My wife and I visited the graveyard at St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Stranorlar, Co Donegal in the fall of 2024. In the cemetery are the graves of William Holmes of Strabane, his wife Isabella and much of their family. (See the photo above which I took during our visit.) The inscription on the marker reads:
Also of Margaret Gwynne their daughter
Wife of James McConnell of Naveny
Who died 24th July 1907
Aged 56 yearsHere lies the remains
of
William Holmes
late of Strabane
Who died 15th May 1832
Aged 63 years
Also his daughter Isabella
Who died 15th May 1824
Aged 23 years
Also his wife Isabella
Who died May 5th 1849
Aged 78 years
Also his son Robert of Strabane
Who died 17th September 1849
Aged 61 years
Also James Holmes
Died 21st April 1875
Aged 69 years
Also of his son William Craig
Died 9th November 1879
Aged 32 years
Also Jane Craig wife of James Holmes of Naveny
Died 25th April 1880
Aged 63 years
Also Mary Craig
Daughter of James Holmes
Who died October 20th 1906
Aged 50 years.
William Holmes of Strabane, brewer was born in 1767. An 1829 deed (1) shows that he married Isabella Porter. She was probably a daughter of William Porter, Sr of Mulleny as the deed appears to involve his various descendants conveying their interest in the lands of Carrowmore to Robert Holmes of Strabane. As discussed in my last post, William Porter’s daughter Anne married John Holmes of Strabane and Buncranna. If my assumption is correct then Anne and Isabella were sisters. (This also raises the question of if and how John Holmes and William Holmes are related, but more on this in a future post).
William Holmes operated a brewery in Strabane. In 1819 he gave an interest in his Strabane properties to John Smyth of Gallony who became a partner(2). [Various Smyths and Holmeses would operate the brewery in partnership over the next several decades(3),(4)] From later deeds in 1838 it appears that Smyth had obtained a judgment against Holmes for $3000 pounds, and the interest in the property seems to have been security for the debt which was finally settled after William’s death when his heirs released their interest in the brewery to John’s son David Smyth.(5),(6)
In 1832 the brewery was subject of the following article:
The Strabane Morning Post, 27 March 1832. On the evening of Tuesday last, as two men, servants of Mr William Holmes, of the Brewery of this town, were drying barley, they fell asleep, and there being a very great smoke in the loft, they were nearly suffocated. Had it not been for a dog which was in the premises, both lives would have been lost, as on hearing the moans of the men, the dog alarmed Mr Robert Holmes, who, with the greatest promptitude, dragged them to the door, and instantly sent for medical assistance; and by the unremitting exertions of Dr. Leney, Surgeons Holmes and Mitchell, they were restored to life, and are now completely recovered.
Two months later the Strabane Morning Post reported William’s death
The Strabane Morning Post, 22 May 1832, DIED “On Tuesday last, after a lingering illness, which he bore with christian fortitude and resignation, Mr William Holmes, of this town, Brewer. In him were united all the good qualities that could adorn the christian. A tender parent, a loving husband, and one whose hand was always open to the call of the needy. His loss is deeply lamented by all who knew him, which was fully testified by the numerous and respectable assemblage that followed his remains to the graveyard at Stranorlar.”
The Enniskillin Chronicle also reported his death on May 24, 1832
William Holmes and Isabella Porter had at least 6 children:
- Robert Holmes (1788-1849)
- Isabella Holmes (1801 – 1824)
- William Holmes, (1804-1827), died 1827 Blue Mountain Valley, Jamaica
- James Holmes of Naveny (1808-1875) m. Jane Craig
- Anne Eliza Holmes (d. aft 1875)
- Mary Holmes (d. Jun 1866) m. William Glasse
Robert Holmes of Strabane was the eldest son of William Holmes and Isabella Porter. In 1829 Robert bought 5 balliboes of the Quarterland of Carrowmore from the Marquis of Donegal.(7)
Two days later Robert secured the interests of his Porter and Holmes relatives in the property.(1),(8) The Porters had held leases at Carrowmore since as early as 1694.(9) In June 1830 Robert Holmes mortgaged the Carrowmore properties to his cousins Robert and William Maxwell of Londonderry.(10) The mortgage was paid off just before Robert sold the property to James Stephens of Ballyshannon in 1841.(11),(12)
Robert Holmes took over the brewery after his father William’s death. We see him and John Smyth [or Smith] leasing property in 1836.(13) In 1838 Robert settled with John Smith regarding the 3000 pound judgment against his father and conveyed the property along with his brothers and sisters to David Smith. In January the dissolution of the partnership was announced.
Robert Holmes died on 17 Sep 1849 and is buried in Stranorlar.
James Holmes of Glencovet and latter Navenny (1808-1875) was the third son of William Holmes and Isabella Porter. He Married Ann Craig. They had 4 children:
- William Craig Holmes (1847-1879)
- Margaret Gwynn Holmes (1850-1907) m. James McConnell
- John Craig Holmes (1853-1901) m. Mary “Minnie” Kerr
- Mary Craig Holmes (1855-1906) m. William Steen
Navenny
William Holmes of Strabane seems closely connected with the Holmes of Naveny and Glencovet where we have Holmes records going back to as early as 1741.(14),(15),(16) He owned property there and his son James, per the grave marker above, was said to be “James Holmes of Naveny”.
William Holmes bought his land in Navenny from James Holmes of Navenny in 1815(17) and in 1829 he served notice to register his freehold there. (18)
On 12 May 1829 the Strabane Morning Post reported:
Persons who have served Notices on the Clerk of the Peace, of their intention to Register Freeholds.
Raphoe Barony:
William Holmes Strabane – Navenny
James Holmes Ballybofey – Navenny
[Note: In 1829 the English Parliament increased the property qualification to vote from having possession of a freehold property with a minimum annual valuation of 40 shilling to £10. So great were the numbers of Ulster Presbyterians applying for the vote, it caused great alarm in London where the Presbyterians of Ireland were viewed with great distrust following their leading role in the Rebellion of 1798 and the franchise was increased to £50, instantly eliminating almost all. This was the final straw for many substantial Presbyterian farmers and a great encouragement to relinquish their leases and emigrate to the New World.]
The first record I have for William Holmes of Strabane also involves Navenny. In 1795 (19) he and others as assignees in the bankruptcy of John Holmes of Strabane transferred to JAMES Holmes of Naveney, Co. Donegal,
“all the lands located in the back street of Strabane known as Allen Campbells tenement lately in the possession of JOHN Holmes and formerly in the possession of Thomas McLaughlin for the natural lives of said JOHN Holmes and EDWARD his son.
The James Holmes of Navenny is probably the same James Holmes of Navenny who sold land in Navenny to William Holmes in 1815.(17)
From the gravestone we know that William’s son was known as James Holmes of Naveny, but he wasn’t born until 1808, so this clearly isn’t him in the 1795 lease. Most likely, he was the son of Robert Holmes of Naveny mentioned in two deeds dated 1775 (15) and 1785.(16) (See References below for full transcripts)
Allen Campbell’s tenament
The property know as Allen Campbell’s tenement appears in several times in various Holmes records. In addition to the 1795 deed mentioned above, we have the following:
In 1802(20) James Holmes of Naveny transferred to William Holmes of Strabane
Allen Campbell’s tenement lately possessed by JOHN Holmes and formerly held by Thos McLoughlin to hold for lives of said JOHN Holmes and ROBERT Holmes his eldest son, and EDWARD Holmes his second son.
In 1804(21), Ann Harrold of Dublin granted
to JOHN Holmes of Strabane the tenement … called Allen Campbell’s tenement then in JOHN Holmes’ possession, for lives of JOHN Holmes the lessee aged 30, ROBERT Holmes his eldest son aged 7 and EDWARD Holmes his second son aged 6
Again in 1866 when William Holmes’ daughter Anne Eliza Holmes and her brother-in-law William Glasse mortgaged the property to Robert Wilson of Strabane (22)
… that Tenement in the Back Street of the Town of Strabane called … Allen Campbells Tenement theretofore in the possession of one John Holmes therein before mentioned and formerly held by Thomas McLaughlin then in the possession of the said Mary [nee Holmes] Glasse and Anne Eliza Holmes and their undertenants …
Allen Campbell – research ideas
In 1714 John Sinclair and Nathaniel Davis as trustees of John Gordon transferred to Allen Campbell(23) property in Strabane “wherein Widow Knox lives”. One wonders if this same widow Knox mentioned in various Abercorn letters:
I have a petition from the widow Knox of Peacockbank, complaining that her brother, Holmes a minister, is taking a lease for himself, to which he has no right. It is certain that he treated for the land in the name of a widow, and that I set his name down only as a memorandum. I desire you will dispose of it according to the right ….'(PRONI D623/A/15/117, Title : [James, Earl of Abercorn], to Mr Nisbitt….Dates :13 July 1758)
“Homes of Peacockbank acted when your Lordship was in this country for his mother, a widow, who is since dead, and as I understand the story, left any right that she had to a sickly daughter, for whom Ben. Homes is now acting, and is willing the widow Knox should live with her sickly sister but, not to put the sickly sister entirely in the power of the widow Knox who has no right at all. (PRONI Reference :T2541/IA/1/5/38, Letter from Nathaniel Nisbitt, Lifford to [Earl of Abercorn] …Dates : 23 July 1758)…………….
Holmes should enter into an article to hold Upper Peacockbank with my consent, for the use of the person entitled.(PRONI D623/A/16/3, Title : [‘James, Earl of Abercorn], Witham, to Mr Nisbitt. 18 October 1758
I told Mr Holmes that your Lordship hath permitted him to sell his holding in Peacockbank; he has not as yet agreed about it. (PRONI D623/A/40/25, James Hamilton, Strabane, to [Earl of Abercorn]….17 April 1772)
Stranorlar Cemetery
Immediately beside the Holmes grave mentioned above is another grave marker.
Here lieth the body of
Gabriel Holmes of Balnacore who
Departed this life 1765?
Aged 74
Also his son
Richard who departed this life
1st May 1754
Aged 18 yearsAlso Jane Holmes
Who died 25th September 1882
Also James Holmes
Who died February 6th 1901
Also Joseph Holmes
Died February 13th 1904
Aged 43 years
I have not yet been able to determine the relationship of the persons buried here to the others, but given that the graves lie side by side the relationship seems highly likely.
References
(1) A Memorial of an indented Deed dated 28 Dec 1829 between 1) William Porter of Moleney [Mulleny] in the County of Dougal Farmer eldest son and heir at Law and also Admn with the Will annexed of the Revd Cunningham Porter decd of the first part 2) Mary Porter orse O’Donnell of Moloney aforesd widow of said deceased, John Porter of Boom Hall in the liberties of the City of Londonderry Gent, Isabella Porter and Susana Porter both of Moloney aforesd Spinsters which said John, Isabella and Susan are also children of the said deceased of the second part 3) John Baldrick of Linsforth in the County of Donegal aforesd William Holmes and Isabella Holmes orse Porter his wife both of Strabane, Co Tyrone, Jane Porter of Moleney aforesaid Spinster and John Holmes and Anne Holmes orse Porter his wife both of Buncrana in the said Co of Donegal of the third part 4) Isabella Holmes and Mary Jane Holmes both of Buncrana Spinsters and Mary Holmes and Anne Elizabeth Holmes both of Strabane aforesd Spinsters, of the fourth part and 5) Robert Holmes of Strabane aforesd Gent of the fifth part; whereby after reciting as therein is recited the said Wm Porter, Mary Porter, John Porter, Isabella Porter, Susana Porter, John Baldrick, Wm Holmes and Isabella his wife, Jane Porter, John Holmes and Anne his wife, Isabella Holmes, Mary Jane Holmes, Mary Holmes and Anne Eliza Holmes for the Consdns therein ment did pursuant to the respective Interest therein grant bargain sell assign alien release & confirm unto the said Robert Holmes his actual posson then being by Virtue of an Indented Deed to him thereof made for one whole year bearing Date the day next before the day of the Date of said presents in conson of five shillings to each of them resply in hand paid the Receipt whereof they do thereby severally acknowledge and by force of the Statute for transferring uses into posson his heirs executors and assigns all that and those the full Ballyboe of the quarter land of Carrowmore as the same was formerly possessed by the said Wm Porter the elder deceased and since by Wm Porter the younger and the Revd Cunningham Porter and now in the posson of the said Wm Porter party thereto and his undertenants situate lying and being in the parish of Culdaff barony of Inishowen and County of Donegal aforesd … To Hold unto the said Robert Holmes his heirs admins and assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the term fortunes and years then to come and unexpired thereof which said deed the said of the the printing by the said Robert Holmes, Wm Cunningham Porter and said John Porter three of the Executing parties thereto is witnessed by Isaac Colhoun of the City of Londonderry Gent atty at Law and James Holmes of Strabane in the Coy of Tyrone Gent. This Memonal as to the Exon thereof by the said Robert Holmes is witnessed by the said Isaac Coloun and Geo . Alex Cunningham of the said City of Londonderry Writing Clerk, sworn at Londonderry in the County of Londonderry this 15th day of Feby 1830 (RD 856/42/571543)
(2) Memorial of indented deed of assignment dat 17 April 1819 betw 1) WILLIAM Holmes of Strabane gent. and 2) John Smyth of same mercht; 1) assigns to 2) one undivided moiety of dwelling ho. office hos. backyard and premises in Main street formerly in possn Alexander Sinclair Esq and now in possn of sd William Holmes 1) and also a parcel of ground adjoining then used as a Ball alley or Racket Court being pt and parcel of that dwelling house and tenement in Main street in tenure of Alexander Dick.in Manor and Barony of Strabane, …together with the said Brewery fixtures erected and to be erected thereon… to hold for ever; wit William Inch and George Crocket of Strabane gents, G C sw. 20 April 1819 Strabane. (RD 739/481/503817)
(3) Memorial of indented deed dat 15 June 1836 betw 1) Conolly Skipton Esq and Catherine Skipton o’wise Spotswood his wife of Beech Hill Co L’derry and 2) John Smyth of Galloway and ROBERT Holmes of Strabane Brewers; 1) grants 2) two dwelling houses in the Back street of Strabane to hold for lives perpetually renewable at £4.12.4 p a rent; wit Thomas Browne of Milltown Co Tyr and William Glasse attorney; T B sw. 15 June 1836 at Strabane. (RD 1836/12/171)
(4) A Memorial of Articles of Agreement bearing date 9 Apr 1874 made Between Mary Jane Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Spinister of the one part and the Belfast Banking Company of the other part which Articles witnessed that pursuant to the agreement therein mentioned and for effectually securing to the Belfast Banking Company and the Members thereof for the time being and their assigns all sum and sums of Money which then was or were or at any time or from time to time thereafter should be due or owing to them on the Ballance of the account of the said Archibald and Edward Duncan both of Strabane aforesaid Brewers who made under the style and firm of Holmes & Co. or in the ways and manners therein after and hereinafter mentioned or any of them the said Mary Jane Holmes for herself her heirs executors and administrators did thereby covenant and declare that all and every the Deeds and writings mentioned in the schedule thereon endorsed and then deposited with the said Banking Company and the lands tenements and hereditaments thereinafter and hereinafter described and comprised therein that was and is to say all that and Those the two tenements situate in Barrack Street and also two tenement in front or Meeting house Street Strabane as the same were formerly in the possession of Charles James Brown and his undertenants afterwards in the occupation and possession of Robert Holmes and his undertenants and part of which was used by said Robert Holmes as a Brew House Malt House Stable bye sheds and yard ) afterwards in the possession of Edward Holmes and his undertenants and then or lately in the possession of Mary Jane Holmes and her undertenants and as more particularly described in the Indenture of 13 Jan 1857 Numbered One in said Sebedue all which premises are situate in the town of Strabane in the parish of Camus Barony of Strabane and County of Tyrone aforesaid should be and remain a security unto the said Banking Company for the time being and their assigns for the payment upon demand over and above all deductions whatsoever of all such sum and sums of Money as then was or were or should at any time or from time to time thereafter due or owing from the said Archibald Dawson and Edward Duncan their executors administrators or assigns to the said Banking Company or the members of the saw Company for the time being on the Balance of the account of the said Archibald Dawson and Edward Duncan with the said Banking Company with Interest thereon at the Current Rate charged for the time being by said Belfast Banking Company upon over drawn account and to be computed and charges half yearly as principal after the Custom of Bankers as well while the account was operative as of and when it might become dormant whether during the life time or after the decease of the said Archibald Dawson and Edward Duncan and also for the payment when one of all and every sum and sums of Money to pay which a liability or engagement had been or should or might be incurred or entered into with the said Belfast Banking Company by the said Archibald Dawson and Edward Duncan either alone or jointly with any other person or persons upon or by reason or means of Cash advances or of accepting or paying the Cheques Drafts Bills or promissory Notes of the said Archibald Lawson and Edward Duncan or by discounting Bills of Exchange or promisory notes or by affording other pecumary assistance together with discount Commision and other usual Bankers Charges and also interest on said several transachous after the Rate and in manner therein before and hereinbefore mentioned and that all such sum and sums of money and Interest as aforesaid until payment thereof should thence forth he and remain a charge upon all and Singular the lands tenements hereditaments free from all other charges and Incumbrances what soever and said articles as to the execution thereof by the said Mary Jane Holmes are witnessed by William Smith of Strabane County of Tyrone Bank Manager and this Memorial as to the execution thereof by said Mary Jane Holmes is witnessed by said William Smith and William C Holmes of Strabane aforesaid Bank Official – Mary Jane Holmes – ( Seal ) Signed and sealed by the said Mary Jane Holmes in presence of the obliteration and interlineations initialed W S. being first made Wm Smith . Belfast Bank Strabane – Wm C Holmes Belfast Bank Strabane — The within named William Smyth Maketh Oath and Saith that he is a subscribing witness to the execution of the Articles of Agreement of which the within writing is a memorial and also to said Memorial and Saith he was present and did see the said Articles and Memorial respectively duly executed by the within named Mary Jane Holmes party thereto and that the (RD 1874/14/159)
(5) Memorial of Indented deed dat 28 May 1838 betw 1) John Smyth of Gallony Co Tyr Esq and 2) ROBERT Holmes of Strabane eldest son and heir at law of WILLIAM Holmes late of Strabane, Brewer, ISABELLA Holmes of Strabane widow of said WILLIAM Holmes, JAMES Holmes of Glencovitt Cottage Co Donegal Linen Merchant, William Glasse of Strabane attorney and MARY Glasse o’wise Holmes his wife and ANNE Eliza Holmes of Strabane spinster, which said JAMES, MARY and ANNE Eliza are children of WILLIAM Holmes decd; recites that 1) obtained a judgement in Easter term 1819 in H M’s Court of King’s Bench in Ireland against WILLIAM Holmes for the sum of £3000 ster. besides costs, and WILLIAM Holmes being seised in fee of an undivided moiety of a dwelling house, office houses and garden in the Main street of Strabane, formerly in possn of Alexander Sinclair Esq decd; also premises in possn of Laurence Neelis being a dwelling house and cellar and garden, and also a parcel of ground adjoining then used as a Ball alley or Racket Court being pt and parcel of that dwelling house and tenement in Main street in tenure of Alexander Dick …..in Manor and Barony of Strabane ..and that WILLIAM Holmes died in or about the month of May 1832 leaving the said judgement outstanding and instructing that it should be paid out the said property; and also reciting that at his death he was seised of other lands and tenements and premises …….. [a settlement is reached with John Smyth] ; deed and mem wit Samuel Colhoun attorney and Joseph White his clerk both of Strabane; J W sworn 12 June 1838 Strabane before Isaac Colhoun. [By the following deed No 21 of same date, ROBERT Holmes of Strabane, Brewer, and the other parties of 2) above, convey the property recited in Deed No 20 “together with the brewery fixtures erected thereon” to David Smith of Strabane mercht from 1 May inst to hold for ever.] (RD 1838/12/20)
(6) A Memorial of an Indented 28 May 1838 Twenty Eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Eight and made Between Robert Holmes of Strabane in County of Tyrone Brewer Eldest son and heir at Law of William Holmes late of Strabane aforesaid brewer deceased, Isabella Holmes of Strabane aforesaid widow of the said Wm Holmes deceased James Holmes of Glencovet Collage in a County of Donegall Linen Merchant,William Glasse of Shabane of attorney at Law and Mary Glass orwise Holmes his wife and Anne Eliza Holmes of Strabane aforesaid Spinster which said James, Mary, and Anne Elisa are children of the said William Holmes deceased of the one part and David Smith of Strabane aforesaid Merchant of the other part whereby after Reciting as therein is Recited they the said Robert Holmes, Isabella Holmes, James Holmes, William Glasse, Mary Glasse and Ann Eliza Holmes for the Consideration therein mentioned did grant bargain sell assign alien Release and confirm unto the said David Smyth (in his actual possession then being by virtue of a lease for a year therein Recited ) and to his heirs and assigns All that and those that dwelling have office houses back yard and premises in the main dud of Strabane aforesaid formerly in the possession of Alexander Sinclair Esq decd and lately in possession of the said William Holmes deceased together with all that and those the premises late in the possession of Lawrence Nels consisting of a dwelling house a cellar a garden and that piece of ground adjoining the said garden lately aded as a Ball all or Racket Court being part and parcel of that dwelling house and Tenement in the said Main Street of Strabane in the tenure and occupation of Alexander Dick and his undertenents bounded on the West by the Backyard of said dwelling house and tenement on the north by the back street of Strabane on the East by the Tenement in the possession of the said William Holmes and on the south by that same which runs from the said Main Street to the said Bank Street together with the Brewery fixtures exited thereon situate in the said town of Strabane Parish of Camus Barony of Shabane and County of Tyrone aforesaid To hold unto the said David Smith his heirs and assigns from the first day of May Instant for Ever and which deed as to the Execution thereof by the said parties and this memorial as to the Execution thereof by the said Robert Holmes , are witnessed by Samuel Calhoun of Strabane County of Tyrone attorney at Law and Joseph White Writing Clerk of Strabane aforesaid dated this 12th day of June 1838 , Robert Holmes ℗ Signed and sealed in presence of Saml Colhoun, Joseph White …. 12th day of June 1838 (RD 1838/12/21)
(7) PRONI D652/1520
Title : Counterpart Fee Farm Grant for 3 lives renewable …
Dates : 24 March 1862Description : Counterpart Fee Farm Grant for 3 lives renewable for ever. Rent £37. 13. 6. Marquis of Donegall to Mr. John Stephens, Ballyshannon (Merchant). 296 acres, 3 roods, 13 perches, being five Ballyboes in the Quarterland of Carrowmore, Co. Donegal, formerly held by Rev. Cunningham Porter being part of 473 acres, 1 rood, 14 perches, formerly held by William Porter. recites lease of 1829. Marquis of Donegall to Robert Holmes, Strabane, Co. Tyrone.
(8) Memorial of indented deed of conveyance dat 31 May 1830 betw 1) John Cary of Silverbrook Co Tyr gent surviving Trustee in a deed of 27 Sept 1799, 2) William Porter of Moleney Co Don. farmer eldest son and heir of the Rev Cunningham Porter, and John Porter of Boomhall in Libs of L’derry gent and 3) ROBERT Holmes of Strabane gent; 1) with consent of 2) assigns Carrowmore to 3). (RD 860/209/573710)
(9) PRONI: D652/15
Title : Counterpart Lease for 99 years
Dates : 30 July 1757
Description : Counterpart Lease for 99 years, (if the foster son of John Porter lives so long). Rent £14.8s. 5d. Recites lease of 1694 to John Porter for lives of his sons Gabriel, Wm. and Francis. Arthur Earl of Donegall, 1st pt., Hon. Richard Barry, Marbury, Chester, John Ludford, Ausley Hall, Warwickshire. Trustees of Earl of Donegall, 2nd pt., James Burgess, Belfast, 3rd pt. to Mr Gabriel Porter, Birt, Inishowen, Co. Donegal. Relating to land at Carrowmore, Inishowen, Co. Donegal.
(10) Memorial of indented deed of mortgage dated 1 June 1830 betw 1) ROBERT Holmes of Strabane gent and 2) Robert Maxwell and William Maxwell of L’derry merchts; 1) grants 2) the five ballyboes of Q’land of Carrowmore 295.0.13 acs formerly possd. by the Rev Cunningham Porter for £1700 ster; wit G Franks of L’derry and EDWARD Holmes of Strabane gent; G F regd Dublin 11 June 1830. (RD 860/209/573709)
(11) Memorial of Indented deed of reconveyance of mortgage dat 4 March 1841 betw 1) Robert Maxwell of Manchester and William Maxwell of L’derry merchts and 2) Robert Holmes of Strabane mercht; recites that sd R H had granted to 1) in mortgage by deed dated 1 June 1830 the five Ballyboes of the Q’land of Carrowmore being 595. 0. 13 acs. Plantation measure in Culdaff p. Ennishowen B. in consdn £1700 to hold for residue of lease from M of Donegall; 1) now reconvey same to R H; deed and mem wit William Holmes of Dungannon and William Glasse of Strabane gent; W G sw. Strabane 31 March 1841. (courtesy of S. Elliott) (RD 1841/7/129)
(12) Memorial of Indented deed of assignment [mortgage] dat 5 April 1841 betw 1) Robert Holmes of Strabane Brewer and 2) John Stephens of Ballyshannon mercht; recites Lease dat 26 Dec 1829 from M of Donegall to sd Robert Holmes of the five Ballyboes of the Q’land of Carrowmore being 295. 3. 13 acs Plantation measure in Culdaff p. Ennishowen B. formerly in possn Rev Cunningham Porter being pt of parcel of 473. 1. 4 acs demised to William Porter; to hold for lives with covenant for perpetual renewal at £37.10.0 ster. p a rent; R H assigns to J S for consdn £2650, subj to redemption; wit William Haffington solr and James Haffington gent both of L’derry; W H sw. 6 April 1841 L’derry. (RD 1841/7/129)
(13) A Memorial of an Indenture of Assignment bearing date 15 Feb 1836 made between Charles Humphrey of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Carpenter the eldest son and heir at law of Charles Humphreys late of Strabane aforesaid deceased of the one part and John Smith of Galway and Robert Holmes of Strabane both in the County of Tyrone Brewer of the other part …Charles Humphrey..did grant .. unto the said John Smyth and Robert Holmes .. all that and those the two houses in Back Street of the town of Strabane this and now in the posson of William Rogan and Thomas Rutherland and also the house and Tenement lately occupied by Charles Humphreys deceased situate near the cleared house of Strabane called the hole in the walls .. unto the said John Smith and Robert Holmes .. for lives renewable for ever under Conolly Skipton held under and wife and .. under John Smart for and unexpired term of years … witnessed by Daniel Cook actor and Glazier and William Glass Atty at Law both of Strabane … this Memorial as to the Execution thereof by the said Robert Holmes is witnessed by the said William Glass and Anne Eliza Holmes of Strabane aforesaid thereto dated this 25 Feb 1836 … at Strabane in the County of Tyron this twenty third day of February one thousand Eight hundred and thirty six (RD 1836/182)
(14) A Memorial of a Deed Indented Duly Executed bearing Date 1 May 1741 made Between Oliver McCausland of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Esqr of the one part & Robert Holmes of Nauney [Navenny] in the County of Donegall Farmer of the other part whereby the said Oliver McCasland for the Considerations there in mentioned Did Demise Grant Sett & to farm Lett unto the sd Robt Holmes all that & those ye East Division of Nanney aforesd as it was lately Surveyed & lay out by Mr Wm Starratt of Strabane aforesd Deced Situate Lying & being in the Manor of Stranorlar & County of Donegall aforesaid Royalties of all kinds only Excepted to hold the said Demised premisses to the said Robt Holm ‘s his heirs & assigns from the first day of Novem then Last for & During the natural lives of the said Robert Holmes, John Holmes Son to Wm Holmes of Glencovitt & James Holmes Son to Gabrial Holmes late of Dreenan & ye Survivor or Survivors of them or for & During the Term of Thirty one yearswhich ever shoud Last Longest at & under the yearly Rent of fourteen pounds Ster together with Six pence pound Receiver Fees yearly & every year during the continuance of the said Lives or Term of years in said Deed there are severall other Clauses & Covenants Comon & usual Between Landlord Tenant & the said Deed was perfected by the parties thereto in presence of Marcus McCausland near Newtownlemeraddy in the County of Londonderry & Wm Blair then of Stranorlar but now of Strabane aforesaid Gent & this Memt is perfected by the said Robt Holmes in presence of the said Wm Blair & John Thompson of Strabane aforesaid Writing Clke this 5th day of June 1752 Robt Dols Seal Signed & Stated in the presence of John Thompson Wm Blair The above named Wm Blair maketh oath that he saw the Deed whereof the above is a mem duly perfected by the parties thereto & also the above Meml Duly perfected by above named Robt Holms & ye he is a subscribing witness to the said Deed & Mem & Deposeth ye ye name Wm Blair Subscribed as a witness to the said Deed & Memr is this Depts proper hand writing Wm Blair Sworn before me at Lifford in ye County of Donegal the 5th Day of June 1752 (RD 156/143/103710)
(15) Lease and release dated 20 and 21 Apr 1775. William Knox, Esq. of Kilcadden, co Donegal to Patrick McGandy of Dreenan, flax dresser and John Russell of Cavan Mill, carpenter a tenement in Ballybofey on the road leading to Naveny Bridge as lately in the possession of Alex Ramsay for the lives of Robert Holmes son of Robert Holmes of Naveny [Navenny], James Holmes another son of said Robert and William Russell son of John the lessee. Witnessed by Thomas Cowan of Dublin, atty and William McCreery of Ballybofey. (RD 307/292/204140)
(16) Indented Deed of Release 13 Apr 1785 between Oliver McCausland of Marble Hill in the Coy of Donegall Esq of the one part & Wm Taylor of Ballybofey in the Coy of Donegall Innkeeper of the other part Whereby the sd Oliver McCausland … did demise Grant Set & to farm lett unto the sd Wm Taylor his heirs & ass all that farm of land in Sessaghoncal then in the actual poss of the sd Wm Taylor bounded on the North by Burndanalbrook on the South by Danl McSwines holding in Sessaghoneal on the East by part of Naveniny & on the West by John Farrens holding in Sessaghoneil aforesd in as full & ample manner as so crimes were then pass & occupied by the sd Wm Taylor in the Manor of Stranorlar & Coy of Donegal aforesd… for & during the natural line of Robt & James sons to the lessee aged four years & Jas Holmes, son to Robt Holmes of Neveny aged Sixteen years & the Survey or survey of them of thirty one years to be computed from the first day of Nov then last which ever shall last longest at & under the yearly Rents & Costs therein ment in which Deed there are other Costs which so Deed is Witnessed by Jos Barclay & Walter Gamble of Ballybofey in the Coy of Donegall Gent this mem is also witnessed by the sd Joseph Barclay & by Wm Allen of the City of Dublin Gent… this 17th day of April 1792 (RD 447/334/290307)
(17) A Memorial of a Deed of Lease and Release the Release duly Executed bearing date 6 May 1815 made Between James Holmes of Navenny in the Coy of Donegal Gent of the one part and William Holmes of Strabane in the Coy of Tyrone Gent of the other pt after Reciting as in sd Deed is Recited the sd James Holmes for the Consons therein ment did give Grant Bargain Sell alien Release and confirm unto the sd William Holmes his lives and assigns all that pt of the Town and lands of Nawney [Navenny] as now in the Possn of the sd James Holmes and as formerly held and Enjoyed by Robert Holmes decd To Hold the same unto the sd Wm Holmes his heirs and assigns forever sub to the yearly rent of $ 73.10 Ster . which sd Deed and this men were duly Executed by the parties thereto in the presence of the Revd James Ewing Clk and Charles Sproule Gent both of Strabane in the Coy of Tyrone. James Holmes ( Seal ) Signed and sealed in the Presence of James Ewing Charles Sproule The above named Charless Sproule maketh Oath and saith that he is a Subsg Witness to the Deed of which the above writing is a mem and said the same duly Executed by the parties thereto and also saw this name Signed and sealed by the above named James Holmes and that the name Chas Sproule Subsd as a witness to the sd Deed and this mem is this Dept name and handuly Chas Sproule Sworn before me at Strabane in the Coy of Tyrone the 6th day of May 1815(RD 689/62/473395)
(18) Applications to Register Freeholds in the Barony of Raphoe, Co. Donegal 1829-31
(19) Memorial of Deed of Lease dated May 1, 1795 made between Nathaniel Edie, Robert Mitchell and WILLIAM Holmes, all of Strabane, Co Tyrone, merchants, assignees of the estate of JOHN Holmes of Strabane, a bankrupt of one part (who grant to) JAMES Holmes of Naveney, Co. Donegal of the other part, all the lands located in the back street of Strabane known as Allen Campbells tenement lately in the possession of JOHN Holmes and formerly in the possession of Thomas McLaughlin for the natural lives of said JOHN Holmes and EDWARD his son. Witnessed by Henry Edwards and John Barcley. Memorial sworn Feb 8 1797. (RD 497/516/328439)
(20) Indented deed dated 21 June 1802 whereby JAMES Holmes of Navenny, Co. Donegal, makes over to WILLIAM Holmes of Strabane a tenement in the Back Street called Allen Campbell’s tenement lately possessed by JOHN Holmes and formerly held by Thos McLoughlin with a plot of ground at the foot of the town for a garden, to hold for lives of said JOHN Holmes and ROBERT Holmes his eldest son, and EDWARD Holmes his second son; deed and memorial witnessed by James Houston of Strabane, gent. And Hamilton Foster of Strabane, gent, merchant aged 16 and up, sworn at Strabane 14 April 1804. (RD 560/346/375235)
(21) Memorial of indented deed of lease dated 25 April 1804 [thus] whereby Anne Harrold of Dublin, spinster, grants to JOHN Holmes of Strabane the tenement in Back Street called Allen Campbell’s tenement then in JOHN Holmes’ possession, for lives of JOHN Holmes the lessee aged 30, ROBERT Holmes his eldest son aged 7 and EDWARD Holmes his second son aged 6; yearly rent £9.5.0; John Spotswood and Andrew Spotswood both of Bellaghy, Co. Londonderry witnesses to signature of Anne Harrold; John Spotswood and George McClenachan witnesses to signature of JOHN Holmes; John Spotswood sworn at Strabane 22 April 1803. (RD 563/191/375236)
(22) A Memorial of an Indenture of Mortgage 19 Nov 1866 made Between Anne Eliza Holmes Spinster of Strabane in the County of Tyrone of the first part William John Glasse of Strabane aforesaid Gentleman of the Second part and Robert Wilson of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Attorney at of the third part after reciting as therein is recited said Indenture with 4 essed that for the considerations therein mentioned the said Anne Eliza Holmes & William John Glass Did Grant Bargain Sell assign alien release convey and confirm unto the said Robert Wilson his heirs and assigns All that and those that Tenement in the Back Street of the Town of Strabane called in a therein before recited Indenture of 6 Mar 1861 Allen Campbells Tenement theretofore in the possession of one John Holmes therein before mentioned and formerly held by Thomas McLaughlin Containing in front thirty four feet and in depth fifty six for together with a plot of Ground at the foot of the said Town of Strabane granted by said recited Indenture 6 Mar 1861and to the therein recited Mary Glasse and Anne Eliza Holmes for a Garden and then in the possession of the said Mary [nee Holmes] Glasse and Anne Eliza Holmes and their undertenants situate lying and being in the said Town of Strabane Parish of Camus Barony of Strabane and County of Tyrone aforesaid together with all and Singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining To Hold all and Singular the said premises with the appurtenances unto the said Robert Wilson his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of the said Robert Wilson his heirs and assigns for ever in as full large ample and beneficial a manner as same were held and enjoyed by said time Eliza Holmes and William John Glasse under and by virtue of and with all Benefit and advantage to be derived from said Indentine of South March one thousand eight hundred and Sixty one subject however to redemption on payment of the said sum of one hundred pounds to be paid on or before the first day of December one thousand eight hundred and Seventy Six with interest at the rate of five pounds per centum per annum and which said Deed as to the Execution thereof by Anne Eliza Holmes as witnessed by Isabella Glasse Spinster and Michael McCreary Writing Clerk both of Strabane in the County of Tyrone and this Memorial as thereof by the said Anne Eliza Holmes is witnessed by the said Isabella Glass and Micheal McCreary and said Deed as to the Execution thereof by said Robert Wilson same is witnessed by Richard Jennings Cobertor Strabaneand said Michael McCreary Anne Eliza Holmes Seal Signed and sealed in presence of Michael McCreary Writing Clerk Strabane Now Michael McCreary of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Writing Clerk within named Waker oath and Saith that he is a subscribing witness to the Deed of which the within is a Memorial and to this Memorial respectively and Saith that he saw said Deed duly executed by Anne Eliza Nolanes and Robert Wilson Two of theparties thereto and this memorial by the said Anne Eliza Holmes party hereto and that the same Michael McCrary subscribed as a witness to said Deed and this Memorial respectively is this Deponents proper (RD 1866/34/244)
23. Sinclaire to Campbell, 1747, Registry of Deeds 129/403/8550
Holmes Genealogy 
Leave a comment