Alexanders/Millikens/Erskines in Belfast/Ballyclare

[tumpy51]

I am relatively new to family history and have discovered that a rootschatter was researching the same family of Alexanders as mine. However he (Christopher) has sadly died and I wondered if there are any family members or others who have archived his research and would be willing to share it with me. I know very little about this branch of the family but have a couple of photographs of my great grandfather and great grandmother. Thank you for reading this post.

[TheWhuttle]

Hi tumpy51,

I know of some ERSKINEs from the area.

James ERSKINE b. Hatfield, Carnmoney married Agnes KEENAN in 1884.
Son James ERSKINE (1887-1937) farmed in Ballyearl, dying from gangrine of the leg.
Grandson James Keenan ERSKINE b. 13-FEB-1936 married Ellie MAGILL and went to Canada.

That family are connected to the ERSKINE hatters of Belfast back in the 19thC.
[Famous for their bowler hats - such providing protection for the head, and air to keep the brain cool when walking!]

That firm were quite upfront  in their sales drives.

"Dear Czar of Russia,
 We are very glad to hear that you liked the sample bowler hat which we sent you.
 We wondered whether you might like another 100 ..."

Hopefully, copies of these letters will be lodged with PRONI someday.

I know that Christopher was interested in local industries.
Always meant to share this info with him ...

Capt. Jock

[fruitytooty]

I bet you have gotten these links:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=91436.0 for posts regarding Alexander/Morton
and this site is listed concerning your Alexander in the various posts-the late chris
http://www.wham.org/TomWhamHistory.htm a site where some History for the Alexander family is
Have a great day, Fruitytooty

[tumpy51]

Thankyou Capt. Jock and fruitytooty.

I think they may both be red herrings. But isn't that all part of the fun of the research. You get to hear of interesting stories on the way!

[fruitytooty]

Are you researching Alexanders that emigrated to America?  Or Mortons? I have ran across information for a John Alexander who emigrated to PA from Ireland prior to he went to Ireland from Scotland. In 1736 he went to America and his son James was 10 at the time of emigration to America. If this is the family I have some info for you.
Fruitytooty

[tumpy51]

Hi,
My g.grandfather was James Alexander a solicitor in Belfast but originally I believe from Ballyclare. His parents were Andrew Alexander and Janet (Jennie) Erskine. He was Married to Agnes Milliken the daughter of James Milliken and Marion (or Mary Ann) Cameron. I have almost no artefacts of the family as my grandfather ran off to join the french foreign legion after an indiscretion and was banned from ever returning to Northern Ireland. So I know very little about this branch of the family and I don't know my Ballyclare from my Ballyeaston.

[aghadowey]

All very common surnames in County Antrim but you've quite a bit of detail to start with, tumpy51, so let us know if we can help by finding any further information on your family.

[bgollogly]

I have Alexander's and Milikens in my family tree.
Nathaniel and Agnes Alexander immigrated to Chicago, Illinois listed as my great grandparents Aunt and Uncle.
Bobby and Oliver Milliken form Northern Ireland who resided in Keady, Armagh, Scotland, Dublin and Leeds. I believe their mother was Annie Gollogly

[aghadowey]

Milliken is a fairly common surname in Ulster but the ones in this thread are from Ballyclare area (north of Belfast) rather than Co. Armagh.