McGookin James born 1861 approx

[Elainemcl]

My great grandfather James mcgookin as far as I can work out was born in northern ireland  in approx 1861 he married and moved to Thomas Street in carrickfergus. I think I remember my grandfather was originally was from Ballynure/ ballyeaston but I can't find any information  to justify that . I know my grandfather was one of 8 children ! No TV in those days !
Any help any one could give me would be very much appreciated.
Cheers

[QueenoftheWest]

Assuming that this is your great-grandfather:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Antrim/Carrickfergus_Urban/Thomas_Street/192817/

Then his wife was Mary Knox.

Here is their marriage certificate:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1886/10825/5948216.pdf

His father was Thomas McGookin, blacksmith.

Queenie 

[amondg]

Irish Genealogy has two by that name both born 1865.

23 October 1865 father James, Quarryman, mother Margaret nee Rea. Of Hightown Kil--?-ghter

8 October 1865, father Thomas, - Farmer, mother Jenny nee Agnew, of Headwood, Ballynerry

Well they don't match info found by QueenoftheWest

[QueenoftheWest]

James is fairly consistent with his year of birth being around 1860. Here is his death:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1920/05113/4406054.pdf

Unfortunately, this is before civil registration so there will not be a birth certificate for him. Furthermore, he was Presbyterian, so he won't appear in the Catholic parish registers.

Queenie 

[QueenoftheWest]

However, registration of non-Catholic marriages started before that of Catholic ones.

Possible marriage for Thomas here, taking place in Ballyeaston in 1857:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1857/09521/5450866.pdf

Thomas is 21, a blacksmith, and a Presbyterian. His father is James, a farmer.
Agnes Armstrong is his wife.

Something to keep in mind.

Queenie 

[Kiltaglassan]

23 October 1865 father James, Quarryman, mother Margaret nee Rea. Of Hightown Kil--?-ghter

Hightown townland in Kilwaughter civil parish.
https://www.townlands.ie/antrim/glenarm-upper/kilwaughter/kilwaughter/hightown/

[Elainemcl]

You seem to be spot on queenie. Thank u so much   I recognised the children's names  William jas was my grandfather my great aunts aggie and lizzie from Thomas Street  this has been a big help.  Gosh I didn't know my great grandfather's father was a blacksmith ! Amazing  thank u

[Elainemcl]

Mary knox also fits in with my family as I remember one of the children's middle name was knox

[Kiltaglassan]

Mary knox also fits in with my family as I remember one of the children's middle name was knox

Lennon (Knox) McGookin born 19 November 1892 at Irish Quarter South, Carrickfergus.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1892/02329/1871946.pdf