The Presbyterian congregation of Balteagh had been established in 1823 by people originally attached to Drumachose Presbyterian congregation, in the nearby town of Limavady (then known as Newtownlimavady). The petitioners were seeking a share of the Regium Donum Fund, otherwise known as the Royal Bounty.
The petition (1828-1829) from Balteagh is found amongst a bundle of various papers relating to the payment of Regium Donum (NAI: OP1/685/2). It lists approximately 200 Presbyterian families, comprising 1,023 individuals, residing in sixteen townlands lying to the south-east of the town of Limavady. An article about this valuable census substitute can be found in the Irish Genealogist, vol. 13, No. 2, (2011).
1828 petition Balteagh congregation
Robert Millan with wife & children: Joseph, Samuel, Jane, Solomon, Betty were in Carnet townland