Christopher Wilson – Irish Freeholder Records

I searched the  PRONI Freeholder Records, and was surprised to find a likely match for Christopher Wilson:

Christopher Wilson was listed as the leaser of some land in the town of Derryenver, County of Armagh.

How do I know he is the likely ancestor of Christopher Wilson (father of Abraham Wilson)?

I have previously searched the marriage records held on PRONI, and found Christopher and Catherine’s marriage certificate.  On the Certificate, Christopher’s place of residence at the time of marriage is ‘Derryinver’.  This is not a big town, in fact it is a very small village, so there is unlikely to be another Christopher Wilson living there.

The Freeholder record lists the landlord as being William Brownlowe, and date of registry is 1712.  The lease was listed as being held for Christopher’s life and also the lives of his sons Christopher and Robert:

Christopher Wilson land lease1712

The above is the extract of the lease agreement (paid yearly)

It reads:

Christopher Wilson 

In part of town land of Derryenver

dated July 21 1712 for (the) lives of ye (?)

Christopher, Christopher, Robert, his sons

at (?) yearly rent of –  (Pounds) 8-10-0

William Brownlowe was a prominent figure in Lurgan (Armagh) history.  He was landlord over much of the land in the Lurgan area, including the towns Derryadd (where Abraham was born) and Derryinver (likely where Christopher was born).  More information about Lurgan freeholder  land history can  be found here.

Armistice Day 11 November 1918 – Townsville celebrations

Below is a photograph I found in the Townsville Bulletin 11 Nov 2000, when a news story appeared recalling the end of World War I.  Abraham Wilson was involved in the celebrations, dressing up as the Kaiser in the photograph below.

Armistace Day 1918 - Tvl

Contrary to popular belief in the family, Abraham’s son Henry is not in the photograph above (confirmed by Henry himself).

 

Note:   The above photograph is now kept in Archives held at James Cook University, and copies can be purchased from the University.  I cannot provide copies of this photo, I don’t own the copyright, and I include it on this website purely as part of documenting family history research.