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| 13 May 2008
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Sion Mills Buildings Preservation Trust Forum
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Richard Greene (guest)
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| 16 Apr 2008 12:33 AM |
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Mrs. Mary McCrea,
Hi,
My name is Richard Greene.
I have been interested in finding some info
about my family connections in Sion Mills for a while now.
When I saw your name in connection with the Buildings Preservation Trust I thought I would contact you to see if you have any connection with my family.
My grandfather was James McCrea from Sion Mills and I believe he was in WW1. He moved to Dublin in early century and married a catholic for which his family disowned him.
My aunt, Marie McCrea, has told me that an aunt/great aunt Rose passed on less than ten years ago. She also told me that the McCreas had a castle in West Scotland.
If any of this rings any bells I would love if you could give me some pointers as to where in Sion Mills I could search for contacts.
Regards,
Richard Greene |
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Webmaster
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| 17 Apr 2008 11:42 AM |
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I received the following interesting email in the New Year about the calendar I produced and sold in aid of the Trust. I think there are many people who would be interested to read it and I am sure John McConaghy won't mind my posting it in the Forum.
SION MILLS HERITAGE CALENDAR
I have received a copy of the above calendar and was highly delighted and intrigued by the articles on the Sion Mills Recreational Hall Electric Pictures as I believe my father at one time operated the projector.
The reproduction photographs attributed to each month were also of great interest but I was disappointed that there were only a few captions to explain many of the photographs. Owing to the total absence of information regarding the compiler, publisher or printer of this calendar I am communicating with you in the hope that you can redirect my queries to the right quarter.
I have also inherited a number of original photographs taken in and around Sion Mills in, what I guess to be, the 1920's.
Some of these show my father, also John, standing outside the main gate of Herdman's Mill, where he was employed as the gateman/timekeeper for many years. If these are of any use to your organisation I will gladly send copies by email or by any other means.
I left the village in 1950.
John McConaghy
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Webmaster
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| 17 Apr 2008 12:09 PM |
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From Rick Herdman - descendent of William Suffern Herdman (son of James Herdman, founder of Sion Mills)
No I didn't receive your email, but would like to hear from you and buy a copy of the book.
As you probably know my Grandfather raised his family in Poulsbo, Washington. He had two sons James and William III. My dad raised his 5 children in Bremerton and my Uncle raised his family (5 also) in Port Orchard. Wa. The two cities are only about 10 miles apart. My dad had 2 boys(James Griffith II and Richard) & 3 girls and my uncle had 1 boy(William IV) & 4 girls.
My wfe Karla and I had 4 children (3 boys & 1 girl), My brother had a boy and a girl and my cousin had a boy. So as you can see we are doing our part to keep that HERDMAN name going strong!!
Let me know what you need for the book and also thanks alot for all your efforts for the Herdman Family.
Rick
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stella mccrea (guest)
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| 18 Apr 2008 8:35 AM |
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Greetings Richard
If you want information obout the McCrea's of Sion Mills.
Contact me on sion_millsanglingclub@tiscali.co.uk
Regards Stella McCrea |
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Cliff Monteith (guest)
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| 23 Apr 2008 10:36 PM |
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My father Sam Monteith (was born in Derry Mills on April 29th. 1889) but the family lived in Sion Mills. His Parents where Thomas and Mary Elizabeth. Thomas was a blacksmith, my father became a blacksmith. Sam immigrated tto Canada in 1911.
I will be making a trip to Sion Mills in Aug 2008 and will visit your community.
Is there in the buildings that have been restored a "blacksmith shop.
I enjoyed reading your web site.
Regards
Cliff Monteith
Canada |
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Webmaster
Posts:11
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| 23 Apr 2008 10:48 PM |
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For Cliff Monteith
Thanks for your family information. Monteith is still a well-known name here and hopefully through this Forum you will get in contact with some relatives. The old forge is indeed in the Mill in the old Maintenance Block, shortly to be restored as Work Units. |
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Samuel Patterson (guest)
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| 23 Apr 2008 10:53 PM |
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I hope you will not take it too amiss if I pester you again with some a couple of questions. When I was in Belfast in the Spring I made some progress with my research on my family. My grandmother was born on 24th March 1872 in Sion Mills. Her parents were William Montgomery and Eliza née Orr. William is described as a mechanic. His father was Matthew Montgomery whose profession I cannot quite decipher but looks like Hoe...ling Master. Eliza's father is given as John Orr, a bundler. They were married on 6th October
1871 (!) in Sion Mills Presbyterian Church. There were other relatives present, John Montgomery and Robert Orr, presumably brothers.
Eliza apparently died young. There is one case of a death of an Eliza Orr in
Londonderry Infirmary that I found. She died of TB in 1879 and may or may not be the same person. The marriage and birth are much earlier than I had expected. They coincide with the Thomas Hartley Mongomery case. The murder happened on the 29th June 1871, he was arrested in 1872 and tried and executed in August,1873. The question that I have is if you know when the couple left Sion Mills and whether the Thomas H. Montgomery case had any bearing on the matter. Any information would be gratefully received. |
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| 23 Apr 2008 11:08 PM |
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For Samuel Patterson
I cannot answer all your queries, but hopefully you will get some answers through this Forum.
I can tell you that your great-great grandfather, Matthew Montgomery, was a Hackling master. The 'hacklers' were always men and very skilled at their work of combing the raw flax which was the first stage of the flax-spinning process in the Mill, after the 'roughers' had sorted the flax. Hackling took place in the Machine Room, situated in the Old Mill building alongside the river. The hackling masters were very sought after and would often travel all over Europe (maybe further afield) to teach the skill of hackling. It is said that it was hackling masters from Sion Mills who introduced football to the Russians! This could be true as the men of Sion Mills have always been passionate about sport, especially cricket and football. |
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| 25 Apr 2008 3:55 PM |
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Messages received in the past few years which may ring a bell with some people. Comments please!
Dawn Alexander - May '07
Dear Jamie Nelson
I used to live on the same street as your dad as a child. We use to call him Tucker Nelson. My name is Dawn Alexander, however your dad may remember me as Fitzharris, I had a brother called Brian, I moved away from Ireland when I was a teenager, and now live in the Canary Island, say hello to your dad for me, and hope all goes well with the history
Jean McCloskey - Sep '06
Just browsing over your site I do not wish you any disrespect but I must say this. My kin worked down through the years in the mill as did all of the villagers, they are not here today to tell you of their illnesses for their latter part of their years due to the flax dust they inhaled due to inappropriate ventilation of the times.
This I send In their Memory!
Jamie Nelson, Australia - April '06
Just been reading your pages, and am very grateful and proud to be a part of your history i am learning history at school in year 7 (i am 12 years old) and my dad is from sion mills he is from a large family of Nelson his name is malcolm(George) my granny Alice still lives in new street. I will be using your pages as part of my history work. Thank you again yours, Jamie.
Nigel Lyttle - November '04
First class, always thought of the mill as just another building until I read this. Good work.
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Webmaster
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| 25 Apr 2008 4:36 PM |
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Niall - Feb '08
I hadn't passed through Sion Mills for years. The state of the main road's pretty awful, is no one responsible for the great architecture on that road? It's falling to pieces. Very sad.
Carole Atkins Sherr - Nov '06
I am very interested in the comments of Robert Alec Wilson. My paternal great great grandfather was a Robert Wilson married to Jane? Their daughter, my great grandmother, Rebecca Wilson, married John H. Thompson in the Ballinamallard CI in 1861 prior to coming to Philadelphia the next year. Because of the frequency of the Wilson surname I am having difficulty sorting out the many families in County Tyrone. I would appreciate hearing from Robert Alec Wilson if he reads this and is interested in genealogy. I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Robert Alec Wilson - Oct '06
I am a cousin to William Suffern Herdman 1V, my mother was his father's sister. I am very interested in obtaining a copy of the "Family Tree" done by Rex Herdman. If you have information on who to contact I would greatly appreciate it.
J Hughes - Oct '06
Having visited Sion Mills to fish the river Mourne for the first time in September 2006, I was most impressed by the river in the area of the Herdman's factory. It is certainly a beautiful site with the weir, the Gravenue Pool and the public walks. However, unfortunately I have to agree with R M - Aug '06, who points out the mindless vandilism that has taken place in this lovely area. Isn't it a pity that the young people of the district can't admire and respect the beauty of their local surroundings.
Celia Ferguson - Sep '06
To Susan Arn
In answer to your query about the Sufferns, James Herdman who founded Sion Mills married Elizabeth Suffern of Belfast. She was my great-great-grandmother and I have a huge portrait of her at home. She was the mother of Dr William Suffern Herdman (who founded a dynasty of Herdmans in America, starting in Seattle). Her mother was the sister of Sir James Emerson-Tennent who was godfather to my great-grandfather, Emerson Tennent Herdman and the name has passed down through the family.
Max DeBeeson - Aug '06
Hello Celia, my name is Max DeBeeson. I'm working on a family website that includes Herdman on my wife's side. I came across your site and it is wonderful. I have attempted to connect the dots from my wife back through Sion Mills to John Herdman who fought for King William. I've put a link in the text to the full article you've done. Please check out what I've done and if you don't want me to use what's there, I'll change it. Thanks a lot.
Website address is: www.debeeson.com
My wife's email is sdebees @ telus.net
she would like to be in touch too.
Susan Arn - Aug '06
Hello: I noticed the name Suffern used as a middle name for a William Herdman with a relationship to a mill in Ireland? My own Suffern ancestors came from Ireland (County Antrim and County Derry) and I wondered where your William got the middle name Suffern?
R M - Aug '06
I read with great interest this article on Sion Mills and the surrounding areas, namely Strabane. It almost filled me with great pride to hail from this town. However, the reality of life in Sion today couldn't be different from that portrayed here.
A walk along the river today will reveal burnt out picnic areas, burnt benches, glass everywhere, abusive teenagers and an ineffectual police service which seems to ignore the noise, underage drinking and the tearing up of the local area by quads and scramblers. My family have a long history in Sion Mills. My mother and her family all earned a crust at the mill. Mr Herdman would turn in his grave if he where to wander along the weir these days. Whilst still a naturally beautiful location, it has unfortunately not escaped the blight that has befallen most towns in the north west and indeed the rest of the UK. Lawless teens and thoughtless parents.
The romantic view laid out above would be a fine thing given half a chance.
Celia Ferguson - May '06
From Celia Ferguson (nee Herdman) to William Suffern Herdman IV I have your photograph here in Sion Mills and William Suffern Herdman was my great-grandfather's brother which makes you my 3rd cousin. Please do come and visit us - my Aunt Iona is still alive and will be 95 on 9th June. Rex died in 1981 and their brother, my father Claud, died aged 90 in 1993. My email is smbpt at btconnect dot com.
Diane Angel - May '06
My dad was born in Sion Mills, his name was Stuart McKelvey. He worked in the mill and we left in 1980. I'm thinking about going back for a short break and taking my children with me.
Caroline Roncone - May '06
I am reserching my family history and my maternal grandmother was born at Sion Mills, 28/04/1895. My great grandparents must have lived and worked there. Names- Mary Doherty, James and Matilda nee Carlton. I have a copy of her birth certificate.
Stacey O' Meara - April '06
Hello! I am currently a year 13 A-level Art student at Drumragh College, Omagh. I myself live in Sion Mills and i am studying the buildings in Sion, such as The Mill and The stables. I have done loads of drawings and research! I new Sion had an interesting history and i am pleased to have learned things i never knew from this website, it also helped me alot for my pages of the art exam.
Many Thanks.
Ellen Fraser - January '06
Dear Ms. Ferguson: (& Michael Murray ??)
Oh my. I have been searching & searching trying to find the "mill" my mother heard about in her family. Her grandmother was Eliza Sharkey from Tyrone. Since I notice another Sharkey replying here - I feel this could be it...but don't know. The family rumor was that the mill had fallen on hard times or problems. It was known as the Mill at o'Keppe (not sure of the spelling) - and the sharkey's were involved in some fashion.
My great-grandmother Eliza Sharkey - and husband Michael McGeeney emigrated in 1881 and located in Newton, Kansas.
I sure would love to know. The name might also be A'Keppe...?? Bits and pieces of heresay, that is all I have.
William Herdman, South Colby, WA - January '06
I have just read some of your article and wanted to drop you a line. My name is William Suffern Herdman 1V, my father spent some time at the mill in the early 1980's. He mostly enjoyed his visit with his (I believe cousin) Iona and Rex who lived in a cottage on the river. I know that they spoke often after that and prior to her death and subsequently my fathers death in 1996. I would love to come visit retracing my dads footsteps. I would very much appreciate a response.
Celia Ferguson - November '05
I have just read the comments to date on my article and would like to say thank you to all those who have made such kind remarks. I have put together a book on the Early Years of Sion Mills, with extracts from the archives I have here at the Mill. If anyone wants to contact me for more information about the Herdman family (I am a Herdman myself), my email address is smbpt @ btconnect.com.
Elizabeth (McGeehan) Smith - November '05
My grandmother Margaret (Mohan) McGeehan worked at Sion Mills as a young lady. This would have been in the early 1900's.
While visiting Strabane in 1984 it was awesome seeing that huge building still standing.
Patricia Booth - Oct '05
Would love to find someone who has information on the Herdman family. I'm descended from them and trying to piece together some fragments of family history. Would appreciate any information. I have a beautiful linen bedspread, said to have come with the family to the US, from the Herdman Mill.
Hilary Whitford - July'05
I have some large framed prints on linen by Herdmans of the linen-making process. I inherited them 15 years ago from my ex-husband's uncle (Bill Cant) who worked, I believe, as a salesman for them. The prints are clearly of a series and were produced for some anniversary; I'm not sure I have the whole set, but I do have duplicates of one of the prints, which I'm prepared to sell if anyone is interested.
Lisa - June 05
Celia, this article on history of Sion Mills is amazing. I myself do live in Sion Mills and find that it yes does have a lot of history about the mill and the Herdman family. Thanks for the enjoyable article that I read and good luck in the future. thanks again
Michael A. Murray - December '04
Dear Celia Ferguson, great article on Sion Mills. It is too small of world when I am a yarn broker, buying and selling textile yarns around the world, receive a random e-mail from someone needing to sell some obsolete linen yarn. Linen yarn is not something I handle. Anyway, I shrug off the e-mail. Two days later I get a call from a regular customer asking me if I knew where to find some linen yarn ...!!
I pull the e-mail about the linen yarn. I begin to type an e-mail to the sender at SION MILLS. I said to myself, S I O N M I L L S!!! I wonder if that is the same SION MILLS my grandmother's family (Sharkey Family) worked at over 100 years ago .. So, I go into the hallway of my office to take a digital photo of the photo my sister took of SION MILLS and send it to the supplier of linen to learn if the SION MILLS I have a photo of is the same SION MILLS my relatives worked in.
Indeed it is the same mill! So, now I have a new yarn supplier and have reconnected with some aspects of my family's history.
Thanks for your web site and photos!
Hazel Kidd - Feb '08
Hello Celia, This is a wee note just to say hello and hope you remember the times my sisters and i played with your daughters. I will always remember and be proud of the time and effort my Granny Kidd and your mum and many other honourable people of the village spend for the royal british legion. I hope you and all your family are well.
Hello Hazel,
Good to hear from you. My daughters are both well, married and with 5 children between them. Clare has 2 girls and a boy and Lucy has 2 boys. Our elder son Edward got married last year and Rory got engaged last week! We are all well thanks.
Your Granny Kidd was much loved by all our family - particularly by me and my brothers as she often stayed to look after us if our parents were away. She was always fun to be with and will never be forgotten.
Best wishes to all the family,
Celia
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richard greene (guest)
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| 01 May 2008 10:45 AM |
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Hi Stella,
Untortuately I'm having a problem with the address you gave me.
Is there another one I could use.
Thanks
Richard Greene
richardsgreene@hotmail.com |
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Cliff Monteith (guest)
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| 01 May 2008 4:53 PM |
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May 1/08
I have now found a cousin who lives in Lisburn.
His Grandmother was Rebecca(Moteith) Shannon and his Aunt was( Margaret McCallan, who lived at 22 Meadow Crecent Sion Mills. These two ladies would be my Aunt and cousin.
The other information I am am looking for is the name of men from sion Mills who would have served in WW1 My reason is a Samuel Monteith servsed with the !0th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusilers that was formed in Omagh Sept 14th. 1914 from the Derry Volunteers.
I am trying to find if this was in fact my father.
Again "thanks" for you help and information.
Cliff Monteith-Canada
I am Looking forward to my up coming visit to Sion Mills in August. |
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Webmaster
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| 04 May 2008 6:18 PM |
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My great grandfather and great grandmother left Sion Mills separately between 1900 and 1910 and travelled to the West of Scotland. They met up again in Scotland and married having 9 of a family and last of whom died in 2007.
My great granfather was William Bustard and was a labourer . A big man from that era being over 6' tall . My great grandmother was Marjory Dunn , a wee woman , but the brains in the family. She became a postmistress and at one time had the only telephone in the village !!
Both lived well into their 80's with my granny dying around 1970.I have an Identity Book for my granny which she needed apparently during the second world war .
I wonder if the names Bustard or Dunn still exist in Sion Mills. I intend visiting Northern Ireland this summer with the intention of exploring the Sion Mills area.
It might not be appropriate in this ' post troubles ' era , but both grandparents and their exte nded families in Scotland were proud Orange folk - is there still an Orange Lodge in the area ??
Jim Kirkwood
Kilmarnock
Scotland
JIM KIRKWOOD |
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Webmaster
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| 04 May 2008 6:26 PM |
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For Jim Kirkwood
My aunt, who died last year aged 93, used to get sewing done by two sisters who lived until recently in a detached house at the Sion Mills end of Newtownstewart. She always referred to them both as Miss Bustard. They were seamstresses. They were quite elderly and no longer live there. I will find out what happened to them.
Celia Ferguson |
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