1731 Confirming the Curraghamulkin land to Joseph Sproule

There are two deeds with the same date – 10 Nov 1731. In this deed, Hugh Edwards confirms to Joseph Spruell of Curraghamulkin that he has the Curraghamulkin land. This land was leased in 1719 by Joseph’s father, Cornet Andrew Spruell. We can see in the deed that Joseph is already in possession of this Curraghamulkin land.

At this point in 1731, it is possible that the father Cornet Andrew Spruell has just died and that this land is passing to Joseph as a result of Andrew’s will. However, it was also the custom at that time for the land to be handed over to the sons before the death of the father – the father effectively retired, often leaving the family home for the eldest son to live in. We don’t know, therefore, if Cornet Andrew has just died in 1730/1731 or if, in fact, he is still alive at this time.

 

10 Nov 1731 between Hugh Edwards of Castlegore in Co. Tyrone Esq. and Joseph Spruell of Curraghamulkin

94  533   67557 Registry of Deeds Familysearch.org transcribed by Jamie Reid and Kate Tammemagi

 A memorial of an indented deed bearing the date  10 Nov 1731 between Hugh Edwards of Castlegore in Co Tyrone Esq. on the one part and and Joseph Spruell of Carachamulkin in the Manor of Hastings and said County,  farmer of the other part.  By which said indented deed the said Hugh Edwards in consideration of the yearly rent of ten pounds sterl. payable half yearly together with twelve pence each pound recievers fees and other dutys in the said deed contained did grant bargain and to farm let to Joseph Spruell all that and those the one third of the town of Carachamulkin containing by estimation in the whole seven hundred and seventy three acres be the same more or less as the same was then in possession of the said Joseph Spruell, to have and to hold the said demised Farm and premises unto the said Joseph Spruell his heirs execs admins and assigns for and during the natural lives of the said Joseph Spruell and Oliver Spruell brother of the said  Joseph Spruell and the longest liver of them commencing 1^st November then instant and in said deed there is a clause that if they the said Joseph Spruell and Oliver Spruell shall die before the term of twenty five to be computed from the first day of November 1731 then and in such case the said Hugh Edwards obliged himself his heirs & assigns to grant unto the executors admins or assigns of the said Joseph Spruell a new lease of the said demised premises for such part of the said term of twenty five years as should then at the death of the said Joseph Spruell and Oliver Spruell remain unexpired to be  computed from the time aforesaid at and under the rent and Covenant in the said deed mentioned and by the said deed in which several other clauses are contained relation being thereunto had may appear and which said demised premised are situatied in the County of Tyrone and the said deed is witnessed by Henry Lecky of Cavan in Co. Donegal Esq. and by George Murray of Castlegore aforesaid Gent. and this memorial is witnessed by the said George Murray and by George Gordon of Strabane in the county of Tyrone merchant.  22 Oct. 1739.

 

·         773 acres of Curraghamulkin land first granted to Cornet Andrew Spruell in 1719, seed deed Registry of Deeds 41 28925944. 

·         Hugh Edwards of Castlegore (1703-1737) is the son of Thomas Edwards who was the grantor in the 1719 deed.

·         The witness here Henry Lecky is an interesting character. He is son of Alexander Lecky who served at the siege of Londonderry. Henry was born in 1689 in Coleraine, and he lived in several different areas. In this deed he is in Cavan, Co. Donegal, later back in Coleraine and by 1751 in what became the family estate of Agivey, Londonderry. He was an affluent man he was also involved in a lot of businesses in the area. He witnessed deeds of Thomas Spruell of Golan in 1732, the two 1731 deeds concerning Cornet Andrew’s lands, and also registered them in 1739. I believe the relationship was close between Henry Lecky and the Spruells. I have often wondered if Oliver Lecky, who married Ann Sproule, granddaughter of Thomas Spruell of Golan, is a connection of this Henry Lecky of Agivey.