Donaldson Antrim

[Angela Johnston]

Can anyone help me to find the ancestors and some descendants of my 2xG grandfather John Donaldson b. 1843, lived in Belfast.  This is what I know:
- 2nd marriage - 6 June 1881 John, a widower, publican, 15 Smithfield Belfast, (father also John, a coachman) married Lizzie Dias (marriage cert).
- John and Lizzie had two children: James Davitt my 1xG gf, b. 1883 Belfast and Robert, b. 1885 Belfast (Birth transcripts and census records).
- John died Belfast 30 March 1886.  His will contains the following clause "I also hereby allow my wife Lizzie to take charge of my son William until he is able to take charge of himself"

Lizzie continued to run the pub (the Chlorane Bar, 23 Gresham St, Smithfield, Belfast), she later married Hugh Crothers, to whom she had several daughters.  In the 1970s the Chlorane bar was the scene of a multiple murder and subsequent bombing.  It was never rebuilt.

I have been unable to trace:
- John's 1st wife or his son William (or any other possible children) to this marriage,
- His father (beyond the reference in the marriage certificate)
- His mother or any siblings,
- His son Robert (to Lizzie Dias) beyond the 1911 census when he was in Carlisle Cumberland with his uncle (Robert Dias).

If anyone has any knowledge of this family which they would be willing to share I would be eternally grateful.

Angela

[aghadowey]

You can click on 'report to moderator' to ask for this topic to be moved to Antrim board where all the Belfast posts belong.

For reference, here's Hugh Crothers and family in 1911-
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Antrim/St__Anne_s_Ward/Gresham_Street/133634
and in 1901 with the 2 Donaldson boys-
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Antrim/Smithfield_Ward/Smithfield/1004125

"Letters of Administration (with the Will annexed) of the personal estate of John Donaldson late of 15 Smithfield Belfast Spirit Merchant who died 30 March 1886 at same place were granted at Belfast to Lizzie Donaldson of 15 Smithfield Belfast Widow the Universal Legatee in trust."
See www.proni.gov.uk to see wording of Will.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few marriages in Belfast area for a John Donaldson with father named John.

[Angela Johnston]

Thanks Aghadowey, I have the references you mention and I have muddled through the many Johns born to Johns as well.  I was sort of hoping I might stumble into a distant relative who would just know the answer - wishful thinking I know!  I will ask for the post to be moved - I would have placed it in Antrim myself but I cannot find a "post" icon anywhere except in the "newcomers" locations - I have read the help topics - any clues on that wee problem?  Thanks again.  Angela

[aghadowey]

You should be able to go to Antrim board then start a new topic there as in any other board but hoepfully this one will get moved there before too long.

[Angela Johnston]

Thank you - how do you manage to answer almost before I post - or is that a secret?  Angela

[aghadowey]

No secret- you posted and I typed a reply then posted it a few minutes later.