Searching for Living Relatives in the Portadown Area

Hi All,

What I do know is that my grandfather Dynes McMurray Best was 17 years old when he departed the Portadown area in 1915 for the United States. 

He left behind His Father John Ritchie Best, mother Sarah (McMurray) Best and his younger brother John Richard Best jr. On the 1911 census the Best family resided in the townland of Lavaghery.

 My Grandfather had two older sisters that were on the 1901 census. The sisters were not on the 1911 census. Also on the 1911 census, my great grandparents indicated that they had birthed 5 children with 2 still living.

 I knew my grandfather well but I had no idea that he had 2 sisters and a brother until looking at the census records.

 I met my grandfathers first cousin Ethel McMurray when I was a 7 year old child (1959) in Los Angeles California where I was born, raised and where she lived for many years. Ethel was few years younger than my grandfather. I’m pretty sure that Ethel McMurray was also raised in Armagh County.  

Last time I saw Ethel McMurray was around 1986 when she came up to Grass Valley California to visit my mother and my family. Ethel also brought with her on the visit a relative of ours who was visiting her from I believe Portadown Northern Ireland.

I remember that he might of been in his late forties at the time, but I cant remember his first or last name (maybe first name Edwin or Edward). The thing I mostly remember about him is that he was a public works manager and I believe in the city of Portadown. He had brought a few pictures to show us of the beautiful flower landscaping in the town center which he was very proud of. I remember because my career was spent operating public water and wastewater treatment facilities and wanted to ask him about their treatment facilities.

Attached are the John Ritchie Best family sheet, the 1901 Best family census and family tree.

I am coming to Cornwall England the last week of April with Grass Valley California Male Voice Choir to sing in the huge choir festival that’s being held there that week. The second week of the tour I am breaking away for a few days to visit Portadown , Northern Ireland. I thought it would be very cool just to walk around some of the places that my grandfather knew. Maybe with your great help I might be able stumble over a relative or two at this date is late. 

Thank you very much for your help, Malcom