Nesbitt, John Gordon

John Gordon Nesbitt

was born at Knocknashane, Lurgan on 25th May 1894 to William Nesbitt, Weaver and Mary Ann Nesbitt nee Baxter. His Staff Record card has 26th May 1894 on it. His parents were married on 28th April 1882 at Moira Presbyterian Church. 

In 1901 John (6) is living in house 6 Knocknashane, Lurgan with his parents and 6 siblings; Margaret (18), James (17), William (15), Mary (12), Sarah (9) and Annie (4).

On 9th May 1910 John joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address is recorded as Randalstown. Transfers followed to Carrickfergus (1911 - Junior), Head Office (1912) and Coleraine (1914 - Accountant & Cashier).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

The bank Staff Record card records John as taking sick leave between 6th January 1911 to 6th April 1911.

In the 2nd April 1911 Irish Census, John is living in house 6 Knocknashane, Lurgan with his parents and 5 siblings; Margaret, Mary, Sarah and Annie. Sarah Baxter is recorded as a visitor and Frances John McIlwaine is recorded as a grandson. John's occupation is recorded as a Linen Veiner Mechanic.

The 1924 Northern Bank Centenary Volume records John as applying for enlistment but was rejected on the grounds of him having defective vision.

In 1922 John married Nina Burrows, Cork.

Transfers continued to Crumlin Road (1922 - Cashier), Head Office (1923), Donegall Square (1923 - Cashier), Limavady (1931 - Cashier), Downpatrick (1933 - Sub Manager) and Boyle (1940 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Whilst in Limavady, John joined the Limavady Recreation Club and participated in their annual Whist Drive ('Belfast Telegraph', 29th October 1931).

The 'Londonderry Sentinel' of 30th September 1950 reported on the marriage of Charles Patrick Nesbitt, only son of Mr and Mrs John Nesbitt, Northern Bank House, Newcastle to Miss Audrey Kerr Davin SRN. Miss Wanda Nesbitt, sister of the groom was one of the bridesmaids in attendance.

The 'Northern Whig' of 30th March 1951 reported on the engagement of Miss Wanda Mora Cecilia Nesbitt to Mr Stanley Kenneth Lockhart of Lisburn.

John retired from the bank on pension on 31st March 1955.

PRONI records Nesbitt, John Gordon of 7 Shimna Road, Newcastle, County Down, retired bank manager as dying on 26th April 1961 at Downe Hospital, Downpatrick. Probate Belfast 16th June to Nina Nesbitt the widow. Effects £1953 14s.

The 'Belfast Telegraph'' of 26th August 1976 published an obituary of Major Stanley Kenneth Lockhart and mentioned his widow, Wanda and children, Gordon and Julie.

Mitchel, George Cuthbert

George C Mitchel (Ancestry - David Mitchel)

George Cuthbert Mitchel

was born at The Manse, Enniskillen on 12th October 1894 to Samuel Cuthbert Mitchel, Presbyterian Minister and Isabella Mitchel nee Gunning. They were married on 7th May 1884 at Darling Street, Enniskillen Church of Ireland.

In 1901 George (6) lived in house 6, Drumclay, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh with his parents and 5 siblings; Edgar Gunning (15), Winifred Isabella (13), Frederick David (11), Violet (8) and Victor (3). Two servants, Catherine McCabe and Mary Jane McLesher were also in the property.

George's mother, Isabella (50) died at Darling Street, Enniskillen on 11th September 1906.

In 1911 George lived in house 15, Drumclay, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh with his father and his wife, Marie Mitchel and his brother Victor. A servant, Katie Travers was also in the property.

On 10th May 1911 Mitchell joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Ball’s Branch (1911) and then Newry (1911).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Cheque drawn on Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Newry branch

George applied for and was successful in obtaining a position in the Canadian Bank of Commerce. He left Northern on 20th September 1913.

 

On 4th October 1913 George (18) departed Bristol, England on the 'Royal Edward' for Quebec, Canada with his brother, Victor (16).

'Royal Edward' passenger manifest - G C Mitchel

The 1924 Northern Bank Centenary volume published in 1925 records George as volunteering for service in the forces but was rejected as being medically unfit with defective vision. This most likely occurred in Canada.

In the 1916 Canadian census, George is living in house 37 Richill Avenue, Elkhorn, Manitoba, Canada with a bank colleague Alex Smyth.

1916 Canadian Census

On 13th March 1919 George arrived at Liverpool from New York on board the Cunard ship 'Aquitania'.

'Aquitania' passenger manifest - G C Mitchel

On 2nd July 1919 George re-joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Drumshanbo (1920 - Cash), Head Office (1920) and Bailieborough (1921 - Cash). 

On 9th April 1923 George married Janet King at St. Mary the Virgin, Hunslet, Leeds.

Marriage Registration - G C Mitchel

Further transfers followed to Lurgan (1925 - Cash), Portaferry (1926), Lisburn (1934 - Teller), Ballybay (1936 - Manager) and Portglenone – Manager (1939 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Lurgan branch

Northern Bank, Portaferry

(photo acknowledged to J Miller Collection)

In 1929 he was an official at the Portaferry Lawn Tennis Club (Belfast News-Letter - Thursday 18 April 1929).

G C Mitchell (Ancestry - David Mitchel)

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Portglenone branch

In 1940 he was elected as Honorary Treasure of Portglenone Parish Church.

George Mitchel retired on pension on 31st July 1956.

Two brothers, Fred Mitchel and Edgar Mitchel were also employed by the bank.