Attn: jpaclarke
"My ancestor was Elizabeth Downing, d/o Rev William Downing. She was born c1739 Co Derry, married John Graves a Royal Naval Lieut from Castledawson c1765 Dublin marriage licence, . . . "
Your post intrigues me. I have quite a bit on the Downings of Bellaghy and your mention of "Rev. William Downing" might be a piece of the puzzle we have been searching for.
Research has determined that Col. Adam Downing of Rocktown was the patriarch of the Downing vault at St. Tida's Church in Bellaghy.
From his Will, we know he had at least 5 sons and 2 daughters as follows: (if they were mentioned by birth order, Henry as Co-Executor)
1. Henry, b. 1695/6 ; bef. 1766
2. Mary
3. John Downing, b. 1700 ; d. 1785
4. Jackson
5. William, b. 1709/10 ; d. bef. 1752
6. Adam
7. Elizabeth
We also know that William entered Trinity College, Dublin 23 Jul 1728 at age 18.
He earned his B.A. in 1733 and was dead by 1752 when he is described as “late of County Londonderry”. Little else is known about him on my records.
Do you have anything further on his marriage and/or children ?
The timeline makes it possible that your ELIZABETH was a dau. of my WILLIAM.
You should also know, there was an apparent different branch of Downings centered around Dreenan. Rocktown is adjacent to Drummard, where Adam's Uncle Nicholas had his homestead, and Dreenan is just about 2 miles north off the A-42. There were a few William Downings of that branch as well.
Even if there is no connection, perhaps we should share notes.
Please reply,
Rick T.