John Mc Kinley

I suggest you investigate the local parish records looking for the marriage between John & Bridget. You may at least get the date from that. However you probably won?t get his parents names as RC marriage records from that time normally only recorded the couples names and that of the 2 witnesses. No parents etc. You can see what parish records exist and where copies are kept on this link:

http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/counties/rcmaps/antrimrc.htm

In addition you might want to look at the tithe applotment records (1820s/1830s) for Culfeightrin, which are in PRONI, Belfast because, if the farm was in the family then, you may well find John?s father?s name there. The tithes for Co Antrim are not on-line and a personal visit is usually required to look them up.

Another potential source would be the Antrim Estate tenancy records, which again are deposited in PRONI. There were two books for every year from about 1815 onwards (rent was paid twice a year), and so you can see who occupied the farm from them, as well as when there were changes to the tenants. They are in paper form and are not on-line.

I was unable to locate a civil marriage index record for the couple but did locate a baptismal index record which showed that Bridget's maiden name was Sinclair. The 1862 Griffiths Valuation head of household listing for Culfeightrim civil parish (which includes Ballyreagh Upper) shows a Daniel Sinclair in Ballyreagh Upper townland. Good possibility, he is the father of Bridget. There were about 20 McKinley records including a John in Ballyreagh Upper. This could be the father or uncle of John since he would have been only 17.

Roger McDonnell

http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/antrim/culfeightrin.htm

Roger,

Thank you for your prompt assistance.  I will try to get to PRONI next time I am in Belfast.

Take care

Sam.

Sam,

The Antrim Estates records are all held in PRONI in a series beginning D2977. You?ll need to search the e-catalogue for all the rental records but for example D2977/8 are rent books 1816 ? 1938. That?s probably the series you need.

Elwyn

Hello Elwyn,

Thanks for the information which is much appreciated.  We live in N.E. Australia above Cairns so it is difficult from here.  I hope to be in Belfast next year so I will try to set up an appointment before we leave here.  I have been using Irish Roots but not all records are online even with the Mormon's site.  It would have been good if the churches had recorded the parents as witnesses at births.

Take care

Sam. and thanks again everyone.