Corrick Abbey Graveyard
The Hamiltons of Corrick: Farmers, Innovators, and Elders of the Glen
At Corrick Abbey stand four Hamilton headstones, with a worn flat stone in front – a physical reminder of nearly three centuries of one family’s history in the hills of Tyrone.
The earliest name is believed to be James “Og” Hamilton (c.1719–1799), who married Isabella Stewart of Omey. Generations of Hamiltons rest here: farmers, elders, and innovators, tied to the townlands of Liscable, Droit, Dunbunraver, and Lisnascreagh.
Among them is Alexander Hamilton (1847–1930), remembered as one of Ulster’s most progressive farmers. From his farm at Whitehouse, Ballymagoraty, Alexander became a Justice of the Peace, county councillor, and a pioneer of rural innovation – generating electricity from a waterfall on his land, supplying dairy produce to Derry, and improving farming methods at a time of great change. His funeral tribute praised him as “a friend of all, and in intention the foe of none.” He served as an Elder of First Derry Presbyterian Church from 1908 and supported the cause of Home Rule, an uncommon stance for his time and place.
Nearby lie William Hamilton of Liscable (d. 1880) and his wife Isabella McLaughlin, parents of Alexander, as well as descendants of “Long” James Hamilton, including John Charles Hamilton (d. 1887), James Moore Hamilton (d. 1896 at just 24), Samuel Hamilton (d. 1899, aged 17, while a student at Methodist College Belfast), and Armour John Hamilton (d. 1906, aged 26).
Their epitaphs and family links speak of a life deeply tied to land, faith, and education. Several later burials are connected to the Hamiltons of Droit and Dunbunraver, whose kin are also remembered at Lower Badoney and Badoney Presbyterian Churchyards.
The Hamilton headstones at Corrick tell the story of a family who shaped the land, embraced innovation, and led in church and community life. Alexander’s wish to be buried “within sound of the rivers along whose banks… he used to wander in the carefree days of boyhood” captures the enduring bond between family, faith, and place.