Armagh Registry Office

[chappers]

Hello there

I have found an ancestor who married at the Register Office, Armagh, in Dec. 1858.  Does anyone know if this would have been a normal occurrence for Ireland in 1858?  All the marriages I have found so far in my family research have taken place in a church.  The bridegroom in this instance was a widower by the name of Choughan or Chaughan.  I have not been able to find any trace of this name in the censuses etc. despite looking at variants of the name.  Has anyone ever heard of this name before?

Many thanks for any help

Regards
Carol


 

[glensman]

I can see on:

https://geni.nidirect.gov.uk/

that he is recorded as Archibald CHOUGHAN who married Jane Orr on 18 December 1858.  Also CHOUGHAN on familysearch.

A search for the name or similar on Griffith's Valuation brings a nil return.

[chappers]

Hello Glensman

Thank you for your reply.  That is the correct couple you found, Jane Orr being in my family tree.   The name of Choughan remains a mystery so far.

Carol

[aghadowey]

Registry Office marriages were not uncommon and one of the most usual reasons was a widow or widower remarrying (especially if the marriage was taking place a short time after spouse's death).

[chappers]

Aghadowey, thanks for the information which is helpful

Regards
Carol

[glensman]

Still wondering about the Choughan name.   

Certainly very rare.  Have you seen the actual record and ruled out the possibility of a mis-transcription?  Also do you have addresses for the bride and groom?  These might just give a lead.

[aghadowey]

I was also wondering about the surname CHOUGHAN or rather the lack of it in records and wondering if it was Cloughan (which is at least found in Armagh)?

[chappers]

Hello Glensman and Aghadowey

Thanks for your two replies.  The name of 'Choughan' was on the copy marriage certificate which I saw on the GRONI website.  I did study the handwriting carefully as I hadn't seen this name before.  The bridegroom Archibald signed with his mark and I wondered how he may have pronounced his name for the registrar to have written it like that.  'Cloughan' could be a possibility but I cannot find it anywhere.  The bride and groom were both of Moneycree which I think is in Grange.  It will have to remain a mystery I suppose which is disappointing as you cannot track any descendants if the surname is uncertain.  I appreciate your help, many thanks

Carol

[aghadowey]

I did try to search for possible children of Jane Orr & Archibald ? without any luck but suppose you don't know if they did have children or remained in Ireland. Have you checked church reocrds to see if there are any other surnames close to 'Cloughan'?