1ST BALLINAHATTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: A HISTORY OF THE CONGREGATION
Extracted from A HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND 1610-1982 (Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland, Belfast (1982)
People in the district petitioned the Burgher Secession Presbytery of Upper Tyrone in Sep. 1804, for “Supply of Sermon”. This was granted in 1805 and a number of families residing in the Ballynahatty area left the congregation of Omagh following a deposition of the Rev. Samuel Delap, and joined the Seceders. They erected a church on the commons of Ballynahatty and called Mr. John Watson as their first minister, who was ordained here on 23 June 1807, the people of Gillygooley were to share in his labours. Mr. Watson’s career was unhappy, and marred by intemperance, and by 1834 the congregation had dwindled away. Mr. Watson was appointed to Gillygooley alone and the Presbytery sent licentiates to Ballynahatty. Ultimately the congregation raised £60 to enable Mr. Watson to emigrate. By 1836, the congregation having recovered somewhat, Mr. John Latimer (lic. Markethill Sec.) was ordained 20 Dec 1836 and the congregation improved steadily, until Mr. Latimer’s sudden death on 1 February 1843. The Rev. W. T. Latimer, of Eglish, a noted historian of the Presbyterian Church, was a son.
After Mr. Latimer’s ministry, Gillygooley became a separate charge, and on 25 May 1843, Mr. John Houston (lic. Omagh) was ordained in Ballynahatty. A manse and farm were bequeathed to the congregation in 1863. Mr. Houston retired on 18 Sep. 1891 and died 4 Feb. 1903.
The Rev. George Brown from Shercock and a native of Eglish was installed 28 July 1892 (Not to be confused with the Rev. James Brown in 2nd Ballynahatty). On 1 May 1928, the Union Committee united 1st and 2nd Ballynahatty, the latter being now known as Creevan. On 2 May 1928 the Rev. George Brown retired from active duty and resigned the united charge. He went as stated supply to Glassleck in 1931. He died 14 May 1938. The new minister of the united congregation was Mr. William Ernest Cochrane (lic. Banbridge) who was ordained 18 Aug 1929. After forty years, Mr. Cochrane retired on 19 July 1969 and Ballynahatty and Creevan were united with Fintona, whose minister, Rev. Arthur O’Neill, was installed on 12 Nov 1969. In 1977, services were being held in Fintona and Creevan (2nd Ballynahatty), First Ballynahatty Church was then in ruins.
The condition of the original records and a degree of difficulty in discerning the handwriting make transcription challenging and where possible, the Drumragh Tithe Applotment Book (1830) and Griffiths Valuation (1858) and the 1901 and 1911 Censuses have been consulted for confirmation of families and townland addresses
MARRIAGES 1845-1936
| # | Date | Marriage |
| #1 | July 18 1845 |
Joseph Brown full age bachelor farmer Tattyreagh, Co. Fermanagh. Father: William Brown farmer & Margaret Mitchell full age spinster Barnagh, Co. Tyrone. Father: William Mitchell farmer Witnesses: Thomas Willis & James Hall |
| #2 | February 9 1846 |
Thomas Norris full age bachelor weaver Eddergold, Co. Tyrone. Father: Robert Norris farmer & Margaret Hamilton full age spinster Gortnahan, Co. Tyrone. Father: John Hamilton farmer Witnesses: William Fulton & John Porter |
| #3 | February 11 1847 |
Anthony Doak full age bachelor farmer Maghrelough, Ardstraw, Tyrone. Father: Joseph Doak farmer & Margaret Fyffe full age spinster Drumragh, Drumragh, Tyrone. Father: David Fyffe farmer Witnesses: William Maxwell Fyffe & William Doak |
| #4 | June 14 1847 |
John Houston full age bachelor Presbyterian minister Edergold, Drumragh. Father: William Houston farmer & Isabella Houston full age spinster Edergold, Drumragh. Father: Ross Houston farmer Witnesses: Thomas Wm. Junk & Francis King |
| #5 | March 30 1848 |
William Foster full age bachelor teacher of National School Rakeragh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Arthur Foster schoolmaster & Mary Fyffe full age spinster Drumragh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: David Fyffe farmer Witnesses: George Levingston & Robert White |
| #6 | September 25 1848 |
Matthew Maines full age bachelor servant man Sessagh, Fintona. Father: Matthew Maines farmer & Sally Johnston full age spinster Kiltamnaght, Parish of Drumragh. Father: James Johnston farmer Witnesses: Edward Johnston & Joseph Sheiles |
| #7 | November 2 1849 |
William Job full age bachelor schoolmaster Mullawinney, Parish of Donacavey. Father: Michael Job labourer & Jane Beatty full age widow Mullawinney Parish of Donacavey. Father: William Campbell farmer Witnesses: Robert Hall & Robert King |
| #8 | August 21 1851 |
William Thomson full age bachelor stonemason Cullagh, Parish of West or Lwr. Langfield. Father: Thomas Thomson & Mary Ann White 20 years spinster bonnetmaker Stronecarbeda, Parish of Drumreagh. Father: Joseph White farmer Witnesses: William Acheson & Joseph White |
| #9 | June 21 1852 |
Robert Bates full age bachelor servantman Omagh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Robert Bates labourer & Fanny Henderson full age spinster Loughmuck, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Henderson labourer Witnesses: Joseph McEldowney & William Huston |
| #10 | August 18 1852 |
William Gwinn 25 years bachelor servant Drumragh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Robert Gwinn farmer & Margaret Crozier 22 years spinster Drumskinney, Parish of Dromore. Father: William Crozier farmer Witnesses: William Foster & Joseph White |
| #11 | June 28 1853 |
Robert Henderson full age bachelor shopkeeper Edergold, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Samuel Henderson farmer & Mary Anne Johnston full age spinster Edergold, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Noble Johnston farmer Witnesses: Arthur Johnston & William Brown |
| #12 | July 26 1853 |
Thomas Alexander full age widower shopkeeper Dromore, Parish of Dromore. Father: Thomas Alexander shopkeeper & Sarah Jane Houston 20 years spinster Ballynahatty, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Houston farmer Witnesses: Archd. Osborne & John Houston |
| #13 | October 12 1853 |
William S. Love full age bachelor surgeon Castlederg, Parish of Skirts. Father: Andrew Tom Love farmer & Mary Margaret Sproule full age spinster Stronecarbadagh, Drumragh. Father: Andrew Sproule farmer Witnesses: John McCay & John Moody, surgeon, R. N. |
| #14 | March 25 1857 |
John Cambell full age bachelor servant-man Loughmuck, Parish of Drumragh. Father: James Cambell labourer & Elizabeth Gardner 20 years spinster Loughmuck, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Alexander Gardner farmer Witnesses: William White & George Nixon |
| #15 | March 16 1859 |
George Calhoun full age widower farmer Kirlish, Parish of Langfield. Father: Charles Calhoun farmer & Sarah Caldwell full age widow Drum, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Alexander McLaughlin farmer Witnesses: John McEldowney & Joseph Conen |
| 16 | September 8 1859 |
William McCaffrey full age bachelor labourer Rash, Parish of Cappagh. Father: Robert McCaffrey labourer & Anne Gardner full age spinster Rash, Parish of Cappagh. Father: Andrew Gardner labourer Witnesses: William White & Joseph Arbuckle |
| #17 | December 15 1859 |
William Doak full age bachelor farmer Drumragh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Joseph Doak farmer & Jane Anne Fyffe full age spinster Kiltamlaght, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Fyffe farmer Witnesses: John Crawford & James Wilson |
| #18 | December 22 1859 |
William Fyffe full age bachelor farmer Kiltamlaght, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Fyffe farmer & Sarah White full age spinster Ferreagh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Robert White farmer Witnesses: David Fyffe & George White |
| #19 | July 23 1862 |
Alexander Brown full age bachelor farmer Aldoghill, Parish of Ardstraw. Father: Alexander Brown farmer & Margaret Johnston full age spinster Edergole, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Noble Johnston farmer Witnesses: John Johnston & Adam Brown |
| #20 | July 27 1865 |
Robert Lammey full age bachelor farmer Tattymoyle, Parish of Barr. Father: Alexander Lammy farmer & Sarah Jane Johnston full age spinster Edergole, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Noble Johnston farmer Witnesses: John Lammey & Adam Brown |
| #21 | November 12 1867 |
James Aikin full age widower farmer Screen, Parish of Fintona. Father: James Aikin farmer & Jane Honan full age spinster Fallaghearn, Parish of Fintona. Father: Daniel Honan farmer Witnesses: Alexander Young & George Beattie |
| #22 | February 27 1868 |
John Job minor bachelor servantman Edergole, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Job labourer & Margaret Park full age spinster Kiltamlaght, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Alexander Park farmer Witnesses: John Young & William Fiffe |
| #23 | June 9 1870 |
Alexander Herbert McCausland full age bachelor woollendraper’s assistant 18 Ferryquay Street, Derry. Father: James McCausland farmer & Mary Elizabeth Cuthbertson full age spinster Brookhill, parish of Drumragh. Father: John Cuthbertson shopkeeper Witnesses: Thos. Chambers & John B. Johnston |
| #24 | March 9 1871 |
John Young full age bachelor miller and farmer Blacksessagh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Robert Young farmer & Esther Young full age spinster Edenafogary, Parish of Donacavey. Father: John Young farmer Witnesses: King Houston & William Houston |
| #25 | October 17 1872 |
James Scott full age bachelor farmer Drumconley, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Robert Scott farmer & Jane Young full age spinster Loughmuck, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Hugh Young farmer Witnesses: William Fulton & James Given |
| #26 | February 27 1873 |
William O’Hara full age bachelor carpenter Kilgort, Parish of Fintona. Father: William O’Hara farmer & Catherine Ann McDonnel minor spinster Edergole, Parish of Drumragh. Father: James McDonnel miller Witnesses: James Cuthbertson & William Edwin Neilley |
| #27 | June 18 1873 |
John Monks full age bachelor butler Augher Castle, Parish of Clogher. Father: John Monks butler & Sarah Gardner full age spinster Loughmuck, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Andrew Gardner labourer Witnesses: William White & William A. Huston |
| #28 | April 10 1874 |
David Blayney full age bachelor farmer Aughterard, Parish of Dromore. Father: William Blayney farmer & Catherine Jane Todd minor spinster Fairyhill, Parish of Dromore. Father: Andrew Todd farmer Witnesses: Joseph Todd, M. D. & William Blayney |
| #29 | November 5 1874 |
Robert Young full age widower farmer Tattymulmona, Parish of Donacavey. Father: Samuel Young farmer & Ann Houston full age spinster Ballynahatty, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Houston farmer Witnesses: James Brown & James Johnston |
| #30 | November 19 1874 |
William McCormick full age bachelor farmer Omagh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Andrew McCormick farmer & Eliza Porter full age spinster Loughmuck, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Luke Porter farmer Witnesses: Fleming Houston & Henry Montgomery |
| #31 | May 5 1875 |
John Johnston full age bachelor farmer Edergole, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Johnston farmer & Margaret Johnston minor spinster Edergole, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Noble Johnston, Jun. farmer Witnesses: William Patterson & Wm. John Sinclair |
| #32 | April 11 1878 |
Samuel Laughlin full age bachelor farmer Lisnagardy, Parish of Donacavey. Father: William Laughlin farmer & Mary Foster full age spinster Drafton, Parish of Donacavey. Father: Alexander Foster farmer Witnesses: Terrence Donnelly & Alexander Foster |
| #33 | August 8 1878 |
Robert Fleming full age bachelor farmer Dromore, Parish of Clogher. Father: Robert Fleming farmer & Eliza Jane Foster full age spinster Aughafad, Parish of Fintona. Father: Alexander Foster farmer Witnesses: James Foster & James Fleming |
| #34 | September 19 1878 |
George O’Hara full age bachelor carpenter. Freughmore, Parish of Fintona. Father: William O’Hara carpenter & Margaret Wilson full age spinster Freughmore, Parish of Fintona. Father: Joseph Wilson farmer Witnesses: Robert Wilson & John Houston |
| #35 | July 23 1879 |
Alexander McGaughey full age widower labourer Cranny, Parish of Donacavey. Father: Archd. McGaughey gardener & Jane McClung full age widow Cranny, Parish of Donacavey. Father: John Morrow farmer Witnesses: Henry H. Grant & Isabella Houston |
| #36 | November 25 1879 |
James McFeeters full age bachelor farmer Sionfin, Parish of Donacavey. Father: John McFeeters farmer & Annie Ramsay full age spinster Sionfin, Parish of Donacavey. Father: Andrew Ramsay farmer Witnesses: William Guy & John Houston |
| #37 | January 13 1881 |
John Curry full age bachelor woollendraper Dromore, Parish of Dromore. Father: John Curry farmer & Charlotte Porter full age spinster Loughmuck, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Luke Porter farmer Witnesses: Kennedy Porter & R. Andrews |
| #38 | February 7 1881 |
James Foster full age bachelor farmer Aughafad, Parish of Fintona. Father: Joseph Foster farmer & Martha Foster full age spinster Drafton, Parish of Fintona. Father: Alexander Foster farmer Witnesses: Robert Foster & Joseph Foster |
| #39 | August 30 1881 |
Ross Houston full age bachelor merchant 23, High St., Omagh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Houston Pres. Minister & Elizabeth Jane Gay full age spinster Aughadulla, Parish of Dromore. Father: William Gay farmer Witnesses: Robert Ross Dudgeon & Annie M. Gay |
| #40 | April 11 1882 |
James Lindsay 17 years bachelor labourer Feenan, Parish of Fintona. Father: Matthew Lindsay labourer & Eliza Jane Kerr 17 years spinster Feenan, Parish of Fintona. Father: Robert Kerr farmer Witnesses: Henry H. Grant & Isabella Houston |
| #41 | January 23 1883 |
William Johnston full age bachelor farmer Edergole, Parish of Drumreagh. Father: Noble Johnston farmer & Jane Ellison full age spinster Doogary, Parish of Drumreagh. Father: Andrew Ellison labourer Witnesses: William Carson & John Doak |
| #42 | April 13 1883 |
Robert Coulter full age bachelor farmer Baronagh, Parish of Donacavey. Father: James Coulter farmer & Margaret McCracken full age spinster Glenan, Parish of Donacavey. Father: Robert McCracken farmer Witnesses: William Hamilton & John Houston |
| #43 | January 31 1884 |
Blayney Woods full age bachelor farmer Cavan, Parish of Donacavey. Father: Arthur Woods farmer & Margaret Jane Coulter full age spinster Baronagh, Parish of Donacavey. Father: John Coulter farmer Witnesses: James Job & James Coulter |
| #44 | July 27 1885 |
William Wellington Scott full age bachelor clerk Dromore, Parish of Dromore. Father: William Wellington Scott hotelkeeper & Mary Elizabeth Annie Warnock full age spinster Fallaghearn, Parish of Fintona. Father: Robert Warnock farmer Witnesses: Joseph Scott & William Warnock |
| #54 | February 11 1886 |
John Blayney full age widower farmer Lisnaherd?, Parish of Cappagh. Father: John Blayney farmer & Mary Coulter 20 years spinster Barnagh, Parish of Fintona. Father: John Coulter farmer Witnesses: James Coulter & James P. Patterson |
| #46 | April 29 1886 |
William S. Love full age widower surgeon Omagh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Andrew T. Love farmer & Charlotte Meeke full age Omagh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: James Meeke bank manager Witnesses: King Houston & Georgina Meeke |
| #47 | August 23 1888 |
Robert T. Clements full age bachelor miller and farmer Blackforth, Parish of Donacavey. Father: David Clements farmer & Mary White full age spinster Drum, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Robert White farmer Witnesses: Alexander White & Mary Houston |
| #48 | February 10 1892 |
John Shannon full age widower farmer retired sergeant R. I. C. Ecclesville, Parish of Fintona. Father: John Shannon farmer & Sarah Taylor full age spinster Legatiggle, Parish of Fintona. Father: William Taylor farmer Witnesses: Nevill Taylor & William Taylor |
| #49 | November 1 1892 |
John C. Moutray full age bachelor farmer Glencull, Parish of Errigal Keerogue. Father: Walter Richey Moutray farmer & Maria King full age spinster Legatiggle, Parish of Fintona. Father: William King farmer Witnesses: Richard King & Mary Houston |
| #50 | January 6 1898 |
John Coulter full age bachelor farmer Screen, Parish of Drumragh. Father: John Coulter farmer & Margaret Brown full age spinster National School Teacher Baronagh, Parish of Fintona. Father: Andrew Brown shoemaker Witnesses: James Browne & James Coulter |
| #51 | February 28 1901 |
David Doak 40 years bachelor farmer Drumragh, Parish of Drumragh. Father: Antony Doak farmer & Sarah Emma Fyffe 30 years spinster Lisnagirr, Parish of Cappagh. Father: Samuel Fyffe farmer Witnesses: William Doak & Jennie Fyffe |
| #52 | May 8 1902 |
James Stewart Lynch full age bachelor farmer Carnoney, Parish of Cappagh. Father: James Lynch farmer & Mary Jane Fyffe full age spinster Kiltamnaght. Father: William Fyffe farmer Witnesses: Rebecca A. Fyffe & Joseph Henderson |
| #53 | April 16 1907 |
James William Harrison full age bachelor surveyor Coalisland. Father: Geo. Harrison policeman & Louise Catherine White full age spinster Beagh. Father: John James White farmer Witnesses: Jas. Wm. Kirton, York, Eng. & Ellen Graham |
| #54 | November 5 1906 |
John Hill full age bachelor servant Killymoonan. Father: John Hill labourer & Isabella Mary Donnell under 21 par consent spinster servant Killymoonan. Father: James Donnell labourer Witnesses: Margaretta A. M. Browne & Mary Jane Glenn |
| #55 | August 11 1908 |
James Morrow Patterson full age bachelor clergyman Dervaghroy Father: David Patterson manager & Annie Wilhelmina Dudgeon full age spinster Mullaghmore. Father: William Dudgeon farmer Witnesses: A. Carmichael & J. E. Dudgeon |
| #56 | November 5 1908 |
Joseph Doak full age widower farmer Blacksessagh. Father: William Doak farmer & Lizzie Jane Smyth full age spinster Gillygooley. Father: William Smyth farmer Witnesses: George A. Smyth & William Doak |
| #57 | April 2 1909 |
David Alexander Clements full age bachelor farmer Edergole. Father: John S. Clements farmer & Mary O’Donnell full age spinster Drum. Father: William O’Donnell (occupation not stated) Witnesses: Wm. John Mitchell & Margaretta A. M. Browne |
| #58 | December 26 1912 |
Samuel Johnston Deery full age bachelor farmer Relaghdooey. Father: John Deery farmer & Margaret Ann Doak full age spinster Drumragh. Father: William Doak farmer Witnesses: William Doak & Anna Isabel Doak |
| #59 | March 10 1915 |
Alexander Watson full age bachelor farmer The Harp, Trillick. Father: Robert Watson farmer & Sara E. Young full age spinster Blacksessiagh, Omagh. Father: John Young farmer Witnesses: Robert Osborne Young & Archibald H. T. Warnock |
| #60 | December 27 1916 |
George McMahon full age bachelor cycle agent Analore St., Clones [Co. Monaghan]. Father: Joseph McMahon farmer & Anna Isabel Doak full age spinster Blacksessiagh. Father: Joseph Doak farmer Witnesses: John Hamilton & Margaret Jane Doak |
| #61 | July 12 1917 |
Robert John Clarke full age widower merchant Beragh. Father: Joseph Clarke farmer & Sarah Jane McDowell full age spinster Omagh, Beragh. Father: Samuel McDowell farmer Witnesses: Wm. Clarke & Minnie McDowell |
| #62 | August 24 1920 |
Thomas Smith full age bachelor porter Fintona. Father: James Smith (occupation not stated) & Ann Jane Porter full age spinster Loughmuck. Father: James Porter farmer Witnesses: James Porter & Nellie McBride |
| #63 | August 10 1921 |
George Taylor full age bachelor Pro Manager Ulster Bank Cookstown. Father: John Taylor farmer & Margaret Jane Meta Fyffe full age spinster Kiltamnaght. Father: Samuel Fyffe merchant Witnesses: R. C. Carson & L. McMurray |
| #64 | April 17 1922 |
David Russel Young full age bachelor gas manager Clones. Father: Robt. Young gas manager & Margaret Jane Doak full age spinster Blacksessiagh. Father: Joseph Doak farmer Witnesses: Joseph A. Johnston & Mary Young |
| #65 | April 30 1923 |
Hugh Browne full age bachelor teacher Clarr. Father: Samuel Browne farmer & Margaret Young full age spinster teacher Loughmuck. Father: Thomas Young farmer Witnesses: Thomas Browne & Elizabeth Young |
| #66 | March 23 1925 |
William Jobb 20 years bachelor labourer Tullycunney. Father: James Jobb labourer & Sarah Coulter full age spinster Stroancarbadagh. Father: John Coulter farmer Witnesses: Minnie Jobb & Margaretta A. M. Browne |
| #67 | April 26 1925 |
Robert White full age bachelor farmer Fireagh. Father: Robert White farmer & Elizabeth Young full age spinster Loughmuck. Father: Thomas Young farmer Witnesses: Robert J. Watson & Jane Young |
| #68 | March 30 1927 |
Robert John Short full age bachelor farmer Tullyvalley. Father: James Short farmer & Rita Isabel Doak full age spinster Drumragh. Father: David? Doak farmer Witnesses: Robert J. Doak & Margaret J. Short |
| #69 | March 30 1927 |
David White full age widower farmer Blossomhill. Father: Alexander White farmer & Elizabeth Margaret Giboney full age spinster Barnagh. Father: William Gibony farmer Witnesses: William Hawkes & Margaret S. Giboney |
| #70 | September 21 1927 |
Robert John Cochrane full age bachelor carpenter Drumderg. Father: Robert Cochrane labourer & Catherine Elizabeth Coulter full age spinster Screen. Father: John Coulter farmer Witnesses: Willie Patterson & Gretta Patterson |
| #71 | January 17 1928 |
Irvine Carson full age bachelor labourer Beagh. Father: Robert Carson labourer & Catherine Elizabeth McNickle full age spinster Beagh. Father: William McNickle labourer Witnesses: Tom McNickle & Maggie Aiken |
| #72 | May 9 1928 |
Ernest Albert Kerr full age bachelor farmer Cavanacarr. Father: Henry Kerr farmer & Isabella Jane Shannon full age spinster Riverstown. Father: James Shannon labourer Witnesses: Fred…….? [illegible] & ……? [illegible] Shannon |
| #73 | November 23 1932 |
William Lyons Cochrane full age bachelor Presbyterian clergyman. The Manse, Waringstown. Father John Cochrane farmer & Minnie Winifred Young full age widow Blacksessiagh, Omagh. Father: Robert James Kyle farmer Witnesses: James Cochrane & Kathleen E. Kyle |
| #74 | November 14 1934 |
Alfred Clyde full age bachelor labourer Gillygooley, Omagh. Father: Archibald Clyde labourer & Maria McKinney full age spinster Stonecarbeth, Clanabogan. Father: James McKinney farmer Witnesses: William McKinney & Mary Clyde |
| #75 | February 20 1935 |
Robert James Herbert Wilson full age bachelor farmer Hillhead, Edergole, Omagh. Father: Daniel Wilson farmer & Margaret Jean Short full age spinster Edergole, Omagh. Father: John Short farmer Witnesses: George Colhoun & Martha Anderson |
| #76 | October 28 1936 |
Thomas Vance full age widower labourer Clanabogan, Omagh. Father: James Vance farmer & Sarah Fluke full age spinster Ballynahatty, Omagh. Father: James Fluke farmer Witnesses: Willie Shannon & Anna M. Vance |
| #77 | Cancelled | |
| #78 | Cancelled |