Stephenson's of Down

[nzams]

Hello all,

I am researching the Stephenson family from county down in Ireland. 

My 3x Grandfather travelled to New Zealand from Ireland.  His grandfather was George Stephenson who worked for the Lords of Downshire and who originally came from Yorkshire.

Is there anyone else who is also related?

There is a family story of a link to the Iveagh Family which I am particularly interested in trying to prove.

Any help appreciated.

Many thanks

A

[nzams]

Further info to my first post.

Would anyone know what the reference is for Land & Title Deeds on the Kilwarlin Estate pre 1800 within the Downshire Papers at PRONI?

I have been to PRONI researching my family tree focusing on George Stephenson who was an Agent for the Earl of Downshire.  There are many references to George that I have found already. 

There is a family story, which seems to have a strong possibility of being true, and that has been confirmed by some documents I have found within the Downshire Papers.

The story relates to George's 2nd wife Elizabeth McKay(McKey) in that she was related to a Magennis of Iveagh family line.  Apparently George & Elizabeth's eldest son George gifted a Land or Title Deed to Lord Downshire believing that it was of no benefit to the family anymore.

I am related to George Jnr's younger brother John Stephenson, (6th child of 9 and 2nd eldest son).

Any help in greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Aaron

[magdalene]

Hi Aaron

Just by chance I looked at the Roots Chat and found your chat session with Rosemary and also with Carla I have been looking for a contact in NZ re the Stephenson Family for years. John's great g/father was John Stephenson brother of George. I have information on John & Harriet and their children but nothing on where in Ireland the Stephenson's came from and their family background,or how and when they went to NZ.    John's grandfather John along with his brother William were born on the premises of the Bank of Ireland, Dublin. I read that you had a birth certificate for John Stephenson Snr I would appreciate a copy. John and Harriet left NZ around 1887 and went to Qld Aust. Harriet died in Qld in 1896 John married  Beatrice Clune in 1902 and went back to Fielding NZ.  John died in 1909 and is buried in Fielding Cemetery, NZ. Beatrice returned to Qld, and died in 1958. I have a copy of George Stephenson Death Cert. and I have been in touch with the NZ cemeteries but have not been able to find much out about Rangataia Cemetery where I believe  George is buried.  I could go on forever with information but I will wait to hear back from you and I also would like to get in touch with Rosemary Thomson. I myself was born in Motherwell, Scotland and came to Aust. in 1951. I have a story from one of the Newspapers in Qld which John's grandfather John spoke of the Baron Ivaugh. Hope to hear back from you soon.  Fran

[nzams]

Hi Fran,

It is great to hear from you.  I have just had the great pleasure of Rosemary's company just out of Edinburgh the other week and we had a great morning of conversation re the Stephensons.  I will email her that you are interested  and no doubt she will be interested also in what information you have.

I mentioned in a post that I had Birth and Death dates for John but I do not have any certificates.

I have been to the archives in Ireland and have found lots of information that is also in the book that Rosemary mentions. 

Generally George and John's father John was born in Ireland.  His father George was born in York, Yorkshire, married and then moved to County Down, Northern Ireland where is first wife Amelia Brooks died.  He remarried Eliz McKay to whom we are descended from.  George Snr was an Agent/Secretary for the Earl of Downshire for some 40ish years.  His son John worked for the Bank of Ireland as you know.

George Jnr first trip to NZ was in 1950.

I am looking for as much information I can get re the Baron Of Ivaugh before I visit the archives again so any info you have would be of great help.

If you pass me your email details I would be glad to help you in furthering your search.

Cheers
Aaron

[aghadowey]

New members usually need 3 posts to use PM system for exchanging email addresses, recent family information,personal details, etc.which aren't allowed to be posted online.

[magdalene]

Hi Aaron,

email (*)
fran

(*) Moderator Comment: e-mail removed in accordance with RootsChat policy, to avoid spamming and other abuses.
Please use the Personal Message (PM) system for exchanging personal data.

New members must make at least three postings before being allowed to use the PM facility.
See Help-Page:  http://www.rootschat.com/help/pms.php

[aghadowey]

New members usually need 3 posts to use PM system for exchanging email addresses, recent family information,personal details, etc.which aren't allowed to be posted online.

I've just removed your email address but now you've 2 posts- 1 more and you should be able to send a PM.

[magdalene]

Hi Aaron,

Regarding the Stephensons I have a newspaper clipping that John's g/father John had given a interview re the family. Can you give me your  postal address that I can send you a copy of this paper. Fran

[Rosemary_Thomson]

Dear Fran

I am in New Zealand and know a bit about the Stephensons.  George, who came to NZ from Dublin, was my gg grandfather.  I understood until recently that his brother John had died in Ireland.  I am now interested to know what happened to his (John's) family- and whether there are any left in NZ.  I had a most interesting meeting with Aaron while I was staying in Edinburgh last month.  George, my gg grandfather is buried at the Hunterville Cemetery, but I have a photo of it.  It is a fair way off the main road.

I will be paying an extensive visit to Australia next year.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rosemary