The Family of John Herdman (middle of 3 brothers who founded Sion Mills) and his wife Elizabeth (nee Finlay), known to the other side of the family as Aunt John.
1. Sarah – could read when she was 3 years old. Married James Stimson.
2. Alexander – took over the Wine Tavern St Mill in 1862 after his father’s murder. A very generous and popular young man. He married Selina Gosselin whose sister Mary married his cousin John Herdman of Sion Mills. Alexander and Selina both died in a few years of galloping consumption.
3. James - a friend of Sir Thomas Lipton, and worked with him
4 Elizabeth – never married, but looked after her mother
5 William – owned the salmon fishery at Carrickarede. He slipped walking along the top of the cliffs on the smooth grass in rubber waders and fell over and was killed. There is a tablet to him in Ballintoy Church where he is buried
6 & 7 Twins – Charlotte (died at birth) and Frederick Septimus who became Manager of Brookfield Mill
8 Margaret married Alfred Lepper
9 Anna married Richard Wallace
10 Emily (known as Aunt Crow by other side of family and much loved) – married Edward Preston
11 George married Ethel Preston (sister of Edward)
12 Ernest married Lucy Matier – one son Merron and 3 daughters, but no grandchildren. He became Sir Ernest and was Chairman of the Belfast Board of Harbour Commissioners for many years. Instigator of the Herdman Channel in Belfast Docks. Died aged 96 and Commander Claud Herdman of Sion Mills was his residual legatee.
13 Arthur (known as The Scrubber). He managed the Smithfield Mill (formerly Wine Tavern St Mill) after the death of Alexander
14 John – a barrister in London
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