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William McGowan 1782 - 1846

AntrimBelfast (Antrim)

William (b abt1782 - died 1846) lived at 12 Castle Place, Belfast and ran a Saddlery business "McGowan & Sons" from this location with his son John. John married Isabella Marshall in 1835 - recorded in "Public Record Office of Ireland, Marriage license bonds, Diocese of Down, Conner & Dromore"

I have a number of family links based on the fact that public press announcements of family marriage/death often mentioned their relationship to "William McGowan of Castle Place"The business was disolvedin 1846, following the death of John (1845) and William (1846)

When John's son, William, married in Smythesdale,Victoria, Australia in 1861 he recorded his religion as "The United Church of England & Ireland"

If possible I would like to know which chuch close to Castle Place is likely to have been there place of worship. I'm visiting Belfast in August and hope to find out as much as possible prior to my visit.

IrelandXO member

2 replies

The “United Church of England & Ireland” is the formal title of what is usually known as the Church of Ireland. It’s the Church of England, in Ireland. (Episcopalian).

As Belfast expanded, by the end of the 19th century that denomination had over 40 churches in Belfast. However there were far fewer in the 1840s. Given where the business was, I’d say it’s most likely that the family attended St Anne’s in Donegall St. It was the principle parish church for the area.

Now the church that was there in the 1840s was demolished around 1900 and replaced by a cathedral on the same site, St Anne’s Cathedral. (In fact, they built the cathedral around the old church and then when it was complete, demolished the church from the inside).

Castle Place is still there. I am not sure if any of the current buildings date back to 1840s. You would probably need to check the maps in PRONI. There certainly are buildings in the general area from that period. Kelly’s Cellars pub nearby in Bank St dates back to the 1700s, and some of the buildings in the little closes, like Joy’s Entry and Pottinger’s Entry are early 1800s.

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Thanks Elwyn

I've had a look at St Anne;s website and agree it is the most likely parish. I'm in the process of putting together family BMD details to email to St Annr's who will do a search.(for a fee) 

Thanks re buildings. Yes, I looked at Google street view so time ago and there didn'y appear to be any old buildings. I also read recently that back as far as 1850 redevelopment was being discussed. However glad that Pottingers Entry dates back to 1800's. Isabella McGowan (nee Marshall) was the daughter of Hugh Marshall. Various Almanacs list a Hugh Marshall as a tailor at Potengers Entry. Can;t be 100% it's him, but there are no other Hugh Marshall's so high pobability. 

I've also researched the Clifton Street Cemetary and  have 4 ancestors buried in a "William McGowan burying ground" I've been in touch with Joe Baker (a historian for Clifton St) and he will arrange for me to have entry.to the cemetary.

I'll let you know how thinks proceed with St Anne's

Regards

Graeme 

IrelandXO member

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