Looking for info Keegan Graham and Co. High Street Belfast

bcos

Hi am looking for any info on a distillers and wine and spirit merchant known as " keegan graham and Co" who were based on high street in belfast but was destroyed in the bombing blitz in belfast. Did they move somewhere else, am enquiring on behalf of a friend who has a keen interest.

pow wow

The Linenhall Library might be able to help you. They handle research requests by post, though there is a minimal charge.

Link here. Sorry I couldn't be of more help! http://www.linenhall.com/visitingInformation.asp#RESEARCHENQUIRIES

Raspberryhardon

bcos wrote: »

Hi am looking for any info on a distillers and wine and spirit merchant known as " keegan graham and Co" who were based on high street in belfast but was destroyed in the bombing blitz in belfast. Did they move somewhere else, am enquiring on behalf of a friend who has a keen interest.

Here you go dude!


[James Keegan began business as a wine and spirit merchant at No. 76 (later re-numbered 74, then 56) High St. Belfast in the early 1830's. By 1839 the firm was known as James Keegan & Co., and the following year he was joined by his younger brother Peter, both men lodging at 31 Castle Place.

In about 1842, James took up residence at 8 College Square East (presumably on his marriage), moving shortly afterwards to No. 4. By the late 1840's the firm was dealing in tea as well, and was prospering so well that James and Peter had their own distilleries in Arthur Place and Callender St. respectively.

In about 1851 the partnership appears to have broken up, and four years later James moved to 19 College Square East.
Trade in tea was given up about 1866, and in the early 1870's, he became a J.P., and moved to BROOKLYN, HOLYWOOD.
At about the same time he was joined by his son John Joseph, the firm now being styled by James Keegan & Son, wine and spirit merchants and rectifying distillers.

The will (with one codicil) of James Keegan, late of BROOKLYN, County Down, was proved at Belfast 8th Jan. 1883 by Theresa E. Keegan, widow, and John Joseph Keegan of Belfast, merchant, the executors. Effects 16,092 pounds 9s. 7d.

Following his death the firm became Keegan, Graham & Co., at Nos. 54 and 56 High St. Belfast and in the late 1880's John became a J.P.
After his death (he seems to have had no sons), the firm continued as Keagan, Graham & Co., occupying the same premises until its destruction during the air raids of 1941.

The will (with two codicils) of John Joseph Keegan, late of BROOKLYN, Holywood, County Down, merchant, who died 11th Feb. 1892 aged 47 yrs, at same place, was proved at the Principal Registry on 27th April, 1892 by Margaret Farr Keegan of BROOKLYN, widow, the sole executrix. Effects 26,735 pounds 7s. and 4d.

KEEGAN: [Memorial depicting Angel of Mercy in Gothic surround secured to the west wall and in a railed enclosure] Sacred to the memory of Peter Keegan who departed this life 16th Oct. 1879 aged 69 yrs.
Also of Elizabeth, beloved wife of the above, who departed this life 22nd July, 1896. Very deeply regretted by her children, relatives and friends.

[Peter Keegan went into partnership with his brother James (see above) as wine and spirit merchant in about 1840 in High St. He opened his own distillery at 4 Callender St. in the late 1840's and in 1851 the partnership with his brother broke up. He continued as a rectifying distiller, wine & spirit merchant at the same premises, the firm eventually becoming Peter Keegan & Co. In the 1850's he lived at Victoria Place, and by the following decade had moved to 2 Upper Cresc., finally aquiring Hampton Villa on the Ormeau Road. Towards the end of the century, the firm acquired additional premises at 38 Garmoyle St. and finally closed during the Second World War.

The will of Peter Keegan, late of Hampton Villa, Belfast, Esq., J.P., who died 16th Oct. 1879 at same placed was proved at Belfast on 5th Dec. 1879 by the oaths of Elizabeth Keegan of Hampton Villa, Belfast widow (during her viduity), Edward Wells Keegan of Callendar St. Belfast, wine and spirit merchant and Alexander HARKIN of College Square, Belfast Esq., M.D., the executors, effects under 60,000 pounds.

bcos

Thanks very much for all your help, much appreciated!