February 1, 1997 Irish & Scot Newsletter COUNTIES OF IRELAND - The following brief histories for the counties of Ireland are taken from "Irish Records Sources for Family & Local History" by James G. Ryan, Ph.D., Copyright Ancestry Incorporated (USA), ISBN # 0- 916-489-22-1 COUNTY LEITRIM A Brief History This Connaught county contains the towns of Dromahaire, Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Ballinamore. The northern and western parts of the county were once part of the old Gaelic kingdom of Breffni which was ruled by the O'Rourkes. Other families associated with this part of the county are the McClancys and O'Meehans. In the southerly part of the county the major families are the McRannals (often anglicized Reynolds) and McMorrows. The other families of the county are McGilheely, O'Gallon, O'Mulvey, McShanley, McColgan, McSharry, McWeeney, and McGovern. Up to the Middle Ages this county was densely wooded. The woods were gradually felled to provide charcoal and timber for local iron mining operations. The county is now generally boggy and has a large proportion of wetlands and lakes. The county was invaded by the Normans in the thirteenth century. Although they succeeded in taking the south of the county, they failed to conquer the northern portion. This remained under the control of the O'Rourkes until the sixteenth century. Large portions of the county were confiscated from their owners in 1620 and given to English adventurers, including Villiers and Hamilton, who founded the town of Manorhamilton. The objective was to plant the county with English settlers, but this was largely unsuccessful. Further confiscations, followed the unsuccessful 1641 rebellion of the Catholic Irish, when the Gaelic and Norman families of Leitrim joined the Catholic Confederacy (see Co. Kilkenny). As the Gaelic and Norman families were very predominantly Catholic, and the English of the Protestant faith, the proportions of these religions among the population can, in very general terms, be used to estimate the origins of the inhabitants of the county and the success of the various attempts to "plant" the county. When religious affiliation was first determined in the census of 1861, the respective proportions of Catholic and Protestant were 90 percent and 9 percent. The county was very badly affected by the Great Famine of 1845-47. The population was 155,000 in 1841, and by 1851 it had fallen to 112,000. Of this reduction almost 20,000 people died between 1845 and 1850, and the remainder emigrated to the cities or, more usually, abroad. Because of the poor agricultural productivity of the county, it has been a high-emigration county ever since these times, and the population is currently around 28,000. COUNTY LIMERICK A Brief History Much of this county was part of the old Gaelic Kingdom of Thomond, while parts of the west of the county were in the Kingdom of Desmond. The major families in the county were the O'Briens, 0'Ryans, O'Donovans, and O'Sheehans. Other families in the area included O'Hurley, MacSheehy, O'Gorman, O'Scanlan, and O'Halhan. In the mid-ninth century the Vikings took control of Limerick city and retained it until the eleventh century when they were defeated by the, O'Brien chieftain, Brian Boru. From that time it became the seat of the O'Briens, rulers of Thomond. Because the Norse people did not use surnames, there is little evidence of the Viking heritage among the family names in the area. However, one of the few Norse names found in Ireland, Harold, is found in Limerick. Following the Norman invasion the county was granted to the De Burgos, ancestors of the Burkes, and to Fitzwalters and Fitzgeralds. The Norman influence is still evident in the names which are now common in Limerick, including Fitzgerald, Fitzgibbon, de Lacy, Woulfe, and Wall. At the end of the sixteenth century a rebellion by Fitzgerald, the Earl of Desmond (see Co. Kerry), led to a very bloody war, which devastated much of this area of Munster. Following the defeat of Desmond, his estates, some of which were in western Limerick, were granted to various adventurers and were planted with English settlers. The Plantation of Munster in 1598, which also included parts of Limerick, was largely a failure. Many of the settlers left during the O'Neill march through Munster in 1601 and others simply adopted Irish customs and assimilated into the native population. Further confiscations, which followed the 1641 and 1688 wars, increased the numbers of English landowners but did not greatly increase the numbers of English settlers. In 1709 families of German settlers from the Rhine Palatinate were brought to Limerick and settled around Rathkeale. These people were of the Moravian faith and came to be known as Palatines. Of the original 800 families who were brought to the county, only 200 (around 1,200 people) remained in Ireland. Later in the century, groups of the remaining Palatine families moved to other colonies in Adare and in Castleisland in County Kerry. The commoner names among these people included Shouldice, Switzer and Cole (see Miscellaneous Sources section for further references). The county was badly affected by a local famine in 1820 caused by an outbreak of potato blight, and by the Great Famine of 1845-47. Almost 17 percent of the county's population emigrated between 1851 and 1855, and almost 30,000 died between 1847 and 1850. The population was 330,000 in 1841, and by 1851 had fallen by 21 percent. By 1891 it had fallen to around 160,000 and is currently around 122,000. Limerick is now an important industrial city and port. The other major towns in the county include Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Abbeyfeale, and Adare. COUNTIES OF SCOTLAND - The following brief histories of the counties of Scotland are taken from "A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland" by Samuel Lewis, reprinted by Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN # 0-8063-1256-4 KINROSS-SHIRE, an inland county, in the southeast of Scotland, bounded on the north-west by the Ochils, which separate it from Strathearn, in the county of Perth; and on the east by the Lomond hills, on the south-east and south by the Benarty range, and on the south by the Cleish hills, which divide it from the county of Fife. It lies between 56 degrees 9 feet and 56 degrees 18 feet (N. Lat.), and 3 degrees 14 feet and 3 degrees 35 feet (W. Long.), and is about eleven miles in length and nine miles in extreme breadth, comprising an area of seventy square miles, or 44,800 acres; 1928 houses of which 1812 are inhabited; and containing a population of 8763, of whom 4195 are males and 4568 females. Prior to the year 1426, the greater portion of the county was part of that of Fife; and for a considerable time after its separation, it contained only the parishes of Kinross, Orwell, and Portmoak; but in 1685 were added the parishes of Cleish and Tulliebole, and some small portions of the county of Perth. It remained, however, notwithstanding this accession of territory, under the jurisdiction of the sheriff of Fifeshire till the year 1807, when, conjointly with Clackmannan, it was erected into a sheriffidom. Before the abolition of episcopacy the county was included within the archdiocese of St. Andrew's; it is at present in the synod of Fife, and presbyteries of Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, &c. For civil purposes it is under the superintendence of a sheriff-substitute, who resides at Kinross, the county-town, where all the courts are held; it contains the populous village of Milnathort, and a few hamlets. The shires of Kinross and Clackmannnan unite in sending a member to parliament. The SURFACE, though hilly towards the boundaries, is generally level in the interior, and is divided into several extensive plains. Of these the chief are, Blair-Adam, between the Benarty and Cleish bills, through which the great north road passes; a wide level opening towards the Crook of Devon, on the road to Stirling; and another between the Ochil and Lomond hills, to the north-east, leading towards Cupar of Fife. The principal river is the Leaven, which issues from Loch Leaven, and flows through a narrow valley into the Firth of Forth at the Fifeshire town of Leaven. Several rivulets rise in various parts, and flow into Loch Leaven, the only lake in the county. This noble sheet of water, which has an elevation of nearly 360 feet above the level of the sea, is of oval form, and twelve miles in circumference, covering about 4000 acres, and abounding in trout, pike, Perch, and eels. There are some small islands in it, one ,of which, near the shore at Kinross, is five acres in extent, and contains the remains of the castle in which Mary, Queen of Scots, was detained a prisoner, and which is supposed to have been originally founded by Congal, King of the Picts, in the fifth century, and subsequently enlarged. Another island, called St. Serf's, from the foundation of a priory dedicated to St. Serf, or Servanus, at a very ancient period, is 100 acres in extent' and affords pasturage to a number of cattle and sheep. An act of parliament was obtained within the last few years, for partly draining this lake, which has been carried into effect, at an expense of 440,000; and about 1000 acres have been recovered from it ; but the Soil, contrary to expectation, is poor and sterile, and not likely to afford any equivalent remuneration. Before this diminution of its size, the lake was fifteen miles in circumference. About four-fifths of the land are in profitable cultivation, and divided into farms varying from 50 to 300 acres in extent; the soil is partly light and dry, partly a rich loamy clay, and partly moor. The system of agriculture is greatly improved; the lands have been well drained and inclosed; and excellent crops of oats and barley are produced, and, in the best soils, fine crops of wheat. The pastures on the low lands are principally for cattle; and considerable numbers of sheep are fed upon the Cleish and Ochil hills. Above 3000 acres are in woodland and plantations, of which latter the most important are those on the lands of Blair-Adam, 1300 acres in extent, consisting of oak, ash, larch, elm, spruce, and silver and Scotch firs; all, except the Scotch firs, in a thriving condition. The minerals are not extensive. Coal is found in the south, but it is not wrought; freestone of excellent quality is quarried in the parish of C!eish, and whinstone is every where abundant. Red sandstone prevails in the district to the -north of Kinross, and limestone may be obtained in abundance on the Lomond hills. The manufacture of cutlery, which was formerly carried on to a great extent, has been discontinued; and the only branches now pursued are, the weaving of cotton for the manufacturers of Glasgow, and the manufacture of tartan shawls and plaids, for which there are some large establishments at Kinross and Miluathort. Facility of communication is afforded by excellent roads in every direction. The annual value of the real property in the county is: 44,010, of which 38,892 are for lands, 4375 for houses, 210 for fisheries, 93 for mines, 29 for quarries, and the remainder for other descriptions of real property not comprised in the foregoing items. KIRKCUDBRIGHT, Stewartry of, a county, in the south of Scotland, bounded on the north and northeast by the county of Dumfries; on the north and northwest by the county of Ayr; on the south and southeast by the Solway Firth; and on the southwest by the county and bay of Wigtown. It lies between 54 degrees 43 feet and 55 degrees 19 feet (N. Lat.), and 3 degrees 33 feet and 4 degrees 34 feet (W. Long.), and is forty-eight miles in length, from east to west, and thirty miles in extreme breadth; comprising an area of about 882 square miles, or 564,480 acres; 8485 houses, of which 8162 are inhabited; and containing a population of 41,119, of whom 18,856 are males and 22,263 females. This district, which, from its ancient tenure, Is called a stewartry, though for all purposes a county, occupies the eastern portion of the ancient province of Galloway. Prior to the Roman invasion of Britain, it was principally inhabited by the British tribe of the Novantes. The Romans, on their invasion of the island, erected several stations in the district of Galloway, and constructed various roads; but though they maintained something like a settlement in this part of the country, which they included in their province of Valentia, they were not able completely to reduce the original inhabitants under their dominion. After the departure of the Romans from Britain, the county, owing to its proximity to the Isle of Man and the Irish coast, became the resort of numerous settlers from those parts, who, intermingling with the natives, formed a distinct people, subject to the government of a chieftain that exercised a kind of subordinate sovereignty under the kings of Northumbria, or kings of Scotland, to whom they paid a nominal allegiance. Upon the death of Allan, Lord of Galloway, in the thirteenth century, the country was distracted by the continual struggles of the various competitors for its government, and fell under the power of Alexander 11., King of Scotland. On the subsequent marriage of Devorgilla, one of Allan's daughters, with the ancestor of Baliol, King of Scotland, it became the patrimonial property of that family. During the contest between Baliol and Bruce for the crown, the province was the frequent scene of hostilities; and from the attachment of the inhabitants to the cause of Baliol, it suffered severely. Ultimately it became the property of the Douglas family, on whose attainder it escheated to the crown, and was divided by James II. among several proprietors. The stewartry of Kirkkudbright was for some time included in the county of Dumfries, and was under the jurisdiction of the same sheriff; but every vestige of that connexion was lost prior to the time of Charles L, since which period it has to all intents formed a distinct and independent county, though still retaining its ancient appellation. Previously to the abolition of episcopacy, the district was part of the diocese of Galloway; it is now mostly included in the synod of Galloway, and comprises the presbytery of Kirkkudbright and parts of others, and twenty-eight parishes. For civil purposes it is under the jurisdiction of a sheriff, or stewart, by whom a Stewart-substitute is appointed. Kirkcudbright, which is the chief town, and New Galloway, are royal burghs in the stewartry ; it also contains the towns of New- Galloway, Maxwelltown, Castle-Douglas, Creetown, and Gatehouse of Fleet, and some inconsiderable hamlets. By the act of the 2nd and 3rd of William IV., the stewartry returns one member to the imperial parliament ; the number of qualified voters is 1260. Of the lands, about one-third are arable, and the remainder principally mountain pasture, moorland, and waste. The surface is strikingly varied, and towards the coast is diversified with numerous hills of moderate height, generally of bleak and rugged aspect, and interspersed with masses of projecting rock. In other parts are mountains of lofty elevation, the principal of which are, the Criffel, rising 1900 feet above the level of the sea, and the Cairnsmore and Cairnharrow, nearly of equal height. The mountainous district is intersected with valleys of great fertility, and in a high state of cultivation. Many of the hills are easy to ascent, and afford rich pasturage for cattle and sheep; and some, which are of more moderate elevation, are cultivated to their summit. The rivers are the Dee, the Ken, the Cree, and the Urr. Of these, the river Dee has its source in the western part of the stewartry, on the confines of Ayrshire, and flowing south-eastward, pursues an irregular course for about forty miles; it forms in its progress some picturesque cascades, becomes navigable at Tongland for vessels of 200 tons' burthen, and falls into the bay of Kirkcudbright. The Ken rises in the north-west part of the stewartry, and after a southeastern course of several miles, expands into the Ioch to which it gives name, and shortly forms a confluence with the Dee. The river Cree has its source on the confines of Ayrshire, and flowing southeastward, forms a boundary between the stewartry and Wigtownshire; it runs past Newton-Stewart, on the east, and falls into the creek at the head of Wigtown bay. This river abounds with smelts; and, for several miles in the latter part of its course through a district abounding with romantic scenery, is navigable for small vessels. The Urr has its source in the lake of that name, on the northern boundary of the stewartry, and after a course of nearly thirty miles through a pleasant and richly-wooded strath, falls into the Solway Firth nearly opposite to the island of Hestan. There are various less important streams, some of which are navigable for small craft; the chief are the Fleet, the Tarf, the Deugh, and the Cluden. Numerous lakes also adorn the county, but few of them are of sufficient extent to require particular notice, the principal is Loch Ken, measuring nearly five miles in length and about half a mile in breadth. The whole of the district appears to have been at a very early period in a forward state of cultivation; and during the war of the Scots with Edward 1. of England, it furnished the chief supplies of grain for the subsistence of the English army after the conquest of Galloway. In the subsequent periods of intestine strife, however, it fell into a state of neglect, in which it remained till the commencement of the eighteenth century, since which time it has been gradually improving. The soil is generally a brown loam of small depth, alternated with sand, and resting usually on a bed of gravel or rock. In some parts a clayey loam is prevalent, in others are large quantities of flow-moss of considerable depth, which are supposed to be convertible into a rich soil, a very wide tract of such land having been rendered productive within the last thirty or forty years. The crops raised in the stewartry are data, barley, wheat, potatoes, turnips, and other crops; the farms on the arable lands vary from 150 to 500 acres in extent, and those on the moors from 4000 to 5000 acres. The rotation plan of husbandry is adopted; the lands have been drained, and inclosed principally with stone fences, called Galloway dykes. The farm-buildings are not inferior to those in most other parts of Scotland. In this county the cattle, of which more than 60,000 head are pastured, are of the Galloway breed and great attention is paid to their improvement. The of which upwards of 200,000 are fed on the moorland and other farms, are of the black-faced breed, with many of English breeds. Great numbers of swine are also reared, and they form a valuable stock; the horses are more than 6000 in number, and, though not pure Galloways, are much esteemed. There are no remains of the ancient forests with which the district formerly abounded, except a few trees on the banks of some of the streams; but considerable plantations have been formed on the demesnes of the various proprietors and in other parts, adding greatly to the appearance of the country. The minerals, on account of the scarcity of coal, have not been rendered available to any profitable extent; copper is wrought near Gatehouse of Fleet by an English company, and lead-mines were at one time in operation in the parish of Minnigaff. Iron ore is found in abundance, but, from the want of coal, is of little value; the limestone and coal used here are brought from Cumberland. Indications of coal, and also of limestone, have been perceived on the lands of Arbigland, in the parish of Kirkbean; but no mines have as yet been opened. The manufacture of linen, cotton, and woollen goods is carried on to a considerable extent in the towns and villages: the principal trade, however, of this district, which is almost entirely pastoral or agricultural, is the large export of cattle, sheep, and grain, for which the facility of steam navigation affords ample opportunity. The salmon-fisheries at the mouths of the various rivers are highly productive, and the Solway Firth abounds with fish of every kind; but little benefit is derived from this source, and comparatively few fishermen's cottages are to be found upon the shores. In general the coast is precipitous, with intervals of low shelving sands; and the navigation is for the most part dangerous, though some of the bays afford safe anchorage. Kirkkudbright harbour is easy of access, and affords secure shelter from all winds; it has a considerable depth at high water. About two miles from the small island of Little Ross, at the mouth of Kirkcudbright harbour, and on which a lighthouse has been erected, is a fine bay called Manxman's lake, where 100 vessels of large burthen can ride in safety. Communication with Liverpool is maintained by steamers, which sail regularly from the port. The annual value of the real property in the county is 193,801 of which 182,926 are for lands, 9444 for houses, 1204 for fisheries, and 227 for qarries. SURNAMES OF THE MONTH - Each month we will highlight one Irish and one Scottish surname. This month the Irish surname taken from EDWARD MacLYSAGHT's book "IRISH FAMILIES Their Names, Arms & Origins", SciPrint Limited, Copyright Irish Academic Press Limited, ISBN # 0-7165-2364-7 is: (O)BRENNAN, (Mac)BRENNAN In modern Ireland there are many Brennans: the name comes twenty-eighth in the statistical list of Irish surnames. Here and there one is met with the prefix 0, but to-day the form Mac-Brennan is seldom if ever found. The simple form Brennan is used in the anglicized form of two quite distinct Gaelic Irish surnames, viz. 0 Braoniin and Mac Brandin. The former is the appellation of four different unrelated septs; the latter of one only. Judging by the present day distribution of the name, two of these five have survived in large numbers in the districts around their original habitats. It is sufficient, therefore, just to mention en passant the three others which were located respectively in counties Galway, Westmeath and Kerry. Mac Brandin was chief of Corcachlann, the old name of a territory in the eastern part of Co. Roscommon: a succession of these chiefs appear in the Annals between 1159 and 1488. While the leading members of the sept retained the Mac until the submergence of the Gaelic order in the seventeenth century, the substitution of 0 for Mac, in some cases, is noted as early as 1360. The present day Brennans of Counties Roscommon, Sligo and Mayo, however, are nearly all MacBrennans, or more correctly MacBrannans. The principal O'Brennan sept was that of Ossory: They were chiefs of Ui Duach (mod. Idough) in the northern part of Co. Kilkenny. Their influence naturally waned as English power became paramount in Leinster, and though several O'Brennans retained some portion of their former estates, the seventeenth century reduced many of them to the status of rapparee - indeed, several famous or notorious bands of tories in Uinster were led by Brennans, and in the next century, one of the most intrepid and chivalrous of all Irish highwaymen, James Freney, was, he asserted, instructed in his calling by the last of these tory Brennans. The most distinguished of the sept was Most Rev. John Brennan (1625-1693), Bishop of Waterford and Archbishop of Cashel, friend of Geoffrey Keating and Saint Oliver Plunkett: though constantly the object of special attention from priest-hunters, he was elusive enough to remain continuously in his dioceses which he administered with marked wisdom and his periodical reports to Rome are of the greatest value to the historian of the seventeenth century. Another John Brennan (1768-1830), popularly called the "wrestling doctor" and well known in his day for his satires on Dublin doctors, was also of the Ossory sept of O'Brennan and considered to be chief of the name. Among exiles of the name we may mention the abbot Peter O'Brennan who was executed in 1794 for his resistance to the French Revolution. An interesting account of the O'Brennans of Ossory will be found in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaties, vol. 1, pp. 230-254. This month the Scottish surname taken from Roddy Martine's "SCOTTISH CLAN AND FAMILY NAMES Their Arms, Origins and Tartans", Mainstream Publishing, Edinburgh and London, 1992, ISBN # 1-85158-418-8 is: DRUMMOND The surname derives from the lands of Drummond or Drymen in Stirlingshire. Malcolm Beg, Steward of the earldom of Stratheam in 1255, is the first recorded and his son, Sir Malcolm, took the name of Drummond. Margaret Drummond married King David II in 1364, and Annabella Drummond married King Robert III. The lordship was created in 1488. The 4th Lord was created Earl of Perth in 1605. The younger brother of the 3rd Lord Drummond was created Lord Madderty, and from him descend the Viscounts of Strathallan. The Drummonds supported the Stuarts and followed the fortunes of James VII and II who created them Dukes of Perth and Dukes of Melfort. Both lines became extinct and succession passed to the House of Strathallan. The old Drummond estate passed through an heiress to the Earls of Ancaster. Drummond Castle is 3 1/2 miles south of Crieff, but the old building Of 1491 was destroyed by the Jacobite Duchess of Perth in 1745. Megginch Castle, Carse of Gowrie, and Stobhall, north of Perth, are both Drummond houses. USEFUL WEB PAGES Below are some Web pages you may want to visit to help with your research. They contain a lot of useful information as well as links to other Web pages you can visit. If you like what you see here and want to go back, make sure you add them to your Favorite Places before you leave. Irish Sources by Location http://www.bess.tcd.ie/roots/prototyp/slocato.htm The National Archives of Ireland:Family history & Genealogy http://www.kst.dit.ie/nat-arch/genealogy.html The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland http://proni.nics.gov.uk/pro_home.htm SFS Scottish Genealogy Resources http://www.demon.co.uk/sfs/genres.htm The Gathering of the Clans http://www.tartans.com/ Welcome to the General Register Office for Scotland http://www.open.gov.uk/gros/groshome.htm FROM THE WEB > > A couple of days ago, I found this website listing the addresses of the > Family History Centers in the U.S. > > http://www.deseretbook.com/famhis/ ================== Subject: Re: Irish names In message dated Dec 27, langlois wrote: , higgin89@mail.idt.net (R Higgins) writes: >Anybody with a reference to a reputable company doing research in Ireland please email me with name of the company. Have been ripped off too often and need a good company. higgin89@mail.idt.net ===================================================== To R. Higgins (and whomever else this may help): The Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland acts as a regulating body to maintain high standards among APGI members and to protect the interests of clients. APGI does not, however, have the facilities for distribution of research requests among members. Those accredited by APGI are bound by a strict code of practice. Any dissatisfaction with the services provided by members will be investigated if reported to the Hon. Secretary or President at the address below. Because the main genealogical records are centrally located, it is possible for APGI members to conduct research on any part of the country, but some member concentrate exclusively on specific areas. c/o Genealogical Office 2 Kildare Street Dublin 2. Members of Association: (all research all of Ireland unless otherwise stated) Bradley, Pamela Fair View Kindlestown Hill Delgany Co. Wicklow Tel: (01) 2874034 Brennah, Anne, S.A., H.Dip. Ellis, Eilish, M.A. O'Byrne, Elieen, B.A., B.L. Hibernian Research P.O. Box 3097 Dublin 6. Tel: (01) 966522 Fax: (01) 973011 ffeary-Smyrl, Steven C. Eireann Research 98 Fisherman's Wharf Dublin 4. Tel & Fax: (01) 688074 Gorry, Paul Gorry Research 12 Burrow Street Sutton Dublin 13. Tel/Fax: (01) 393942 McAuliffe, Eric, FIGRS 4 The Willows Monkstown Valley Monkstown, Co. Dublin Tel: (01) 2842866 McCabe, John Ulster Family Research Services 3 Stonebridge Court Stoneyford, Lisburn BT28 3EL Tel: 084 664772 MacConghail, Maire 14 Ascal Ghairbhile Rath Garbh Baile Atha Cliath 6. Tel: (01) 974621 Fax: (01) 974598 McDowell, Henry, FIGRS Celbridge Lodge Celbridge, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 628 8347 McElroy, David Irish Genealogical Services, Ltd. P.O. Box 179 Belfast BT7 2AF Northern Ireland Martin, Justin H. 9 Fortfield Gardens Rathmines Dublin 6. Tel: (01) 962617 Fax: (01) 961822 O'Leary, Thomas, B.A. 7 Wolfe Tone Street Clonakilty, Co. Cork Tel: 023 34448 Petticrew, Joan 18 Thornleigh Park Lisburn, BT28 2DD Northern Ireland Wilson, Marie 34 Bladon Drive Belfast, BT9 5JN Northern Ireland Tel: 0232 665521 Please complete as much of the following as possible about your Irish ancestry: Name and address of applicant Name of ancestor Approximate date of birth County and parish of origin in Ireland Religious denomination Occupation followed in Ireland Approximate date of departure from Ireland Names of ancestor's parents Name of ancestor's wife/husband Date and place of marriage Names of ancestor's children born in Ireland Names of ancestor's children not born in Ireland Other information Hope this helps! Jennifer Jennifer L. Rodriguez Duluth, Georgia DSMuffin@aol.com Subject: Re: WIGTOWN N.B. PHOTOGRAPH. From: kinman@wintermute.co.uk (Gordon Johnson) Terry Hill wrote: >An old photo of a seafaring relative shows a man in what appears to be an American marine uniform coat and cap and was taken by a studio, McNnaught, in Wigtown N.B. I guessed, wrongly, that N.B. stood for New Brunswick but have since learned that there is no Wigtown in New Brunswick. There is, however a port at Wigtown in Scotland. >Can anyone explain what the N.B. stands for? **N.B. = North Britain, and was introduced in all official documents by the British Government after the 1714/5 uprising, to try and eliminate Scotland as separate nation, the idea being to refer only to Britain. Unfortunately, the English persisted in calling England, England, instead of South Britain, so the Scots gradually returned to calling Scotland Scotland. English nationalism has therefore encouraged Scottish nationalism. No-one now calls Scotland "North Britain". Gordon Johnson Scottish genealogical consultant Kinman@wintermute.co.uk KinHelp - http://www.scotweb.com/genes/genes.htm Subject: Re: Royal Irish Constabulary From: brianw@pipsu.demon.co.uk (BrianWiddicombe) Tom McConnell rattled the keyboard and wrote: >A number of my ancestors were members of the RIC in the mid to late 19th century. Most of these were in Ulster. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can locate RIC records? Are there any records available from this period? Tom, The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland holds RIC records. They have a web page at.......... http://www.nics.gov.uk/proni/pro_home.htm Subject: 1825 IRISH to PETERBOROUGH, ON From: dg052@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Bill Tufts) I downloaded a message on the Irish settlement of Peterborough, Ontario, which was a response by Oscar Kirkpatrick to an earlier message by John Cosgriff , the latter of whom explains that he is gathering information about the Irish settlements in the Peterborough area. The 1825 settlement of Peterborough was the 2nd-wave of settlers brought out by Peter Robinson as part of a government scheme to ease the local economies in Ireland. The first "wave" was from Co. Cork in 1823 and it was deemed at that time to install these settlers in a Military Settlement in Upper Canada. It was intended that the 1823 group was to settle in the Perth Settlement, but upon arrival, Robinson discovered that some of the land was taken up by Scottish immigrants. Other lots were located in the Richmond Settlement and some of this group was located as far east as Huntley twp. (i.e., western fringe of greater Ottawa). I had an interesting email just a few days ago from a descendant of Katherine Costello, who settled in Peterborough. However, the information I received was slightly contradictory, for it said she came on the 'Stakesby' in 1823. What this strongly suggests is that she must have come initially to the Perth or Richmond area and then joined friends or relatives who arrived in 1825 and located in the Peterborough area. Without insinuating any family connection, I note there were and still are Costellos in the west end of greater Ottawa, Ontario. Carol Bennett, in: "Peter Robinson's Settlers, 1823-1825", (Renfrew, Ontario: Juniper Books), 1987, noted that Katherine was listed immediately following a Shea family. The book is well worthwhile for anyone interested in this group of people. Not only does she provide a well written and informative historical background, but she provides good genealogical data and as she says in it, she tried (and did) provide the human side to the story. Cost in 1988 was $18. She points out that some settlers were located on land totally unsuited for farming, which might explain why Katherine Costello did not remain in the 1823 settlement. As a single woman, she was probably living with a family that drew a poor location and moved on to Peterborough when the 1825 settlers arrived -and she went with them. In the historical profile of her book, Ms. Bennett points out that Peter Robinson was apprehensive about raising enough people to come out to Canada in the very short time allowed him for that season. He attended a meeting in London in May, 1823, where it was agreed that about 500 people should be taken out immediately, i.e., debark by 1 June. She adds that the Robinsons were very well acquainted with the (WASP) Family Compact of Upper Canada, who believed Robinson would meet with much opposition from the Irish Catholic priests, who would not wish to have their parish flocks thinned by emigration. Such proved not to be the case. In fact, the complete opposite was true; priests enthusiastically embraced the government scheme. Peter's brother, Sir John Beverley Robinson, the Attorney General of Upper Canada, attended that same meeting where the details had been worked out. Immediately upon his return to Canada, he wrote a wonderful letter (i.e., a report) that said they did not expect any problem in raising enough people in the short time allotted. This letter, copied verbatim, is slated to be published in the "Ottawa Branch News", OGS, in January, 1997. Included with the letter were two (what he termed) "enclosures". They are lengthy and may not be included verbatim, due to lack of space. The point brought home by Ms. Bennett in her book is that there are, indeed, family connections between the two groups in Perth and Peterborough, Ontario.  Included in her historical profile is a description of the religious clashes that were part of the history. They help to confirm a feeling that I have been developing while reading of the Irish and some of the source material shows an undercurrent that the rivalry, which did flash up from time to time, was not always a prevailing factor. She points out that some catholics changed their religion primarily to acquire or keep land, but these people, in most cases, would not also turn anti-Catholic. The emigration scheme was embraced by protestant and catholic alike, for each suffered the economic strife of the times and each could understand the wants and aspirations of the other; they were both on the same ground, although catholics did face more restrictions. This "common cause" was not peculiar to the Robinson Irish from Cork, but was common everywhere. Bill Tufts, Gloucester, Ontario. Subject: Re: The Black and Tans From: mangan bros ltd The Black And Tans was a name given to a division of the Royal Irish Constabulary which was recruited in Britain the division came into being in 1920 and was disbanded in 1922. Because of the haste in establishing this division there were not adequate uniforms available and they wore part police uniform {black or dark green] and part military (kakai). The division attracted a horrendous reputation in Ireland. Such records as exist are in The Public Record Office in London. regards john moore Subject: Re: The Black and Tans >Can anyone give me any information on the above? I have been given to understand that my Grandfather belonged and I need to find out who/what they were and also where I might find more info. >Many thanks * In 1919 the Irish Nationalist movement started a campaign of social ostricization against members of the Royal Irish Constabulary. At the same time, the RIC were coming under increased pressure from London to take a harder line against their countrymen. The result was mass resignations or refusals to obey orders. The British authorities responded by recruiting ex-servicemen in England to augment the ranks of the RIC. Due to the haste of the project, they showed up in Ireland with mixed uniforms of English kakhi and RIC black. They were immediately dubbed "The Black & Tans" after a famous hunting dog pack. Unfortunately the authorities chose not to hold these units to strict military discipline and they soon got a reputation for brutality. The brief "Black & Tan" era has become seared in the collective consciousness of the Irish and even the ribbon for the Irish 1917-1921 War of Independence Service Medal is, you guessed it, black and tan. The citation makes reference to the common name for the war, "Black & Tan War". Subject: Irish to USA research (long msg) New York Public Library received the records of the Emigrant Savings Bank last year. The records include details of many Irish (and some other ethnic) immigrants in the late 19th century. In setting up an account, a great deal of personal information was gathered. This information was to be used by the subscriber (depositor) in the event that a passbook was lost. I don't know if any abstracting has been done from these records yet. One of the librarians at NYPL said that these records will be invaluable to social historians and family historians. The information gathered quite often included where the person was from originally, what ship they had arrived on and where, who were their parents, what was their appearance, etc. If your relatives arrived in NYC, you might check out this resource. I have included a copy of the record from the NYPL. If you are not in the NYC area, perhaps you can contact a researcher in the area who can do some research in the papers for you. Please note that this is not a book and is not available via interlibrary loan. AUTHOR Emigrant Savings Bank. TITLE Emigrant Savings Bank records, 1841-1945, bulk (1841-1923) DESCRIPT 15 linear feet (59 v.) ARRANGED Seven series: I. Irish Emigrant Society; II. Deposit Accounts; III. Real Estate; IV. Real Estate Finances; V. Main Branch; VI. Bank Buildings; VII. Investments. BIO/HIST. The Emigrant Savings Bank was established in New York City in 1850 by the Irish Emigrant Society which was founded in 1841 for the protection of immigrants from Ireland. The bank offered a safe place to keep the immigrants' money and a way to send money home to destitute relatives. The society's officers also served as officers of the bank, and the society sent remittances overseas through the agency of the bank. The official business of the society, still extant although inactive, is conducted by the bank. NOTE Finding aid available in repository. RESTRICTED Apply in Special Collections Office. SUMMARY Collection consists of selected records of the Emigrant Savings Bank, particularly records pertaining to the Irish Emigrant Society and data about the bank's depositors and borrowers. Irish Emigrant Society records, 1841-1933, include minutes of the board of trustees and finance committee, and an account ledger. Bank records contain information about deposit accounts, real estate, buildings, and investments. Society and bank records document the social history of Irish immigrants on either side of the Atlantic, with occasional references to German and French immigrant. Deposit accounts often contain detailed personal and genealogical information about individual depositors. FORM/GENRE Maps. aat SUBJECT Immigrants -- United States. SUBJECT Irish -- United States. SUBJECT Irish Americans -- Societies, etc. SUBJECT Emigrant Savings Bank. SUBJECT Real estate investment -- New York (N.Y.) SUBJECT Banks and banking -- New York (N.Y.) SUBJECT Ireland -- Emigration and immigration. SUBJECT Ireland -- Social conditions. SUBJECT United States -- Emigration and immigration. ADD'L NAME Irish Emigrant Society. Before you go to New York Public to use these records, I would suggest that you talk with the staff of the Special Collections Department. * My web page has marriages, baptisms, 1901 census and Griffin Valuations for Wesport Area villages \ http://people.delphi.com/patdeese Shea, Costello, Campbell, Walsh, Murphy, Ketterick, Coleman Co Mayo my page also has alot of NC info Subject: DONEGAL FAMILIES CO DONEGAL DATABASE OF GENEALOGICAL RECORDS This project has been ongoing for a number of years. It was initiated by myself with the help of a few like minded friends. I realized that there was a serious lack of good reliable,factual genealogical information relating to CO Donegal and its border. Therefore I decided to put together a database of genealogical events of that area, gathered from, though not completely, local source. Below are listed a few of the sources I have recorded: Church registers of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Graveyard Inscriptions from ALL Ireland. Notes from Londonderry Sentinel start 1829. Notes from Derry Journal start 1840. Hundreds of Memorial Cards from Barony of Raphoe. Thousands of miscellaneous sources which include Massive information taken from Letterkenny,Derry, Strabane libraries, Linen Library, Belfast and The Mitchell Library in Glasgow, Scotland. My database also has the capability of searching for those ladies whose surnames were recorded, at the time of their marriage. In total, the database has somewhere in the region of 500,000 records of persons at various stages of their trek through life. It could on occasion inform of a persons birth, marriage, court appearance, land eviction, immigration, death etc. Any unusual event identifying a person to a location or date, is documented. The database is an ongoing project which is growing at the rate of about 25,000 records each year. As you are probably aware, obtaining information relating to ancestral research is a costly business, even if you do know what area your ancestors came from. Having no idea where to start looking for your lost ancestors, research would likely cost that much more, with possible negative results to show for your effort. I am offering to anyone interested, an opportunity, not available anywhere else, to obtain particulars of church records or whatever others are my database at a cost in the region of one pound Irish per record, paid in your own currency. Anyone who is interested, please read on DONEGAL ANCESTRAL RESEARCH Any person wishing to make an inquiry please do the following. Email to me at donfam@indigo.ie