How to research your Irish family - first post updated.

Anchises · 06-07-2010 6:53pm

http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start

If you mean this site, I've found it valuable, but it takes a while to understand how to search. I've had searches where setting 'exact match' fails to find any records and then set the third option 'exact close and partial , only to find an exact match in the list.

I've suggest using option 3. you can then refine the selection by using the filters at the top of the page.

A.

owenc · 06-07-2010 7:19pm

Anchises wrote: »

http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start

If you mean this site, I've found it valuable, but it takes a while to understand how to search. I've had searches where setting 'exact match' fails to find any records and then set the third option 'exact close and partial , only to find an exact match in the list.

I've suggest using option 3. you can then refine the selection by using the filters at the top of the page.

A.

Why does my surname only come in when i put in the specfiic persons name in but not when i only use a surname.

shanew · 06-07-2010 7:25pm

the best way to start a search is with a firstname and surname, a year range.. and no location. Then narrow down the results using the filter options.

there is also a more update date version of the website at : http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1408347

Shane

Anchises · 06-07-2010 7:42pm

OwenC :

It is strange .....

Put in Murphy exact match it only finds 3885 records,
Then select 'Irish Civil Registration' and it limits the list to three records !

I think it looks in the USA databases by default if you specify no collectiom to search, but even that does not account for the strange behaviour with just a Surname

As advised start with a first and last name, use the exact, exact & close OR exact, close and partial to get to a reasonable list and then filter from there.
The 'Collection' seems to be the most important one to select , since it limits you to a particular 'area' or grouping. Be conscious of the date ranges defined for the collections too

A.

owenc · 06-07-2010 7:46pm

Anchises wrote: »

OwenC :

It is strange .....

Put in Murphy exact match it only finds 3885 records,
Then select 'Irish Civil Registration' and it limits the list to three records !

I think it looks in the USA databases by default if you specify no collectiom to search, but even that does not account for the strange behaviour with just a Surname

As advised start with a first and last name, use the exact, exact & close OR exact, close and partial to get to a reasonable list and then filter from there.
The 'Collection' seems to be the most important one to select , since it limits you to a particular 'area' or grouping. Be conscious of the date ranges defined for the collections too
A.

thanks will try searching with a different collection.:D

shanew · 06-07-2010 8:29pm

the system restricts the initial results - so the filters dont work correctly if you start with too many. As Anchises mentioned It's best to start with a specific collection and work from there.

Civil BMD Index using the link mentioned above ( http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1408347 )

Extracted Birth Records http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1584963
Extracted Marriage Records http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1584964
Extracted Death Records http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1584965

these extracted records include details from civil registers from the start 1845/1864 up to the late 1870s or early 1880s.

Shane

owenc · 06-07-2010 8:49pm

shanew wrote: »

the system restricts the initial results - so the filters dont work correctly if you start with too many. As Anchises mentioned It's best to start with a specific collection and work from there.

Civil BMD Index using the link mentioned above ( http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1408347 )

Extracted Birth Records http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1584963
Extracted Marriage Records http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1584964
Extracted Death Records http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1584965

these extracted records include details from civil registers from the start 1845/1864 up to the late 1870s or early 1880s.

Shane

I found one for 1799, btw where would you go for records at 1700??

shanew · 06-07-2010 9:11pm

most of the Irish collections on familysearch are based on Civil records so 1845/1864 and after

there are different sources for earlier parish records, but note that not many will have details into the 1700s

what county are you searching for these early records ?

Shane

Anchises · 06-07-2010 9:16pm

Does any Family search collection go back further than 1840 ?
I don't think so but maybe. Have you looked at all the possible collections for your 'population' ?

Census in Ireland stated 1821
Civil Registration in Ireland did not start until mid 1800s.
Parish Rgisters would go back further.

http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/records/census/eight.htm

Try the above link for details of what else you may refers to..

A.

shanew · 06-07-2010 9:25pm

there are some submitted records on familysearch for earlier dates in the IGI (www.familysearch.org ) - not to be trusted, but may be useful as a starting point.

There are no complete surviving Irish census returns before 1901

Full civil registration started in 1864. In addition non-Catholic marriages (i.e. Church of Ireland, Registry office etc) were registered from 1845.

For parish records, it depends on the county you are interested in :

records for Dublin City, county Kerry, county Carlow and part of Cork city and county are free on : http://www.irishgenealogy.ie/ (more records for these areas are to be added later in the year)

records for other some counties are available on pay-websites e.g. the IFHF at www.irish-roots.ie

there are very few RC records before 1800, and many of the original Church of Ireland records were destroyed in the Records office in 1922, but there are some early transcripts and copies of the lost details.

Shane

miju · 08-07-2010 3:07pm

Guys quick question, have found this thread very helpful and have so far gotten my family history back to 1820 (am working on completing bracnhes fully before going back another generation).One thing I've NO idea of is how would it be possible or if it is possible to get pictures of ancestors. I know chances are slim of pics but anyones I could get would be a great boon

shanew · 08-07-2010 3:13pm

The first photographers listed in Dublin are two in a 1848 Thom's directory, but were not very common, or affordable for most families until later years.

Unless your family was quite well to do or famous I dont think there is much chance of locating any photos of people in existing collections. Old photo's do show up for sale at auctions and on Ebay, but they are usually uncaptioned - so impossible to work out who they are in most cases. I'd say your best chance is to check with other family members to see if they have anything hidden away.

Shane

John Mason · 08-07-2010 11:36pm

i was another site last week and they recommend this version of the family search site rather then pilot. i think it works better myself:)

beta.familysearch.org

http://fsbeta.familysearch.org/

Alicat · 29-07-2010 12:02am

I believe that the National Archives have wills. I've never searched for one before. Anyone have any experience and tips for me? I like to know what I'm doing before I head into the Archives.

I have the second week of August off work and plan on getting as much done as possible, including graveyard hunting in Tipperary :pac:

pinkypinky · 29-07-2010 9:58am

They do have what remains of the wills that were destroyed in 1922. Mostly what they have are abstracts in calendar books by year. There's a card index that helps you find the right name and then you look up the calendar book. The index will also tell you if there's an original will. Now, you can get lucky but searching for wills is usually unsuccessful. Pre-mid 20th century, hardly anyone made a will, unless they actually owned property that needed distribution. A genealogist I know estimated that less than 2% of the population made wills before 1900. Sometimes you can get luckier with wills for country people because they were usually kept in one of 8 centralised country locations (with copies usually in Dublin) and so these were not destroyed in the fire. If you have an Origins.com subscription, you can look up some indexes they have (which are like the card index but not as comprehensive) before you go. If you don't have one, I believe they do a 2 day sub for about a tenner.

owenc · 02-08-2010 9:57am

Ok I didn't want to start a thread so came here .... Are there any websites that have different dates of things being realeased for example a census or a book or something??

shanew · 02-08-2010 10:27am

owenc wrote: »

Ok I didn't want to start a thread so came here .... Are there any websites that have different dates of things being realeased for example a census or a book or something??

I assume you mean older sources than the 1901 and 1911 census returns ?

These kinds of details, like census fragment and surveys would be 'local' and focus on a particular parish or district, - so would depend very much on the area you are interested in. Local libraries are usually a good place to start.

Shane

owenc · 02-08-2010 11:09am

shanew wrote: »

I assume you mean older sources than the 1901 and 1911 census returns ?

These kinds of details, like census fragment and surveys would be 'local' and focus on a particular parish or district, - so would depend very much on the area you are interested in. Local libraries are usually a good place to start.

Shane

No sorry thats not what i mean't i was really trying to ask if anyone knew of any sites which gave dates of certain events i.e "4th july 1813 census is released, 25th july rolls calendars are released", ?

shanew · 02-08-2010 11:33am

not sure what you mean by 'released'... are you referring to websites that have these sources available, or just a list of possible source that might be available in Libraries, Archives etc ?

Shane

owenc · 02-08-2010 11:40am

shanew wrote: »

not sure what you mean by 'released'... are you referring to websites that have these sources available, or just a list of possible source that might be available in Libraries, Archives etc ?

Shane

Yes sort of, i mean websites that have a list of sources and important dates of when things will be released?

shanew · 02-08-2010 11:43am

owenc wrote: »

Yes sort of, i mean websites that have a list of sources and important dates of when things will be released?

I think that will depend on the county, area and type of data you are interested in, as different websites are involved. e.g. PRONI, National Archives, Emerald Ancestors, IFHF etc

Shane

owenc · 02-08-2010 11:45am

shanew wrote: »

I think that will depend on the county, area and type of data you are interested in, as different websites are involved. e.g. PRONI, National Archives, Emerald Ancestors, IFHF etc

Shane

Ok thanks just wondering whats ifhf? It may come in usefull.:pac:

shanew · 02-08-2010 11:48am

Irish Family History Foundation , aka BRS Genealogy aka RootsIreland.ie...

Shane

owenc · 02-08-2010 11:50am

shanew wrote: »

Irish Family History Foundation , aka BRS Genealogy aka RootsIreland.ie...

Shane

Alright thanks i'll just have to wait on proni releasing new stuff as apparently they are putting everything onto their website.

shanew · 02-08-2010 12:12pm

I understand PRONI may be about to move to new premises in the next month or so (Titanic Quarter) so they might be a little disorganized for a while

Shane

hblock21 · 05-10-2010 1:04pm

I only recently discovered RootsIreland.ie. It's a very good website but god is it expensive! I was only on it 10 minutes and 80euro disappeared!

Obviously I cannot afford to be spending money like this. Are they're any other cheaper options for obtaining certs?

Thank you in advance.

shanew · 05-10-2010 1:21pm

depends on the dates involved... for records after the start of full Civil registration (1864 - see the sticky on this forum for more info..) you can order certs from the GRO. There are no true certs for earlier records, just parish records (i.e. baptism, marriage etc)- usually as transcripts. Records for some parts of Ireland are available on www.irishgenealogy.ie - but this mostly contains areas not covered by the IFHF / RootsIreland.

Once you know the parish involved the cheapest way to research is to visit the National Library for RC records, or the Representative Church Body Library for Church of Ireland records.

Shane

louis346789 · 05-10-2010 7:30pm

try these two sites. both free

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/frameset_search.asp

https://beta.familysearch.org/

I find with roots ireland search if you do a lot of free cross checking , its slow , by parish and by both husband and wife name search you can usually select the right further information to pay for.

celticraven · 29-03-2011 8:55am

I have an ancestor who, according to the 1841 Scottish census was born in Ireland, and I have a possible d.o.b, but cannot find him anywhere (I know details of his life from Scotland onwards, but not even when he emigrated to Scotland).

As I am nowhere near Ireland (unfortunately

) is there anywhere online (for free if poss, woe is me) I can possibly check to narrow down my search? I have tried as many online sites as possible, and have gone through suggestions listed here. He was born circa 1811.

Also, if I have a possible birth date, but no place within Ireland, can I still send for a birth certificate? What details would they be needing me to supply?

On the 1841 census I checked in and around his area in Scotland in case family had migrated with him, and there are some possibilities, but can not find even one match back in Ireland to be able to 'confirm or deny' their relationship to my rellie *bangs head against brick wall*

My aunt, who has been a family genealogist since pen & paper were invented (;)) could find no trace of him, so perhaps there just plain are no documents surviving? But then how would I know for sure unless I knew which part of the country he was from? arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh :eek:

Any helpful advice much appreciated!

shanew · 29-03-2011 9:18am

Full civil registration started in Ireland in 1864 - so there are no birth certs before this date. For earlier details you need to research church records, and to start this you need to know the family religion and which parish they lived in so you can check what records, if any, are available for the dates you need.

Knowing the location and parish is vital, since not all parishes have records back to 1810s. e.g. few rural RC parishes have records before 1830..

There's no centralized index of available records, and unless you are lucky enough to have an ancestor from a very prominent family, or with a very unusual name then you need to know the location and ideally other family details (e.g. parents or sibling names) before you start.

Shane

celticraven · 29-03-2011 9:05pm

Oh, bugga!

Okay, so he was one of the founding members of a Presbyterian church as an early settler in NZ - so can I presume that was was likely to have always been a Presbyterian? And if so, would he have been more likely to have come from the northern area of Ireland?

I am also thinking that he likely emigrated to Scotland just before the famine started, thankfully.

Thank you, Shane for your info

owenc · 29-03-2011 10:33pm

Hi what is his surname I might be able tp narrow down the area where he may have been from if he is presbyterian he is more than likely to be from the north coast area.. I have a couple of useful websites ( including useful census which are only available for co Londonderry and Antrim) here: http://www.billmacafee.com/ this website contains several documents which are not available online and you would have to come here for.. You could look on emerald ancestors? I think it Is highly unlikely that you will find him I'm a Presbyterian church in 1811 as most records didn't start until 1820/30 you could however check C of I churches as the Presbyterians only had an option of using their churches in penal times.. Ps If you need anything else do ask.. What is his full name I could look in certain places for you of you want..
If the name is rare then it willbe really easy to track down an area!? Edit: Wait just reading is his surname reilly?? That is a County Londonderry and Antrim ( the county Londonderry ones are concentrated almost wholly around limavady so that could be a place to look)they are of mixed
religion some C of I and some Presbyterian they are very common so it will be hard to track
him down.. In fact I doubt you'll find him with a name like that sorry.. Even more he's probably called John or something and with the little imformation you have you'll probably never find him

celticraven · 30-03-2011 5:46am

Hi OwenC
No, the surname is Quin.

No wonder my aunt never had any luck finding him *sigh*.
Thanks for all suggestion

owenc · 30-03-2011 7:49am

celticraven wrote: »

Hi OwenC
No, the surname is Quin.

No wonder my aunt never had any luck finding him *sigh*.
Thanks for all suggestion

Aw rite that is a northern Ireland name it's not very common so might find him? It depends what townland it is some townlands gave churches that go back into the 1700s .. I'm surprised your ancestor Is presbyterian because that is an almost exclusively catholic name the fact he's presbyterian should tell you that he is from county Antrim..

celticraven · 30-03-2011 10:40am

Thank you, that may help me concentrate on Antrim first then. I search sites like familysearch and I think there are a few Antrim Quins who pop up, so will have to redig

As an aside, talking of his church here I went onto its website and they'd put up some historical documents relating to the church, and in one I actually found a sketch of him!

I do love being a genealogical detective sometimes :cool:

I wonder if he left Ireland simply because he aligned himself with a different religion? Intriguing..

owenc · 30-03-2011 11:13am

Hi what is the name of the church he founded alot of people from here founded Presbyterian churches in my area alone two people founded the Presbyterian church in different countries one founded the presbyterian church in America and another in Canada.. And there's a very high possibility that he left because of religious persuction in the 1800s thousands of Presbyterians left

celticraven · 30-03-2011 8:20pm

Apparently the church has been through a few name changes, but it started as an offshoot of the Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, in the 1840s when settlers arrived.

owenc · 30-03-2011 9:06pm

celticraven wrote: »

Apparently the church has been through a few name changes, but it started as an offshoot of the Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, in the 1840s when settlers arrived.

Awk rite thats different to the ones who went to america they actually left here for america not scotland. Goodness me don't talk, there are like 90000 different types of presbyterian churches its just awful and each one is the same as the original one bar one wee point don't see the point in that! It dosn't make sense why would you form a church over one wee small change! Its mindnumbing the amount of different churches their are and then you've got 1st, 2nd and 3rd ewgh don't talk to me about that!?

celticraven · 31-03-2011 12:30am

lol - yes, it certainly is interesting that they feel the need to 'break away' and form a tremendous amount of offshoots, but that seems to be the way of the world!

Imagine, though, if places like McDonalds had fans of just one burger who started breaking away with offshoot stores - you would have a McCheese franchise, or a McFish chain of restaurants

pinkypinky · 26-07-2011 9:33am

WDD wrote: »

Hi Guys, I'm searching for my family tree on both sides (I know.....a lot of work). I didn't think it would be, but I'm addicted now lol.
Just a quick question........I've managed to track my GGG Grandfather to my GG Grandfathers wedding in 1885 but then the trail goes cold, I've been surfing the net for months in an effort to further my search but it's been futile so far.......ant idea's? both families are from Dublin, Ireland.

Best to start a new thread for this - perhaps one of the mods could split it?

I presume you've read the first few posts on this thread and looked at the various options? Give us some more detail and we can take a look. Dublin ancestors are not as difficult as they used to be - between Irishgenealogy.ie and the census.

How to research your Irish family - first post updated.

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