From Catherine Chambers to Kate Bustard

From Londonderry to Tawnawully, Co. Donegal

Catherine Chambers, who was born in Londonderry on the 15 Mar 1874; was my maternal great grand aunt. She was also a daughter, sister, wife and mother. Catherine was one of four children born to John Chambers and Catherine Johnston. Her father John, from records I have found; was born in Glasgow, Scotland to Daniel Chambers and Mary Kelly; and her mother Catherine was born in Lough Eske, Co. Donegal to John Johnston of Donegal and Isabella Smyth of Coleraine .

John Chambers & Catherine Johnston – Marriage Record

The family was living on Lower Road, Londonderry when Catherine, along with her twin sister Mary Ann; were born. Although Catherine’s birth record did not show the Church that she was baptized in, I’m assuming it was St. Columb’s Cathedral where her parents married. Many of my family were and remain connected to the Church. So, I’ll have to delve a little further when I return “back home”on my summer trip.

Catherine & Mary Ann Chambers – Birth Records

At some point Catherine moved to Ardnablesk, where oral family history indicates we have other family; which I still have to find. On the 22 Feb 1898 she married Adam Bustard of Milltown, Donegal. Adam was the fourth child of six born to James and Margery Bustard. As his parents had the same surname there is the possibility that they were cousins. Another twisted limb I need to follow. James and Mary J. Bustard, the groom’s siblings; witnessed the wedding..

Bustard – Marriage Records

Catherine and Adam had a small family comprised of one daughter and two sons. On 10 Sep 1899, when their first child, Mary Jane was born; the family was living in Tawnawully in the Parish of Lough Eske. Adam was a carpenter by trade at that time; however, by the birth of their second child, John James on 18 April 1901; he was farming as had his father before him. Their third and last child, Adam was born on 28 Nov 1903 and the family was still residing in Milltown where Adam had continued to farm.

Bustard Children – Birth Records

The 1901 census shows that Catherine Chambers, now known as Kate Bustard; and family were residing at 2 Milltown, Tawnawully. Adam was still farming and Kate was a “sewer”! Sometime between 1903 and 1911 when the census was taken; the family had moved to 10 Ardnableask. The children were attending school, Adam was farming and Kate was a homemaker.

Bustard – 1901 & 1911 Census Records

That’s where Catherine’s story has ended for me, at this point in time anyway. I have been unable to find the death or burial records for Catherine and Adam. Nor do I know what Church they were married in! As their marriage record indicates they were Church of Ireland and married in Donegal, which might imply the Church of Ireland in Donegal Town! Or could they have been married in one of the surrounding parishes; such as Killymard, Lough Eske or Laghey? This inquiring mind needs to know!

Yet another twisted limb that I need to follow…

About CJ Murdoch

Looking For "Dead People"! My Journey Back In Time - Tracing my ancestors and researching the counties, cities and towns where they resided. Taking a “Glimpse” into their lives and stories and the times in which they lived; all in an effort to learn about their “Dash”! “I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning – to the end. He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the second with tears, but he said that what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.” I have always been interested in researching my family tree and “hanging out” in cemeteries. Like most of us... I didn't ask enough questions when elderly family were still living. Oh, what I would give for 24 hours and a camera with my ancestors… just to sit and listen! I'm researching many family lines, including: Murdoch, Wilson, Berry, Love, Scott, Beattie/Beatty, Hendren, Sweeney, Robinson and Elvin; just to name a few. My families are predominantly from counties Antrim, Donegal and Londonderry. However, it seems that many of them, both maternal and paternal lines, originally hailed from Co. Donegal. I was born and raised in Northern Ireland and now live in Ottawa, Canada, making frequent trips back home to visit with my family. Of course those visits also include treks to the many burial grounds of my ancestors. My most recent trip back home was during the summer of 2019! Looking forward to August of 2020 when I will return. If you are interested in help tracing your ancestors I’d love to hear from you!

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