Island Magee

[faith1]

My Great Granny was Elizabeth Ross daughter of Robert Ross who aparently had a farm at Portmuck. Elizabeth had a sister Ann and a brother Robert. Elizabeth met William Francis McGiffin and they were to be married but this never happened but they had a daughter ( my Granny ) who was given his name  Willhelmina McGiffen. I have a note of my Granny's wedding to my Grandad but I would dearly like to find out more about the Ross's and the McGiffen's.  I believe William Francis McGiffin had two sisters and he was a school master on Island Magee.The only dates I have so far are my Granny's year of birth as 1881 and death as 1938. So far I can find nothing on the Ross's or McGiffin's on Island Magee. Is there anyone out there that can help? I would be really gratefull. Faith

[aghadowey]

Welcome to Rootschat.

When the PRONI site (www.proni.gov.uk) is working again you could search for the families in the Wills extracts and Ulster Covenant (1912).

In the meantime here's 1910 directory:
http://www.libraryireland.com/UlsterDirectory1910/Contents.php

[faith1]

Thanks for the prompt reply, I have already located some of the Ross's I think. No sign of the elusive McGiffen's. Faith

[aghadowey]

Schoolmasters sometimes moved around a bit when there was a position available. Perhaps the McGiffins themselves weren't from Islandmagee.

[faith1]

Hi, You have a point. My problem is that I have not managed to find any McGiffin's. I suppose they may have emigrated but you would think that they would have left a trace. Faith

[aghadowey]

If you search on LDS sit (www.familysearch.org) for 'McGiffin' and 'Ireland' loads of them in Country Antrim (including Larne & Carrickfergus) come up. Might be worth going through the entries.

P.S. here's some earier directories to try:
http://proni.aetopia.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/StreetDirectories

[cathaldus]

Great memories of the Isle of Magee.  Spent a couple of years,  65/67,  on the design of Ballylumford Power Station.  I was young then -  ah! well!
Bill

[faith1]

thanks for the help so far,much appreciated

[J.A.M.]

Hi from Canada,
My McCalmont family is from Islandmagee & I have found the following in my research. I hope it is of some use to you.

Andrew Ross of Mullaghbouy, a bachelor labourer, son of John Ross a stone mason, married Jane McCammont (sp) on 6 August 1863 at 1st Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee.

Samuel Ross of Islandmagee, a bachelor labourer, son of Samuel Ross a farmer, married Isabella McCalmont on 28 October 1874 at 2nd Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee.

Andrew Ross also witnessed 1866 marriage at United Church, Islandmagee & was also present at death of John McCalmont age 90 (most likely father of above Jane) in 1876.

John Ross, a widower farmer of Ballycronan, son of Samuel Ross, married Jane McCalmont spinster of Mullaghbouy, Islandmagee, on 18 October 1884 at Ballycarry Presbyterian Church.

A John Ross witnessed 1908 Islandmagee marriage.

James Ross McCalmont born 16 October 1887 moved to Philadelphia, U.S.A.
I have no documentation on this.

Alexander Ross married Mary Anne McCalmont on 15 October 1868 as per Emerald Ancestors.

If you would like scans of the documents I have send me your e-mail address by personal message.

Good hunting.

J.A.M.