German Salvation Army Commander William MacAlonan

[Baird]

I have an interest in the family name McAlonan (and variants) . Recently I was informed that a William MacAlonan was a Commander in the German Salvation Army up until the outbreak of the First World War when it is believed he returned to the U.K. He is credited with establishing the German operation .
My contact in Germany thinks this gentleman originally came from Ligoneil.
The McAlonans I am researching seem to originate from around the Ballymena area but I would be interested in any further info on Commander William MacAlonan.
I have recently received a family photograph Commander MacAlonan and family if anyone is interested in it I can scan and forward.

Regards,
Baird

[glensman]

Here is a William McAlonan in the 1911 census in Nottingham, aged 50 and born in "Ligonic, County Antrim":

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XWSX-5FH

Possibly him or a connection. Ligonic possibly a mistranscription of Ligoniel.

[glensman]

Also here is an entry about William from Wikipedia (original in Swedish - translated by Google):

 http://www.rootschat.com/links/01ebd/

[rathmore]

find a grave

http://findagrave.com
then type in the memorial box: 19870
buried at Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke newington, London borough to Hackney
born 12.6.1863 died 1.5.1925

have you been in touch with the Salvation army I am more then sure they would like to here from you. They are great people, and I am sure they would help you.

http://Http://www.salvationarmy.org

[rathmore]

sorry

http://www.salvationarmy.org

[glensman]

William McAlonan of Ligoniel in the 1901 census in Barnet aged 37:

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X96Y-8H4

[Baird]

Thank you for all your contributions. Very interesting indeed.
Regards,
Baird

[BallyaltikilliganG]

Some odds and ends
He got married in Birmingham in 1885 what details are available i.e. witnesses parents addresses etc
Why was he in Birmingham
Was he in 1881 English and Scottish census  no I don’t think so

If Minnie his daughter b regd in Worcester, was born in 1886, two researchers Margaret and Matthew have possibly her on their family tree on Genes Reunited. His son Willie was b b 1888 Clapton Middlesex, but elsewhere William Askew McAlonan birth is registered as in Hackney see freebmds
You would need to join to see their trees GR also has several other earlier McAlonan tree makers listing that include the 4 locations below

The name in Co Antrim appears to originate from http://www.irishgenealogyhub.com/antrim/tithe-applotments
 Armoy, not found in tithes

Ballyclug Ballymena, nearest is  McElheron, John Townland: Ballykeel Year: 1825

Finvoy Dunloy  McAlonan, Townland : Ballymacaldrick Year: 1834 from tithes

Skerry  McAlonan, Archd. Townland: Karn Kirn Year: 1825 from tithes

[scotmum]

Also here is an entry about William from Wikipedia (original in Swedish - translated by Google):

 http://www.rootschat.com/links/01ebd/

The entry also credits William with being a songwriter. This is backed up by mention of his funeral in a newspaper, which says 3000 members of the Salvation Army attended his funeral and sang verses he had written (to the tune 'Annie Laurie').