Author Archives: CJ Murdoch

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!

CHARLIE!

14122252 Rfn. C. Clarke, Draft No. DAGYO, 1st Batt R.U.R., No. 2. British Army Post Office – 9th Mar 1951 “Dear Bobbie, I am writing today hoping that my letter finds your mother, father and Francis in the best of … Continue reading

Posted in Family History | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Ballymoney Hero!

2nd Bn Highland Light Infantry – Sergeant Alexander Murdoch… “Intimation has been received by Mr. Alexander Murdock, Union Street, Ballymoney, that his son, Private Alexander Murdock, Highland Light Infantry, was wounded in action in France, and is now in hospital … Continue reading

Posted in Co. Antrim, Family History, Ireland, World War 1 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Ill Treatment of Child!

Shocking Limavady Case – Parents Smartly Punished… Once again I found myself scouring the British Newspaper Archives, this time for Sophia Park (nee Love).  This Sophia Love, as opposed to one of my many other Sophia Loves, is my 1st cousin … Continue reading

Posted in Co. Londonderry, Family History, Ireland | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

A Hero of The First of July Attack!

Diver, Thomas Wilson, M.M., L.-Corpl., 2nd Battn. (108th Foot) The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers… Born on 7 Feb 1898 in 21 Lewis Street in the City of Londonderry, Thomas Wilson Diver was the second child and eldest son of eight born … Continue reading

Posted in Co. Donegal, Co. Donegal, Co. Londonderry, Family History, Geneaology, Hubei | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

2nd Bn Highland Light Infantry!

9140 – Sergeant Alexander Murdock… “Intimation has been received by Mr. Alexander Murdock, Union Street, Ballymoney, that his son, Private Alexander Murdock, Highland Light Infantry, was wounded in action in France, and is now in hospital in England, suffering from … Continue reading

Posted in Co. Antrim, Family History, Geneaology, Glasgow, Ireland, Scotland, World War 1 | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Twisted Limbs & Crooked Branches!

“When Great Trees Fall” … The north of Ireland was battered by heavy rains as violent storms caused flooding.  The downpours swept in from the Atlantic, hitting Co Donegal before moving across Northern Ireland during Tuesday evening.  Bridges collapsed, roads were washed out and … Continue reading

Posted in Burial Records, Co. Londonderry, Derry City Cemetery, Family History, Geneaology, Ireland, Misc. | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Roll of Honour!

Derry Pilot Officer’s Death – Tribute by Rev. J.A. Donaldson, B.A. … “At the morning service of Great James Street Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, on Sunday, Rev. J.A. Donaldson, B.A., recalled that on Remembrance Sunday Mr. S. Morrison, accompanied by Captain … Continue reading

Posted in Co. Londonderry, Family History, Ireland | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Crushed By Auto!

Young Man Said to Have Been Victim of a Joy Ride… The Alexandria Gazette was a succession of newspapers based in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. The newspaper was established on February 5, 1784 by George Richard & Company as the Virginia Journal.  … Continue reading

Posted in Co. Antrim, Family History, Geneaology, Ireland | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

The Great Escape!!!

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 … Continue reading

Posted in Belfast, Co. Antrim, Family History, Ireland | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

A First Ballymoney Presbyterian!

Interred at the Western Necropolis in Maryhill, Glasgow… She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and aunt – she is my third great aunt and sister to my 2nd great grandfather William.  She was the third child and first daughter … Continue reading

Posted in Family History | 21 Comments