Drumcroon House

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Drumcroon House was occupied by the Wilson family throughout much of the 19th century.

John Wilson Esq., Sr. (1748–1832) of Drumcroon, was "long known and esteemed as an efficient and influential Elder in the Presbyterian Congregation of Macosquin" (Londonderry Sentinel). His wife Sarah died on 8 January 1809. aged 53.

Their daughter Anne Wilson married the Rev. Clarke Huston DD of Englishtown, in the Presbyterian Church, Castlereagh in 1849.

Their daughter, Mary Jane Wilson, the wife of the Rev. Henry Haslett, Castlereagh died in Belfast in 1856, age 64.

From 1820, a Samuel Johnson lived here in the employ of Mr. Wilson for 9 years.

John Wilson Esq., Jr. of Drumcroon died 4 November 1852, aged 68. His wife Matilda Mary Anne died 8 October 1869, age 74.

Children: Baby Charles died in infancy 9 June 1829 | Charles Wilson died 15 March 1869 aged 36 | Matilda Wilson Jr died 15 January 1874 aged 48 | Maria Wilson died 23rd September 1878 aged 41 | Thomas Wilson died 11th April 1884 aged 50 | Annabella Eliza died 26 April 1893 age 62.

Here, in 1825 Matilda the wife of John Wilson Esq. of Drumcroon (-1848) gave birth to a son.

In 1835, James Wilson, Esq. of Meath Park, County Derry, son of John Wilson, Esq. of Drumcroon married Maria Horner.

In 1840, the extraordinary death of a groomsman at Drumcroon House was reported by newspapers across Ireland and Britain.

Shocking Death [Northern Whig - Thursday 23 July 1840]

On Saturday evening, a man who takes care of a stallion, belonging to Mr. Wilson, of Drumcroon, near Coleraine, met with his death in the following manner:- He was cleaning the horse in the stable, without having taken the precaution to tie him up. The horse, from some cause, suddenly became infuriated, caught the roan the side, and threw him against the stall. The poor fellow escaped from him and crawled under the manger when the enraged animal went on his knees and dragged him out with his teeth. He never ceased biting him about the head and arms,—at the same time trampling upon him with his forefeet,—till he had him almost reduced to mummy. The mark of his two shoes was actually imprinted on his chest. Mr. Wilson and servant, hearing his cries, attempted to get into the stable to his relief: but the horse kicked so furiously at them, that, to have persisted entering, would have been at the risk of their lives. As soon as the horse found the man dead, he became calm and walked quietly up to his stall. —A Correspondent.

Immediately following the death of John Wilson, Drumcroon House and far was put up for sale:

Coleraine Chronicle - Saturday 16 April 1853

COUNTY OF LONDONDERRY. To be Sold, by Private Agreement.

THE TENANT’S INTEREST THE CAPITAL DWELLING-HOUSE, OFFICES, ENCLOSED GARDEN, and FARM, as lately held by John Wilson Esq, known as DRUMCROON, containing, Survey, 239a. lr. 24p., Statute Measure, the Yearly Rent of £140 10s., and £30 Yearly for Three Water-Falls on said Lands; in all, £170 10s a year free from Tythe, and subject to very Low Poor-Rates. On this Holding, besides the Dwelling-House, there is a large building, formerly used a Lapping-Room the manufacture of Linen, and a Flax-Mill driven by Water, containing Four Berths, with a good supply of Water, and producing to the Tenant about £40 a-Year; besides Two other Falls capable of driving machinery. There are on the Lands 13 Houses, with Gardens attached, for Cottiers or Labourers, producing about £37 per annum. These various buildings and improvements were erected at an expense of upwards of £2,500. The lands are situated about three miles from the large market town of Coleraine, on the Mail coach road to Garvagh, and five from Ballymoney. Also, the Tenant’s Interest in a Farm, in the townland of Bailylintagh, situate near said lands of Drumcroon, lately, the possession of said John Wilson, deceased, containing about Eight Acres, at the Yearly Rent of £5 7s, held Yearly Tenancy under the Ironmongers’ Company, on which is a good Cottier House. Application to Mr. John Wilson, Drumcroon, on the Premises, Drumcroon, Coleraine; Henry Anderson, Esq., Bailynacree-House, Ballymoney; or, SAMUEL WRIGHT KNOX, Solicitor, Coleraine. Coleraine, 8th April, 1853.

In 1858, at the time of Griffith's Valuation, Drumcroon House (rated at £17) was occupied by Matilda Wilson (the widow of John Wilson Esq.) Her immediate lessor was the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers.

In August 1884, Drumcroon House and Farm was again advertised for sale:

[Coleraine Chronicle - 2 August 1884]

DRUMCROON HOUSE AND FARM.

We have been favoured with instructions from the Executor of the late Mr. WILSON and Miss Wilson, to Sell by Auction, on the Premises, on TUESDAY. 19th AUGUST, at One o'clock, that most Valuable FARM as above, held under the Worshipful the Ironmongers' Company, at the Judicial Fixed Rent of £84 per annum, and containing about 249 a 2r 16p, Statute Measure; Poor-law Valuation, £196. The Lands are in a high state of cultivation, and well manured, as can be seen on inspection, and there is an abundance of water. The Form is admirably adapted for Grazing purposes. The Dwelling-house is most suitable for the Farm, and fit for the accommodation of a Gentleman's family, having a Drawing-room, Dining-room, seven bed-rooms, besides Servants' Apartments, Kitchen, Pantries, Store-rooms, and a large quantity of Cellarage below. The accommodation on the Farm includes Stabling for 8 horses, with Loft above; the Byre will accommodate 12 cows, with Lofts; also, 22 stands for stall-feeding do., for 18 year-olds, and Houses for calves and bull, &c. ; Cart Shed, to bold 8 carts; Piggeries. Boilerhouse, Coach-house, and Harnessroom, Carpenter's Shop. ; also, large Barn, with Loft, and a first-class Thrashing Machine; Milk House, including patent American Churning Machines; Kitchen and Flower Gardens, well stocked with Fruit Trees; large Lapping Room, with Drying Lofts, formerly used for bleaching purposes, which, with a small outlay, could be turned into Flax or Corn Mills, having a plentiful supply of water-power, and a never-failing supply of pure spring water in the yard for house purposes, etc. The Buildings on the Farm are all the property of the tenant. A more Desirable Farm, with its ample accommodation, is not in this locality. It is situate about 3 miles from Coleraine, 5 from Ballymoney, and 6 from Garvagh, which are all market towns and railway stations. The A.ghadowey Station of the Derry Central Railway is about 4 miles from Drumcroon. There are 15 Cottier and Labourers' Houses on the Farm, which produce at present .£3T 5s 43 per annum. The usual Sporting Rights are reserved to the landlords. Possession can be given at November. sooner, if required. No Auction Fees... etc

In the 1901 Census of Ireland, Drumcroon House was the home of William McCollum and his sister Mary. At that time, the farmyard at Drumcroon House contained 19 out buildings to include 3 stables, a coach house, and a harness room.