Thank you to all of you that have helped me to assemble this story.
The Black Family history of Archdeacons Close, West Craig, Isle of Man
The house was purchased in 1819 by Ann Kneale (1786 - 1878), who bought the land at public auction for £54 10/. William Kewley was the Coroner for Ayre and therefore the person who would have the responsibility for public auctions.
Archdeacon’s Close was previously put up for public auction, as the Coroner arraigned the then owner, David Lace, presumably for debt. So there was an auction in 1819 and John Fayle Junior had the winning bid of £57 5/-. He didn’t pay up, and was soon in Castle Rushen Gaol (it appeared he owed quite a few people quite a bit). The land was put up for auction yet again, and this time it was Ann Kneale who had the winning bid.
But who was Ann Kneale in relation to the Black family? Ann Kneale gave birth to Catherine Corlett (1811-1870) in 1811 in Andreas, she was unmarried to Catherine’s father Robert Corlett, but Catherine took his name. Catherine later married John Black (1812-1888), thus connecting the Black family.
But how did a single mother in 1819 managed to buy land that she later bequeathed to John and Catherine?
Ann’s mother Margaret Kaneen left Ann and her sister Elizabeth £25 “to be paid unto them by her Executor hereafter mentioned when they would arrive to the age of twenty years”. Ann turned 20 in 1807, giving her time to purchase the property 12 years later.
So who lived in the house?
In 1841 the census shows John Black (1812-1888 Agricultural Labourer) and Catherine living in the property with their mother in law Ann Kneale and their children Catherine (1837) and John (1840?) – who is listed as aged 1, which is strange as John Black was not born until 1847? Had there been another than maybe died young? It’s also strange that Anne Jane was not listed here as she was born in 1835.
In 1851 the census shows John (Farmer of 5 Acres) and Catherine living in the property with their mother in law Ann Kneale and their children Anne Jane (1835-1906) Susan (1841 -?) and John (1847-1933).
In 1861 the census shows John Black (Farmer of 11 acres) and Catherine living in the property with their mother in law Ann Kneale and their children Anne Jane (1835-1906) Susan (1841 -?) and John (1847-1933). Catherine Black (Corlett) passed away 12th May 1870 - "In loving memory of Catherine the beloved wife of John Black who died May 12 1870 in the 58th year of her age. Her end was peace". Grave number 95 St Judes.
In 1871 John Black (Farmer of 11 acres) was still living in the house with his mother in law Ann and now joined by his grandson Edward H Curphey (1858) aged 12, who was the son of Anne Jane Black and Edward Curphey. Ann Kneale passed away 26th July 1878 and was buried in Andreas, aged 92.
In 1871 John Black (1847-1933 - Miner) and Ann (Kiley 1844-1906) were living at Dumbles Rowe in lonan. I believe he was working at the Laxey mine. They will return to Archdeacons Close later.
In 1881 John Black (1847-1933 - Joiner) and Ann (Kiley 1844-1906) were living at Close E Kee in Andreas. They will return to Archdeacons Close later.
In 1881 John Black (1812-1888 Farmer of 12 acres) was living with his grand daughter Emily Jane Brew (1867) aged 14 a school girl –she later left the house in 1891 to work as a domestic servant at the vicarage. Emily was the daughter of Susan Black (1841) and Thomas Brew (c1841). John Black passed away 20th December 1888 and was buried in Andreas, grave number 94. "In loving memory of John Black who died December 20th 1888, aged 76 years”. Cause of death - Natural causes – declining
In 1889 - Bond and Security. John Black and wife to Edward Curphey and Ann Jane Curphey. West Craig in parish of Andreas and Archdeacons Close in parish of Lezayre. Deed ref.: MS 09494/1889/11/011. (Deed requisition book entry: L 22639/11/4111.)
In 1891 - Bond and Security. John Black and wife to Christian Margaret Kelly. Archdeacon's Close and intacks in parishes of Andreas and Lezayre. Deed ref.: MS 09494/1891/03/023. (Deed requisition book entry: L 22639/12/0770.)
In 1891 John Black (1847-1933) is not listed anywhere – however his wife Ann and her mother Jane Killey (Hutchin) and their son John Black (1871-1952) are living at Curragh Road, Lezayre. They will return to Archdeacons Close later.
In 1891 Cannot find record of who was living there
In 1901 John Black (1847-1933 - Farmer) and Ann (Kiley 1844-1906) were living in the house with the mother in law Jane Killey (Hutchin 1813-1901) and their son and his family John Black (1871-1942 Horseman on Farm) and his wife Janie (Fitzsimmons 1875-1928) son John James Black (1896-1968), son William F Black (1898-1971) and Annie Sophia (1900-?). Ann Killey passed away 15th August 1906.
In 1911 John Black (1871-1942 – Farmer) and his wife Janie (Fitzsimmons 1875-1928) William F Black (1898-1971) and Annie Sophia (1900-?) and Alexander (1902-1974). It is interesting that John Black (1847-1933) is not listed as living here as a widow as he is still alive, a record cannot be found for his abode in 1911. Janie Fitzsimmons died 24th August 1928. I am told that shortly after her death John Black (1871-1942) sold the family home.