One of my favorite things in Ireland was meeting people. Everyone was so nice and helpful and willing to talk. Our visit to the Kilraughts Reformed Presbyterian Church was no exception. We hadn't planned on attending the meeting there, but we were happy we did. The greeter at the door helped us get hymnals and … Continue reading Talking to Strangers
One of the first Presbyterian churches in Ireland, established during the Plantation era in the early 17th century, was built in the townland of Kilraughts, County Antrim. The congregation later moved 1.5 miles east, but burials still took place at the old churchyard. My ancestors, John and Elizabeth (Borland) Adams, likely attended this congregation. The … Continue reading Old Kilraughts Churchyard
Sarah (Eve) Adams, my 5th great-aunt, married an Irishman by the name of John Strong Adams on 2 March 1803. He was a clerk to her uncle and she thought he had exceptional taste in literature. Sarah and John made trips to Ireland to visit his family in Randalstown, County Antrim, Ireland. On one of … Continue reading The Old Presbyterian Churchyard
My husband and I took a trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland last year. We enjoyed lots of beautiful scenes of rolling green hills dotted with sheep, weather changing hourly, and dramatic coastal views. In between all these delights, we made our way though out-of-the-way villages and towns and to cemeteries and houses that are … Continue reading Walking in Randalstown
Family legends go with family history like oreos go with milk. While often not provable, there can be nuggets of truth to many of our families' legends. James Bones was born about 1766 near Randalstown, County Antrim, Ireland, the first child of John and Elizabeth (Scott) Adams. James had four brothers and one sister. As … Continue reading A Rebel with a Cause(way)
Dear County Derry, Can a place hold memories? John Carmichael was my 4th great-grandfather. Do you remember him? He was born within your borders just outside the town of Dungiven on 11 June 1774. It's thought his parents were Archibald and Isabella (Dunlap) Carmichael (although I haven't found definitive proof of them). John and his … Continue reading Derry Diary
I knew exactly where the headstone would be. We got out of our car at the gate, greeted by a blue Church of Ireland sign, and walked the gravel driveway to the churchyard. It seemed an unlikely place for a church, almost nothing around, except the modern house next to the road, perhaps belonging to … Continue reading With Feelings of Undiminished Regret
Heart Genealogy 