"Magheramorne"
Article contributed by Glen Brown -
May 05
My father John Howard Brown 1898-1968, born at Ballypollard,
son of a cartwright, supplied carts to Magheramorne Quarry
(later Portland Cement) Magheramorne. He joined the orginal
UVF along with numerous relatives, neighbours and fellow
like-minded Irishmen (his covenant copy bearing his signature
can be seen in Larne Historical Centre and on documentaion
at NI Public Office). He joined the Irish Guards as a volunteer
for the duration of WW1, serving in Belgium and France.
On his return to Magheramorne, work soon became scarce,
so he set off on his travels. In Australia he met up with
old neighbours & boyhood friends who had immigrated
from Magheramorne at the beginning of the 20th century.
Journeying on to USA, he travelled about from job to job.
On talking recently (Nov 2004) to Sam McCready at his
home on Curran Road, Sam told me that father, when they
were
neighbours in Magheramorne c1947), had told him he had
been like a hobo while in North America. In the mid 1930s
he
returned and worked in Clyde shipyard in Glasgow, where
he met and married my mother (Supervisor, GPO Head Office
Glasgow).
When WWII ended and shipbuilding began to decline,
the family returned to Magheramorne in time for me to be
born. Local neighbour and family friend, Mrs Murray, helped
my Mother deliver me. We were surrounded by relatives,
good neighbours, good friends. My aunt ran a local wee
shop, there was a burn that ran through the nearby meadow
where, with my brother Iain, Jim & Thomson O'Neill,
David McCallan and other local children, I caught spricks.
Church and Sunday school were well attended. Back in early
1950s public entertainment came in either in the Church,
Lily of the North Orange Hall and The Reck (Cements Works
Recreation Hall). In the latter I recall Mavis Semple,
the lass McGuigan rendering wonderful recitations and on
another occasion two young teenage girls from Larne demonstrated
the new jiving craze to Rock n Roll. My Father was musical
and enjoyed singing to us. The Saturday Radio Shows Childrens
Favourites, the Mc Cooeys and Smokey Mountain Jamboree
Boys (C&W) helped me to enjoy life.
My cousins Artur and Randal Brown were very fine musicans
and encouraged their children likewise. Arthur's son Alex
and daughter Vera joined Randals son Billy to be the Brown
Family (trio), performing around the area. Young Alex was
later to join Larne showbands The Regent and The High Seas
(the latter became resident showband in the Kings Arms Ballroom
Larne as well as touring Ireland, Scotland and England.
Cousin Billy Brown (RIP) was a founder member of the Freshmen,
music writer, naturalist, artist etc
Family tree includes Browns, McDowells, Howards, McConnell,
Rice etc Like many Magheramorne folk before them they are
scattered around the world from Canada to Hong Kong.
Your Responses
Glen Brown - May '07
Hi Roger McCalmont,
There was a Blacksmit's named McManus on Larne Main Street.
I am making enquiry regarding Magheramorne. Once I know
more I'll reply here.
My email is laharna60s@yahoo.com
Glen Brown - Mar '07
An update Re' Glen Brown Comment dated September
2006.
The American lady (a McCready of Magheramorne descent) will
visit Magheramorne and Larne during the first week in August
2007.
Glen Brown - Apr '07
Hi Roger,
I will make some enquiry regarding James and get back to
you.
laharna60s@yahoo.com.
Glen Brown
Roger McCalmont - Apr '07
My great-grandparents, John McManus & Isabella Curry
were wed at St. Mcanissi's RC Church, Larne on 1 Sept. 1872.
Their daughter, my grandmother, Rosanna was supposedly born
10 March 1878 yet I can find no record of her birth. I believe
they also had a son James. Can anyone from the area of Magheramorne,
provide information on the McManus family?
Glen Brown - Feb '07
The Browns, Howards and McDowells worked together at Ballypollard,
up until the turn of the last century 1800-1900 . Gradually
as their craft died so did numerous other rural crafts.
In the 1950s our McCready cousins and neighbours mutually
assisted each other to mow and rake the hay and similar
labour intensive chores.
Oh the food, the crack,the fun, the blisters. the sore back
muscles at 'the spud pickin' but best of all the harmony
of the friendships.
Will the computer be obsolete in one hundred years time
too?
Back in past centuries many Magheramorne turned to the seafaring
for their livelihood. That too has deminished, even the
Irish Sea passenger ferry boats being manned by crew from
variou snationalities.
If ever I am ever on a ship that has an emergency, that
at the outset of such a calamity, that the crew looking
after my well being,s do not shout , their commands /instructions
to me in their native language. That is one good reason
why one is advised to read and listen to all safety instructions
announced prior to sailing..
laharna60s@yahoo.com
Glen Brown - Sep '06
"We are all Jock Tamson bairns" or so a similar
saying goes.
The more one researches their family tree(s) or puts pen
to paper on that subject into the public domain, one is
often surprised by the contacts made.
For a couple of years now I've been in email contact with
an Australian. He had traced an ancestor of his that had
left Magheramorne in the late 1800s to settle in Australia.
Quite recently he advised me that another descendant of
Magheramorne McCreadys has been in touch with him from the
USA. She and I have now begun exchanging emails too.
Plans are ready afoot for 2007 by the american lady with
her travelling companion to visit Magheramorne during one
of my regular visits.
Glen Brown - Dec '05
I thank those that contacted me at my email address and
I take this opportunity to wish you the very best of Seasonal
Greetings.
To those awaiting further information, once I get it from
my sources I will as before pass it on direct to you. On
my recent visit to Larne Borough, I enjoyed the pleasure
of several friends company including a very warm welcome
from old friends out in Magheramorne.
Words cannot express how good you all made me feel.
Thank you. Yours in friendship.
Glen Brown
Mary McDowell-Cupp - Sept '05
IM decended from James B. McDowell from Conor County Antrim.
His father was Clouthworthy McDowell and his mother was
Mary Boul. My cousin Richard did our geneology even into
Scotland. Mary McDowell-Cupp
Glen Brown - June '05
My Father's birth certificate gives his father (my grandfather)
occupation as "Carter". On other documentation
it is shown as 'Cartwright'. My grandfather on the Howard
side of the family was a Blacksmith at Ballypollard, Magheramorne.
My uncle Arthur Brown carried on Blacksmithing until it
became rare craft.
In 2005 I've been in contact with Iain Howard Bradley
a third cousin. Iain has been researching our Brown &
Howard families tree. While another 2nd cousin has researched
the related family tree of McDowell family. If any relative
seeking information regarding our family trees, may contact
me by email - rob**glenbrown@blueyonder.co.uk. (remove **
before sending message) or address their comments here.
听
print version
