Robert Steele b. 1805 Magheralane

CathyB,

Robert Steel is listed in the Valuation revision records for Magheralane. He had plot 21a which was 14 acres and which he first rented in 1865. (Previous tenant was Samuel McGill).  The records show that after Robert’s death, Joseph took over as tenant. (Their landlord was the Shane’s Castle estate). That farm today should be just off the modern Magheralane Rd.

Probate abstract:

The Will of Robert Steele late of Magheralane County Antrim Farmer who died 3 October 1892 at same place was proved at Belfast by the Reverend James E. Ferguson of Randalstown said County Presbyterian Minister one of the Executors. Effects £183 15s

The will itself is on-line on the PRONI wills site. It mentions wife Mary, son Joseph, daughter Agnes and grandson Robert Alexander Kildea.

There were no Steel households in Griffiths Valuation of Magheralane in 1864 so a question has to be whether Robert was native to the Randalstown area. Given that his wife apparently came from Donegore, perhaps that’s where he originated too? I note that though he died with a farm, his occupation was given as stonemason on his death certificate. They often moved about from job to job so he might not be from Randalstown originally. But if he is from Randalstown you’ll know from my previous post about Mary Campbell that Randalstown 1st doesn’t have any baptisms for the 1800s and no marriages before 1845. No easy way round that.

Thanks for all of that information Elwyn, much appreciated.