Please help me find Irish records for Ernest John CRAIG

Question

I'm searching for Irish records for my gg grandfather Ernest John CRAIG (known as John), born 18 Oct 1829 at Londonderry, Ireland, and died 26 July 1894 at Moolap, Victoria, Australia. His parents are William Craig and Sarah Semple Brown. I'm keen to know where he lived and what he and his family did in Ireland.

There is an old book of John's in which he has written his name and location as "John Craig, Gortrea". This could align with a family rumour that he "came from Galway".

John migrated to Australia aboard the Bussorah Merchant in 1850 and is listed as a presbyterian. 

I have verified his place and date of birth from shipping records and also a marriage certificate. Note that one church record shows dob as Oct 1828, not 1829 as in all other records.

I've not had any real experience searching Irish records but am having some difficulties finding out more. I'm hoping someone can either find something or point me in a direction. Thanks in advance,
Rob

Comments

The 1831 Census lists 4 William Craigs:

Craig	William	Tamnymullan	56	Loughinsholin	Maghera	Londonderry	1	2	4	1	-	-	1	6	-
Craig	William	Tullyally Upper	7	Tirkeeran	Clondermot	Londonderry	1	3	3	-	-	-	-	6	-
Craig	William	Gortecross	6	Tirkeeran	Clondermot	Londonderry	1	3	2	-	-	-	-	5	-
Craig	William	Town Of Culmore	74	Liberties of Londonderry	Templemore	Londonderry

Unfortunately this census only lists the head of household. Usefully though it says that they are all Presbyterians.

Maghera church records only go back to 1843 - http://www.magheragenealogy.org/category/church-and-civil-records/

Clondermot is probably covered by Faughanvale, Templemore is in the city of Derry but I'm but sure which Presbyterian churches are nearest. Either way the best record set is at the pay site rootsireland.ie

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You can try searching this site:

https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/

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There are a lot of Irish sources  at https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Sources-Ireland-Province-County

Answer 1

John Craig

Birth:	1828, Ireland
Death:	Jul. 26, 1894 Victoria, Australia
Married Sarah Wooley about 1865 at Victoria, Australia.     Family links:   Spouse:   Sarah Wooley Craig (1843 - 1941)*    Children:   Sarah Anna Craig Butterworth (1868 - 1930)*   *Calculated relationship
Burial: Geelong Eastern Cemetery  Geelong Greater Geelong City Victoria, Australia
Created by: Carl W. McBrayer Record added: May 18, 2009  Find A Grave Memorial# 37252077 Cemetery Photo Added by: Carl W. McBrayer

Comments

Thank you Frank for your quick response, however my question was specifically about John's irish records.

Answer 2

HelIo relative, I too am a descendant of the Craigs. I think you will find that it is Gortree, Londonderry, Ireland.

Cheers Jennie