James Carson (c1859) and his father Robert, Belfast

[KitCarson]

I've recently posted this on the 'Belfast Forum' website, but hope someone here might be able to help.

My GGF was James Carson (b. c1859). The 1911 census shows him as 'Mineral Box Maker' being born in Belfast and living at 45 Appleton Street, St Helens, Lancs.  In earlier census he is a 'Joiner'. I'm eager to get further back, but am having difficulty as there are no relatives left to ask about the family.  The earliest I find him is in England on 1/11/1886 marrying at Our Lady of Reconciliation, Eldan Street  Liverpool to Mary Bowland (a widow, nee Ronan, b. c1855 in Wexford).  His father is Robert, Coachman, and the certificate doesn't say thay he is deceased.  I can't find any record James in the 1881 England Census which may mean he was still in Belfast.

The little 'folklore' there is says that James and a brother (maybe a Robert?) left Ireland with the hope of returning to collect their sisters, but I don't think they ever did.

I've been onto the Lennon Wylie site and looked at the Belfast Street Directory for 1877.  Lo and behold there is a Robert Carson, Coachman, at 25 Durham St, he doesn't apear in the 1880 Directory although there is a James, Carpenter, at 43 Christopher St.  No idea whether these are mine.

Completely stuck on my Carson line so any help appreciated.

Kit

[KitCarson]

I've found an entry on IFHF website for James Mcconnell Carson who is the only entry with a father Robert.  I haven't paid the £4 to view the record but note that it is from Hannahstown, Rock and Derriaghy.  On doing a search I've found this area to be close to Belfast which fits with what he later puts on the English Census as his place of birth. 

Does anyone have any information on the area and which RC Churches there were around 1859?  Also, is it likely someone from this general area would say that they are from Belfast? Did the Irish often include the mother's surname as a middle name in the same way as the Scots?   

[Pat Reid]

Kit:
Have a look at this site for some history and records of Hannahstown.
http://hannastown.rushlightmagazine.com/index.html
Be sure to check the second page also.

Hope it helps.
Pat

[KitCarson]

Hey Pat,

Thanks for the link.  Really interesting.  Makes me want to take a trip and check the church records for Carson's.  It'll have to wait until the New Year unfortunately.

Merry Christmas, Paula