Gray, Lemon, Williamson, Riddell, Chapman, Moore, Corbett, Byers and Sturgeon families.

Hi,

I'm planning a trip to Ireland to research my ancestry in more detail and wondered whether you had any tips or advice on where to go or how to go about it. Most of my branches are stuck in the early to mid 19th century. They were all Church of Ireland or Presbyterian.

The Grays were originally from Baltrasna, Oldcastle, Meath, but my great grandfather John Gray (1896-1967) moved to Clones. His parents were Thomas Frederick Gray (1867-1931) and Mary Elizabeth Lemon (1868-1911). 

The Lemons were from Killycronaghan, Killeevan. My great great grandfather was John Lemon (c1839-1935). His father was David Lemon, his mother is unknown but may have been Mary Todd or Mary Patten. There were other Lemons in Killycronaghan but it is not known where David fits in.

The Williamsons were from Listellan, Killeevan. My great great grandmother was Harriette Anne Williamson (c1849-1922), who was married to John Lemon. Her parents were John Williamson (c1818-1884) and Sarah Riddell (c1820-1886). John's father was James Williamson, his mother's name is unknown.

The Riddells were from Mullycrock, Glanish, Cornasoo and Annamacneill. I found a great deal about them in "The History of the Ancient Ryedales" written in 1884 by GT Ridlon. Sarah's parents were Thomas Riddell and a Miss Sloan. No dates for them.

The Chapmans were from Dundrennan, Ematris.My great grandmother was Lucinda Isabella Chapman (1899-1942). She was married to John Gray. She was born in Drumlinny and her parents were Robert Chapman (c1861-1932) and Margaret Jane Corbett (c1863-1944). Robert's parents were Robert Chapman (1824-1902) and Margaret Moore (c1841-1921). Robert senior's parents were John and Sarah Chapman (no further information about them). 

The Moores were from Dromore, Errigal Trough. Margaret's father was Charles Moore, her mother is unknown.

The Corbetts were from Drumaclan, Kilmore; and Rossnaglough, Aghabog. My 3x great grandfather was Samuel Hamilton Corbett (c1830-1900). His father was also called Samuel Hamilton Corbett. They were both schoolmasters, but I don't know where (possibly Rockcorry School or Brownhill National School as his daughter went there) and I have no further information about Samuel senior.

The Byers family were from Tirmadown, Kilmore. My 3x great grandmother was Jane Byers (c1830-?) who was married to Samuel Hamilton Corbett junior. Her parents were John Byers (c1797-1878) and Margaret Sturgeon (c1805-1878). They are also brickwalls.

Any advice on how to continue my search would be greatly appreciated. I feel I've exhausted all online sources and need to continue my search on foot, but I'd rather be prepared when I go to Ireland so I make the most of my time there.

Thank-you very much.

Regards,
Elliot Gray-Clough