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Looking for Clarke/Wilson

My Great Grandfather Andrew Clark born in 1832 married to Mary Wilson born 1846. They were married in Inishargy Co Down on 25/04/1863 by Rev G Jamison, witness for husband was Mary McWhirk, witness for wife was David Kirkpatrick. Father of Andrew is Robert Clarke and Father of Mary is James Wilson.  Their first 4 children are born in Ireland, before moving to Cumberland England. The first 2 children are baptised in Kirkistown, and the other 2 in Greyabbey and Granshaw. I am trying to find more information on Andrew and Mary's families. Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Maria

mariamarch41

2 replies

Maria,

Birth registration didn’t start in Ireland till 1864 so you won’t find birth certificates for either Andrew or Mary. Tradition was to marry in the brides church which was Glastry Presbyterian. Though there has been a church in Glastry since the 1720s unfortunately they have no baptism records earlier than 1870.

Presbyterianism incidentally indicates the family are likely descended from Scots who settled in Co Down in the 1600s.

The 1863 marriage shows Andrew was living in Gransha and Mary in Ballyhalbert. The families were labourers which is always challenging as they tended to move around a lot to follow the available work. I notice children Isabella and Mary were born in Kirkistown and Anne & James in Gransha. 

Griffiths Valuation for 1863 lists a James Wilson in Ballyhalbert village. He had plot 56 which was a house and small garden. You could follow through to see how long he stayed there using the Valuation revision books on the PRONI website.  You might possibly find a death certificate for him too, especially if he died in Ballyhalbert. 

Couldn't find anything on the Clarke family.

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you Elwyn

mariamarch41

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