 John Holmes c.1899 (not long before he died) |
IN THE 1860S from his family in Limavady, Ireland and to Letitia Holmes from John Gilfillan her father's cousin Alice McAlister who discovered and made copies of these papers, and to Jean (daughter of Emily Jane Holmes who married Thomas Weir Burns) for rescuing these following the death of Alice McAlister. |
 Letitia McAlister (nee Holmes) |
Lyttle Wallace |
Following Samuel's death in 1889 at Ballynarig, JOHN GILFILLAN (John Holmes' cousin then living in Kempsey, NSW) took up the task of corresponding with John Holmes and then with Letitia McAlister (John Holmes's married daughter) following the death of her father John in 1900. When asked about our John's ancestors, Samuel Holmes replied: Gabriel HOLMES (Samuel's great grandfather) purchased Lands at Ballynarig from JOHN HOLMES (year not known) Gabriel's son James HOLMES (Sam's grandfather) was the only male heir When James died the Ballynarig lands were divided up - to Sam's father, his uncle and John's grandfather John Gilfillan also wrote: "I know your grandmother Jane (nee Gilfillan) was your grandfather's second wife, but who the first wife and family were is beyond my recollection." |
1855 COPY OF WILL OF JAMES HOLMES DATED 24TH SEPTEMBER 1855 AT BALLYNARIG BALLYNARIG SEPTEMBER 24TH 1855 In the Name of God Amen I James Holmes of Ballynarig, Parish of Femlaghfinland and County of Londonderry being in health of body and soundness of mind do constitute this my last Will and Testament in the following manner. I bequeath to my son John Holmes the sum of 50 pounds in case he returns to this Country, to my son James Holmes I bequeath my property in the townland of Ballynarig together with all my other property and effects. I nominate as my Executors Samuel Holmes of Ballynarig and James Gilfillan of Sesnagh. Signed: James Holmes Witnesses: James Gilfillan and John Martin *************************************** COPY OF CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE DATED 11TH MARCH 1858 OF JOHN HOLMES AND LETTISHA JENKINSON In the Colony of Victoria ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE (Schedule C.) District of Bourke No. in Register 16 On the 11th of March at Emerald Hill Marriage by Special Licence was solemnised between Us according to the Forms of the Presbyterian Church Signature John Holmes RESIDENCE Present & Usual Richmond Age 32 Rand of Profession Saddler Condition Batchellor Birth Place Ballynarig County of Londonderry Ireland Parents Names Father James Holmes, Farmer Mother Jane Gilfillan (maiden name) Signature Lettisha Jenkinson RESIDENCE Present & Usual Emerald Hill Age 26 Condition Spinster Birth Place Fanigh County of Carlow Ireland Parents Names: Father William Jenkinson, Farmer Mother Ann Mathers (maiden name) Witnesses: Andrew Moore and Mary Kinsford Officiating Minister John Ballantyne **************************************************** 1860 Letter to John HOLMES of Richmond on May 17, 1860 from James Gilfillan of Sesnagh, N.Ireland Dear John, I have here sent you a copy of fathers will, word for word done by Mr Proctor and if the attorneys in your Country charge as they do here the less you have to do them the better. I spoke to him concerning brother James and Proctor says if you can shew he was not the person to whom you sent the money you can have no trouble in getting it. I saw the letter you sent to brother and desired him to send you your 50pounds at once as you wrote you were paying such high percentage. I told him I would let him have the 50pounds at 4% until it answered him to pay me. I could do no more. You wrote to him to send you your 50pounds and not have neighbours to say he was dishonourable or unjust but you should have said send me my 50pounds or if I have again to write for it, you will pay it with costs and 6% interest from the day you got it. Had you written so to him he would soon have sent the money, but if he had either honor or manhood you would never have had to write a second time. As to fathers will I wrote it, but who induced him to make it I do know not. I remarked that he was in good health and could get it written at any time but his answer was that now was the time, when John Martin and I were present. I assure you that no one had to prompt him at that time. What may have passed privately between your brother and him I know not, but he and I were of the opinion that as he meant to send you 50pounds you would hold it when you had it. I wish you had done so as your father was dead before the money came. As to Samuel Holmes he said to me he thought a shame to write you the truth as he thought you badly treated, for my own part I thought 100pounds as nothing but I was not to dictate to your father and James had acted meanly in detaining your money when he knew you required it. he has not the excuse that he could not get it, and at present 50pounds is like nothing to him. Dear John I do not wish to encourage you to go to law with your brother for I believe he means to send the money when it answers him (not to suit you) which says the less for him. You say your father said he would never make a will. What could change his mind I know not as I never had a private conversation with him on the subject. I have nothing of importance. all your friends are well. Wishing you health, peace and prosperity. I remain yours sincerely, James Gilfillan. |
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HOLMES, Gabriel, b.Aug. 31, 1701, Father Robert of Ballynarig HOLMES, Laurence, b.March 2, 1702, Father Lawrence Holmes HOLMES, Rachel, b.Dec 1703, Father Gabriel Holmes HOLMES, Anne, Communicant 1811 HOLMES, un-named girl, b.1813, Father Oliver HOLMES, Margaret, Communicant 1824 HOLMES, Hannah,, Communicant 1824 at Ceresnagh HOLMES, Elizabeth, Communicant 1824 at Ballynarig HOLMES, Jane,, Communicant 1824 at Ballynarig, |
HOLMES, James, Communicant 1811 HOLMES, David, Born Oct.19, 1828, Father James HOLMES, Lisa Jean, Born Aug.20,1832, Father James HOLMES, Margaret, Born Jan.8, 1832, Father James HOLMES, James, Born Aug.8, 1834, Father James HOLMES, Peggy Ann, Born Feb. 7, 1837, Father James HOLMES, Samuel, Born July 6, 1839, Father James HOLMES, Nancy, Born Feb. 27th, 1842, Father James of Ballynarig HOLMES, Nancy, Born Feb. 4th, 1844, Father James of Ballynarig HOLMES, Hugh, Born Dec. 5, 1847, Father James of Ballynarig HOLMES, John, Born May 1, 1859, Father James, Mother Nancy McNeil HOLMES, Mathagone [Homes] Born May 24, 1863, Father James HOLMES, Jane married (husband's name not given) on Feb.15, 1859 HOLMES, Jane Communicant - Fen 1866 (probably 17) housekeeper of Ballynarig then Limavardy HOLMES, Jane Communicant 1895 of Limavardy then Brumrano. Widow housekeeper. Died c.1896 |
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HOLMES Samuel - 1864 listed as aged 61 HOLMES Samuel - 1872 listed as aged 70 HOLMES Samuel - farmer, Communicant betw.1876-1880 Old and frail of Ballynarig HOLMES Samuel - farmer, Communicant of Ballynarig died 1889 HOLMES Hannah b. April 3rd, 1840 Father Samuel of Ballynarig HOLMES Hannah married James Connor on June 6, 1865. .....Witness Annie (?) Holmes at Ballinarig Father Samuel - farmer HOLMES Ruth Father Samuel - farmer HOLMES Ruth married John Miller on Feb.3, 1876. Witness Jane Holmes at Ballynarig Father Samuel - farmer HOLMES Anne b. Feb. 10th, 1843 Father Samuel of Ballynarig HOLMES Samuel b. Feb. 1st, 1848 Father Samuel of Ballynarig HOLMES Eliza Father Samuel of Ballynarig HOLMES Joseph b. Feb 8th, 1849 Father Samuel HOLMES John b. Aug. 1, 1851 Father Samuel HOLMES Nancy b. July 3, 1854 Father Samuel Crawford, Jane b.Jan 2, 1823 Mother - Jane Holmes, Sessunagh |
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** If you know anything about these names PLEASE EMAIL ME [ref: HOLMES] - thanks LETTERS FROM SAMUEL HOLMES to JOHN HOLMES 1863 Letter to nephew John Holmes of Richmond from Samuel Holmes of Ballynarig dated Oct 2, 1863. (confusion, as letter is signed 'your cousin, Samuel Holmes of Ballynarig') 1863 - Dear nephew I would not think it strange that you would think me verry ungrateful in not writing to you ere this time. you may rest assured however that my affection for you is unchanged and you have my Best Wishes for your welfare prosperity and happiness. as to myself there is little change in worldly circumstances. Samuel lived in the same I live in the same cottage enjoy the property and privileges of my forefathers. I have five sons James, William, Samuel, Joseph and John Holmes; five daughters Jane M, Eliza, Hannah, Ann and Ruth. I give the names of those alive and well. A son unamed at, the time I received your letter my son James intended to emigrate to Australia, but was introduced to Mr John Stevenson Knokan as landsteward and remains in that situation since two of the girls stop with him. Dear John I feel great pleasure in hearing from time to time of your welfare and prosperity and that you have an amiable and trustworthy partner in your wife. it is truly said that the Best Circumstance in a man's life next to a good mother is a good wife. Perhaps I may never enjoy the opportunity of speaking with her on earth but I send her my love and best respects in hopes you will prove a mutual blessing and comfort to each other both here and hereafter. We heard with regret the death of your children but this was the Will of providence and it is our Duty with due resignation to submit to his will. It is more than probable you that you have already heard of the revival of religion in this Country in the year 1859 there never was any like it in the memory of the oldest inhabitants. I received the two papers you sent the Illustrated Melbourne Post dated April 25th and July 25th the contents of which I perused with eagerness. they give good information of the Country, the history of its great men, its buildings towns and improvements. These are all interesting to me and to the younger branches of the family for your kindness in sending them, we return our grateful acknowledgements. In the July paper I notice some things had occurred with respect of yourself disagreeable. A broken leg, loss of money and time anxiety of mind this is adversity. I am truly sorry when I read this and wish I had been near to sympathise with you and assist you in all my power. One thing I did not fully understand that is whether you had invested the 150pounds in the Buildings of the Treasury or that Mr Francis of Richmond had failed.
Dear John with respect to family affairs I did not like to interfere. I heard you were not entirely satisfied about your father's will. I knew nothing how it was made. I was not present nor until you required a copy knew of its contents. For you and your brother I cherish the same unabated friendship as when you were both in Ballynarig and would be grieved to hear of any disagreement between you. James and John Gilfillan and their familys are well and prosperous. they are getting rich. Brother James and family is well - he has an amiable and goodnatured wife and two children Jane and John Holmes, shortly expecting another. My William left for New Zeland by way of London on the 30th September to sale [sail] in the ship ROYAL STEWARD for Auckland. At present it appears an unfavourable season, much loss of corn in many places by hail storms, prices of corn very low, farming it is thought will pay badly, three wet summers in succession. I was agreeable surprised when I saw the portrait you sent to James Gilfillan - yourself grown copulent beyond my expectation healthy and goodlooking, an exact likeness in features and so I judge of the others. the appearance of your wife [Letitia] pleases me well. It was strictly examined in our house and highly applauded by us all old and young. I thought she had perhaps cast a wistful glance at you at the time she was sitting, for the draught, as the long black hair on your chin was in danger of drawing a shade. But the baby [Letitia Ann] oh with what rapture did the young ones look at it. had the baby been present it would have got kissing and hugging galore. they would nurse it forever, the handsomest baby ever was seen and a thousand other things, a young Holmes like John like James etc. Dear John there is one thing I mention. old Mrs Martin of Bovally earnestly requested me I should write to you if you could possibly send her any word of her son Robert Martin whether alive or dead. James Gilfillan send his apology for not writing sooner says he has nothing particular at present intends writing about November. There is another thing I would like to know the name of your minister whether Presbyterian or not. we should mind religious instruction and strive to grow in grace. I will likely write to you after I receive a letter from William. If he lands safe he had intended to ship in Melbourne. But John Crawford son of Joseph Crawford of Straw was going to New Zealand and he thought he would be good company. We all join in sending our love and best respects to you and family. Samuel Holmes, Ballynarig, October 2nd 1863. 1864 To nephew John from Samuel of Ballnarig dated November 10, 1864 - actually signed cousin Samuel. Dear John, You will perhaps think me ungratefull for not acknowledging your kind letter before this time. all the excuse I have to offer is waiting for a letter from William. I got by last mail and take this opportunity of writing. The news in your letter made me glad that after sad and heavy misfortune which you had to endure you are in the enjoyment of good health and in some measure compensated. You are desirous to know how William likes New Zealand. I will give you his own words - he say I am now living on an island about 10 miles from Auckland. I have fifty-two pounds a year found and all I have no hard work to do, as happy as I can be. These are his own words. I am well pleased with my journey. I think young men can do better than at home. there is plenty of work and plenty of money. anyone can do well that takes care. His letter dated July 25th. he was then planting potatoes, nothing to do but plough them in without any manure, the land good clay. Indian corn comes to maturity, other corn they cut green. I copy this from his letter. perhaps nothing new to you but different from our way of working at home. As to myself joining him there I cannot exactly say. I am hale and hearty at the age of 61 and were I sure that it would add to the comfort or prosperity of the family I would emigrate with them or send such of them as would chose to go. I send a letter to this effect to William in this mail and shall wait for an answer. Before I decide in the meantime I would ask your advice as we have little prospect of bettering our condition here at present. The girls laugh hearty at William. he has to was his own shirt. I think there may be some inconvenience there as well as here but this country is greatly changed and a great many failures taking place. I have every reason to be thankful to God for his goodness to us after the raising of a large family we get along comfortable as yet. Your brother James and family is well. his eldest daughter Jane is a very smart intelligent girl of here years so is John, and David is the stoutest and cleverest child of his age you would see. I showed James your letter. I wanted him to write to you. He said you had taken offence at him and declared solemnly he never to his knowledge gave you any cause. he appeared unhappy that you did not write to him. he has verry much improved the farm at Bovally. is thought of by all his neighbours and Landlord. You asked me in your letter to let you know where the Holmes sprung from. Samuel believes - they boast of no rent rolls or titles of honour, save that of an honest man and industrious farmer in the year 1613. (When) the plantation of Ulster with English and Scottish colonists took place, a great many familys of both countries settled in the north of Ireland incl. our forefathers. It was Sam's belief English rather than Scottish - due to family features. Sam is sure that Captain Holmes was probably an ancestor, of Scottish extraction. BUT THIS MUCH SAM KNOWS - the lands in Ballynarig were purchased from a John Holmes, by my great grandfather Gabriel Holmes. His son James (Sam's grandfather) was the only male heir. This was then divided among his three sons - John's grandfather, Sam's uncle and his father. Sam says - Jane received likeness of John's little girl (Letitia Ann). (was Sam's wife Jane?). John Gilfillan has build a fine mansion two stories high instead of the old house at the mill. James Gilfillan has son William
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