Continuation #1
Andrew of 'my' family is not found on any of the census even considering the vast array of surname spelling variations McAloney, McAlony, McAlaney, McAleney, McAloaney, McIloney, McAlhoney, and so on with the Mac prefix. The Irish records are lacking a traditional soundex variant for searching, which, in the case of this surname would be of enormous assistance.
Next, "Eliza McAloney (spinster) of Brook Street Coleraine married an Archibald Hamill". The census indicates that this woman was born in Co. Antrim. There appears to be only one Eliza McAloney born in Co. Antrim around the 1869 mark and that is Eliza McAloney born 22 July 1866 at Portglenone, Antrim. Her parents were James McAloney and Eliza Jane Simpson. Again, the commonness of names is at the ready to trip up the unsuspecting researcher. The 1911 census for the Hamill family, including James McAloney, again states that James McAloney was born in Co. Antrim and was 70 years old. Here we have a candidate for the James McAloney who died 1 year later at aged 70 years. And, in fact, Gaffy has kindly added the death details: "The closest official "fit" I can find for a death for Lizzie Hamill's father James McAloney in the 1911 census return is one recorded in Ballymoney General Hospital on 5 February 1912, a male 70 year old widower, labourer, from Crocknamack (Portrush), who died after 9 months of a stroke." So, I am fairly confident that the James of the 1912 death is not the James belonging to Andrew in 1901 and neither of those two James is James father of 'my' Robert McAloney.
In closing I would add that I now have the marriage certificate of 'my' James McAloney to Mary Ann Carson. They married in Killowen, Coleraine 17 Nov 1861 with the particulars being:
1861. Marriage solemnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of Killowin, in the County of Londonderry. No. 82.
When Married: November 17, 1861
Groom's Particulars: James McAlony, age 21, Condition: Batchelor, Rank or Profession: labourer,
Residence at the Time of Marriage: Long Common in Coleraine Parish.
Father's Name and Surname: William McAlony
Rank or Profession of Father: labourer
Bride's Particulars:
Name and Surname: Mary Anne Carson, age: 21, Condition: Spinster, Rank or Profession: blank, Residence at the Time of Marriage: Lauril? Hill in Killowin Parish.
Father's Name and Surname: Andrew Carson
Rank or Profession of Father: labourer
Married in the Church of Killowin according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the United Church of England and Ireland by Licence by me, [initial illegible] Sillits
This Marriage was solemnized between us, James [his mark] McAlony
Mary Anne [her mark] Carson
in the presence of John Crossley, Muriel? Lynn
So, I now have 'my' James McAloney's father's name - William. William died "
#499, seventeenth August 1867, Rat Row, Coleraine, William McAloney, male, married, 60 years, weaver, chronic hepatitis, three years uncertified, no medical attendant, Mary Jane McAloney her mark present at the death, Rat Row, Coleraine, registered thirtieth August 1867, Richard L. M'Intire, Registrar"
This Mary Jane McAloney was nee LEIGHTON and was William's second marriage which took place at Dunboe, Coleraine - a lucky break as that marriage certificate provided William's father's name and occupation - Robert McAloney, a farmer. I have found no children attributed to the second marriage of William McAloney. But, believe that there was another son born during his first marriage to an unknown woman. That son is believed to be another William McAloney born about 1829. As the information concerning the earliest Robert McAloney, the farmer, is so new, I have not had an opportunity to yet delve into his family's composition.
My main concern at this point is attempting to locate the living in the hopes that someone somewhere has a diary, letters, family Bible, et cetera.
I hope I have covered all of the points. But if I have missed something please let me know.
Many thanks for taking an interest in this puzzle and investing your time and energies into helping solve it. I appreciate it greatly.