Holmes Genealogy

Hugh Holmes, a descendant of Justice Hugh Holmes, Attorney General for Ireland, was good enough to share his Y-DNA results with me recently. I was very pleased that they reveal him to be a match to those of us in Holmes Group 01, and thus a cousin!

Hugh’s oldest known ancestor that we have been able to trace is John Holmes who was born in Strabane about 1757. (I wrote about him in Holmes of Strabane pt.3). If you have been reading this blog, then you are probably aware that my ancestor, the Rev William Homes was minister of Strabane from 1692-1714, so it is no surprise that I find the the Strabane connection to be very interesting.

Hugh’s family has produced a couple of autobiographies. The Justice Hugh Holmes wrote his memoirs. They are available at PRONI⁽¹⁾. Hugh’s father, another Hugh Holmes, wrote an interesting autobiography⁽²⁾ – One Man in His Time. Neither man wrote much about his ancestry, although Hugh’s father does give is the following:

My father and mother’s ancestors had both come to Ireland in the 17th Century. Gabriel of the Holme came from Cumberland and had served in Cromwell’s Ironsides, for which he was rewarded a land grant in Donegal.

I have yet to find anything in the Irish records to specifically support this statement, but there was a Major Gabriel Holmes in Cromwell’s army. See the following:
https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/cromwell-army-officers/surnames-h

Family origin stories are interesting. While not always reliable, these legends often contain kernels of truth. The name Gabriel is certainly interesting as it does appear in the Co Donegal area from as early as 15 Jun 1615 when GABRIELL Homes is recorded in the Londonderry Port Book⁽³⁾ as captain of a “small boat of Scotland”. A Gabriel Holmes is recorded in Strabane as early as 1623, when Gabrial Holmes the elder of Strabane, tailor appears in the will of Archibald Campbell, (see Holmes of Strabane, pt 1).

Also interesting is that other Holmes families in Co Donegal have family lore that include a Gabriel Holmes. In a 2020 oral interview William Holmes⁽⁴⁾, (also Holmes Group 01) whose family was in Raphoe Parish, Co Donegal as early as they can remember, states.

My family was planted here from Scotland in the early 1600’s and the first two who were planted here were 2 brothers called John and Gabriel Holmes. They were planted about 1610. They came came from Scotland and settled on 11 acres of land and over the centuries they moved very little from that same area. There was an old tradition among Presbyterians – it was said that they didn’t marry unless they could see the smoke of the chimney of their wife’s place.

William goes on to to mention that the family included a long succession of Presbyterian ministers, one of who was my ancestor, Rev William Homes of Strabane. You can watch the full interview here. (see 13:35 mark). https://www.donegalculture.ie/en/services/archives/county-archives-collection/oral-history-collections

This isn’t to say that the Gabriels mentioned by Hugh and William are the same person, but it may indicate that the name does run in the family.

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Family Connections & Questions

The tree above shows Justice Hugh Holmes‘ connections to the various Holmes that I have been discussing in my last three posts (see Holmes of Strabane pt3, pt4 and pt5).

I am still puzzling over the exact relationship of brothers Dr John Holmes, MD and Robert Holmes (d.1862) to Justice Hugh Holmes. In his memoirs Robert Wilson Hamilton (see my last post) states that Harriett Georgina Holmes was a close cousin of the Justice and that he attended the 1894 wedding of their daughter Harriett Georgina Hamilton to Bartholomew Hebert McCorkell.

We also know that the Justice’s uncle Valentine Holmes left money to Dr. John Holmes who he called cousin. It is true that Dr. John Holmes married Mary Holmes, the niece of Valentine, and that “cousin” can represent a number of relationships, but the Hamilton memoirs give me pause. I am not sure that the Justice would be called the close cousin to the niece of a man who married his first cousin. I suspect a closer relationship.

We have a couple of clues with the involvement of Henry Stewart Hamilton as witness to a couple of Holmes deeds.

In 1850, Robert Holmes of Strabane Brewer, granted Isabella Porter of Londonderry (possibly the daughter of Rev Cunningham Porter) an annuity off his properties in Strabane. This provision carried forward in future deeds as the property went to Robert’s sons, William and Edward, and eventually in 1864 to Mary Jane Holmes (probably the sister of John, Valentine and William Holmes). This last deed⁽⁵⁾ was witnessed by James Holmes of Navenny (son of William Holmes and Isabella Porter) and Henry Stewart Hamilton (husband of Harriett Georgina Holmes).

Henry Stewart Hamilton is involved in another deed⁽⁶⁾. In 1864 He along with Ross Hastings purchased from Peter Meehan the lands of Dreenan lately in the possession of James Holmes.

This points to a likely connection to Homes of Navenny, Dreenan & Glencovet.

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Navenny, Dreenan & Glencovet

Just south of Stranorlar, where William Holmes (1769-1832) and his family are buried are the three adjacent townlands of Dreenan, Navenny and Glencovet.

Holmes have been on these lands since at least 1741. The families were clearly related as the following deed illustrates.

On 1 May 1741 Oliver McCausland let to Robert Holmes of Navenny the the east division of Navenny  for 31 years or the natural lives of the said Robert Holmes, John Holmes son to Wm Holmes of Glencovet & James Holmes, son to Gabriel Holmes late of Dreenan⁽⁷⁾.

I should also note that Holmes have been on nearby Ballynacor since as early as 1663, when John Holmes and William Hamilton Esq. held the lands of Cloghfin and their parts of Ballynacor from John Kingsmill⁽⁸⁾.

As usual we are left with as many questions as answers, so the the research continues. I plan to explore the families of Navenny, Glencovet, Dreenan and Ballynacor in a future post.

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References

1. PRONI MIC197/1 – Memoirs of Hugh Holmes (1840-1916)

2. One Man in His Time, Hugh Holmes, Square One Publications, Worcester, United Kingdom, 1991

3. The Ulster Port Books, R.J. Hunter, 2020, p.50

4. Donegal City Council, The Echoes of the Decade Oral History Project – https://www.donegalculture.ie/en/services/archives/county-archives-collection/oral-history-collections

5. Memorial of a certain Indenture of an assignment 23 Feb 1864 Between Peter Meehan of Stranorlar in the County of Donegal Merchant of the one part and Ross Hastings and Henry Stewart Hamilton both of the City of Londonderry Merchants of the other part whereby after Reciting as therein is recited It was witnessed that for the common therein mentioned to the said Peter Willhan did bargain sell assign transfer and set over unto the said Ross Hastings and Henry Stewart Hamilton their executors administrators and assigns all That the herein before recited judgment together with the sum of Fifty one pound one shilling then due and owing on foot there and all and every sum and sums of money then or thereafter to become due thereon and other the premises hereby assigned to the said Low Hastings and Henry Stewart Hamilton their exors admors and assigns to and for his and he own use absolutely and said Indenture further Witnessed that for the consons aforesaid He the said Peter Meehan did grant bargain sell alien release and confirm unto the said Rose Hastings and Henry Stewart Hamilton their heirs exors admors and assigns all that and those that part and parcel of the lands of Dreenan containing by a survey thereof then lately made forty five acres and twenty three perches Cunningham measure be the same more or less with the house heresale belonging as the same were lately in possession of James Holmes Situate lying and being in parish of Donaghmore Barony of Raphoe and County of Donegal aforesaid the said lands by Indenture dated the thirteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty & we were assigned by said James Holmes unto said Patrick M. Gillaway To hold unto him his exors admors and assigns for the remainder of the term of the Indenture of the First February one thousand eight hundred and forty eight originally granted of said lands unto said James Holmes at the yearly rent of Eighteen pounds fifteen shillings and seven pence sterling and also all that and those that farm and with the houses thereon in the Counland of Duman as now in the possession of the said M. Gallaway containing by a survey thereof eighteen acres and one perch Cunningham measure in the parish of Donaghmore Barony of Raphoe and County of Donegall said lands by succature made the first day of October one thousand eight hundred and sixty between Peter Hammond Esquire being Trustee of the estate of Sir Robert Bateson Bar of the first part the said Sir Robert Palison of the second part and said Patrick M. Gallaway of the third part To hold for the term of Twenty years at the yearly rent of Nineteen pounds six Shillings and two pence sterling and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders yearly and other the rents issues and propts thereof and all the estate right title interest use trust property possession claim and demand whatsoever both at Law and in Equity of the said Peter Mehan in and said and and tenements herediance and premises respectively and every part and parts thereof To hold the aforesaid and tenements hereditaments and premises with their and every of their appurtenances thereby released or intended is to be unto the said Ross Hastings and Henry Stewart Hamilton their heirs exors admors and assigns until the said Judgment Mortgage and all monies due and to become due thereon shall be fully paid and satisfied and for all other the estate term and interest of the said Peter Meehan therein and hereto respectively and which said Deed and this memorial as to their execution respectively by said Hastings are witnessed by Thomas Henry Gentleman and Hugh Gaston Rogan Solicitor both of the city Londonderry and said Indenture as to its execution by said Peter Meehan is witnessed by said Thomas Henry and Hugh Gaston Rogan Ross Hastings seal signed sealed & delivered in presence of Thomas Dear , many Gentleman Hugh G. Rogan Sale . The within named Thomas Henry of the City of Londonderry in the City and County of any Gentleman aged sixteen years and upwards maketh oath and saith he this Deponent is a subscribing witness to the Indenture of which the within writing is a memorial and also to the within memences and that he did see the said Indenture and memorial respectively signed sealed and duly executed by ” Ras Hastings one of the parties hereto and that the name Thomas Henry ” subscribed as a witness to said indenture and memorial resply and also subscribed to his affidavit is this Deponents proper name and of his handwriting Thomas Henry Sworn before me this 12th day of March 1864 (RD 1864/9/186)

6. Memorial of an indented deed 9 Dec 1865 between Edward Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone Brewer of the one part , and Miss Mary Jane Holmes of Strabane in the County of Tyrone , Spinster of the other part Whereby after writing as is therein recited said Indenture witnessed that for the considerations therein mentioned . He the said Edward Holmes did grant bargain sell assign transfer and set over , alien release convey and confirm , unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrator and assigns , firstly . All that and those two houses tenements and premises in the Back Street of Strabane formerly in the possession of Charles Humphrey , and afterwards in the actual occupation and possession of the therein named Robert Holmes, and then or late in the possession of the said Edward Holmes party thereto and his under tenants measuring in front to the said Back Street thirty two feet or thereabouts and running backwards to Butcher Street . Bounded on the North by the house and premises formerly occupied by Thos McNeilance then in the possession of Michael Braddan , on the South by the premises then in the occupation of William Barnhill , on the West by said Back Street , and on the last by premises formerly in the occupation of James Miller and Hugh M Daid , and secondly . All that and those that dwelling house messuage and premises in the Front Street of the Town of Straban formerly occupied as a Police Barracks afterwards in the possession of the said Robert Holmes deceased and then or late in the possession of said Edward Holmes party thereto and his under tenants being the premises comprised in and demised by the said Indenture of lease of Eighteenth December one thousand eight hundred and forty one therein before recited and thirdly all that and those the two Tenements situate in Barrack street and also two Tenements in Grant or Meeting House Street Strabane as the same were formerly in the possession of the therein mentioned Charles James Brown and his under tenants afterwards in the occupation and possession of the said Robert Holmes and his undertenants , and part of which was used by said Robert Holmes as a Brew House , Malt house stable byre sheds and yard and then or late in the possession of the said Edward Holmes party thereto and his under tenants , being the premises mentioned and described in the said Indenture of thirteenth January one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven therein before rented and fourthly all that and those the said dwelling house in the Front Street of Strabane then in the occupation of Nancy McCanly held by Lease under the Reverend Alexander Sinclair Humpheys with all and singular the improvements and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining , all which said several premises are situate lying and being in the Town of Strabane Parish of Camus Barony of Strabane and County of Tyron , and Fifthly , all that and those all the Household goods furniture and chattels , stock in trade Moneys Book and other debts Brewery and all the fixtures in said Brewery and implements and utensils for Brewing and carrying on the Brewery trade Horses carts drays barrels . Black cattle and pigs , and all and every , the articles utensils goods and chattels in said Brewery or connected therewith and all other the goods chattels and effects of every nature and kind whatsoever of him the said Edward Holmes or which he could claim , and the appurtenances , and all his estate and interest therein To Hold the said firstly therein before mentioned and described premises , with all and singular the rights privileges appurtenances and appendances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining , and all improvements made or thereafter to be made thereon respectively with their and every of their appurtenances , unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns , To the only proper use of the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns for ever , and to Hold the said secondly therein before mentioned and described premises with the rights privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining , and all improvements made and to be made thereon , with the appurtenances , unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrators and assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the Term for lives and years granted by the said Original lease of Eighteenth December one thousand eight hundred and forty one therein before recited , and for and during all such other and further term as might for ever thereafter be granted or obtained thereof , in any manner howsoever . and to Hold the said thirdly therein before mentioned and described Tenements hereditaments and premises , with the appurtenances unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns , to the only proper use and behoof of the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs and assigns for ever . and to Hold the said fourthly therein before mentioned and described premises unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrators and assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the said lease thereof , therein before mentioned , and to Hold the said Fifthly therein before described goods chattels and effects therein before mentioned and described unto the said Mary Jane Holmes her heirs executors administrators and assigns , as her and their proper goods and chattels for ever . Subject however to the respective head rents taxes and charges payable out of the said several and respective Tenements hereditaments and premises , or any part or parts thereof , and which said deed as to the execution and perfection thereof by the parties thereto . And this memorial as to the execution and perfection thereof by the said Edward Holmes are respectively witnessed by James Holmes of Naveny in the County of Donegal , Farmer and Henry Stewart Hamilton of Londonderry in the City and County of Londonderry Merchant , Edward Holmes Seal . Signed and sealed in presence of James Holmes, Henry Stewart Hamilton , James Holmes of Naveny in the County of Donegal , Farmer , aged thirty years and upwards maketh oath and saith he is a subscribing witness to the deed whereof this writing is a memorial , and to said Memorial respectively , and saith he saw said deed and Memorial respectively duly executed by the said Edward Holmes party thereto , and saith the name James Holmes subscribed as a witness to the execution of said deed and memorial respectively is deponents proper name and handwriting as Holmes Sworn Before me at Sharon in the County of Tyrone this Eleventh day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty five (RD 1865/35/294)

7. 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 [Navenny] 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)

8. Chancery bill dated March 3, 1700, William Lord Viscount Mountjoy states that John Kingsmill late of Andover in the Kingdom of England, being seized in fee of the Manor of Castlefinn, County Donegal did by several deeds indented, of lease, in July 1663 demise several holdings to several tenants under several yearly rents, and particularly: Robert Ellott or those under whom Robert Ellott derives, held the lands of Rawes, being parcel of the said manor, at the yearly rent of £3.14.6, John Sims and James Browne held the lands of Maghrycallaghan, Tooliffe and Cormykilly, being part of said manor at the yearly rent of £13.7.0, John Sims held the lands of Magheryreagh and Bellnacorr – John Holmes and William Hamilton Esq. held the lands of Cloghfin and their parts of Bellnacor – Andrew Gamble, John Wilson and James Waghop held the lands of Fyfinn, part of the same manor at the yearly rent of £8.2.0, Michael Stevenson held the lands of Coolislin and Drumnaha – which leases were to commence on 1st May 1663; further that pursuant to these said leases the tenants paid their rent unto the said John Kingsmill till the late Rebellion broke out, after which rebellion was suppressed one Thomas Newburgh made application to the said John Kingsmill for a lease of the manor, who by Deed dated 15th August 1692 demised to him all his manor of Castlefinn.    Letitia Newburgh his widow; Thomas Newburgh died May 1693; John Kingsmill died 26th August 1693.” (TGA, Thrift’s abstracts Bundle 13 nos. 3043-3315, File:3099)