I grew up just outside Ballymoney and from an early age was always interested in family history. I kept notes of some of my conversations with my great aunts. My ancestors are buried in the Old Churchyard in Ballymoney and I have spent many hours reading the graves. When I got as far as I could with my own family tree I started helping others with theirs as I had accumulated a considerable amount of information on the families around Ballymoney. A few years ago, I thought it would be a good idea to publish my research and try to help other people looking for their Ballymoney ancestors.
Researching family history in Ballymoney
The Old Churchyard is cared for by Ballymoney Borough Council. Among their records is a map and headstone listing which has been of great benefit to my work. For consistency, I have adapted this map for the purposes of this book. Irish records tend to be poor due to the loss of so many in Dublin at the time of the troubles in the twenties. However, we are lucky in the Ballymoney area as some of the church records go back to the 1700s. In addition, we have the 1901 census, an 1803 agricultural census, 1825 Tithe Applotment records, 1859 Griffith valuation and street directories of 1824, 1846, 1856, 1864, 1905, and 1952. All these archive documents give valuable information for researchers.
Church Records
1st Ballymoney Presbyterian Church has part of an old Baptismal register from the mid 18th century. The records of this church were held in the house of Hugh Orr and the majority of them were destroyed in a fire. Rev. Robert Park kept very accurate records of baptisms and marriages of this church during the time of his ministry. He also carried out a census of his Congregation at the start of his ministry in 1817. It lists all the families with their children in order of birth, and where they lived.
The records of St. Patrick’s Parish Church are relatively complete and go back to the early 19th century. They include a book which list both the Presbyterian and Established Church (or
Church of Ireland) burials from 1807 – 1825 in the Old Churchyard. From 1825 to present day, the Presbyterian burials are no longer noted. Baptisms and marriages are recorded also from 1807.
There is also a census of the congregation taken in 1871.
St. James Presbyterian Church has baptismal and marriage records from 1835 with a census of the congregation in 1837. Unfortunately early records from Trinity Presbyterian Church are missing with only marriages from 1845 and baptisms from 1869. A fortunate discovery was records from the Unitarian Church in Ballymoney. This church no longer exists. As well as baptisms and marriages, there are several censuses of this small congregation and notes of members deaths and emigration.
George Millars’s list
George Millar, who was born in Ballymoney in 1797, and lived there until 1837 when he moved to Belfast, compiled a list from memory in 1871 of the inhabitants of Ballymoney between 1804 and 1811. This is referred to Millar’s list throughout the book.
The Graves
It is interesting that not all the graves in the Old Churchyard belong to people who lived in Ballymoney. There are Hunter and Moore families from Dunluce, with more of these Moore families also found in Kilraughts Old Graveyard. McKighan is another Kilraughts family. There is a Craig from Islandbuoy which is closer to Ballycastle, with no known links in the town.
There are over four hundred graves in the churchyard, many of them completely illegible and some partly readable. I have used different approaches and techniques to try and transcribe them. Many of the gravestones have been vandalised in the last few years. A 1960s survey of the Old Churchyard is included in the McClay collection, which is held in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).
The survey has been very useful although parts of it are missing. I have used church records to try and piece together a small history of each family as reading a list of inscriptions doesn’t really tell much about the families, their lives and occupations.
Some of the graves have only a name and no other details. This seems to be a trend of the trades families in the town. Not all graves were of wealthy people. It seems that some of these have been erected by their children who have emigrated and achieved success in their new lives overseas.
There was an attempt to close the graveyard for any further burials in 1938, but this created some dispute and the last known burial was in 1975.
Sources used for local research
1660: Hearth Money Rolls
1740: Protestant Householders’ Returns
1766: Religious Census
1803: Agricultural Census
1804-1810: Millers list
1825: Tithe Applotments
1859: Griffith Valuation
1882- 1932: Old Graveyard Internment Register
1901: Census
Street Directories
Can’t wait!
Looking forward to meeting Dorothy on Saturday.
By: Ruth Westerhuis on October 28, 2008
at 11:08 pm
Dorothy, I think you should put up a sample page from the book to give readers of your website a flavour of the contents.
By: Nevin on November 5, 2008
at 1:39 pm
Congratulations Dorothy and a picture of you to boot. I should reciprocate to see if there is any family resemblance through the generations. Did I tell you I found living McKinney relatives in the States? How do we get a copy of the book?
By: Raymond Tompkins on November 7, 2008
at 8:15 pm
Very meticulous and informative,Dorothy.No more than I would have expected from you! Good luck with the book.
By: Ray Head on November 23, 2008
at 2:44 pm
I couldn’t resist saying congrats.
Best of luck from Sue in Canberra
By: Sue Edwardson on January 12, 2009
at 10:07 am
Today I recieved my book from Dorothy the Ballymoney Old Church Graveyard and what a fantastic book it is, well worth every penny.
So much research has gone into this book I am amazed at the price.
Well done Dorothy
June
By: June Lidgard on January 16, 2009
at 9:09 pm
Dorothy,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I found two of my ancestors in your book (Murphy and Dunlop), and clues to possible other relations. Do accept my congratulations and many thanks for your obvious hard work. If you have designs on doing one for Finvoy, I’ll be first in line
Simon
By: Simon Sheppard on April 16, 2009
at 5:28 pm
I notice that you have only one Swan listing. Is there further information available on the family if I purchase the book? Thanks also for your taking up this kind of work. It is so valuable!
By: Anita Swann on January 7, 2010
at 6:43 am
I have ordered a copy of your book; you mention marriage records starting in 1807 for Ballymore; are they included in your book?
I am looking for marriage of William Gamble and Ellen Brown ca 1829
By: William Robey on March 2, 2010
at 7:44 pm
Hi William,
I couldn’t find a marriage of William Gamble and Ellen Brown. Can you give me any more information about the families. I am happy to try and help with some queries.
There were a lot of Gamble and Brown families around Ballymoney which I have information about.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on March 2, 2010
at 8:27 pm
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By: bibNusinpumma on March 4, 2010
at 7:21 pm
Great stuff ballymonyegraveyard.com is my favorite site.
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By: Elton on March 13, 2010
at 2:57 pm
Have just discovered your site. Too late for me to buy book as I will be in Ballymoney on either 7th, 8th or 9th April. Interested in Moore, Hanna, Glenn, Knox and Henry families. Note with much interest that Moore and Glen have grave 109. Can you contact this week please? Would love to purchase your book when in Ballymoney. Do you take visitors on tours of the area? Would possibly like to hire you for a day if possible? Leaving Australia on Sunday 4th April.
By: Sharon Brennan on March 28, 2010
at 11:07 am
I’ve literally, just stumbled across this website by googling ‘Mullans, Ballymoney’ as I’ve only recently, finally, discovered a bit more information about my late Dad’s Antrim heritage. My g.g.grandfather was Alexander Reid b.abt.1829 Belfast who married Margaret McCaughan b.abt.1831 Belfast. They married in 1849 @ Registrars Office, Ballymoney dist and both gave their address as Mullans.
From the marriage document I’ve also learned that my g.g.g.grandparents were Patrick Reid b.c.1804, a Cooper and Andrew McCaughan b.c. 1805 a Soap Boiler.
I’m very much interested in finding more about them and am glad I found this website. I notice, though, that the books covering the Graveyard is out of stock. Can anybody tell me, please when it will be back in stock and the cost. Kind regards, Maureen, born, Liverpool but living in Norfolk, England.
By: Maureen on June 26, 2010
at 4:42 pm
Hi, The books are definitely not out of stock.You can contact me directly on dorothy@ballymoneygraveyard.com Dorothy http://www.ballymoneygraveyard.com/
By: Dorothy Arthur on June 27, 2010
at 12:46 am
Hi Dorothy,
Sorry the weather has disrupted your recent travel plans. I’m getting in touch to ask about several 18th century ancestors based on just now seeing your note above of March 2, 2010, which mentions you have information about Browns and Gambles. 1) From the Descendants of Robert Nevin you sent me several years ago, anything to further identify/connect Jinnat Brown (1939-01/Sep/1811) (wife of John Nevin, 1840-31/Jan/1814) and her father Samuel Brown (no dates)? 2) From Lisnabragh leases of 1763 (McAuley-Nevin) and 1786 (Nevin-Nevin), anything to further identify Memorial witnesses Peter Gamble, gentleman (died prior to July 20, 1786), and William Gamble of Dervock, Innkeeper (alive on July 20, 1786)?
Best regards, Hugh
By: Hugh Nevin on December 4, 2010
at 3:20 pm
Hi Hugh,
I haven’t found anything new on the Nevin family. However, I have started research for my next book on Derrykeighan Old Churchyard where Nevins and Gambles are buried. I will have to wait to April to get into PRONI to source the local records. I will certainly keep you informed if I find anything.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy on December 4, 2010
at 9:44 pm
Hi Dorothy, well would you believe that i’m called Dorothy Budu-Arthur? yea i just goggled my name and i came across yours, and the impact you’ve made by the book you’ve written. i just read the introduction and what really fascinated me was how you kept record of family history through conversations when growing up. i guess it’s true that we need not undermine small beginnings. Did you ever have it in mind to come up with this book when growing up? Though i’ve not gotten the chance to read your book, you’ve made me understand that things we discover in our youthful ages can really take us far in the future, and also it’s good to keep record of events. THANKS A LOT!
By: DOROTHY BUDU-ARTHUR on December 16, 2010
at 2:37 pm
I’m trying to buy the new book, but due to the ‘grave’ limitations of google checkout I can’t do so with my Northern Bank Maestro card as it doesn’t support it. Which isn’t good. Is there any other way I can pay for this, was looking forward to the free search mentioned in the times if bought online
By: Michael on January 5, 2011
at 4:21 pm
p.s. can post you a cheque if that’s ok?
By: Michael on January 5, 2011
at 4:40 pm
Searching for my g-g-g-g grandparents. My g-g-g grandfather was David Stirling who came to the United States from Ireland about 1790-1799. He married a “Martha” and they were Presbyterian. That is all we know. He was born about 1761 and Martha was born about 1774. I see most records start in the 1800′s in Ireland. Is there any mention of a “Stirling” family in the mid-1700′s that had a son named David or where do I begin to research.
By: Bonnie Sterling Groff on April 12, 2011
at 2:27 pm
Hi Bonnie,
There are quite a few Stirling or Sterling families in the Ballymoney area and quite a few Davids. I would have to do a bit of “digging ” to try and find out if there is any connection. Can you email me at dorothy@ballymoneygraveyard.com with any data you may have no matter how insignificant.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on April 18, 2011
at 10:04 am
Did you have any luck with finding graves for members of the Henry family?
Very interested.
By: GIFFORD, Kay on May 10, 2011
at 3:30 am
Hi Kay, You will have to be more specific as there as many Henry families in the area. Email me at dorothy@ballymoneygraveyard.com with your query and I will try and help.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on May 10, 2011
at 12:51 pm
I am also researching the Sterling line. My Ancestor is Hugh Sterling born March 1785 and his father born before that in Ballymoney. I will send you some info to the above email.
Any help you cn give will be greatly appreciated.
John Sterling
By: John Sterling on May 17, 2011
at 3:11 am
Hello Dorothy
I have a birthday coming up and wondered if either of your books would be useful to me. I am looking for information about my father’s family. My Dad James Taggart was born in 1916 and came to North Yorkshire, UK.
I have found my grandparents James George Taggart (farm labourer)(Roman catholic) who married Susannah Simpson (shon in 1901 census as church of Ireland)in 1903 and were in the 1911 census as living in The Vow with their 5 children.
Discrepencies between the census and marraige details show that James George was born either 1872 or 1877. Susannah was born 1878.
My paternal Gt Grandfathers name was George Taggart. My grandmothers father was John Simpson (farmer) her mother may be Elizabeth (domestic servant)
My father’s siblings that I am aware of are Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Susan Matilda, Kate and half brother Thomas Stevenson Taggart.
I have also heard that there is a Taggart’s yard in ballymoney and am interested in the origin and possible connection.
Are there any links between my family and the taggarts in your book/s?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Linda
By: Linda Taggart on May 20, 2011
at 9:49 am
I can’t find a link with your Taggarts to the families in my books. I can’t find a marriage of George Taggart senior so he may have come from outside the Ballymoney area.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on May 20, 2011
at 1:10 pm
Can you tell me whether persons who lived in the townland of Drumreagh might be buried in the Ballymoney Parish churchyard? I found the two relevant surnames in the name index, but of course not first names. I’m especially looking for Stewart Lynn and Thomas Scott, both of whom are last known to be living in 1861 in Drumreagh, Ballymoney Parish. Thank you for any assistance you may be able to give.
By: Loretta Lynn Layman on July 14, 2011
at 8:58 pm
Hi Loretta,
can you give me some details as I have quite a few Thomas Scotts in my database. Could your Lynn also have been spelt Linn. If so I have details on a Linn family who attended st. Parick’s.
Email me directly dorothy@ballymoneygraveyrd.com
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on July 16, 2011
at 2:46 pm
Dorothy, I just saw this posting and wondered if you would send my email address on to her (Loretta Lynn). The Thomas Scott in Drumreagh that she mentioned is from my Scott family, and I have just located his greatgrandson. I would love to find out how she is related to this family and share info.
Hope you and Kathleen have a profitable and fun time researching Kilraught’s this week. I look forward to seeing your new book, you ladies are fantastic!
Mary Post
By: Mary Post on August 7, 2011
at 6:01 pm
Hello,
I am new to this site and my interest is Townsends and Atkinson of Burnquarter and Garryduff.
Would appreciate help on this research.
Eileen
By: Eileen Campbell on September 6, 2011
at 3:36 pm
HI Dorothy, I’m trying to find my ancestors and wonder whether you could tell me of the four BIGGART graves you have listed in your book. My Gggfather WILLIAM BIGGART hailed from Ireland ( somewhere ) and married in Glasgow in March 1841. He was about 20, so too was his wife, MARY-ANN BRADSHAW, who also was born in Ireland. Whether they emigrated together I know not but they remained in Scotland all their lives. However, It is possible that William’s parents were ROBERT & HELEN (ELLEN) BIGGART. If either of these names register with you I would be most interested. Thanks for your time. Malcolm
By: Malcolm Biggins on October 5, 2011
at 5:11 pm
Hi Malcolm,
I have a lot of William and Robert Biggarts in my database but none seem to match with yours.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on October 7, 2011
at 8:10 pm
Hello Dorothy,
One of my ancestors, William Simpson, who married Martha Orr, was born in Ballymoney in 1752. He and his family immigrated to North Carolina prior to the American Revolution. I wonder if there are Orr and/or Simpson graves in the Ballymoney Graveyard. Perhaps they’re in your book, which I plan to buy today!
Thank you,
Michelle Johnson
By: Michelle Johnson Vela on November 4, 2011
at 4:19 pm
There are several old Orr graves in the Churchyard. There are no Simpson graves but they are married into many of the families in the churchyard.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on November 5, 2011
at 8:50 pm
Hi Dorothy. I found your website while searching for my family members. I’m interested in any Biggart family information that you have. my website is: http://cherylsteffler.tribalpages.com if you have a couple of minutes please take a look. Thanks for your time. Cheryl (Biggart) Steffler
By: Cheryl on November 20, 2011
at 3:55 am
Hi dorothy, i have tried to purchase the ballymoney old graveyard book but am having no luck. Can payment be made using a visa electron card? I am interested in the keers family who married into the mccandless and McIlreavy family etc, and wonder if you have information on the Keers? Also A robert Lithgow Keers the son of william keers. Thankyou x
By: j grebby on January 3, 2012
at 8:35 am
Payment should be easy – if you are asked if it is a trusted site – say yes and proceed. Let me know if you are still having problems.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on January 3, 2012
at 5:47 pm
Hello and Good Evening,
I am descended from William Simpson and Martha Orr who evidently came from Balleymoney Ireland to Mecklenburg County, NC. I am interested in contacting living relatives in Ireland and possibly corresponding with them. I am also interested in purchasing on of Dorothy’s Books. Are they still available? If so, how to I contact her to purchase.
Best Regards,
Kat Jordan
By: Kathy Brooks Jordan on February 25, 2012
at 4:22 am
Dear Dorothy
I am looking for my great grandfather John Dunlop in the Ballymoney area. We think he may be buried in The Vow Presbyterian churchyard? He and his first wife Sarah came from Scotland in the 1870′s with their six children, but she died at age 34 and John married again, which caused a rift in the family and my grandfather James emigrated to USA and as far as we know never spoke to his father again. There is no trace of John or his sons and daughters on either the 1901 or 1911 censuses. Do you have anyone who fits the description in your books? Is there a separate Presbyterian Church in The Vow?
By: Valerie Burrows on March 16, 2012
at 7:00 pm
Hi Valerie,
Email me on dorothy@ballymoneygraveyard.com as I have a lot of info on Dunlop families in the Ballymoney area. Let me know what you do know and I will see if I can find more.
Dorothy
By: Dorothy Arthur on May 1, 2012
at 7:38 am
Hi Dorothy, I am seeking information on the Biggart family from Beith. My GGrandfather Thomas Biggart emigrated to Melbourne Australia from Beith. I can trace back to my gggg grandfather David Biggart 1750 who married Margaret Speir. Perhaps you or someone might have information on them?
By: Michele Williams on May 13, 2012
at 12:34 pm