Holmes Genealogy

Homes, Joseph Balteagh 1740 Protestant Householders Carnet

Memorial of article of bargain and seal dated Nov 1, 1745 whereby JOSEPH Holmes of Carnet sells to James Horner of the same town his one sixth interest in the town of Carnet held by lease under the Earl of Tyrone which lease was granted to Samuel Horner on January 1734 and 35 and a trust declared in favor of JOSEPH Holmes for the said sixth part. Witnessed by John Clark and Robert Gould of Carnet. Memorial signed and sealed by James Horner and witnessed by Robert Gould and Henry Erskine of Derrymore, Co Derry on Jan 29, 1757 (RD 184/384/123457)

JOSEPH Holmes on 1766 Religious Survey as Dissenter from Carrick (https://virtualtreasury.ie/item/PRONI-T808-15264)

Deed of assignment dated 16 Jul 1794. High Sheriff to Joseph Holmes of Straw the lands of Straw and Ardinarive occ by George Holmes. (RD 479/425/307961)

Newtown Limavady

A Memorial of an Assignment bearing Date 17 Jul 1734 betwixt Hugh Martin of Carrowmuddle in the County of Londonderry of the of the one part and John Martin his Eldest Son of the same of the other part whereby the said Hugh Martin for and in Consideration of a portion for his said son John did assign and convey over to the said John Martin his heirs Exr admr or assigns all his the said Hugh Martins Right Title and Interest in and to a third part of his possession in the Town land of Carrowmuddle.. witnessed by William Martin, George Criswell and James Criswell all of Carromodel aforesaid Farmers and this Memorial is also witnessed by the said William Martin and by Joseph Holmes of Newtown Limavady in the County of Londonderry Yeoman …16th day of June 1755 at Ballikelly in the County of Londonderry (RD 176/107/117911)

MARTHA Holmes, spinster of Tullyleague in the Barony of Tyrhugh, Co Donegal provided mortgage to Michael McClery of Tatnakelly [Tartnakilly] on Apr 28,1736. Witnessed by Andrew McIlwaine, Jr (McIlvaine) and William McIlvaine and James Ash, all of Londonderry. (RD 86/165/59793) – see Altnagelvin for more on MARTHA [Note:Martha was the sister of the Rev John Holmes of Donegal and later Glendermott]

From Records of the town of Limavady 1609 to 1808 ed. E M F Boyle, L’derry 1912:

• 29 Sept 1763 Samuel Holmes and Joseph Irwin Apprizors
• 29 Sept 1765 Samuel Holmes and John Pigot Appraisers
• 29 Sept 1768 Samuel Holmes and John Starrett Applotters.
• 29 Sept 1774 Samuel Holmes Applotter.

1769 lease from Thomas Boyle to Alexander Boyle of a house in Newtown Limavady lately held by SAMUEL Holmes. Witnessed by Daniel Hunter, William Mullen and George Given. Memorial witnessed by Hamilton Magennis. (RD 281/20/179887)

SAMUEL Holmes on 1766 Religious Census – Dissenter (PRONI Name Index)

Marriage settlement 4 May 1768 for marriage of ELIZABETH Holmes, daughter of WILLIAM Holmes of Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, merchant and James Boyle of Newtownlimavady, Co. Londonderry, Gent.  James Boyle transfers to WILLIAM Holmes his lands Limavady and in Ballimore, Newtownlimavady.. Witnessed by Alexander Boyle of  Newtown Limavady, merchant, John Mossam of Armagh and Alexander McKenzie of Donaghmore, Co Tyrone. Memorial witnessed by Alexander McKenzie and William Hamilton of Mount Hamilton (RD 260/349/172084) [Note: see Co Tyrone notes for more on this family…also Ancestry tree]

Memorial of articles of agreement dated 7 July 1768 whereby William Moore of Newtownlimavady, Co. Londonderry  did sell to the Rev. Benjamin McDowel of Ballykelly, the townland of Burnally held in the right of Viscount Cunningham. Witnessed by Ezekiel Moore and SAMUEL Holmes, both of Newtownlimavady and by John Snell of Magilligan all in Co, Londonderry. Memorial witnessed by Ezekiel Moore and Jasper Martin of Newtownlimavady. Registered 19 Aug 1768.  (RD 267/339 /172019)

A memorial of an Indenture of lease bearing date 3 Nov 1769 between Thomas Boyle of Newtown Limavady and County of Londonderry Gent and Alexander Boyle of the Town and County aforesaid Merchant of the other part whereby the said James Boyle for the Considerations in said Lease mentioned did demise grant unto the said Alex Boyle all that and those the House & Garden and one acre close lately held by Samuel Holmes together with that close of Land called Scotts Land contain five acres be the same more or less situate and lying in the Town of Newtown Limavady parish of Drumaco and Co of Londonderry To hold unto the said Alexander Boyle his – Exors admors and assigns for and during the Term of the Life of the said James Boyle or fourty one years which last longest from the fourth day of November last past ┃ at and under the yearly Rent of Ten pounds Sterling with clauses of distress and entry and other Clauses ┃ Common and usual between Landlord and Tenant which said Indenture of Lease is witnessed by Paul Hunter, William Mullan and George Given all of Newtown Limavady┃ Lemanady aforesaid and this Memorial is witnessed the said George Given and Hamilton Magenniss of Newtown Lemavady (RD 281/20/179887)

A Memorial of an Indre of Lease bearing date 16 Jun 1772 made and conclud All upon by and between James Boyle Sen and Alexander Boyle both of the Kilaish Lodge in the County of Tyrone Gent of the one part , and Geo Tyler of Newtown Limavady in the County of Lendenderry Gent of the other hood whereby it is witness that the said James & Alexander Boyle did demise grant set and to farm let unto said Geo Tyler all that part of Bellmore … then in the position of S. Holmes and McLaughlin and on the other side by the farm then in the possion of Newman Moore and in the one and by the farm then in the posson of the Hymns and on the other and by Syllydrum together with that part of the Mountain then lately divided and laid by the tenants in the Town part of which was set to and afterwards given ⎬ up by Mr Geo . Olney of Newton Cready aforesd which premes are near in the south by the farm in said Town , then lately set to the aforesd Geo Tylor and on the North by hilly drum , on the East by the other half town of Bellmore on the West by Knochanders mearing containg in all twelve acres , contain in all twelve Conningham mean be the same more or less all which names were then the actual posson of the said Geo . Tylor to have and to hold unto the said George Lyle his heirs and Admrs & ass forever at and under the yearly 2836 Herrall all 10 469 year rent of two pounds seven shillings with Clause of Distress and reentry and other Clauses common and usual between Landford & tenant which said Indenture of Lease is witness by Saml Holmes and James Sterret both of Newtown Limavady aforesd Innkeeper and J. Robertson of Govan in the parish of Aghadovey & Co. of Londonderry aforesd farmer and this mem is witness by the said J. Robertson and John Ross of said Town of Newtownlimavaddy Gent Geo Tylor seal signed and sealed in presence of John Robertson Richd Ross . The above named Jno Robertson maketh oath that he did see the above named James Boyle Law and Alex Boyle and Geo Upton duly Execute the Indenture of Lease (RD 455/468/293684)

1740 Protestant Householders
Homes, Gabriel Tamlaght Finlagan – Moys
Homes. George Tamlaght Finlagan – Sistrakeel
Homes. Hugh Tamlaght Finlagan – Broglasco
Homes. John Tamlaght Finlagan – Ballykelly
Homes. John Tamlaght Finlagan – Broighter
Humes. Samuel Tamlaght Finlagan – Sistrakeel
Humes. Samuel Tamlaght Finlagan – Drumballydonaghy

Ballykelly Presbyterian Register of Marriages, 1699-1739: [original in Presbyterian Historical Society]: A true Account of all ye persons proclaimed & after ye year married by Mr Jon Stirling, Min’r of ye Gospel in Ballykelly parish. (https://www.cotyroneireland.com/marriages/ballykelly.html) and (PRONI MIC 1P/208 A/4)

• JON Homs & Elisabeth Robison, Ballymoney are to be proclaimed next Lord’s day ?br 15 1707
• Jon: Neel [Neil] in Desert [Desertoghill] & MARTHA Homs in Fauchanveal are allowed the benefite of proclaimation in ordeur to marriage Feb’y 24th 1710
• Arch’d Holm’s in Ballykelly & Martha Gowan in Burt 7br 22d 1711
• Arthur O’Mullan in Kilrea & MARY Holms in Ballykelly are allowed ye benefite of proclaimation Xbr 14 1711
• Alexr flimen & Janet Holms both in Ballykelly 11 Jun 1714 m 8 July 1714
• Michael Carswell & Janet Holms 14 Jan 1714-15/17 Feb 1714-15
• Joseph Holms in Ballykelly & Sheusanna Harve in Balteach 26 Apr 1719 proc.
• James Holms & Eliza Holms both of Ballykelly proc 9br 12, 1720
• Hugh Rodger in Magilligan & Mary Holms in Ballykelly proc 27 Aug 1721, marr. 7br 28, 1721
• William Davy [Davys or Davis] & Elizabeth Holms proc 24 Aug 1723
• ABRAM Holms in Ballywilling [Ballywillin] & Janet Hopkins in Ballykelly are allowed proclaimation 9br 6 1725
• Gabriel Holms & Martha Hym Ballykelly proc Apr 7, 1727
• George Con & Rachel Holms proc. 7br 8th 1728

8 Jul 1728 George Conn m. Rachel Holms in Ballykelly Church (Presb.), Drumachose parish, Co Londonderry (The Scottish and Irish Background of the Rev Hugh Conn, Familia, UHF, 1994 p.41) 
[Note: Rachel was the sister of the Rev John Holmes of Donegal and later 2nd Glendermott as proved by the wills of him and his sister Martha – see Altnagelvin. Based on the wills it also appears that Janet who m. Michael Carswell, Mary who m. Hugh Roger, and Elizabeth who m. William Davy above were also sisters … see Ancestry tree]

Andrew Hunter, the first one from whom is traced an unbroken line, was born about 1640 in Scotland , it is thought at the ancestral seat of the Hunter’s since 1150, Hunterston , county Ayr. He settled at Clogan [Clagan], Londonderry, Ireland. Had four children children.. Died 1734, living to almost the centry mark. His eldest son , Hugh Hunter, married Isabella Semple, had five children – Andrew , Nicholas, Elizabeth ( married Carr ) , David, and Nancy, who married a Willock, and remained in Ireland . He died in 1732, naming his father as executor in his will, made in the Parish of Tamlaghtfinlagan, county of Londonderry, Ireland. The Hunter estate adjoined the Holmes estate of Bally Kelly, both families owning extensive property. Andrew had the Clogan [Clagan] estate ; Paul Hunter one-half of Machrymore [Magheramore]; John Hunter had Tartna Kelly [Tartnakilly], etc. , etc. The Hunter, Holmes, and Carr families intermarried , and members of each family came to America about the same time, 1740-50. (West Virginia Historical Magazine, v5, p.151)

PRONI T2324/1 
Hunter-Holmes family, Tamlaght-Finlagan, Co. Londonderry. Genealogical notes
HUGH Holmes owned an estate of 400 acres at Ballykelly, 3 miles west of Hunter’s Cloghan Farm. Hugh was the father of JOSEPH Holmes born at Ballykelly 22 Aug 1746 and m.1767 Rebecca Hunter b. 8 Nov 1748 at York, PA. JOSEPH was a captain in the Revolution and commanded a prison camp at Winchester, VA. Joseph and Rebecca had 13 children:

1. Judge HUGH Holmes b.8 Nov 1767 = m.20 Dec 1761 Elizabeth Briscoe
2. DAVID Holmes b.10 Mar 1770 d.1833. Governor of Mississippi
3. MARGARET Holmes = Rev Marsh LeGrand
4. JOSEPH – died in infancy
5. ?
6. ELIZABETH Holmes = Edward McGuire
7. REBECCA Holmes = Daniel Conrad
8. JOSEPH – died young
9. HORATIUS Holmes  b.1783 d.1800
10. NANCY Holmes d.20 Jul 1819  = General Elija Boyd
11. GERTRUDE = William Moss
12. JOSEPH b.1789 d.1810
13. ANDREW Hunter Holmes b.1792 d.1812 died in War of 1812
    [Note: see Ancestry tree]

Memorial of agreement dated Oct 29, 1785 whereby JAMES Holmes of Bellynarrug, Co. Londonderry gives to GABRIEL Holmes, his son of the same place, one third part of the land that James the possessed known by the name of Rough Hill. Witnessed by James Pursley and John Pursley, both of Sessagh, Co. Londonderry and Samuel Martin of the city of Dublin, atty. (RD 374/150/248470)

Derry Will 16 Jun 1796
JAMES Holmes of Ballynarrogen in Parish of Ballykelly & Co Londonderry. I bequeath to my wife JANE Holmes the two houses and gardens in the low town…with the rent from the Heathy faul…for life. I allow GABRIEL, JOHN and JAMES each for themselves to sow one peck of flaxseed and each to out wind and draw thiry creels of turf to my wife Jane during her lifetime…My daughter JANE is to live with her mother & share benefits. If daughter JANE survive her mother she is to have one half of the rent of the Heathy faul and one house and garden in the low town…if she marry I allow JOHN and JAMES to pay her 3 pounds…when she has a child or heir….I bequeath to son GABRIEL one-third of Rough Hill as it is now laid off and in his possession. To my son JOHN one-third of Rough Hill and the barn…to my son JAMES one-third of Rough Hill and the dwelling house…my sons are “each to perform his part to his mother”…to my daughter HANNAH 30 pounds….the fortunes of daughters HANNAH and JANE to be paid by my sons JOHN and JAMES in equal shares. My sons JOHN and JAMES are to have the 2 houses and gardens in lowtown and the Heathy faul at their mother’s death. My daughter MARTHA has already got off her fortune for which reason I am silent…my daughter ELIZABETH is paid her fortune too…my wife and daughter JANE to live either in the lowtown or the Heathy faul as they may please…Two cows are to be sold to defray the funeral expenses, or if sons JOHN and JAMES wish to keep them, let them answer the cost…My family are to live together at present as crops will support them all. If any of my family is not pleased with what I have done let them pay down 600 pounds and they shall possess my whole farm the money to be divided among the rest. Executors: Archibald Jackson, Robert Kellan of Boveva. Witnesses: John Jackson, Andrew Jackson. Probate to Exrs 12 Mar 1797
(PRONI T/681 p.401)…see will image

Indre of Lease of assignment dated 1 Feb 1816 made Between John Holmes of Ballynarrack in the parish of Tamlaghtfinlaggan in the County of Londonderry farmer of the one part and John Catherwood Ballyhanna in said County farmer of the other part Whereby the said John Holmes for and in Consideration of the sum of $ 290 By him in hand paid did Demise Grant sell assign and for ever make over unto the said John Catherwood all that the one third of the one half of Quarter of the said Lower Land of Ballynarack Commonly Called and known by the name the Rough Hill Cont by Estimation 12 acres or thereabouts let the same more or Less as also to the one half of two dwelling Houses and Gardens in that part of Ballynarrath aforesaid Commonly called the Lower town …witnessed by William Church and Wm Johnson both of Coleraine … (RD 698/434/479135)

A Memorial of an Indented Deed of Conveyance bearing date 29 Sep 1823 made Between Hugh Boyd and Robert Boyd his son both of Sesnaugh in the County of Londonderry farmers of the one part and John Gilfillan of Moyse in said County farmer of the other part which said Indenture after reciting as therein witnessed that the said Hugh Boyd and Robert Boyd for the considerations therein mentioned did Grant Bargain sell assign alien release and confirm unto the said John Gilfillan … the Townland of Sascrean ( now called Sasnaugh , then in the occupation and possession of the said Hugh Boyd and Robert Boyd … occupied possessed and enjoyed by the said Hugh Boyd and Robert Boyd … for and during the natural life and lives of all such other person and persons as should for ever thereafter be added and inserted to the time and term of the said original Lease made of said Townland to the Lesses therein named by the late William Connolly Esqr d…witnessed by John Boyle of Dungiven Gent and James Holmes of Ballynarrog farmer both in the County Londonderry and this Memonal as to the Execution thereof by the said Hugh Hugh Boyd and Robert Boyd the Grantors in said Deed is witnessed by the said John Boyd and James Holmes and said Deed is hereby required to be registered pursue and to the act in that case made by us the said Hugh Boyd and Robert Boyd as witness our hands and seals this twentieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and twenty three … 11th day of Novr 1823 (RD 786/124/531659)

A Memorial of an Indented Deed bearing date 13 May 1825 made between John Catherwood of Ballyhuma [Ballyhanna?] County of Londonderry of the one part and James Holmes of Ballynarog in the County of L’Derry of the other part Whereby the said John Catherwood … hath granted.. unto the said James Holmes in his actual possession then being & & his heirs and assigns all that and Those ten acres of the Town and Lands of Ballynarog situate lying and being in the County of Londonderry and also a proportional share of the undivided Mountain and Bog belonging to said Townland with all Houses Gardens rights members and appurtenances thereto belonging To have and to hold the said Lands and premisses for and during the term yet to come and unexpired of the last renewal of the Original Lease by which said Townland of Ballinarrog , is held under Robt Ogilby Esqr … witnessed by John Martin of Culmore and John Gilfillan of Ballyarog both in the County of Londonderry and this memorial is Executed by the said John Catherwood and Witnessed by said John Martin and Robt Kerr of Newtown Limavady in said County of Londonderry… 11 Apr 1825  (RD 801/406/540942)

John Holmes b.1819. Emigrated to Australia. He married Letitia Jenkinson 1858. Series of letters to family back in Ireland. (httgps://freepages.rootsweb.com/~dicummings/genealogy/Holmes.htm) and (https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~dicummings/genealogy/HolmesLetters.htm)

MARGARET Holmes was buried in Ballykelly Cemetery 15 Feb 1880.  (FL 2.4. p. 14)

Broighter

Advert in Freemans Journal:
“At a meeting of the freeholders in the par of Tamlaghtfinlagan at the meeting house of Ballykelly in the County of L’derry June the 9th 1774 they unanimously came to the following resolutions:
Resolved that the late Act of Parliament by which Dissenters are precluded voting at vestries, is unconstitutional, unjust, highly injurious to a very respectable part of his Majesty’s Protestant subjects and calculated to sow the seeds of dissension and increase the emigration to America.
Resolved, that our present representatives, the Rt Hon Thomas Conolly and the Rt Hon Edward Cary, in consenting to it have betrayed their trust and justly forfeited our future confidence.
Resolved therefore, unless they use their utmost influence to have it repealesd at the meeting of next sessions of Parliament, it is our determined purpose upon the ensuing election to oppose them to the utmost of our power, and to co-operate with our independent brethren in the County to bring in as our future representatives, men who we hope may pay a greater regard to the good of the public in general and of their constituents in particular.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.”
At a subsequent enquiry of the Landlord’s agent:
Daniel Holmes of Broeghter “wd not give an answer candidly.”
Joseph  Holmes of Broeghter declared he subscribed for petition to Parl.
Gabriel Holmes of Sisrokeel, “declared he never heard the contents nor did he ever subscribe.”
James Holmes of Ballynarog “decclared he subscribed for petition to Parl.”
Samuel Humes of Sisrokeel “declared he never subscribed nor was he ever applied to for the purpose.”
Michael Crisswell of Ned
Hunter of Tarnakelly
(From Aspects of Irish Social History: D/2094/46 Carew MSS)

The will of MARGARET Holmes (Hoalms) was probated in 1809.  (DW) 

Memorial of indented Deed [of mortgage] dat 2 Dec 1822 betw 1) James Holmes of Braughter [Broighter in Tamlaght Finlagan p.] Co L’derry and 2) the Rev Marcus McCausland of Streeve whereby in consdn of sum of £91.19.9 Holmes grants McCausland that part of the town and lands of Burnally  11 acs 3 r. comprising the park at the back of James Scott’s house known as the Moss field, and the park known as the Back Brae, to hold for lives subj. to redemptn; deed wit James Martin of Culmore Co L’derry [only]; mem. wit J M and John Martin both of Culmore; Jas Martin sworn at N’Limavady 22 Jan 1823. (RD 778/213/526948)

The will of ANN Holmes was dated 1824.  (DW) 
Derry Will dated 28 Jan 1824
ANNE Holmes, Tamlaghfinlagan, widow of the late DANIEL Holmes of Broughter, Co Londonderry. I bequeath to my only son JAMES Holmes of Broughter and his heirs all my worldly possessions lands…goods…my son JAMES is to pay to each of his surviving brothers-in-law, John Ross and John Hanson 1/- each of they demand same…Executors: my son JAMES Holmes and MARY Holmes his wife. Witnesses: Joseph Dixon and Patrick McAuley
(PRONI T/681 p.409)

Derry Will.
James Holmes, Tamlaghtfinlagan, 1825.
Endorsed:- “Last Will of James Holmes of Breaghter Parish of Tamlaghtfinlagan gent.
“I James Holmes of Breaghter…… I order:- all my estates real and personal to be equally divided between my three daughters Mary Anne Holmes, Jane Holmes, and Catherine Holmes with this exception that I bequeath to my beloved daughter Mary Anne 2 of the 3 acres in Commons which I purchased from William Hemphill the other acre being now in the possession of William Brolly & part of the money paid by him to my wife Mary Holmes alias Moore while she remains unmarried and lives with her family they are to pay her £18 between them a year…… if she marry again, this annuity is to cease and she is to have L100 paid by my three daughters. If my daughters die, their money is to be equally divided between my two sisters’ (no names given) & lawful heirs. My debts are to be paid out of all my property in Crindle. The profits arising from Barnally to assist in supporting the family in Breaghter if permitted to live there. Executors: – John Martin of Culmore Esq.. James Scott, Burnally and John Moore, Carryclare.
“I leave to William McKillop my faithful servant the house and garden which he now possesses’.
Will signed 22 May 1824. Witnesses: – Joseph Dixon, Margret Keely.
Probate to James Scott & John Moor two of the Exors, 7 April 1825
(under L400). [Note:His daughter CATHERINE Holmes was buried 13 Oct 1858, aged 36.  (FL 2.3 p. 18; DW, courtesy of M. Kyritsis – see will below]

A Memorial of a deed indented 27 Jul 1838 Between Robert Turbett of Newtownlimavady in the County of Londonderry Gentleman of the first part Robert Henry of Ballynagowan in the said County of Londonderry Gentleman of the second part Mary Jane Holmes, Jane Holmes and Catherine Holmes all of Broughter in the County of Londonderry Spinster of the third part and James Scott of Burnally in the County of Londonderry aforesd Gentleman trustee for the purposes hereinafter mentioned for and on behalf of the said Maryanne Holmes Jane Holmes and Catherine Holmes of the fourth part Whereby after reciting as therein is particularly recited said Indenture Witnesseth , that the said Robert Turbett in pursuance of the agreement and in consideration of the sum of Two hundred and fifty pounds sterling to him in hand paid by the said James Scott as trustee for and on behalf of the said Maryanne Holmes, Jane Holmes and Catherine Holmes and the said Robert Henry for and in conson of the sum of Ten shillings Ster to him in hand paid by the said James Scott as such trustee as aforesaid at or before the delivery of said presents the receipt whereof they the said Robert Turbitt and Robert Henry did thereby severally & resply acknowledged and thereof and therefrom severally and respectively acquit release exonerate and discharge the said James Scott his heirs Exors admors and assigns did and each of them did according to their several & respective interests therein by said presents grant bargain sell release and transfer unto the said James Scott trustee as aforesaid for the said Maryanne Holmes Jane Holmes and Catherine Holmes their heirs and assigns ( in his actual poster then being by virtue of a bargain and Sale to him thereof made for one whole year by Indenture bearing date the day next before the day of the date of said presents , in conson of the sum of the five Shillings Sterling and by force of the statute for transferring uses into prison and to his heirs and assed all that and those the said farm of land in Crindle in the Town of Crindle in the Parish of Tamlaghtfinlagan in the Barony of Keenaught & County of Londonderry as formerly in the Possion of the said William Henry Robert Henry and James Henry or any of them and their undertenants containing six acres or thereabouts with all houses rights members privileges and appurs thereunto belonging as comprised in and conveyed and assured by the therein before recited indenture of Lease and release and Mortgage respectively and all the Estate right trust property claim and demand whatsoever at Law or in equity of him the said Robert Turbitt and of him the said Robert Henry of in to or out to the same and any part thereof To have and to hold the lands & premises & all and singular the other hereditament , therein before expressed to be thereby released unto the said James Scott in trust for the use benefit and behoof of the S. Mary Anne Holmes Jane Holmes and Catherine Holmes their heirs and assigns and not otherwise for and during the natural life and lives of the several persons named as certin que vies in the indenture of Lease whereby said lands are now held and for and during all such other and further life and lives as shall from time to time for ever thereafter be added to the term thereof pursuant to the covenant for perpetual renewal in said original Lease contained and said indenture contains other covenants clauses and conditions and the execution of by the parties thereto is witnessed by Robert A Hyndman and John Martin both of Newtownlimavady in the County of Londonderry Solicitor and the Execution of this Memorial by the said Robert Henry is witnessed by the Robert H. Hyndman and George Proctor of Newtownlimavady aforesd his apprentin Witnessed by Robert A. Hyndman, Geo . Proctor (RD 1839/2/76)

From Belfast News Letter edn. 23 Oct 1838: Married “On 15th inst, by the Rev Richard Dill, Thomas Churh Esq of Thistlefield, to Jane, second daughter of the late James Holmes Esq, Broughter, Myroe near Newtownlimavady.”

Memorial of indented deed of lease and release dat 15 Oct 1838 betw 1) Thomas Church of Thistlefield Co L’derry gent. 2) Miss Jane Holmes of Breighter Co L’derry spinster 2nd dau of James Holmes late of Breighter a minor under 21 yrs. and 3) William Patton of Culmore Co L’derry gent [as Trustee]; Thomas Church and Jane Holmes are to marry shortly; once Jane Holmes is 21 then she and Thomas Church will convey to 3) all those parts and proportions of the townlands of Burnally and Crindle in Kernaught B. Co L’derry to which sd Jane Holmes is entitled under will of her father; and Thomas Church conveys to 3) his farm in Back in same Barony; deed and mem wit James Scott of Burnally and John Moore of Carryclare farmers and Hugh Lane of N’Limavady attorney; H L reg. Dublin 17 Nov 1838. (RD 1838/21/81)

From Londonderry Sentinel edn. 7 July 1849: L’derry Flower Show – present inc. Miss Holmes and Miss Cherry, Lomond; Alexander Miller Esq, Trench; Dr A and Mrs Skipton; James Cherry Esq and Mrs Cherry, Broughter …..held “in the beautiful grounds of Gwyn’s Institution.

Will dat 13 Oct 1858 of Catherine Holmes of Broughter Co Derry spinster [d. 13 Oct 1858?]; to sisters Mary Anne Douglas o’wise Holmes wife Mr William Douglas N’Limavady woollen draper and Jane Church o’wise Holmes wife of Mr Thomas Church of Thistlefield Co Derry farmer her portion of lands of Crindle and Burnally to hold forever; to sister Margaret Lawrence o’wise Cherry of Ballymote Co Sligo; to my brothers John, James, Joseph and Stephen Cherry of Sligo; niece Bessy Church; Kitty Church; niece Matilda Douglas of N’Limavady; to Sarah Douglas and Mary Anne Galt; to Mrs Catherine Ellis of Coleraine; “to the servants in Broighter and Lomond” a suit of mourning each; my mother Mary Cherry of Broighter; exors Mr John Neely of Burnally farmer and Wm Douglas of N’Limavady; pr 30 April 1859.

Altnagelvin

Rev. JOHN Holmes, minister with the Second Presbyterian Church since 1744, died here 15 May 1773.  His will dated 1 May 1769 was probated 7 Jul 1773.  Legacies to nephews confirmed that MARTHA, below, was his sister.  He was licenced by the Lanark Presbytery in Scotland, and was first ordained in Donegal Town from 27 Sep 1715 to 1744, when he was transferred here.  In 1729 he was called to Ardstraw, Co. Tyrone, but he refused to go.  (HCPCI pp. 23, 388, 503: DW) (PRONI T/681 p.397, T/808 p.7921)…See Historical and Literary Memorials of Presbyterianism in Ireland, p.108

The Presb Meeting House, in Altnagelvin townland, has a tablet in the east gable :- Revd J Holmes 1744

I, John Holmes of Altnagalvin in the liberties of Londonderry, Presbyterian Minister of the Gospel … do make my last will and testament… I bequeath to Mary Ann Marshall, daughter of Thomas Marshall 10 pounds to be put out to interest til she attains 21 years…and in the case of her death to be divided among her brothers and sisters. To the Rev. Jacob Davis my nephew, all the bounty money which shall be due and owing me at the time of my death, and also my library of books…To Janet Carswell of Ned widow, Elizabeth Davis wife of William Davis of Drumaconey and Rachel Conn wife of George Conn of Ned aforesaid…all in the parish of Ballykelly, County Londonderry & James Rogers of the parish of Magilligan & Martha Moore wife of Samuel Moore of the Parish of Macosquin Co Londonderry. The residuary legacy … as follow … to Janet Carswell one-fourth part, to Elizabeth Davis one-fourth part, to Rachel Conn one-fourth part, to James Rodgers and Martha Moore one-fourth part. Will signed 1 May 1769. Executors: Mr Jonathan Cochrane of Kilkerragh [Coolkeeragh], Mr James Smith of Enough [Enagh], Mr Robert Millar of the Trench all the Liberties of Londonderry. Probate 7 Jul 1773 (PRONI T681 p.397)…. [Note: George Conn m. Rachel Holms 8 Jul 1728 in Ballykelly Church (Presb.) – see Ballykelly]

Derry Will
Martha Holmes, Altnagalvan, 1760
I Martha Holmes, spinster of Altnagalvan within the Liberties of Londonderry….having a bond in judgement of 105 pounds perfected to me by Michael McCleery of the lower half of Tatnakilly now deceased in the Parish of Tamlaghtfinlagan Barony of Keenagh County Londonderry…for which bond 48 pounds was due to me on 28 March last and having also 79.18.9 due me, I bequeath:- to my sister Janet Carswell 5 pounds, to Joseph Carswell son to Janet Carswell 5 pounds, to Michael Carswell son to Janet Carswell 10 pounds, to John Carswell son to Janet Carswell 5 pounds, to my sister Mary Rogers in the parish of Magiligan 10 pounds, to be received and expended for her by her son-in-law Samuel Moor in the parish of Macaskey, to James Rodgers son of the said Mary Rogers in the Parish of Magiligan 5 pounds, to my sister Elizabeth Davis of Ochell in the parish of Tamlaghtfinlagan 5 pounds, to Jacob Davis son to said Elizabeth Davis 10 pounds, to Jenet Davis daughter to said Elizabeth Davis 10 pounds, to Rachel Davis daughter to said Elizabeth Davis 10 pounds, to my sister Rachel Conn 10 pounds, to her son Gabriel Conn 10 pounds. Executors: Jonathan Cochrane of Kilkeerach [Coolkeeragh] in Parish of Glendermott, James Smith of Enagh in the parish of Glendermott. I allow my executors to give 69.8.9 to such person among my relations as according to their judgement will have the best title to it…in the law of equity and justice in case he demand it, but if he demand it not during his abode in this life then I order so much of it to be expended on his funeral as will inter his corpse decently… and 10 pounds of it to be given to objects of charity in the parish of Glendermott and 5 pounds to Martha Moor wife of Samuel Moor in the parish of Macaskey… to Elizabeth Bell wife of John Bell in the parish of Macaskey 5 pounds. To Jean Leviston wife of Samuel Leviston, parish of Faunavale… and the rest to be expended and equally divided among Jacob Davis, Janet and Rachel Davis, Michael Carswell and his brother John Carswell, Gabriel Conn and his sister Martha Conn. I order that these legacies be paid till 7 years after my death unless James McCleary pay off his bond within that time. Will signed 14 Sep 1758. Witnesses: Archibald Miller, James Ramage, Robert Miller. Probate to Jonathan Cochrane, James Smith & Robert Miller (witness) 19 Nov 1760 (PRONI T681 p.396)……
[NOTE: Martha was of Tullyleague in the Barony of Tyrhugh, Co Donegal in 1736…………..Memorial of Deed of Mortgage dated Apr 28,1736 whereby MARTHA Holmes, spinster of Tullyleague in the Barony of Tyrhugh, Co Donegal gave mortgage of 105 pounds to Michael McClery of the lower half of Tatnekelly [Tartnakilly], Co of Londonderry, farmer for interest in lower half of Tatnekelly, part of the Manor of Newtownlimavady, in the barony of Kenaght, Co of Londonderry. Witnesses by Andrew Makilwaine, jr and William Makilwaine and James Ashe, all of Londondery.  Memorial dated Nov 19, 1736.(RD 86/165/59793)]