Information for Clondermot Sproules

 This could well be a strong lead for one of the Clondermot families. We have a timeline that shows exactly when one particular Sproule family left this area. We have a William, son of Samuel Sproule leaving Ireland for America in 1772.

The family is in Mountcastle, Donaghedy, in north Tyrone.

In 1745 there was a Muster Roll of the Manor of Donelong. This is where they assess how many men are in this Manor who are capable of joining an army should it be needed.

In 1745 there was one Sproule, Samuel Sproul who had 1 musket. [1] 

Picture from the excellent Bready Ancestry Site

Now in 1772 we have a series of mentions of this Mountcastle family in the letters between the agent and the Landlord of this area.

In this we learn that William Sproul of Mountcastle has received letters from relations in America, encouraging him to go there. William Sproule of Mountcastle, a likely son of Samuel of Mountcastle, left Ireland in late 1772, or Jan 1773 for America. They were joining other members of the family there.

Here are the letters from PRONI with the reference of each letter.

James Hamilton, Strabane, to Earl of Abercorn, 5 May 1772

Daniel McMorriss of Gortmellan and William Sproul of Mt Castle, came to me some considerable time ago; Sproul told me he had letters from relations in America, encouraging him to bring over his family with him there, and that he agreed to sell his lease to McMorriss, who resolved fixing his son in it; I told them I would inform your Lordship of it, but it really escaped my memory, not did I think of it, till McMorriss called to know whither your Lordship had approved of it; neither of them were bad tenants, but McMorriss is the best'. He is uneasy about the arrears of John McCreirey of Burndenet; the rent is very large and he has not paid since 23rd July when he cleared the year 1768 rent. T2541/IA/1/10/68

James Hamilton, Strabane, to Earl of Abercorn, 28 August 1772

I will let John Hamilton know the reason that your Lordship does not consent to his purchaseing William Sproul's holding in Mountcastle. D623/A/40/59

James Hamilton, Strabane, to Earl of Abercorn, 8 December 1772

William Sproul of Mount Castle who first sold his farm to Daniel McMorriss (who gave it up upon not being able to pay the fine) and afterward to John Hamilton who your Lordship would not accept of as tenant, as he would not go immediately to live on it, has now sold it to Stephen Todd of Castlemellan, who purposes leaveing a son by a former wife in Castlemellan and removeing to Mountcastle; both Sproull and Todd came to tell me of it this day; they desired I should know from your Lordship whither it is a year or half a year's rent that is to be paid, if your Lordship consents to the bargin. D623/A/40/72

James, Earl of Abercorn, London, to James Hamilton, 5 January 1773

As you think George Leitch was a punctual payer of his rent, you will remit half the fine. And William Sproul's land in Mountcastle must pay but half a year's rent, because it was allowed to be sold, before the last regulation.

[1] Muster Roll & Account of Firearms, October 10, 1745, PRONI Ref: D623/A/27/63, transcribed by Tina Trook in Ulster Ancestry Facebook Page

Picture from Bready Ancestry, a must visit site for all Clondermot Sproules.