Irvine family

[Graham Irvine]

I am searching for connections to Irvines in Antrim Northern Ireland. My great grandfather, Samuel Irvine came to New Zealand from Ireland. He was born in Ballymena in approx. 1825, the son of Samuel Irvine (a draper) and Jane Hutchison. The story goes that he initially went to California and then on to New South Wales where he did some prospecting for gold. We know he listed himself as a mariner and it is said that he had a third share in ship, which he sold so that he could go prospecting. I don't know whether he was successful or not, but eventually moved to Christchurch, New Zealand and has left descendants here in New Zealand. I am interested in finding Irvines in Ireland to see if we can find some connections. There was a shipbuilding firm owned by Irvines and linked to the town of Irvine in Scotland. Any information is welcome.