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John BILL (to
be confirmed)
b: abt 1740 d: 1???
This ancestor was Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's seven times
great grandfather, with there being a strong possibility that he was called John Bill.
What we do know about this ancestor is that he had at least three sons in the Templepatrick area,
Daniel, David and John, who worked on farms in the townland of Templepatrick, and later also Ballycushan and Ballyvoy (Duncansland)
within the parish of Kilbride.
It seems highly likely that this ancestor may have been the John Bill whose lease
was renewed by the local landlord, Clotworthy Upton, in 1769. If so, John was to become an important figure in the struggle
that would soon lead to the full blown uprising of the United Irishmen in 1798 - albeit, his part being as a victim in the
early days of agitation.
The Belfast Newsletter of December 13th 1768 (p.1) records a series of plots of land in the parish
of Templepatrick which were being offered for 21 year leases, with the names of the tenants already resident alongside them.
The only mention of a member of the Bill family on the estate at this stage was John Bill in the townland
of Ballymartin, with none in Templepatrick or Ballycushan:
To be let for 21 Years, or as such a term shall be agreed on, from the
1st May 1769, the following Lands in the County of Antrim, being Part of the Estate of Clotworthy Upton, Esq, viz:
...
BALLYMARTIN
...
John Bill 9 acres, 3 roods, 23 perches
...
The lease was essentially offering the land to whoever would pay, with no security of tenure for those
already resident and working the land. W. A. Maguire's 'Lord Donegall and the Hearts of Steel', published in Irish Historical
Studies Vol 22 No. 84 (Sep 1979, p 351-376) explains the bigger picture:
In January 1769 the whole of the Upton estate at Templepatrick
was advertised in the Belfast press for letting on twenty-one leases. The advertisement listed the townlands of Kilmakee,
Templepatrick, Cloughanduff, Ballymartin, Ballycushan, Straidballymorris, Rickamore, Umgall, Ballnalough and Ballyutoag, along
with the sizes of the 99 holdings and the names of the occupying tenants.9 The total size of the property amounted to 4,234
Irish (or 6,860 statute) acres. The simultaneous reletting of so many farms, whose occupiers would have to bid for new leases
against other proposers, was the immediate cause of the trouble which provoked the Hearts of Steel.
At this point many of the rural classes were openly questioning their lack of rights and were agitating
for reform through secret societies such as the Hearts of Steel, in a movement that would ultimately lead to the uprising
of the United Irishmen in 1798.
John Bill was already resident in Ballymartin, but managed to hold onto his lease. By doing
so he provoked those agitating for reform, the result being a series of attacks on his property and livestock. The Belfast Newsletter on both July 25th 1769 and August 8th 1769 recorded a response to the attacks against
him by the Hearts of Steel, and the reward placed on offer to find the perpetrators:
County of Antrim
WHEREAS in the Night of the 13th of July Instant, some wicked and malicious Person or Persons did feloniously
set on fire the Out-houses belonging to John Bill of Ballymartin, near Templepatrick in the County of Antrim, in which were
sundry Things of Value, which together with the Houses, were burned down and consumed to Ashes.
And on the night of the 21st Instant, some such wicked Persons did feloniously stab and maim a Cow belonging
to the said John Bill.
Now we the Grand Jury of the County of Antrim, at a General Assize and General Gaol Delivery held in and for
said County the 20th Day of July, 1769, in order to bring to condign Punishment the Person or Persons guilty of such horried
Crimes, do hereby promise a Reward of Fifty Guineas to any Person or Persons who shall within six Months from the Date hereof,
discover, and prosecute to Conviction any one Person or more who hath or have bene guilty of either the said Crimes, to be
paid by the Treasurer of this County immediately upon such Conviction; And if more than one Person was guilty, whoever shall
inform on and prosecute an Accomplice to Conviction, will be intitled to the said Reward, and a Pardon will be solicited by
the Grand Jury for such Discover or Accomplice.
Dated this 22d day of July, 1769.
William Higginson, Alex. McAulay, Dunluce, Foreman, Ed. Brice, Roger Moore, Her. Langford Rawley, James Agnew,
Samuel Bristow, Clotworthy Upton, Sampson Moore, Rowley Heyland, C. R. Dobbs, Nich. Stewart, Thos. Thompson, James Leslie,
James Hamilton, Stewart Banks, William Agnew, Thos. Gregg, Andrew Todd, Mar. Dalway, Ez. Boyd, John Henry.
As a further Reward, and to show my earnest Desire of protecting all my Tenants, I promise to pay Twenty Guineas,
to be paid by Hercules Heyward, Esq., to any Person or Persons who shall within the Space of six Months from the Date herof,
discover and prosecute to Conviction any one Person or more who hath or have been guilty of either of the said malcious and
atrocious Crimes.
July 22d, 1769 CLOTWORTHY UPTON
Maguire's article provides a likely explanation for the attacks
on John Bill:
The unfortunate tenant in the townland
of Ballymartin who was the first victim was among those whose holdings were advertised, and was not therefore a newcomer taking
the farm over the head of its former occupant. Presumably, then, his offence was to have weakened a united front of resistance
by hastening to negotiate a new lease with his landlord. That such resistance was quickly organised is suggested by a note
appended to a later insertion of the advertisement (early in April) to the effect that two tenants in Rickamore and three
in Ballyutoag were to be tenants of the estate no longer.
The incident was also recorded in a book entitled The
Ulster Land War of 1770 (The Hearts of Steel), by Francis Joseph Bigger (1910, Dublin: Sealy, Bryers & Walker),
who further noted on p.138 that:
This was evicted land re-let to John Bill on better terms
for the undertaker, Upton. A week later Bill had a further visitation. Templepatrick was in a determined humour at this time.
Davy Douglas was moving round.
Whether John Bill was indeed our direct ancestor
still needs to be confirmed. A follow up article from the Newsletter, dated September 6th 1771, provides a list of subscribers
from the parish of Templepatrick who pledged to give money on the 2nd to a community reward fund, dedicated to finding the
perpetrators of attacks on their properties. The list is fairly extensive, with some two hundred and forty names, and notes
another possible candidate in the area, David Bill. The following are the details of the payments offered
by both John and David to the fund:
John Bill 11s 4d
David Bill 5s 5d
David is not included in the tenancy list of 1769, but this may perhaps signify that he had
just purchased a lease. It is almost certain that both gentleman were related, either as brothers or perhaps father and son?
More work needs to be carried out to firm this up. In addition to our lines in Templepatrick and Kilbride, a line of Bills
did also establish themselves in Ballymartin throughout the 19th century - Ballymartin being a tiny parish surrounded completely
by Templepatrick parish.
In the meantime, we do know that the correct candidate did have at least three sons.
Children of John BILL (unconfirmed) and Unknown:
Daniel Bill
b: 1767 d: 7/2/1837
Daniel is almost certainly a brother to David and John. In the 1831 church census for Templepatrick,
Daniel's farm property is listed as house number 7 in Templepatrick townland, adjacent to David at house 8. The record also
notes his family as his wife Susanna Rea, and children Margaret,
Jane, John, William, Sally, Susanna,
Samuel and James.
A headstone erected by Daniel's son provides a great deal of information on his parents and his own
family, confirming that David lived from 1767-7/2/1837, but also that his wife Susan lived from 1785-19/4/1859.
Children of Daniel BILL and Susanna REA:
Alexander Bill
b: 1814 d: 21/11/1877
Alexander was born in Templepatrick in approximately 1814.
Alexander was married to Martha Leech, who was born in approximately 1822. The marriage to Martha took place on 16 DEC 1842, and was performed in a service by a minister of Templepatrick
Presbyterian Church. Alexander was noted as the son of Daniel and Susanna, and Martha the
daughter of Alexander Leich and Isabella. The witnesses were John Bill
(likely Alexander's brother) and James Graham (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Alexander died in Templepatrick on 21 NOV 1877. The Belfast Newsletter recorded
an intimation for his death a day later on 22 NOV 1877:
DEATHS
BILL-November 21, at Templepatrick, Alexander Bill, aged 68 years. His
remains will be removed from his late residence, for interment in Templepatrick Burying-ground, tomorrow (Friday) afternoon
at three o'clock.
In the 1901 census, Martha was found at house no. 4 in Templepatrick village. She was noted as a 79
year old widow from Co. Antrim. With her was her widowed daughter Isabella Kerr, aged 54, and three sons
- Daniel, a 51 year old blacksmith, William, a 46 year old blacksmith, and Alexander,
a 43 year old farmer's son. Also present were Robert Kennedy, a 21 year old blacksmith, noted as a servant and from Co. Antrim,
and Thomas Mitchell, a 17 year old apprentice blacksmith, again, from Co. Antrim. Martha was noted as the owner in Form B1.
(Source: NAI 1901 census).
Martha eventually passed away herself on 3 MAY 1905 at Templepatrick, aged 85. Her death record noted
her as Widow of Alexander Bill a blacksmith, and the informant to the registrar was her son Daniel Bill,
also of Templepatrick (Source: GROI D 1905 Group Reg ID 4767902 SRD Antrim RD Templepatrick).
The headstone at Templepatrick Church of Ireland graveyard, as well as information from a will
left by Martha in 1905, reveals the names of some seven children. Her will stated the following:
No. 1092
Bill, Martha
I Martha Bill make this my last Will and Testament. I give and bequeath
to my son Daniel Bill my rights and interest in the blacksmith's shop the tools and other materials but not the Books debts.
To my son Alexander I bequeath the small farm I hold under Lord Templetown. To my daughters Isabella and Janet I bequeath
Twenty five pounds sterling for each, to my daughter Susan Five pounds and to my son William Five pounds sterling. I further
appoint my esteemed friend Daniel Bill, Ballyhartfield, and my son Alexander Bill, Templepatrick, to be executors of this
my will.
Signed Ma. Bill
Children of Alexander BILL and Martha LEECH:
Isabella Bill
b: 30/8/1843 d: 15/11/1920
Isabella was born in Templepatrick on August 30th 1843 and baptised on October 1st by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
On September 11th 1862 Isabella married Allan Kerr at Templepatrick Presbyterian Church.
In the 1911 census Isabella resided with her brother Daniel in Templepatrick town.
She was a 67 year old widow, her married name being Kerr (Source: NAI 1911 census)
Isabella died on November 15th 1920, and was buried in the graveyard at Templepatrick Church of Ireland.
Daniel Bill
b: 9/7/1846 d: 9/2/1930
Daniel was born in Templepatrick on July 9th 1846 and baptised on August 9th by the minister of Templepatrick
Presbyterian Church (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
In the 1901 census Daniel was at his mother's house in Templepatrick, noted as a 51 year old blacksmith, a Presbyterian
who could read and write, and unmarried (Source: NAI 1901 census).
In his mother's will in 1905, Daniel was bequeathed all the rights and interests in the blacksmith's
shop that Martha had in Templepatrick, as well as the tools and other materials, but not the Book debts.
In the 1911 census, Daniel was noted as a 64 year old blacksmith, residing in Templepatrick town with
his sister Isabella (Source: NAI 1911 census).
Daniel died on February 9th 1930, aged 83, placing his birth in about 1847. He left a will, which
has not survived, but the calendar entry for it, as registered at Belfast, states the following:
Bill, Daniel of Templepatrick County Antrim, farmer, died 9 February 1930
Administration (with Will) Belfast 6 June to Janet Bill spinster. Effects £10.
Child of Daniel BILL and Unknown:
Janet Bill
b: 1882 d: 23/12/1950
Janet was buried in Templepatrick Church of Ireland graveyard.
Susanna Bill
b: 1/3/1849 d: aft 1905
Susanna was born in Templepatrick on March 1st 1849 and baptised on
April 1st by the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Susanna (as 'Susan') was bequeathed five pounds by her mother in 1905.
William Bill
b: 3/6/1851 - 19??
William was born in Templepatrick on June 3rd 1851 and baptised on July 6th by the minister of Templepatrick
Presbyterian Church (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
In the 1901 census, William was at his mother's house in Templepatrick, and noted as a 46 year old
widowered blacksmith who could read and write, and who was Presbyterian (Source: NAI 1901 census).
In Martha's will in 1905, William was bequeathed five pounds Sterling (Source: PRONI wills 1858-1943).
Alexander Bill
b: 26/3/1856 d: 20/7/1905
Alexander was born in Templepatrick on March 26th 1854 and baptised on May 20th by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Alexander was bequeathed the small farm held by his mother Martha under Lord Templetown in Templepatrick,
and was also asked to be her executor, a duty which he subsequently performed alongside a Daniel Bill of Ballyhartfield.
Tragically Alexander did not live long to enjoy his inheritance, he passing away on July 20th 1905.
He died intestate, with his estate passed to his sister Isabella on August 21st 1905, as noted in the following
extract:
Administration of the estate of Alexander Bill late of Templepatrick County Antrim Farmer who died 20 July 1905
granted at Belfast to Isabella Kerr Widow.
Martha Bill
b: 3/6/1858 d: 11/2/1872
Martha was born in Templepatrick on June 3rd 1858 and baptised on July 4th by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Martha was buried in Templepatrick Church of Ireland graveyard. She was born in approximately 1858
and died Febnraury 11th 1872.
b: 15/12/1862 d: aft 1905
Janet was born in Templepatrick on December 15th 1862 and baptised on July 1st 1863 by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Janet was bequeathed twenty five pounds by her mother in 1905.
It seems likely that this is also the 45 year old Janet Bill found as a visitor at the house of 40
year old Elizabeth Hunter at house no. 18 in Templepatrick Town, Co. Antrim, in the 1911 census (Source: NAI 1911 census).
Margaret Bill
b: 18?? d:????
Margaret was recorded with her parents in the 1831 church census for Templepatrick parish
and townland (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI MIC 1P/325/A1).
Margaret married a John Bill from Templepatrick
on March 8th 1838, in a ceremony performed by the minister of Templeptarick Presbyterian Church. Both Margaret and John
were noted as being of Templepatrick, with Margaret's parents noted as Daniel Bill and Susanna,
and John's as James Bill and Mary. The witnesses were James Bill (possibly
Margaret's brother) and Samuel Agnew (Source: PRONI MIC 1P/325/A1.
Jane Bill
b: 18?? d:????
Jane was recorded with her parents in the 1831 church census for Templepatrick parish
and townland (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1P/325A/1).
John Bill
b: 18?? d: ????
John was recorded with his parents in the 1831 church census for Templepatrick parish
and townland (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
William Bill
b: 18?? d: ????
William was recorded with his parents in the 1831 church census for Templepatrick parish
and townland (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
Susanna Bill
b: 18?? d: ????
Susanna was recorded with her parents in the 1831 church census for Templepatrick parish
and townland (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
Samuel Bill
b: 18?? d: 1???
Samuel was recorded with his parents in the 1831 church census for Templepatrick parish
and townland (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
James Bill
b: 18?? d: ????
James was recorded with his parents in the 1831 church census for Templepatrick parish
and townland (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
David Bill
b: abt 1775 d: 31/12/1847
We know for a fact that John Bill, father of murder suspect William Bill,
in 1874, had a cousin by the name of Daniel Bill, who resided in Ballycushan townland, Templepatrick. This
Daniel is the son of a David Bill and his wife Ann, with David having been born in
approximately 1775, as determined from a headstone in Templepatrick graveyard. The transcription
of his headstone entry is fragmented, though it seems that he died on December 31st 1847. Ann later died March 29th 1858,
aged 83 years.
We are extremely fortunate that a church census for Templepatrick parish has survived from 1831, now
available on the Emerald Ancestors website, and in conjunction with the headstone has helped to add further detail to the
family story. It records that Daniel resided at Ballycushin townland, that he was married to Ann Rea, and
had four children resident with him also - Margaret, Daniel, Samuel and
John. The family was Presbyterian (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1P/325A/1).
A follow up Presbyterian church census from March 3rd 1857 notes that David was then dead, with
the residents at Ballycushan now as follows: Widow A. Bill, Daniel Bill and Margaret
Bill (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1P/325A/1).
Child of David BILL and Ann REA:
Margaret Bill
b: abt 1810 d: 31/12/1864
Margaret was noted as being resident at house number 5 in Ballycushan townland, parish of Templepatrick, Co. Antrim,
in 1831. She was a Presbyterian (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
Margaret was again recorded at Ballycushin in the Presbyterian church census from March 3rd 1857 (Source: Emerald Ancestors;
PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
Margaret's death was noted on the same family headstone erected in Templepatrick, which recorded that she was aged 54.
Daniel Bill
b: abt 7/3/1812 d: 16/4/1889
Daniel was baptised on March 7th 1812 by the minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of
Templepatrick. The record notes that he was the son of David Bill, and that a fee was paid of 3s 4d (Source: PRONI MIC 1B/11/1).
Daniel was noted as being resident at house number 5 in Ballycushan townland, parish of Templepatrick,
Co. Antrim, in 1831. He was a Presbyterian (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
Daniel was again recorded at Ballycushin in the Presbyterian church census
from March 3rd 1857 (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
The discovery of Daniel was the key to unlocking this branch of the Bill story. In October 1874, Daniel's
housekeeper Mary Conway, described as an 'old woman', was the first person visited by David Bill, upon
discovering the murdered body of his niece Margaret Langtry at his home in Ballycushan - with David
noting "I ran up to my cousin Daniel's but he was not back from Belfast". Daniel resided just 300 yards away from David.
Daniel was noted in Griffiths Valuation in 1862 as holding some 20 acres of land (Source: Ask About
Ireland), and in the subsequent revision books as having sold his land in 1875, just after the murder (Source: PRONI). It
appears that he moved into the town of Templepatrick, not far from Ballycushan.
Daniel later died on April 16th 1889, as recorded on the family headstone at Templepatrick.
He left an estate valued at £74 4s and 3d. He was noted as "Daniel Bill late of Templepatrick,
Antrim, no occupation, who died 16 April 1889 at same place" and estate was confirmed to "Samuel Bill of Sydenham,
County Down Gentleman a Cousin" (Source: PRONI wills calendar 1858-1943). The corresponding death record index
notes him as aged 78, corresponding with the information on the monumental inscription (Source: GROI 1889 Q2 Vol 1 p.19
Antrim age 78).
Samuel Bill
b: abt 1818 d: 25/3/1851
Samuel was noted as being resident at house number 5 in Ballycushan townland, parish of Templepatrick,
Co. Antrim, in 1831. He was a Presbyterian (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
Samuel's death was recorded on the family headstone in Templepatrick, which noted him as aged 33 at
death.
John Bill
b: abt 20/2/1815 d: 5/6/1849
John was baptised on February 20th 1815 by the minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church
of Templepatrick. The record notes that he was the son of David Bill of Templepatrick (Source: PRONI MIC 1B/11/1).
John was noted as being resident at house number 5 in Ballycushan townland,
parish of Templepatrick, Co. Antrim, in 1831. He was a Presbyterian (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
John's death was noted on the same family headstone, but the transcription
notes him as having died June 5th 1869(?). However, it is clear that the headstone recorded the names of those being
buried in chronological order, and as John's entry comes between a burial in 1847 and 1851, it seems obvious that it
was 1849 recorded, and not 1869.
John Bill
b: 17?? d: 18??
Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's six times great grandfather - see below.
James Bill - unconfirmed
b: 17?? d: ????
A baptism from October 1805 notes a daughter Sally Bill born to a James Bill
of Ballycushan. As there were only two Bill households in Ballycushan, it is almost certain that this James was another sibling
of John, David and Daniel - however, this has yet to be formally confirmed.
It seems likely that this was the James Bill who married Ginny May in Templepatrick
on July 6th 1804, in a ceremony performed by a minister from the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Templepatrick (Source:
PRONI MIC 1B/11/1).
Child of James BILL and Ginny MAY (tbc):
Sally Bill
b: abt 13/10/1805
Sally was baptised by a minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Templepatrick on October
13th 1805. Her father was noted as James Bill, of Ballycushan (Source: PRONI MIC 1B/11/1).
James Bill
b: abt 9/6/1811
James was baptised by a minister of the Non-Subscribing
Presbyterian Church of Templepatrick on June 6th 1811. His father was noted as James Bill, of Templepatrick
(Source: PRONI MIC 1B/11/1).
It seems likely he was a son of James Bill and Ginny May - no other James Bill has been established
in the area, and certainly not with this church -though further proof still needs to be found to confirm this as fact.
Samuel Bill - unconfirmed
b: 17??
This Samuel is certainly related, but his positioning here as a posited brother to the rest
is simply due to the fact that when he married in 1803, he was resident in the townland of Ballyhartfield, in Ballymartin
parish - as was John Bill, his presumed brother, when he married Margaret Gibb in 1804. There is also a suggestion from the
1831 parish census for Ballymartin that Samuel's eldest son was called John.
 John BILL
b: 17?? d: bet. 1831 & 1857
John Bill was Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's six times
great grandfather.
John Bill married Mary Gibb on September 19th 1804, in a ceremony performed by the minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in Templepatrick.
The record notes that the marriage happened at Ballyhartfield (Source: PRONI MIC/1B/11/1). The fact that the couple were resident
shortly after in Ballycushan, Templepatrick, is noted in the baptismal entry for their eldest son David
Bill in October 1805 (see below). A connection to Ballymartin is also briefly noted in 1821 with the birth of their
son William Wallace Bill (see below).
Although Ireland has suffered a tragic loss of censuses from 1821-1891, church censuses for Ballycushin
townland survive from the years 1831 and 1857. Combined with the data gathered from the 1875 trial for the Templepatrick murder,
this has helped to confirm that John Bill was the boys' ancestor.
The 1831 census tells us that John was resident at house number 4 in Ballycushin townland, and was
married at that stage to Mary Gibb, with five children resident also - David, Elizabeth,
John, William Wallace,
and Samuel. The family was Presbyterian, and one of two Bill families in the townland - the other belonging
to John's brother David (Source: PRONI MIC 1P/325A/1; also accessible online via Emerald Ancestors).
By 1857, John had died. The church census for the townland notes the presence now of a Widow
M. Bill, and children David, Margaret, and Eliza Gray (Source: PRONI
MIC 1P/325A/1; also accessible online via Emerald Ancestors).
Combined with the newspaper coverage of the tragic
Templepatrick Murder in 1874, the subsequent trial of 1875, and various other sources including the parish records available
at PRONI, the family has been identified as follows.
Children of John BILL and Mary GIBB:
David Bill
b: 19/10/1805 d: 20/4/1877
David Bill was the brother of John Bill, Calum's and Jamie's five times great
grandfather.
David was baptised on January 15th 1804 by the minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church
of Templepatrick. The record notes him as the "son of John Bill, Ballycushan" (Source: PRONI MIC 1B/11/1).
David was recorded as living at Ballycushin within the 1831 Templepatrick church census,
with this record noting that he and his family had moved there from Templepatrick townland. He was Presbyterian (Source: Emerald
Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1). David resided in the townland of Ballycushan, not far from Templepatrick, where he worked
as a farmer on 26 acres of land. He was later recorded at Ballycushan in Griffiths Valuation from 1862 (Source: Ask About
Ireland), and up to 1875 in the subsequent revision books, at which point both his land and that of his brother Daniel was
sold to a John Patton. The farmland ran down to a river, at which there was a ford.
We know a great deal about David because he was the uncle of Margaret Langtry,
his niece and housekeeper, who was brutally murdered in David's house in 1874 whilst he was away to Belfast to pay his annual
rent (Source: Belfast Newsletter coverage). Margaret had been his servant from the birth of her oldest child, so approximately
from 1867 - she had also given birth to her two subsequenht children at his house.
In the murder trial, as recorded by the Belfast Newsletter of 17 MAR 1875, we get some glimpses into
his life. David was in the habit of travelling into Belfast from Ballycushin twice a week, in order to transact business -
the journey usually took him four hours in each direction. He kept his money at home in a locker stored in his loft, to which
both he and his niece Margaret had a key. At the time of the murder David had £19 saved at home and had asked his brother
John, who lived three and a quarter miles away, for the loan of £1 or £2 to help make up the amount of his rent.
David had been away to Belfast from 9am to 10pm on the day of Margaret's murder, where he had taken out a further £8 from
his bank to help make up the rent further, which was £32 in total, although he was still £6 short.
Upon his return David had found the front door of the house wide open, and had then found Margaret's
body on fire and smouldering beside the fireplace - he had had to put the flames out with a bucket of water. Upon discovering
that it was niece, he raised the alarm, first by visiting his cousin Daniel (only to find that he was still in Belfast). It
was soon discovered that Margaret had in fact been shot before her body had been set alight, with other slugs found in the
walls and in some of the furniture. He soon established that his locker had been broken into, but that the thief had not discovered the
bundle of notes wrapped up at the bottom - there had been about £16 or £17 left there in notes, along with some letters, papers,
yarn and linens. Margaret's children, all asleep at the time, had not been awakened by the incident. In despair at what he
had found he had asked his brother John for advice, who suggested he should sell the farm and get away.
Prior to the murder, David had lost a niece, who was a sister to William. Following the burial, a
row had broken out between William and Margaret Langtry, who it was said had been intending the burial plot used in Templepatrick
graveyard for her own needs. David had given William some threshing work to do five or six days after the funeral, but
William had then left his house on the Wednesday, two days before Margaret's murder, with the work not completed. When
asked at the trial if he had been asked by the police about William at the crime scene, he replied with a good Ulsterism -
"Oh, till I was near turned in the head"!
David died in 1877, the index for his death being GROI D 1877 Vol 6 p.21 Antrim, age 71. His exact
date of death comes from a surviving will abstract found on the PRONI website, which also notes that despite having sold his
farm he had continued to reside at Ballycushan:
Letters of Administration of the personal estate of David Bill late of Ballycushion County Antrim Farmer deceased
who died 20 April 1877 at same place a Bachelor were granted at Belfast to Samuel Bill of Mountpottinger Ballymacarrett (Belfast)
County Down Schoolmaster and Eliza Gray of Belfast Widow a Brother and Sister of said deceased.
Elizabeth Bill
b: 18?? d: aft 20/4/1877
Elizabeth was recorded in the family's Ballycushin home in the 1831 Templepatrick church
census. She was noted as a Presbyterian (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI Mic 1p/325A/1).
Elizabeth married Robert Gray in a ceremony performed by a minister from Templepatrick
Presbyterian Church on April 29th 1833. The parish record notes Robert as the son of Hugh and Nelly
Gray from Ballycushin, and Elizabeth as the daughter of John and Mary Bill from the same townland - the witnesses
were John Bill and Henry Hunter (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
The couple had at least six children.
Children of Eliza BILL and Robert GRAY:
Margaret Bill Gray
b: 5/10/1833 d: 30/10/1874
Margaret was born in Ballycushin, Templepatrick, on October 5th 1833, and baptised by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on November 23rd (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Margaret's story is one of the most tragic within our ancestral past. The Belfast Newsletter of 17
MAR 1875, covering the Templepatrick Murder, notes her uncle's description of her early years as follows:
"...she was reared with me and lived all her life with me".
This may imply that Margaret's own mother was also resident with Daniel, as she passed away after
April 20th 1877.
On July 5th 1867 Margaret married labourer William Langtry (Lengtree, Langtery),
and had three children with him. He died in approximately 1872, leaving Margaret a widow - it is likely that he is the William
Langtery whose death was registered in Antrim in 1873 (GROI D 1873 Vol. 1, p.22 Antrim, age 46). At this point she moved back
into the Ballycushan based house of her uncle David, for whom she took up a position as a housekeeper.
Of her marriage the Belfast Newsletter of 17 MAR 1875 noted that David had stated the following at the the trial for
her murder:
The husband to the deceased was a labouring man. I did not think much of
the marriage, and I think she did not think much of it either. She came back to me about the time the first child was
born.
Tragically, on October 30th 1874, Margaret was murdered within her uncle's
house, as he was returning from a trip to Belfast to pay his annual rent. Tragic though the murder was, the murder investigation
into it in 1874 and 1875 has proved to be an enormously significant event in terms of understanding the Bill family history
from the Templepatrick area.
The investigation revealed what appears to have been a feud of sorts, with her cousin William
Bill, son of John Bill (Calum's and Jamie's six times great grandfather). William was accused and
tried for her murder from March 16th-18th, the trial containing many significant witnesses from the Bill family, but
he was found not guilty by the jury. Margaret's killer was never caught.
David noted the following description of Margaret at the time of the murder:
She was about 42 years of age, strong and fresh-looking for her years.
Children of Margaret GRAY and William LANGTRY:
(Unknown) Langtry
b: abt 1867
This first child was born in Templepatrick in approximately 1867.
David Langtry (Langtree)
b: 9/1/1870
David was born in Templepatrick on January 9th 1870.
Robert Gray Langtry (Langtery)
b: 13/4/1871
Robert was born in Templepatrick on April 13th 1871.
Ellen Gray
b: 17/10/1835
Ellen was born in Ballycushin, Templepatrick, on October 17th 1835,
and baptised by the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on October 20th (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Mary Gray
b: 9/10/1837 d: 1???
Mary was born in Ballymartin, Templepatrick, on October 9th
1837, and baptised by the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church the following day on October 10th (Source:
PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
John Gray
b: 21/11/1839 d: 1839/1840
John was born in Templepatrick, on November 21st 1839, and baptised by
the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church two days later on November 23rd (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
It is believed that John died shortly after birth, with his parents'
next child christened John also.
John Bill Gray
b: 30/10/1840 d: 1???
John was born in Templepatrick on October 3rd 1840, and baptised by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on the same day (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Hugh Gray
b: 20/11/1842
Hugh was born in Templepatrick on November 20th 1842,
and baptised by the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian
Church on December 11th (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
John Bill
b: abt 7/7/1814 d: 25/7/1900
John was Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's five times great grandfather - see
below.
William Wallace Bill
b: 12/6/1821 d: ????
William's baptism was recorded in the register of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Templepatrick,
on June 12th 1821. The entry notes him as "son to John Bill, Ballymartin" - importantly confirming
the family's link to Ballymartin, and the earliest known Bill line (Source: PRONI MIC 1P/325/A1).
William was later recorded in the family's Ballycushin home in the 1831 parish census for Templepatrick
Presbyterian Church. (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI MIC 1P/325/A1).
Samuel Bill
b: abt 2/11/1823 d: 16/2/1901
Samuel was baptised on November 2nd 1823 in a ceremony performed by a minister of the Non-Subscribing
Presbyterian Church of Templepatrick. His father was noted as John Bill of Ballymartin (Source: PRONI MIC 1B/11/1). We know
from other sources that Samuel was 77 when he died, and that his father was called John, making this the likely baptism event,
despite his mother not being named.
Samuel was recorded in the family's Ballycushin home in the 1831
Templepatrick church census. He was noted as a Presbyterian (Source: Emerald Ancestors; PRONI MIC 1P/325/A1).
Samuel married Elizabeth Campbell on July 24th
1846, in a ceremony performed by a minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church. He was noted as being from Ballycushin and
the son of John Bill; his wife was the daughter of Hugh Campbell, and from Ballyhallady. The witnesses were
Samuel Bill and Frances Campbell (Source: PRONI MIC 1P/325/A1).
In 1870, the Belfast street directory noted Samuel as a teacher,
resident at 10 Mount Street in the city. (Source: PRONI).
When his brother David's will was confirmed in 1877, it noted one of his executors as
this Samuel, at Mountpottinger Ballymacarrett (Belfast), County Down, Schoolmaster (Source: PRONI wills calendar 1858-1943).
In 1877 he was also noted as a teacher at Frank Street, but in 1880 he was misrecorded as
under the surname Bell, but at the same address (Source: PRONI). Under the same surname, the 1884 directory
finally tells us where he taught - Beersbridge National School - and that he was still resident at 9 Frank Street. In the
same directory, however, he is listed as S. Bill and as head of Beer's Bridge, within the occupation section,
and under the National schools list (p.670).
Beersbridge National School, which opened in 1864, was attached
to the Grove Mill. Some of its pupils were part time who attended classes either in the morning or afternoon, depending on
when they were working in the mill.
When Samuel's cousin Daniel Bill later died on
April 16th 1889, Samuel was again confirmed as an executor, the recording noting him as "Samuel Bill of Sydenham, County Down Gentleman a Cousin" (Source:
PRONI wills calendar 1858-1943).
Samuel's wife Elizabeth eventually passed away at Oldefield, Sydenham,
Belfast, on February 21st 1893, and was buried two days later. She was aged 73, and was buried in city Cemetery in lair C422,
alongside several of her children. The Belfast Newsletter death notice on the 22nd was brief:
BILL - February 21, at Alderfield, Lower Sydenham, Eliza, wife
of Samuel Bill. Funeral private.
Samuel eventually died on February 16th 1901 in Belfast, aged 77
(Source: GROI 1901 D Q1 Vol. 1 p.150). He left a will, the abstract for which is noted as follows:
Probate of the Will of Samuel Bill late of Ashley Park Belfast
Retired School Teacher who died 16 February 1901 granted at Belfast to Robert Boyd Estate Agent and Hugh A. Skillen School
Teacher.
The value of the estate was £1,143 16s (Source: PRONI). The will, originally written August
30th 1900, notes that Samuel resided at Ashley Park, Belfast. He bequeathed to his son William J (William
John) in Frank Street, Mountpottinger, his houses in that street, being numbers 9, 11, 13 and 15. His daughter Frances
was to recieve rentals from property in North Street held by Reid and Wylie, Merchants, amounting to £105 3s annually,
etc "even supposed she might get a husband" there was to be no contract allowing he husband to get his hands on the property
- implying she was unmarried at this stage. He leaves Frances also his furniture and his two graves in City Cemetery,
with the headstone to be periodically pinted and left in good order. His executors were also to sell his property there in
Ashley Park immediately upon his decease.
Children of Samuel BILL and Eliza CAMPBELL:
Hannah Bill (Bell)
b: 1847 d: 18/1/1877
Hannah was born in approximately 1847, but died aged 29 on January 18th
1877. A notice was put in the Belfast Newsletter on the 19th:
BILL - January 18, at 9, Frank Street, Mountpottinger, Belfast,
Hannah, eldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Bill. Her remains will be removed for interment in the Borough Cemetery, to-morrow (Saturday)
afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
Her burial was recorded under the surname Bell, rather
than Bill, but she died at 9 Frank Street and was buried in the Bill family plot at City Cemetery, lair C421, two days later
on the 20th. (Source: Belfast City Cemetery burials).
William John Bill
b: 3/3/1849 d: 24/1/1925
William was born in Cairnmory, Templepatrick, on March 3rd
1849, and baptised by the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on March 13th (Source:
PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
William was left property on Frank Street, Belfast, by his father in 1901, following his decease.
In the 1901 census he is noted as residing at 9 Frank Street in Pottinger, and as a 52 year
old linen lapper from Co. Antrim. His 46 year old wife Mary Jane was from County Tyrone, and like him was
Presbyterian (her maiden surname has since been established to be Eagleson). There were five children present
- Helen, aged 21 (dressmaker); Mary, aged 19 (waitress); Harriett, aged
17 (assistant housekeeper); Robert, aged 15 (junior clerk); and Jeannie, aged 9 (scholar).
All could read and write (as could their parents), and all were born in Belfast (Source: NAI 1901 census).
In 1911, William was at 15 Shore Road, Duncairn Ward, County Antrim, and still a linen lapper,
aged 62. His wife Sarah Jane was aged 58, and the couple had been married 33 years, and had had seven children, of whom four
were still alive. Also present were daughters Helen, aged 31 (dressmaker), and Harriet,
aged 27 (no occupation), and son Robert, aged 26, a commercial clerk (Source: NAI 1911 census).
William died on January 24th 1925 at 1 Willowbank Gardens in Belfast,
aged 76. His widow, Sarah Jane, placed the following death notice in the Belfast Newsletter on the 26th:
Bill - January 24, 1925, at his residence, 1 Willowbank Gardens,
Antrim Road, Belfast, William John Bill, the dearly-beloved husband of Sarah Jane Bill. His remains will be removed from above
address to-day (Monday), 26th inst., at 2.30pm, for interment in City Cemetery.
SARAH JANE BILL
William was buried on the 26th at City Cemetery, in lair F2 158.
His wife Sarah Jane passed away just a month later on February 24th 1925, at the same address, and aged 72. She was buried
two days later in the same lair as her husband.
William left a will, the abstract for which is as follows:
Bill William John of 1 Willowbank Gardens Belfast linen draper died 24 January 1925 Probate Belfast 13
January to Robert Bill commercial traveller. Effects £575 5s. 1d.
The Robert mentioned here is likely William's son.
Children of William
John BILL and Mary Jane EAGLESON:
Unnamed Bill
b: 9/3/1878
This unnamed male child was born in Belfast, Co. Antrim, Ireland, on
9 MAR 1878 (Source: GRONI U/1878/52/1007/27/433 Belfast)
Lizzie Bill
b: 16/10/1879
Lizzie was born on 16 OCT 1879 in belfast, Co. Antrim, Ireland (Source: GRONI U/1879/57/1007/22/279
Belfast)
Helen Bill
b: abt 1880
Helen was noted as residing with her parents in the 1901 and 1911 censuses for Belfast (see
above).
Mary Bill
b: 5/8/1881 d: 18/6/1961
Mary was born in Belfast on 5 AUG 1881 (Source: GRONI U/1881/57/1007/25/271 Belfast).
She tragically died on June 18th 1961, at 32 Indiana Avenue, Belfast, aged 80. She was
buried in Belfast City Cemetery on the 20th, in lair F2 158. (Source: Belfast City Council burials).
Harriett Bill
b: 1/7/1883 d: 4/6/1953
Harriet was born in Belfast on 1 JUL 1883 (Source: GRONI U/1883/57/1007/29/93 Belfast).
She tragically died on June 4th 1953, at 26 Bristol Avenue, Belfast, aged 69. She was
buried in Belfast City Cemetery on the 6th, in lair F2 158, alongside her parents. (Source: Belfast City Council burials).
Robert Bill
b: 7/3/1885 d: aft 24/1/1925
Robert was born on 7 MAR 1885 in Belfast, Co. Antrim Ireland (Source: GRONI U/1885/57/1007/32/334
Belfast).
Robert was appointed by his father appointedto be executor to his will in 1925
- in this he was described as a commercial traveller. (Source: PRONI wills database 1858-1943).
Jane Bill
b: 17/11/1886 d: 20/12/1887
Jane was born on 17 NOV 1886 in Belfast (Source: GRONI U/1886/57/1007/36/357 Belfast).
Jane lived for only thirteen months, dying at 76 Madrid Street on December 20th 1887. She
was brueid the following day in the Bill family plot , at lair C421 in Belfast City Cemetery. (Source: Belfast City Council
burials).
Eliza Bill
b: 27/1/1888 d: 17/12/1897
Eliza was born on 27 JAN 1888 in Belfast (Source: GRONI U/1881/57/1007/39/342 Belfast).
More colloquially known as 'Lizzie', she died as a child on December 17th 1897
at 9 Frank Street, Belfast, and was buried two days later in Belfast City Cemetery in lair C422. (Source: Belfast City Council
burials).
Jane Bill
b: 18/5/1891 d: 29/7/1901
Jane was born on 18 MAY 1891 in Belfast (Source: GRONI U/1891/57/1007/49/125 Belfast).
More colloquially known as 'Jeannie' she tragically died on July
29th 1901, at 9 Frank Street, Belfast, aged 10. She was buried in Belfast City Cemetery on the 31st, in lair F2 158.
(Source: Belfast City Council burials).
Hugh Andrew Bill
b: 1851 d: 19/4/1873
Hugh was born in about 1851 and died on April 19th 1873 at Frank Street, Belfast. He was buried
two days later at City Cemetery in lair C422, the record noting that he was single and a clerk. His father's name was recorded
in the top left of the burial record, and the cause of death was gastric fever (Source: Belfast City Council burials).
The following notice was in the Belfast Newsletter of April 21st:
BILL - April 19, at 8, Frank Street, Mountpottinger, Belfast, Hugh
A. Bill. His remains will be removed for interment in the Borough Cemetery, (Monday) afternoon, at one o'clock. Friends will
please accept this intimation.
Robert Bill
b: 15/2/1853
Robert was born in High Town, Templepatrick, on February 15th
1853, and baptised by the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on March 27th (Source:
PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Mary Bill
b: 1/4/1855 d. bef 14/5/1887
Mary was born in High Town, Templepatrick, on April 1st 1855, and baptised by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on June 3rd (Source: PRONI MIC/1P/325/A1).
Jane Bill
b: 1858 d: 14/5/1887
Jane was born in about 1858 and died May 14th 1887 at Lower Sydenham. She was buried in the
City Cemetery, lair 421, two days later on the 16th (Source: Belfast City Council burials). The following notice was in the
Belfast Newsletter on the 16th:
BILL - May 14, at Alderfield, Lower Sydenham,
Belfast, Jane, eldest surviving daughter of Samuel Bill. Her remains will be removed for interment in the Borough Cemetery,
this (Monday) morning, at ten o'clock.
The intimation is factually inaccurate, as her sister Frances was still alive.
Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Bill
b: abt Feb 1861 d: 4/8/1873
Lizzie was born in approximately February of 1861, but died aged 12 1/2 on August 4th 1873
at Frank Street, Belfast. She was buried two days later in City Cemetery, lair C421. (Source: Belfast City Council burials).
BILL - Aug, 4, at Frank Street, Mountpottinger, Belfast, Lizzie
Bill, aged 12 years and six months. Her remains will be removed for interment in the Borough Cemetery, tomorrow (Wednesday)
morning, at nine o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
Frances Ann Bill
b: 19/3/1864 d: 14/1/1943
Frances was born at Cromac, County Antrim, on March 19th 1864.
Frances never married and eventually died on January 14th 1943
at 51 Lisburn Drive / 69 Olympia Drive, aged 82. She was buried two days later in Belfast City Cemetery, lair C422.
She left a will, the abstract for which reads as follows:
Bill Frances Annie otherwise Ann of 69 Olympia Drive Belfast spinster died 14 January 1943 at The City
Hospital Lisburn Road Belfast Probate Belfast 2 July to Thomas Bill insurance broker and Robert James Boyd estate agent. Effects
£2209 5s. 6d.
John Bill
b. abt 7/7/1814 - 25/7/1900
John Bill was Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's five times
great grandfather.
John was baptised on July 7th 1814, by the minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of
Templepatrick. The record notes that he was the "son of John Bill, Ballycushan" (Source: PRONI MIC 1B/11/1).
John was recorded in the family's Ballycushin home in the 1831 Templepatrick church census. He
was noted as a Presbyterian, and confirmed as the son of John Bill and Mary Gibb.
In 1841 John married Roseanna Coulter. The marriage record has not survived, but an index for a marriage license bond issued by the diocese
of Down, Connor and Dromore notes him erroneously as John Bell, and his prospective spouse as Rose
Coulter (Source: Diocesan and Prerogative Marriage License Bonds Indexes, 1623-1866, NLI)
In his son David's wedding entry at Kilbride parish church in 1867, John was noted as a farmer in
Ballyvoy, aka the townland of Duncansland, in County Antrim, and not far from Doagh and Ballyclare. His new home was about
three and half miles from the house he grew up in within Ballycushin.
John was the father of at least four daughters and four sons. We know an incredible amount about
them because of the fact that the whole family was involved in giving evidence in a trial for the Templepatrick Murder of
1874, in which John's son William was tried for the murder of John's niece, Margaret Langtry,
who was housekeeper and niece to John's brother David. From the trial John's wife was named as Rosanna,
who gave evidence about her son - it is believed that she was in fact Rose Coulter.
A great deal more is revealed by the newspaper coverage of the Belfast Newsletter on 17 MAR 1875. At
the night of the murder, October 30th 1874, John's household comprised of himself, his wife Rose, his two daughters, and sons
Francis and William, as well as a young labourer called Hugh Quinn, a Scottish based miner on a visit from near Glasgow. It
was in John's house, some three and a quarter miles away from his brother David's, that William was arrested for the
murder on the same night, 30 OCT 1874. Two newspapers found in John's house were the Belfast Morning News and the
Glasgow Evening Mail (brought to the house by Quinn), parts of which were said to have been found at the crime scene,
with the insinuation being that William had used some of the paper as wadding for the gun that was used to kill Margaret.
As part of the investigation John had freelly consented to a survey being made of his house.
At one point in the trial the prosecutor asked John's brother David whether it was true that the police
were at one point considering not only charging John's son William with Margaret's murder, but the entire family, including
John. David responded that he did not know if this was true - but it does show that the motive was at least suggested that
John had put William up to killing his cousin, in order that David's farm would go to John and his family. In his evidence,
David noted that he had 26 acres, whilst his brother had 15 or 16 acres.
John died on July 25th 1900 at Duncansland (Ballyvoy), Kilbride, Co. Antrim, the cause of death being
senile decay, with no medical attendant. His stated age was 88 and his occupation given as a farmer, with his daughter-in-law
Mary Bill acting as the informant to the registrar on 7 AUG 1900 (Source: GRONI/GENI D/1900/5/1001/10/301
SRD Antrim RD Doagh).
John left a will, which was granted probate through the Principle Probate Registry in Dublin
(and hence why it does not appear on the PRONI wills database, which only hosts info for Ulster's three district probate registries).
The original will was unfortunately destroyed in the Irish Civil War, but a summary for it still exists in the probate calendars,
noted as follows (Source: NAI probate calendars):
BILL John [524] 4 September
Probate of the Will of John Bill late of Ballyvoy Doagh County Antrim Farmer,
who died 25 July 1900 granted at Dublin to William Bryson and John Hill Farmers Effects £50
Children of John BILL and Rose COULTER:
John Bill DNA link
b: 12/10/1842
On 8 JAN 1864, John married Agnes Harvey, a daughter of Joseph Harvey, farmer
in Doagh, noted as a minor. John himself was of full age, and noted as residing in Ballyvoy, parish of Kilbride, and the son
of John Bill, farmer. The witnesses were William hanly and Josephy Harvey - the wedding took place at 1st
Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church (IrishGenealogy.ie 1864 M GroupRegID 3026573 Antrim).
A huge thanks to StellaMGC on Ancestry, whose DNA result was found as a match to our family in
May 2021, via John's and Agnes' daughter Elizabeth Bill (1871-1942).
David Bill
b: 8/8/1844 d: 20/5/1925
David was Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's four times great grandfather - see below.
Martha Bill
b: 17/9/1846
William Wallace Bill
b: 1849 d: 27/5/1899
William was twice tried for murder in the Templepatrick area, but on both occasions was found not
guilty. The first incident involved the killing of a gentleman called William Courtenay, by Doagh. (Source: Belfast Newsletter)
The second involved the death of his cousin Margaret Langtry, with whom it was know
he had endured a poor relationship, particularly following the death of a younger sister of William's in October 1874, a few
days before Margaret's murder. (Source: Belfast Newsletter)
William married Sarah Jane Barr on April 12th 1888 at Kilbride Presbyterian Church.
He was noted as being aged over 21, working as a farmer in Ballyvoy (aka Duncansland), and as the son of John Bill, farmer.
His wife was noted as the daughter of James Barr, farmer, as working as a dressmaker, and as being from Crawfordland.
The witnesses were Mary Jane Barr and Andrew Ferguson. The marriage was performed by license by Reverend R. Allison.
William eventually passed away on 27 MAY 1899, and was buried at Kilbride parish church, in a plot
also holding his brother Francis and members of his Cobain extended family.
Francis Bill
b: abt 1853 d: 22/5/1899
Francis married Mary Cobain on August 29th 1883 at Kilbride Presbyterian Church,
near Doagh, registration district of Newtownabbey. He was noted as a farmer of full age, resident at Ballyvoy, and the son
of John Bill, farmer. Mary was also of full age, resided at Loonburn, and was the daughter of William
Cobain, farmer. The witnesses were Robert Cobain and Elisabeth Bill, and the officiating
minister was Robert Allison. The wedding was performed by license (Source: GRONI M/1883/P1/2079/3/91 Newtownabbey).
In 1875, Francis testified in the trial of his brother William
in Templepatrick (Source: Belfast Newsletter).
Francis died on 22 MAY 1899, with the death registered in Antrim. He was aged 46 (Source:
GROI D 1899 Q2 Vol 1 p.10 Antrim). He was buried in Kilbride Cemetery, Doagh, in a plot that would also include the following:
Robert Cobain of Parkgate, died 28 SEP 1928, aged 75; Elizabeth Cobain of Moyadam, aged 82; William J. Cobain died 18 NOV
1909, aged 54; Robert Cobain of Ballyclare, died 26 JUN 1912, aged 21; Martha Cobain of Ballyclare, died 25 MAY 1943, aged
77, Maggie J. Cobain, died 20 MAY 1906, aged 12; and Thomas Cobain of Ballybracken, died 30 AUG 1918. Also in the grave
was William Bill, died 27 MAY 189 aged 50 - undoubtedly his brother. The Discover Ever After website has a page on the burials
at www.discovereverafter.com/plot/81948.
The couple had at least two sons, twins Robert and William. Following
Francis' death, his wife Mary and Robert were found together in the 1901 census at Duncansland (Ballyvoy), Kilbride parish,
Co. Antrim. In 1901 Mary was noted as a 37 year old farmer and a widow. She was Presbyterian and could read and write. Robert
was noted as a 17 year old farmer's son (Source: NAI 1901 census).
In 1902, Mary was noted in the Valuation Revision books as having taken over the farm at Ballyvoy
belonging to Francis' father John, who had died in 1900 (Source: PRONI VAL 12/B/1/20E p. 25 line 8). The subsequent book notes
that in 1921 Mary had sold the house but had retained the land by it. No further revision before 1929 was recorded.
Children of Francis BILL and Mary COBAIN:
Robert Bill
b: 10/10/1883 d: 25/6/1916
Robert was William's twin, born on 10 OCT 1883 in Antrim registration district, Co. Antrim,
Ireland (Source: GRONI U/1883/5/1001/9/352 Antrim).
For the First World War, Robert signed up to the Royal Irish Rifles, serving as a rifleman with the
11th battalion. He was killed in France on June 25th 1916, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The Commonwealth
War Graves Commission website notes that he was the sn of Frank and Mary Bill, of Ballyvoy, Doagh, and husband of Mary McClure,
of Douglas Villas, Coggrey, Doagh. (Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/768660/BILL,%20ROBERT).
WILL
In the event of my death I give the whole of my property & effects
to my wife Mary Bill, Fisherwick, Doagh, Co. Antrim
Signed Robert Bill
Witnesses M. McCrea L/Cpl
He is commemorated in Ireland's Memorial Records 1914-1918
as follows:
BILL, ROBERT. Reg. No. 300. Rank, Rifleman, 8/9th Royal Irish Rifles;
died of wounds, France, July 1, 1916; born Belfast.
Beside Robert's death is another entry, for an Alexander Bill, same regiment, same date and place
of death, service number 136. It is not known yet if he is related to Robert, though it seems highly likely. Alexander is
also noted in the UK Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-1919 collection, which notes he enlisted in Belfast,
where he was born, and was resident in Larne. He also died of wounds. (accessed Ancestry.co.uk 2 Jun 2013)
Further information is also available for Robert in this collection, which notes he was born
in Kilbride (incorrectly stating Co. Down), was resident in Doagh and enlistred in Newtownards.
William Bill
b: 10/10/1883
William was Robert's twin, and born on 10 OCT 1883 in Antrim registration district, Co. Antrim,
Ireland (Source: GRONI U/1883/5/1001/9/353 Antrim).
Mary Bill
b: 18?? d: aft 1874
Mary was mentioned as a daughter of John in the trial for her brother William in March 1875. (Source:
Belfast Newsletter)
Elizabeth Bill
b: abt 1858 d: aft 1874
Elizabeth was born in County Antrim in about 1858 (Source: NAI 1901 census).
Elizabeth testified at the trial of her brother William in March 1875 (Source: Belfast Newsletter).
A marriage entry for an Elizabeth Bill is later noted in the Belfast Newsletter of Friday, July 25th
1884:
COBAIN-BILL - July 23, at Larne Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Alexander
Meek, Robert, son of William Cobain, of Looneburn, to Elizabeth, third daughter of John Bill, Ballyvoy.
In the 1901 census, Elizabeth was found as a 42 year old Presbyterian wife with her 44 year
old husband Robert Cobain, noted as a cattle dealer, and resident at McVickersland, Kilbride, Co. Antrim. Both
could read and write (Source: NAI 1901 census).
In 1911, the couple are believed to be that found at Waxwell's Walls, Connor, County Antrim.
The record now notes Elizabeth as 59 and Robert as a 60 year old agricultural labourer. The couple stated themselves to have
been married 30 years, but had no children (Source: NAI 1911 census).
Martha Bill
b: 12/5/1865 d: 20/10/1874
Martha was born on 12 FEB 1865, although the civil birth record leaves her first name was
left blank when the birth was registered on 2 MAR 1865. Her parents were noted as John Bill, farmer, and Roseanna Coulter
- John was the informant (GRONI/GENI U/1865/5/1001/1/230 SRD Antrim RD Doagh).
Martha Bill died at the age of 8 on 20 OCT 1874 at Crawford Island, Kilbride. The cause of
death was croup, as suffered for 48 hours. She was noted as a farmer's daughter, and her father, John Bill, also noted as
being resident at Crawford Island was the informant to the registrar in Doagh on 5 NOV (Source: GRONI D/1874/5/1001/3/201
Doagh).
Tragic as her death was, Martha's passing was to lead to even more tragedy for the family.
A row over her burial was cited as the spark of an argument between her brother William
and a cousin, Margaret Langtry, which, it was argued in court, led to the murder of Margaret shortly
after, in an incident that became known as the Templepatrick Murder.
David Bill
8/8/1844 - 20/5/1925
David was Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's four times great grandfather.
David was born on August 8th 1844 at Ballyvoy townland, Templepatrick, and baptised by the minister
of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on October 10th (Source: PRONI MIC 1P/325/A1).
David married Agnes Beggs on November 22nd 1867 at Kilbride Presbyterian Church, County Antrim, Ireland. David was noted as a farmer, as was
his father, John Bill, of full age, and resident at Ballyvoy. Agnes' father, John Beggs,
was a labourer, and she was resident at Ballyhamage, and noted as a spinster. The marriage was performed by the Reverend W,
Orr, and by license.
On Friday December 30th 1881, David placed the following advertisement in the Belfast Telegraph
about his wife Agnes:
NOTICE
I DAVID BILL, 126, Wilton Street, Belfast, will not be responsible for
any Debts, contracted by my wife, Agnes Bill, otherwise Beggs, after this date.
December 30th, 1881
7281
On his daughter Elizabeth's wedding entry on January 5th 1888, he is described
as a labourer, with the same designation given on his daughter Martha's marriage record in November 1892. It seems likely
that he was a member of Berry Presbyterian Church in Belfast, where all of his daughters married.
In the 1901 census for Belfast, David is located at house number 14 in Suir, within Clifton. He is
noted as a 56 year old Presbyterian general labourer, able to read and write, married and from County Antrim. With him in
the house was his wife, 55 year old housewife Agnes, also from Co. Antrim, and the family of his 26 year old daughter Mary
Mullan (nee Bill) - her 27 year old dock labourer husband William Mullan, from Co. Antrim, and their
children, 6 year old Margaret and 1 year and nine months old Archibald. (Source: 1901 census,
NAI).
In 1911 David is noted as a 65 year old 'labourer house repairs', resident at house 61 on Bann Street.
The record notes that he and his 65 year old wife Agnes had been married for 43 years, had had five children born alive, of
which three were still living. Under place of birth both David and Agnes have City of Belfast noted. Their eleven year old
grandson Archibald was also present, also from Belfast, a Presbyterian, and a scholar who could read and write. (Source: 1911
census, NAI).
David eventually died on May 20th 1925 at 44 Bann Street, Belfast. He was noted to be an 82 year old
widower, and the cause of death was certified to be cerebral thrombosis and cardiac failure. The informant to the registrar
on 30 MAY 1925 was his son-in-law William Mullan, whose signature was noted as an X, meaning he was illiterate
(Source: GRONI/GENI D 1925/49/1007/106/393 Belfast Urban 3).
The following notices were placed in the Belfast Telegraph on the day after David's death:
BILL - On May 20, 1925, at his residence, 44 Bann Street, David, the dearly-beloved
father of Martha Bill. His remains will be removed from his late residence, for interment in Carnmoney Cemetery on Saturday,
at 2pm. Friends will accept this (the only) intimation.
At the river's crystal brink
Christ shall join each broken link.
Deeply regretted by his loving Daughter and Son-in-law; also Grandchildren.
MARTHA AND JAMES BILL
23 Barrow Street.
BILL - On May 20, 1925, at his residence, 44 Bann Street,
David, the dearly-beloved father of Mary Mullen. His remains will be removed from his late residence, for interment in Carnmoney
Cemetery on Saturday, at 2pm. Friends will accept this (the only) intimation.
Better in Heaven, better than here
Only I miss you, father, dear.
Deeply regretted by his loving Daughter and Son-in-law; also Grandchildren.
MARY AND WILLIAM MULLEN
David left estate worth £467 18s and 10d, which was granted probate in Belfast on July 31st 1925 to
Martha Jane Bill, spinster (slightly incorrect, she was a widow), and Mary Mullan,
married woman, both being his daughters. The probate extract notes David was of 44 Bann Street. (Source: PRONI Wills Calendars)
CHILDREN of DAVID BILL and Agnes BEGGS:
Elizabeth Bill (also Bell)
b: 28/3/1868
Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's three times great grandmother
- see below.
Roseanne Bill
b: 17/3/1869 d: 5/3/1904
It is believed that Roseanne was born on March 17th 1869 in County Antrim, Ireland, although the birth
record lists no Christian name.
On 3 DEC 1887 Roseanne Bill married William John Patton at Kilbride Presbyterian
Church in Doagh, Co. Antrim. In the record, she is noted as of full age (over 21), resident in Ballyvoy, and the daughter
of David Bill, labourer. William was the son of John Patton, labourer, and he was from Ballynure. The witnesses
were William Patton and Mary Jane Patton, and the marriage performed by Rev R. Allison after
license.
The fact that the record notes her as of full age is disputed by the subsequent 1901 census record.
In this Roseanna is noted as aged 32, and William aged 34, with both resident at 162 Old Park Road in Clifton. He is a labourer
from Co. Antrim, whilst she is noted from Belfast. Although William was illiterate, Roseanna was literate, able to read and
write, and both were Presbyterian. Seven children were also present, all born in Belfast, bar the eldest David,
who was from Co. Antrim. David was a 13 year old machine boy, Mary Jane was 12 and a scholar, Roseanna
was a 9 year old scholar, as were 8 year old Agnes and 7 years old Margate (Margaret).
William J. Patton and Isabella Patton were 4 and 1. (Source: National Archives of Ireland,
1901 census).
Roseanna died on 5 MAR 1904, the death index noting her age as 34 (Source: GROI D 1904 Jan-Mar Vol.1
p.207 Belfast age 34; also GRONI D/1904/49/1007/71/373 Belfast). In 1911, 43 year old William is remarried to 39 year old
Alice, the couple noted as married for 5 years, and as having had 2 children with one still alive. Also present
were 19 year old daughter Roseanna, a spinner in the linen factory; 16 year old Margaret,
a winder in the factory; 14 year old machine by William John; and 3 year old Alice.
CHILDREN of ROSEANNA BILL and WILLIAM JOHN PATTON:
David Patton
b: abt 1887
In the 1901 census David was noted as a 13 year old machine boy at 162 Old Park Road, Clifton, Belfast.
Mary Jane Patton
abt 1888
In the 1901 census Mary Jane was noted as a 12 year old scholar at 162 Old Park Road,
Clifton, Belfast.
Roseana Patton
b: 1891
In the 1901 census Roseana was noted as a 9 year old scholar at 162 Old Park Road, Clifton,
Belfast.
Agnes Patton
b: abt 1892
In the 1901 census Agnes was noted as an 8 year old scholar at 162 Old Park Road, Clifton,
Belfast.
Margaret Patton
b: abt 1893
In the 1901 census Margarate was recorded as 'Margate', a 7 year old scholar at
162 Old Park Road, Clifton, Belfast.
William John Patton
b: 1896
In the 1901 census William John was noted as aged 4 years old and at 162 Old Park Road,
Clifton, Belfast.
Isabella Patton
b: 1900
In the 1901 census Isabella was noted as a 1 year old and at 162 Old Park Road,
Clifton, Belfast.
CHILDREN of WILLIAM JOHN PATTON and ALICE:
Unknown Patton
b: 19??
Alice Patton
b: abt 1908
(Unnamed) Bill
b: 13/6/1870
This unnamed son was born at Clearstream, Lower Ballysillan, Belfast, on 13 JUN 1870. The record
noted the child's parents as David Bill, gardener, and Agnes Beggs - David registered the
birth on 30 JUN 1870 (Source: GRONI/GENI U/1870/54/1007/3/261 Belfast Urban No.9). It is not known if the child survived
infancy.
Martha Jane Bill
b: 1/7/1872 d: 2/7/1952
Martha was born on July 1st 1872 at Clearstream, Lower Ballysillan, Belfast. Her father David was
listed as a servant, and acted as informant to the registrar on 16 JUL 1872. (Source: GRONI/GENI U/1872/54 /1007/4/130 Belfast
urban district no.9).
On 14 NOV 1892 Martha married James BILL, a Presbyterian labourer of full age, at
Berry Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast. His father was noted as James BILL, Martha was noted as Martha
BILL, daughter of David BILL. The witnesses were James Harrison and Mary Nelson.
In the 1901 census for Belfast, Martha was present with her sister Elizabeth Smyth,
and husband Thomas, at 87 Canmore Street. She was noted as Martha Jane Bell, was aged 29, worked
as a spinner in a linen mill, and was able to read and write. With her were her children Elizabeth, Thomas
and Mary Jane. Husband James was not present.
Martha was recorded in the 1911 census living at 104 Wilton Street, in the Woodvale Ward of the parish
of Shankill. She was noted here as aged 38, and as having been married for 18 years years. She had five children, all
of whom were still alive and present on census night. Her husband, 36 year old James Bill, was noted as a 36 year old
Presbyterian general labourer, born in Belfast City, and able to read and write. Her brother in-law Thomas Smith
was also present, noted as a widower and general labourer, and her scholar nephew, 12 year old William Smith,
Calum's and Jamie's great great grandfather.
Martha's husband James died on died on 9 MAY 1949. Martha died just three years later on 2 JUL
1952 at 23 Barrow Street, Belfast. The following newspaper intimations were recorded in the Belfast Telegraph two
days later:
BILL - July 2, 1952, at her residence, 23 Barrow Street, Martha Jane, beloved
wife of the late James Bill. Funeral tomorrow (Saturday) at 10 a.m. to Carnmoney Cemetery. - Deeply regretted by her sorrowing
son William. No more long nights of suffering, no more sad days of pain, she dwells in the land of perfect peace, for death
to her was gain.
BILL - July 2, 1952, at her residence, 23 Barrow Street. Martha Jane, dearly
loved wife of the late James Bill. - Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Daughter and Son-in-law, Mary and Francis Darragh;
also Grand-daughter Josephine, 86 Foreman Street. Asleep in Jesus.
BILL - July 2, 1952, at her residence, 23 Barrow Street. Martha Jane, beloved
wife of the late James Bill. - Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Daughter and Son-in-law, Elizabeth and Douglas Elliott, 112
Farringdon Gardens. She sleeps where all is peace.
BILL - July 2, 1952, at her residence, 23 Barrow Street. Martha Jane, beloved
wife of the late James Bill. - Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Grandsons, Wives, and Great Grand-children.
BILL - July 2, 1952, at her residence, 23 Barrow Street. Martha Jane, beloved
sister of Mary Mullan. Deeply regretted. - 44 Bann Street. If love could have saved her, she would not have died.
Children of MARTHA JANE BILL and JAMES BILL:
Elizabeth BILL
b: 1894
In the 1901 census for Belfast, Elizabeth was noted as a six year old scholar, residing with her mum,
brother and sister at 87 Canmore Street, the house of her uncle Thomas Smyth and aunt Elizabeth.
In the 1911 census for Belfast, Elizabeth was resident at 104 Wilton Street, in the Woodvale Ward
of the parish of Shankill. In the record she was noted as a 17 year old Presbyterian flax spinner, born in Belfast City,
single, and able to read and write.
Thomas James Bill
b: 1895
In the 1901 census for Belfast, Thomas was noted as a five year old scholar, residing with his
mum and two sisters at 87 Canmore Street, the house of his uncle Thomas Smyth and aunt Elizabeth.
In the 1911 census for Belfast, Thomas was resident at 104 Wilton Street,
in the Woodvale Ward of the parish of Shankill. In the record he was noted as a 15 year old Presbyterian flax doffer,
born in Belfast City, single, and able to read and write.
A Thomas James Bell was noted as marrying a Catherine Carlisle Campbell on 24 DEC
1914 at Saint Anne's Church of Ireland in the parish of Shankill. This has been checked, and it is not our Thomas, as this
man's father was recorded as Thomas, and not James.
Mary Jane Bill
b: abt Jun 1900 d: 13/11/1901
Mary Jane was noted as a ten month old baby resident at 87 Canmore Street in the 1901 census for Belfast.
Also present were her mother, brother and sister.
Mary Jane tragically died on November 13th 1901 at 87 Canmore Street, the cause being pneumonia, as
certified by a Dr. English. She was buried in Belfast City Cemetery two days later, in lair L2 Class 5 number 296, in a plot
owned by her aunt, Elizabeth Smith (nee Bill). The burial cost was 7/6. The only other relevant details on
the record were that she was Presbyterian, and her aunt was illiterate. (Source: Belfast City Council burial records).
William Bill
b: 1904
In the 1911 census for Belfast, William was resident at 104 Wilton Street, in the Woodvale Ward
of the parish of Shankill. In the record he was noted as a 7 year old Presbyterian scholar, born in Belfast City, single,
and able to read and write.
Mary Bill
b: 1905
In the 1911 census for Belfast, Mary was resident at 104 Wilton Street, in the Woodvale Ward
of the parish of Shankill. In the record she was noted as a 6 year old Presbyterian scholar, born in Belfast City, single,
and able to read and write.
James Bill
b: abt Oct 1906 d: 24/2/1908
James had a short life, being born in about October 1906 and dying of pneumonia at 28 Bann Street on February 24th 1908.
The petitioner for his burial was his father, with burial takling place on the 25th at the City Cemetery public ground (Source:
Belfast City Council burials).
Samuel Bill
b: 1908
In the 1911 census for Belfast, Samuel was resident at 104 Wilton Street, in the Woodvale Ward
of the parish of Shankill. In the record he was noted as a 3 year old Presbyterian flax spinner, born in Belfast City,
and unable to read or write.
Mary Bill
b: 19/10/1874
Mary was born on 19 OCT 1874 at Ballymagarry, Belfast, with her father David noted as working as a
labourer. The informant to the registrar on the 6 NOV was a Margaret McCartney (Source: GRONI/GENI U/1874/55/1007/4/276
Belfast Urban No. 10).
On March 11th 1893 Mary married an oiler called William Mullan, a Presbyterian, over
21 years of age, and son of flax dresser Samuel Mullan. The ceremony took place at Berry Street Presbyterian
Church, by license, and performed by Rev J. Crawford. The witnesses were Alexander Cunningham and Jane Taylor. Her own father
David was noted as a labourer.
In the 1901 census, Mary and William are found with Mary's parents at Suir, Clifton, Belfast. The
record notes she had two children with her - six year old Margaret, and a son, Archibald,
who was aged a year and nine months. William was noted as a 27 year old dock worker, Mary as a 26 year old housewife.(Source:
NAI 1901 census).
1n 1911, Mary and William are found at Wilton, in Belfast's Woodvale district. Mary was now 36, William
a 38 year old general labourer, and their 16 year old daughter Margaret was a flax doffer, and unmarried.
(Their son Archibald was with his grandparents, David and Agnes). The real
shock however is the discovery that they had had none children by then - but only two were still alive. (Source: NAI 1911
census)
On July 31st 1925 Mary was appointed one of the executors of her deceased father's estate, along with
her sister Martha (Source: PRONI wills database).
It is not yet known what became of the family after 1925.
Children of Mary BILL and William MULLAN:
Margaret MULLAN
b: abt 1894
Archibald MULLAN
b: mid-1899
William David Bill
b: 1/7/1877
William was born on July 1st 1877 at Ballymagary, Belfast, the son of David Bill, labourer, and Agnes
Beggs. The informant to the registrar on 2 JUL was Margaret McCartney (Source: GRONI/GENI U/1877/55/1007/6/270 Belfast
Urban No. 9).
Eliza Bill
28/3/1868 - 24/7/1908
Elizabeth was Calum's, Jamie's and Pippa's
three times great grandmother.
Eliza was born on 28 MAR 1868 at Ballyhamage, Doagh Grange, with the birth record noting her
father as David Bill, labourer, and her mother as Agnes Beggs. Agnes was the informant to
the registrar on 9 APR 1868 (Source: GROI B 1868 Group Reg ID 7502144 SRD Antrim, RD Doagh).
On January 5th 1888, Eliza married labourer Thomas
Smyth at Berry Street Presbyterian Church in Belfast. Both Elizabeth and Thomas were listed as residents
in Belfast, and both were described as being of full age, i.e. 21 or over. The witnesses to the wedding were George
Green and Mary Green, whilst the officiating minister was the Reverend J. D. Crawford D.D.
Eliza's father was David Bell, labourer.
The Belfast Newsletter of 8 MAY 1897 records how Eliza, now resident at 203 Mayo Street,
was the potential victim of a fraudster:
Emanuel
Gorfunkle, trading as the Ulster Furnishing Company, Donegall Street, charged one of his employees, a young man named Irvine,
with the larceny of a number of articles from him, and with embezzling large sums of money which had been paid to him by prosecutor's
customers. Mr J. Donnelly conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Wm. Harper represented the defendant. Mrs. Smith, 203 Mayo Street,
deposed to having had some dealings with the defendant in Mr Gorfunkle's shop. She gave him 3s, and ordered an ashpan, fender
motto, table, and other articles from him. She thought it was the Ulster Furnishing Company she was getting the articles from.
Her receipt book was taken from her afterwards, and replaced by another. Half a crown a week was what she agreed to pay. Gorfunkle
said that the articles sold by Irvine to Mrs. Smith were his property, and he alleged that the defendant had traded as the
City Cash and Credit Company on his own account, and taken his property.
There were about twenty similar allegations against Irvine, who pleaded not guilty, with the article
noting that he was to be tried at the Recorder's Court on May 19th.
In the 1901 census we learn that Eliza was a Presbyterian who could not read or write, and that she worked as a maid. At
the time both she and her family lived at 87 Canmore Street in Belfast, a second class house with two windows to its front
and four rooms. She was noted to be from County Antrim, as opposed to her husband and children who were shown to be from the
City of Belfast, implying Elizabeth therefore was not from the city. Also in the house were four boarders, 29 year old Martha
Jane Bill (her sister, who was shown to be from Belfast), a spinner in a linen mill, and Martha's children, 6 year
old scholar Elizabeth, 5 year old scholar Thomas, and ten month old baby Mary.
Eliza sadly died on 24 JUL 1908, the cause being tuberculosis. She
was aged 40, and resided at 28 Bann Street, the death record noting her as the wife of Thomas Smyth, labourer.
The certified cause of death was listed as tuberculosis of lungs 5 1/2 months and exhaustion. Her sister, Mary Mullan,
was the informant to the registrar on 25 JUL 1908 (Source: GROI D 1908 Group Reg ID 5003448 SRD Belfast Urban No. 3).
Elizabeth was buried in Belfast's Dundonald Cemetery in lair Section
C2, class 4, lair C2 461, after 2.30pm on the 26th. Her husband Thomas Smyth was noted as the registered
proprietor of the grave (Source: Dundonald Cemetery and Belfast City Council's burials website).
A year later, on Saturday 24 JUL 1909, Thomas placed a memorial
notice for Elizabeth in the Belfast Telegraph:
SMYTH - In sad
and loving memory of my beloved wife, Elizabeth Smyth, who fell asleep in Jesus on the 24th of July 1908, and was interred
in Dundonald Cemetery.
At the
river's crystal brink
Christ
shall bind each broken link.
Inserted by
her loving Husband and Family.
115 Wilton
Street.
Children OF ELIZABETH
BILL and THOMAS SMYTH:
Mary Elizabeth Smyth
b: 22/4/1889 d: 16/10/1910
Martha Smith
b: 31/10/1891 d:2/7/1893
Thomas John Smyth
b: 21/7/1894 d: 3/2/1895
Martha Jane Smyth
b: 4/2/1896 d: 22/8/1897
Maggie Florence McCartney Smyth
b: 19/8/1897 d: 15/8/1906
William McKeever Smyth
b: 10/7/1899 d: 18/5/1980
Calum's and Jamie's great great grandfather
- see the SMYTH page.
Martha Jane Smyth
b: 26/1/1901 d: 11/5/1905
Mary Jane Smyth
b: 22/1/1903 d: 12/5/1904
Agnes Smyth
b: 19/6/1906 d: 30/11/1910
Unnamed Smith
b: 8/3/1908 d: 8/3/1908
Connecting to Calum and Jamie
Elizabeth Bill married Thomas Smyth in 1888.
Son, William McKeever Smyth, married Annie Eveline Lesley Watton prior to 1922.
Daughter, Martha Jane Elisabeth
Watton Smyth, married Ernest Graham in 1943
Daughter, Charlotte Harper Graham, married Colin Paton in 1969
Son,
Christopher Mark Paton, married Claire Patricia Giles in 2000
Sons, Calum Graham Paton and Jamie Christopher Paton
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