James McGookin : Short Biography

James McGookin, soldier, England, was listed as the father on the birth certificate of Emily McGookin, my grandmother. Emily was born 13 Sep, 1879 in Belfast. Her mother was Sarah Frazer. Sarah was not married to James McGookin.

There was a James McGookin who was born c. 1853 in Carnalbanagh, Tickmacrevan, County Antrim. His parents were John McGuckin (1822-1899) and Agnes/Nancy. This James enlisted in the Antrim Artillery Regiment of Militia on 26 Dec 1874. He transferred into the Royal Artillery on 18 Jul 1876. He remained in the Royal Artillery until he transferred to the Active Reserves on 18 Jul 1884 upon completion of his term of enlistment. His entire service was spent on the coast of England. His military papers show he was Presbyterian, could read and write, was 5'10.5" tall, had sandy hair, was single and had no family. Upon discharge, he listed 65 Osborne St, Belfast as his residence. This was the residence of his brother and his wife, Francis and Mary McGookin. He died at this address on 15 Nov 1885 with his brother in attendance.    

This biography partially fits what little my grandmother knew about her father. Emily was told by her mother, Sarah Frazer, that her father was six feet tall, had red hair and served in a "special unit" that wore a plume in their helmet. Sarah also told Emily that her father died of the "fever" in India when Emily was a toddler. The James McGookin of Carnalbanagh fits the first criteria given by Sarah to Emily.  He does not, however, fit the death information given to Emily. There could be many reasons why Sarah told Emily her father died in India: it was more heroic; would explain why her parents were not married; could explain why Emily never met her father. This James McGookin was an alcoholic according to his military papers and that could explain why Sarah didn't want him in her or Emily's life.

Is James McGookin, b. 1853 in Carnalbanagh in County Antrim, my missing great grandfather?? I would need a descendant of this McGookin/McGuckin family to take a DNA test to see if we have a significant match on our atDNA. Can anyone help? The James of this family had a brother Francis, but he did not have any children. James' sister, Martha McGookin, never married. Are there other siblings who have living offspring? If not, did John and Agnes/Nancy McGookin have siblings who have living descendants? Can anyone help?

Thank you!