Copyright ©2010.

Margaret Boyle 1868 - 1961
Born : 20 Feb.1868, Married,(1891) Thomas Doherty (Tam Banker) 1847-1931.

Father : Emanuel Boyle 1841- ----, Boylestown, Oughterlin.(60 in 1901)

Mother : Bridget, (nee Morning) 1843 - ----, Crucknagee, Creeve.(58 in 1901)

Brothers : Mickey 1859 -1954, Peter 1872- ----, Edward 1874- ----, John (USA)- ----,

Sisters : Mary Ann 1871- --, Hannah(Shovlin)1879-1942 , Nellie(McCollum)1866- ----,

Bridget (36 in 1901) md.1884 Neal Friel(Tailor),Gortcally. Kate 1877 - ---- md.Mickey Sweeney (Steafan) Elly & Emigrated to Canada.

(1851 Census : William & Catherine (McMenamin) Morning (md.1841); Charles-9 years, Biddy-7, John-5, Mathew-3, Francis-10 Months).

Margaret Boyle attended Carradoan School, where each pupil was provided with one slice of bread per day by Mr. Batt, the Landlord. The bread was handed to the scholars as they left the classroom at "big playtime" but she never accepted it. Margaret was due to emigrate, along with some relatives to America but decided not to go. Her brother, who was already there met the ship and on discovering that she was not on board, said "don't say that she stayed at home to marry auld Tam Banker who is old enough to be her Father" (21 years older). She often told this story herself and laughed about it.

Margaret Boyle was industrious and hard working. This photo shows her at the spinning wheel which she used to spin sheep's wool into yarn from which she knitted garments. She was a widow for the final 31 years of her life.

God Mother to Paddy McCollum.
On a cold & frosty 1st. March 1887, along with James McCollum ("the old smith") from the forge, she carried her sister Nellie's new born son, (three days old) Paddy McCollum, to be Christened at Rathmullan. There was no Priest there and as it was considered unlucky to bring back an unchristened baby, they walked on to the Lagg Chapel near Milford only to find that the Curate lodged with the Strain family at Forquar, further away. They arrived there at 8.00pm, got the baby Christened and returned that night, carrying him, (11 miles) back to Clondallon. Paddy McCollum lived to be 97 years and died February 1984. His wife was Mary Strain (2 years 6mths. 1901?) from Forquar,Milford. Their son Liam became Lord Justice McCollum in the Appeal Court of Northern Ireland.
Note: It was the custom even in Shakespeare's time (1564 - 1616) that babies were Baptised on the 3rd day.