am researching my Shaw family from Saintfield, County Down, and would appreciate help finding the wife and parents of Hugh Shaw, born around 1798. He lived in the Creevyloughare and Leggygowan area of Saintfield parish.
Known facts:
• Hugh Shaw appears in Griffith’s Valuation (about 1863) in Creevyloughare townland, Parish of Saintfield, Barony of Upper Castlereagh, Downpatrick Poor Law Union.
• He was a labourer or smallholder, renting a house and garden.
• His religion was likely Presbyterian.
• The area where he lived sits near the parish boundary with Killyleagh.
Children:
1. James Shaw, born about 1841. Protestant, farmer’s servant. Married Eliza Hanvey (Catholic) on 27 April 1864 in the Downpatrick registration district.
• Father listed as Hugh Shaw, labourer, residence Leggygowan, Saintfield.
• Witnesses were David Shaw and Isabella Hanvey.
2. David Shaw, probably born in the late 1840s, likely James’s younger brother.
Records checked so far:
• Civil marriage of James Shaw and Eliza Hanvey (1864) – confirms father Hugh Shaw, labourer.
• Griffith’s Valuation – Hugh Shaw in Creevyloughare.
• 1917 census search form for Ann Shaw – parents Hugh and Jane, residence Carrowgarragh, Killyleagh.
Next steps:
I plan to search the following Presbyterian registers for baptisms of Hugh’s children or his marriage:
• Lissara Presbyterian (Saintfield) – baptisms 1809–1909
• Saintfield 2nd Presbyterian – baptisms 1831–1884
• Killyleagh 1st Presbyterian – baptisms 1829–1899
• Killyleagh 2nd Presbyterian – baptisms 1832–1899
Questions:
1. Does anyone have access to these Presbyterian baptism records for the 1830s–1850s who could look for children of Hugh and Jane Shaw?
2. Are there earlier Saintfield or Killyleagh records that might identify Hugh’s parents?
3. Has anyone come across Shaw families in Creevyloughare, Leggygowan, or Killyleagh from the early 1800s?
Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated. I can share the marriage certificate and census search form if needed.
Thank you,
