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Hi,

I have posted here before asking for information on my Wilson family. I have a letter from a cousin of my Grandfather's written in 1962 that offers this info:

 "We stayed with Florie Wilson who lives a few doors down from the Hotel Montagu Arms in Port Stewart. She showed us the grandfather clock that used to be in the Enniskillen homestead. When we arrived in Enniskillen we called on a friend of Florie's- a Mrs. Albert D. Connolly on Townhall Street who gave us the business address of Miss Lily Burns partner in W. Clabers (sp?) and Co. 20 Townhall Street. That evening Miss. Burns took us out to Gortmesson. She and her sister Sally live in the house Florie's husband built in 1920 across the lane from where the old homesead stood. Their older brother, Stewart, who lives nearby joined us. He took me out and showed me the exact site of the old house, one of the corner stones, the old weel (wall?) and retaining wall directly behind where it stood--also the small building behind the Burns' home where Thomas Wilson in his last days lived and died. Stewart also gave the exact location of the old Methodist Church on Church Street Enniskillen where my Mother (Mary Jane Wilson) attended. It was  built in 1864."

If you know of this Wilson family- I know my Great Great Grandfather Thomas Wilson (mentioned in the letter) and his two wives and their descendants. I am trying to find out more about his wife Mary Ann Bryne (Breen, Burn??) and her parents (Her Dad seems to be Robert) and of Thomas' parents (his Dad seems to also be Thomas).

Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.

Julia

Julia

Sunday 31st Oct 2021, 02:16PM

Message Board Replies

  • Hi Julia

    Here's a link to all the free records online for Gortmesson:

    buildings-database/gortmessan-townland

    In 1862, Thomas Wilson Sr was recorded as the immediate lessor of farm #2 Gortmessan (north of the townland, between the Coa Rd and Cradien Chapel).  

    Other Wilson's recorded in Gortmessan at this time were Christopher (farm 3), Alexander (farm 6), William (farm 8) and Matthew Wilson (farm 10). 

    By the Census of 1901 there were 2 Thomas Wilsons recorded as head of household. 

    Rua, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘︎

    Tuesday 2nd Nov 2021, 08:44AM
  • Hello Julia

    You may also want to contact the Fermanagh Geneaogy Society for further tips and links on searching for Fermanagh based ancestors.  They produce a regular journal and have extensive experience in this area.

    https://fermanaghgenealogy.org/

     

    regards

    Bernadette

    IrelandXO Volunteer Partner NI

    Tower Museum Derry

     

    Bernadette Walsh, IrelandXO Partner

    Wednesday 3rd Nov 2021, 07:53PM

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