Elder & McGilligan Genealogy

Robert Elder outside his grocery store at 21 Duke Street in 1906.

Photograph courtesy of the University of Ulster Archives published in the ‘On the Banks of the Foyle’ book.

The photograph of the shop front of Robert Elder’s grocery business at 21 Duke Street on the Waterside was taken in 1906. Items for sale included hardware, artificial manures and agricultural seeds. The owner Robert Elder is pictured outside with his employees.

Robert Elder and Helen Grainger Emberson are the parents of Robert Craig Elder who is buried at Altnagelvin Cemetery.

Norman David Williams married Hannah Scott Elder on 4 May 1944 at Claremont Parish Church, Londonderry, Co. Londonderry, Ireland. Norman is recorded as a full age bachelor on air service (Occupation: Draughtsman). His father, Evan William’s occupation is recorded as pilot. Hannah is recorded as full age spinister from Londonderry. Her father, Thomas Elder’s occupation is recorded as a mechanic.

Source: Personal Research

Walter Elder married Martha Morrow on 6 Mar 1883 at Christ Church, Londonderry, Co. Londonderry, Ireland. Walter is recorded as a 28 year old bachelor from Ballinmacross (Occupation: Labourer). His father, William Elder’s occupation is recorded as Labourer. Martha is recorded as full age spinister from Milltown Lodge (Occupation: Servant). Her father, John Morrow’s occupation is recorded as a Labourer.

Source: Personal Research

Reynolds McGilligan was born about 1883, the son of Rodger McGilligan. Nothing of his childhood is known. Reynolds traveled to America repeatedly from 1907 to 1923. His first known passage commenced on 1 Apr 1907 from Londonderry to New York City on the S.S. Columbia. The trans-atlantic crossing typically lasted 12 days. Reynolds recorded destination was Chicago to stay with his cousin George Johnston. Reynolds’ World War I Registration Card states he was of medium build and height with grey eyes and brown hair. At the time of registration he was living at Alden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsyvlania and working as a riveter at Hog Island, then the largest ship builders in the world.

Reynolds returned to Ireland on the S.S. Columbia which sailed from New York to Glasgow via Moville on 23 Jan 1923. The passenger list recorded Reynolds as a citizen of the United States with the intent to remain in Ireland at Moneysallin, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry. Unfortunately two years later on the 18 Jun 1925 Reynolds passed away and was buried in St. Patrick’s Parish Church at Kilrea, Co. Londonderry. Legend has it that Reynolds was buried on the day he was due to be married. Reynolds is buried along with his brother John McGilligan and sister Eliza Jane McGilligan. John McGilligan’s first wife Margaret Hamilton and infant child are buried in the same plot. The headstone was erected by Reynold’s nephew John McGilligan and his name was engraved as Randall not Reynolds.

Burial

Reynolds McGilligan (Abt 1880 - 1925)

Places of Residence

1213 N Alden St, Philadelphia, PA 19131

211 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60612

William Elder married Isabella McCombe on 14 Dec 1893 at Lower Cumber Parish Church, Killaloo, Claudy, Co. Londonderry, Ireland. William is recorded as a 27 year old bachelor from Goshaden (Occupation: Labourer). His father, William Elder’s occupation is recorded as Labourer. Isabella is recorded as a 26 year old spinister from Knockbrack (Occupation: Sewer). Her father, Thomas McCombe’s occupation is recorded as a Labourer.

Source: Personal Research

Ballurrey, Desertoghill, Co. Londonderry, Ireland

Robert Elder
2 Males
1 Female
2 Servants

Moneydig, Desertoghill, Co. Londonderry, Ireland

John Elder
2 Males
1 Female

Lanagivey, Agivey, Co. Londonderry, Ireland

John Elder
5 Males
2 Females

Craigba, Aghadowey, Co. Londonderry, Ireland

Matthew Elder
2 Males
3 Females

Ardreagh, Aghadowey, Co. Londonderry, Ireland

John Elder
4 Males
3 Females

Thomas Stewart Elder (1914-1992)

Thomas Stewart Elder was married to Mary Lavina Walker on 24 Jul 1941 at Faughanvale Presbyterian Church in Eglinton, Co. Londonderry. This portrait was taken in 1935 at Thomas’ graduation from Stranmillis University College.

Mary Lavina Walker (1916-1981)

Mary Lavina Walker was married to Thomas Stewart Elder on 24 Jul 1941 at Faughanvale Presbyterian Church in Eglinton, Co. Londonderry. This engagement portrait was taken in 1937.

John "Jack" McGilligan (1941-1972)

John McGilligan was known as Jack. Jack died in a fatal lorry accident in Walsall, England on 11 Nov 19720. He was buried in the Ballymoney Cemetery on 21 Nov 1972. Jack McGilligan’s Gravestone