TODAY : Batton's in Saintfield, County Down

Ian Paterson, husband of Doreen Batton has recently made contact with a lady who lives in Saintfield, County Down, Northern Ireland. He received a letter explaining her connection with Batton's who lived in Saintfield in 1910. Although this lady doesn't think her grandfather is a relation, both Ian and I think it's too co-incidental....... We were hoping this might be a missing link O:)

This is the information that Gladys Morrow has written to Ian :

• Alexander Batton was born circa 1870 and married Jane Graham in 1897/8
• They had one son, David born November 1899.
• Alexander died in 1943. Jane died in 1940 and they are both buried in the Parish Graveyard in Saintfield. No grave marker.
• Alexander and Jane Batton had a shop in Saintfield, until it closed in 1942/3 due to Alexander's failing health. He was blind for the last 20+ years of his life.
• David always maintained that his name should have been spelled BATTEN. We don't know why.
• David Batten died in March 1969 and left widow Edith and daughters Gladys and Daphne.
• Gladys said she never heard her father or grandfather mention family.
• Alexander's mother was a widow who married a James McMurray. They had one son named James, half brother to Alexander and a daughter who married a Savage. They had a son, Roland Savage, who was a well known Accountant in Saintfield. Roland died approx 20 years ago.

Hopefully when Ian and Doreen get the chance to visit Saintfield (they are planning to). Gladys has kindly offered them a tour of the local graveyards, village and surrounding areas. Inspector Clouseau at the ready!

Thanks again Ian.