The Masterson's appear to be very difficult to find !!!
I too have Masterson relatives that I have been searching for with no luck. They moved to Belfast to work in the Mill no doubt during the latter famine years.
There is some debate as to whether they originated from Monaghan or Cavan. I will try the cavan genelogy site to see if they can assist me with my search. I have been trying to find birth record for GG Grandfather Thomas Masterson, Marriage record for Thomas and birth records for their children. I have summarised details below:-
GG Grandfather : was Thomas Masterson who married Ann (don't have a maiden name or marriage record). Thomas died in 09.02.1881 Age 51 in railway carriage accident and Ann died 15.10.1902 Age 62 of Cancer. If my research is correct Thomas and Ann had at least 4 children (they may have had more???) Again I can't find birth records for any of them
- Bridget born C1855, not married, died 11.07.1912 - Acute Bronchitis
- Rose born C1857, not married, believe had 2 children out of wedlock, Patrick born 02/01/1876 and John born 18/11/1878 (both to be verified). Rose died 09/12/1924 Age 71 from chronic nepritis and cardiac failure.
- Susan born C1862, Married 14.11.1885 to Charles Grham and Died: 01.11.1921 – Liver Cancer
- James born c1856 or c1863 - Marriage record states he was 24 when he married in 1880 but Census and death records ages do not match !
G Grandfather: James born C1863. He married married Annie Toner in 28.03.1880 in Belfast. According to the census he stated he was from Ballybay which is County Monaghan but searches have proved unsuccessful for his birth ! James died 17/01/1907 and Annie died 21/08/1918
They had 4 children:
- Thomas 01.03.1881 - died at birth
- James 15.05.1883 - my grandfather
- Maggie 04.04.1885 - my great aunt
- Annie 22.03.1887 - my great aunt
Grandfather: James Masterson was born 15.05.1883 married Agnes Hillis in Belfast.
James died 23.03.1939 Age 55 (Bronchial Asthma/Cardiac Failure) and Agnes died 19.08.1928 Age 38 (Bowel Disease)