Ballymoney, Co. Antrim: Discovering a Murdoch – Love Connection…

Ballymoney is a small town and civil parish in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland where many generations of my Murdoch/k family where born and resided until their deaths.  I too had the pleasure of living there, but sadly just for a short period of time.

In researching my family tree I tend to follow all of my family lines, not only my direct line.  I realized early on that many more connections are discovered using this method.  I have found family that I’m connected to on both my maternal and paternal family lines.  My Murdoch-Love connection is another one of those finds … another of my Twisted Limbs.

On 6 Nov 1901, by Licence, Rev. D. Boyle united William Love, originally of Limavady, and Helen Murdoch of Seymour Street, Ballymoney; in marriage.  Their union was witnessed by William Gillard and Mary Love (the groom’s sister) in St. James Street Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney.

Born about 1860 William is one of two sons and seven children born to Matthew Love & Agnes (Nancy) Kyle of Drumramer, Co. Londonderry.  He is also my 1^st cousin 3x removed; his father Matthew and my 2^nd great grandfather John were brothers.

Helen Murdoch is also one of seven children.  She was born on 14 Apr 1875 in Old Cumnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland to John Muir Murdoch and Helen (Ellen) Hogg.  At some point before the 1901 census was taken the family had moved to Ballymoney and were living at 1 Seymour Street.  William was an officer with the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), joining the force on 14 Jun 1882 at the age of twenty two.  In 1901 he was living at 65 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney in the RIC Barracks.

As William was with the RIC he was transferred on numerous occasions; he was stationed in Dublin in 1882; Ballymoney in 1885 and was still there in 1902 when he received a promotion to Acting Sergeant; and a “reward for good service”.  By 1903 he was stationed in Donegal receiving another promotion to Sergeant in 1905.  During the period between 1905 and 1 Oct 1909 he was transferred from Moville to Raphoe; the 1911 census shows him as “head of household” at 13 William Street, Raphoe.  It seems that this is where William remained until 1920.  Helen and their children were living with her mother and sisters in law at 30 Main Street, Limavady.  Records show that William retired from the RIC on 6 Aug 1920.

Just recently I discovered Thomas Murdoch, one of Helen’s siblings.  Thomas passed away on 9 Apr 1882, at the very young age of six; and is interred at the St. James Church Yard in Ballymoney.  Andrea, a very special person; made the trip to the Church Yard to photograph his grave for me.  Not only did she take a photo, but in a truly lovely gesture she placed flowers on his grave.  The Church Yard is directly across the street from Dalriada High School; a school I attended as a young teenager… I was so close, but at that time I didn’t know he was there.

My maternal Love connection is very clear; what isn’t clear is how these Murdoch’s are connected to MY paternal line, the Ballymoney Murdoch’s.  There MUST be a direct connection between Helen’s Murdoch’s and mine; as every other Murdoch/Murdock in Ballymoney are directly related to me.  Another Crooked Branch to continue following.