From Stoneyford to Belfast and Back...
Mary Agnes Scott was born on 21 Jan 1867 in Knocknadona, Magheragall Parish, Co. Antrim. She was the third child of ten born to Mary Agnes Hendren and Richard James Scott. She is my paternal great grandmother. Family history indicated, and records have since confirmed, that Richard was a long-established, wealthy and well respected farmer in the area.
My grandmother Lizzie told the story of Mary “running off to Belfast to avoid marrying a neighbouring farmer” – something that was apparently done “back in the day” in order to increase the size of the family farm holdings. Wedding plans were well underway; the wedding dress had already been purchased when Mary left for Belfast. At this point in time I have been unable to discover to whom she was betrothed – chances are I will never know!
Family whispers also suggested that Mary was written out of her father’s Will. Again something I was able to validate with the discovery of Richard James Will – apparently “R.J.” wasn’t a very forgiving man!
I decided very early on that this was a lady with a will and mind of her own, a lady whom I definitely admired and could relate to. It must have taken considerable courage, especially in the late 1800’s, to leave her family and country living for the “big city” of Belfast! After her “great escape” I discovered Mary living on Westmoreland Street working as a mid wife for a Belfast Doctor.
On 25 Feb 1893 and “according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of Ireland, after licence by John G. Hopkins in a Marriage solemnized at Willowfield Church in the Parish of Willowfield in the Diocese of Down” and in the presence of James Stewart and Annie McIlwaine, Mary Scott of 44 Westmoreland Street, Belfast was United in Marriage with James Berry, a labourer, of 41 Moore Street, Belfast.
The couple resided on Tyne Street at the beginning of their marriage and spent the remainder of their lives on Cherryville Street, Belfast. They seem to have led a full and happy life, unfortunately, not without the sadness and tragedy that often follows any family. Together they had eight children – five daughters and three sons – two of their daughters died as infants. Family lore confirms that Mary continued her work as a midwife until much later in her life. While James, a plumber, had his own business and worked on the Titanic at one point in time, along with several of his employees.
On 12 Aug 1939 at 41 Cherryville Street Belfast Mary passed away. “Widow of James Berry, a Plumber; Died from Diabetes Mellitus, 6 months, certified, William Berry, Son, present at death at 41 Cherryville Street, Belfast, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Registered 14 Aug 1939.”
In reading some of her obituaries I have the sense that my great granny, Mary Agnes Scott Berry, was loved by many.
“BERRY – August 12, 1939 at her residence, 41 Cherryville Street, Mary Agnes, dearly beloved mother of Mary A. (Minnie) Rae. “A voice is from our household gone, A face we loved is still; A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Daughter and Son-in-law. Minnie and Robert Rae, and grandchildren.”
“BERRY – August 12, 1939, at her residence, 41 Cherryville Street, Mary Agnes dearly beloved mother of Frances Whaley. “Dearest mother how I’ll miss you, Life will never be the same. Tear of earth will never wake thee, But through Christ we’ll meet again. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Daughter and Son-in-law. Frances and James Whaley.”
BERRY – August 12, 1939, at her residence, 41 Cherryville Street, Belfast. Mary Agnes Berry, dearly beloved sister of Frances Geddis. “Love in death can let us see, What love in life should always be. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Sister, Brother-in-law, and Family. Frances and Robert G. Geddis.”
“BERRY – August 12, 1939 at her residence 41 Cherryville Street Belfast, Mary Agnes widow of James Berry and dearly beloved daughter of the late Richard James and Mary Agnes Scott, Stoneyford. Funeral from above address, to-morrow (Tuesday) at 11 a.m. to the family burying-ground, Stoneyford Churchyard. Friends will please accept this intimation. ‘Absent from the body, present with the Lord’. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing family.”
Mary Agnes finally returned “home” to the place where it all began – May she Rest in Peace!
TWISTED LIMBS & CROOKED BRANCHES 
Dear Colleen,
What an inspiring history of your great grandmother. She died the year after I was born. That makes her almost part of my generation. Love the fact that she had her own mind about whom to marry and she chose well didn’t she. Wonderful comments in the obituaries. Her story makes you special In who you are. Thanks for the history.
Gladys
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Thank you Gladys – she is definitely another ancestor I wish I had the opportunity to meet! ❤
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What lovely sentiments in the obituaries; so beautifully espxpressed. She was obviously dearly loved.
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Hi Su, they are lovely – When reading them, it makes me believe many have lost the art of expression through writing. As always, thanks for reading.
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Hi Colleen. I think you are right. My mother recently sent me a letter she had received from her mother when my grandfather died. My gran wasn’t a highly educated woman, but her letter brought me to tears with its eloquence and desire to give comfort. I can’t imagine people today writing such a letter. We phone, or send cards — or leave messages on FaceBook! Cheers, Su.
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I love that she ran away and became a midwife. Obviously she was a very bright and independent young woman who did not want to be stuck in a loveless marriage on a farm. Good for her!
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Me too Amy – three cheers for my very independent great granny! 🙂
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Great story and she would love that you have documented her bravery!
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Thanks Rachelle. I never thought about her approving of me documenting her bravery – but it’s certainly a lovely thought. 🙂
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Hi CJ, my name is Gail Murdock, my ancestors came from Ireland. I can go back as far as Michael Murdock, 1789. Michael Murdock/Catherine Clark, Joseph Murdock/Elizabeth Shanks, Wilson Murdock/Jennie Langtry, my grandfather Joseph Hilliard/Barbara Brotherston. Do any of these sound familiar to you? Just wondering.
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Hi Gail, none of the Christian names ring any bells for me. However, I have two Murdoch/Murdock lines from Ballymoney and area. One is connected to my maternal Love family in the 1800’s. I’m sure there is a connection between the two Murdoch/k families – I just haven’t found it yet. I’m interested in your Wilson/Murdock connection as well. My father is a Murdoch (of course! 🙂 ) and my mother is a Wilson. The naming pattern for your Wilson Murdock would suggest that his mother or a grandmother is probably a Wilson. If you would like to compare notes further, please contact me at twistedlimbsandcrookedbranches@gmail.com. Thanks for getting in touch. Colleen
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Do you have any information on earlier Hendren’s. Some of our info prior to 1700 has been incorrect.
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Hi Donna, sorry I completely missed this. I only have information on my Hendren’s to the very late 1700’s. It’s almost impossible to get further back than that in Ireland. Although it would be fantastic to get back prior to 1700. Thanks for getting in touch. Colleen
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Are your Hendren names Canadian or USA ?
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Hi Ann, my Hendren’s started out in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. However, a few lines of the family ended up in Canada. Colleen
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My Hendren’s also started out in Co,Antrim….I seem to have them in around Ballinderry and Aghalee…..Thomas Hendren C 1795 wish..He and his wife Issabella and there numerous children came to Canada c 1834.
What of yours?
Ann
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Ann, I’ll send you an email. Colleen
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