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Hi everyone, I'm still searching for where my Irish roots might land.  I trace my ggg grandfather Bernard/Barnard to Northern Ireland, but I have no more specifics on locale.  Facts for him are few, he was born sometime between 1774-1796 according to the 1820 U.S. census.  This is the only census record I find him in.  I have found no ship record of his entry into the United States.  He married Rachel Brooke (b. 1791)  in 1820 and he also signed a deed in Aurelius, NY in 1820.

Oral history passed down in the family from his daugher Hannah Vandegrift says that Bernard was a young Irish immigrant employed as a coachman by the Owen Brooke family of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.  Owen was the father of Rachel, Bernard's wife.  He may have been an indentured servant.  Actual documents that link Bernard to Ireland are 1 census record from his son, and 2 census records each from 2 of his daughters stating his place of birth as Ireland.  In addition is a biography of his grandson Dr. Harry Daniels McQuade which states he descends from Northern Irish ancestry.

Bernard and Rachel had 6 children, 2 Elizabeths, Hannah, James, John and Annie. While most of the childrens' names can be accounted for in the Brooke family, it should be noted I'm unsure where the name Annie comes from. Perhaps it is the name of Bernard's mother or a sister.  The Owen Brooke family was quite large and this name does not turn up in my research.

I'm unsure of where Bernard went in 1830.  Rachel is listed as the head of household, he may have died, moved west or into Canada, or even back to Ireland.  I have no idea.

This is all the information I have on Bernard/Barnard, so hopefully someone in Ireland is looking for the same name in the same time period.  Thanks for your time.

Sunday 3rd Feb 2013, 02:07AM

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    Hi,

     

    Thank you very much for your message.

     

    I hope that someone researching the same lines does make a connection with you and can help you pinpoint a location.

     

    Perhaps it may also be an idea to contact the Ulster Historical Foundation for assistance-however a fee may apply for their services. Here are their contact details:

     

    Ulster Historical Foundation,

    49 Malone Road,

    Belfast BT9 6RY,

    Northern Ireland.

    Phone: +44 28 9066 1988           Email: enquiry@uhf.org.uk

     

    Best of luck!

     

    Kind regards,

     

    Genealogy Support

     

     

    Monday 8th Apr 2013, 09:18AM

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