Written by Bill Nugent
William James is my great grand father born in Murnells, Pomeroy, County Tyrone. He rented a farm about 21 acres, the rent was quite high so to make ends meet he would plant potatoes. He married Catherine Nugent (nee Murdoch) He set sail from Belfast on board the Stranraer to Stockton, California. Here he worked as a Blast Furness man. His foreman was James Murdock, Catherine's brother. He had a relationship with Margaret Henderson and had one child. Later than year he sailed back to Belfast, he would do this every year until his death.
His father, William James, my great great grandfather had eight children, William James his son would have another eight with Margaret. The entire family emigrated to Stockton on tees. Joesph the eldest son would not have the farm or my grand father Denis. William James finally gave up the farm and came with Catherine to lvie with my grandfather Dennis in Stockton.
They died in 1902.
Catherine Nugent (Nee Murdoch) was born in Gibraltar in 1846, her father was stationed on the rock. It was being blockaded by Spain and France at the time and her brother James Murdoch was also born there.
We are still searching for the marriage certificate for William James Nugent and Catherine Murdoch.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1836 | |
| Date of Death | 1st Jan 1902 | |
