August 1915

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

AUGUST, 1915

AT THE FRONT.

The following is an Alphabetical List, revised and enlarged, of the Names of Men

from Seagoe Parish who are at present Fighting at the Front, or who have taken

part in the fighting line at some time or other since the War began.

Henry Adair, 1st Batt. R.I.F.

William Henry Armstrong, 1st Batt. R.I.F., killed in the trenches, Friday, March 12th, 1915.

John Brown, R.I.F., injured.

Robert Brown, R.I.F. severely wounded at Dickebusch, Flanders.

William Jas. Brown, R.G.A., wounded, Oct., 1914.

Robt. Callison, Irish Guards, wounded, Oct., 1914.

Thomas Cordner, R.I. F., killed in action November 9th, 1914.

U. Cordner, R.F.A., wounded.

Nathaniel Dawkins, Lance Corporal, Irish Guards

and Leinster Regiment,formerly of Edenderry R.I.C.

Isaac Donaldson, A.S.C., wounded.

Thomas Flannigan, Canadian Contingent.

Richd Flannigan,Canadians, severely wounded, 1 915

George Fox, R:I.F., wounded.

Thomas Freeburn, R.I.F.

Willoughby Frazer, R.I.F., formerly of Edenderry.

R. Gibson, R.I.R., severely wounded, October, 1914.

Samuel Gillespie, R.I F.

John Girvan, R.I.F.

David Gracey, Highland Light Infantry.

James Gracey, R.I.F., died of wounds at Hazebruck, on April 14th, 1915.

Joseph Gracey, R.I.F.

Samuel Gracey, Canadian Contingent.

David Gregston, Highland Light Infantry.

Robert Hara, A.S.C.

Thomas Hora, R.F.A.

Wm. Hewitt, R.I.F.

Harry Kane, H.M.S. Rinaldo, wounded October,

James Kane, R.I.R., wounded at Fromelles,

May 9th, 1914.

James Lamb, R.I.F.

John J. Liggett, R.F.A.

Thomas Liggett, R I.R.

James Liggett, Scottish Rifles.

Joseph Malcomson, R.I R. , kilted in action, June, 1915.

William Malcomson, R.I.F., killed in action, May, 1915.

Robert Malcomson, R.I.R.

Edward Sliller, I.G., wounded, May, 1915.

Thomas Mighton, R I.F., killed in action May, 1915.

John Milligan, I.G., wounded, October, 1915.

William I.E.

Thomas Milligan, R F.A.

Wm. James McNeill, R.I.F , severely wounded at St. Julien, April, 1915.

Joseph McAnally, Canadians, taken prisoner May, 1915.

David McCord, R.I.F. wounded.

Robert Porter, Naval Division, Dardanelles.

Thomas Porter, "Benbow" Batt. Naval Division, Dardanelles, wounded.

George Preston, Lance Corporal, R.I F., wounded and prisoner, September, 1914, interned at

Doeberitz Camp, Berlin.

Robert Rainey, R.I.R.

Samuel Rainey, R.I.F.

Alfred Richardson, Canadians.

Hugh Honey, R.I.F., wounded and prisoner, May, 1915, interned in Münster, West

Germany.

Wm. Russell, R.I.F., wounded Oct., 1914.

George Steenson, R.G.A.

Walter Vaughan, N.I.H.

Isaac Walker, N.I.H.

George Whiteside, Scots Greys, reported killed in action, October, 1914.

Wm. James Whiteside, R.I.F , severely wounded April, 1915.

James wells, R.I.F., gassed.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

VISITORS FROM THE FRONT.

PRIVATE JOHN GIRVAN, R.I.F.

Among the names of Seagoe men who have come

prominently before us during the war, that of

Private John Girvan, Royal Irish Fusiliers, takes

a leading place. He obtained a brief holiday to revisit

his home last month. He was in the Trenches

in Flanders on the evening of Sunday, July 4th, and

arrived in Seagoe on Tuesday, July 6th. He left

here on Friday evening, July 9th, and was back in

the fighting line on Sunday, July 11th. This was a

very brief holiday, but for a soldier who has been 11

months and 5 days on active service, even such a short

break in his strenuous life must be refreshing. Private

Girvan arrived in full fighting kit, with the dust of

the Trenches still clinging to him. He made a

picturesque picture in Tarson, with his rifle, bandolier,

trench axe and water bottle. Everyone was glad to

see him and he had many a stirring tale to tell of the

battlefields of Flanders. He has fortunately escaped

wounds and "has not had five minutes sickness" since

the war began. He has been through eight battles,

and has constantly been on duty in the Trenches.

Private Girvan has been most thoughtful in writing

home particulars about the men of the Parish who are

at the front, He has, alas ! witnessed the death and

wounding of several of our Seagoe lads,

and has, without delay, written home particulars

to the anxious relatives. Unlike many who

take part in this war his quickness of observation

and retentive memory have enabled him to see the

situation at a glance, and to record his impressions

in writing. We pray that the Protecting Care which

has preserved him from harm so far, may still shield

him in the days to come.

We hope in our next issue of the Magazine to insert

his photograph in fighting kit taken by Messrs.

Moffett, photographers, during his recent visit to the

Parish.

TROOPER ALEXANDER FINNEY, C.M.P.

Another distinguished Seagoe Soldier, who has

been visiting his home in Edenderry during the past

month, is Trooper Alexander Finney, of the

Cape Mounted Police. son of Mrs. Finney, of Bridge

Street. Trooper Finney though quite young has

seen more service than most men of his years. He

was a Private in the 13th Hussars when the Boer war

broke out in 1899, and was at once ordered with his

Regiment to the front. He served right through the

war,and at its close remained in South Africa, joining

the Cape Mounted Police as a Trooper. Ere long

he again volunteered for active service in suppressing

the Rebellion which broke out in Zulu-land. He

was then appointed to a responsible post in the South

African Prison Service, and in that capacity travelled

over all parts of South Africa, and as far north as

Uganda in Central Africa. When Maritz began his

rebellion on the outbreak of the present war, he

volunteered again for active service, and under the

leadership of a distinguished Dutch General, went

through a trying campaign. When the Rebellion

was suppressed he volunteered at once for service in

Europe, and managed to snatch a few days holiday

in the interval between his campaigns. Trooper

Finney wears already three medals, two for the Boer

War, and one for the Zulu Rebellion. If, as we

trust, he emerges safely from the present great war

he will carry at least two more medals. We congratulate

Trooper Finney on the services he has

rendered on so many fields to King and Country, and

Seagoe Parish is to be congratulated, (and especially

Edenderry) on having produced a soldier so keen and

capable.

Private James Kane, of James Street, returned

home for a few days rest last month. He was severely

wounded in the engagement at Fromelles, in France,

on May 9th. The Germans had made a counter

attack on the Fusiliers' Trench, and the men had to

mount the parapets in order to withstand the attack.

It was just at this moment that Private Kane was shot

through the shoulder. Fortunately the wound was

not dangerous, and after five weeks' treatment in

hospital it has quite healed. Private Kane's brother,

seaman Harry Kane, of H.M.S. Rinaldo,was wounded

by a shell last October during the bombardment by

the British Fleet off the Belgian Coast.

Other visitors who arrived during the past month

were Private Richard Flannigan, and Sergeant

Major David Bright, both of Princess Patricia's

famous Canadian Regiment. Private Flannigan was

very severely wounded in the shoulder, arm and hip.

The Germans attacked them in overwhelming numbers

and Private Flannigan was hurled back into the

trench by a lump of earth dislodged by a bursting

shell, which also caused his wound, Only four men

of his section survived the fight, all the rest were killed.

We are glad to know that he is making a

good recovery from his wounds.

Sergeant Major David Bright has seen many

a tough fight, but has been fortunate in escaping

injury. He spent some days in Edenderry last month

and his many friends were delighted to see him once

again.

Another soldier, who has been home on a short

holiday from the trenches, in France, is Lance. Corpl.

Hewitt, of Bridge Street, Edenderry. He is a signaller

of the 2nd Battalion R.I.F. He was stationed at

Quetta, in India, when war broke out. He proceeded

with his regiment to France in December last, and

has been in active service at the front ever since. He

has had some thrilling experiences. On one occasion

a bullet struck the handle of his bayonet, and on

another occasion his rifle was struck. He has returned

again to France, and we hope that when the war is

over he will come back safe and sound to Edenderry.

Private Jas. Tedford, R,I.F., is at present home

in Carrickblacker Road. He was seriously wounded in

the ankle, and has been in hospital for some time past.

He hopes to return soon to active service.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Private Thos. Milligan, R.F.A., of Joseph Street,

Edenderry, is at present at home from the front. He

was called to France shortly after the outbreak of war.

He has been three weeks in hospital suffering from

nerve-shock, but is now almost quite well again. We

wish him speedy recovery, and hope that when the

cannon ceases to roar he will return in safety to

Joseph Street.

Brothers Killed in Action.

Two members of the same family from this Parish

have been killed in action. Private William Malcomson,

1st Batt. Royal Irish Rifles was killed in Flanders

in May, and another brother, Joseph, was killed in

the fighting near Hooge, Flanders, on Wednesday,

June 16th. A third brother, Robert, is also at the

front. We express deep and sincere sympathy with

Mrs. Malcomson, who has thus been doubly bereaved.

And yet, while we mourn the loss of these brave men

we cannot forget what a noble and glorious sacrifice

they have made.

9th Battalion Motor Ambulance.

GLADLEIGH,

SEAFORD, SUSSEX,

JULY 25, 1915.

DEAR MR. BLOOMER,

I am writing to you in Mr. Archer's absence

to acknowledge the receipt of C 1 3 from Miss Isobel

Atkinson, the result of a stall at the Seagoe Sunday

School Treat. Would you please convey my most

hearty thanks to the committee who so kindly ran the

stall, and my best congratulations on their very

successful effort This sum will be added to the Fund

for the 2nd Motor Ambulance for the 9th Battalion

Royal Irish Fusiliers, which I believe is already in a

fair way to completion,

Yours sincerely,

EVA BLACKER.

CULLREAGH, DONAGHADEE,

JUNE 15, 1915.

DEAR MR. BLOOMER,

I was so pleased to get your letter enclosing

the C'2 from the Seagoe Men's Bible Class. Indeed

they have done well, giving c 1 10s to the Red Cross

as well. Please tell them how grateful I am for their

generous contribution,

Yours sincerely,

EVA BLACKER,

Offertories for July.

It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

Sundays—Mornings, £8 6 9

Evenings, 1 16 2

Week Evenings 0 5 10

£10 8 9

The above includes £4 8s 4d for Armagh Protestant

Orphan Society, and 17s 10d for the Lord Enniskillen

Memorial Orphan Fund.

ITEMS.

Miss M. Dickson, of Drumnagoon, has obtained a

post as nurse in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

The men in the Camp at Seaford write home in

the best of spirits. Their address is South Camp,

Seaford, Sussex.

The Fusilier Regiments were originally foot soldiers

who were armed with a lighter musket than the ordinary.

Afterwards such regiments were ranked as

corps d' elite, or corps of a special and higher class of

men. The 5th, 7th, 20th, 21st, 23rd, 27th, 87th,

101st and 102nd Regiments of Foot were ranked as

Fusiliers.

The Rector, who is having a holiday in England,

hopes to visit the men in Camp at Seaford, Sussex,

before his return home.

We congratulate the Rev. James Bloomer, B.A.,

Curate of Cookstown, brother of Rev. Geo. Bloomer,

on his appointment to the Parish of Kildress, in the

Diocese of Armagh.

A Sad Accident.

A very sad accident occurred on the Gilford Road,

on Saturday Evening, July 10th, whereby Harry

Wilson, of Ballymacrandle, lost his life. He had been

engaged from early morning in carting coal from the

town to Blacker's Mill, and was on his last journey

for the day when his horse, suddenly startled by the

crack of his whip, tried to bolt.

In endeavouring to check him Harry Wilson fell and was severely crushed,

He was brought home in the ambulance, and lingered

in great pain for a few hours, until death released him.

He was very popular with every one, and his early

death has caused much regret. To his wife and

mother, and relatives we offer our deep sympathy.

The funeral took place to Seagoe on Tuesday, July

13th, and was very largely attended.

Congratulations.

We offer our hearty congratulations to Lieutenant

R. T. Montgomery on his recent promotions to a

Commission in the 9th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers.

We know how keenly and efficiently Lieut.

Montgomery carries out any work in which he is engaged,

and his success in the army is the natural result of

the success which he had already won in civil life.

The Day Schools,

Seagoe National School will ( D. V e) re-open after

the Summer holidays on Monday, August 9th, at 9-30

a.m. A punctual attendance of all the pupils is

requested.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

PARISH REGISTER FOR JULY.

Baptisms.

He shall gather the Lambs with His arm."

Baptised on July 3rd, 1915.

Spence—Carrol, son of Carrol and Margaret Spence, Red Row.

Sponsors— Margaret Spence, Elizabeth Flavelle.

Hara—Sarah Rose Jane, daughter of James and Sarah Bara, Drumnagoon.

Sponsors—Maria Watson, Sarah Hara.

Freeburn Margaret, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Freeburn, Bright Street.

Sponsors—Margaret Rainey, Elizabeth A. Freeburn.

Walker—Emma, daughter of John and Letitia Walker, Drumnagoon.

Sponsors—Sarah Mary Porter, Letitia Walker.

McCabe—Dinah, daughter of Thomas and Mary McCabe, Red Row.

Sponsors—Jane Ruddell, Mary McCabe.

Hara—Samuel, son of William John and Margaret Hara, Glasgow.

Sponsors—Amelia M'Cormick, Margaret Hara.

Boyce—Dorothy Lydia, daughter of James and Sarah Boyce, Bocombra.

Sponsors—Maria Sweetin, Sarah Boyce.

Magennis—John, son of Thomas Edward and Maria Adelaide Letitia Magennis, Breagh.

Sponsors—Thos. E. Magennis, Mary A. L. Magennis.

Burials.

My' flesh also shall rest in hope."

McDowell—July 12th,John M'Dowell,of Levaghery. Aged 63 years.

Gilliland—July 12th, at Donacloney, Elizabeth Gilliland, of Edenderry Aged 10 weeks.

Wilson—July 13th, Henry Wilson, of Ballymacrandle. Aged 45 years.

Holmes—July 14th, Miriam Holmes, of Killicomain. Aged 23 years.

KILLED IN ACTION.

For King and Country."

Sinnamon—July 1st, in France, Private Henry Sinnamon, 3rd Batt. R.I.F., of Florence

Court, Portadown.

We regret to announce the death of Miriam Holmes

who passed to her eternal rest on Sunday, July 11 the

She had been in weak health for some time, and the

end was not unexpected. She had been a diligent

teacher in Seagoe Sunday School for some time, and

was also a regular worshipper in the Parish Church,

and a Communicant. It is sad to record the death of

one so young, but she leaves behind her a bright

example of christian effort and service. We sympathise

very sincerely with Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, and their

family in this fresh affliction which has befallen them.

The burden is heavy to bear, but the message of God's

word is certain, as it is comforting—"Cast thy burden

upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee."

We greatly regret to record the death of John

McDowell, of Levaghery, which occurred on Saturday,

July 10th, quite suddenly after a short illness. He

was well and widely known in Seagoe Parish, and

much respected by all who knew him. His work in

the care and upkeep of the roads in this neighbourhood

was always done with care and efficiency, and in

his dealings with those who came in contact with him,

his geniality and kindly manner gained him many

friends. We condole with his relatives, Mr. and Mrs.

W. J. McDowell and family in their bereavement.

Church Attendance Cards.

EDENDERRY SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Third Rank 25, 30. Hannah Johnston 26,

Minnie Crawford 26, Sam Magee 26, Edward Crawford 26

Fourth Rank—20,-25. Maggie Rainey 21, May

Hinds 24, Charlotte Allen 23, Emily Cox 23, Annie

Johnston 21, David Rainey 22, Willie Cox 22.

CARNE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Third Willie Coulter 26, W. J.

Costello 26, Andrew Costello 26.

Fourth Rank—20, - 25. Maggie Simpson

Hannah Caddell 24.

SEAGOE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

1st Rank—35,-39. Mary Best 39. Isabella Best 39,

Mary J. Atkinson 39, Maggie Mothers 35.

Second Lizzie Patton 32.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Change of the Calendar in Seagoe 1752.—

The change of the Calendar in 1752 created much

excitement here as well as elsewhere. The way in

which it was done was this—the day following

September 2nd, 1752, was counted as September

14th, so that eleven days were cancelled or dropped

out of the calendar. People complained that they

had been deprived of 11 days of their life. In Seagoe

Registers there are traces of the uncertainty of the

Calendar at that time. The entries for the first three

months of the years 1700-1747 are entered in this

form 174 2/3 , etc. This was due to uncertainty as to

the date on which each New Year began. No entries

of Baptisms, Marriages, or Deaths are recorded in the

Registers for the date September 2nd to September

14th, 1752, but there is the record of a Baptism on

September 15th of that year. The uncertainty as to

the beginning of each year seems strange to us who

are accustomed to regard January 1st as New Year's

Day, but up to the year 1752, March 25th was

regarded as the first day of the New Year, and it took

some time before people became accustomed to

January 1st as New Year's Day.