WITH KARLEE TWINER
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Each month, we choose a member’s request for research help, and our genealogy expert Karlee Twiner offers insight that might help dismantle their brick wall.
This month’s request comes from member GERALD McOSKER, who is seeking information on where to find research on ancestors in Co. Fermanagh, other than using DNA.
QUESTION:
Hello. My name is Gerald McOsker. Below is information regarding my surname. What options, other than Ancestry or 23andMe, are available for using the information below to begin research?
Surname McOsker was first found in Co. Fermanagh (Irish: Fear Manach) in the southwestern part of Northern Ireland, Province of Ulster.
Thank you,
Gerald
ANSWER:
Hi, Gerald!
One of the best ways to find out more about your Irish surname is through johngrenham.com. John Grenham is one of the leading Irish genealogists, and he has put together a great database related to Irish surnames. Information includes a surname dictionary, where the surname tends to be located in Ireland, and spelling variations of the surname.
Another way to get to know more about your surname is just through researching the family line. Not every person with the same surname is related you, so it’s important to find those you know you are related to. It can be hard sometimes to find your ancestors, but I promise it is worth the trouble. It’s more than just a surname. It’s the people you’re connected to.
In the wake of the excitement of the April release of the 1926 Irish Free State Census, those of us who don’t have ancestors in this census may feel left behind. Everyone else gets to enjoy the thrill of finding new records of their family, but what about those of us who have ancestors who left before any of the available censuses were taken? Do we just give up and try to feel happy for those who get those brand new records?
Though we’re not getting new 19th century census records, there are ways to trace your ancestors through time before the 1901 Census. These substitute records are just a little less intuitive than your typical census. You may not be aware of the availability of these records or how they can help you.
Some examples of census substitutes:
-Religious Censuses
-Griffith’s Valuation
-Poll Tax Records
-Voter Registration
-Land Records
-Newspaper Records
Between these different records, you can find your ancestors throughout time. However, a most of these records have only the name of the head of the household. Other records, like voter registration, might only apply to people of a certain economic demographic. It’s important to understand which records your ancestors would be most likely to appear in, so you don’t waste time on records you are unlikely to find them in.
Have you tried looking through these records? What was your experience? Hope this helps!
Karlee
Do you have a tough question for Karlee? Send your request, along with any relevant documents or photos, with the subject line Ask the Heritage Help Desk to stories@byancestry.com and yours could be chosen for next month’s column.
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