Sam's
parents were John Palmer and Mabel
Madden. They married in Randalstown Roman Catholic Church [Old
Church] in 1835 [This record has been checked in PRONI and is correct].
The John that Mabel married was probably the John mentioned in the Griffiths evaluation as that who was living in Islandbawn [in fact if we get time we can actually find the actual place on maps as to where they lived]. Islandbawn was mentioned in Sam and Rachel’s wedding certificate as to the location of Sam’s father John. Mabel came from Tannaghmore.
The occupation of John was mentioned on several marriage certificates and death certificates which ranged from Labourer, to Ploughman, to Farm Labourer. He was born we found out later around 1814. Mabel was born about 1806. This means that John was a lot younger than Mabel.
In PRONI there is a mention of a Mrs Madden being buried [hard to read] 20/3/1841 age 73 [I think] residence Tannaghmore near the store. This would mean she was born about 1768. It is likely that she is Mabel Madden’s mother. She would have had Mabel when she was 38.