Serendipity

Moys (or "The Moys" as it is known locally) is a small townland and we didn't have a clue where to start searching for John Moore who lived there in 1925. but at the back of a set of farm buildings we saw a derelict cottage so stopped to enquire of the farmer. Who turned out to be Tommy Simpson.

Yes, Tommy Simpson is a farmer, he is also a keen historian and can trace his family history back to 1664. Tommy lives in what used to be the most important house in the townland. Not only was it the most important but, when it was built in 1826, it was also the village pub. Incidentally the licence for which was issued by Bushmills Distillery. Did John Moore drink here I wonder? It is no longer a public house but has been renovated to be a most imposing farm house. Tommy has records dating back two hundred years and he quickly found for us the pub "Tick Book" for 1888. This is the book in which customer's names were written and how much they owed the landlord. Yes there was a William Moore but we don't think this person was related to grandfather William Henry Moore who we were tracing.

"1888 William Moore. Oct 26th 2 1/2 ones of Whisk 4 pence Same date, 1 Noggin of Gin 7 1/2 pence.

No luck there but what about the rent books? The Simpsons were landowners too and here again all the family records have been meticulously kept. Sharon here's another surprise for you. (Remember we are doing this your place and mine search on behalf of a Canadian lady who wants to know more about her family history in Northern Ireland.)

"MR THOMAS JOHN SIMPSON, MOYSE 1926 Novr.16, By Cash Wm. H. Moore on account rent 1.0.0 (One Pound) Then two lines further down we find 1927 April 19, By Cash Wm. H. Moore two months rent 1.0.0

We have the right initials in the right area in the right era. Without a doubt, Sharon, this is probably your grandfather paying rent for land, or perhaps it was rent for his house.

Yes, what about the house? The one at the back of the farm that caused us to call in on Tommy Simpson in the first place?

Your Responses:

Hazel Goodman (nee Simpson) - June '08
Responding to Raymond Simpson re Robert, 1782-1849. Have more info, and believe, (trying to prove) that he was my GGGrandfather.
If you read this, please get in touch.

Raymond Simpson - Nov '06
Has anyone information on my GGF Robert Simpson born 1782 died 1849. Was a Lieutenant in Londonderry Militia 1840-1806, Ensign in 89th Regiment 1805 to 1808, Lieutenant in 25th Regiment 1808 to 1818. Was in \irish Constabulary Inspector, County Inspector - Longford - and retired as Paymaster 1849. We think married to Florinda Lowndes.