Exciting news. I have started a new website holmes-history.com. The new site will give me a better platform to share some of my Holmes research.
I am moving my blog over to that site. If you have signed up here your subscription to posts at the new site should transfer automatically. See you there.
The 1841 census of Scotland was the first to intentionally record the names of everyone in a household. It provides a stong clue as to the origination of the Holmes name - notice the large concentration in the area southwest of Glasgow.
The Holmes DNA project results for Group 1 give support to this area as their origin as the project has a couple of members with well documented histories whose ancestors emigrated directly from this area of Scotland, and where tradition states that the families had been for centuries. Holmes Group 1 also includes a large number of men who can trace their roots back to County Donegal in Ireland, an area that was largely settled in the 1600s with immigrants from southwest Scotland.
The Holmes surname in Scotland appears to date from as early as 1314 - In a discussion about Robert the Bruce's famous victory over the English at Bannockburn, Kilmacolm: A Parish History p.23 states that "On that ever-memorable summer day in 1314 many a Lang, Laird, Scott, and Holm, then, as now, the chief names in Kilmacolm, fought nobly for their country." The 1695 poll tax for Kilmacolm bears out the old rhyme as it includes over 25 Holmes individuals / families. Kilmacolm: A Parish History p.95
The Holmeses appearing here are tenants of the Earl of Glencairn, head of the Cunningham family. We see Holmes associated with the Cunninghams in the earliest written records going back to the 1500s and a tax list from 1559 of certain Cunningham lands includes the following:
John Holmes - Stane (barony), Irvine Parish
Robert Holmes,elder - Stane (barony), Irvine Parish
Robert Holmes, younger - Stane (barony), Irvine Parish
Ninian Holmes - Stane (barony), Irvine Parish
Edward Holmes - Mains of Gougar & Blackwood, Kilmarnock Parish
Marion Holmes and Robert Thomson - Doura (East), Kilwinning Parish
William Holmes - Doura (East), Kilwinning Parish
Hugh Home - Newtoun, West Kilbride Parish
Perhaps it is not surprising then that one of the earliest Holmes records we have in Ireland is in 1613 when Edward Holmes is listed as having leased the quarterland of Eredy in County Donegal from James Cunningham of Glengarnock., (An Account of the Plantation of Ireland, p.507). Cunningham was a distant cousin of, and had married the daughter of, the Earl of Glencairn.
The Cunninghams were instumental in the Scots settlement of County Donegal in the 1600s. Several Cunninghams are found in the early land grants and they were also among the early clergy. Alexander Cunningham was Dean of Raphoe from 1630-60. The Rev Robert Cunningham was minister minister of Taughboyne, Co. Donegal at about this same time, as was his brother-in-law the Rev Hugh Cunningham, minister of Ray. We have way of knowing for sure, but it easy to speculate that the Cunninghams may have influenced some of their Holmes neighbors to emigrate.
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Early records
31 Jul 1509. Notarial protest by John Montgombry, brother of Hugh, Earl of Eglinton and baillie of Cunningham, and John Montgumbry, baillie of the burgh of Irvine, deputes of the foresaid bailliary of Cunningham, in the presence of Matthew Campbell in Terynzane, sheriff of Ayr sitting in judgement, that Robert Boyman and John Gardner dwelling in the said bailliary, who had been accused of the theft of two oxen from Robert Lyndesay and Elizabeth Holmys, dwelling in Dreghorn, Conighame and Capronstoun, and who had been repledged to the court of the said bailliary and were subject to its jurisdiction should not be tried by the said sheriff. Witnesses: John Schaw of Haly, David Craufurd of Kerss, Robert Coningham of Coninghamheid and others. James Prestone, notary (NRS GD3/1/1/15/12)
Instrument of sasine following on precept from chancery, 2 November a.r. 30 [1542], in favour of William, earl of Glencairn, as heir of deceased Cuthbert, earl of Glencairn, his father, in lands of Finlaistoun Cunynghame with tower and fortalice, lands of Gardnerstoun, Hietre, Bogsyd, the 2 Knokmontanis, Bardrany, Blaikstane, Nather Auchinlek, Leiparistoun, Auchinbothre, Rowantriehill, Wester Lammystoun, Wester and Myddill Dennistoun, in barony of Finlaistoun, bailiery of Renfrew. Also recited: royal letters of attorney, 2 November a.r. 30, appointing Robert Halcanrige, Peter Gardnar, or either of them, as attornies for said earl. Notary: Robert Symple, clerk Glasgow diocese. Sheriff depute of Renfrew: William Flemyng of Barruchane. Attorney: Robert Halcanrige. Witnesses: John, lord Lile, Patrick Flemyng, William Aitken, Robert Holme, John Schaw, John McHuchoun, and sir John Couper, chaplain. National Records of Scotland GD112/68/3
10 Feb 1549: Resignation by Robert Cunninghame of Montgrenand, in favour of Alexander, Earl of Glencairn, of all right to lands of Skelmorlie Cunynghame, occupied by George Kelso, George Holme, John Broun, Alexander Small, John Cochrane, Gavin Clerk and William Gottery, in bailiary of Cunningham and sheriffdom of Ayr. GD39/5/45
Dates 29 Nov 1551 Certified Copy of Letters of Reversion by John Cunynghame of Capringtoun and Annabel Campbell, his spouse, whereby, notwithstanding that Alexander, Earl of Glencarne, had sold to them and the longer liver of them in conjunct infeftment, and to the heirs lawfully gotten or to be gotten betwixt them, whom failing to the nearest lawful heirs and assignees of the said John, that part of the Manys of Fynlaistoun (occupied by Alexander Huntar, Marioun Broun, Johnne Moreis, Johnne Galloway, Alexander Fynny, Luck Kneland and Johnne Foster) extending to a 36 shilling and eight penny land of old extent, the £3 land of Nethir Knokmontane (occupied by Robert Holme, Thomas Birskat, Alexander Gardnare, William Mairsone, Katherin Quhitefurd, Johnne Lyone and Johnne Moreis), the 50 shilling land of Hichttre (occupied by Johnne Galichtlie, David Hychttre, Hector David, William Donald, Alexander Gardnare, Thomas Birskat and Johnne Flemyng), the 35 shilling land of Leparistoun (occupied by Robert Holme, William Aitkin, Andro Wilsone, and Richart Wilsone), and the corn-miln called the Over-Miln of Finlayistoun with the mill-lands thereof and the thirle multures and sucken of the lands and barony of Finlaistoun used and wont, occupied by Johnne Haltanerig, lying in the said barony of Finlaistoun and sheriffdom of Rainfrew, they bound themselves, on receiving payment of the sum of one thousand merks Scots upon the high altar of the parish kirk of Terboltoun to resign said lands, together with the surplus and remnant ferms of Sir Johnne Cowpar's mailing of the Manys of Finlayistoun "mair nor five bollismele zeirlie", into the hands of the Earl. At Air 29th November 1551. Witnesses, William Cunynghame of Laglane, Thomas Fairley, Patrik Mowet, George Kessane and Henry Prestoun, notary public GD86/160
3 Jan 1574 Instrument of Sasine in favour of William Porterfield as nearest and lawful heir of deceased Gabriel Porterfield, his brother, of £5 lands of Overdennistoun, in parish of Kilmacolm and sheriffdom of Renfrew; on precept of clare constat, dated 6 January 1574 by William, Master of Glencairn. Witnesses to the Precept: Humphrey Cunninghame, James Lindsay, and John Maxwell; Witnesses to the Sasine: William Lindsay, Malcolm Cunninghame and John Holm. GD39/5/63
9 Nov 1582. Charter confirming a charter by William Cunnyngham of Caprintoun to Thomas Holme in Carleyth of the 13 s . 4 d . lands of Carleyth which the said Thomas now occupies, in said lordship, paying yearly 4 s . 9 d. , and 5 d. of augmentation, with duplication at the entry of heirs, service at courts, etc. Dated at Mauchlein , 23rd May 1569 ; witnesses, Hugh Cambell of Kylloch, William Cunnyngham , son and heir of the granter, John Mur of Perk. The charter of confirmation is dated Edinburgh, 15th April 1581 ; witnesses, Archibald Dundas, James Prymrois and Edward Mekiljhon. Melrose Regality Records, p.298
23 January 1593: Wil. Holme, Tho. Broun et Jo. Kelso are occupants of the 22 shilling land of Sanct-Phillanes-well mentioned in a Charter by which Mariote Cunningham, relict of Ninian Cunningham of Quhythrist, confirms that she has sold certain lands to Robert Montgomery, son of John Montgomery of Flatt. The sale was made with the consent of her husband, James Lockhart of Lee, and her son Robert Cunningham. Confirmation under the Great Seal of Scotland was obtained granted on 4 May 1597. Register of Great Seal #558
Contract between James Cuninghame of Glengarnok and Kathrene Cuninghame his Spouse on the one part and John Home, Maltman Burgess of Perth and Janet Smith his Spouse on the other part whereby on the narrative of the payment by the latter of 1000 merks the former become bound to infeft him and his assignees in the sunny half Town and Lands of the Mains of Mauchany. Dated at Ballindallocht the 3rd and at Perth the 8th June 1598 GD305/1/106/303
1599. Andro Arnote of Lochrig for Williame Blair in Dalmastrawk, Eduard Holmes in Auldwallis, and James Barclay in Fynnik, 500 merks each, not to harm Johnne Cunynghame in the Rawis of Grugar. Register of the Privy Council, p.617
2197. c.1636.] Fragment of a Writ, apparently of an unexecuted disposition, in terms of a contract, by William, Earl of Glencairn, in favour of MR. Cuthbert Cunningham , son lawful of Alexander Cunningham of Corsehill, of the lands of Auchinbothie, Corsehill, Rowntreehill [Rountreehill], possessed by Robert Holme, Moss-syde, and Pasche Muir, possessed by John Haltry (except the house, yard, and millhill thereof), in the barony of Finlayston, parish of Kilmalcolm , and sheriffdom of Renfrew . No date. [ 2864, Box 75. (Calendar of Laing Charters #2197)
In my last post regarding the Rev William Holmes of Antrim, I mentioned that one of the executors to the will of his father-in-law, Benjamin McDowell was John Allen of Drumadarragh. I believe this to be the same John Allen who is mentioned as a son-in-law in the 1706/7 will of John Smith of Drumadarragh.
John Smith split his estate among his son, Samuel Smith, his son-in-laws, William Galt, Samuel Holmes & John Allen, and his daughter Margaret Ferguson, widow of Henry Ferguson his son-in-law.
Interstingly the 1737 will of Jennet Holmes of Belfast, widow mentions among others cousin Samuel Smith sr, cousin William Galt, cousin Margaret Allen and cousin Mary Ferguson. Clearly Jennet is a close realtion of Samuel Holmes mentioned in the 1706 will of John Smith - my guess is a daughter-in-law.
Janet had 5 sons, Hugh, Robert, Samuel, John and James. (I will write more about this family and their Smith relations in a future post.) Hugh became a merchant in Antigua. In his 1759 will, Hugh Holmes late of Antigua, now of Dublin mentions his cousins Thomas Allen and Samuel Smith of London. Robert and James Holmes also migrated to Dublin where Robert was a goldsmith and James married Mary How, sister of the :ord Mayor, Thomas How. John stayed in Belfast and founded a wealthy merchant banking family.
Some time ago I came across an article in the Ulster Journal of Archaeology which mentions of the grave of John Allen of Rashee d.1742. I believe this the John Allen who married Jane Smith, the daughter of John Smith of Drumadarragh. He lived to 99 years of age. In the same grave is John Allen of Rashee d.1784 who features in a number of the deeds below.
While it is hard to put togther the exact relationships, it is clear from the deeds that these Allens of Durmadarragh, Rashee, Castle Dobbs and London are related to each other and by extention to the Holmes family of Belfast, Dublin and Antigua. The connection to the Antrim and Ballyeaston family is less clear just from these records but we do see some connections.
1781 lease from John Allen of Rashee to Rev Mr William Holmes of Ballyiston [Ballyeaston] witnessed by Charles Galt of Coleraine mercht (Allen's don-in-law) and Gilbert McClure of Rashee;
1790 deed between Thomas Allen of London [probably the cousin Thomas Allen of London mentioned in the will of Hugh Holmes] and William Holmes the younger of Antrim, linen draper the tenement and bleach green, being part of Drumadaragh, containing about 60 acres being the same late in the possession of John Allen…and all tenements and buildings…lying in the parish of Rashee and also the farm, tenement and parcel being part of the townland of Rashee containing 18 acres being the same then in the possession of said Christian Allen bounded on the north with the lands of Drumadarah
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Wills:
Connor Will dated 20 Feb 1706/7. James Smith of Drumadaragh, parish of Dunegar, Co. Antrim, dryer. Touching my estate which extends to 2600 pounds or thereabout …To Mary my dear and loving wife one convenient lodging room in my now dwelling house with stable for 1 horse & 2 cows and 4 pounds yearly if she please to dwell on the land I now live but if she incline to live elsewhere I bequeath to her 8 pounds yearly. To pay which 100 pounds to be invested to pay said 4 pounds yearly 50 pounds … To son Samuel Smith, my interest in my holdings of Drumadarragh. To said son Samuel and William Galt and Samuel Holmes my son-in-laws each a 5th pt of each of my lands after money is invested for wife, the same for ? of their children. To Margaret, widow of Henry Ferguson, my son-in-law & her children (except her son Sam) a fifth part equally among her children, but only leave to her son Sam 1 pound. His fifth part to go to his sister Janet for his unstable behavior. Because I was pressed by the relations of my son-in-law John Allen only one tenth of said residue of my goods for use of his children. In regard I have not given my son Sam so much patrimony as to some of my daughters & that he and his sons bear up my name I bequeath to them the other tenth part to such of his sons as will dwell on my farm & follow my trade & in case none of them will do so I bequeath same to my grandson James Smith. To poor of Dunagor 1 pound. To poor of Ballyeaston 1 pound. Appoint son Samuel sole executor. After wife's death said sum secured to her equally to son Sam, my sons-in-law William Galt, Samuel Holmes & John Alan & my daughter widow Ferguson & her children. 20 Feb 1706/7. Witnessed by Edward Brice, Nicholas Thetford and Brice Blair. (CGA, Parcel 1A-32-25 v. S) Smith notebooks, v. 2-12 (cont.), File Iv)
JENNET Holmes, widow - will dated July 30, 1737. Admin on Nov 16, 1744 mentions sons, Hugh, Robert, Samuel, John, and James, cousin Samuel Smith sr, grandson Thomas Holmes, grandaughter Jennet or Jane Holmes, granddaughter Mary Holmes, cousin William Galt, cousin Margaret Allen and her daughter Ann Allen, cousin Mary Ferguson and her daughter Margaret Andrew. (BGA, Prerogative Wills. (Phillips Mss) H 1739-1753)
HUGH Holmes, merchant. Will dated 8 March 1751. My negro woman Maria al's Mary Ann & my son John Hughson al's Holmes to have their freedom. Mary Ann to have £15 a year out of the rent of 2 houses in Nevis Street. To my son Jn" Hughson al's Holmes £500 st. at 21 provided he do not return from Europe to the West Indies. To my Ex'ors £10 each. All residue to SAMUEL., JAMES., HUGH, NELLY, & ROBINSON, children of my bro. ROBERT Holmes, goldsmith, of Dublin, equally at 21. To my cousin Jean Timms of Dublin £50 st. All residue to my bro. Rob' Holmes & John Smith, bookseller, in trust to invest. My bro. Ro'' Holmes & Jno Smith, both of Dublin, & Francis Delap, Sam. Martin of S' John's, & Jn" Dunn, M', of Antigua, Ex'ors. Witnessed by Michael Lovell, Jas. Alley, Simon Aske. Sworn and recorded 20 June 1765. (The History of the Island of Antigua,Oliver, Vere Langford, London, 1896, V.2, p.57)
HUGH Holmes, late of Antigua, merchant, now at Dublin. Will dated 8 May 1759. To be bur. at Belfast with my father & mother. To my son JOHN Holmes £1000. The lease of my house at Drumcondra Lane to HUGH Holmes, son to my bro. ROBERT Holmes, also my mother's wedding ring with this motto, " In Christ and thee my Comfort be," & a signet ring. To my bro. ROBERT Holmes & his 2 sons JAMES & HUGH their bond for £434, dated 28 June 1758. My 2 houses at St. John's, Antigua, & a legacy that was left my wife on Hawksbill estate in Five Islands to my godson Tho. Hanson, son to my bro.-in-law Tho. Hanson of Antigua. To my goddau. Rebecca Hanson, dau. of my bro.-in-law Jas. Hanson, cooper, of S' John's, £5. To my cousin Tennatt Tims, now my housekeeper, £50. To Jno Hamilton, Merch' in Dublin, £50. To the poor of Belfast £100. To my late bro. JAMES Holmes' son THOMAS How Holmes & to his sister, now Pallasier, 1s. each. To my bro. JOHN Holmes & to his sons JOHN & JAMES & to his dau. MARY Holmes 1s. each. All residue to my bro. Rob' Holmes' 5 ch°, SAMUEL, JAMES, HUGH, ELINOR, & ROBINSON Holmes at 21. My bro. Rob' Holmes of Dublin, goldsmith, & cousins Tho. Allen & Sam. Smith, both of London, Mts Ex'ors. Witnessed by Joseph Malone, James Innes, Thomas Wallace. Adm'on to ROBERT Holmes 26 Oct. 1762 ; probate reserved to others. Recorded at St. John's 1791. (The History of the Island of Antigua, Oliver, Vere Langford, London, 1896, V.2, p.57-58)
PCC will dat 25 July 1780 of Robert Allen of Ironmonger Lane, city of London, mercht; my brothers Thomas Allen and John Allen; £20 to each clerk employed in our compting house; the children of my late brothers James Allen and Samuel Allen; my sister Jane McMaster; children of my late sister Elizabeth Alexander; exors his three partners; 2 maidservants; codicil - £200 to my friend Henry Eustace McCullough Esq; to my coachman and footman £10 each; wit John Kenworthy and Francis Gregg; pr. 3 Nov 1780.
PCC will dat 22 Dec 1787 of Thomas Allen Esq of the par. of St Botolph, Aldgate, London; £17500 and £9600 in trust to son in law Robert Macky and my sons Thomas Allen and Robert Allen as Trustees; my dau Martha wife of Michael Lascelles Esq of Salisbury Street, Westminster [childless evidently]; to my sister Jane McMaster of Belfast widow; to my nephew Hugh Allen of Belfast; to my nephew Robert Johnston of Deriaghy Co Down; to my nephew Arthur Chichester [Arthur Chichester Allen] of Rashee Co Antrim; to two of his clerks should they be in his service at his death; to Mrs Elizabeth Hanna of Canterbury, Kent an annuity of 6 guineas to pay the rent of her house; exors Robt Macky and his two sons;wit Thomas Potts of New Bond Street and Ben Dunn and Henry Hewit his clerks; codicil 9 Feb 1791 – Jane McMaster and Hugh Allen have died; my eldest son Thomas hath several children and I give him £8000 …; pr Lond 14 Aug 1792.
Deeds:
Indenture of Mortgage dated 23 Aug 1712. James Carmichael of Kileen to John Allen of Drumadaragh the townland of Killeen. Witnessed by George Butle now Conyngham of Springfield, Robert Donaldson of Dublin, and Wm McMullan of Co Louth. Memorial witnessed by Robert Donaldson and Alexander Hutcheson.
A Memorial of deeds of lease bearing date the 12th Oct 1713 between Richard Dobbs of Castle Dobbs and John Wilson of Ballylaggan [Ballylagan] yeoman Witnesseth that Richard Dobbs for diverse good, causes and considerations and more especially for the sum of £6 hath granted to John Wilson all that part or quarter of the townland of Ballylagganmore in the Toagh of Ballynure now in the possession of the sd John Wilson to have and to hold for 61 years at the yearly rent of £5 16s. Wilson to maintain the land, keep in good repair all buildings, plant trees, also shall do suite & service at the manner courts of Ballynure and shall grind all his corn at the mill or mills of the said Richard Dobbs in Ballynure. Witnessed by John Hasty of Killroot, Gent., John Allen of Rashee & Henry Wilson of Ballynure. Registered 1718 in Belfast, Henry Wilson witness oath.
Deed of Release dated 9 Mar 1725. James Carmichael of Kileen to John Allen of Drumadaragh the townland of Killeen. Witnessed by James Stephenson of Killyfaddy and David Allen of Drumadaragh.
Indenture of lease dated 1 Apr 1726. Reg 1 Dec 1726. Arthur Graham of Ballyherilan, Co Armagh to James Allen of Drumadaragh. The townland of Killeen, Barony of Fews, Co Armagh as Cuthbert Graham formerly enjoyed for the lives of said John Allen, James Stevenson of Killyfaddy and Mary Rainey of Magherafelt aged about 20 daughter of John Rainey of Magherafelt. Witnessed by Joshua McGough of Dromsill and Archibald McCamon. Memorial witnessed by John Stephenson of Killfaddy and Johua McGeough.
Deed Poll dated 19 Apr 1729. Elinore Whiteside, widow, admtx of Edward Whiteside, late of Malone to Samuel Allen of Belfast. Certain lands of Blackmountain and in Ballymoney. Witnessed by Robert Legg of Dublin and Roger O’Dogherty of Castle Shane. Memorial witnessed by Robert Legg and Arthur O’Neile and dated 27 jun 1729…. [see also RD 48/143/30971 John, Hannah, and Arminella Whiteside to Patrick Smith of Belfast]
Deed of Release dated 10 May 1729. Earl of Donegal to Robert Allen of Daghee in the parish of Balliston [Ballyeaston] farm called Tilliland containing 383 acres in townland of Ballygalbonagh late in the occupation of Rashee father of the said John Allen [confusing - is Robert son of John of Rashee?] or of Archibald Wilson as his undertenant. Witnessed by John Montgomery of Larne and John Stewart of Dublin, mechant. Memorial witnessed by John Montgomery and Thomas Barkley of Larne.
Indenture of Lease dated 4 Aug Jul 1731 whereby Arthur Dobbs of Castle Dobbs leased to Robert Allen of Castle Dobbs all the lands of Castle Dobbs. Witnessed by James Allen of Rashee, cloth merchant and James Kirk of Carrickfergus, town clerk. Reg 16 Sep 1731.
Indenture of Lease dated 14 Aug Jul 1731 whereby Arthur Dobbs of Castle Dobbs leased to Robert Allen of Castle Dobbs lands late in the possession of Arthur Hill, now in the possession of the said Arthur Dobbs and James Smith and all that parcel on the possession of William Hogshead containing 44 acres situate in the townland of Dobbsland to hold for the lives of Richard Dobbs, son of sd Arthur Dobbs, Thomas Allen son of sd Robert Allen, and Thomas Allen son of Robert Allen of Ballyhastfield in the parish of TemplePatrick, co Antrim. Witnessed by James Allen of Rashee, cloth merchant and James Kirk of Carrickfergus, town clerk. Reg 16 Sep 1731.
Indenture of Lease dated 13 Jul 1731 whereby Arthur Dobbs of Castle Dobbs leased to James Allen of Rashee, cloth merchant all the lands now in the possession of Robert Strong, George McFarrand, Widow Northill and John McFarrrand and all the lands late in the possession of Alexander Duglish, John McDonnell, deceased & Josh Chambers & now in the possession of said James Allen containing 103 acres in Dobbsland for the lives of said John Allen, John Wilson son of Robert Wilson of Balleston [Ballyeaston] & Conway Richard Dobbs son of said Arthur Dobbs. Witnessed by James Kirk of Carrickfergus and John Kane, Innkeeper. Memorial registered 14 Nov 1749.
Indenture lease by way of release dated 13 May 1735. Earl of Donegal to John Allen of Rashee in the parish of Balliston [Ballyeaston], linen draper. Farm called Ardmagh lying in the townland of Ballyabona late in occupation of said John Allen or Archibald Wilson and David McCullogh his undertenants. witnessed by John Montgomery of Larne and John Stewart of Dublin, mechant. Memorial witnessed by John Montgomery and Alexander Arthur
Deed of lease and release dated 25 and 26 Feb 1739. Luke Davys of Dunsmore and Arthur Whyte of Oldstown to John Allen of Drumadaragh lands of Ballytweedy and Ballysculty in parish of Killead for the lives of sd Arthur White, Peter Bristow and John Leaths White. Witnessed by Henry Shaw of Ballytweedy, Robert Wilson of Ballyeaston and John Blizard, Jr of Oldstone
Indenture dated 7 Jul 1746. Robert Dalway, Esq. of Ballyhill, Co Antrim to James Allen of Castle Dobbs, gent. An annuity out of the lands of BroadIsland. Witnessed by John McDouall and Patrick McDouall both of Altahamon, Co Antrim, gent. Memorial witnessed by John McDouall and Henry Joy. Mem dated 27 Oct 1746.
Lease dated 6 Nov 1746. Henry Shaw of Ballytweedy to John Allen of Drumadaragh. Tythes and income associated with the lands of Dunedry. Witnessed by John Birnie of Templepatrick, and John Allen the younger of Drumadaragh. Memorial witnessed by John Allen the younger and Henry Joy. Reg 1 Jan 1746.
Marriage agreement dated 10 Jun 1748. William Kerr of Ballymena, Mechant to m. Rose Mitchell of Glenarm. William Kerr transfers to John Allen of Drumadarragh lands of …. Witnessed by Arthur Chichester of Crebilly and Henry Dobbin of Ballymena. Memorial witnessed by HD and Hamilton McClure of Dublin.
Lease and Release date 14 Aug 1754. Henry Shaw of Ballytweedy, eldest son and heir of John Shaw of Ballytweedy to John Allen of Drumadaragh. Lands of Dungonnell late in possession of Thomas Cunningham and Patrick Lorimer commonly called Mill Lands, Lands of Tully Brittas and seacashall and part of the estate of Hugh Henry, Esq. All subject to redemption. Witnessed by John Allen of Ballybracken and John Blair of Drumadaragh. Reg 19 Aug 1764.
Tripart lease dated 8 Apr 1756. Earl of Donegal to James Allen of Castle Dobbs. Part of the lands of Inver and Carrenduff.
Lease dated 21 Jun 1756 Earl of Donegal to John Allen of Rashee, part of the townland of Kilbride. Witnessed by Thomas Benjamin Adair of Donegore, George Kelly, John Mangam and John Earps.
18 and 19 Mar 1768. Marriage agreement between Patrick Allen of Killroot, eldest son of James Allen of Castle Dobbs, both linen drapers and Elizabeth Myers. Lands of Bowreagh, Ballycargowagan, Ballegowagan otherwise Ballygarvan.
12 Sep 1771. Marriage Articles James Allen of Castle Dobbs, linen draper to marry Jane Frazer. James Allen transfers to Andrew Newton various lands in Rashee and Carrickfergus. Witnessed by Samuel Heron and Alexander Arthur, both of Lisburn and Andrew Taylor of Rashee.
Lease 8 Apr 1776 regd 23 Jan 1782 John Allen of Rashee to Samuel Graham of Ballyeaston certain lands in Ballyeaston. Witnessed by Robert Allen, linen draper and Gilbert McClure, schoolmaster, both of Rashee.
Deed of lease and release dated 28 and 29 May 1779. John Allen of Rashee to Robert Allen, John Marlar, Robert Boyd and Edward Stewart of London, merchants and partners, 212 acres of Kilbride, Co Antrim, 90 acres of Rashee, also the60 acres of land tenement and bleach greens of Drumadaragh, 55 acres of Ballynashee, 291 acres of Ballyalbonagh, also Ballyeaston, 30 acres of Dongonnell formerly in possession of William Wallace, also land in Dongonnell formerly in the possession of David Cole, Loughlin Dillon and Arthur Dillon, Ballyginew..for the lives of William Whiteside, Catherine Whiteside otherwise Barry his wife, and Thomas Whitside. Witnessed by Richard Williams of Dublin and John Muir of London. ….
Lease 4 Sep 1779 regd 23 Jan 1782 John Allen of Rashee to Alexander McCalmont of Ballyeaston certain lands in Ballyeaston. Witnessed by John Wilson of Rashee, bleacher and Gilbert McClure of Rashee, schoolmaster.
Deed of release dated 6 Oct 1780. Hugh Wilson of Rashee, farmer to Robert Allen of Rashee, linen draper part of Rashee [28a 3r 21p plantation measure] in occupation of sd Hugh Wilson, bound on north by holdings of William Wilson, brother of Hugh, on east by lands possessed by John Craig of Rashee, on west by lands of Dromaduragh called Burnside and on south by lands of Cogry. Witnessed by Alexander Authur and John Craig of Belfast.
Lease 1 Jan 1781 regd 23 Jan 1782 John Allen of Rashee Co Ant gent to Rev Mr William Holmes of Ballyiston [Ballyeaston] Co Ant ; 21.3.35 acs Ir Plantation measure with houses [etc] thereon; 21 yrs fr 1 May 1781 at £13.10.11/2 p a; wit Charles Galt of Coleraine mercht and Gilbert McClure of Rashee; mem wit G M and Alexr Arthur of Belfast.
Deed dated 15 Jun 1781. Robert Allen of Rashee, linen draper to George Portis of Balfast, part of the lands of Rashee containing 28 acres, the same more or less in the occupation of Hugh Wilson. Witnessed by John Alexander and Shem? Thompson.
Deed of Conveyance dated 20 Oct 1781. Robert Allen of Rashee to Waddell Cunningham the farm known as Cillilana otherwise Killilane being part of the land of Ballyalbonagh containing 383 acres, being the same more or less late in the occupation of John Allen of Rashee father of the sd Robert Allen or of Archibald Wilson. Witnessed by John Cambell, mechant and Henry Joy, printer. Reg 2 Nov 1781.
Indented Deed of conveyance of mortgage dat 24 Dec 1781 regd 12 Nov 1782 betw 1) Thos Allen of Burr street Wapping mercht, Robt Mackey of Hackney, Middx Esq, Thos Greg of Old Bethlem road Broker, Stratford Canning of Clements Lane Lond. mercht and Henry Smith of Dowgate Hill London assignees of est of Jn Marlar, Robt Boyd and Edward Stewart of Ironmonger Lane city of Lond. merchts surviving partners of Robt Allen of Ironmonger Lane mercht decd. and 2) Patrick Allen of Drumadarragh Co Ant Linen draper; recites a mortgage by Lease and release dat 3 and 4 July 1771 betw i) the sd Patrick Allen and ii) sd Robt Allen, Jn Marlar and Robt Boyd sum of £3039.17.0 ; now 1) confirm to Patrick Allen lands of Rowreagh [etc] Co Down late in occupn of John Bailie Esq and also land in Rashee Co Ant , pt of t'land Dunermay 24 acs with water mill, Ballyrashee, Rashee, Carnlee, Coggrey , Ballevoy .........; deed and mem wit Samuel Hyde linen draper and Geo Joy mercht both Belfast.
Lease dated 29 Dec 1781. John Allen of Rashee, Linen Draper to Jane Galt otherwise Smith, widow of Ballyiston [Ballyeaston]. A house in Ballyiston. Witnessed by Arthur Chichester Allen, linen draper and Gilbert McClure, schoolmaster. Memorial reg 7 Mar 1782.
Registry of Deeds
Deed Lease and Release 31 Dec 1781 regd 26 Jan 1782 John Allen of Rashee to Archibald Wilson of Ballyiston [Ballyeaston] the lands of Ardemagh being part of the townlands of Ballyalbonagh containing 266 acres
Registry of Deeds
Deed Lease and Release 31 Dec 1781 regd 26 Jan 1782 John Allen of Rashee in the parish of Ballyiston [Ballyeaston], linen draper to Richard Forsyth the elder of Ballynure the tenement called Mountain’s Farm being part of the townlands of Ballyalbonagh, 291 acres then in the occupation of John Allen or his undertenants
Deed Lease and Release 31 Dec 1781 regd 26 Jan 1782 John Allen of Rashee and Christian Allen o'wise Russell his wife to John Henderson of Belfast 30 acres in the townland of Dongonnell, also a tenement in Ballyganew otherwise Ballyginure formerly in the possession of William Dillon of Killead, deceased and also the parcel of land in the possession of William Whiteside and a tenement formerly in the possession of David Cole, Loughlin Dillon and Arthur Dillon part of the land of Dungonnell containing 77 acres…for the lives of William Whiteside, Catherine Whiteside otherwise Barry his wife, and Thomas Whitside
Deed of Release 1 Jan 1782 regd 26 Jan 1782 John Allen of Rashee Linen draper to Waddell Cunningham and John Campbell of Belfast merchts lands in the townland of Ballyiston [Ballyeaston] containing 376 acres then in occupation of said John Allen or his undertenants
Deed of Release 1 Jan 1782 regd 26 Jan 1782 Patrick Allen of Drumadaragh, linen draper to Waddell Cunningham and John Campbell of Belfast merchts the lands of Bowreagh, Ballegowagan otherwise Ballegarvan in Co Down, then in the occupation of Patrick Allen or his undertenants, for the lives of said Patrick Allen and Mary Dallway Allen, children of James Allen of Castle Dobbs, and Robert Allen, son of John Allen of Rashee, subject to rent paid annually to William Sloan
Deed of Release 1 Jan 1782 regd 26 Jan 1782 Patrick Allen of Drumadaragh, merchant to Waddell Cunningham and John Campbell of Belfast merchts the 80 acres of Duncan’s Farm being part of the townland of Ballygay late in the occupation of James and John Bryson, William Murray, Thomas Walls and Robert Maxwell and now in the possession of said Patrick Allen
Deed of Release 1 Jan 1782 regd 26 Jan 1782. Patrick Allen of Drumadaragh, formerly of Castle Dobbs, but then of Drumadaragh to Waddell Cunningham and John Campbell of Belfast merchts the 678 acres of Drumadaragh late in the occupation of Patrick Bernie, but now in the occupation of Patrick Allen
Deed of Release 1 Jan 1782 regd 26 Jan 1782 Patrick Allen of Drumadaragh, merchant to Waddell Cunningham and John Campbell of Belfast merchts 24 acres in the parish of Rashee part of the townland of Dunemoy being a corn mill…
Deed of assignment dated 1 Aug 1782. John Allen of Rashee, linen draper to Robert Ramsey of Kilbride, 212 acres of Kilbride per lease from Earl of Donegal to John Allen dated 21 Jun 1756. [see #125860 above] Witnessed by Hugh Williamson and Rev John Wright. Memorial witnessed by Hugh Williams and Rev. John Armstrong.
Deed of release dated 14 Mar 1783. Waddell Cunningham and John Campbell of Belfast, merchants to William Douglas and William Ramsay both of Ballyvoy, Co Antrim, farmers that part of the townland of Drumadaragh demised to Patrick Allen of Castle Dobbs in Co Antrim, linen draper commonly known as Dumadaragh Hill containing 145 acres.
John Allen of Rashee died 18 may 1784 aged 72 years. Also Christian Allen alias Russell his wife 23 Apr 1802 aged 68 years
Deed of release dated 11 Apr 1785. Waddell Cunningham and John Campbell of Belfast, merchants to Robert Moore of Ballypollard, Hugh Allen of [hard to read] & Brice Blair of Mulloghmossen, 90 acres of Rashee, the same formerly in the occupation of John Allen. Witnessed by Daid Gordon of Belfast, Atty and William Duxeen, customs officer. Mem Registered 10 Nov 1785
Deed of Assignment dated 24 Feb 1789. Jane Allen the elder of Castle Dobbs, widow, Patrick Allen formerly of Drumadaragh, linen draper, Hugh Allen formerly of New Forge, but now of Belfast, linen draper and John Galt Smith of Belfast, merchant, exrs of the last will and Testamant of James Allen, late of Castle Dobbs aforesaid, linen draper, along with Jane Allen the younger and Sally Betty Allen, both of Castle Dobbs, spinsters and daughters and devisees of the sd James Allen to Robert Patterson of Kilroot, linen draper, certain lands in Kilroot. Witnessed by Alexeander Arthur of Belfast and ? Arthur, his son. Reg. 25 Feb 1790.
Deed of release dated 11 Apr 1789. Christian Allen, widow to Thomas Allen of Burr St, London. 18 acre parcel in Rashee bounded on north with the lands of Drumadaragh, rent payable to Waddel Cunningham and John Campbell. Deed and memorial witnessed by Arthur Chichester Allen, linen draper and Gilbert McClure, schoolmaster.
Deed of release dated 11 Apr 1789. Arthur Chichester Allen to Thomas Allen of Burr St, Dublin [should be London] 60 acres including bleach green of Drumadaragh. Witnessed by Robert Allen of Burr St. and Alexander Arthur of Belfast.
Memorial of deed of release dated 4 Nov 1790 between Thomas Allen of Burr Street, London [In his 1759 will, HUGH Holmes of Antigua and Dublin mentions cousin Thomas Allen of London] and WILLIAM Holmes the younger of Antrim, linen draper. After reciting two indentures of lease Thomas Allen makes over to Holmes all the farm, tenement and bleach green, being part of Drumadaragh, containing about 60 acres being the same late in the possession of John Allen…and all tenements and buildings…lying in the parish of Rashee and also the farm, tenement and parcel being part of the townland of Rashee containing 18 acres being the same then in the possession of said Christian Allen bounded on the north with the lands of Drumadarah, on the east by James Henderson’s farm, on the south by William Barkley and William Dobbins, and on the west by the river; The parcel with the bleach greens for a term of royal lives or 41 years commencing 1 May 1769; and the town of Rashee parcel for a term of royal lives or 25 years, 6 months commencing 1 nov 1784. Witnessed by James McRoberts of Belfast, mariner and Robert Johnson of Summerhill, Lisburn, linen draper. Memorial dated 14 Jan 1791 and registered at Belfast with Depty Alexander Arthur.
Other:
Connor administration bond signed 2 October 1729 by Elizabeth Jackson of Ballyclare widow and administer cs of William Jackson of Ballyclare, County Antrim deceased and by John Taggart of Ballyclare and John Allen of Rashee, all of County Antrim that said Elizabeth will truly administer goods of said William CONNOR, (PRONI T808/8242)
Faulkner's Dublin Journal, Sat., 26 Jan 1765-Tues., 29 Jan 1765
Marriages: A few Days ago, Mr. Charles Galt, of Colerain, Merchant, to the Daughter of
John Allen, of Rashee, in the County of Antrim, Esq.
James Allen of Castle Dobbs dies abt. 1787
From Collectanea Genealogica Sir Wm Betham’s Will Abstracts:
Vol 5, p 29, James Allen of Castle Dobbs in co Antrim Linen draper [in later hand “will pr 1787”] = Jane Fraser; issue Robt, James, Sarah, Eliz, and Mary wife of Alexr Montgomery of Mount Charles in Donegal Esq. Arms depicted, crest a cubit arm the fist grasping an arrow pointing down [not in Fairbairn]. [Henry Conyngham Montgomery, son of Alex. & Mary = Sarah Grove of Grove Hall. She is granddaughter of Samuel Mercer of London (partner of Samuel Craighead [brother-in-law of Rev William Homes of Strabane] and Ralph Knox) -see Burke - Montgomery of the Hall]
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