Donaghcloney Church of Ireland Graveyard

Donaghcloney Graveyard 

Situated alongside the secondary road from Banbridge to Magheralin, the old parish graveyard is in the townland of the same name. There was probably a church here until 1641 rising and certainly it was ruinous in 1679 when William Waring decided to build a church at Waringstown. Even the foundations of the old church are hard to trace in the wild and rough graveyard. The parish registers, dating from 1697 , have been preserved in local custody and the oldest surviving gravestone dates from 1707.

The Rev. E. D. Atkinson, rector of the parish, wrote An Ulster Parish: being a History of Donaghcloney, published in 1898 , and this among much other information contains transcriptions of the gravestones in the two graveyards. There are a few omissions and inaccuracies and 8 stones have since disappeared. All stones with dates of death before 1900 have been recorded below including those now lost but noted by Atkinson. His transcripts are also included in Memorials of the Dead, 5, 186-8 and 357-9. There are also a large number of undated grave markers, usually of cast-iron, which have been recorded.

Adair The family burying ground of Samuel Adair, Seapatrick.

Adair. In loving memory of Jane, died 16 Apr 1967. Also her husband Samuel, died 05 Jun 1967.

Adamson Erected by Moses Adamson, Belfast, in memory of his father John Adamson who died 10 Aug 1817 aged 31 years. Also his mother Mary Adamson who died 12 Oct 1855 aged 69 years. And his brother John who died in infancy. Also the above named Moses Adamson who died 23 Dec 1881 aged 66 years.

Armstrong Erected by James Armstrong in memory of his father Jacob Armstrong and his mother Elizabeth Ann Armstrong. Also his brother William Armstrong who died 12 Nov 1852.

Armstrong Erected by Joseph and Elizabeth Armstrong in memory of their beloved daughter Mary Jane, "Minnie", died 24 Jun 1894 aged 19 years. Also four beloved children who died in infancy. Also my beloved wife Elizabeth, died 31 Dec 1907. Also my beloved son Benjamin who departed this life 29 Apr 1911. My beloved daughter Lily who departed this life 21 May 1917. Gone to be with Jesus.

Armstrong The family burying place of David Armstrong.

Armstrong The family burying place of R. G. Armstrong, Moygannon.

Baird The family burying ground of John & Margaret Baird.

Barr In loving memory of Hugh Barr, died 1895 aged 2 years. Also his sisters:- Lizzie died 1912 aged 21 years, Flo died 1925 aged 18 years.

Beattie The family burying place of Robert Beattie, Donacloney.

Beattie The family burying place of William Beattie, Ballynabraggett.

Boyce Here lieth the remains of William Boyce of Strawhill who departed this life Nov 1786 aged 64 years. Also of Mary Boyce, his wife, who departed this life Aprl 1804 aged 70 years.

Brown Here lie the remains of Jane Brown, wife to John Brown of Milltown. She departed this life 13 Mar 1808 aged 35 years. Also the remains of John Brown, senior, who departed this life 10 Dec 1834 aged 64 years. And also the remains of John Brown, junior, who departed this life on 04 Jan 1837 aged 40 years. Sarah Brown, wife of the late John Brown, died 23 Mar 1842 aged 72 years. Grace Charlotte Brown died 26 May 1856 aged 21 years.

Here lie the remains of James Brown, son of John Brown, senior, who departed this life 15 May 1851 aged 50 years. Also the remains of his wife Grace Bell Brown who departed this life 28 May 1857 aged 49 years. And their daughter Jane Brown who departed this life 15 Feb 1851 aged 5 1/2 years.

In loving memory of Grace Alberta Georgina McMurray, died 06 Mar 1884 aged 12 years.

Lonely, no not lonely While Jesus standeth by. His presence fills my chamber I feel that He is nigh.

Friendless, no not friendless For Jesus is my friend. I change but He remaineth True loving to the end.

And Rev. M. McMurray, died 06 May 1884 aged 60 years. "They rest from their labours and their works do follow them." Also J.S.B. McMurray, born 03 Jun 1865 , died 18 Feb 1892. Catherine McMurray, wife of Revd. M. McMurray, died 13 Jan 1920 aged 92 years. Also Catherine Stevenson, eldest daughter of Revd. McMurray, died 21 Jul 1935 aged 82 years.

John Shaw Brown, born Apr 1822 , died Jul 1887. "Blessed are the pure in heart." "The gift of God is eternal life."

Burns Erected by the affectionate parents of Eliza Burns who departed this life 11 Nov 1871 aged 5 years and 6 months. Also Maggie who died 19 Nov 1871 aged 3 years and 3 months. Here also is laid John Burns, father of above, who departed this life at Knocknamuckly 04 May 1906 aged 78 years. Also their mother Elizabeth Burns who departed this life 01 Feb 1916 aged 80 years.

They are gone to their grave but we will not deplore them, Whose God was their ransom, their guardian and guide. He gave them, He took them and He will restore them And death has not sting for the Saviour has died.

Burns The family burying place of William Burns, Moygannon.

Campbell Burying ground of William Campbell, Annaghanoon.

Campbell Burying ground of William Campbell, Banoge.

Carmichael Here lies the body of the Revd. James Carmichael, 12 years Pastor of the Secession Congregation of Donaghcloney. Having served his own generation according to the Will of God, fell asleep Mar 1783 aged 37 years. Also his sons John and Andrew.

Carr Here lieth the body of John Carr who departed ys life 24 Jul 1711 aged 79 years

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Carson The family burying place of William John Carson.

Copeland The family burying place of A. Copeland, Donacloney.

Copeland The burying place of John Copeland, Banoge, Donacloney.

Courtney The family burying ground of James Courtney, Banoge, who departed this life 08 Sep 1897 aged 47 years.

Craig The family burying ground of Edward Craig, Moygannon, Donacloney.

Derby The family burying ground of Anthony Derby, Donaghcloney.

Dunbar Here lieth the body of Thomas Dunbar of Lisnashure who departed this life 07 Jun 1762 aged 26 years.

Ferguson Here lieth the remains of Adam Ferguson who departed this life 10 Nov 1816 aged 69 years. Also his son James Ferguson who departed this life 11 Jul 1853 aged 78 years.

Ferguson Sacred to the memory of Robert Ferguson who departed this life 18 Dec 1857 aged 56 years. Also his wife Mary who departed this life 07 Mar 1855 aged 48 years. Also their son Robert who departed this life 19 Mar 1855 aged 19 years. Also their daughter Eliza who departed this life 15 Oct 1861 aged 19 years

Ferguson In memory of William Ferguson who died at Rockvale, Scarva, 14 Oct 1862. And his sons, Henry Graham died 27 Nov 1864 , John James Smyth died 05 Apr 1866. Also his daughter Lucy who died 10 Mar 1870. Also his wife Margaret who died 27 Feb 1888. Also his eldest daughter Mary who died 19 Dec 1899. Also Christopher L., second son of Robert Smyth Ferguson who died 26 Dec 1898 aged 5 months. Robert Smyth Ferguson, born 08 Jan 1845 , died 15 Nov 1901. God is love. Also his beloved Annie Ferguson, born 22 Feb 1852 , died 25 Dec 1915 at Dovercourt, Essex.

Had deep affection power to save These cherished sufferers from the grave, We ne'er had mourned their early doom, Nor wept beside their silent tomb.

Finlay Erected by James Finlay of this parish to the memory of his father who departed this life 04 Jul 1842 aged 69 years.

Frickilson Here lieth the body of Andw. Frickilson of Lisnasure who departed this life 15 Jun 1801 aged 64 years.

Garrett Garrett.

Gibson Erected by Robert Gibson in memory of his beloved brother John Gibson who departed this life 18 Jun 1829 aged 16 years. Also the remains of Robert Gibson who departed this life 30 Jun 1851 aged 39 years.

Gilliland The family burying ground of Wm. Gilliland, Ballykeel, died 18 Sep 1898 aged 81 years.

Gilliland The family burying ground of Thomas Gilliland.

Hanna The burying ground of James Hanna, Ballykeel, and Janes Hanna, Ballymacteer.

Huston John Huston died 20 Apr 1707.

Hylands The burying place of J. Hylands, Banoge.

Kerr The burying place of W. J. Kerr, Donacloney.

Kilpatrick The family burying place of R. Kilpatrick, Donacloney.

Little Erected to the memory of Sarah Little who departed this life 12 Apr 1853.

Lyttle Erected in loving memory of my beloved father Samuel Lyttle who departed this life 12 Jan 1881 aged 55 years. Also his eldest son William, died 01 Jun 1881 aged 23 years. Also his beloved mother Elizabeth Lyttle who died 01 Jun 1895. Also Mary Elizabeth who died 27 Aug 1898 aged 3 1/2 years. Also his son Richard Lyttle who died 30 Apr 1931 aged 68 years. Also Eliza Jane, wife of Richard Lyttle, who died 25 Apr 1946. Also their son Samuel Lyttle who died 07 Dec 1949.

Not lost to memory or to love, But gone to our Father's home above.

McAteer The family burying ground of Maurice McAteer.

McBride In loving memory of Mary Jane McBride, Monree, who fell asleep in Jesus 1897 aged 15 years. Also Mary Jane McBride who fell asleep in Jesus Jan 1905 aged 66 years. Also Maggie McBride who fell asleep in Jesus Apr 1905 aged 19 years. Also Irene McBride aged 10 months. Also Martha Jane McBride who fell asleep in Jesus 15 Nov 1906 aged 47 years.

McCartney The family burying ground of James & John McCartney.

In loving memory, Daddy 01 Apr 1951 , Mammy 18 Jul 1953.

McComb Here lieth the body of the wife of John McComb who departed this life 13 Feb 1737 aged 36 years. As also Willm., James and Mary, his children.

McMurray See Brown

Magivern In memory of Mary Ann, wife of James Magivern, died 09 Jul 1891 aged 24 years. Also his son W. J. Magivern, died 09 Sep 1889.

Mars(hal) Here lieth the body of Robt. Mars(hal) who departed this (life) 29 Jan 1775 aged 29 years.

Meeter... Meeter who departed this life 20 Dec 1736 aged (..) years.

Miller Here lieth the body of James Miller who departed this life the 20 year of his (age) in the year of our Lord 1733.

Morgan The burial place of Albert Morgan, Donacloney.

Nicholson Erected by an affectionate parent in memory of an only and beloved child, Mary Ann Nicholson who died in infancy 1831.

Leaves have their time to fall and flowers to wither at the north winds breath And stars to set, but all Thou has all seasons for thine own, O Death.

We know when moons shall wane When summer birds from far shall cross the sea When autumn's hue shall tinge the golden grain But who shall teach us when to look for thee.

Also above affectionate parent, Mrs Elizabeth Nicholson, Killiney, Co. Dublin, who died 20 Jul 1884.

Perry To the memory of the late Robert Perry of Moyrorkin who died 07 Nov 1865 aged 95 years. Also Samuel Perry who died 24 Oct 1930 aged 84 years. Also his daughter Catherine Emma, died 11 Jan 1954.

Roarke I.H.S. Heare lyeth ye body of W. Roarke, decd. this life 26 Dec 1779 aged 14 years. Allso his 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Robinson Erected in memory of Samuel and Judith Robinson of Islanderry by their son James, A.D. 1878.

Shanks Here lies the body of John Shanks who departed this life 28 Mar 1784 aged 63 years. Also his wife Eleanor Shanks who departed this life (01) Jan 1790 aged 61 years. Also Richard Shanks, died 10 Dec 1915.

Sillcock Here lieth the body of Valentine Sillcock who departed this life 14 Mar 1795 aged 62 years.

Simms The family burying place of William Simms, Drumlin.

Smyth In loving memory of Isaac Smyth, died 23 Jun 1917. His wife Catherine, died 19 Jan 1929. Their daughters:- Elizabeth died 08 Dec 1889 ; Catherine died 27 Jul 1932 ; Sarah Ann died 15 Aug 1933 ; Mary Ellen died 29 Aug 1936 ; Margaret Jane died 08 May 1966. Their son William John died 09 Jan 1972. Worthy of everlasting remembrance.

Elizabeth Murphy died 23 Oct 1963 aged 91 years.

Stevenson See Brown

Thompson Here lieth the body of Martha Thompson who departed this life 12 May 1711 aged 71. Also the body of Mary Thompson departed 29 Dec ... aged 52 yrs.

Thompson Here lieth the body of Moses Thompson of (Edenderry) who died 12 Jun 1806 aged 72 years.

Thonson Underneath this stone lie the remains of Lillie Anne... and daughter ... Thonson of Bally... 22. N.B. Remove not this stone.

Tomsone Heare lyeth the body of John Tomsone who depart this life th day of Agast ( 1751 ) his ag 104 years old.

Topping The family burying ground of W. Topping.

The family burying ground of W: H: Topping.

Turner Sacred to the memory of Edward Turner who departed this life ... aged 80 years. Also his wife Eliza Turner who departed this life 16 Sep aged 92 years. Also their grandson E... who departed this life ... aged 21 years.

Watson The family burying place of Charles H. Watson, Donacloney.

Wells The family burying ground of James Wells, Monbrief.

Wethers The family burying place of James O. Wethers, Donacloney.

White Erected by James White in memory of his father William White who departed this life in 18 Jan 1805 aged 68 years.

Wright Here lieth the body of John Wright of Moygannon who departed this life 08 Jul 1824 aged 78 years. Also the body of his beloved wife Jane Wright who departed this life 25 May 1815 aged 68 years. Also the body of their daughter Mary Wright who departed this life 06 Nov 1794 aged 20 years. Also the body of their son David Wright who departed this life 29 Jan 1816 aged 25 years. Likewise the remains of William Wright, eldest son of the above named John Wright, born 06 Mar 1772 , died 27 Nov 1818. Also John Wright, late of Ballycross, who departed this life 26 Dec 1858 aged 44 years. His wife Mary Jane Wright died 05 Jun 1899 aged 88 years.

Wright Erected to the memory of Elizabeth, wife of Alexr. Wright, Ballynabraggett, who departed this life 20 Jan 1892 aged 69 years. Also her husband Alexander Wright, died 26 Nov 1918 aged 95 years. Also their daughter Agnes Wright, died 13 Jul 1926 aged 73 years. Prepare to meet thy God.