Hello,
I am searching for information on the Somerville Family from Enniskillen.
Using Ancestry.com, family research, and records we have been able to track my husband’s family to James A. Somerville born about 1834 in Enniskillen and died June 4, 1908 in Los Angeles California.
I think, James A. Somerville’s parents were from Enniskellen, his father was Peter Patrick Somerville born 1806 and his mother was Helen Somerville born 1811. I think the family moved to Logie, Stirlingshire, Scotland in 1841.
I think, James A. Somerville moved to the USA alone about 1854 when he was 17.
My husband and I will be traveling to Ireland in September 2013 and would love to visit the places where his family came from.
Thank you for any help in advance.
Joy
joysomerville
Thursday 17th Jan 2013, 05:24AMMessage Board Replies
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Hi Joy,
Thank you for your message.
Have you tried looking at the land records pertaining to Ireland in the 19th century? Although these do not offer any genealogical information they can sometimes be used to tie a person to a specific place. There are two:
The Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838) found at http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp
and the later Griffith?s Valuation (1848-1864) found at http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/
Also, have you tried looking into James? emigration? Sometimes immigration records can offer some good information. For immigration information in the US a good place to start is the National Archives at http://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/
Some other websites which you may find helpful are:
The National Archives of Ireland http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-records/introduction/
The National Library of Ireland http://www.nli.ie/en/family-history-introduction.aspx
The National Archives UK ? genealogy search: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/
The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/family_history.htm
The National Archives Scotland- family history: http://www.nas.gov.uk/familyHistory/
Family Search: https://familysearch.org/
Genealogy Links: http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/fermanagh/index.html
I am delighted to hear that you will be visiting Ireland this year, and I really hope that you are able to get some information on the family beforehand! We have recently added a new link to the top of our page for people who are planning on visiting in 2013. It take you to a short web form-we would really appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to complete this. Thank you!
Kind regards,
Genealogy Support
Emma Carty
Friday 15th Mar 2013, 11:53AM