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:
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.

