Witness's signature

[MegP]

I have received a photocopy of the marriage registration of my gggrandparents, David White and Jane Orr, married Broughshane, 1862. I am having trouble deciphering one of the signatures of the witnesses. What do others think it says? I have tried unsuccessfully once before to load the image, but here goes...

Megan Phelps

[Little Nell]

James Meber or Meben.

Nell

[Anthony]

Hi James Mehan Derry Waterside Colraine, Distillery, Bridge St & two names for Orr as well. 1852.

There is one name for Mehan Ballymena can't find anymore, so i will have a wee look later on.


                                                               Anthony

[scotmum]

Mabin is a local name so very possible....have a look at the following Griffiths info for the Parish of Racavan (Broughshane being part of same):

http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/antrim/racavan.htm

Tha actual signature does seem to read Meben/Meber though.

[MegP]

Thank you Scotsmum,

I have been looking for references like this without success. Interesting the number of Mabin's in the right area, but no James. What do you think about the "misspelling" - could Meben be Mabin? 1862 seems rather late to be being liberal with family name spelling?

Interstingly there is a John Mabin listed in this 1861-2 Griffiths index with property at Roogan and a John White, also with property at Roogan, but White is a common name in the area.

Cheers

Megan

[Christopher]

Hello Meg,

I agree with Scotsmum, Mabin being the local name is possible.
What are your thoughts on the name of the guy coming after the Mabins, i.e James Macken ?


Best Wishes,

Christopher

[MegP]

Dear Christopher

Thank you for your thoughts. I thought a couple of things about James Macken.

Could the signature say Macken? Hard to imagine.

Could Macken be a mistranscription of Mabin/Meben in the index?  A possibility, I guess.


Also, was he a regular witness? It would help to see the rest of the page and other pages.

Why wasn't Jane's father a witness? As she was a minor (20 years) her father would have had to give his permission, i imagine.

Intriguing!

Regards

Megan

[Christopher]

Hello Megan,

I apologise for not putting all my thoughts down the first time. I have been having another look at the signature.
It can be difficult to get a name when only two words are written.
There is so little to work on - two or three sentences would give a much better chance. 

I wondered, as a result of my second look at the signature were there any short names starting with Mc.
They are there - James McIver and James McLean.

Best Wishes, Christoper

[scotmum]

Megan, if they were married in church, could you post which one...this may help me check a few more possibilities as I also have ancestors from the Parish of Racavan and have some other documents I can refer to.