(121) A compendious view of some extraordinary sufferings of the People called Quakers both in person and substance in the Kingdom of Ireland from year 1655 to end George 1st reign By A Fuller & T. Holms 1671 - Dublin Printed 1721.
(122) "Irish rug or quilt used for covering horses”. Information supplied by Mr G.B. Adams, M.R.I.A. dialect archivist Ulster Folk Museum.

1707 Books ordered for Meeting. Piety Promoted 14 copies (123); Primars 49 copies and Horn Book No. I 14 copies (124).

30. 7mo. 1709

Subscribers for George Fox Journal. (125)

2mon. 11th. 1709

Notwithstanding there hathbeen a collection concerning rebuilding (Meeting House, Lisburn) upon George Gregson's former holding in Lisburn. (126) Our proportion at this time being £10-8-3 and here followeth the several sums paid.

All amounts to £9.0s.6d. Behind £1.7s.9d. (Probably made up by Treasurer of Meeting).

1710

Difference between Jonas Shaw and James Tough settled in a peaceable manner and to satisfaction of Friends.

3mo. 23rd 1712

It being considered by this meeting that there are several gates a wanting for our graveyard and meeting house. It is directed that William Brownlow, John Williamson, William Gray and John Winter be concerned to buy what timber they may see needful to make gates of as soon as they can conveniently.

12mo. 1710

In regard to our Friend Isaac Steer (who) is fallen low in his substance of this worlds goods; and believing him to be an honest man his condition being discoursed about at a Province Meeting where it was recommended to the several mens meetings to consider what they would raise for his relief. The subscriptions from this meeting are as follows.

Collected in all £2.10s.

2d 12mo.12.1713

Oath taken during Election in Armagh by a Friend. Repremanded for same.

12mo.3.1714

Meeting received 14 copies of William Edmondson's Journal (127) which were sold at 3s. 10d. each. Total £2.13s.8d. Books were taken by following Friends.

20th. 3rd mo. 1715

There being a loom belonging to this meeting which requires some repairs carried out to it. It is left to William Brownlow and Robert Delap to visit the loom and get it repaired and bring the charge to next meeting.

9th 4 mo. 1715

The loom aforesaid, Robert King pretended to have some (torn) to paying the twenty shillings which the meeting laid out formerly upon which it was granted him, and he paid the money to William Brownlow and Robert Delap on behalf of this meeting upon which the said loom was delivered unto him the said Robert King.

William Brownlow and Robert Delap is desired to lend the said twenty shillings to James Fox towards buying him a loom and take his bond for it on behalf of this meeting.

4 mo. 9. 1715

Persuant to order of Province Meeting William Richardson and Francis Hobson are desired to join Charlemont Friends (Grange) in performing a visit unto those of our Society in and about Monaghan before next mens meeting.

1 mo. 7.1716

Inasmuch as this meeting is very small which is a great grief to several thats here, and in order to remedy the same for the future its decided that John Williamson or some other (Friend) upon the First Day next desire those that belong to Mens Meeting to stay in order that those that are or have been neglegent may be admonished to more diligence in the future.

1 mo. 22nd. 1716

There is a sum of £19.16.4 to be raised by this meeting (For national charge). The following subscriptions are to help to pay same.

£12.15.4 altogether, (Balance probably made up by meeting treasurer).

2mo. 20th.1717

Our visitors give account that they have been concerned in their service and have visited several families. Their concern was mostly to advise young people to be diligent and desirous to come to meetings for worshipping the Lord and particularly on the work days (mid week meetings) to keep out of vain pastimes etc. also to speak the plain language, also parents to be examplary therein.

Yet in order that several good minutes containing needful matters to be put in practice may be considered, we desire that next First Day, both parents and children may be desired to stay after Meeting for Worship is over, in order that suitable advice, councel or admonition may be given for our mutual edification and prosperity in the Truth.

5mo. 24th. 1717.

The visitors and those in other offices in Church discipline did meet and had a friendly conference together in communicating their minds freely one to another as need seemed to require. Some advice was given in love and there seemed a condescension thereunto and promising resolution to have some things thats amiss amended.

8mo. 23rd and 10mo. 18th 1718.

Dispute between Robert Barns and James Pringle about renting a bleach yard and lands by James Pringle. The matter was brought before Men's Meeting. Both parties were present and stated their cases. Friends were appointed to view the situation and recommend a settlement agreeable to both. Accordingly an agreement was drawn up and agreed to and signed. (128)

3mo. 14th. 1719.

Inasmuch as there is proposals through the Nation for encouraging the printing of Bibles this meeting subscribes as follows.

Total 66 Bibles costing £5.10.0.

4mo. 17th. 1719.

William Gray gives account that he has received the money from the several Friends that subscribed for the Bibles. These have been ordered from Bartholomew Garnett, (129) Dublin and money forwarded to Amos Strettel, (130) (Dublin) to go in with other meetings proportions.

8mo. 1723.

The above Bibles were received and distributed to those that had paid for them. The meeting received 8 books, 5 of them sold and the other 3 given to poor Friends.

5mo. 19. 1723.

William Sinton (by a Friend) on his behalf has laid before this meeting that he hath intention of transporting himself to America and desires our certificate. The consideration is left to some Friends to discourse with him about his intentions next First Day.

7mo. 19. 1723.

Under consideration that our members should be visited before next Quarterly Meeting. William Brownlow and Francis Hobson have been concerned in that service for many years and Friends are concerned that others should be appointed to assist them. In accordance we desire that Arthur Smith, Thomas Toppin, Abraham Pearson and Benjamin Mackey do join with them on this service and make a deliberate inspection into the state of Friends families belonging this meeting, some time before our next mens meeting.

8mo. 11. 1723.

Those appointed to make a visit give account that they have accordingly performed the same and had pretty good satisfaction in most places, their visit being kindly received: but on the contrary not with some and trouble with others.

11mo. 1723.

Thomas Harlan a Friend of Lurgan Meeting has suffered loss by fire and it being recommended by Quarterly Meeting to raise something towards his help which this meeting is willing to have a collection on purpose for the same.

NOTE - No further details given of amount collected.

6mo. 9. 1728.

Samuel Morton acquaints this meeting that he hath a mind to transport himself and wife to America and desired our certificate. This meeting consents to give him one. Therefore Francis Hobson is desired to draw one up and bring it to Friends for approbation.

4mo. 19th. 1729.

George Delap (131) having intention to travel to the city of Glasgow in North Britain about some trading business and desires our certificate which this meeting grants. We desire Francis Hobson to draw one up and let Friends have the perusal thereof for approbation and signing.< /p>

7th mo. 11 1729.

Inasmuch as George Dunlap (132) hath a mind to remove himself and family into North Britain and settle in the city of Glasgow and desires our certificate. Francis Hobson and Jonathan Richardson are desired to draw up one and show it to Friends for approbation.

2mo. 3rd. 1730.

In regard there is a direction from the 9mo. Half Yearly Meeting 1729 that some Friends of every meeting should be appointed to oversee burials that they be decently managed without superfluous feasting etc. Therefore this meeting doth appoint Jonathan Richardson, Samuel Gray, William Dunlop (133) and Edward Towle for that service as occasion may require.

2mo. 16. 1783.

Mary Wetherald departed this life 9mo. 3rd. 1782 and was interred in Friends Burial Ground near Ballyhagan 5th of same, aged about 70 years. A Minister 44 years.

4mo. 6th. 1783.

A Testimony concerning our dear deceased Friend Mary Wetherald being brought here was read approved and signed. (134)

10mo. 12th. 1783.

This Meeting being informed that Benjamin Sinton being so far led astray by the enemy of all good to violate our Christian Testimony by taking an oath at the Assizes at Armagh and of convicting a person to death, which is contrary to the express command of our blessed Saviour and the Apostle James. This Meeting appoints James Allen, William Nicholson, William Wetherald and Alexander Hewitt to pay him a visit on the occasion, and if they see meet prepare a Testimony against him for the approval of the Meeting.

12mo. 7th. 1783.

The Testimony against Benjamin Sinton was brought here according to appointment. We appoint John Mason and Thomas Toppin to show him the same and return account to next Mens Meeting.

1mo. 18th. 1784.

The Testimoney of disunity was shown to Benjamin Sinton to which he made no objection. William Nicholson is desired to read it publicly in a Meeting for Worship on a First Day, and get it recorded in proper book.

5mo. 23. 1784.

A Paper was given in to this Meeting from Benjamin Sinton of condemnation against himself in regard to his transgression of swearing contrary to our religious principles. We appoint James Allen, Thomas Toppin and William Nicholson to pay him a visit and report their sentiments to next Mens Meeting.

6mo. 17. 1784.

The Friends appointed to pay a visit to Benjamin Sinton in consequence of a paper of condemnation given in by him to last Mens Meeting, report that they had a solid opportunity with him and are in hopes. Said paper was wrote in a degree of sincerity and sorrow for his transgression which is satisfactory for this meeting to hear. However, we think it safest not too suddenly to receive him into membership, but to let said paper lie by to see how his conduct corresponds therewith, and recommends to the Friends before appointed, to inform him thereof as they find their minds opened impart such counsel and advice to him on the occasion as Truth may dictate.

1mo. 13. 1785.

Minutes of this Meeting incomplete and written below.
Several years wanting.
8 blank pages left in book (apparently for minutes to be written in).
Next Meeting held on -
12mo.1791 -

6mo. 26. 1793.

Only one minute made in this meeting and underneath the proceedings of ensuing Monthly Meeting are lost. Next entry are minutes of first Monthly Meeting at Richhill which are given as follows:-

8mo. 22nd. 1793.

Mens Meeting held at Richhill

1. Account was given by one of the Friends appointed that the schools were visited and the Meeting appointed Daniel Chapman and Joshua Marsh to pay the schools a visit and to procure for them such books as they may think they stand in need of, and give account to the next Men's Meeting.

2. The Testimony of Disunity against John Chapman in consequence of his outrunning in marriage was produced here by one of the Friends appointed. We appoint John Creeth and Ephraim Macquillan to show to him and give account to next Men's Meeting. John Morrison is desired to join the afore mentioned Friends to pay his parents another visit and lay before them the impropriety of their conduct and give account to next meeting.

3. The visit was not performed to Benjamin Mackie. The same Friends are desired to continue their care and give account to next Mens Meeting.

4. The certificates for Joseph Williamson and William Allendeferred to consideration of next Men's Meeting.

5. The Epistle of last Yearly Meeting of London was read amongst us to our satisfaction which is desired to be read in a public Meeting for Worship on a First Day morning and afterwards distributed among Friends.

6. The Testimonies of our Friend Richard Shackelton are also to be distributed.

7. The Meeting appoints James Morrison and John Creeth to next Quarterly Meeting at Grange near Charlemont and Francis Cherry and William Nicholson our representatives to next National Meeting in Dublin.

(123) Probably refers to book Piety Promoted, a collection of dying sayings of many of the People called Qaukers. With a brief account of some of their Labours in the Gospel, and sufferings for same. The first part by John Tomkins, London, 1701, Second Edition, 1703.
(124) For School use. Probably hold in Meeting House.
(125) George Fox Journal, London printed 2 Vols., Second Edition 1709.
(126) Although the Meeting House in Lisburn (a small thatched building) was not destroyed by the great fire in 1707, it required rebuilding and all meetings in Ulster helped financially.
(127) William Edmondson's Journal was first published in London in 1715
(128) This is an example of how particular Friends were to settle any difference which should arise between two members without going to Law.
(129) and (130) Both were well known Dublin Friends.
(131), (132) and (133) The name Delap gradually is changed to Dunlop.
(134) The Testimony referred to was sent to Half Years Meeting in Dublin.
(135) Joseph Gill was a visiting Friend from Dublin and the purpose of letter may have been to warn Lurgan Friends of his visit and to appoint a Meeting for him.
(136) A brief narrative of the Life, Convincement, Conversion and Labours in Love in the Gospel. Ministry of John Barcroft. Dublin Printed. S. Fuller 1730.

Our dear Friend Mary Weatherald having been removed from us by death, we find an engagement on our minds to give forth a brief testimony in remembrance of her labours and service amongst us.

She came forth in the Ministry about the 27th year of her age and in exercise of her gifts hath been a serviceable member of our meeting, being often livelily concerned amongst us to our edification: and altho' she did not find much engagements to travel abroad she was an example of diligence in attending our meetings at home, and in a solid exercise of mind therein, was also a frequent attender of our Province and Quarterly Meetings where her company and service was acceptable (we believe) to Friends in general.

Her lifeand conversation was becoming her station; her disposition was open, and her innocence remarkable, her spirit tender and affectionate, inciting her to the duty of visiting and sympathizing with her Friends under affliction of body or mind. In the time of her health she frequently found it her duty in public and private to advise to a timely preparation for our final change, and was concerned to labour after it herself, and in the early part of her last indisposition was opened in solid counsel to several who came to visit her, and for herself she expressed a desire that she might be kept near to the Lord to the last; and we trust her desire was mercifully granted for although by her disorder which was paralitic her speech and memory failed some time before her decease, she seemed to be preserved in a quiet and innocent frame of spirit till her end; so that we hope she is entered into everlasting rest and happiness, the attainment of which she often seemed to prefer before all other enjoyments. She departed this life the 3rd day of 9th month, 1782, and was interred in Friends' burying ground near Ballyhagan the 5th of the same; aged about 70 years a Minister 43. Read and approved in our Men's and Women's Meetings held at Ballyhagan by adjournments the 6th of 4th month, 1783, on behalf thereof signed by:-

Morgan Johnson,a Farmer and a Friend, was born at Tullamore, near Loughgall, Co. Armagh, in the year 1758, and died in the year 1820. Hannah Winter, the daughter of a neighbouring farmer, was born in the year 1759, and died in 1835. Morgan Johnson and Hannah Winter were married in the year 1785. They had nine children, namely ? Robin, Francis, Mordecai, Jervis, Sally, Ruth, Betty, Hannah and Mary. Ruth, daughter of the above Morgan and Hannah Johnson, was born in the year 1795. Ephraim Allen was born in New York in the year 1796. Ephraim Allen and Ruth Johnson were married on the 15th day of the 11th month, 1817. Ephraim Allen died on the 16th of 4th month, 1878. Ruth, his wife, died on the 64th anniversary of her wedding, 15th of 11th month, 1881. Ephraim and Ruth Allen had 8 children, Hannah born 1818, Richard born 1821, Fanny born 1823, Ruth born 1825, Ephraim born 13th of 10th month, 1828, Mary Ann born 1831, Robert born 1834, and Sarah Jane born 1836. Ann Eliza Robinson, born 6th of 7th month 1838, died 28th of 12 month 1905. Ephraim Allen (junior) and Ann Eliza Robinson were married on the 14th day of 3rd month, 1862. They had 5 children - Edmund born 1863, Lizzie born 1864, Ruth Anna born 1867, Alfred Edward born 1870 and Joseph Ephraim born 1877.

Richhill Preparative Meeting invites Members of our Society, Attenders and friends to join them at a Special Gathering on Saturday 15th of 9th month, 1979. A History of Ballyhagan andRichhill Meetings spanning a period of 325 years, 1654-1793-1979, has been compiled by George R. Chapman and will be on sale (price and postage on application to the Clerk Of Richhill Preparative Meeting).

Hospitality will be available for a limited number of Friends coming from a distance who make an early application. Special terms have been arranged with Gosford House Hotel, Markethill (5 miles). All twelve rooms have double beds and bathroom, bed and breakfast. Single £9.00, double £11.00 plus VAT, less 20% discount.

We look forward to your being able to join us on this occasion when we reverse the past but look for God's guidance in the future.

On behalf of Richhill Preparative Meeting.

Whilst perusing Rocques Map of 1760, and in particular studying the roads in the Kilmore/Loughgall area, also knowing the site of the Ballyhagan Meeting House, it was noticed that a particular cartographic representation coincided with where the Meeting House was known to be. This representation is significantly different from all the others which are presumably mostly houses varying in shape and size from rectangular to square. Why did Rocque bother to make this difference? The building also must have been larger than a dwelling house as we known from the 1779 list of names that some 350 persons were connected with the Meeting. Our present Meeting Room accommodates about 150, with the 'small' or womans' Meeting Room at the back holding 50; the gallery could have accommodated 75 at the most.

Dr. Alan Gailey of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum when approached was reluctant to advise acceptance of this symbolic representation. Depicted on the front cover is an artist's impression of what the building may have looked like. It is interesting to realise that part of Derrymore House in Bessbrook, which is of the same period, has a similar style.