I am looking for information on John Agnew and his wife Mary Ann. John was born in 1800 in the parish of Derrynoose. I do not know his parents names nor the names of his wife's parents. I do not know their marriage date. They had 4 children born in Derrynoose: Hugh born about 1823, Robert born in 1825, Lucinda born about 1830 and Isabella born about 1832. The family emigrated in 1833 and settled in Albany New York. I see from the list of Tithe Applotments that a John Agnew lived in Roan (Rowan) in 1825. The 1796 Flax Growers List names Alexander, James and Thomas Agnew in Derrynoose. I suspect that one of these may be John Agnew's father. The Freeholders List names Robert, Thomas and Hugh Agnew in both 1832 and 1839, all living in Lisdrombrocas. I feel that these families must be connected to my John Agnew. Also, in Albany New York, John and Mary Ann belonged to the Episcopal church and had 2 children (Margaret and Mary Jane) born in Albany baptised in that church. Any information on John Agnew, his wife and his parents would be gratefully received.
irisfancier
Monday 22nd Dec 2014, 03:27AMMessage Board Replies
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If the family were Episcopal (Church of Ireland) and their children were baptised in Derrynoose, then there are church records for some but not all of the years that you are interested in.
Derrynoose (Armagh diocese)?Baptisms, 1710-46, with gaps, and 1822-70; marriages, 1712-43, 1825-9 and 1835-45; burials, 1835-1939; vestry minutes, 1709-12, 1720-50, 1756 and 1811-1958; confirmations, 1833-79, with gaps; list of emigrants to America and Scotland, 1840-c.1855.
The records are not on-line anywhere so far as I am aware but there is a copy on microfilm in PRONI, (the public record office) in Belfast. A personal visit is generally required to access them.
It looks as though the records should cover most of the children?s baptisms but not the marriage (assuming they married in that parish and denomination). The baptisms may give you their townland at that time, which might help decide whether the other references are the same family.
It?s important to bear in mind that the tithes only list people with land, so agricultural labourers, servants etc would not be listed. (And they were the class of person more likely to migrate, than a farer with land, so your own immediate family might not be listed).
Ahoghill Antrim
Monday 22nd Dec 2014, 04:18AM -
Thank you so much for your prompt reply! I was afraid I might have to make a trip to PRONI, but I'm hoping someone will have the same Agnew ancestors and will have already gathered the information. It's pretty expensive for me to get to Belfast from the U.S., but I'll save for the trip if it's the only way.
irisfancier
Monday 22nd Dec 2014, 04:31AM -
Your other option would be to employ a researcher. PRONI has a list on their website.
Ahoghill Antrim
Monday 22nd Dec 2014, 09:32AM