King family from Outlacken, Whitecross, Sturgan & Kingsmill Presbyterian Church

The tithe applotment records for 1835 show two King farms in Sturgan, one held by Hugh and the other by Michael.

http://www.irishgenealogyhub.com/armagh/tithe-applotments/killevy-parish.php#.VvD4nVJ2ug0

Griffiths Valuation for 1864 lists John King’s farm in Sturgan. He had plot 4 which was a farm of a total of around 35 acres. He was also subletting a property on the farm to some lodgers. Nearby on plot 30 was a Hugh King with a 25 acre farm. Judging by the 1901 census, that family was RC though but there might be a connection since Hugh shows up later on part of John’s property. You can use the revaluation records to follow the primary valuation forward right up to 1929.  For example in 1881 plot 4 is split between James King who had 4 acres, John who retained 18 and Hugh King who had 11. By 1883, Hugh had been replaced by Sarah, probably his widow but she was gone soon after too. And so on. The last King appears to have left the townland in 1895.

http://apps.proni.gov.uk/Val12B/ImageResult.aspx

Probate abstract:

The Will of Hugh King late of Sturgan County Armagh Farmer deceased who died 15 December 1880 at same place was proved at Armagh by Michael Toal and Patrick King both of Sturgan Farmers the Executors

The will itself is on-line, and mentions wife Sarah, 3 daughters and son Henry.

http://apps.proni.gov.uk/DCAL_PRONI_WillsCalendar_IE/WillsSearch.aspx

Kingsmills Presbyterian church has baptism records from 1842 onward. According to the PRONI website, the only copy is still held by the Minister, so you would need to get in touch with him if you want to search them. It doesn’t say when the marriage records but its probably 1845, when civil registration started. Prior to that you would need to rely on gravestones.  If they haven’t been transcribed anywhere, then you might need to employ a researcher to go round the graveyard and take down the details.

As to whether the various Outlacken families are related, it wouldn’t be unusual but since the records don’t go back very far it could be difficult to find out. I notice that several of the families are Church of Ireland so you would need to look at Killevy parish records to trace them back. There were 3 churches within the parish. Camlough has records from 1832, Drumbanagher from 1838 but Killeavey itself has none before 1878 as its earlier records were lost in the 1922 fire.

Some more probate abstracts from the PRONI wills site:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of William King late of Outlacken County Armagh Farmer who died 8 January 1893 at same place were granted at Armagh to Andrew King of Outlacken Farmer the Brother.

Probate of the Will of Andrew King late of Outlacken County Armagh Farmer who died 5 September 1903 granted at Armagh to Anthony O'Hare Farmer and Edith Taylor (Wife of H. Taylor).

Probate of the Will of Joseph King late of Outlacken County Armagh Farmer who died 21 June 1898 granted at Armagh to James King Farmer.

William died intestate and his probate file was destroyed in the 1922 fire in Dublin. The other 2 wills are on-line.

That's wonderful Elwyn! I had quickly printed the Griffiths Valuations but didn't really understand how to link the plots & names  which I really appreciate. I have the phone # for Kingsmill Presbyterian Church so I'll try to connect with the Minister. Also will try to locate the Killevy parish records from the three churches, Camlough & Drumbanagher seem to be the most promising.  I had requested a couple of gravestone inscriptions from Kingsmill but forgot to include them earlier. They are as follows:

"Erected in loving memory of William King of Outlacken, who departed this life 4th Oct. 1878 his beloved wife Martha, 12 Jan. 1878.  Also Sarah, the beloved wife of John King, Lurgana, 29th Jan. 1888."

"In Loving memory of Joseph King, died 11th Oct. 1895 & his wife Ellen, died 29th May 1915.  Also their son Thomas died 17th April 1972 and his wife Susan, died 6th March 1971.  Erected by their sons Joseph & James King, America".

It appears names ie.  William, John, Joseph & James were very common at that time probably named after their predecessors. If the names were less familiar it would make the research a lot easier.  So appreciative of your research!  Thank-you, & I'll let you know if I found out more.

Gayle