Elder & McGilligan Genealogy

Recently a gentleman tracked me down through the Elder DNA project. He needs help tracking down graveyards or cemeteries near Belfast International Airport and Lough Neagh. If anyone can help he’d be extremely grateful. He plans to visit Northern Ireland near the end of February. Below is part of his email.

I know that a branch of my Family was in Antrim about 1700 before one of them went to America. I am visiting Antrim next month and was wondering if you had any clues about Cemeteries, Graveyards in the area between Belfast International Airport and Lough Neagh? My “Relations” lived in Artemore which I am told by Belfast University is now Ardmore Townland.

Gilmour Barr Elder who died 22 Feb 1892 is buried in Aghadowey Presbyterian Church.

Grave inscription: Erected by John Elder in memory of his brother Gilmour Barr Elder who died the 22nd February 1892 aged 21 years.

Robert Craig Elder died 24 Aug 1964 aged 52 years. His wife Margaret Jane passed away 7 Mar 1978 aged 65 years. The grave is located at the Derry City Council Altnagelvin Cemetry, Co. Londonderry.

David Andrew Elder died as an infant on 24 Jul 1984 and is buried at St. Mura’s Parish Church, Fahan, Co. Donegal.

Robert Elder was born 16 Mar 1836 in Drumagosker, Newtownlimavady, Co. Londonderry. He died 27 Jan 1910 on Inch Island, Co. Donegal. His family grave is located at the Inch Presbyterian Church on Inch Island, Co. Donegal.

Joseph Elder from Carrigans, Co. Donegal died 24 Nov 1939 aged 63 years. His wife Elizabeth died 28 Feb 1964. Both are buried at Killea Parish Church in Carrigans, Co. Donegal.

This gravestone is located at the Second Kilrea Presbyterian Church in Kilrea, Co. Londonderry.

Robert Elder died 15 May 1937. Two daughters are buried with him. Lilly Elder died 12 Nov 1941 and Margaret Elder died 21 Apr 1942. His wife Ellen is also buried with him and she died 23 Jan 1963. Some of the dates are hard to read from photographs. During my next visit to Kilrea, I’ll confirm the dates.

William John Elder of Lisglass died 16 Jun 1962. His wife Matilda died on 10 Jul 1975. This gravestone is located in the Glendermott Presbyterian Church, Londonderry.

Mary Elder died 23 Jan 1993 aged 55 years. Loving wife of William James Elder. This gravestone is located in the Glendermott Presbyterian Church, Londonderry.

James McGilligan of Derrychrier who died 8 Mar 1973. His brother Frank died 12 Feb 1982 and his sister Anne died 21st Jan 1983 are also marked on the grave. This gravestone is located at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Dungiven, Co. Londonderry.

James, Frank and Anne are likely relatives of Michael McGilligan, 1858 of Derrychrier.