Roger McGilligan (1835-1916) is my Great-great-grandfather. His occupation in the 1901 census and on his death certificate was listed as a farmer. The 1901 census records his wife, Jane, and two children living at home. John McGilligan, their first son, is my Great-grandfather. Roger died May 4, 1916 at Tirhugh, Magherafelt, County Londonderry. He was buried on May 6, 1916 at Killelagh Parish Church, Swatragh, County Londonderry.
Segorry, Aghadowey is where my grandmother, Lily McGilligan was born on 30 Jan 1919. The home is located on the left about two thirds down the Ardreagh Road driving towards St. Guaire’s Parish Church from the Drumcroon Road (A29).
Reynolds McGilligan was born about 1883, the son of Rodger McGilligan. Nothing of his childhood is known. Reynolds traveled to America repeatedly from 1907 to 1923. His first known passage commenced on 1 Apr 1907 from Londonderry to New York City on the S.S. Columbia. The trans-atlantic crossing typically lasted 12 days. Reynolds recorded destination was Chicago to stay with his cousin George Johnston. Reynolds’ World War I Registration Card states he was of medium build and height with grey eyes and brown hair. At the time of registration he was living at Alden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsyvlania and working as a riveter at Hog Island, then the largest ship builders in the world.
Reynolds returned to Ireland on the S.S. Columbia which sailed from New York to Glasgow via Moville on 23 Jan 1923. The passenger list recorded Reynolds as a citizen of the United States with the intent to remain in Ireland at Moneysallin, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry. Unfortunately two years later on the 18 Jun 1925 Reynolds passed away and was buried in St. Patrick’s Parish Church at Kilrea, Co. Londonderry. Legend has it that Reynolds was buried on the day he was due to be married. Reynolds is buried along with his brother John McGilligan and sister Eliza Jane McGilligan. John McGilligan’s first wife Margaret Hamilton and infant child are buried in the same plot. The headstone was erected by Reynold’s nephew John McGilligan and his name was engraved as Randall not Reynolds.
Burial
Places of Residence
John McGilligan was known as Jack. Jack died in a fatal lorry accident in Walsall, England on 11 Nov 1972. He was buried in the Ballymoney Cemetery on 21 Nov 1972. Jack McGilligan’s Gravestone
Ringsend Presbyterian Church is located on the Cashel Road before entering Ringsend, Co. Londonderry. The small structure has only a few graves close to the church building. My grand-mother Lily McGilligan was married at Ringsend Presbyterian Church.
Elder & McGilligan Genealogy 