A town goes to war

William J Adair 

UVF Nominal Roll: 3428

Age: 25

Address: 114 Park Road

No Further Information available

William Benson

UVF Nominal Roll: 3429

Age: 24

Address: Woodhouse Street

William Benson originated from the Canagola area in the parish of Drumcree.  William was the son of Samuel James and Mary Anne Benson.  By 1911 he was the head of the family and working as a Grocer in Woodhouse Street.  He lived with his siblings Lydia, Marshall and Maud at 32 Woodhouse Street.  He was also the brother of George, Draper and Alice. The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

William was a member of Prince of Wales LOL 56, Portadown District.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion of the Ulster Volunteer Force.

William served with the 10^th Royal Irish Rifles (14084), his rank was Lance Corporal.  Sadly, William was killed in action on 6^th August 1917.  He is buried in grave XVIII.D.1 in New Irish Farm Cemetery, Belgium.   His brother Marshall, who also served, had arrived home to Portadown for leave a couple of days before William’s death.

Portadown News 18^th August 1917:

Intimation was received on Wednesday morning that Private William Benson, Canagola, had been killed in Action.  Before enlisting in the Rifles, he carried on a grocery business in Woodhouse Street, some time ago he was awarded a parchment certificate for gallantry and devotion to duty on the field.  His brother Marshall is also serving with the colours.

Bertie Bicker

UVF Nominal Roll: 3430

Age: 18

Address: 21 Market Street

Bertie originated from Poyntzpass, Co Armagh. Bertie was the son of William and Mary Bicker and the brother of Marion. The family were Brethren.

Bertie signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Bertie served with 2^nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers (20875).  Sadly, Bertie was killed in action on 22^ndMarch 1918 at the age of 21.  He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, panel 79 and 80, which is located in France.

Thomas Breen

UVF Nominal Role: 3431

Age: 20

Address: High Street

No Further Information Available

Samuel Brownlee

UVF Nominal Role: 3432

Age: 30

Address: Market Street

No Further Information Available

John Carragher

UVF Nominal Role: 3433

Age: 34

Address: 49 Jervis Street

No Further Information Available

Robert Downey

UVF Nominal Roll: 3434

Age: 34

Address: Market Street

Robert originated from the Portadown area.  In 1911, he was a Draper with a business in Market Street.  He was married to Maude.  They were Church of Ireland denomination.

Robert signed the Ulster Covenant in Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

John Clarke

UVF Nominal Roll: 3435

Age: 42

Address: 92 Bridge Street

John originated from County Armagh. In 1911 his profession was a shop keeper; he had previously worked on the railways.   John was married to Annie Jane (nee Edgar).   They had 3 children Andrew, Mary and John. A child had also died in infancy. The family were Presbyterian denomination. The family lived at 92 Bridge Street.  They also had a previous address of 27 Watson Street, a short distance away.

In 1911, they had a total of four boarders’ in the house who all worked on the Railways.

John signed the Ulster Covenant in Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

John’s wife Annie died on 31^st May 1937 and John died on 14^th September 1956.  They are buried in Seagoe Cemetery.

William Connor

UVF Nominal Roll: 3436

Age: 23

Address: 34 William Street

William originated from Richill, Co Armagh.  William was the son of James and Annie Connor and the brother of Jessie, Emily, John and Bertha. In 1901, the family lived at 28 Church Street.

At 17 years old William signed up to the 3^rd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Army Reserve. He was also a cabinet maker by trade.

On 2^nd April 1910, William married Josephine Parker in St Marks Parish Church, Portadown. Josephine was from Mary Street in the town. By 1911 they were living in 54 William Street.  They went on to have four children.  One child, Thomas, died in infancy.  The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

William signed the Ulster Covenant in Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer force.

During the First World War, William served with the Royal Engineers.

His wife Josephine sadly died on 18^th August 1923, leaving William a widower with three children.  Their daughter Mary also died in 1933.

The Connor family burying ground is located at Drumcree Churchyard.

(John) Allen Egan

UVF Nominal Roll: 3437

Age: 32

Address: High Street

Allen was originally from Cootehill, County Cavan. His full name was John Allen, he was the son of John and Catherine Anne (nee Gillespie).  In 1901, Allen lived as a boarder in Bective Street, Kells, County Meath.  His profession was a Draper.

By 1911, Allen lived at 11 High Street, Portadown, with his sister and brother in law, Isabella and Alexander Eakins.  Alexander was a Boot Merchant, Allen worked as his assistant.

Allen signed the Ulster Covenant in Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.  Allen was Presbyterian.

By 1940, Allen had long established his own shoe shop in the town.  It was Egan’s Shoes located at 20 Thomas Street.

Thomas Ewart

UVF Nominal Roll: 3438

Age: 21

Address: 76 West Street

Thomas originated from the Portadown area.  Thomas was the son of John and Rebecca Ewart and the brother of John, Mary Anne, Edith, James, Joseph, David, William and Elizabeth. The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

In 1901, the family lived at 4 Church Street.  By 1911, Thomas’s father John had died.  The family had moved to 32 Mourneview Street and Thomas was employed as a yarn dryer.

Thomas signed the Ulster Covenant in Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Thomas served during the First World War with the 5^th Royal Irish Fusiliers (11988).  His rank was sergeant. Thomas’ brothers David, Joseph and James all served during the war.

After the war, Thomas later worked on the clerical staff of the Ministry of Labour at Limavady Employment Exchange.  He had also been a member of the ‘A’ Special Constabulary.  While in Portadown, Thomas was an active member of the Local Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Before his death Thomas lived at Windsor Avenue in Limavady.  He died suddenly on Friday 10^th May 1940 after a short illness. Thomas is buried in the family burying ground at Seagoe Cemetery.

(Thomas) George Fleming

UVF Nominal Role: 3439

Age: 19

Address: 34 Carrickblacker Road

(Thomas) George originated from the Carrickblacker Road in Portadown.  George was the son of William and Mary Ann Fleming. He was also the brother of Mary Jane, Elizabeth, William, Joseph and James.

In 1911 the family lived at 34 Carrickblacker Road.

George signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

George served during the First World War with the 5^th Royal Irish Fusiliers (11630).  His rank was Private. His father William served with the 9^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers and his brother Joseph served with the Royal Air Force.

George married Margaret (Maggie) Hull and had a family. George passed away on 1^st September 1982 and Maggie passed on 30^th September 1991.  They are buried at Drumcree Churchyard.

Joseph Fleming

UVF Nominal Role: 3440

Age: 18

Address 34 Carrickblacker Road

Joseph originated from the Carrickblacker Road in Portadown.  George was the son of William and Mary Ann Fleming. He was also the brother of Mary Jane, Elizabeth, William, Thomas George and James.

In 1911 the family lived at 34 Carrickblacker Road.

Joseph signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Joseph served during the First World War with the Royal Air Force. His father William served with the 9^thBattalion Royal Irish Fusiliers and his brother (Thomas) George served with the 5^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers.

On 14^th December 1921, Joseph married Hannah Jenkinson at St Marks Church, Portadown.  Joseph was employed at the shipyards.

David Gates

UVF Nominal Role: 3441

Age: 18

Address: 51 Bridge Street

David originated from 51 Bridge Street in the Edenderry area of the town.  David was the son of William and Teresa Jane Gates.  He was also the brother of Elizabeth, Rachel, Evaline, Mary, Annie and Jessie. The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

In 1911 David was an apprentice boot maker.

David signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

David served during the First World War with the 9^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers (14211).  His rank was private.

David was wounded by shellshock during the Battle of the Somme.

Portadown News: 1^st December 1917

Private David Gates, Bridge Street, Edenderry, has been admitted to hospital suffering from shell shock.  He joined the army in 1914 and took part in the battle of the Somme and Messines.

Thomas Grimley 

UVF Nominal Role: 3442

Age: 44

Address: 6 Meadow Lane

No further information available.

William Arthur Grimason

UVF Nominal Role: 3443

Age: 38

Address: 114 Thomas Street

William originated from Thomas Street in the town.  William was the son of Robert John Grimason and Elizabeth Martha Grimason (nee Church).  Both parents were originally from the Ballyworkan area and had grew up in farming families.

William was also the brother of John and Martha Sarah.  In 1901, the family lived at 53 Thomas Street.  William’s profession at this time was a commercial traveller. The family had one servant by the name of Hugh Albin.

By 1911, William’s sister Martha and Hugh were married. They resided at 32 Kingsmere Avenue, Clifton, County Antrim. They had two children Robert Cecil Leavellque and Doreen Elizabeth.  William was a frequent visitor to see them.

The Grimason family were well known Methodists in the town and members of Thomas Street Methodist Church.  His parents were heavily involved in the local Christian Worker’s Union.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

William’s father, Robert, passed away on 26^th December 1935 and his mother, Elizabeth, passed away only a few years later in October 1939.  They are buried at Mullavilly.  The family residence then was ‘Fernville’, Hanover Street. William had resided with his mother.

William’s occupation was a Grocery Manager or otherwise known as a ‘Master Grocer’.  He was a member of Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland for 45 years.  His Lodge was Number 82 Wellington, Portadown.

William died in 1966.

William John Hall 

UVF Nominal Role: 3444

Age: 18

Address: 7 Kings Street

No Further Information Available.

Samuel Halligan

UVF Nominal Role: 3445

Age: 28

Address: 18 Florence Court

Samuel was the son of Frances Halligan and Mary Halligan and the brother of William.  The family originated from Richill, County Armagh. In 1901, they lived at 32 Ballyleny. They were Church of Ireland denomination. Samuel’s occupation was apprentice cabinet maker.

On 26^th October 1904, Samuel married Letitia Gibson from Fowler’s Entry in St Marks Church, Portadown.  They went on to have 6 children, some of those children were; Mary Jane, Frances, Elizabeth Florence and Samuel Elliot. Samuel Elliot died at 10 months old in August 1911.

In 1911, Samuel’s Occupation was a Cabinet Maker. The family then lived at 5 Fowler’s Entry.

Samuel signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

By the start of the First World War the family had moved from Florence Court, back to Fowler’s entry and were residing at number 21.  Samuel served with the 3^rd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers (6132).  His rank was Private.

Samuel was discharged from the army in 1915 after he was wounded at Ypres and lost the power of his right arm.

Hamilton Hewitt

UVF Nominal Role:3446

Age: 30

Address: Drumnagoon

Hamilton was the son of Mark Hewitt and Mary Jane Hewitt (nee Rountree).  The family originated from the Clonroot area. Hamilition was the brother of Mary Ann, Thomas (died 1900) and Robert. The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

In 1901 the family lived at 12 Clonroot, Kilmore, Armagh. Hamilition’s occupation then was a hem stitch mechanic.

In 1903, Hamilton married Bessie Jane Moffatt in Seagoe Church on 13^th April.

By 1911, the family lived at 23 Drumnagoon, Kernan. They had two children Amelia Anna and James. Hamilition’s occupation was an Iron Moulder.

Hamilition signed the Ulster Covenant at Seagoe Churchyard.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Robert James Hewitt

UVF Nominal Role: 3447

Age: 26

Address: Druminally

Robert was the son of William George Hewitt and Mary Hewitt (nee Castles). He was also the brother of Mary, Grace, Rebecca and William. In 1901 the family lived at 58 Thomas Street.  The family were Methodist denomination.

By 1911, the family lived at 32 Castle Street. Robert’s occupation was a preserve manufacturer.

Robert signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Robert married Amelia Wilhelmina Peel.  They had two children William and John.

Abraham Hodgen

UVF Nominal Role: 3448

Age: 18

Address: Annagh

Abraham was the son of Joseph and Jane Hodgen (nee Toal) and the brother of William Henry, Mary Jane, Annie, Joseph, John, George, James and Sarah.  In 1901, the family lived at 23 Brackagh, Mullahead, County Armagh. They were Church of Ireland denomination.

By 1911, the family lived at 47 Annagh. At the age of 15, Abraham had left education and was working as a railway labourer.

Abraham signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Abraham served during the First World War with the 9^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers (14219).  His rank was private.  Abraham was wounded on 1^st July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.

The Hodgen family were a staunch Orange Family. Abraham along with his father and brothers were members of LOL 18 Golden Springs, Brackagh and Star of Bethlehem RBP 263.

In the years after the war Abraham worked for Halligan and Finn.

Abraham married Edith Pierson from Ballymore, Tandragee and in 1929 they emigrated to Canada and settled in Niagara, Ontario.  They had four children.

Edith worked as a nurse in Canada.  Edith died in 1962 and Abraham died a number of years later in 1982.  Abraham visited his hometown of Portadown a number of times after emigrating. Edith and Abraham are buried in Lundy’s Lane Cemetery, Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario, Canada.

William Henry Hodgen

UVF Nominal Role: 3449

Age: 23

Address: 28 Union Street

William Henry was the son of Joseph and Jane Hodgen (nee Toal) and the brother of Mary Jane, Annie, Joseph, Abraham, John, George, James and Sarah.  In 1901, the family lived at 23 Brackagh, Mullahead, County Armagh. They were Church of Ireland denomination.

By 1911, the family lived at 47 Annagh, ‘Railway House’. William’s Occupation was a Linen Weaver.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

On 14^th December 1912, William married Susannah Fulton from Union Street at St Marks Church, Portadown.

William served during the First World War with B Company 9^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers (14277).  His rank was Private.

The Hodgen family were a staunch Orange Family. William along with his father and brothers were members of LOL 18 Golden Springs, Brackagh and Star of Bethlehem RBP 263.

William was also a member of Mullabrack Unionist Association. William married Margaret and they had two children.

William died in 1965.

James Jennings

UVF Nominal Role: 3450

Age: 18

Address: 26 John Street

James originated from Tempo, County Fermanagh. James was the son of Hugh and Margaret Jennings and the brother of Jane, William Henry and Isabella. The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

The family had moved to Portadown by 1911 and resided in 12 David Street.  James’ occupation in 1911 was a weaver in a linen factory.

James signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

James served during the First World War with Royal Irish Fusiliers (6182).  His rank was Private.   James married Florence Gillespie, they had five children. James died in 1971.

William Jones

UVF Nominal Role: 3451

Age: 20

Address: Ballyworkan

William was the son of Stewart and Sarah Jones and the brother of Marjorie, Mary and Frances.  The family originated from the Mahon area.

In 1911, the family lived at 3 Druminallyduff, Breagh, County Armagh.  William’s occupation was a chemist’s apprentice.

William joined the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

On 20^th July 1920, William married Margaret Morton from Thomas Street at Drumcree Parish Church. William was a chemist assistant and Margaret was a schoolteacher.

William Nassau Jones

UVF Nominal Role: 3452

Age: 18

Address: Clounagh

William was the son of John and Mary Jones (nee Kinkead).  He was the brother of Frances, Charles, Hugh (died 1886), Joseph, Marriane, Margaret (died 1889), Cosslett, Jennie, Albert, Jane and Mary. The family originated from Hanover Street.

By 1911, the family lived at 46 Clounagh.  They were Church of Ireland denomination. William was still at school.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall and went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Peter Kane

UVF Nominal Role: 3453

Age: 42

Address: Park Road

Peter was the son of William and Hanna Kane of Seagoe.  Peter was married to Letitia Stanfield, who also originated from Seagoe.  They were married in St Marks Church on 14^th June 1895.

In 1901 they lived at 6 Joseph Street and had two children William and Thomas. Peter was a Linen Weaver.

By 1911, the family were living at 1 Park Road.  They had 7 children in total but only 6 were still living; William, Thomas, Hannah, John, Evelyn and James Henry.  Their baby Daughter Margaret Jane died in 1900.  Peter’s occupation then was an oiler. They went on to have another son, Vincent.

Peter signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.   Peter’s eldest sons, William and Thomas, served with the 9^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers during the First World War. Both were also members of Parkmount Flute Band.   His youngest son, Vincent, served with the Royal Artillery during the 2^nd World War.

Peter passed away on 10^th April 1936 and was laid to rest with his baby daughter in Seagoe Cemetery.  Their youngest son, Sergeant Vincent Kane, survived the 2^nd World War but died of pneumonia on 18^th March 1946.  He was laid to rest with his Father.  Letitia passed away on 24^th April 1954 and was also laid to rest in the family grave.

Their son Thomas and his wife had emigrated to Manchester, USA around 1925.  He was married to Edie Richardson, originally from Jervis Street in the town.  Thomas had worked for Acheson’s LTD Linen manufacturer of Portadown before he emigrated. Thomas passed away in the USA in 1955.

Thomas Montgomery

UVF Nominal Role: 3454

Age: 40

Address: Corcrain

Thomas originated from Corcullentra, Drumcree.  He was the son of John and Martha (nee Flavelle).   Thomas married Sarah Pentland on 8^th July 1899 at Drumcree Parish Church.  Sarah originated from the Annagh area of the town.

In 1901 Thomas and Sarah lived at 55 Obins Street, they had one son, John.  Thomas was a Linen Weaver.

By 1911, they were living at 66 Obins Street with their children; John, Elizabeth, Thomas, Margaret, Martha and Sarah.  In 1913 they had another son, Richard.  Thomas occupation was still a linen weaver.

Thomas signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force. Thomas was also present at the Armagh demonstration against Home Rule, where Sir Edward Carson inspected the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Thomas was a member of Corcrain Purple Rocket LOL 339 and served as Worshipful Master in the early 1900’s.

Thomas was also a founding member of Corcrain Conservative Flute Band and served as Bandmaster until his death. He was a very talented musician who won a number of awards over the years.  Thomas taught music in a number of areas that included Orchestral Flute, Violin, Clarinet, Harmony, Counterpart and theory. His sons also followed in his footsteps.

His eldest son Jack (John), sadly died at the age of 34 in 1934 after suffering from pneumonia.  Jack had been a member of Corcrain Conservative Flute Band from the age of 5 and had won a number of medals for solo flute playing at competitions. Jack had also been conductor to Portadown Christian Accordion Band.

Thomas worked for Parkside Weaving Company. Thomas passed away on 25^th August 1950 in his eightieth year.  He was well known as one of the oldest Bandsmen in Northern Ireland.  His two sons carried on the family’s music talents; Tom (Thomas) played as part of the orchestra in Belfast and Richard was a member of the RUC Band in Belfast.

Thomas’ wife Sarah died just three weeks before him in August 1950.  They are buried at Drumcree Churchyard.   In 1952 a plaque with a photo was unveiled in Corcrain Orange Hall by Corcrain Band in memory of Thomas.  The Plaque was dedicated by the Rev F A Noel, rector of Ballinderry and had also served as senior curate of Portadown.

Thomas was described as “One of the finest men in the District and in the Parish of Portadown”.

William John McNally

UVF Nominal Role: 3455

Age: 19

Address: 19 Carrickblacker Avenue

In 1911, William was a boarder at 23 Woodhouse Street.  He was Church of Ireland denomination. His occupation was a Linen Weaver.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

David McClatchey

UVF Nominal Role: 3456

Age: 23

Address: 58 Bridge Street

David was the son of William James and Elizabeth Ann (nee Wright).  He was the brother of Edward, John George, William James, Julia, Thomas Herbert, Ann Elizabeth and Sarah. In 1901 the family lived at 18 Bridge Street.  They were Methodist denomination.

In 1911 the family lived at 58 Bridge Street. David’s occupation was a mechanic in a weaving factory.

David signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

David married Hannah Jane Dickson on 18^th December 1919.  They lived at Lisniskey were Hannah originated from.  David was also a Trustee of Edenderry Methodist Church.

William James McClatchey

UVF Nominal Role: 3458

Age: 27

Address: Carrickblacker

William was the son of William James and Elizabeth Ann (nee Wright).  He was the brother of Edward, John George, William David, Julia, Thomas Herbert, Ann Elizabeth and Sarah. In 1901 the family lived at 18 Bridge Street.  They were Methodist denomination.

William married Annie Matilda Best from Ballyhannon on 10^th September 1910.  In 1911 they lived at 33 James Street. William’s occupation was a shoemaker.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.  During the First World William served with the Labour Corps (644296).

Thomas John McCann

UVF Nominal Role: 3458

Age: 36

Address: Killycomain

Thomas was the son of John and Mary Jane McCann from Killicomaine.

Thomas married Ellen Young from Edenderry on 25^th December 1903.  His Occupation was a Labourer.

Thomas signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

James McDowell

UVF Nominal Role: 3459

Age: 30

Address: Annagh

James married Sarah Brimmage from King Street on 14^th December 1921 at St Marks Church.

They had three daughters; Rachel, Margaret and Sadie and Six Sons; Henry, Thomas, James, George, David and Robert.  His Daughter Sadie and sons Henry and Thomas emigrated to Canada.  His Son George moved to Worthing, England and his other son David moved to London.  His youngest son Robert served with the RAF and split his time between living in England and Portadown. All six of his sons served within the British Armed Forces at one time or another.

James originated from Glenanne, South Armagh. He was employed with Portadown Weaving Company. James signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

On the outbreak of the First World War James joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers and later transferred to the Machine-gun Corps. During the partition of Ireland years, he served with the Royal Ulster Special Constabulary.

James attended St Mark’s Parish Church and was a member of Portadown Ex Servicemen’s LOL 413 (now LOL 608).  He was also a member of the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

James passed away in September 1951 after a short illness at the age of 68.  His wife Sarah passed away in September 1955.  They are buried at Seagoe Cemetery.

William McKeown.

UVF Nominal Role: 3460

Age: 34

Address: 34 David Street

In 1911 William was a boarder at 34 David Street.  William originated from County Tyrone and his occupation was a roper.

James signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

On 9^th February 1914 William married Eliza Jane Taylor from 19 Mary Street.

William died on 4^th October 1940 and was buried at Drumcree.

William James McAdams

UVF Nominal Role: 3461

Age: 21

Address: Woodhouse Street

William was the son of John and Mary (Nee Gardiner).  He was the brother of John, Alexander, Harriet, Sarah Jane, David George and Minnie Anne.  The Family originated from Liskyborough, Richill.  The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

In 1911 William lived at 34 Edward Street.  He was a Grocer Assistant.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

During the First World War William served with the Royal Field Artillery (275839) and Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (21965).

Joseph Robinson

UVF Nominal Role: 3462

Age: 19

Address: 6 Coronation Street

Joseph was the son of Thomas and Jane Robinson and the brother of William, Ellen, Margaret, John, David and Mary. The family originated from 22 Princes Street, Lurgan.

In 1911 the family lived at 27 Coronation Street.  Joseph’s occupation was a Weaver in a Linen Factory.

Joseph signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

During the First World War Joseph served with the 5^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. (5/11553) His rank was private.  Joseph was sadly killed in action on 1^st June 1916 in Salonika.  Joseph is buried in grave 3, Kirechkoi-Hortakoi Military Cemetery in Greece.

“Far and oft our thoughts do wander,

To a grave far, far away:

Where they laid our dearest son,

Just three years ago to the day.

Sleep on dear brother, take thy rest,

Free from all hurt and pain;

When dawns the resurrection mourn,

Then we shall meet again”

Ever remembered by his sorrowing Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

Coronation Street, Portadown -Portadown News 7^th June 1919

John Rowland

UVF Nominal Role: 3463

Age: 42

Address: 24 South Street

John was the husband of Mary Jane and the father of Sarah Jane, Thomas George, John, Florrie, David William, Robert and Hannah Jane.  In 1901 the family lived at 4 Meadow Lane.  The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

In 1907 the family lived in Fowlers Entry.  Their son John was tragically killed in June 1907 when he was knocked down by a car returning from the Show Grounds in the town.

By 1911 the family were living in South Street.  John was a Linen Weaver and worked for Spence Bryson & Co Ltd.

John was a member of LOL 58 and served as Secretary for a period of time, he was also a member of RBP 199 and served as Registrar.

John signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

During the First World War John served with the 9^th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers (14628).

John’s wife, Mary Jane, was a member of the Portadown Branch of the Women’s Unionist Association.

John passed away on 1^st July 1923 and is buried at Drumcree Cemetery.

Thomas Russell

UVF Nominal Role: 3464

Age: 32

Address: Mourneview Street

No Further Information Available.

Archie Russell

UVF Nominal Role: 3465

Age: 18

Address: 21 Fowlers Entry

Archie was the son of William and Elizabeth (Nee Boswell).  William originated from Portadown but his wife, Elizabeth was originally from Gilford, Co Down.  Archie was born in Gilford.  The family were Church of Ireland denomination.  Archie was the brother of Elizabeth, James, Catherine, William, Samuel, Johanne and Robert.

In 1911 the family lived at 19 Fowlers Entry.  Archie’s occupation was a Weaver.

Archie signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

William Reid Louden Ryan

UVF Nominal Role: 3466

Age: 26 (approx.)

Address: Thomas Street

William was the son of William and Grace and the brother of Thomas, Maggie, Grace (Died 1894) and Samuel. In 1901 the family lived at 60 Hanover Street.  William was a Linen Weaver. The family were Church of Ireland denomination.

By 1911 William lived at 117 Thomas Street with his Father, Mother and Sister.  His Brother Thomas died in 1904 and his other brother Samuel died in 1906.

William married Annie Jones on 28^th February 1911. They had a family; their eldest son was William Henry.

Archie signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall.  He went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force

William’s mother Grace died in February 1922 and William died on 21^st July 1931.  The family burying ground is at Mullavilly Churchyard.

George Steenson 

 UVF Nominal Role: 3467

Age: 33

Address: 17 Meadow Lane

George Steenson was born in Portadown. The family were Church of Ireland Denomination. In 1911, he was married to Mary and they had two children; Henry and May Isabelle. George’s occupation was a joiner.

George signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall. He went on to join the 4th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

George served with the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers during the 1st World War (14672). His rank was Corporal. George was listed as wounded with shell shock.

Joseph Steenson 

 UVF Nominal Role: 3468

Age: 30

Address: 2 Mary Street

No Further Information available.

Joseph Henry Saunderson 

 UVF Nominal Role: 3469

Age: 42

Address: Breagh, Drumcree

Joseph was born at Breagh in the parish of Drumcree. He was the son of John and Ann. In 1911, Joseph lived in the family home with his parents and siblings; Ann Eliza and Issac. The Family were Church of Ireland Denomination.

Joesph signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall and went on to join the 4th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

William Stewart

 UVF Nominal Role: 3470

Age: 19

Address: Alma Terrace

William was born in Portadown. In 1911, William was living at the family home with his parents Henry and Julia Anna and his siblings: Kathleen, Charles, Norah and Henry. The family were Presbyterian Denomination.

William signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall and went on to join the 4th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

During the 1st World War, William served with 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers.

George Trouton

 UVF Nominal Role: 3471

Age: 29

Address: 22 Market Street

George was born in Portadown. He was the son of Jones and Annie. In 1911, George lived with his parents and sister Anna. George’s occupation was a provision merchant. The family were Methodist Denomination.

George signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall and went on to join the 4th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

Stewart Twyble (Twible)

UVF Nominal Role: 3472

Age: 21

Address: Castle Street

Stewart was born at Aghacommon, Co Armagh. He was the son of Joseph and Alicia (nee McConnell). In 1901, Stewart lived at Aghacommon with his parents and four siblings: Alicia, William, Martha and Joseph. He was attending school. The family were Methodist denomination.

By 1911, Stewart was living in Edward Street, Portadown. He was employed as an assistant grocer.

Stewart signed the Ulster Covenant at Portadown Town Hall and went on to join the 4^th Portadown Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force.

In 1914, Stewart married Lizzie Robinson at Vinecash Parish Church, Kilmore. In 1915, they had a daughter Alicia (Leta). In 1918, they had a son William (Billy). Sadly, Billy died of pneumonia aged 3 in 1921.

Stewart was a member of Edenderry Temperance and Benefit LOL 322 and Edenderry RBP No 80. Stewart went on to own his own grocery business in the town.

Stewart died in March 1961 at his home 4 Shandon Square, Portadown. He is buried in Seagoe Cemetery.