Saintfield documents

I recently wrote to First Presbyterian Church office in Saintfield and received a copy of the marriage certificate for Ellen Batton and James Gordon, showing Ellen's father as George Batton.This is where it all started for all of us..... George Batton in Saintfield, County Down.

Ellen was married on 6th July 1867. She was the daughter of George Batton and Eliza Massey.

The marriage witnesses were Eliza Ferris and Robert Massey.

Griffiths valuation for 1863 in Tonaghmore lists George Batton and surrounding neighbours as Alexander Massey, Robert Massey and William Ferris.

Four years later these surnames all feature in Ellen's marriage certificate.

From a process of elimination we think that Robert Massey was the son of Alexander, brother of Eliza Massey. Eliza Ferris could be the wife or daughter of William Ferris.

I have since found that Alexander Massey died in November 1872 aged 72 years. Ironically George Batton died the same year - aged 67 years, on 30th September 1872 in Newmilns.

Forename: Alexander
Surname: Massey
Date Of Death: 13/11/1872
Date Of Grant: 29/08/1873
Effects: Effects under £20
Registry: Belfast
Full Abstract:
The Will of Alexander Massey late of Tonaghmore County Down Farmer deceased who died 13 November 1872 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oath of John Massey of Tonaghmore (Saintfield) aforesaid Farmer one of the Executors.

Jim Batton - football memories

Jim Batton pictured centre of front row in the successful Douglas Water Thistle team of 1948. Another fine player, Peter Leishman of Douglas Water, now Lanark, is on Jim's left

I found both articles/photos on the website "A History of Football in Douglasdale" :

http://www.spanglefish.com/DouglasdaleFootball/index.asp?pageid=13136

Obituary from Lanark Gazette for Jim Batton

I came back from America to an email from Ian Paterson (husband of Doreen Batton) to let me know that Doreen's brother had passed away when I was on holiday.

There was an obituary in the Lanark Gazette on Thursday 9th April 2o09 which read :

The village was saddened to learn of the death of Jim Batton, a well loved and respected member of a well known Douglas family. Jim died on March 23, and although his health had deteriorated in recent months you could often find him on the High Street in Lanark, (his place of residence for some years,) where he was thrilled to speak to anyone he recognised from the village.
Jim, born in Douglas West, was a footballer of some renown who, together with an older brother Andrew, played for several local clubs including Douglas West, where they won the Stark Cup against Biggar nine goals to one, Jim having scored six of the nine. He played for several local teams including Douglasdale, Douglas Water Thistle and such was his prowess, that Jim eventually played for Hibernian where he played against his brother Andrew - and won - when he played for Greenock Morton.
Jim also played for Sligo Rovers in the Irish League.
Andrew also played for Manchester City in his prime. Unfortunately, Andrew passed on a few years ago.
Jim is survived by his widow Helen, daughter Linda and six sisters - Lily, Grace, Matt, Nan, Jeanette and Doreen - and to all of them, the village extends its warmest sympathy in their loss.