11th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
15/06/1891
Died:
16/08/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age:
26
Summary
Thomas McKeown was the second son of William and Isabella McKeown. He was born on 15th June 1891 in Garvaghey, Errigal, Ballygawley. He was one of eleven surviving children, all born in the Ballygawley area. Thomas worked on his father’s farm. Thomas McKeown enlisted in Omagh. Private Thomas McKeown was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on 16th August 1917. Thomas was 26 years old.
Further Information
Thomas McKeown was the second son of William and Isabella McKeown (nee Allen).
Thomas McKeown was born on 15th June 1891 in Garvaghey, Errigal, Ballygawley, County. Tyrone. He was one of eleven surviving children, all born in the Ballygawley area.
The 1901 census does not record Thomas as living with the family. His father was a farmer. The family lived in Garvaghey, Errigal, Tyrone.
Known family: William McKeown, Isabella McKeown, William McKeown (born 27th December 1887), Joseph McKeown (born 18th August 1889), Thomas McKeown (born 15th June 1891), Alexander McKeown (born 12th May 1893), Francis McKeown (born 1st May 1895), Robert McKeown (born 8th May 1897), Sarah McKeown (born 13th May 1899), Isabella McKeown (born 23rd April 1901), Stewart McKeown (born 11th March 1903), George McKeown (born 12th January 1905), Charlotte McKeown (born 1st February 1907), Samuel McKeown (born 13th January 1910).
The 1911 census lists the large family erroneously as the ‘Keown’ family. Thomas was now 20. He was working on his father’s farm.. The family still lived in Garvaghy, Errigal, Tyrone.
Thomas McKeown enlisted in Omagh.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 11th May 1916: (Private William McKeown - brother of Thomas McKeown)
Private W McKeown, Inniskillings, is reported slightly wounded. His mother is Mrs Bella McKeown, Garvaghy.
1917
Private Thomas McKeown was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on 16th August 1917.
Thomas’s younger brother, Robert McKeown, also died in the war. Robert died seven weeks earlier on 25th June 1917.
Last Will and Testament
In his will, he left all to his father.
Last Will and Testament of Thomas McKeown:
In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to Mr William McKeown, father, of Garvaghy, Ballygawley, County Tyrone. Private 29811. 12th Reserve Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. 28th May 1917.
Memorials
Private Thomas McKeown ic buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery, which is located to the north-east of the town of Ypres.
The CWGC record Private Thomas McKeown as the son of William McKeown of Garvaghey, Ballygawley, County Tyrone.
