Ballyeaston 1st and 2nd Presbyterian Churches

[Skibear66]

My great-great grandfather, John Biggerstaff, was born October 9, 1806, probably in Ballyboley.  His wife, Jeanette (Janet) Campbell, was born January 1, 1807, also in that area.  They were married at either 1st or 2nd Presbyterian on November 9, 1827.  Their first 7 children were baptized as follows: twins James and Elizabeth (July 9, 1828), John Jr. (July 1, 1830), Helena (November 20, 1831), William (January 9, 1834), Hugh (November 21, 1835) and Jane (February 4, 1838).  I would like to verify which congregation they belonged to and if there is any information on John and Jeanette's parents or other family.  They left for the US in 1839, where my great grandfather was born in 1842.  I have visited the area and took pictures of both churches and plan to return in September 2023.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

[KiwiRose]

Hello Skibear66,

Welcome to RootsChat.
There are many knowledgeable people on this site who may be able give you help and advice in your Biggerstaff search.

I can only help by consulting my copy of the “Population of Ballyeaston (First Presbyterian) Congregation in 1813” by Rev. Samuel Elder, Minister. There are no Biggerstaff’s in Ballyboley or any of the other townlands listed, likewise with Campbells.

Good luck with your search.

Regards,

KiwiRose

[Skibear66]

Thank you!  Your information supports other data that suggest they attended 2nd Presbyterian.

[shanreagh]

Would an alternative spelling be Bickerstaff?

[Skibear66]

Yes, although when the family went to the US, the ship manifest used the Biggerstaff spelling.

[greeneyedgirl]

Skibear66, if its any help I have found the deaths for 4 Bickerstaffs in Antrim in Glenavy area(which seems to be where they are congregated). They are:

Thomas Bickerstaff d1816
Esther Bickerstaff d 1823
Allan Bickerstaff d 1827
Ellen Bickerstaff d 1835

There also appears to be some Bickerstaff deaths connected with Magheralin CI in co Down.

[greeneyedgirl]

Bickerstaff marriages in county Antrim:
1815 John
1816 Mary
1819 Andrew
1825 Elizabeth (3)
1829 Mary
Bickerstaff births in county Antrim:
Elizabeth b 1803 f John
Agness b 1809 f John
William b 1810 f Henry
Mary b 1779 f William
Catherine b 1811 f John
John McIlvean b 1814 f John
Catherine b 1816 f John
James b 1816 f James
Henry b 1818 f James

Campbell births county Antrim:
Jane b 1798 f Shem
Jane b 1798 f Charles
Jane b 1805 f ----------

All records found on Ulster Historical Foundation website,which is pay per view. Hope something helps, Kim

[jwaugh]

My great-great grandfather, John Biggerstaff, was born October 9, 1806, probably in Ballyboley.  His wife, Jeanette (Janet) Campbell, was born January 1, 1807, also in that area.  They were married at either 1st or 2nd Presbyterian on November 9, 1827.  Their first 7 children were baptized as follows: twins James and Elizabeth (July 9, 1828), John Jr. (July 1, 1830), Helena (November 20, 1831), William (January 9, 1834), Hugh (November 21, 1835) and Jane (February 4, 1838).  I would like to verify which congregation they belonged to and if there is any information on John and Jeanette's parents or other family.  They left for the US in 1839, where my great grandfather was born in 1842.  I have visited the area and took pictures of both churches and plan to return in September 2023.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

Hi from my records of First Ballyeaston there were no Biggerstaff's married or baptised in the Church. Probably Second ballyeaston.