Seeking information on the families of Thomas and Eliza McCann (nee Weir). They emigrated to Australia in 1853 after their marriage and the birth of their first child Sarah Belle McCann (born Belfast?). They departed Southampton on 25 October 1853 aboard the ship Wanata.
Thomas McCann married Eliza Weir on the 8th Jan 1853.
1st Presbyterian Church Ahoghill, Co Antrim
Thomas McCann (listed as 21 = adult)
Tullygowan - farmer.
Father: Arthur McCann - farmer
married
Eliza Weir (listed as 21 = adult)
Tullygowan
Father: James Weir: farmer
Witnesses: Hugh Weir
and Martha Brannagh
Friday 19th Apr 2013, 02:02PM
Message Board Replies
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Griffiths Valuation for 1862 shows James Weir?s farm in Tullygowan (plot 3), though he had some additional land nearby. Samuel Weir had a separate farm on plots 7 ? 9, so presumably he was a relative. There was a William McCann farming on plot 11a in the townland, so possibly he was a son of Arthur McCann. (The farm often went to the eldest son). Both farms would be easy enough to locate today, should you wish to do so.
There were no McCann families in Tullygowan by 1901 but there was still one Weir, who might be Eliza?s brother:
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Antrim/Ahoghill/Tullygowan/924164/
There?s a will for James Weir of Tullygowan on the PRONI wills site. Here?s the abstract:
Full Abstract :
Probate of the Will of James Weir late of Tullygowan County Antrim Farmer who died 12 May 1909 granted at Belfast to James Weir and Robert Weir Farmers. It mentions a brother Samuel Weir in New Zealand, amongst other beneficiaries.
http://applications.proni.gov.uk/DCAL_PRONI_WillsCalendar/WillsSearchImage.aspx?id=260809
Looking at the Griffiths revaluation records, the farm (17 acres 2 Roods and 15 Perches) was still in Weir hands in 1922, by which time it had been purchased by the family under Wyndham?s Land Act.
Ahoghill Antrim
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Very belated thanks for this information. Jeanette.