheraJames McCleanFarmerRobert McGaw
Esther HunterFullSpinsterNoneBallinahone, Parish of TermoneenyJames HunterFarmerSamuel Lyle
16018 Dec 1861John PhillipsFullBachelorFarmerBallinahoneThomas PhillipsFarmerWilliam Kane
Fanny YoungFullSpinsterNoneCalmoreWilliam YoungFarmerRobert Patterson
16221 Jan 1862Hugh PattersonFullBachelorFarmerCulnadyWilliam PattersonFarmerWilliam Kane
Mary Jane HustonFullSpinsterNoneBallymacilcurr??Thomas HuestonFarmerThomas Huston
169?23 Oct 1862William HunterFullWidowerPensioner? Peuseon?BallymacpeakeRichard HunterRevenue? OfficerWilliam Kane
Jane GrahamFullWidowNoneBallymacpeakeRobert GrahamShoemakerRobert Stewart
17219 Nov 1862John Porter21BachelorFarmerCurranWilliam PorterWeaverJohn Nugent
Nancy Hughes23SpinsterNoneRocktownHenry HughesFarmerJohn Wilson
17320 Nov 1862John ClarkeFullBachelorFarmerMagheraRobert ClarkeShoemakerWilliam Kane
Mary Scales20SpinsterNoneCrewThomas ScalesFarmerAlexander Clarke
17830 Jun 1863Alexander PorterFullBachelorFarmerKillynumber, Parish of KilcronaghanJohn PorterFarmerAlexander Porter
Mary Anne McKinneyFullSpinsterNoneBallinahoneAlexander McKinneyFarmerDebey/Deluy? McKinney
1798 Jan 1864David PorterFullBachelorLabourerSlattybogieWilliam PorterWeaverWilliam Kane
Jane HammondFullSpinsterNoneSlattybogieBernard HammondWeaverSamuel Anderson
18021 Jan 1864Robert HunterFullBachelorLabourerKnocknakielt, Parish of TermoneenyAlexander HunterLabourerThomas Calcutt
Elizabeth GivenFullSpinsterNoneMagheraJames GivenLabourerKnox Homall??
185?22 Jul 1864Alexander PhillipsFullBachelorFarmerBallinahoneJohn PhillipsFarmerAdam Phillips
Maria McKinneyFullSpinsterNoneMagheraArchibald McKinneyFarmerWilliam John Crockett
19021 Sep 1865James CaldwellFullBachelorSoldierMagheraJohn CaldwellUnknownJames Clarke
Margaret ClarkeFullSpinsterNoneMagheraRobert ClarkeShoemakerRobert Clarke
1916 Oct 1865John ScottMinorBachelorLabourerCulnadyJohn ScottFarmerJoseph Marshall
Mary Ann SmythMinorSpinsterNoneBeaghJames SmythFarmerWilliam Scott
2004 May 1866John HillFullBachelorFarmerParish of DesertoghillNeil HillFarmerThomas Hill
Catherine PhillipsFullSpinsterNoneBallinahoneThomas PhillipsFarmerJohn Phillips
20111 Oct 1866Samuel HunterFullBachelorLabourerCulnadyAlexander HunterLabourerWilliam Kane
Isabella CartonFullSpinsterNoneSlattybogieWilliam CartonLabourerFrancis McGuigan
20218 Oct 1866William ScottFullBachelorLabourerCulnadyJohn ScottFarmerWilliam Bradley
Bridget McAnollaFullSpinsterNoneTirgarvilJames McAnollaFarmerNancy Ewing
20714 Feb 1867Samuel StockmanFullWidowerFarmerTullyheronRobert StockmanLabourerEliza Shiels
Isabella ClarkeFullSpinsterNoneBallynockGeorge ClarkeFarmerWilliam Shiels
21 Feb 1867Thomas S. AshFullBachelorGentleman J.P.Manor House, MagherafeltGeorge AshClergyman? Hamilton Clark
Eliza Hall ClarkFullSpinsterNoneLargantogherJames J ClarkEsquire, J.P.Frances Clark Hall
2413 Aug 1872William PorterFullBachelorFarmerBallynacrossWilliam PorterLabourerFrancis McGuigan
Jane ElliotFullSpinsterNoneBallynacrossThomas ElliotLabourerThomas Elliot
8 Aug 1872Francis KaneFullBachelorFarmerTamneymullinFrancis KaneFarmerJohn Kane
Mary Annie KaneFullSpinsterNoneCalmore, Parish of KilcronaghanGeorge KaneFarmerBella Kane
13 May 1879Andrew DohertyFullBachelorLabourerCulnadyWilliam DohertyLabourerWilliam Scott
Elizabeth ScottFullSpinsterNoneDreenanThomas ScottLabourerLavinia McMullan
25 Sep 1882James ScottFullBachelorLabourerDreenanThomas ScottLabourerAndrew Doherty
Margaret JohnstonFullSpinsterNoneMoneysharvinRobert JohnstonFarmerMargaret Doherty
3914 Oct 1882William MontgomeryFullBachelorFarmerCulnadyShaw MontgomeryFarmerThomas McGinnis
Margaret PorterFullSpinsterNoneCulnadyRobert PorterLabourerMary Anne Clarke
4115 Feb 1883Shaw MontgomeryFullBachelorFarmerCulnadyShaw MontgomeryFarmerArchibald Patton
Margaret ShepperdFullSpinsterNoneBallymacilcurr?James ShepperdFarmerMary Shepperd
4328 Aug 1883Robert PorterFullBachelorLabourerCulnadyRobert PorterLabourerRobert Carmichael
Elizabeth CarmichaelFullSpinsterNoneCurragh?Hugh? CarmichaelFarmerRobert Wilson
4511 Oct 1883James ScottFullBachelorFarmerDungladyMatthew ScottFarmerWilly John Forkhill
Anna Maria CrockettFullSpinsterNoneMagheraJames CrockettFarmerEliza Jane Crockett
6512 Apr 1889James BlackFullBachelorBakerMagheraThomas BlackGardenerWilliam Porter
Annie Porter20?SpinsterNoneMagheraRobert PorterCarpenterAgnes Hamill
6816 May 1890John PorterFullBachelorScutcherCulnadyRobert PorterLabourerAlex Hunter
Catherine HunterFullSpinsterServantCulnadyJohn HunterLabourerMatilda Hunter
7331 Mar 1891William John Hunter22BachelorFarm ServantThe CrewJohn HunterLabourerWilliam Armstrong
Sarah Gibson22SpinsterFarm ServantDrumnacanon, Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillyRobert GibsonLabourerMargaret Elizabeth Hunter
767 Jan 1892John QuinnFullWidowerFarmerCraigmoreNeally QuinnFarmerWilliam Flowers?
Isabella PalmerFullSpinsterNoneTullyheronWilliam PalmerFarmerCharlotte Palmer
7918 Feb 1892John JohnstonFullBachelorFarmerSlattybogieRobert JohnstonFarmerRobert John Lindsay
Elizabeth HunterFullSpinsterNoneDrumlamphRobert HunterFarmerRoseanna Thompson
8215 Nov 1892John ScottFullBachelorDyer?CulnadyJohn ScottLabourerRobert Lindsey
Anne MartinMinorSpinsterDomestic ServantAt Mrs Poole's, Maghera - Parents living at DrumardRobert John MartinLabourerRobert John Martin
9130 Aug 1894Alexander BradleyFullBachelorFarmerDrumard, Parish of TermoneenyJoseph BradleyFarmerEdward Clarke
Eliza Jane CrocketFullSpinsterNoneMagheraJames CrockettPublican and GrocerRose Ann Clarke
9718 Nov 1895Thomas ScottFullBachelorLabourerCulnadyDaniel ScottLabourerJames Lindsay
Jane MulhollandMinorSpinsterNoneEden Parish of TermoneenyJames MulhollandLabourerMargaret Scott
10530 Mar 1897James MichaelFullBachelorLinen LapperKillymuckAlex MichaelLabourerJohn Audy??
Isabella CanningFullSpinsterNoneUpperlandsRobert CanningLabourerMatilda Kissick
114Jul-19-1900David HenryFullBachelorForeman Linen DyerUpperlandsRobert HenryLabourerSamuel Bovill
Sarah Barker GrahamFullSpinsterNoneKillymuckJohn GrahamLabourerSarah Donaldson
117May-15-1901Robert HunterFullBachelorFarm LabourerCulnadySamuel HunterLabourerAnne Field
Mary Ann YoungFullSpinsterNoneCrewGeorge YoungLabourerHugh Field
124Jan-01-1903John BlackFullBachelorLabourerInnishrushJohn BlackLabourerTom Scott
Mary ScottFullSpinsterServantCulnadyAdam ScottLabourerRebecca Parke
125Feb-12-1903John LamontFullBachelorMill WorkerTirgarvilRobert LamontScutcherJoseph Lamont
Jane ScottFullSpinsterScutcherCulnadyAndrew ScottScutcherRebecca Parke
126May-21-1903Edward ClarkeFullBachelorFarmerDrumuckDavid ClarkeFarmerHugh Riddell
Martha DowningFullSpinsterDressmakerDreenanJohn DowningFarmerEliza Jane Stewart
159Feb-11-1913Hugh Alexander KaneFullBachelorMerchantMagheraFrancis KaneFarmerNone
Elizabeth GrahamFullSpinsterNoneCraigmoreJohn GrahamFarmerNone
160Jul-03-1913Thomas James ScottFullBachelorCloth Presser?CraigmoreJames ScottFarmerSamuel Palmer
Margaret CushleyFullSpinsterNoneUpperlandsJohn CushleyFarmerMary Elizabeth Cushley
162Jul-09-1914Robert Porter22BachelorLabourerCulnadyJohn PorterLabourerJoseph Hill
Agnes Turkington18SpinsterNoneUpperlandsGeorge TurkingtonLinen Cutter?Eliza Ramsey
168Oct-22-1914Alexander MontgomeryFullBachelorLinen BeetlerCulnadyWilliam MontgomeryFarmerEdward Montgomery?
Elizabeth Paul GrahamFullSpinsterDomestic ServantTirgarvilDavid GrahamFarmerEliza Montgomery?
169Nov-26-1914Benjamin ScottFullBachelorFarm LabourerCrewThomas ScottFarmerThomas Scott
Martha StockmanFullSpinsterNoneTullyheronGeorge StockmanRural PostmanSamuel Stockman
179Jun-14-1917John Scott22BachelorLabourerCulnadyWilliam Scott??
Martha Crossett19SpinsterNoneCulnadyRobert Crossett??
185Apr-01-1918Gawn Graham34BachelorDraper271 Springfield Road, BelfastSamuel GrahamFarmerW R Workman
Isabella Agnes Bradley22SpinsterNoneMagheraAlex BradleyMerchantIsabella A Scott

Transcribed by Denver Boyd

(with thanks to Jackie Jones for permitting access to the records)

St. Lurach’s Church of Ireland

St Lurachs Old Church, Magherast-lurachs-church-front-sd-lytlest-lurachs-church-of-ireland-circa-1905st-lurachs-church-of-ireland-maghera-by-morren-copyright-walton

The Church of St. Lurach and associated religious sites in the Maghera area can be said to be the foundation stone that the town was built on. In fact, the name Maghera is derived from the Irish Machaire Rátha meaning “plain of the fort”. However this is itself derived from the older name for the parish, Ráth Lúraigh, meaning “Lúrach’s fort”. One manuscript states that Lúrach was from Ráith, which hints at an even earlier name for the parish before Lúrach’s name was suffixed to it. A Rath or fortified homestead would make sense when you consider that Lurach was of the family of Colla Uais, King of Ireland and they were local chieftains and held a degree of political importance in the area, with seven descendants of Lúrach’s father Cuanu being kings of Airgíalla. There is circumstantial evidence to place their seat of power at Ráth Lúraigh.

Lúrach mac Cuanach was himself the 6th-century patron of the eccesliastical parish, with the local parish church which he is credited with founding, St. Lurachs, named after him. His connection with early Christianity is most probably gained from his Uncle (his mother’s brother) St. Patrick himself. Lurach was nicknamed “Lurach of the poems” and was bishop of Derrygloran, County Derry. St’ Lurach’s church is the centre of a monastic settlement which also includes the monastery (later church) on the Mullagh hill and the convent at the Grillagh.

St. Lurach’s church was plundered by Vikings in 832 according to the Annals of Ulster, and in 1135 was one of several churches burnt down during a period of internecine wars. The ruins of the medieval church still stand in the town of Maghera in the townland of Largantogher, with the earliest remaining sections dating to between the 10th and 12th centuries. Within the old church there is a beautiful carving of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, but the church is of varying ages of construction; the tower, for example, dates to the 17th or 18th Century. The east end was built about the year 1790 at the expense of the parish of Killelagh, which at that time was united with Maghera. This is therefore a very ancient and historically colourful site.

In 1111, the parish of Maghera was incorporated into the diocese of the Cinéal Eoghain, the seat of which was located at Ardstraw. In 1150 however the seat was transferred to Maghera, until 1254 when after complaints of its isolation from the “mainstream of civilisation” it was removed to Derry.

As a result of the Plantation of Ulster in 1606, the lands of the parish of Maghera were divided among three of the London livery companies, namely, the Drapers, Mercers, and Vintners and a large portion of land around the modern settlement of Maghera was given over to the Established Church.[

The Old church continued in use until 1819 when it was dismantled and part of the stones used to build the new church just across the road. It has always been speculated that there were tunnels emanating from the old church to various parts including the Mullagh hill, St. Lurach’s well etc. The Presbyterian church is close to old St. Lurach’s and when the foundations were being dug for the new Presbyterian church, a workman’s shovel fell down into a cavity. This hole was then investigated and a subterranean room was found in which wsas discovered a wooden watering can, a book and the remnants of an old turf fire. Clearly the room has been occupied at some time unknown.

St. Lurach’s Baptism records 1786-1838

St. Lurach’s Baptism records 1840-1867

St. Lurach Marriage records 1845 to 1918

St. Lurach’s funeral records

 

Magherafelt District Registrar Marriage Records

These are a few transcriptions of Marriage records from the Magherafelt District Registrar office that have been sourced over the years. Naturally, GRONI have the full marriage records and these can be sourced online at: https://geni.nidirect.gov.uk

DateNamesAgeConditionOccupationResidenceFather's NameFather's OccupationWitnessesAdditional Information
8 Oct 1850James GrahamFullBachelorMerchantMagherafelt, Parish of MagherafeltDavid GrahamMerchantRobert H. CarsonMarriage took place at Tobermore
Maria Seymour CarsonFullSpinsterMerchantMagherafelt, Parish of MagherafeltRobert CarsonBaptist MinisterAlexander Carson
5 Oct 1858William BoydFullBachelorFarmerGlenone, Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillyJohn BoydFarmerRobert Barton
Mary Anne French20 yrsSpinsterFarmerGlenone, Parish of Tamlaght O'CrillyThomas FrenchFarmerCampbell French
4 Nov 1858Thomas ArmstrongFullBachelorWeaverCoolreagh, Parish of Lissan Lower, Co.TyroneRobert ArmstrongWeaverJohn McGuckin
Susanna McElreeFullSpinsterWeaverRossmore, Parish of Lissan Upper, Co.TyroneJames McElreeWeaverJames McGlade
20 Apr 1859Thomas ShieldsFullBachelorFarmerMoneyguigeyJohn ShieldsFarmerWilliamMcCready
Margaret OrrFullSpinsterNoneMoneyguigeyJohn OrrFarmerEdward Henry
6 Dec 1859George ClarkeFullBachelorFarmerBallynahoneJohn ClarkeFarmerGeorge Paul
Mary PaulFullSpinsterNoneBallynahoneGeorge PaulFarmerJohn Clarke
21 Jan 1861Henry James O'HaraFullBachelorWeaver Agent3 Scotch Street, BelfastGeorge O'Hara MerchantJohn Purdy
Sarah Jane GrahamFullWidowWeaver AgentLisnamorrow, Parish of ArtreaJohn PurdyFarmerMargaret Duncan
5 Sep 1861Samuel PhillipsFullBachelorFarmerBallynahone Road, MagheraSamuel PhillipsFarmerAdam Phillips
Matilda SinclairFullSpinsterFarmerDerrynoid RoadSamuel SinclairFarmerAlexander Phillips
19 Oct 1865Paul McCloskeyFullBachelorGrocerBellaghy, Parish of BallyscullionPaul McCloskieSchoolmasterLewis Richardson
Peggy Jane JudgeFullSpinsterNoneBellaghy, Parish of BallyscullionJohn JudgeLabourerMary Linsay
28 May 1869Clark PorterFullBachelorFarmerGortamneyHenry PorterFarmerGeorge Porter
Mary Ann WallaceFullSpinsterNoneTobermoreRobert WallaceFarmerMary Ann McCurdy
13 Dec 1869Patrick McGarrityFullBachelorLabourerMoneymore, Parish of DesertlynPeter McGarrityLabourerJohn Donnelly
Mary BoydFullSpinsterNoneMoneymore, Parish of DesertlynRobert BoydLabourerWilliam John Bear
19 Oct 1871Robert PaulFullWidowerFarmerBallynahone, Parish of TermoneenyGeorge PaulFarmerThomas James Wallace
Mary Jane LynnFullSpinsterNoneBallynahone, Parish of TermoneenyJohn LynnFarmerMary Anne Taylor
3 May 1872Hugh McDowell full Widower Butler BallyscullionJohn McDowell FarmerMary A. Loughrey
Jane Davison full Spinster none Oldtown Thomas DavisonFarmerThomas Davison
14 Jun 1873John Flynn20 yrsBachelorLabourerMillbrook, Parish of MagherafeltGilbert FlynnTailorJohn Bradley
Ann Jane GrahamFullSpinsterHousemaidMillbrook, Parish of MagherafeltCharles GrahamFarmerNancy Harkness
20 Sep 1877Robert Shiels55WidowerFarmerDrumballyhaganRobert ShielsCarpenterWilliam Anderson
Mary Wilson45WidowNoneBallynascreenJames WilsonFarmerMargaret J Wilson
15 Apr 1878James Judge38 yrsWidowerFarmerCarmeanJames JudgeFarmerHugh Eakin
Mary Ann Peeples22 yrsSpinsterNoneCarmeanJohn PeeplesFarmerEliza Jane Corny
5 Nov 1879Joseph McClane23BachelorFarmerBallynahoneJohn McCleanFarmerHames Hutchinson
Anna Maria Hanna22SpinsterNoneBallynahoneThomas HannaFarmerMatilda McLean
12 Oct 1880James Lee23BachelorFarmerMoneyguiggy, Parish of BallynascreenJames McGladeFarmerMatilda Wallace
Margaret Boyd23SpinsternoneMoneyguiggy, Parish of BallynascreenWilliam BoydFarmerThomas Dickson Junr
24 Nov 1882Robert Crawford40WidowerFarmerBallynacrossJohn CrawfordFarmerWilliam Pollock
Mary Jane Hunter24SpinsterNoneBallynahoneJoseph HunterFarmerNancy Jane Hunter
26 Sep 1884Clarke Porter30 yrsWidowerFarmerGortamneyRobert A PorterFarmerMatilda McLean
Matilda McLean24 yrsFarmerNoneBallynahoneAnnie McLeanFarmerClarke Porter
16 Oct 1884Alexander Lyle 30Widower Farmer Tobermore William LyleFarmerAnnie Hueston
Jane White 22Spinster none Killytoney Alexander WhiteFarmerThomas Clarke
14 Nov 1884James Smyth23 yrsBachelorLabourerMaghadoneWilliam SmythLabourerSamuel Hogg
Bessie McDowell22 yrsSpinsernoneDunarnonJob McDowellFarmerJane McDowell
12 Aug 1886John Hunter28 yrsBachelorFarmerBallynahoneRobert HunterFarmerJames Bradley
Mary Anne Ewing23 YrsSpinsterNoneBallynahoneRobert EwingFarmerJohn Ewing
27 May 1887James Hunter30 yrsBachelorWeaverKillyberryJohn HunterWeaverGeorge McGonigle
Nancy Phillips45 YrsSpinsterServantKillyberryWilliam PhillipsLabourerAnnie McGonigle
23 Nov 1888John Paul25 yrsBachelorFarmerCrewSamuel PaulFarmerSamuel Hogg
Margaret Graham30 yrsSpinsternoneCrewJohn GrahamFarmerMargaret Kane
20 May 1891William Scott25 yrsBachelorLabourerCulnadyDaniel ScottLabourerThomas Lindsay
Sarah Montgomery23 yrsSpinsterNoneCulnadyShaw MontgomeryFarmerFanny Graham
1 Sep 1891Thomas Phillips23 yrsBachelorFarmerBallynahoneJohn PhillipsFarmerW. H. Maitland
Lillie McCready21 yrsSpinsterNoneTobermoreWilliam McCreadyBlack SmithWilliam J. McCready
30 Nov 1893George Paul27BachelorLabourerBallynahone BegThomas PaulLabourerRobert Kennedy
Maggie Kissick26SpinsterNoneUpperlandsJohn KissickLabourerMary J Lees
15 May 1894Thomas J. GrahamFullBachelorLabourerDunarnanSamuel GrahamLabourerSamuel Forde
Sarah ArmstrongFullSpinsterNoneDunarnanWilliam ArmstrongLabourerAlice Armstrong
10 Nov 1897Alexander Lyle24BachelorFarmerTullyroanJames LyleFarmerEmily Clarke
Nancy Jane Clarke28SpinsternoneBallinahone MoreRobert ClarkeFarmerJames Lyle
Thursday, May 01, 1902John ScottFullWidowerDealerCrewJohn ScottLabourerRobert Lindsay
Alice GrahamFullSpinsterNoneCurraghSamuel GrahamLabourerMinnie Montgomery
Monday, July 14, 1902Thomas ShieldsFullBachelorFarmerBallynahone MoreThomas ShieldsFarmerArchibald Scott
Sarah LennoxFullSpinsterNoneGulladuffThomas J LennoxFarmerAnnie Lennox
Friday, November 28, 1902Robert John PorterFullBachelorServantBallynacrossWilliam PorterFarmerD.C Hastings
Sarah M. BoydeFullSpinsterNoneCarricknakieltChristy BoydeFarmerPatricia O'Kane
Tuesday, January 13, 1903Christy BoydFullBachelorFarmerCarricknakieltChristy BoydFarmerWilliam Paul
Matilda LennoxFullSpinsterNoneGullladuffThomas LennoxCarpenterAnnie Lennox
Friday, May 29, 1903Alexander GrahamFullBachelorLabourerCurraghSamuel GrahamLabourerWilliam Tosh
Mary BoltonFullSpinsternoneLismoyleSamuel BoltonFarmerNellie Bolton
Tuesday, May 07, 1907George ShielsFullBachelorTailorCraigadickJames ShielsMillerW J Brownlow
Annie DicksonFullSpinsterNoneDrumballyhaganFredrick DicksonFarmerRebecca E Dickson
Thursday, March 12, 1914James ShielsFullBachelorBeetlerUpperlandsClarke ShielsMillerRobert Lindsay
Maggie HunterFullSpinsterNoneCulnadyJohn HunterLabourerMary Fleming
Monday, November 25, 1918Alexander PorterFullBachelorLabourerKnocknakieltWilliam PorterLabourerThomas J McCaughey
Emily McCaugheyFullSpinsterNoneBallymarrion?James McCaugheyLabourerIsabella Maitland
Friday, January 10, 1919James Mundle23 yrsBachelorNoneCahoreRobert MundleFarmerIsabella Maitland
Ada Elizabeth Hunter23 yrsSpinsterNoneBallynahoneSamuel James HunterFarmerWinifred Maitland
Wednesday, October 29, 1919Stuart GrahamFullBachelorCloth HardnerCulnadyDavid GrahamLabourerIsabella Maitland
Tillie ScottFullSpinsterNoneCulnadyWilliam ScottLabourerDaisie Maitland
Wednesday, February 21, 1923Edward Montgomery29BachelorFarm LabourerCulnadyJames ShielsFarmerIsabella Maitland
Margaret Annie Shields26SpinsterNoneCraigadickShaw MontgomeryFarmerWinifred L Maitland

Transcribed by Denver Boyd

Some Notes on the Parish of Maghera and Neighbourhood

By A. K. MORRISON and S. D. LYTLE.

Published in the Ulster Journal of Archeology Vol. VIII, McCaw, Stevenson & Orr, The Linenhall Press, 1902.

THE town and parish of Maghera are situated in the barony of Loughinshollin and the county of Derry. The parish is bounded on the north by Killyleagh, on the west by Ballinascreen and Kilcronaghan, on the south-east by Ballyscullion and Termoneeny, and on the east by Tamlaght-o’-Crilly, all in the diocese of Derry.

The town is of great antiquity. It is recorded that the see of Ardstra, or Ardstragh, was removed to Maghera in 597 ; it continued as a separate diocese until 1158, when it was united to the see of Derry. In 1641 it was burnt by the Irish, under Macdonnell. In 1688 it was assaulted by the army of James II, the inhabitants seeking refuge in the city of Derry.

It was anciently called Machaire Ratha Luraigh Machaire means a plain this was changed into its present name, Maghera. Ratha Luraigh means the fort of Lurach. St. Lurach was the patron saint of this parish, and his festival was formerly celebrated on the 17 February. Like many Irish saints, Lurach was of royal lineage. Lurach of the Poems, son of Griana uais, monarch of Ireland, who married Davorca, sister of Saint Patrick.

The ruins of St. Lurach’s church adjoin the town, and are in a good state of preservation. They are now under the charge of the Board of Works, and so are well looked after.

Samuel Lewis, in his Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837), says about this church :

“The ruins of the old church are highly interesting, and some portions bear marks of very remote antiquity. Over the west entrance is a representation of the Crucifixion, rudely sculptured in high relief, with ten of the apostles ; and in the churchyard are the tomb and pillar of Leuri, the patron saint, whose grave was opened some time since, when a silver crucifix was found in it, which was carefully replaced.”

It would have been much better to have suppressed this information, as a couple of thieves came afterwards and opened this grave and stole the sacred relics. An information was sworn by the late Alexander Hipson of Maghera, describing these thieves ; and the late Rev. Spencer Knox had them followed to Magherafelt and Moneymore, but unfortunately all trace of them was lost.

On the 4 January, 1881, a paper was read before the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club by F. W. Lockwood, on “The Crucifixion and other Sculptures of the Ruined Church at Maghera, Co. Derry,” in which he stated :

“The ruined church at Maghera presents features perfectly unique amongst Irish ecclesiastical remains in its square-headed west doorway, above which is carved in relief, according to Lord Dunraven, the Crucifixion, the figures of the eleven disciples, and the two soldiers with spear and sponge. In Miss Stokes’s work it is described as ‘the Crucifixion, with lance and sponge, the figure of the Saviour draped to the hands and wrists, the three disciples and the woman standing near.’ A full-sized drawing explained that the decay of the stone rendered it difficult to identify some of the figures, but the two Roman soldiers, the blessed Virgin, and probably nine disciples, with the position of the tenth, are clearly to be made out ; angels are also to be seen hovering above the cross. Several similar features are also to be seen in the sculptured crosses of the ninth and tenth centuries at Monasterboice and elsewhere. The probable date of this interesting relic is between the years 960 to 1000 A.D.”

Local tradition has it that an underground passage existed between this church and the church on Mullagh Hill, about a mile distant.

St. Lurach’s grave is in the churchyard, and is marked by a rude stone, which is so decayed that no trace of anything can be made out of it. It is hoped that some suitable monument will soon mark the resting-place of our patron saint.

St. Lurach’s well is in the centre of the down [sic], at the gateway of A. K. Morrison. It was for a considerable time the principal source of the water supply for the town, but is now threatened with closure by the district authorities, and a pump erected over it; and though from a sanitary point of view this might be an improvement, yet it is a pity to obliterate such an ancient and celebrated landmark.

About an English mile from Maghera, at Tirnony, there is a very fine cromleac, near to which Lewis says there is an artificial cave formed of field stones and covered with flags; but the oldest inhabitant never heard of this souterrain, and if it exists its precise whereabouts is unknown. To the north west of this cromleac, about 200 yards distant, we have the ruins of Killelagh old church, a very ancient structure, but unfortunately no reliable record can be found regarding its erection. Lewis says it was destroyed in the wars of 1641 by the Earl of Tyrone, and subsequently rebuilt. Lying close to the wall of the churchyard is a large Flat stone, 3 feet by 4½ feet, and about 6 inches thick, with two basin-shaped cavities in it. Close to this old church there is a very fine rath, with one circumvallation. MADGHS

About two miles farther there is a sweat house in Tirkane, with a well a few yards distant from its entrance. The favourite explanation of this sweat-house is that it was used something like our Turkish baths, and as a cure for rheumatism and such-like complaints. A fire was lighted inside on its jagged floor, and when well heated the fire was cleared out, and after the patient had dipped himself in the well he was closed up in the house until he perspired profusely, with beneficial results.

There are a number of other places in this neighbourhood of traditional interest, such as giants’ graves one in Slaghtnail and one in Corlecky ; also the remains of what is said to be one of the palaces of some of the Irish kings in Granaghan.

At Culnady, about three miles distant from Maghera, there is a very large and perfect rath at Dunglady. It is compassed by treble walls and a trench, but unfortunately there are no records regarding its occupation. It is said to be one of the most perfect in Ireland, and commands a most extensive view of the surrounding country.

_________

The following is a copy of a deposition made by Alexr. Hipson regarding

the rifling of Saint Lurach’s grave, before J. J. Clarke, 20 January, 1865 :

CITY & COUNTY OF LONDONDERRY TO WIT.} I Alexander Hipson of Maghera in the county of Londonderry  carpenter do solemly & sincerely declare that in or about the year 1829 I think in the month of March I was in the employment of the Rev. Jas. Spencer Knox rector of the parish of Maghera, when one morning having to pass through the old graveyard on my way from the glebe house to the town of Maghera to buy nails I met two persons dressd like gentlemen in the graveyard, one had a paper in his hand, on which there was writing. He askd was I a native of the town I said I was- He then enquird [sic] if there was a long grave in the churchyard in which Saint Lorny was buried. I said I had often heard of it. He again askd if it had a black whin stone for a head stone I told him it had. He lookd at the paper and bid the other gentleman to come along. We went together to the grave which I pointed out. He took a rule out of his pocket & measurd [sic} the grave which he compard [sic]with the writing on the paper with it and the headstone. At his request I got him a spade from James Cassidy who was planting potatoes. On giving him the spade he gave me a half crown piece & said to me & Thomas Quinn who had just come up that we might go and have a glass. We went to Billy Crocketts had a glass & divided what was left of the half crown between us. I then went to Harry Porters the nailer, got the nails & retd  through the graveyard, and there found the two gentlemen filling up the hole in the grave that appeared about 2½ feet long & about 2 ft broad. I don’t know the depth. On the grass was a handkerchief spread out the wind raising it up I saw underneath a cross which might be about 18 inches long. They then left taking the cross with them. I began to think I should tell Mr. Knox & went to the hall door, but he was not in the house. Half an hour after I ret d1 found him in his study and told what had occurrd [sic]. He sent me immediately to the hotel kept by Mr Falls to make enquiry who said, they had been gone for some time, but whether to Moneymore or Magherafelt he could not say. Mr Knox & myself then drove in his gig to Magherafelt but could not find any trace of them there but got a fresh horse & proceeded to Moneymore, with no better success-  came back by Desertmartin to Magherafelt hoping to meet with them Mr Knox having left instructions in Magherafelt to have them detaind shd they make their appearance there.

Mr Knox told me afterwards he had reason to believe they had gone to Dungannon & was greatly displeased with Mr Falls as he blamd him for misleading him.

I make this solemn deposition conscientously believing same to be true, and by virtue of an act passd in the 6 year of his late Magesty King Wm. the Fourth chapt 62 for the abolition of unnecessary oaths. Alexander Hipson.  {Made and subscribed before me this 20 day of January, 1865 (sixty-five), at Largantogher. Jas. J. Clarke, J.P. for Co. Londonderry.

Wooden Articles found in Peat Bogs

By W. J. KNOWLES, M.R.I.A.

Published in the Ulster Journal of Archeology Vol. VIII, McCaw, Stevenson & Orr, The Linenhall Press, 1902

DURING the last few years, I have obtained a number of wooden vessels and other articles from peat bogs deserving of notice in the Ulster Journal of Archeology. Although such objects, owing to their splitting and warping while drying, are not so much prized by collectors of antiquities as implements of stone and bronze, yet they should not be neglected, as they throw considerable light on the domestic customs of the ancient inhabitants of this country. The following are a selection from a much larger number of objects of this kind, which have accumulated in my collection of Irish antiquities :

In the summer of 1899 a man brought me a wooden vessel which he had found in Mullaghboy bog, County Derry. It is one of those vessels called churns by antiquaries, having a hole in the centre of the lid or cover through which a churn-staff could move upwards and downwards in the process of churning. The vessel was complete. The lid was made to lift off and on, and the hole in the centre was square, not round as that in modern churn lids, and it projects upwards like a short funnel, with an ear or small handle at each side. No churn-staff, so far as I know, has ever been found associated with such vessels ; or, indeed, anywhere away from where the vessels of this kind are found. The churn itself is cut from the solid wood, die centre being excavated, and a wall of about three-quarters of an inch left. It is 16 inches in height, and 16 inches in width at the centre: but it curves inward towards the mouth, and is there 13 inches wide. The bottom is a separate piece, and is fixed in a groove, into which it must have been pressed when the vessel was newly made. It was found about 3 feet down in the peat bank, as far as the finder could remember, and it contained nothing but “fog”(sphagnum). A wooden spade was found near it, but it broke up and “crumbled away.” Fig 1The vessel was beginning to crack when I bought it, but by a little judicious treatment I was able to prevent further cracking, and it is now in a very fair state of preservation. There are two slight projections, one at each side, about the middle part of the vessel, through which holes have been bored- I should think for the purpose of hanging it up, so as to prevent mice or rats making an attack on it. It is shown in fig. 1. The lid of this specimen is a very common type ; and almost all my specimens, even they are of small size, have the square hole in the centre. I show one small lid from Gortgole bog, near Portglenone. in fig. 2, which has no hole.Fig 2 The vessel to which this lid belonged was not found. In the summer of 1898 a large wooden tray was found in Craig’s bog, about two miles north- west of Cullybackey. It is one of a very common type of article found in bogs, but this specimen is unusually large. It is all of one piece, and has been cut and made from a large tree in a rather rough way, the workmanship being ol such a kind as a person who was Jack-of-all-trades would make. It measures 3 feet 4 inches in length, and 2 feet 2 inches in breadth, and has holes through a thickened portion at back of the handles by which it could be hung up against a wall. There is a crack at one end, but otherwise it is in good preservation. It is shown in fig. 3.Fig 3

I show in fig. 4 a vessel filled with bog butter. It was found at a depth of 6 feet in Castletown bog, near Ahoghill, County Antrim, in 1891. It is 11 inches high, of squarish appearance, contracts slightly below the mouth, and swells out to a slightly greater width below the centre, and at this thickest portion there is a handle at one side. The butter is heaped up above the mouth of the vessel, consequently there was no lid ; but the bottom was fixed as in the first specimen described. The breadth at the mouth is 6 inches and at the widest part 6½ inches. It has also been cut from the solid wood. With the exception of one crack, the vessel is in a fair state of preservation.Fig 4 & 5 I have three other vessels of the same type, all found in bogs widely separated : some of them, indeed, in separate counties. I have also observed vessels of same shape filled with butter in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy, which were found in southern counties, so that this type of vessel was widely distributed. It is interesting to find that all such vessels contain butter, though this is not the only kind of vessel in which bog butter is found. The next vessel I have to describe is a mether with two handles, which was found a few years ago in a bog near Armoy, County Antrim. It is 10½ inches high, and 5½ inches wide at the mouth, from which it curves gracefully to the bottom, where it is 4½ inches broad. It is square, but the edge of the mouth is not level, as each side shows a gentle downward curve from corner to corner. This vessel has also been cut from a solid piece of  wood ; but the bottom, as in other specimens, is a separate piece.  I have another example of this kind with four handles, found in a bog near Ballymoney, besides several methers of horn. They were all, no doubt, used as drinking vessels, and are fairly numerous. Many have been figured from time to time in catalogues of collections and in archaeological journals. It is shown in fig. 5.

The next specimen is a small bowl-shaped vessel or cup with a handle, all cut from a solid piece of wood. The outside has been nicely smoothed, and has two grooves cut round the rim by way of ornament ; and the handle is solid, with a Fig 6small tongue running downwards. The inside has been rather roughly excavated, and does not present the smoothed appearance of the outside. It has been injured at the lip, as will appear in fig. 6, where it is shown. It was found in Gortgole bog about three years ago. There is also shown in fig. 7 a plate or platter of wood, which, with two others that fitted into each other, was found in Fenagh bog, near Ballymena, about four years ago. It has the appearance of a large soup-plate. It has been cut out of the solid, and shows coarse workmanship. Fig 7It is 16 inches in diameter. I show lastly a sort of hand-spade or trowel with toes. It was found in Culbane bog, County Derry, near Portglenone, in 1896. The finder has been impressed with the appearance of the object, and has made an attempt to cut in rude letters on one side the word “Good.” It is shown in fig. 8.Fig 8

This list might be indefinitely extended, as we find in bogs, besides the kinds of articles enumerated, canoes, paddles, spades, and vessels of different types from those described ; and only for the preservative quality of bogs, we would have had no knowledge of any of these things. We might ask why such articles are found in bogs. No doubt the answer to this would be that bogs were good places to hide in during times when the country was in a disturbed state, and on such occasions possibly all portable articles would be taken to the same places of security. People may even have lived on the drier parts of bogs as they did on crannoges, in order to be secure from plunderers and robbers as well as wild beasts ; or they may have only hid the articles and never recovered them. In the matter of the butter, it may have been purposely buried in the bog with the view of preserving it or giving it a flavour. In one case which I have described, 1 and which was authenticated by a clergyman living in the neighbourhood, it was found that a place had been purposely excavated to put the vessel in, and twelve feet of bog had grown over it by the time it was found, which is about twenty years ago. MADGHS

In the list I have given, we see a very fair series of domestic utensils, used a long time ago by the people of this country; and the question may be asked, as it has often been asked to myself, what is the age of these things? Our authorities are, as a rule, rather indefinite on the question of age, and it is therefore not easy to give the answer in the way the questioner would like; that is, tell him that such an article was 300, 500, or 1,000 years old.

Sir William Wilde says, in his Catalogue of the Antiquities of the Royal Irish Academy, p. 200, in referring to objects such as I have figured : they “throw much light on the domestic habits and manners of the Irish, from the tenth to the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries.” In O’Curry’s Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish there is frequent mention of cuads or mugs, medars, churns, buckets, cans, etc. The value of some of the vessels is given as “four cows for curachs (canoes), four cows for wooden vessels, namely, vats, tubs, and keeves of oak, and small vessels besides.”2 An ancient sage named Finntaun, in the year 558, related that he had planted a tree, and after it had grown old he made from its stem seven vats, seven keeves, seven stans, seven churns, seven pitchers, seven milans, and seven medars.3 This Finntaun came to Ireland before the Deluge, and was still alive in 558, and he was relating what had happened long before that period. Whilst we must take Finntaun as legendary, perhaps we might be justified in taking it as historical, that, at the year 558, such a series of vessels was being used by the Irish people. We do not find many of these vessels connected with crannoges. though, no doubt, many of them may have been used by inhabitants of such places. Several trays have been recorded from crannoges,4 and canoes and paddles have frequently been found, which we have no hesitation in connecting with them, though they may not be found quite near such structures. A lake village was found a few years ago at Glastonbury, in England, and excavations have been going on there at regular intervals, and reports on the subject given annually to the British Association. In 1895, at the Ipswich meeting. Dr. Mumo stated that many of the industrial relics from Glastonbury exhibit some of the special characteristics of this style of art (late Celtic), the importation of which into Britain preceded the Romans by two or three centuries. One or two objects only showed Roman origin; and Dr. Munro says “that this shows that the village existed as an inhabited place up till Roman times, and it is possible it was the intrusion of the Romans into the district that put an end to it.”5 There were found in this village wooden vessels tubs, buckets, and cups, some stave made, but some cut from the solid. It may be a question whether the late Celtic culture reached Ireland directly from the Continent about the same time as it reached Britain, or came to us through the latter country. But suppose there was a colony of the people who practised the art known as late Celtic, which came directly to Ireland, I can imagine a large immigration of those people into this country from Britain at the time of the Roman invasion. That the same people lived in both countries we can easily see by comparing the finds from the lake-dwellings of the one with those from the crannoges of the other. With regard to the high-class workmanship known as late Celtic, I scarcely think Ireland stands second in rank. But I am dealing at present with vessels cut from solid trunks of wood ; and if the vessels of that kind found at Glastonbury can be dated from the third century B.C. to about the time of the invasion of Britain by the Romans, I would put the use of such vessels in this country at much about the same period. I would therefore carry back the earlier date, given by Sir William Wilde, several centuries, though, considering how slowly changes in patterns must have taken place in early times, the later period he mentions may be allowed to stand. There is still, however, an uncertain element in ascertaining the age of any individual object : for owing to the preservative quality of bog. an object 1.000 years old would perhaps look as fresh as one of 500 years old ; and we cannot tell what change may have taken place in the fashion of utensils during the long time we have taken in : probably very little. By careful recording, we might get an insight into the age, as in light objects of wood, which would be rather buoyed up than sink, the deeper they were found, we would say they were the older. Although we cannot tell the exact age of any article which has been found in a bog, yet I think we may say generally that in Ireland the use of wooden vessels made out of solid trunks of trees, probably of similar patterns to those I have figured, extends back to the early centuries of the Christian era.

1 British Association Report, 1879?, p. 395?

2 [unreadable]

3[unreadable]

4 Wood Mether [unreadable]

5 [originally recorded as 1, but renumber here as 5 for clarity] British Association Report, 1895, p. 519.

Boveedy Presbyterian Church Graveyard

Boveedy Presbyterian Church - Copy

1
Boyd
In loving memory of
John Boyd, died 4 February 1918
and his wife, Elizabeth, died 17 December 1915
and their daughter-in-law, Jane Boyd, died 1 March 1918
and their son, John, died 20 December 1949

2
A large stone, face down on the ground

3
Gilmore
In memory of
Elizabeth, wife of William Gilmore, Bovedy,
who died 1 March 1866, aged 48 years
also William Gilmore, who died 15 April 1888, aged 81 years
and their son, Samuel Gilmore,
who died 30 May 1927, aged 85 years
also Mary, wife of Samuel Gilmore,
who died 24 April 1931, aged 74 years
and their son, William Johnston Gilmore,
who died 24 March 1954, aged 79 years
also Jane Hannah, wife of William Johnston,
who died 25 December 1974, aged 83 years

4
Gilmour
In memory of
Dorathea, wife of the Rev. J. Gilmour, pastor of Bovedy,
who died 15 February 1863, aged 38 years
also the Rev. James Gilmour,
the dearly beloved pastor of the Bovedy church
who departed this life 8 July 1887, aged 70 years
also Mary Agnes, died 1879, aged 3 years

5
Boyle
To the memory of
Ann Boyle, other wife, young daughter to the Rev. Adam Boyle,
who died 22 March 1876, aged 51 years
here also lies the body of Nancy Boyle,
wife of Rev. Adam Boyle, died 23 November 1838, aged 78 years
also Rev. A. Boyle, minister of Boveedy,
who died 10 November 1848, aged 94 years

6
Bolton
In loving memory of
Samuel James Bolton, Lismoyle, died 14 September 1958
also his son, Samuel James, died 27 May 1929
and his infant daughter died 14 July 1937
his son, Hugh Gray, died 11 March 1971
and his wife, Elizabeth Jane, died 16 March 1975

7
Warwick
In loving memory of
Samuel B. Warwick, Bovedy, who died 4 July 1911, aged 73 years
also his daughter, Henrietta, who died 25 October 1886, aged 5 years
and his son, Major Hugh F. Warrick, M.C.M.B., CLAS., L.R.C.P.,
and S. Edin. War Service South Africa, France, Mesopotamia,
1914-19, dispensing medical officer in Ballymoney, died 13 April 1923
also his son, Alexander, who died 9 August 1927
and Henrietta, wife of Samuel B. Warwick, who died 13 August 1931

Their son Samuel Warwick who died 6th January 1968
his wife Nellie Warwick who died 12th May 1970
In loving memory of Samuel Brown Warwick who died 11th June 2000

8
Mitchell
In loving memory of
Sarah Jane, wife of John Mitchell, Moneycarrie, who departed this life, 2 October 1913

9
Warwick
Erected in memory of
Robert Warwick, Bovedy, who died 18 April 1874, aged 84 years
his son, Robert Warwick, Innisrush, who died 8 August 1890, aged 40 years
Alexander Warwick, Bovedy, who died 13 January 1894, aged 62 years
also his wife, Mary Ann Warwick, who died 13 January 1897, aged 93 years
Samuel Warrick, who died 30 August 1915, aged 65 years
On the other side of stone
Annie Maria Warwick, Innisrush, died 4 November 1917, aged 77 years
and their daughter, Mary Roberta Warwick, died 27 January 1951
their son, Robert A. Warwick, died 24 September 1959
their daughter, Ann Warwick, died 4 June 1965
Sandy Warwick, Gorran, died 6 March 1994

10
Wallace
Erected in loving memory of
our dear father, William Wallace, Trinaltinagh,
who died 15 January 1911,aged 73 years
and mother, Matilda Wallace, died 25 April 1920, aged 83 years
their daughters
Letitia E., died 16 April 1929, aged 56 years
Matilda Jane, died 22 January 1930, aged 55 years
and their son, Alexander, died 17 August 1940, aged 68 years

11
Wilson
In memory or
Thomas S. Wilson, Trinaltinagh, died 18 March 1937, aged 74 years
also Mary Wilson, born 1858-1894
also Anne M. Wilson, born 1862, died 1946
also their son, Thomas Wilson, born 1890, died 1918
and their son, Hugh Wilson, born 1892, died 1980
Florence W. Wilson, wife of Hugh Wilson, 1901-1981

12
Armstrong
In loving memory of Hugh Wilson Armstrong, died 1 June 1974, aged 90 years
and his wife, Maud, died 9 April 1980, aged 87 years
and their daughter-in-law, Mary E. F., died 4 April 1980, aged 47 years

13

In loving memory of
Maysie

14
Stewart
Erected by Thomas W. Stewart, Lismoyle, in memory of
his father, James Stewart, who died 1 March 1894, aged 80 years
and his mother, Margaret Stewart, who died 16 April 1903, aged 84 years
and the above named Thomas W. Stewart, who died 24 November 1918
also his sister, Margaret Stewart, who died 10 June 1928

15
Armstrong
In loving memory of
my dear wife, Lilly Ann, died 13 August 1970, aged 77 years
and her husband, Robert, died 7 July 1981, aged 93 years
and their son, Harry Gardiner, died 30 October 1992, aged 66 years

16
Stewart
In loving memory of
Robert J. Stewart, died February 1937
and his wife, Nancy, died November 1912
also their son, Thomas, died March 1927
and their daughters
Alice, died March 1925
Sadie, died July 1931
Margaret, died January 1952
and their son, Robert James, died December 1977
and his wife, Jenny, died July 1990

17
Stewart
Stewart, Drumard, in loving memory of
William Stewart, died 6 February 1918
his wife, Rachel, died 7 October 1927

18
Michael

In loving memory of
William Lynn Michael, Drumsara, who departed this life 25 February 1925
and his wife, Elizabeth, who departed this life, 19 November 1940

19

Michael

Erected in memory of
James Michael, Bovedy, who died 26 January 1897, aged 78 years
also his wife, Hannah Michael, who died 8 October 1903, aged 80 years
Also Annie E. Michael, died 22 February 1934, aged 70 years
also their son, Hugh Lynn Michael, who died 10 December 1945, aged 85 years

20
Michael

Erected to the memory of
James Michael, late of Boveedy, who departed this life on the 13 day of December 1843, aged 60 years
also that of his wife, Mary Ann Michael, who departed this life 28 April 1858, aged 65 years

21

Michael

Erected in loving memory of
Hugh Michael, Boveedy, died 21 May 1908, aged 82 years
also his wife, Elizabeth, who died 2 December 1919, aged 85 years
22
McAllister
In loving memory of
Edward Moons McAllister, died 1 June 1957, aged 85 years
and his son, Joseph Gregg, died 10 August 1960, aged 28 years
also his wife, Jeanie, died 11 June 1962, aged 69 years
and their son, William Samuel, died 11 February 1993, aged 67 years

23
Demsey
Erected by Mary Jane Demsey, Trinaltinagh, in loving memory of
her dear husband, William Dempsey, who died 8 November 1933, aged 69 years
and his wife, Mary Jane Demsey, who died 24 October 1945, aged 80 years

24
McCaughey
24345524 CPL. William C. McCaughey, the Ulster Defense Regiment,
died 11 November 1976, aged 34 years

25
Matthews
In loving memory of a dear husband and father
Ernest, died 4 August 1999

26
Hasson
In loving memory of
Susan, died 4 October 1938, aged 47 years
and her husband, Robert, died 24 December 1940, aged 69 years
their sons
Robert, died 9 December 1952, aged 38 years
David, died 16 December 1960, aged 49 years

Also Thomas died 19th Feb 2001 aged 75 years

27

A new grave with flowers but no gravestone

28
Hill
In loving memory of
the Rev. William John Hill, B.A., for 44 years minister of Bovedy congregation,
who died 1 February 1931, aged 71 years
and his wife, Annie M. Hill, who died 31 July 1932, aged 56 years
also their son, Frederick Robert Hill, Winter Slow, Killiney,
who died 26 September 1955
and their son-in-law, John Reid McKinlay, Burnside Road, Portstewart,
who died 15 July 1970
and their daughter, Kathleen Anna McKinlay, who died 21 November 1982

29
Walls
In memory of
Robert, died 6 September 1944, aged 57 years
his wife, Mary Evelyn, died 9 March 1975, aged 79 years
and their son, Robert, died 21 July 1992, aged 64 years

30
Simpson
Erected by Elizabeth Wallace Simpson, in loving memory of
my husband, Thomas Simpson, late teacher, Bovedy, N.S,
who died 3 February 1923, aged 51 years

31
Boyd
In memory of
William Hugh Boyd, died 23 December 1911, aged 60 years
also his mother, Elizabeth, died 24 April 1895
also his daughter, Maggie, died 19 April 1902, aged 17 years

32
Boyd
In loving memory of
Robert Boyd, Lismoyle, who died 1 February 1895, aged 80 years
and his wife, Mary Ross Boyd, who died 27 April 1907, aged 79 years
also their son, William Neely Boyd, died 3 March 1947, aged 86 years
and his wife, Mary Jane Boyd, who died 8 March 1973, aged 87 years

33
Knox
Erected by James H. Knox in loving memory of
his son, Samuel, killed in action in France,
8 August 1918, aged 26 years who was interred in Heath Cem., Bray
and his daughter, Nettie, died 8 October 1893, aged 3 years
also his son Alfred, died 21 May 1894, aged 4 months
and also his daughter, Meta, died 28 April 1921, aged 26 years
also the above James H. Knox, died 22 February 1931, aged 75 years
and his wife, Elizabeth T. Knox, died 12 March 1941, aged 79 years
and his daughter, Bessie H., died 9 April 1973, aged 84 years

34
Knox
In loving memory of
Bryce Knox, who died 25 August 1871, aged 45 years
and his wife, Elizabeth, died 23 December 1904, aged 80 years
and his son Bryce, died 5 March 1926, aged 60 years

35
Gilmore
Erected in loving memory of
John Gilmore, late of Victoria, Australia,
who died 8 May 1905, aged 70 years
Mary Rachel Gilmore, Ballycastle,
who died 21 April 1935, aged 70 years

36
Large stone broken in half and face down.

37
Large stone, face down

38
Gilmore
In loving memory of
Jane Gilmore who died 30 April 1902, aged 46 years
her husband, James Gilmore, died 23 May 1928, aged 85 years
also their children
Jeannie, died 2 May 1905, aged 9 years
John, died 29 October 1914, aged 27 years
James, died 11 February 1955, aged 63
his wife, Sarah Emily, died 14 August 1976 (no age listed)

39
Faulkner
In loving memory of
Mary Ann Faulkner, died 25 February 1910, aged 78 years
and her husband, William John, died 20 September 1910, aged 84 years
also their son, James, died 13 December 1928, aged 71 years
their daughter, Sarah, died 21 October 1940, aged 72 years
and their son, Robert, 24 March 1949, aged 72 years
Inscribed at the bottom of above stone
In loving memory of the Cassidy Family

40
Bolton
In loving memory of
Hugh Henry, died 13 December 1968
also his wife, Annabella, died 13 January 1994
and his sister, Martha Jane, died 20 December 1936

41
McAleese
Erected by Stewart McAleese, Lismoyle, to the memory of
his mother, Mary McAleese,
who departed this life 19 February 1865, aged 68 years
and his father, Robert McAleese,
who departed this life 25 December 1871, aged 80 years
also their son, Stewart, who departed this life 1 June 1890, aged 72 years

42
Starrett

43
McCahon
Erected to the memory of
John McCahon, who died 28 July 1853, aged 93 years
and Nancy Ann, his wife, who died 6 February 1849, aged 75 years
also their son, John, who died
23rd Feby 1885 Aged 91.
And Mary Ann his wife,
Who died 21 July 1853, aged 45 years
and their grandson, Alexander, who died 31 August 1888, aged 47 years
also their son, William, died 29 December 1922, aged 77 years

44
Gamble
Erected in memory of the family by Thomas James Gamble

45
Park
In loving memory of
Alexander Park, Moyletratoy, died 4 January 1921, aged 80 years
and his son, Alexander, died 8 April 1926, aged 46 years
and his wife, Margaret Jane Park, 31 March 1836, aged 81 years
Martha Hunter, died 6 April 1956, beloved wife of William Hunter

46
Michael
Erected in 1933 in loving memory of
William Michael, Drumagarner, who died 6 March 1927, aged 70 years
and his wife, Isabella, who died 4 March 1944, aged 82 years

47
Michael
In loving memory of
James, died 4 July 1934
his wife, Mary, died 11 March 1950
his sister-in-law, Annie, died 3 April 1963
his sister, Annie E. Salisbury, died 7 January 1972
his brother, Henry, died 14 March 1976
his brother, Leslie, died 22 January 1982
his brother, Andrew, died 7 April 1984

48
McAleese
Erected to the memory of
Daniel McAleese, who died 23 November 1914
and his wife, Jane, who died 7 November 1905
and their sons,
James, who died 5 August 1886
William, who died 22 April 1921

49
Hunter
In loving memory of
Sarah, who died 16 October 1957
and her husband, David, who died 15 June 1959
and their daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Jane, who died 10 November 1963
also her husband, David, who died 22 October 1982
Erected by their son David, husband of Elizabeth Jane, and family

50
Hunter
In loving memory of
my dear wife, Martha, died 29 April 1949
also her husband, Thomas Hunter, died 3 March 1956

51
Bolton
Erected by James Bolton in memory of
his wife, Jane, who died 4 February 1885, aged 62 years
also the above name James Bolton
who died 26 July 1894, aged 69 years
his daughter, Margaret, (rest of stone, flaked off)

52
Scott
In loving memory of
John W. Scott, Dullaghy, who died 22 July 1948, aged 90 years
also his wife, Margaret Anderson,
who died 1 December 1948, aged 84 years
their son, John Gray, died 12 January 1964
and his wife, Elizabeth May, died 19 March 1978

53
Bolton
Erected by Hugh S Bolton in loving memory of his wife
Elizabeth Service Bolton died Aug 1934
The above Hugh S Bolton died October 1941

54
Cooke
The Cooke family of Dullagh in loving memory

55
Gilmore
In memory of Robert Gilmore Boveedy died 23 Sept 1888 aged 84 years
Also his wife Martha died 19th Feb 1889 aged 74 years
And their son Robert Gilmore died 6th March 1936 aged 87 years
And their daughter Elizabeth Gilmore died 13th Feb 1944 aged 32 years

56
Gilmore
In loving memory of John Gilmour Boveedy
who died 28th Feby 1884 aged 74 years
And his wife Margaret T Gilmour who died 13th Decr 1904 aged 74 years
Also their son John B Gilmour who died 27th September 1877 aged 21 years
And Samuel Gilmour who died 18th March 1907 aged 97 years
Also their son Wm James Gilmour who died 13th September 1935 aged 76 years
And his wife Margaret W Gilmour who died 25th Feby 1948 aged 84 years
”And they did that which was right in the sight of the Lord•

57
Henderson
In memory of William Henderson late of Crossland
who died 23rd Augt 1875 aged 65 years
And his wife Jane Hilton who died 20th June 1897 aged 80 years
Also their children Mary who died 20th March 1873 aged 25 years
And Elizabeth who died 28th Feby 1875 aged 19 years
Also Joseph Henderson who died at Portstewart
on 28th Decr 1904 aged 55 years
Also Martha Henderson who died 21st Jany 1940 aged 70 years
Robert Henderson who died 18th April 1943 aged 84 years

58
Hilton
Erected to the memory of William Hilton late of Dullaghy
who died on the 6th of December 18?2 aged 72 years
Also daughters Mary who died 5th June 1899 aged 72 years
And Martha who died 29th Sept 1906 aged 74 years
In memory of William Hilton late of Dullaghy
who died 16th June 1902 aged 83 years
Also his wife Ann Elder who died 5th July 1910 aged 74 years
Also sons Hugh who died 12th May 1896 aged 30 years
Robert who died 20th Feby 1897 aged 22 years
William James died 28th June 1940 aged 77 years
Charlotte Hilton died 4th Oct 1956
Erected to the memory of Nancy daughter of the late
William Hilton of Dullaghy who died on the 30th of June 1855 aged 28 years
Also her sister Elizabeth who died 9th May 1875 aged 51 years
Also her niece Mary Hilton who died 11th Dec 18?3 aged 6 years

59
McAllister
In loving memory of William James died 5th March 1956 aged 84

60
McAllister
In loving memory of William John died 13th July 1962 aged 75 years
Also his wife Elizabeth died 12th March 1978 aged 75 years
And their daughter-in-law Margaret Kennedy (Netta)
died 21st January 1987 aged 65 years

61
Michael
In loving memory of Mary Jane Michael wife of John Michael Lismoyle
Who died 23rd January 1899 aged 60 years
Also the above named John Michael died 12th June 1912 aged 72 years
And their son James D Michael died 16th Sept 1922 aged 48 years
Also his wife Annie Michael died 17th Feb 1940 aged 67 years
And Martha McCaughey died 18th August 1946

62
Moore
In Loving memory of a dear husband and father Robert Wm
died 10th March 1981
And his son Thomas G died 3rd January 1968

63
Starrett
Large family plot Difficult to read.
In loving memory John W Starrett Dullaghy
who died 22nd July 1948 aged 80 years
Also his wife Margaret Anderson who died 1st December 1948 aged 84 years
Their son John Gray Died 12th April 1964
His wife Elizabeth Mary who died 19th March 1978

64
Stewart
In loving memory of Margaret Ann Stewart of Boveedy
who died 6th August 1918
Also her son Thomas Stewart of Omagh who died 8th September 1934
And her son James Stewart who died 28th July 1904

65
Wallace
The burying ground of Robert Wallace 1910

66
Walls
In loving memory of Robert Walls

67
Warwick
In loving memory of Robert Gilmore Warwick
died 20th June 1961 aged 79 years
Also his wife Annie died 16th October 1966 aged 75 years
Their son Samuel Knox Warwick died 26th April 1995 aged 72 years
And his wife Maureen Warwick died 20th Jany 1997 aged 71 years

68
Gilmore
In memory of Alexander Gilmore
who died 25th July 1865 aged 86 years
And his wife Elizabeth who died 10th Dec 1873 aged 93 years
Also their son Samuel Gilmore who died 2nd Decr 1886 aged 65 years
And their nephew George G Warwick died 5th Feby 1906 aged 61 years
Re-erected by Warwick and Perry 1895

69
Warwick
In loving memory of Robert (Robin) Gilmore Warwick
died 18th February 1999 aged 47 years
Beloved husband of Jennifer and father