John Finlay

I am researching John Finlay (my great grandfather) who married Elizabeth Stevenson (Stephenson) in November 1884 in Lisburn, Co. Antrim.  I have reason to believe that he worked at the Bessbrook Spinning Mill as a bleacher and dyer. Together they had 6 sons, Harry (Henry), Samuel, Andrew, William, Ernest and Tom all born in Newry except for Andrew born in Belfast possibly and Samuel born in Lisburn. If possible I would like to confirm the birthdates and places of the boys.  They also had 2 daughters who died in infancy but I do not know what their names were.  It is believed that they were born sometime between 1890 and 1895.

John Finlay apparently bought the Stevenson family home and about acres of land which was part of the Stevenson family farm on Longstone Street, Lisburn.  This was around 1900 when Elizabeth's father William Stevenson died.  Elizabeth Finlay died around 1906 and I have not been able to find her death.

John Finlay remarried and went to Russia around 1910 leaving his sons behind.  Some emmigrated to Canada and the 3 younger boys were looked after by housekeepers and later the two youngest were sent to live with their older brother Andrew in Carrickfergus.  I only know that John's second wife's name was Riah, according to his death certificate but I cannot find their marriage.  I don't know if it happened in Ireland or Russia as she did return with him around 1917.  Apparently she was about 25 years younger.

I know some of this family history covers more than just Newry but I would be grateful for any and all information that could be found.

Regards,

Libby