Eakin, Herbert James

Lance Corporal Herbert James Eakin

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 Eakin 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)

Eakin 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. 

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

H J Eakin - Medal Roll

After demobilisation, Eakin 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

Eakin 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.

Cowan, William Percival Graham

Corporal William Percival Graham Cowan (known as Graham)

Cowan was born in Bailieborough on 1st May 1897 to William John Cowan, Bank Clerk and Emily Caroline Cowan nee Dobson. He was baptised on 30th September 1897 at St James', Halifax, York. 

In 1901, Cowan was living in house 17, Deramore Avenue, Belfast with his parents. His father's occupation is described as a Bank Cashier. 

By 1911, Cowan was living in house 62, Main Street, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan with his parents and a servant, Mary Reynolds Boyle. His father's occupation is now described as a Bank Manager.

Cowan joined Northern Bank on 14th April 1914 at Head office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Bailieborough (1914 - Junior), Virginia (1915 - Junior) and Ramelton (1915 - Junior).

Northern Bank, Virginia branch

Northern Bank, Ramelton branch

Whilst based in Ramelton, Cowan volunteered for war service on 11th November 1915 (aged 18) into the North Irish Horse as a Private with Service Number 1993. He saw service with the British Expeditionary Force, transferring later the 9th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers with Service Number 41532. He was posted to Cadet School, Ripon in 1918 and promoted to Corporal. Graham saw action in Cambrai 1917, Havrincourt 1917 and with the Allied Advance 1918. 

Cowan was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in the Great War.

W P M Cowan - Medal Roll

Following demobilisation on 18th February 1919, Graham re-joined the Bank in Dungannon as Cashier. Transfers followed to Head Office (1922 - Stock & Coupon Department), Shaftesbury Square (1931 - Teller) and Irvinestown (1933 - Pro Manager at Kesh sub branch / agency).

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast branch

Cowan  married Georgina (Ina) Richardson on 7th July 1926 at Dungannon. There are some Ancestry public family photographs are attached below.  

He resigned from the bank on 12th October 1934 and later set up as a 'tobacconist and confectioner' at 49 Cregagh Road, Belfast.

Shop & house (above) at 49 Cregagh Road, Belfast (Courtesy of Google Earth)

Cowan was a member of Shandon park Golf Club and was President of the Belfast and Northern Ireland Retail Confectioners' Association.

The Belfast Telegraph published on 4th September 1944 reported that Mr W P G Cowan had presented wallets of money to residents of the 'Earl Haig Ex-Servicemen's Colony, Cregagh, Belfast. Further information on the 'Cregagh Colony' can be accessed in these links:

YouTube video presentation by Nigel Henderson

Homes for Heroes NI (1921 - 1939) - Facebook group - search for 'Cregagh' within the group

Belfast Telegraph - 4th September 1944

Graham Cowan died on 24th May 1961 at 49 Cregagh Road, Belfast. he is buried in Roselawn Cemetery, Belfast. His 'Will Extract' reads:

'Cowan, William Percival Graham of 49 Cregagh Road Belfast tobacconist and confectioner died 24 May 1961 at Forster Green Hospital Belfast Administration W/A Belfast 25 October to Georgina Cowan the widow. Effects £5778 11s. 3d.'.

Ina and Graham Cowan labelled as at Coalisland 1921

Cowan wedding 7th July 1926, x, Graham C, Ina, Aileen R, Eileen C

Ina & Graham Cowan with their housekeeper, Madge Trimble

Dorothy Marshall, Dick M, X, Y, Ina, Graham at Cowan's

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

Craig, John Henry

2nd Lieutenant John Henry Craig

Craig was born at 7 Kildare Street, Newry on 15th April 1896 to John Craig, Merchant and Susan Craig nee McClelland. The bank Staff Record Card records his name as John Henry Craig (photo above shows Craig I H) and has his date of birth as 12th April 1896 annotated on it. His parents were married on 11th April 1887 at Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan.

In 1901 Craig (4) lived in house 7, Kildare Street, Newry with his parents and 5 siblings; Susan (7), Emily (13), Eleanor (10), Charles (8) and Samuel (2). Two other men were also in the property; Samuel Agnew (Shop Apprentice)  and James Agnew (Shop Assistant). A servant, Mary Kearney was also present.

By 1911 the property is known as house 4, Kildare Street, Newry. Craig is living with his parents and siblings although the line for Susan was stroked out. Other people present were John Taylor (Apprentice), Margaret Duffy (Servant) and Isabella Campbell (Servant).

 
On 29th May 1912 Craig joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Ballyclare (1912 - Junior) and Head Office (1914).

Northern Bank, Ballyclare branch

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, John Craig signed the Ulster Covenant at Newry Orange Hall.

Craig volunteered and enlisted on 19th September 1914 into the 16th Bn Royal Irish Rifles for the duration of the war. His Service Number was 16/931. He was later promoted to Lance Corporal, Acting Corporal, Sergeant and then given a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.

His first theatre of ware is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.

J H Craig - Medal Index Card

J H Craig - Medal Roll 1

J H Craig - Medal Roll 2

Craig was discharged from the Army on 25th May 1918 and returned to the bank. He was awarded the 1915 Star, British Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in the Great War.

He resigned on 1st December 1918 for an accountancy role in 'War Pensions'.

Possible matches

The Belfast Telegraph published on 14th April 1932 reports a John Henry Craig as working for the Ministry of Labour as Chief Officer.

The Northern Whig published on 25th February 1956 reports a John Henry Craig, Ballyholme Esplanade, Bangor as being appointed as a new Permanent Secretary of Agriculture.

The above mentioned gentleman died on 23rd August 1957 at Government Buildings, Stormont.

Clarke, John Carton

Private John Carton Clarke

Clarke was born at Castlerock, Co. Londonderry on 2nd February 1897 to William Thomas Clarke, Grocer and Gemma Grace Murray Clarke nee Carton. They were married on 1st March 1894 at Castlerock Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Clarke (4) was living in house 1, Castlerock, Freehall Watson Part of, Downhill, Co. Londonderry with his maternal grandparents, John & Drusilla Carton, his parents and his sister, Kathleen (6). A cousin, William Cooper was also present as were 5 others; John Beckett, Rachel Torbitt, Helen Campbell, Mary O'Brien and Francis McLaughlin.

By 1911, Clarke was living in house 4.1, Castlerock Town, Downhill, Co. Londonderry with his parents and 3 siblings; Kathleen, Robert and Aileen. His grandfather, John Carton and a servant, Cassie McLaughlin are also present.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Clarke signed the Ulster Covenant at Articlave Orange Hall. 

John Clarke joined Northern Bank in October 1914 and was posted to Carrickfergus as Junior.

In July 1916, Clarke volunteered and enlisted into the 9th Bn. Royal Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 23278.

John Clarke - Medal Index Card

His unit is also recorded as 26th Royal Fusiliers. This website Carrickfergus Roll of Honour records Clarke as being in 9th Battalion - Royal Fusiliers - City of London Regiment. This regiment was in the 18th (Eastern) Division involved in the attacks in October 1916 on the stubbornly defended and vital position of and around the Schwaben Redoubt. On 7th October there was a determined counter-attack by the Germans to recapture the Redoubt. It appears that Private Clarke was killed during this assault.

Clarke went missing on 7th October 1916. 

Clarke was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is remembered in name on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 8C, 9A and 16A.

John Clarke - Ireland's Memorial

John Clarke - Medal Roll

A Pension Record card exists for John Clarke's next of kin, Mr Wm T Clarke. He was also allocated John's final pay and allowances totalling £6 18s paid out in 2 instalments.

John Clarke - Pension Record Card

John Clarke - Register of Soldiers' Effects

Clarke's bank Staff Record card ends with the words 'missing believed killed 7th October 1916'.

Gilmore, Alexander William Francis

2nd Lieutenant Alexander William Francis Gilmore (Gilmour) MC 

Gilmore was born at Bailieborough on 25th June 1898 to Isaiah Gibson Gilmore, Veterinary Surgeon and Chemist and Mary Jane Gilmore nee Argue. He was sometimes known as Alex. His parents were married on 8th November 1893 at St. John the Evangelist Church of Ireland, Sandymount, Dublin.

Isaiah Gilmore died on 24th December 1899 at Lear. He was aged 36.

In 1901 Gilmore (4) was living at house 11, Main Street, Bailieborough with his grandparents, William & Mary Argue, his mother and 2 sisters; Idea (6) and Helen (2). An uncle and aunt, Patrick Argue and Ellen Argue were also in the house.

In 1911, Gilmore was living with his grand-father, William Argue at house 67, Bailieborough. His surname was spelt Gilmour. An uncle and aunt, Patrick Argue and Ellen Argue were also in the house.

On 3rd November 1914, Gilmore joined Northern Bank and worked in Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Gilmore volunteered in 1916 and enlisted into the 19th Bn Royal Irish Rifles (Cadet Company) with Service Number 19/293.   

A W F Gilmore - Medal Index Card

On promotion to 2nd Lieutenant he was posted to the 15th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, British Expeditionary Force. It is reported that he went 'to the front early in the present year [1917]'.

The 'Belfast News Letter' dated 28th July 1917 reports on his award of the Military Cross. It also mentions that he was wounded on 7th June 1917.

A W F Gilmore, Military Cross

The Military Cross (MC) citation is reported in the Northern Whig of 18th September 1917.

The Northern Whig of 4th December 1917 reports that Gilmore had been missing since 23rd November 1917:

Gilmore fought in battles at Messines (1917) and Ypres (1917) before being killed in action on 23rd November 1917 aged 19. He had first been reported as missing on 1st November 1917.

The Belfast News Letter dated 4th December 1917 reports:

Gilmore was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.

A W F Gilmore - Memorial Inscription

A W F Gilmore - Ireland's Memorial

The photograph of Gilmore on the Bank Roll of Honour details him as being awarded the Military Cross (MC). He received the MC for his gallantry at the capture of Messines Ridge in June 1916.

Military Cross (MC)

A BBC Newsline website describes a 'Song of the 19th RIR Cadets'. It describes how the lyrics of a song were written to '... give an insight into the everyday lives of the young cadets who were billeted to the Co. Down town during the First World War ...'.  43 names of cadets were mentioned in the song and the author of the article believes that Gilmore was 2nd Lt A W F Gilmore.

The actual verse mentioning Gilmore is transcribed here:

Now, speaking of ladies, a tale I’ve been told,

Of how Sammy and Gilmore and Pollin were sold,

With officers swanky their sweethearts now walk,

But the three that I’ve named do nothing but talk,

They say what they’ll do if they once get the chance,

But the ladies concerned don’t deign them a glance,

Tis a pity to rupture the sweet harmonie,

Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down the sea.

Wilson, Frederick Charles

Frederick Charles Wilson

Wilson was born at Ballycorr, Ballyclare on 29th November 1896 to Robert James Wilson, Farmer, Ballyeaston and Anna Wilson nee Ferguson. They were married on 9th February 1893 at the house of the brides father, Samuel Ferguson, Greengraves, Newtownards according to the form and discipline of the Presbyterian Church. The marriage was registered in Newtownards.

In 1901 Wilson (4) was living in house 43 Ballyalbanagh, Ballycorr, Co. Antrim with his parents and 4 siblings; Samuel (5), Robert (0), Hugh (6) and William (1). There were 2 servants also present; Mary Davison and Jane Wilson.

In 1911 Wilson was living in house 21 Ballyalbanagh, Ballycorr, Antrim with his parents and 8 siblings; Hugh, Maggie (17), Samuel, William, Robert, Berta (8), Anna (6) and John (2). There were 2 servants also present; Frank Bell and Sarah McConkey.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, a Charles Wilson signed the Ulster Covenant at Ballyclare. This may have been Frederick C at age 15.

On 3rd June 1913 Wilson joined Northern Bank at Royal Avenue (as Junior). In the same year he was transferred to Head Office and then Drumshanbo (as Junior).

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue, Belfast branch

In 1915, whilst in Drumshanbo, he volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Dublin Fusiliers with Service Number 25252.

Scans of his Army Service Record consisting of 13+ whole and some burnt pages exist. A few are posted below.

F C Wilson - Army Service Record extract - 

his address is recorded as Northern Bank, Drumshanbo

F C Wilson - Army Service Record extract - 

this shows where he served, unfortunately difficult to read

F C Wilson - Army Service Record extract - 

he is expressing a wish to be posted to the 10th Bn Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Frederick C Wilson - Medal Index Card

Frederick C Wilson - Pension Index Card

Wilson was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for service in the Great War.

Following demobilisation, he re-joined the Northern Bank on 2nd March 1919. Transfers followed to Claudy (1920 - Cashier), Londonderry (1922 - Cashier), Beragh (1922 - Cashier) and Head Office (1923 - Cashier).

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Northern Bank, Beragh branch

Following his return to Head Office on 28th October 1923, his Staff Record Card records that he resigned as of 31st October 1923. The bank gave him a 'testimonial' letter.