Searching for McGraths

Hi Angela,

Thank you for your message.

Do you have any other information that you can share? Did Peter marry before he emigrated? When did he emigrate? Do you know his parents occupations?

Unfortunately, Catholic records in Ballylongford do not begin until 1823 so you will be unable to find his baptismal certificate. You can see what records are available for the parish at the Irish Times link at:

http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/fuses/rcparishmaps/index.cfm?fuseaction=showidrecords&CityCounty=Kerry&parish=Ballylongford&churchid=654

However, if he married before he left you may find his marriage certificate in the records.

You could also try searching at https://familysearch.org/ . This is a huge database of genealogical records that has been compiled by the Church of the Latter Day Saints. You may find some record of Peter or another family member in this.

Have you searched for his parents in the land records pertaining to Ireland in the 19th century? There are two:

The Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838) found at http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp

and Griffith?s Valuation (1848-1864) found at http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/

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 Library & Archives of Canada - http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/index-e.html

Genealogy Links: http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/kerry/index.html

Alternatively you could try contacting the local studies department of Kerry County Library for assistance. Here is a link to their contacts page:

http://www.kerrylibrary.ie/local.asp

Remember to post as much information as you can with regard to the people you are researching. The more information you post, the more likely it is that one of our volunteers will be able to advise or assist you. Also include information concerning which sources you may have already used so others may further your search.

Please be patient - as our programme has only begun to rollout across the island of Ireland and volunteers in some areas may not yet be organized.

Kind regards,       

Genealogy Support