James Alexander Russell - Ballymena

[Volvic]

Would anyone during their research have come upon my gg-grandfather, James Alexander Russell, in the Ballymena area.

I found his marriage to Eliza Jane Barr - 12th Nov 1853, in West Church, Presbyterian, Ballymena. It says both were from Ballymena,  and that James Alexander's father was William Russell - a farmer. It also states that James was a lapper.

Then in 1st Ballymena Presbyterian Church I found 8 children born to James Alexander and Eliza Jane. The first born in Nov 1854 was my g-grandfather William Alexander Russell.

In Griffiths Valuation it gives James A Russell in Church Street, Ballymena, but in the Revisions it gives him as having moved in 1870.

I have no idea where my ggg-grandfather William lived or anything about him, where James Alexander was born or moved to after 1870. Any help with this would be really appreciated.

Brian.

[RosemaryJoan]

My g.great grandparents were also married in West Street Presbyterian, Ballymena and gave their addresses as Ballymena.  BUT the groom's family were from Tullymore Townland in Racavan Parish and the bride's from Ballymuckvea in Conor Parish.
In Griffiths Valuation for Racavan there are two William Russels, one in Rathkeel Townland and one in Lisnamurrikan.
Have a look at our wee website
http://andersons.rootschat.net
and you will see a map of the area.  If you can't see the townlands on it, send me a PM.  RosemaryJoan

[RosemaryJoan]

No, the Townlands aren't on the website map.  I will scan my map and let you have it if you send me a PM.   Have a look at the website though. RosemaryJoan

[scotmum]

Not quite sure if you are also asking about the occupation 'lapper'. If you already know, then perhaps the following will be of help to others:

It comes from the textile industry. It was someone who did various jobs around the machine such as cutting and removing waste yarn that had become entangled. A good description can be found at this link.

[Volvic]

Hi Rosemary Joan and Scotmum,

Thanks Scotmum for that interesting description, I had not been able to find out what a lapper did so that is a great help. My great-grandfather William Alexander Russell was also a linen lapper.

Thanks to you also Rosemary Joan for your kind help. It is interesting  to know that your relations gave Ballymena yet not actually living there. It is very good of you to offer to send me the map, I will send you a PM shortly.

Best wishes,
Brian.

[aghadowey]

This new feature might be of interest:
http://family.kiwicelts.com/Maps/Ulster_Map.html

[Volvic]

Thank you very much Aghadowey, excellent site, that will be a great help.

Brian.

[scotmum]

This new feature might be of interest:
http://family.kiwicelts.com/Maps/Ulster_Map.html

Did this site send anyone else's computer haywire?

[RosemaryJoan]

Yes, it freezes my computer and I have to shut down.  Won't go back to it.  RosemaryJoan