I had a lovely message, a few months back, from a reader of this website, regarding her ongoing search for the surname Mark in the Old Graveyard at Ahoghill.

The Marks, across the generations, often had careers as surgeons. 

I still do not have my transcriptions completed for that graveyard (it has a LOT of graves, a fascinating place).  So I wondered if anyone could offer any help.

Gwyneth says:

What a fabulous website. I am trying to find records of my past family some of whom were buried in the old churchyard at Ahoghill. There were many surgeons among them and I am wondering if there are some parish records or information somewhere where I may find more.

My family are referenced on the headstone as follows:

Erected in memory of DAVID MARK, surgeon, late of Culleybackey who depd this life 23rd March 1828, aged 28years Also his nephew Samuel son of William Fee, surgeon, bmena who died in infancy. Likewise Samuel son of the said William Fee who died 4th Nov 1837 in the third year of his age. And here also lies the above-named William Fee who depd this life 4th March 1847 aged 37 years.

William Fee was also a surgeon. Dr. David Mark is my 4th Great Grandfather. I am trying to find the name of his wife. He had a daughter named Margaret (my 3rd great grandmother) born 1826 who married Robert Craig 17 Dec 1844 Presbyterian Church, Ballylinny parish. She died 3 Feb 1871 and her remains were buried in the Balmoral cemetary.

I would be most grateful if anyone could give me any information regarding these families.

There is also a William Mark, buried in the Ahoghill old Church yard, whom I suspect may be David’s Grandfather – other names on that gravestone are Margaret Fee, Robert Simpson surgeon, Elizabeth daughter of Margaret, William Simpson surgeon, Elizabeth McMeekin (formerly Simpson).

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.