An interesting follow-up to the last week’s article about an infamous Glarryford collector of other folks’ property.
A reader writes:
Irene
The photo being referred to, is this one, below.
Here is a photo of the McFaddens.
Above is an old photo of the McFaddens’ who lived on the Dunoine Road, near Glarryford.
From left to right, we have Mary McFadden (who was known locally as May). She was born in 1895 and died in 1991. This is the same lady that is reputed to be in the photograph in front of Glarryford post office (i.e. what was previously Samuel Coleman’s store).
May’s daughter was certain that it was her mother in that old photo.
In the family photo above, along the back, beside Mary is her brother John McFadden (1893-1972), and sister, Margaret (1896-1979).
At the front, we see Mary’s father John McFadden (1866-1934) and (on his knee) her sister Letitia (known as Hettie, 1899-1993).
Her father John McFadden who was a beetler.
Irene also asks: “I wonder if you would have any idea, where one could follow up on a family member who was a stonemason. What work would he have done, would he have belonged to a ‘society/union/whatever’.
My family history is Craigs, Cullybackey, Portglenone.”
Anyone able to offer any assistance? Many thanks if you are able to help.
When I get the opportunity, I will look through old newspapers, to see if there is much reference to local stonemasons.
I have only made a couple of checks, and found matches, from the townland of Dunminning.
I don’t want to spoil your fun finding this family yourself.
So, the first website to check is irishgenealogy.ie in the ‘civic records’ tab.
Next, you might check the Census records (only 1901, 1911, and recently 2021 available) on census.nationalarchives.ie in ‘search census’. This will show up further family members.
And if you don’t know the townlands (who does) there is townlands.ie
All these websites are sensitive to the correct, or incorrect, or old spelling, so try variations if you don’t initially find success.
Good luck, have fun, ask again,
Barry
I have quite a bit of research on my family. The question about stonemasons, a different side of the family, is simply to find out what type of work they may have done and where. I was hoping for some kind of Guild to which he may belong that would contribute further information. Thank you though for attempting to help.
Try:
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/research_guides/family_history/stone
my Grandmother was Irene MC faddon born 1900 ISH moved to Manchester and married Sidney Chadwick they had 3 girls .Barbara, Pamela,and my mother Muriel Smith nee Chadwick.
from Ireland not sure ?
Sorry to reply twice, but another possible source for you is the Working Class Movement Library.
https://www.wcml.org.uk/wcml/en/our-collections/working-lives/stonemasons/stonemasons-and-builders-unions/
Thank you so much for this.
Irene Letticia McFadden was my grandmother. my father was John McFadden. can we contact each other.
Would love to have you make contact. OneIrishrover has my permission to give you my email address
Hi Just read your article on the Mcfaddens found interesting as John McFadden is my grandfather . Interestingly i worked out of Glarryford post office for many years as a postman but had no idea a relative did.
Hi, I think you knew my mother, Molly McCloy. If I am not mistaken your family go to Elim Ballymena. I have done quite a bit of research in the family if you would like to make contact.
Yes you have got the Wright family my wife and sister are currently researching family history and would love to compare notes
Hi John, ok if I email Irene your email address?