McPeake Swatragh Co Derry

[Michael McPeake]

My great great grandfather Bernard McPeake was a fairy farmer in the Swatragh area around 1815. I am trying to find the names of his parents so that I can update my family tree. Any information would be appreciated or a contact from this line of the family. Thanks Michael

[aghadowey]

I think you meant 'dairy farmer' but 'fairy farmer' sounds much more interesting   

It more likely that Bernard McPeake had what is called a mixed farm- in those days he would have had a cow or two, some pigs, chickens, etc. & grown a variety of crops on probably 10 or less acres (oats, potatoes, turnips, etc.). It's really only in the last 30 years or so that farmers have become more specialised.

I tried to find what records are available for St. John's Church, Swatragh buit this was the closest I could find- hopefully someone else will be able to give more detailed information.
http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/fuses/rcparishmaps/index.cfm?fuseaction=showidrecords&CityCounty=Derry&parish=Maghera&churchid=374

You've said 'Swatragh area' so it sounds as though you don't know the exact townland?

The only Bernard McPeake I could find in the wider area in Griffith's Valuation was one in the townland of Derrygarve (Artrea Parish, 1859) but perhaps the property would have appeared in someone else's name in the mid-1800s.

It may be difficult to get back another generation since that period is well before the start of civil registration.

[Michael McPeake]

I think this may be him. It is the previous generation I am after but I realise this may be difficult.

Thank you for this

[aghadowey]

If Derrygarve (near Castledawson) is the place where Bernard McPeake lived is there a reason you are looking for his family in Swatragh area?

[kingskerswell]

Hi,
    In the 1831 census there are two McPeake families in Derrygarve, Bernard and John are listed as the heads of those families.

Regards

[Michael McPeake]

If Derrygarve (near Castledawson) is the place where Bernard McPeake lived is there a reason you are looking for his family in Swatragh area?

You are probably correct and this is the person who is my great great Grandfather. The reason why I mentioned Swartagh was that his son John (drowned in 1901) who emigrated to Newcastle UK was born there around 1850. Not having been in that area and not knowing anything about the Townlands I thought these places were all in the same area. It is Bernards parents I am now looking for as I have a direct line from Bernard to my Grandson John. We live in Amble Northumberland . ny information will be appreciated

[Michael McPeake]

Hi,
    In the 1831 census there are two McPeake families in Derrygarve, Bernard and John are listed as the heads of those families.

Regards

I take it Bernard and John must be brothers. I will check the census to see if i can turn anything elae up. Thank you Michael McPeake Northumberland

[aghadowey]

I take it Bernard and John must be brothers. I will check the census to see if i can turn anything elae up. Thank you Michael McPeake Northumberland

There is no way to tell of any relationship between different households on 1831 census- all you will find is number of males & females and number of each religion (Church of Ireland, R.c. or Presbyterian) in household.

Here's a map showing the civil parishes on Co. Londonderry-
http://family.kiwicelts.com/21_Places_and_History/Place_Derry.html#DerryCP
This map shows you the location of Derrygarve within Artrea Parish.
http://family.kiwicelts.com/21_Places_and_History/Place_Derry.html#Ardtrea

Swatragh itself is in Maghera Parish- #39 on Parish map.

[Maccahc]

Hi Michael I have few Mcpeakes from Co. Derry in my ancestry, including Bernards. Do you have any idea where and or roughly when your Bernard died? eg Ireland, England etc., rough year as this may help include or exclude some of the Mcpeakes you have been discussing to date.