Gone Quiet

[Templar Knight]

Hi everyone. Things have gone quiet on the Co Antrim board, Why?



                                                                           Templar/Anthony

[ankerdine]

Hello

You want some activity?

Here's a query I have. On my gtx2 grandfather's wedding certificate in 1855 his place of birth is Northern Ireland. What would that constitute in those times please?

Is Ireland playing in the Rugby World Cup? See other posts tonight!

Good night.

[scotmum]

That is unusual on both counts as place of birth is not usually given on Marriage Certificates (was he married outwith the Scotland, England, Wales or Ireland?), and Northern Ireland did not exist until a much later timescale.

[ankerdine]

Good morning

Thanks for the reply. Yes, you were correct John Williamson married in Gatehouse of Fleet in 1855 and that is why birth details were mentioned on his marriage certificate. Northern Ireland is clearly stated but no town, unfortunately.

[scotmum]

Could it perhaps be that the word before Ireland on the certificate was a townland name? Are you certain it does say Northern? There was no 'partition' in the country of Ireland until the 1920's, when Northen Ireland came into being.

You were fortunate in even having an indication of his birthplace, as 1855 was the only year this was included on the marriage certificates in Scotland (would that it had continued this way, as it could have helped so many people with their research - at least for researchers of the future, it was re-instated in the 1970's).

[ankerdine]

Hello again

Thanks for your further response. I was very interested to read your comments. When the Register Office at Kirkcudbright first found the marriage certificate the young lady just said Ireland. However, when I found the original on Scotspeople I am fairly sure it read Northern Ireland. I will certainly have another look at the original, if I can find my password/log in code!

Just for interest, I have a Mary Blair nee Scot(t) born in England who disappeared after the 1881 Scottish Census but I haven't been able to find her anywhere. I have had other rootschatters on the trail too but no luck so far.

I will look on Scotspeople when I have a minute - it's such a lovely day outside today, absolutely gorgeous.

[ankerdine]

Hello Scotmum

I have checked the marriage certificate once again. John Williamson's place of birth was definitely "North of Ireland, Locality not known", date of birth "not known", ag lab (which fits the picture).

I think he was once referred to as "vagrant" on an ealier census.

I will keep looking.

[aghadowey]

'North of Ireland' (probably Ulster) is slightly different from 'Northern Ireland' (a more modern term for 6 of the 9 counties of Ulster). Unfortunately with a common surname like Williamson it will be hard to find information in Ireland without more details to start with.

[ankerdine]

Thanks for the reply Aghadowey.

I have been offered help so many times recently on this site. Indeed I think I had some advice from someone on the "Down" section re this family. It's all so very vague. I don't want to put someone to double trouble!

This John Williamson mentioned as 25 in 1855 on his marriage certificate and born in North of Ireland, was the son of a John Williamson and a Helen Williamson (nee McColville). He was married according to the rituals of the Catholic Church.

I suspect he came from Antrim as that is the nearest point of Ireland to Scotland (isn't it?).

Hubby and I have holidayed in the SW of Scotland several times recently doing family history research.  All I need now is a good excuse to visit the North of Ireland, after watching recent programmes on its beautiful coastline!

Kind regards