Elder & McGilligan Genealogy

1831 Census

Lower Cumber
Fawney
Thomas Elder
4 Males, 3 Females
All lived in one home.
All Presbyterians.

Faughanvale
Gortagherty Upper
William Elder
5 Males, 3 Females, 1 Male servant, 1 Female servant
All Presbyterians.

Clondermott
Enagh
William McConnell
1 Male, 1 Female, 1 Male Servant, 1 Female Servant
Ann Elder
1 Female
All lived in one home.
All Presbyterians.

According to the 1911 Census, Robert Elder (Abt 1824-) and his two sons lived in Derryvane, Muff, Co. Donegal, Ireland. The sons are named Samuel (Abt 1857-) and Robert (Abt 1861-). Both are recorded as single with the occupation of agricultural labourer. Robert Elder senior’s occupation is recorded as shoemaker which might be a link to one of my ancestors who started a shoemaker business in Limavady, Co. Londonderry. Their religion is recorded as Presbyterian. Samuel Elder was unable to read or write.

1911 Census - Derryvane, Muff, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Elder, S is recorded on the War Memorial for servicemen and servicewomen between 1939 and 1945. I’m assuming Elder, S is male, listed as Allied Forces and survived the conflict. The memorial has a separate section for those who fell during the war. The large granite War Memorial for Kilrea, Co. Londonderry is found at the centre of the town on the middle of the crossroads.

John Elder, M.A. served as the minister of the Aghadowey Presbyterian Church from 1723 to 1773. Gilmour Barr Elder (-1892) is buried in the graveyard behind the church building.

Henry Elder of Bellury, Desertoghill Parish in Co. Londonderry immigrated in 1834. He traveled to Quebec, Canada at the age of 18 years. His religion was recorded as Presbyterian.

Source: Ordance Survey Memoirs of Ireland, Parishes of Co. Londonderry VIII (1830, 1833-7, 1839), East Londonderry, Vol. 27, Pg. 20

Eva Elder traveled on the Scandinavian from Londonderry, Ireland to Philadelphia, United States on the 31st July 1890. According to the passenger list, she was of Irish nationality and a 20 year old spinster. The Scandinavian vessel was operated by the Allan Line, weighed 1967 tons and captained by John France.

Recently a lady from Newfoundland, Canada inquired about McGilligans living in Derrychrier near Dungiven, Co. Londonderry. A local search of the graveyards has provided numerous McGilligan names. Over the next few days I’ll upload all of the images related to the Derrychrier McGilligans.

Michael McGilligan turns up in the Griffiths Valuation of 1858. According to the records he was living in the townload of Derrychrier in the Banagher Parish of Co. Londonderry.

I’ve located will index records on page 40 of the Indexes To Irish Wills 1909 Vol. 5 for the Diocese Of Derry.

Andrew Elder (Died Abt 1689)
Frances Elder (Died Abt 1846)
James Elder (Died Abt 1813)
John Elder (Died Abt 1779)
Robert Elder (Died Abt 1818)
Thomas Elder (Died Abt 1709)

I’m assuming the asterisk beside Andrew and Thomas denotes a family relationship.

Records via Ancestry.co.uk

On the 9th of April 1896, John McGilligan arrived in Boston, Massachusetts onboard the S.S. Scandinavian. The Boston Passenger List states he was 21 years of age and accompanied by a friend/cousin named Thomas White. He was a farmer and able to read and write. Last place of residence in Ireland was Swatera (Swatragh, Co. Londonderry). His final destination in the United States was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Source: Boston Passenger Lists, 1891-1943 via Ancestry.com