Hello. I've received information that I am descended from Neills of Drumard, Derryloran Parish, County Tyrone. My first ancestor in America was John Neill, born 1720 in Ireland, migrated to America 1738. Is there any source that might list the birth record of John Neill? Any suggestions on where I might find information? Thank you.
Monday 18th Jan 2016, 05:39PM
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You don’t say what denomination your ancestor was but as far as Derryloran is concerned the earliest records for that parish are Church of Ireland which start in 1795. So not nearly early enough. Research in Ireland I the 1700s is notoriously hard and you are very unlikely to find any evidence of a baptism in 1720.
The tithe applotment records for Drumard (1826) record 4 Neill farms then: James, Robert, John & William:
http://www.irishgenealogyhub.com/tyrone/tithe-applotment-books/parish-of-derryloran.php#.Vp0kQxF2ug0
Griffiths Valuation (1859) records several Neill properties in the townland. There were also 3 Neill households there in 1901:
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Tyrone/Oritor/Drumard/
Families seem to have been generally Church of Ireland.
You could search the Registry of Deeds records for any leases etc relating to the family in the 1700s. (Originals in the Regy of Deeds in Dublin. A duplicate set is held by PRONI in Belfast and LDS also have a set).
There don’t appear to have been any Neill households in Drumard c 1664 according to the Hearth Money rolls:
http://www.cotyroneireland.com/hearth/derryloran.html
Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Monday 18th Jan 2016, 05:58PM -
Thank you, Elwyn. Sorry to be a pest. I know this is a fool's errand and won't bother you again.
Tuesday 19th Jan 2016, 11:25AM