Can you help the New Zealand Rusk sisters?

Lynne Rusk wrote to the Newtownabbey Times explaining how her grandfather, David Rusk, who grew up in the Craigarogan area of Mallusk left Northern Ireland a century ago, in search of a better life in New Zealand together with his elder brother Joe.

“They left behind their father, David Rusk who was 54, stepmother Jane Rusk, (nee McDermott), 43, Agnes, 16, Francis 15, Samuel 12, John 9, and James 6,” Lynne stated.

“According to the 1911 census they lived at number 83 Craigarogan, but no road was defined. My grandfather worked on the Barron farm in Craigarogan, Mallusk. Agnes and Francis were yarn shakers and Agnes Rusk married John Gillespie in Carnmoney in 1920.

“I am travelling to Belfast in July with my two sisters and we will be visiting Craigarogan in the hope that we may find relatives. Our grandfather left for New Zealand when he was 24, circa 1910, and he never returned home. We wish to take this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the place he grew up.

“We are very excited to be coming out to your country, but would be even more thrilled if wecould track down some generations of our extended family who are still alive,” Lynne wrote.

“We are looking forward to coming to your country, and meeting the very kind and hospitable people that the Irish are known for. This is an experience that we are going to remember. Hope you can help us. If anyone has any information that would be helpful, please email: [email protected]”