[From Manx Church Magazine pp I, 1892]

Extract from German Vestry Book

The Register begins in 1667.

[fpc note there are significant gaps, in the baptisms from 1680 to 1695, in the marriages and burials between 1690 and 1695]

The Parish is called by the same name as the Cathedral, but its church, in Peel, is dedicated to S. Peter.

In 1688 we find the peculiar entry : " — Shimmin, under age, endowed with goods, buried."
1694, " Capt. . Tho. Woods buried the 28th March intus " (i.e., within the church).
1707, " John Woods of Knocksharre tells me that he was about a year and a quarter when his grandfather, the above Thos. Woods, was buried." It would seem that his birth had not been entered at the time. " John Lace of the hill" buried. " A child of Harry Cain’s ballagyr " buried.
1714, " Jane daughter of Jon Lace bapt. June 29. This was the first child that was baptized in Kk Patr Church." This was after it had been rebuilt by Bishop Wilson.." Mem. That Capt. Radcliffes seat opposite to the Pulpit is bought by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop for the Vicar’s seat in Peel Town church, so as to continue for ever. Dat Ut Supra"
1718, " Bahee and ‘Xtian twins of Patt Crellin bapt."
1734, " Clougas who lives with the brother had a child baptized."
1748 [?1743], " Mary Daur of Wm Wade and Eliz Hopes, N.B. This Eliz Hopes having a scherrous Tumor in her left knee, the pain was so great and continued so long that she never knew yt she was with child till delivered. Rara avis in terris, &c.’
1767, "James George, son of James Wilson (Riding Officer at Peel) and Ann Hanlon baptized.

In 1714 the Vicar, Matthias Curghey, inserted in the register " a receipt to cure the biteing of a mad dog. Take the leaves of rue pick’d from the stalks and bruise six ounces; garlick pick’d from the stalks and bruised, fethce four ounces; boil all these over a slow fire, in two quarts of strong ale, till one pint be consumed ; then keep it in a. bottle close stopt and give of it, nine spoonfulls to a man or woman warm, seven mornings together, fasting, and six to a dog.. This the author believes will not (by God’s blessing) : fail if it be given within nine days of the biteing of the dog. Apply some of the ingredients from which the liquor was strained to the bitten place. N.B. This receipt was taken out of Calthorp Church in Lincolnshire, where many in the town were bitten with a mad dog, and all that took the medicine did well and the rest died mad. The same receipt is hung up in Bradford Church in Wiltshire, where its efficacy had been approved on the like occasion."

In 1734 the seats of St Peter’s Church of Peel Town were regulated "pursuant to order of the Spiritual Court." Mr George Moore, " on account of his concerns and his generously contributing the sum of £6 1s 8d, Irish currency, towards the new bell, besides incident charges of carriage and other benefactions," was presented with No.1 pew on the south side. In 1764 a west (or bell) gallery was built and seats allotted in it, and, in 1778; a south gallery was added and seats allotted.

In 1742 " the Rev Mr John Craine, Vicar of this Parish, and Mrs Margt. Woods were married in the Parish Church of S. Patrick."
1742, " James Leuniort, an Irishman, and Catherine Caine. He as an alien sworn, if he had no other wife or any preingagement."
1758, " Mr Edward Trevor, a Protestant, from Longhrickland, in the Kingdom of Ireland, was married in the Cathedral of S. German’s to Miss Mary Savage, born and baptised in Douglas, but now a Roman Catholic resident in Ireland. N.B.—A dispensation was given for their marriage upon the request of the Honble. John Murray, Esqre., nephew to his Grace the Duke of Athol."
1755, "The Worspl. John Quayle, Esq., Collector and Comtrollr, and Mrs Margrett Moore, of Peel, were married in the Parish Church of Kk. German upon Friday, 15th of August by the Rev Wm. Mylrea, Rector of Bride;
1757, " William Corlett, not being confirmed, and Cath Cooile, by a special lycence from the Bishop, were married," the law being that no one was to be: married unless confirmed.

1701, " Madame McKenzey, who was drowned the 13th January, . was buryed in the Cathedral. Capt. Howlet, being also drowned,bury’d 17th Jany. with seven more in the churchyard near the: style opposite to the Cross.
1718 There were seven deaths from small pox in this year "’ The Reverend Mr Samuel Wattleworth, Archdeacon was buryed December 23rd "
1725, ‘"36 out of 61 died of smallpox."
1726, " Two daughters of Patrick Kelly scortchd (sic) to death by fire."
1727, " Eder Hopes, Phillip Carter, Robt. Lace, and Wm. Kewish cast away at sea about the 2nd day of November."
1730, " John Killey, of Kk. Germain, was killed by Silvester Kneakill at Captn. Stevenson’s house by casting a stone at him."
1735, " John Kelly (weaver), being on Munday the 16th found dead in the main river by the Conegary, his legs tyed together with his garters, was thereupon with other evidences taken in the case by the Coroner’s inquest, returned Felo de se, and bury’d by a hedge side this 18th of June, as the Coroner certifys. Mem. : His son, with others, are. now prisoners in Castle Rushen to be try’d for burglary and robbery committed at Ballahigg, in Kk. Michael.
" A later entry states that they were convicted, and " were executed on friday last, and dyed very penitent." It would seem that the poor old man had committed suicide on account of his son’s conduct.
" John Fargher, a young man of the Town, coming in a cock boat from the Castle was lost on Wednesday, the 25th inst., at night, found next day, and buried this 27th. Henry Martin, of Whitehaven, and James Cotter, of Castletown, escaped by swimming."
" Thos. White, a sail^r on board the Barbara, of Bristol, Richd. Chub, master, being by the fflood carryed down in the cock boat was next day found on the shore, whereupon the Coroner’s inquest, having examined into the cause of his untimely death, found the same a casualty."
1736, " James Taubman. of Ballakilimurrey, dyed suddenly in church on Sunday the 27th of ffeby, and was buried the first of March, and with him was buried his grandson John."
1738, " On the 14th of last month (Feby) sail’d hence a wherry of this Town, with four Scotch boats loaden with brandy, &c. ; aboutr 10 o’lock at night, there being then an eclipse of the moon of nine degs., a very great storm began at south-west, which encreasing till about two in the morning, the wind chang’d to north-west, and continued to blow for some hours very violently. Of the sd Boats two were stranded and some of the men with all their goods lost, two foundered at sea, as did the wherry, on board which last were John Hutchin, Silvester Crellin, Hugh Cannon, and William Quay, whose poor widows and small children are left in a disconsolate state ; with two young men, William Hutchin and Gilbert McIlroy, and also one Hueston the mercht. The newspapers from Scotland give a most dismal account of the terrible fury of that storm, and the havock it made in that kingdom."
1739, " Mr James Arbuckle, of Belfast, mercht., being on his way to England, put in here by contrary winds on Saturday, the 21st inst., and having been for some time before very much out of health, dy’d on Sunday and was bury’d this Tuesday, 24th April." In this year 28 out of 27 deaths recorded were caused by small pox.
1740, . " The Reverend Mr John Woods, one of the Vicars Genrl. of this Isle and Vicar of this Parish, dy’d on Thursday the 17th instant, and was bury’d this Sunday the 20th of April."
" A Boat, supposed to be from the North of Ireland, was yesterday lost upon the west side of the Castle, and two men were found, who were bury’d this 24th Octr. Two corpses of the boat cast away on the 23rd inst were found yesterday, and bury’d this 1st Novr.
" During this year, which was one of famine, there were 83 deaths, 70 of which were from small-pox."
1741, " John Killey and John Cannel being quarrying stones at Cregmallin, were by a fall of earth crush’d to death this 30th inst., and buryed this Sunday, 31st (May). James Cain and Wilim. Killey, a dumb boy, being quarrying at the same time with decs. were taken upon from the rubbish very much bruised, but were in a way of recovery."
1742, "The Rev John Crane, Vicar of Kk. German, buried April 6th." " Mr John Nicholson, from Dublin, being here under confinement in St. German’s, but had the libberty (sic) of the Town, died on Saturday and was burried (sic) on this Monday, May ye 31st."
1745, " Philip Quiggin, who dyed suddenly, supposed to be kilt (sic) by drinking brandy." A not uncommon occurrence at that period.
1746, " Cath. Kelly, Knockdhoo, dyed of a lethargy."
1747, " Mr Philip Lockhart, of Carnworth, in Scotland, buryed in ye south isle (sic) of St. John’s."
"Mrs Margt. Craine, wid. and relict of the Revd. John Craine, late Vicar of this Parish, was buryed in her former husband’s grave, vizt. Rev John Woods, Vicar-Genl."
1749, John Christian, Ballakaighin, who fell down a precipice and supposed to be killed by the fall."
1751," John Hughston, mariner, being aboard a sloop bound to North Wales, fell overboard in Peel Town Bay and was found several days. after on the shore."
1752, " Philip Thudal. He served many years in fflanders, under the victorious Duke of Marlborough, and died an old beggar
1753, Christian Cain als. Addy, als. Clarke, als. Quirk, whose last husband, John Cain perished in a storm coming from Douglas, in the month of December last, was buried August the 17th."
"James Watt the younger, of Ballig, in the Parish of Maybole Shire of Ayre, in North Britain near the Town of Aire and David Hunter formerly of Maypole Parish, but lately of the.Town of Aire, sd. shire, were cast away: and perished on the shore beyond Cregmallin, near Traiee-baar Octobr the 18th about twelve o’clock at night, and now interred in this churchyard on Saturday the 20th, in the same year."
"William Craine (who was supposed to be ninety-four years of age)."
" Novr. 2nd, last circuit at Ballavagher," i.e., of the ecclesiastical court.
" The Revd. Robert Christian Vicar of this Parish departed this life on St. Stephen’s Day and was buried on Innocents. Day, A Dom. 1758, worthily lamented by all that had the happiness of knowing him"
1754,, " William Kelly found dead at the mountn hedge in Greeby, he being subject to the falling sickness." " .David Harrison, soldier belonging to Peel garrison."
1755, " February 21st, a Court of Correction held in Peel." " Our Rt. Revd. and Venerable Father in God Thomas, Lord Bishop of this Isle was consecrated Bishop February 16, 1696-7, dyed at Bishop’s Court on Friday, 7th March, 1755, abt. 4 o’clock in the morning, and was buried opposit (sic) to the Chancel Window in the churchyard, on the 11th, in the 92nd year of his age, and governed this Church as a primitive Bishop fifty-eight years."
" Eliz., infant dam of . . . This was the first child dyed of the small pox in town Eighteen others died of small pox in this year
1756, " Thomas Watterson, at Caine's Mill, Kk German, was burried (sic) on Friday, 5 March, being supposed to be 91 years of age "
Mr Willm Tear, who was schoolmaster of this town for 52 years was buried in St Patrick's of Jurby
1757, " Richard Quirk coming over from the Hill just before Divine Service on Sunday the 28th August fell off his horse in the river at Clark's Bridge and, there being then a great flood was drowned and carried down with the fresh and found on the shore in the evening under Mr Moore’s Green."
"Hugh Orr from North Britain who had been some time in the West Indies and being quite emaciated in a decay was buried
1758, " Matthew Cavin, aged 88, from Dublin perishing at sea with the cold was buried here
1759 — " Patrick McManis,’ drowned by falling between the ship and boat ‘
1760—Wm Cooper Senr killed in the fields near his son's house by a bull " Nicholas Kewley supposed to be 96 years
" Rev Robert Braw, Vicar of this parish buried, ‘
1768, " Mr John Christian. (vulgo Jurby) buried in the Cathedral.
1764, " Arthure Matthews (vulgo old art).’
1765, " Capt. William Lidderdall, Deputy Searcher and Captain of Peel Town buried."
There were 102 deaths recorded in this year, of which number 83 were from small-pox. The small-pox broke out in November 1764 and continued until April 1765 during which time there were 98 deaths from it.
1768, " James Wilson ( riding Officer on the Revenue)."
" James Gell, boat carpenter. This man was killed by the falling in of the sand bank upon him whilst he was endeavouring to come at a rabbit he had shot, and which had fallen into the hole in Balla-gawne Gill, Kk Michael."
1769, " Henry Christian. This man perished by water by the accidental oversetting of a small boat between the point of the shore horse (i.e., Horse Hill) and the new quay on Tuesday 18th July there were several in the boat, but he only perished."
1775, " Philip Gell (vulgo sendlagh)." It is not clear what this epithet means.
1780, " Circuit Nov. 16th new vicars genl., Rev Charles Crebbin and Rev William Clucas under our new Bishop Dr. George Mason." It is stated that the Register-book used from 1783 to 1826 was " bought in Liverpool, July 1782 by John Stevenson, Esq., of Liargydoo, price 14 shillings Britt., Henry Corlett, vicar, in the 22nd year of his incumbency."

The vicar kept a list of the communicants between 1761 and 1783. It appears that the communion was celebrated on five days during the year, vizt., Good Friday, Easter Eve, Easter Day, Whit-Sunday, and Christmas Day. Between 1761 and 1774 the number of communicants varied between 696 and 915. In 1775 it rose to 1321, in 1776 it was 1582, in 1777 1662, in 1778 1694, in 1779 1851, in 1780 2004, in 1781 2025, in 1782 2136. These figures, seeing that the total population in the parish of German and the town of Peel was 1730 in 1757 and 2474 in 1784, and that the total adult population (over 16) in 1784 was 1008, are very remarkable [fpc: probably early signs of Methodism in Peel]. The largest recorded number on Good Friday was 382, on Easter Eve, 343, on Easter Day, 413, on Whit-Sunday 848,. Christmas Day 663 (but this seems also to have included the Sunday after Christmas). The Communion was celebrated for the first time on Trinity Sunday in 1782, when 177 attended, The commonest surnames in this parish are Crellin, Corrin, and Shimmin. Among curious Christian names of men, there are Cæsar, Finlo, Ahab, Silvester, Dollin, Ranale ; of women, Babel, Avericke, Joney, Eubonia, Everina, Beborah, Abigal, Catty, Marcia, Eailes, Easter.

[The extracts contained in this series of papers were made by Mr A. W. Moore when .making notes for his book on ," Manx Surnames." Mr Moore wishes to take this opportunity of sincerely thanking those Parochial Clergymen who so kindly helped him in this undertaking.]

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Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor © F.Coakley, 2006