My G G Grandfather was Samuel Williams/Williamson (Some records I have found show the name as Williams others show it as Williamson, eg on his death cert his name is Williams and it gives the informants name as Ellen Brogan, Daughter, but on Ellen's Birth and marriage record to John Brogan it lists her name as Williamson!)
He died on 7th July 1918 in Derry and from the cemetery records I have established that he was from Ramelton and his Parents were Matthew & Catherine Williams (Possibly Williamson!)
He married Margaret McDaid although I cannot find a marriage record I have been able to establish fom the cemetery records that Margaret was from Derryhassan and her parents were Hugh and Margaret McDaid. The first record of a child I could find was Ellenor Williamson born 21 June 1875 so I would assume they were married before that.
Samuel is showing as 52 in the 1901 Census, 54 in the 1911 census and 60 on his death cert in 1918 so probably born sometime between late 1840s and late 1850s.
I have found a baptism record for a Samuel Williams son of Matthew Williams and Catherine Gardiner, 10 Dec 1843 at Ramelton 1st Presbyterian but i am unsure if this if the correct person as the date seems a bit early.
I have also found a Presbyterian church marriage record of a Matthew Williams from Kilmacrennan to a Rachel Wilheron from Ramelton on the 14th June 1826, but the wifes name does not match, if this is the same Matthew maybe he remarried later?
I am unsure of the religion of Samuels parents but I do know that Samuel and his family are listed as catholic in the 1901 & 1911 census.
Finally I have just receieved the following death certs but although it seems likely I cannot be sure if this is Samuel's parents:
Katherine Williamson, 7 March 1881, Big Ards, Age 72, Married, Wife of Labourer
Informant: Rebecca Williamson, Daughter, Big Ards
Mathew Williamson, 4 April 1886, Big Ards, Age 75, Widower, Labourer
Informant: Susan McDaid, Daughter, Big Ards
(Big Ards appears to be fairly close to Ramelton)
Sorry for the long winded message but I tried to include as much detail as possible to see in it rings any bells with fellow researchers! if anyone has any information on this Williams/Williamson line or is connected to them I would love to hear from you!
