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Messages - watchmaker21

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1
Down / Re: James Purse of Cottown, Bangor
« on: Thursday 16 January 20 16:14 GMT (UK)  »
Hi

My interest is in clock and watchmakers.  There are references to clocks seen signed "Hans Purse" at both Newtownards and Hillsborough.  However, despite research, I cannot trace a Hans Purse at either town.  The styles of the clocks would suggest Hillsborough about 1800 and Newtownards in 1820

What I have turned up is a reference to a Hamilton Purse, watch and clockmaker.  He was in Hillsborough in 1809.  He was then arrested in Carrickfergus in January 1814 on a charge of stealing door knockers (presumably to get the brass).

At his first Court appearance he admitted the charge. He stated he had formerly carried on the same offence in Holywood whilst he worked there, but had since then left Holywood and taken up residence in Belfast. He pleaded the ‘necessities of a young and numerous family … and fervently prayed to be sent aboard the tender rather than be brought to trial. The Sovereign (mayor) had determined to send him to trail as a public example … but in consideration of his wife and family, of the confessions he had made, and of the contrition evidenced … consented to send him to the tender’.

Is Hans Purse and Hamilton Purse the same person?

Can anyone shed anymore light on either Hans or Hamilton Purse as watch and clockmakers.

Thanks

2
Derry (Londonderry) / Re: John Wilson watchmaker b 1715
« on: Monday 18 November 19 13:11 GMT (UK)  »
I have a few bits of information on this man.

He was sworn as a Freeman of Londonderry on 9th January 1748/9.  I cannot trace when he commenced in trade on his own account, presumably around the time he was Free of the City.  He entered a partnership with another from August 1774 to February 1775.  He appears to have retired in early 1776.

From the family history point of view, there is a death reported in the local paper in August 1800.  I cannot specifically say it was the watchmaker as it does not mention his occupation.  However a 'John Wilson' died in August 1800 at Fahan (just outside Londonderry) 'at a very advanced age'.  I cannot be certain it is the watchmaker, but it is most likely.

Another interesting point is that his brother William appointed him as the executor of his will when it was drafted in February 1769.  In that will, William (the brother) was noted as a farmer at Rashee, Ballyclare.  The suggestion is that the family may have been from the Rashee, Ballyclare area.

My interest is in him as a watchmaker.  If anyone has any further details, then I would be interested.

3
Antrim / Re: Whiteford and Kane
« on: Monday 18 November 19 09:50 GMT (UK)  »
Many thanks for the useful information.

My original query was - Is Isabella Whiteford and Samuel Mathers related.

The starting point was the will of Samuel Mathers.  He appointed as Executrices to his will his sisters Olivia Mathers, Mary Ann Mathers and Jane Lucas.  No mention of Isabella.

However the will of Jane Lucas appoints as the executor 'my beloved nephew James Alexander Whiteford'.  This is the son of Isabelle and Alexander Whiteford.  The only way James Alexander Whiteford can be a nephew of Jane Lucas is if Jane and Isabella are sister.

So Isabella Whiteford and Samuel Mathers are brother and sister.

4
Antrim / Re: Whiteford and Kane
« on: Friday 15 November 19 12:40 GMT (UK)  »
Hi

I am interested in Alexander Whiteford, the watchmaker, who emigrated from Fair Head / Ballycastle Co Antrim to St Johns, Newfoundland.  My interest is in him as a watchmaker, rather than as a family member.

Fair Head is an isolated place for a watchmaker to be based.  I presume he operated out of Ballycastle.

His wife's name is Isabella Mathers.  She is noted in places as having been married twice.  It is not clear if Mathers is her maiden name, or the name from her first marriage.

The interesting bit (for me) is that Mathers is a recognised family of watchmakers in Ballycastle.  A William Mathers worked there around 1760.  Samuel Mathers worked there from at least as early as his marriage in 1837 to his death in 1858.

My questions are:-

Is Isabella Mathers related to the Mathers who were watchmakers?

Did Alexander Whiteford work for the Mathers watchmakers as an apprentice or a journeyman (employee) and is that where he met Isabella Mathers?

Many thanks

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