A true Centenarian
The Belfast Morning News of 10 February 1871 contained a headline, 'A centenarian' reporting that 'a man named George McCaughey died last week near Dungiven aged 105 years. As an extract from his family Bible shows, he was born on the 14th June 1766'. His civil death was registered by Anne McCaughey of Owenbeg (no relationship given), as follows: 24 Jan 1871 at Owenbeg, George McCaughey, widower, aged 104 years, weaver, died of decay of nature, uncertified, no medical attendance. The 1831 census for Co. Derry reveals only one George McCaughey as head of household. A George McCaughy, Presbyerian resided in Bovevagh in the parish of Bovevagh head of a household of 2 males and 4 females all 6 were Presbyerian. There is a record of a baptism in Bovevagh Presbyterian Church of Anne McCaughey born 9 Nov 1836 baptised 15 Dec 1836 daughter of George McCaughey & Isabella Pherson but I cannot be certain that these records refers to our centenarian. Cases of longevity were o...