Downtown Belfast
Beautiful Landscape!
I love the rolling hills and the beautiful green lined farms.
We bounced back from and forth from Ballyclaire and Lurgan. I'll start with Lurgan. My great grandmother, Isabella Haddock Ireland was born in Lurgan. From what I can tell they moved around in the area from time to time. There is a sweet lady in the genealogical society in Lurgan that has sent me some information of where Isabella's family lived before Isabella was born. Infact, below is a picture of the church that they attended.
At this time they lived in Knockamuckley. She found a census and knew where the farm was that they lived on, but this information came after out visit.
We went to a few cemeteries trying to find clues, but no success.
The cemeteries were beautiful and my family was patient in looking around with me. We actually went back to Lurgan twice in the same day, but still no luck. I still loved being where I knew Isabella lived and look at the lovely land she left.
I took several pictures of headstones with family names, hoping that I will someday find how the link into our family line.
Downtown Lurgan
I loved all of the banners flying!
We then went to meet our new friend Eleanor. Eleanor was meeting us at the church that my great grandfather was Christened in and my great great grandparents were married there. We arrived there a little early and we had fun looking around the area.
This is the sign for the road that my great grandfather lived on.
This is the Ballylinney Presbyterian Church
Farm lands by the church
The side of the church
The Front of the Church
Cemetery at the church
We meet with Eleanor for a moment and then headed to a near by cemetery where some ancestors are buried. It was raining so we want to go quickly before it became worse. Eleanor was wonderful!!!! She was able to contact Doreen, who is a distant cousin of mine, that I have never even known of. She is a sweetheart and showed me around the family sights.
We went to a little cemetery just down a wee road and was quite well hidden. I would have never found this on my own. We didn't spend too long here, because it started to rain.
This is the head stone of Hugh Montgomery, who is my great grandfather, Hugh Ireland's cousin. Hugh Montgomery is the son of Isaac Montgomery who is my GGgrandmothers brother. My GGgrandma, hugh and James all lived on Uncle Isaacs farm. Hugh is buried here with his wife and 3 of their children.
The cemetery
Here is a history of the cemetery. If you enlarge the picture you can read it.
We then went over to see the farm.
This is cousin Doreen. She is standing where the house Hugh lived in once stood. They tore down the home in the 1980's and rebuilt this home. The farm had stayed in the family until it was sold in the 80's
This is what the home looked like when ggrandpa lived there. His cousins are standing in front of the home. The home and farm belonged to uncle Isaac. I felt such a strong love for Isaac. He had a family to provide for and was willing to take in my GGGranma, G Grandpa and his brother James. I am sure that it was not easy.
This is a picture of Isaac Adams Montgomery working the flax field
This is the farm land today. I think it is lovely!
More farm land
The farm was on both sides of the street. Yes, this is a street!! It is very narrow and still in use. I guess 2 cars are supposed to fit, but I am not sure how.
Doreen showed us this little water hole by the road. She said that it was the best drinking water. She said that there was a wee little tin cup hanging there and they would stop and get drinks.
This is an old building that has been on the farm for a very long time.
More farm land
We then went back to the church to visit. It was a rainy day, so it was extra nice to be inside. Rain and naturally curly hair are NOT a good combo!!! Excuse my hair for the entire trip!!
The front pulpit
I love the old pews
Doreen is showing us the Montgomery pew. At the time you would pay money for use of a particular pew. I am sure that all were welcome, but this where they would have sat.
Larisa, Tiana and Doreen sitting on their pew.
So cute!!
The church has beautiful stained glass. Most of these were donated after GGrandpa would have attended here.
Such a cool balcony
The floors appeared to be original. I loved thinking of all my ancestors who walked here.
This pulpit was donated by Margaret Montgomery. So, if I have it right...it would be GGrandpa's cousin's daughter.
The family
While Doreen and I were visiting, Eleanor went and found some of the original church documents. She was so sweet and found many of my relatives. One thing I was excited to find is where my GGGrandpa James Irons came from.
Doreen was wonderful and brought some pictures to share with me
This is Isaac and his wife Margaret Jamieson. I believe these are 3 of his daughters.
This is Margaret Montgomery. She is the one who donated to the church. She would be Isaac's granddaughter.
Isaac and 2 of his granddaughters
Working the flax farm back in the day!
This picture was hanging in an office in the church. It is another pictures of the farm in the day.
Here is a clearer picture. I love that you can see the working farm and the old homestead.
Description of the picture
Doreen - Valerie-Eleanor
I loved visiting with these amazing women! I am grateful that they were willing to take the time to help a stranger. When I was talking with Doreen she said that she knew that Hugh went to Salt Lake, but that was the last she heard. I thought of all the wonderful people that her family did not get to know. It made me sad. I am thankful for the media of the day that has allowed us to connect. Oh, my mother sure would have loved to have been there with me - I think she was there in spirit.
I feel so blessed that we were able to have this experience. I am not a genealogist at all! I really didn't even know where to begin. I prayed hard and the Lord lead me to Eleanor. She helped me connect to family. I am so grateful for a kind Heavenly Father who hears and answers our prayers. He is merciful and kind. I am grateful for the many wonderful people that he puts in our path to give us the help that we need.
It was hard to leave. I looked at the beautiful land around me and thought of how hard it must have been for them to leave their beautiful country. I am grateful that they did so that our family could have the gospel in our lives. This sacrifice has blessed generations. I took some pictures of the land around the city and neighboring cities.
So pretty!
I think I know why my mom always loved sheep so much!
After our visit and going back to Lurgan to unsuccessfully search cemeteries, we headed to our hotel. We were able to stay in this beautiful old hotel
.JPG)
