The surnames that dominate the history and development of the Poyntzpass area are Poyntz, Moore, Stewart and Close, and we looked at those in some detail earlier.
Then there are others such as the Fiveys of Loughadian, the Reillys of Scarva and, of course, Dr W R McDermott. But during my research into the history of Poyntzpass, mostly via newspapers from the 1800s and 1900s, many other names kept appearing. They were mostly from the next social level below the landed gentry – doctors, JPs, land agents, prosperous farmers, and local businessmen.
Where there is much more detailed information online about an individual, I have included a web link to it within their profile page.
First, two people who although they did not live in or adjacent to the village, were very important in creating its prosperity.
- William Blacker of Gosford – the great agricultural reformer.
- William Dargan – civil engineer and railway builder.
Others , in alphabetical order:
- The Alexander Family of Acton House
- Allen Brothers – general merchants and undertakers.
- William, John and Robert Bennet mill owners and linen merchants.
- Jack Best – estate agent and auctioneer
- Col. William Blacker of Carrick – Orangeman, versifier and observer of contemporary life.
- Crozier Christy – farmer.
- Alexander Crothers – owned local mills, later sold to the Bennets
- Francis Dobbs of Druminargal House.
- Peter John Fane, Count de Salis – Tandragee landowner.
- The Fivey Family of Lisnabrague.
- William Hare – the murderer, accomplice of William Burke.
- Rev. William Frederick Johnston – entomologist.
- Alexander Kinmonth – farmer and land agent.
- Elieen Ledlie – international mezzo-soprano
- Charles Davis Lucas VC – sailor and hero.
- Dr. W R MacDermott – physician, author and campaigner.
- Eiver Magenis – farmer and nationalist.
- Heber Magenis – auctioneer and nationalist, Eiver’s son.
- Redmond O’Hanlon – outlaw, highwayman and extortionist
- Peter Quinn – land agent for Col Close and MP for Newry.
- Alexander & David Richmond – land surveyors and map-makers.
- Falkiner B Small – auctioneer, of Island House.