Eakin, Herbert James

Lance Corporal Herbert James Eakin

was born in Bailieborough on 16th July 1897 to Samuel William Eakin, Farmer and Essie Eakin nee McFadden. The Registration document records his name as James Herbert Eakin. His parents were married on 20th October 1896 at Shercock Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Herbert lived in house 2, Derrydamph, Skeagh, Co. Cavan with his parents and a servant, Prudence Wedlock.

By 1911, their property is known as house 1, Derrydamph, Skeagh, Co. Cavan. The family group is unchanged and there 2 others present; Rachel Rountree (Farm servant) and Mary McCabe (General Domestic Servant). 

 
On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Herbert J Eakin signed the Ulster Covenant at the First Presbyterian Church, Bailieborough.

Herbert Eakin joined Northern Bank on 14th July 1915 at Head Office with a later transfer to Keady branch on 22nd November 1915 as Junior.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Keady branch (period 70s to 90s)

Herbert was based in Keady branch on 11th December 1915 when he volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse as a Trooper aged 18. His Service Number was 2041. He was later transferred to the Corps of Hussars with Service Number 61679.

H J Eakin - Medal Index Card

He saw service with the British Expeditionary Force. Promotion to Lance Corporal followed. Eakin saw action in Arras 1917, Ypres 1917, Cambrai 1917, Epey, Morval and Bapaume. 

Herbert was demobilised in February 1919 and was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

H J Eakin - Medal Roll

After demobilisation, Herbert re-joined the Northern Bank on 11th March 1919 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Limavady (1919 -  Accountant), Kilrea (1920 - Accountant), Ballynafeigh (1921 - Cashier), Castlewellan (1922 - Cashier), Ball’s Branch (1926 - Paying Teller), Lisburn (1936 - Paying Teller), Donegall Square (1938 - Pro Manager), Lisburn (1942 - Sub Manager) and Hillsborough (1944 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Kilrea branch

Northern Bank, Castlewellan branch

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch (Donegall Square West)

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Herbert married Miss Margaret Hudson of Rathfriland in April 1927.

The 10th April 1957 saw Mr & Mrs H J Eakin living in the Northern Bank House, Portaferry when an announcement was made of the engagement of their daughter, Shelagh to Robert Burns Ross. Their marriage was held on 2nd November 1957 at Ryerson United Church, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Herbert Eakin retired from the bank on 30th June 1960.

Further information can be found in the excellent North Irish Horse website.