I have been searching for many years for my great grandfather in Ireland. He came to Canada circa 1848. Born about 1836.
When he married in Canada he said his parents were John and Betty in Antrim, Ireland. Looking for anything on John and Betty.
His religion was stated as Presbyterian on his marriage document. Any info greatly appreciated! McMorram, etc. variations.
There’s an Eliza McMurren listed in Griffiths Valuation in 1861. (Betty & Eliza are interchangeable in Ireland and Scotland). She had a weaver/labourer’s cottage in Craiganee, near Larne. She was probably a widow. Her name is deleted in 1864 (and the property marked as “down”). Death registration started in 1864. I don’t see a death cert for her so suspect she died around 1863. She was probably a widow. If Presbyterian, she probably attended one of the churches in Larne. (Copies of their records are held in PRONI in Belfast).
Can’t see any other links to a John or Betty McMurren in Antrim in the mid 1800s.
Possibly DNA testing may be a way of matching with others who have additional information about where the family originate. Family Tree DNA reportedly has more people with Ulster roots than any other company. That obviously increases the chances of finding a match. You might want to try them or, if you have already tested, you can transfer your results to them for no fee.
The North of Ireland Family History Society is running an Ulster DNA project and can offer FTDNA testing kits at a reduced price. http://www.nifhs.org (Go to DNA project on the website).
Death cert for a John McMurren 1879, Altilevelly, Raloo, County Antrim. (Ballynure, Larne) https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1879/06501/4871883.pdf
I wonder if there is a connection.
