Kilrea - Richard McCotter

[Cat_Kilrea]

Looking for information about Richard McCotter from Kilrea, born 1823, died 1904. Had 14 children (my great grandfather Thomas, an infant boy and 12 girls).

Would like to find out more about Richard and his ancestors (parents - Thomas McCotter & Margaret Ann), his wife Margaret Shaw, and what happened to the 12 girls.

As far as I know many of the girls emigrated to England etc (Caroline Amelia & Rebecca Jane can be found on census records in England but little detail). Any information would be really appreciated!

Or tips on the best places to look......

[aghadowey]

Welcome to Rootschat.

Richard McCotter married 1848 in Co. Derry to Margaret Shaw. Only 2 children listed in IGI (possibly the youngest as civil registration of births started in 1864):
1. daughter born 21 May 1864 Kilrea district.
2. Thomas James born 8 July 1866 Kilrea district.

There used to be a bicycle shop in the Diamond, Kilrea called McCotter's (was there c1951).

There's a McCotter headstone at Drumagarner R.C. Churchyard, also St. Patrick's Parish churchyard has one as does First Kilrea Presbyterian Church. Any idea what religion the family would have been?

[aghadowey]

Just answered my question. First Kilrea Presbyterian Churchyard:
"In memory of THOMAS McCOTTER who died 29th July 1872 aged 82 years
His wife MARGARET ANN died 11th January 1889 aged 88 years
His son RICHARD died 7th February 1904, aged 81 years
MARGARET wife of the above RICHARD died 27th February 1895 aged 66 years
And all their children:
FLORENCE W.S. died 4th April 1901
THOMAS JAMES died 29th October 1918
And MARY wife of THOMAS JAMES died 1st April 1952"

[aghadowey]

First Kilrea Presbyterian Church baptism records (from Bann Valley site and not well transcribed so need to be checked):
15 Feb.1850 Mary Jane daughter of Richard M'Colter and Margt Shaw of Lislea
19 June 1851 Margaret Anne born 28 March daughter of Richard m'Cotter and Margaret Shaw of Lislea
17 Dec.1852 Nancy born 1852 daughter of Richard McCotter and Margt Shaw of Lislea.

Could find no later baptisms so it's possible that the family either didn't baptise any more of their children until after 1859 or that they started going to another church in the area. There is a Second Kilrea Presbyterian Church which is a possibility.

If the above records are correct then the family lived at Lislea (a townland outside Kilrea) not Kilrea.

[Cat_Kilrea]

Thank you so much, that's incredibly quick and helpful, I really appreciate it! The gravestone at the Kilrea First Presbyterian is spot on, it's where most of my knowledge comes from. It may well have been Lislea as well, I actually know the house, but I don't know the area very well. It's a few miles down the road from Kilrea, it's an Ivy-covered farmhouse which I believe is now some sort of plant nursery. The 14 children were born between 1850 and 1875, I'd be surprised if they moved to a different church with the family plot at First Presbyterian but I suppose it is possible. I'm just not really sure where to take the research from here, any tips would be appreciated! Thank you!

[kingskerswell]

Kilrea McCotters in 1831 census index:-

       Anne
       Edward
       Thomas
       William

Regards

[kingskerswell]

McCotters in the Griffiths Valuation 1858/59
   Thomas  Moneygran Kilrea
    Richard  Lislea  Kilrea

Regards

[maryderry]

RICHARD MCCOTTER TO MARGARET SHAW 5-12-1848 @ KILREA COFI KILREA, BALLYMONEY , DERRY/L.DERRY.


                            regards mary.

[aghadowey]

Yes, those McCotters did live in the gtownland of Lislea- I know the house you mean.
It is possible that the family were originally members of 1st Kilrea Presbyterian Church, baptised several children there, changed to another church (maybe not Presbyterian even) but continued to use the family burial plot at 1st Kilrea. Some churches in Kilrea (like Baptists) don't have burying ground but it's quite common for families to continue to use old ground for burials.

The information Mary posted here regarding the marriage:

RICHARD MCCOTTER TO MARGARET SHAW 5-12-1848 @ KILREA COFI KILREA, BALLYMONEY , DERRY/L.DERRY.

is a bit confusing. Kilrea Church of Ireland and Kilrea are both in County Londonderry but sometimes under Ballymoney district (Ballymoney is in County Antrim across the River Bann).