Robert Bell and Martha Bell (nee Bell) of Seafin

[sam cantley]

Hi,  To answer your question on Seafin and Magheral, these are two rural townlands about two miles N/E of Rathfriland. It is a farming area and the townlands are adjoining so in places they would be separated only  by a hedge.   
 Cheers,  Sam.

[forloveofmother]

Hello again Sam!

Thank you for your time in giving a reply.  To further clarify, a place called Magheral, is that name shortened/abbreviated?  So many places start with Maghera.... (i.e. Magheralin, Magheralagan, Magherally, Magheralone ).  Is there a meaning for the first part of that name (Maghera)?.  Where would the birth, marriage, death records of this place be stored?   Was this place predominantly Presbyterian as my ancestors were?  The name  Lisnavaghrog is listed.  How does this name fit into the picture?  What reference book could you point me to to learn about the history of this area?  So many questions that need answers for this tiny brain to gain an understanding! 

Ever grateful, Cathy

[BallyaltikilliganG]

You dont seem to use maps,  do try , http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rosdavies/MAPS/DrumballyroneyTownlands.htm.
If you dont find your townland  then look up Rod Davies places. If it s townland, she normally has a link to the civil parish map. What more could anyone want. Ireland records are either filed under church records or by civil parish, which contains a few or many town lands. Access to church records are difficult. Family search is most useful in Ireland . Ros Davies under churches is extra helpful saying what available. getting access is a different process requiring lots of luck. I can't help any more good luck.

[sam cantley]

Hi Cathy,
 The townland is written as Magheral on the maps so it is the full name.  As your ancestors were Presbyterian the  church they most likely went to would have been Ballyroney or else one of the four Presbyterian churches in Rathfriland.
 I will send you a PM later.
  Cheers,  Sam.

[Elwyn Soutter]

  Is there a meaning for the first part of that name (Maghera)?.  Where would the birth, marriage, death records of this place be stored?   

The word “Maghera” means a plain or flat field. That should help explain why it appears in so many place names.

If you are looking for the statutory records of births, deaths and marriages, they are on the Familysearch site.

If you are looking for church records, then in addition to the advice already given, copies of the surviving records for the 4 Presbyterian churches in Rathfriland are held in PRONI, Belfast. They are not on-line and so you would either need to go yourself or have someone else search for you.