Person Page - 126

Fred Stopford was born on 16 October 1912 in 105 Stockport Road, Denton, Lancashire, England.¹ He was the son of James Stopford and Elizabeth Ann Cree.¹

Fred Stopford married Alice Dillon on 30 June 1934 in Ancoats, Manchester, Lancashire, England.¹

His mother Elizabeth Ann Cree died on 22 February 1936 in County Mental Hospital, Whittingham, Broughton, Lancashire, England.²

His father James Stopford died on 29 October 1944 in 66 Union Street, Hyde, Cheshire, England.²

Fred Stopford died on 15 June 1984 in Thameside General Hospital, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England.¹

Alice Dillon married Fred Stopford, son of James Stopford and Elizabeth Ann Cree, on 30 June 1934 in Ancoats, Manchester, Lancashire, England.¹

Susannah Cree (married name) was born in 1739 or 1740.²

Susannah Cree (married name) married William Cree, son of John Crie and Rachel Marshall.¹

Her husband William Cree died in December 1814.

Susannah Cree (married name) died in December 1814 in Chertsey, Surrey, England. She was aged 74.^1,3 She was buried on 6 December 1814 in St Peter, Chertsey, Surrey, England. (It seems probable that Susannah was William's wife. This burial is the only evidence we have that William Cree was married.^1,3 )

James Cree was born c 1 May 1833 in Stockport, Cheshire, England. (There is no certainty that James was a son of James and Mary Cree. He could be a son of one of James's sisters Gertrude or Sarah.)¹ He was the son of James Cree and Mary Hill.

James Cree died in November 1833. He was buried on 1 December 1833 in St Thomas, Stockport, Cheshire, England. He was aged 7 months.¹

Joseph Cree was born between 1832 and 1833.¹ He was the son of Joseph Cree and Eliza Greenwood.¹

Joseph Cree died in June 1850.¹ He was buried on 30 June 1850 in St Philip, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. He was aged 17.¹

Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down) was born in 1692 or 1693.¹ He was the son of James Crie (of Ballybuttle) and 2nd wife Cree.

His son Samuel Cree was born in 1715 or 1716.²

His son John Cree was born c 1718.

His son James Cree was born in 1725 or 1726 in Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland.^3,4

His daughter Isabella Cree was born in 1734 or 1735 in Newtownards, County Down, England.⁵

His son Samuel Cree died on 25 March 1756.⁶

Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down) died on 21 December 1756 in County Down, Ireland.⁷ Administration of Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down)'s estate was granted in 1758 in Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The admon. or bond does not survive but is listed in the index.⁸ He and James Cree were interred in Movilla Graveyard, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland, along with Margaret Hunter.⁹

We have no record of the father of Robert and Andrew Cree but think it likely that he was a son of Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down). He cannot be any of his known sons as they each had a son Robert already. His name might have been Joseph, as there is an seven-generation alternation of the names Robert and Joseph in his male line; or it might have been Robert. Unknown Cree was the son of Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down).

His son Robert Cree was born in 1744.¹

His son Andrew Cree Sr was born in 1758 or 1759 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.²

James Cree was born in 1725 or 1726 in Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland.^1,2 He was the son of Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down).

James Cree married Margaret Hunter. We have not seen a record of the marriage but it is reported in connection with the births of their four children that James Cree was "of Cunningburn."^1,2

His father Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down) died on 21 December 1756 in County Down, Ireland.³

His daughter Ann Cree was born in 1761 or 1762.⁴

In 1767 James Cree was living in Templecron, Grey Abbey, County Down, Ireland. James Cree and partner paid £3.0s.8d for 7a:3r:8p twice in the year.⁵

Between 1768 and 1773 James Cree was living in Templecron, Grey Abbey, County Down. James Cree paid £1.10s.4d. Evidently the land had been split between him and his "partner" of the 1767 rental. He paid the same amount twice in 1769 and then was recorded as paying £0.0s.0d in 1771-73. No Cree was found in Templecron after that.⁶

His daughter Elizabeth Cree was born in 1768 or 1769.⁷

His son Robert Cree was born c 1774.⁸

A map dated 20 July 1775 refers to John Cree's farm in Ballycastle, County Down, Ireland, and also to his brother James Cree.⁹

On 20 July 1775 James Cree and John Cree were living in Ballycastle, Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland. The map shows that John Cree was the tenant of 41 acres of Lord Londonderry's estate and that he subdivided the farm on that date, with John himself taking the largest portion, and James Cree receiving 9 acres 1 rood 5 perches. There is no copy surviving of John Cree's lease.^10,11

From 1776 to 1800 James Cree was living in Ballycastle, Grey Abbey, County Down, Ireland. James Cree was paying £3.11s.4d per half year for his tenancy. In 1800-1801 the entry changes to "James Cree's heirs." This was in addition to the 9a:1r:5p he held by the 1776 lease.¹²

On 1 November 1776 James Cree took a lease on land in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. "To: James Cree
Of: 9:1:5 CM [9 acres 1 rood 5 perches Cunningham Measure]
To hold from the 1st day of Nov 1776.
For the lives of Francis Turnby and Alexr. Turnby
Jan 5, 1826, Imperial Currency £6:11:10.
Expired Nov 1850 on death of A. Turnby."

This lease confirms that the portion measuring 9a:1r:5p of "John Cree's Farm" shown on the 1775 map was under the occupation of the Cree family from November 1776 until 1843, a period of at least 67 years.

The counterpart of the lease also exists (signed by James Cree) and states that the lease is for three lives (as was normal), the third life being that of James Cree himself, "aged about fourty five years." In fact James was about 50 in 1776.⁸

His son William Cree was born in 1780.

On 17 October 1783 James Cree was living in Ballycastle, County Down, Ireland. He was listed in the register of freeholders.¹³

James Cree left a will dated 1800 at Greyabbey, County Down, Ireland. The will does not survive although it is listed in the Index. James is described as a farmer of Greyabbey.¹⁴

James Cree died on 24 May 1800.¹ He and Robert Cree (of Newtownards, Co. Down) were interred in Movilla Graveyard, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland, along with Margaret Hunter.¹⁵ From 1833 to 1834 Robert Cree was a tenant in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. James Cree was the original lessee. The land consisted of two plots of combined area almost 18 acres. This comprised the original 9a:1r:5p of the 1776 lease (which expired in 1850 with the death of A Turvey aged about 78) and the 7a:3r:34p of the 1823 lease (which expired in 1855, twenty years after the death of Robert Cree.)¹⁶ From 1836 to 1843 James Cree was a tenant in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. James Cree was the original lessee. The land consisted of two plots of combined area almost 18 acres. This comprised the original 9a:1r:5p of the 1776 lease and the 7a:3r:34p of the 1823 lease. Rent Rolls show James Cree as the occupier of land at Ballycastle in 1843 and Widow Alice Cree (his mother) from 1844 to 1845 but not thereafter. His grandfather's lease of the 9a:1r:5p would not expire until 1850 but it is occuped by a John McClune.¹⁷

Esther Cree was born in 1688 or 1689. She was the daughter of James Crie (of Ballybuttle) and 2nd wife Cree.

Esther Cree married Hugh Montgomery c 1715?.

Her son Robert Montgomery was born in 1720 or 1721 in Newtownards, County Down, England.¹

Her son James Montgomery the Elder was born in 1732 or 1733.²

Her husband Hugh Montgomery died on 27 August 1756 in County Down, Ireland.³

Esther Cree died on 8 February 1765 in County Down. She was aged 76 years.⁴ Esther Cree's and Hugh Montgomery's names are inscribed on a memorial in Movilla Abbey Graveyard, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.⁵

A namesake was famous in the history of the settlement of this area. It was a Hugh Montgomery who, with fellow Scot James Hamilton, obtained a grant from the Crown to settle this part of Ulster in 1607. As Robinson indicates: The area within the Great Ards which Hugh Montgomery obtained lay... around Comber, Newtownards and Greyabbey at the head of Strangford Lough... Through these grants to Montgomery and Hamilton foundations were laid for the most concentrated and substantial colony of British to arrive in Ulster during the first half of the seventeenth century.

The area desribed is precisely that in which the earliest Cree records are found. Ballybarnes, Newtownards and Ballycastle are all in the parishes mentioned by Robinson and the marriage connection to a Hugh Montgomery suggests a close connection between the Cree families and the Montgomery family who led the original settlement.¹ Hugh Montgomery was born in 1686 or 1687. He was aged 69 at his death.²

Hugh Montgomery married Esther Cree, daughter of James Crie (of Ballybuttle) and 2nd wife Cree, c 1715?.

His son Robert Montgomery was born in 1720 or 1721 in Newtownards, County Down, England.³

It is likely that Robert Montgomery was a son of Hugh Montgomery as they were both of Ballyrogan.

On 1 November 1724 Hugh Montgomery was living in Ballyrogan, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.⁴

His son James Montgomery the Elder was born in 1732 or 1733.⁵

Hugh Montgomery died on 27 August 1756 in County Down, Ireland.⁶ Hugh Montgomery's and Esther Cree's names are inscribed on a memorial in Movilla Abbey Graveyard, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.⁷

Robert Cree was born in 1744. He was aged 45 in 1789.¹ He was the son of Unknown Cree.

His son Joseph Cree was born in 1786 or 1787.²

His son Robert Cree was born in 1787 or 1788.³

On 9 February 1789 Robert Cree took a lease on land in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The land is adjacent to that of Andrew Cree.⁴

Between 1810 and 1811 Robert Cree and Andrew Cree Sr were living in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down.
"Plot - Lessees:
1 Robert Cree 5:11:2
2 Andrew Cree 3:11:1
ditto afs of John Reid 4:10:1
[Total] 8:1:2"
Note that the total is of the last two areas only.⁵

Robert Cree died in 1812.⁶

Robert Cree's great-great-granddaughter Hessie Cree wrote in 1963:

Well (with) regards to the Cree family tree. Our folks are the Scotch-Irish. I can't say how far back but I know it's generations ago... My mother is still alive and she tells me the Crees came from Scotland. I often heard my father say his great-grandfather (Robert Cree) spoke with a Scotch accent... our homestead has been Cree's as far back as over 200 years. But my father's old home was sold. It's in the middle of four roads and it's called Cree's Corner.⁷

Andrew Cree Sr was born in 1758 or 1759 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.¹ He was the son of Unknown Cree.

Andrew Cree Sr was a flax dresser in February 1789.²

On 9 February 1789 Andrew Cree Sr took a lease on land in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down.³

His son William Cree (farmer in Lisburn) was born c 1790?

His son Andrew Cree Jr was born c 1792?

His son James Cree was born in 1793 or 1794.⁴

His son Samuel Cree was born c 1795?

Between 1810 and 1811 Andrew Cree Sr and Robert Cree were living in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down.
"Plot - Lessees:
1 Robert Cree 5:11:2
2 Andrew Cree 3:11:1
ditto afs of John Reid 4:10:1
[Total] 8:1:2"
Note that the total is of the last two areas only.⁵

Andrew Cree Sr died on 19 July 1824?. This date is conjecture based on the insertion of the date in the lease of his Ballybarnes farm. However a lease for this area continued to be held by an Andrew Cree at least until 1863.

Joseph Cree was born in 1786 or 1787.¹ He was the son of Robert Cree.

Joseph Cree married Mary Cree (married name) c 1806?. Birth dates of their sons are known mainly from ages at death. We do not have the same information for their daughters as they are not listed in the Cree deaths index. However William Cree's will probably lists his sisters in descending age order, apart from Ellen who we assume had died. Birth years have been guessed at on this flimsy evidence.

His son James Cree was born in 1807 or 1808.²

His daughter Esther Cree was born c 1810?

His daughter Mary Cree was born c 1812?

His father Robert Cree died in 1812.³

His daughter Agnes Cree was born c 1814?

His son Robert Cree was born in 1816 or 1817.⁴

His daughter Elizabeth Cree was born c 1818?

His daughter Ellen Cree was born c 1820.

His son William Cree was born on 5 April 1821 in Ballybearns, Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland.⁵

His son Samuel Cree was born in 1832 or 1833.^6,7 From 1833 to 1860 Joseph Cree was a tenant in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. Robert Cree was the original lessee. The land was 13 acres 0 roods and 37 perches. An additional area of 3a:3r:25p was added in 1844.⁸

Joseph Cree was a farmer on 12 March 1851.⁹

Joseph Cree was mentioned in the will of William R Ferguson dated 1 August 1859 at Mill Street, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.¹⁰ Probate of William R Ferguson's will was granted to Joseph Cree on 16 December 1859 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland.¹¹

Joseph Cree was a farmer on 23 October 1861.¹²

His son James Cree died on 6 March 1864 in Newtownards Reg. Dist, County Down, Ireland.¹³

Joseph Cree left a will dated 30 September 1866 at Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down. The townland name is written Ballybearns throughout the will.¹⁴

Joseph Cree died on 28 January 1867 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down.^14,15 Probate of Joseph Cree's will was granted to Robert Cree in 1867 in Belfast, Ireland. Robert Cree of Ballybearns and Alexander Moore of Killearn, farmers, were the Executors.¹⁶

Samuel Cree was born c 1795?. He was the son of Andrew Cree Sr.

Samuel Cree married Widow (---) Cree.

Samuel Cree died before 1833. Widow Cree was shown as the tenant of his land in 1833.¹ From 1833 to 1848 Widow (---) Cree was a tenant in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. Samuel Cree was the original lessee. The land was 9 acres 0 roods and 11 perches. A co-tenant was John Kerr.²

Mary Cree was born c 1812?. She was the daughter of Joseph Cree and Mary Cree (married name).

Mary Cree was a sewer on 10 October 1853 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.¹

Mary Cree married William Murdoch, son of Robert Murdoch, on 10 October 1853 in First Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The ceremony was witnessed by Robert Cree. Both were of full age and unmarried. William was a farmer and Mary a sewer. The witnesses were Robert McClune and Robert Cree.²

Robert Cree was born in 1816 or 1817.¹ He was the son of Joseph Cree and Mary Cree (married name).

Robert Cree was living in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.^2,3,4 He was a witness at the marriage of William Murdoch and Mary Cree on 10 October 1853 in First Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland; Both were of full age and unmarried. William was a farmer and Mary a sewer. The witnesses were Robert McClune and Robert Cree.⁵

Robert Cree married Eliza McMurray, daughter of James McMurray, on 15 May 1862 in First Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down. The marriage was by licence. Witnessses were Jane Anderson and James McMurray. Robert was a farmer of Ballybearns (sic) and Eliza was from Ballyskeagh. Both were of full age.^6,7,8,9,10

His son Joseph Cree MD was born on 7 February 1863 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down.^11,12

Robert Cree was a farmer from 1865 to 1873 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland.

His son William Cree was born on 6 January 1865.¹¹

His father Joseph Cree died on 28 January 1867 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down.^13,14

His daughter Mary Cree was born on 31 March 1867 in Ballybarnes, County Down, Ireland.¹² Probate of Joseph Cree's will was granted to Robert Cree in 1867 in Belfast, Ireland. Robert Cree of Ballybearns and Alexander Moore of Killearn, farmers, were the Executors.¹⁵

His mother Mary Cree (married name) died on 17 August 1867 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards parish, County Down, England.¹⁶

His son Alexander Cree was born on 1 May 1873 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down, Ireland.¹⁷

His daughter Elizabeth Cree was baptised on 31 March 1875 in 1st Newtownards Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.^11,18

Robert Cree died on 1 March 1900 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards parish, County Down. The grant of probate says he died on 2 March 1900 as does the burial record of Movilla Cemetery although the latter is likely to refer to the burial date.^19,20 He was buried in Movilla Cemetery, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. He died of pneumonia.²⁰ Probate of Robert Cree's will was granted to Joseph Cree MD on 14 May 1900 in Belfast. William Murdoch, farmer, was also an administrator.^21,17

Elizabeth Cree was also known as Eliza Cree.^1,2 Her married name was Elizabeth Shaw. She was born c 1818?. She was the daughter of Joseph Cree and Mary Cree (married name).

Elizabeth Cree married William R Ferguson on 15 January 1857 in 1st Newtownards Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. Elizabeth was "of Ballybarnes; daughter of Joseph Cree (a farmer)." The witnesses were Robert Cree and George M. Sailes.³

Her son Joseph Andrew Ferguson was born on 26 October 1857.⁴ Administration of his estate was granted on 25 November 1861 in Belfast, Ireland.^5,6

Agnes Cree was born c 1814?. She was the daughter of Joseph Cree and Mary Cree (married name).

Agnes Cree married (---) Caswell.

In 1873 Agnes Cree was living in Linn County, Oregon, USA.¹

In 1873, Agnes Cree was also known as Nancy Caswell.²

Joseph Cree MD was born on 7 February 1863 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.^1,2 He was the son of Robert Cree and Eliza McMurray. Joseph Cree MD was baptised on 22 March 1863 in 1st Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.²

His father Robert Cree died on 1 March 1900 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland.^3,4 Probate of Robert Cree's will was granted to Joseph Cree MD on 14 May 1900 in Belfast, Ireland. William Murdoch, farmer, was also an administrator.^5,6

My grandfather [Joseph Cree] probably studied medicine at [the then] Queens College, Belfast before the turn of the century, but never completed the course, subsequently returning to work on the farm before leaving Ireland in the early part of the century to complete his medical training at Leeds University. He eventually settled in the village of Beeford about 15 miles north of Hull in Yorkshire... As far as I know, my grandfather returned to Ireland only once, just after the war (perhaps in 1947) to visit his brother Alec and he died in 1955.⁷

On 31 March 1901 Joseph Cree MD was living in the household of Eliza McMurray in 1 Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland, along with James McMurray, William Cree and Elizabeth Cree. Eliza Cree was the Head of Family, a farmer and a widow aged 63. Her brother James McMurray was a retired farmer aged 65. Joseph Cree was an "Undergraduate RWI" aged 38; William, 36, was a farmer's son and Elizabeth, 20, a farmer's daughter.

All members of the household were described as Presbyterian and all could read and write. It was recorded that the property consisted of ten buildings, a stable, cow house, calf house, dairy, 2 piggeries, a fowl house, boiling house, barn and shed. According to Robert J P Cree, this farm was called Cronkbrae. It was clearly close to no. 8 where Alexander Cree lived.^7,1

In 1911 Joseph Cree MD was living in 6 St Pauls Square, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, England. Joseph was aged 48 and a boarder in the household of William Clements, a surgeon from County Tyrone, and his wife Mary. William and Joseph carried on their business as surgeons at home. William and Mary had a daughter who was a masseuse and a son who was a medical student.⁸

It is interesting to note that Dr Clements' business survives to-day as the successful Gordon Street Surgery.⁹

Joseph Cree MD married Kathleen Annie Kennedy c February 1914 in Whitby Reg Dist, Yorkshire, England.¹⁰

His son Robert Alan McMurray Cree was born c February 1920 in Driffield Reg Dist, Yorkshire, England.¹¹

His son William Warnock Cree MRCS, LRCP(Eng) was born on 16 December 1921 in Beeford, Yorkshire, England.^12,13

His mother Eliza McMurray died on 13 March 1923 in Ballygowan, Hillsborough, County Down, Ireland.^7,14

His son Robert Alan McMurray Cree died c May 1939 in Hull, Yorkshire, England.^15,16

Joseph Cree MD died c November 1955 in Hull Reg Dist, Yorkshire, England. He was aged 92.^7,17

William Cree was born on 6 January 1865.¹ He was the son of Robert Cree and Eliza McMurray.

His father Robert Cree died on 1 March 1900 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland.^2,3

On 31 March 1901 William Cree was living in the household of Eliza McMurray in 1 Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland, along with James McMurray, Joseph Cree MD and Elizabeth Cree. Eliza Cree was the Head of Family, a farmer and a widow aged 63. Her brother James McMurray was a retired farmer aged 65. Joseph Cree was an "Undergraduate RWI" aged 38; William, 36, was a farmer's son and Elizabeth, 20, a farmer's daughter.

All members of the household were described as Presbyterian and all could read and write. It was recorded that the property consisted of ten buildings, a stable, cow house, calf house, dairy, 2 piggeries, a fowl house, boiling house, barn and shed. According to Robert J P Cree, this farm was called Cronkbrae. It was clearly close to no. 8 where Alexander Cree lived.^4,1

On 2 April 1911 William Cree was living in the household of Eliza McMurray in House 1, Ballybarnes, Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland. Eliza was still described as a farmer at 74. William was 39 and unmarried.⁵

William Cree married Agnes Black, daughter of Johnstone Black, on 11 August 1915 in Strean Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The witnesses were William and Agnes McCrackjen. William Cree was a farmer of Ballybearns, County Down. Agnes Black was of Ballyskeagh.⁶

His mother Eliza McMurray died on 13 March 1923 in Ballygowan, Hillsborough, County Down, Ireland.^4,7

William Cree died on 9 July 1937 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down, Ireland.^8,9 Probate of William Cree's will was granted on 17 November 1937 in Belfast, Ireland.⁹

Alexander Cree was also known as Alec Cree.¹ He was born on 1 May 1873 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down, Ireland.² He was the son of Robert Cree and Eliza McMurray. Alexander Cree was baptised on 3 July 1873 in 1st Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.³

Alexander Cree married Jane Milliken, daughter of William Milliken and Margaret McCully, on 16 January 1900 in Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church, Bangor, County Down, Ireland. The ceremony was witnessed by James McMurray. Jane McMurray was also a witness. Jane Milliken was from Ballyrogan, parish Newtownards. Alexander Cree was a farmer of Ballybarnes, parish Newtownards. Their daughter Hessie wrote in 1963:
Well regards to the Cree family tree. Our folks are the Scotch-Irish. I can't say how far back but I know it's generations ago... My mother is still alive and she tells me the Crees came from Scotland. I often heard my father say his great-grandfather spoke with a Scotch accent... our homestead has been Cree's as far back as over 200 years. But my father's old home was sold. It's in the middle of four roads and it's called Cree's Corner.^4,5,6

Alexander Cree and Jane Milliken were living in Cree's Corner, Ballybarnes, County Down, Ireland. This crossroads was shown as Cree's Corner in maps as recently as 2000 (eg. Michelin, Ireland.)⁷

His son Robert Cree was born on 8 February 1900 in Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland.⁸

On 31 March 1901 Alexander Cree and Jane Milliken were living in No. 8, Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. Alexander was aged 27 and a farmer. Jane was stated to be aged 20 (incorrectly as she was 28). The farm had five buildings, a stable, cow house, piggery, barn and shed.⁹

His son William Milliken Cree was born on 6 July 1901 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.^10,2

Alexander Cree was a farmer on 24 April 1902 in Ballybarnes, County Down, Ireland.¹¹

His daughter Elizabeth Cree was born on 16 September 1902 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down.²

His daughter Hessie Cree was born on 2 April 1904 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down.¹²

On 10 March 1905 Alexander Cree was living in Ballyrogan, County Down, Ireland. "March 7, 1905
Birth of Jane Cree daughter of Alexander Cree and Jane Milligan, Ballyrogan, baptised at First Newtownards on March 10, 1905."¹¹

His daughter Margaret Cree was born on 21 August 1907 in Ballyrogan, County Down.^11,8

His daughter Florence Cree was born on 27 December 1909 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down.²

His son Joseph McMurray Cree was born on 9 March 1912 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down.²

His son Alexander Cree was born on 11 July 1915 in Ballyrogan, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.¹¹

His son James Clokey Cree was born on 27 March 1919 in Ballyrogan, Newtownards, County Down.¹¹

Alexander Cree died before July 1927. He obtained letters of administration of William Milliken Cree's estate on 26 July 1927 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland.¹³

Samuel Walker was the son of George Walker.

Samuel Walker was a dealer in 51 Jonesboro Street, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland.¹

Samuel Walker married Elizabeth Cree, daughter of Robert Cree and Eliza McMurray, on 21 September 1907 in Knock Methodist Church, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. The ceremony was witnessed by George Walker. The other witness was Lizzie Walker. Samuel Walker was a widower and signed with his mark. Elizabeth Cree was a spinster of Ballybarnes, County Down.¹

James Cree was born in 1793 or 1794.¹ He was the son of Andrew Cree Sr.

His father Andrew Cree Sr died on 19 July 1824?

His son William Cree was born in 1826 or 1827 in Belfast, Ireland.²

James Cree married Sara Adair on 30 January 1826 in 1st Presbyterian Church, Bangor, County Down, Ireland.³

James Cree died on 12 February 1880 in Newtownards Reg Dist, Ireland.⁴

Andrew Cree Jr was born c 1792?. He was the son of Andrew Cree Sr.

Andrew Cree Jr married Unknown (---) c 1809. Andrew Cree Jr was described as a widow at his marriage to Jane McGimpsey in 1849. The name of his first wife, the mother of his first five children, is not known to us.

His son Hugh Cree was born in 1811 or 1812.¹

His son James Cree was born c 1817.²

His son Alexander Cree was born c 1820?³

On 1 November 1825 Andrew Cree Jr took a lease on land in Killarn, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The area was 9a:3r:34p. The land is located on the road from Hollywood to Newtownards. Killarn is adjacent to Ballybarnes and Ballyrogan to the north-west of Newtownards.⁴

His daughter Margaret Cree was born in 1827 or 1828.^5,6

His son James Cree was born in 1832.⁷ From 1833 to 1845 Andrew Cree Jr was a tenant in Killarn, Newtownards, County Down. The area of land was 9 acres 3 roods and 34 perches. He was the original lessee of this land in 1825.⁸ From 1833 to 1860 Andrew Cree Jr was a tenant in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The area of land was 9 acres 0 roods and 4 perches. We have conjectured that Andrew Cree Sr died in 1824 and Andrew Jr took over the tenancy. Since he was also Andrew Cree it would not necessarily be noticeable from the rent rolls.⁹

Andrew Cree Jr married Jane McGimpsey, daughter of James McGimpsey, on 10 March 1849 in 1st Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. Andrew was a widower. Jane was a sewer of Drumhirk. The witnesses were James Cumming and Lucius Crymble.^10,11,12

His daughter Jane Cree was born in 1850 or 1851 in County Down, Ireland.^13,14

His son William John Cree was born on 8 July 1858 in Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.¹⁰

In 1863 Andrew Cree Jr took a lease on land in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down. The lease was from the Marquis of Londonderry.¹⁵

John Cree was born from 1802 to 1804 in Newtownards parish, County Down, Ireland.^1,2 He was the son of Robert Cree and Harriet Cree (married name).

His son Robert Cree was baptised on 9 July 1826 in the Church of Ireland, Donaghadee, County Down, Ireland.³

His son Robert Cree died on 13 July 1826 in Portavo, Bangor parish, County Down, England.⁴

His son James Cree was born c 1829 in Ireland.⁵

John Cree married Agnes Robson on 24 August 1830 in First Presbyterian Church, Bangor, County Down, Ireland.⁶

His daughter Mary Cree was born c 1831 in Ireland.⁵

In July 1832 John Cree and Agnes Robson moved from Ireland and settled at Clazy, Clinton County, New York State, USA, accompanied by James Cree and Mary Cree.⁷

His son Thomas Cree was born c 1833 in USA.⁵

John Cree was a mason.⁸

His son William Cree was born c 1835.⁵

From 1836 to 1839 John Cree was living in Kingsbury, Clinton County, New York State, USA.⁹

His son Allan Cree was born c 1837.⁵

His daughter Ellen Jeanette Cree was born c September 1837.¹⁰

His daughter Sarah Cree was born c 1846.⁵

His daughter Catherine Cree was born c 1848.⁵

John Cree died in 1872.

Jane Cree was born in 1850 or 1851 in County Down, Ireland. It seems likely that her mother was Jane McGimpsey. Andrew's unnamed first wife had her first child in 1811 so she could not be Jane Cree's mother.^1,2 She was the daughter of Andrew Cree Jr and Jane McGimpsey.

Jane Cree married George Cree, son of William Cree and Jane Willis, on 2 November 1869 in Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church, Bangor, County Down, Ireland. They were first cousins once removed, George's grandfather William Cree being a brother of Jane's father Andrew Cree Jr. George was of full age (over 21) and Jane was a minor (under 21). His father William was a weaver and her father, Andrew Cree, a farmer.^3,4

Her daughter Elizabeth Cree was born on 31 May 1870 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down, Ireland.^5,6

Her son William Cree was born on 6 October 1871 in Ballykeel, Holywood, County Down, Ireland.^7,3

Her daughter Margaret Cree was born on 24 March 1873 in Ballymiscaw, Dundonald, County Down, Ireland.^3,7

Her son Andrew Cree was born on 16 June 1875 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland.^3,8

Her son George Frederick Valentine Cree was born on 30 August 1876 in Redburn House, Holywood, County Down, Ireland.³

Her son John Carsewell Cree was born on 8 June 1878 in Belfast Road, Holywood, County Down, Ireland.^3,7

Her son David Henry Logan Cree was born on 21 March 1881 in Belfast Road, Holywood, County Down.^7,3,9

Her daughter Mary Cree was born on 26 December 1882 in Belfast, County Antrim.⁵

Her son Robert James Cree was born on 10 July 1884 in Belfast Road, Holywood, County Down.^3,7

Her daughter Margaret Jane Cree was born on 12 September 1886 in Belfast Road, Holywood, County Down.^7,3,9

Her son Samuel Cree was born on 6 April 1889 in County Antrim, Ireland.^9,3

Her son Arthur Cree was born on 26 May 1891 in Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland.^3,9 Jane Cree was a witness at the marriage of Annie Topping and George Frederick Valentine Cree on 19 July 1897 in Dunmurry Presbyterian Church, Dunmurry, County Antrim, Ireland, along with John Carsewell Cree; George was a lapping room worker aged 20 and Annie was 19.³

On 31 March 1901 Jane Cree and George Cree were living in 5 Ballycullo, Malone, County Down, Ireland, along with David Henry Logan Cree, Robert James Cree, Margaret Jane Cree, Samuel Cree and Arthur Cree. George was a labourer aged 50. His son David was a shoemaker aged 16. Robert was a labourer aged 16.⁹

On 2 April 1911 Jane Cree and George Cree were living in 3 Ballycullo, Malone, County Antrim, Ireland, along with Margaret Jane Cree and Arthur Cree. George was a farm servant aged 61 and could read but not write. Jane was aged 60. Margaret was a dressmaker aged 24. Arthur was 19 and a tenter. It was recorded that George and Jane had had eleven children of whom ten were still alive. George signed the census return with his "mark" - an X - witnessed by the enumerator.¹⁰

Robert Cree was the son of Andrew Cree Jr and Unknown (---).

Margaret Cree was born in 1827 or 1828.^1,2 She was the daughter of Andrew Cree Jr and Unknown (---).

Margaret Cree married George Jackson, son of John Jackson, on 9 June 1845 in 1st Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. He was aged 27 and a sewer of Newtownards. She was 17 years of age and "of Ballybearns." William Watson and William Potter were the witnesses.^3,4

Samuel Cree was born in 1832 or 1833.^1,2 He was the son of Joseph Cree and Mary Cree (married name).

Samuel Cree was a teacher on 12 March 1851 in Greengraves, County Down, Ireland. This is the next townland to the south of Ballyrogan.³

Samuel Cree married Mary Stewart, daughter of Alexander Stewart and Catherine Stewart (married name), on 12 March 1851 in Newtownards First Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. Both were of full age. Witnesses were Samuel and Jane Colville.^4,5

On 11 January 1853 Samuel Cree was living in Ballyrogan, County Down, Ireland.⁶

His daughter Eliza Cree was born on 11 January 1853.^6,7

His father Joseph Cree died on 28 January 1867 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.^8,9

His mother Mary Cree (married name) died on 17 August 1867 in Ballybarnes, Newtownards parish, County Down, England.¹⁰

Samuel Cree died on 11 April 1901 in Newtownards Reg Dist, County Down, Ireland.¹¹

It is worth noting that this James Cree was recorded as working at the lead mines at Whitespots, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. He was listed as a dresser:
Cree, James (a boy) - 22nd. September 1827 - 3s 4d
Cree, James (a boy) 6th. October 1827 - 6 days @4d per day = 2s
and then under Cash Book Entries we have a possible misspelt reference:
Creen, James - 1st. March 1828 - 9s for carting lead to Bangor
I suggest that James Cree is likely to have been a younger brother of the known James Cree.¹ He was born in 1832.² He was the son of Andrew Cree Jr and Unknown (---).

James Cree married Sarah Stewart, daughter of Alexander Stewart and Catherine Stewart (married name), on 29 March 1850 in 1st Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The ceremony was witnessed by Ellen Cree and Thomas Montgomery. James was 18 and a farmer st "Ballybearns." Sarah of full age and of Ballyrogan. The witnesses were Thomas and Ellen (Cree) Montgomery. The marriage was by licence.^3,4

His son Samuel Cree was born on 20 December 1855 in Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.^5,6 In 1863 James Cree was a tenant in Ballybarnes, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. The property was a house and small garden and the landlord was James Moore.⁵

Ann Cree was born in 1761 or 1762. From age 56 at death.¹ She was the daughter of James Cree and Margaret Hunter.

Ann Cree married Thomas Roddy c 1784?.

Her father James Cree died on 24 May 1800.²

Her mother Margaret Hunter died on 26 May 1800.²

Her son Thomas Roddy was born in 1802 or 1803.³

Her son John Roddy was born in 1804 or 1805.³

Ann Cree died on 8 February 1818. She was aged 56.¹ She was buried in Movilla Abbey churchyard, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.¹

Elizabeth Cree was born in 1768 or 1769.¹ She was the daughter of James Cree and Margaret Hunter.

Elizabeth Cree married John McGowan c 1790?.

Elizabeth Cree and John McGowan were living in Ballyblack, County Down, Ireland. This is about a mile (1.6 km) from the Cree farm at Ballycastle.²

Her father James Cree died on 24 May 1800.³

Her mother Margaret Hunter died on 26 May 1800.³

Elizabeth Cree died on 14 November 1838 in Ballyblack, County Down, Ireland.⁴ She was buried in Movilla graveyard, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.⁵

Robert Cree was born c 1774. He was aged about 40 in 1814.¹ He was the son of James Cree and Margaret Hunter.

Robert Cree married Alice Cree (married name).

His father James Cree died on 24 May 1800.²

His mother Margaret Hunter died on 26 May 1800.²

On 5 September 1803 Robert Cree was living in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland.^3,4

In 1805 Robert Cree was living in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. "James Cree's heirs 3:11:4."⁵

In 1807 Robert Cree was living in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down.⁶

Between 1807 and 1808 Robert Cree was living in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. "Robert Cree for his father £3.11s.4d." This equates exactly to the amount under "James Cree's heirs" in 1805 thus proving the relationship of Robert Cree and his father James.⁷

His son James Cree was born in 1809 or 1810 in County Down, Ireland.⁸

In November 1814 Robert Cree took a lease on land in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. Nov 1814: "To Robert Cree. For One life and fourteen years from November 1814 of part of the Townland of Ballycastle Containing 4a:0r:0p at 36/- [shillings] per Acre... The said Robert Cree aged about fourty years."¹

In November 1823 Robert Cree took a lease on land in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. This lease was for 4 acres replacing the lease of 1814 at the lower rent of 28 shillings per acre.¹

In November 1823 Robert Cree took a lease on land in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. This was a new lease of 7a:3r:34p, replacing the lease for 4 acres just signed and adding a further 3a:3r:34p, also for one life and twenty years at 28/-. The two plots of land are shown on a map to be in two parts, the original 4a:0r:0p and the additional 3a:3r:34p.¹ From 1833 to 1834 Robert Cree was a tenant in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. James Cree was the original lessee. The land consisted of two plots of combined area almost 18 acres. This comprised the original 9a:1r:5p of the 1776 lease (which expired in 1850 with the death of A Turvey aged about 78) and the 7a:3r:34p of the 1823 lease (which expired in 1855, twenty years after the death of Robert Cree.)⁹

Robert Cree died c 1835. Rent Rolls show Robert Cree as the occupier of land at Ballycastle in 1834 and James Cree (we presume his son) in 1836. With Robert's death the lease of his 7a:3r:34p of land was known to be due to expire in twenty years (that is, in about 1855).¹⁰

William Cree was born in 1780. He was the son of James Cree and Margaret Hunter.

His son William Cree was born in 1801.¹

His son Edward Cree was born in 1807.

Alice Cree (married name) married Robert Cree, son of James Cree and Margaret Hunter.

Her son James Cree was born in 1809 or 1810 in County Down, Ireland.¹

From 1842 to 1843 Alice Cree (married name) was living in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down, Ireland. Trevor writes, "The name Alice Cree appears after No 3 Lessee James Cree and arrears of 5:8:0 (1842) and 2:14:0 (1843) were stated. This period may coincide with the Irish Famine."²

From 1844 to 1845 Alice Cree (married name) was living in Ballycastle, Newtownards, County Down. She is named as Widow Alice Cree and occupied just 5 acres. In the lessee column of the rent roll are written the words "at will" suggesting that the lease had expired. In the 1844 rental arrears are shown of £2:14:0 before period and £2:15:6 after against Alice Cree's plot 26. She was in arrears with the rent by £2:15:6 in 1845.³

Isabella Adams was born in 1813 or 1814 in Carrowdore, County Down, Ireland. However she was described as being of "Lower Ballyblack" at her marriage.¹ She was the daughter of James Adams.

Isabella Adams married James Cree, son of Robert Cree and Alice Cree (married name), on 23 January 1834 in the Presbyterian Church, Millisle, Donaghadee parish, County Down, Ireland. Trevor Cree writes: This marriage is a vital piece of evidence since it proves that the Durham Crees are direct descendants of the Ballycastle Cree, leading back to the gravestones in Movilla churchyard.

Isabella's home, Ballyblack. is about 1.5 km N of the Cree farm at Ballycastle.^2,3

Her daughter Jane Ann Cree was born in 1836 in Greyabbey, County Down, Ireland.¹

Her daughter Isabella Cree was born in 1838 in Greyabbey, County Down.¹

Her son Robert Cree was born between 1841 and 1844 in Greyabbey, County Down.¹

Her son James Cree was born in 1846 in Greyabbey, County Down.¹

Between 1846 and 1848 Isabella Adams and James Cree moved from County Down, Ireland, and settled at Grindon, County Durham, England, accompanied by Jane Ann Cree, Isabella Cree, Robert Cree and James Cree.¹

Her daughter Margaret Cree was born c November 1848 in Wolviston, County Durham, England.^1,4

On 30 March 1851 Isabella Adams and James Cree were living in Metcalf Buildings, Norton, County Durham, England, along with Jane Ann Cree, Robert Cree, James Cree and Margaret Cree. James Cree was an agricultural labourer aged 42 and his wife Isabella Adams was 36. Ann J Cree (sic) was 15, Robert 7, James 5 and Margaret 3. All were born in Ireland except Margaret who was born at Woolviston (sic), County Durham.⁵

On 7 April 1861 Isabella Adams was living in Reeds Cottage, Wolviston, County Durham, England, along with Jane Ann Cree, Robert Cree, Isabella Cree, James Cree, Margaret Cree and Mary Jane Cree. Isabella was a widow aged 47 and an agricultural labourer; Ann Jane aged 25 and Isabella, 19, were formerly housemaids; Robert, 23, and James, 15, were also agricultual labourers and Margaret aged 13 was a scholar. It was noted that Margaret was "lame from birth." There was also "an infant not named... granddaughter.. aged under 1 mo[nth]." We deduce that she was Mary Jane Cree, daughter of the younger Isabella Cree.⁶

On 2 April 1871 Isabella Adams was living in the household of Jane Ann Cree and George Ritchie in "Golden Gates", Wynyard Park, Grindon, County Durham, England, along with Elizabeth Ritchie, Agnes Ritchie and John George Ritchie. George Ritchie was aged 33 and a labourer in the gardens of Wynyard Hall. Jane Ann Cree was aged 34. Isabella Cree was a general servant aged 64.⁷

On 3 April 1881 Isabella Adams was living in the household of Robert Cree in Salter House Cottage No 6, Wynyard Park, Grindon, County Down, Ireland, along with James Cree and Elizabeth Jane Cree. Robert was a shepherd aged 30 and a widower while Isabella his mother was aged 70 and a housekeeper.⁸

Isabella Adams died in May 1898 in Wolviston, County Durham. She was aged 84.^9,10,1 She was buried on 23 May 1898 in St Peter, Wolviston, County Durham, England.⁹