Looking for Information on the William Graham family of County Westmeath

Hi

Have you tried checking the land records called the Tithe Applotment Books (1823-38) or the later Griffith's Valuation (1848-64) for the family?. The Tithe Applotment Books (1823-38): Microfilm copies of the books for all of Ireland are available at the National Archives of Ireland (NAI) http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-records/tithe-applotment-books-and-the-primary-griffith-valuation/ or the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Griffith's is freely available here: www.askaboutireland.com or here: www.failteromhat.com Failte Romhat has lots of other useful links you could try looking at.

You might try 'Browsing' records at http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/#Westmeath

It might be helpful to post as much information as you can regarding the people you are researching -including what sources you have already used. The more information you post, the more likely it is that one of our volunteers will be able to assist you.

For some further assistance you might try contacting 

Dun na S? Heritage Centre,
Knockdomney,
Moate,
County Westmeath.
Tel: +353 (0)90 6481183
Fax: +353 (0)90 6481661
Email: dunnasimoate@eircom.net
Website: www.irish-roots.net

Thank you for your response.  I have check both Grifith's Valuation where there are numerous William Graham's and the Tithe Applotment Book with similar results.  I have also checked the other sites you mentioned without result.  It appears the Griffith's was completed in 1854.  My William Graham left in 1851.  Also, The Tithe Applotment dates were in the mid-1820's.  Since his birth was 1811, I think it is unlikely I would find him there.   

In my original note, I posted all of the information which I have on these individuals with one exception.  They were Protestant, not Catholic.  

Having researched this since the mid-1990's, I believe this may be a research effort which will not bear fruit.  

UPDATE on 2/24/2013:  Based on your suggestion, I reviewed the Tithe Applotment Books again and found what I believe is my William Graham on 11/9/1831 in the Kilpatrick parish of Kilpatrick Townland.  Although in the name of landowners it was written as William GRIMES, the signature on the document was William GRAHAM.  This is the only William Graham listed in the County Westmeath and given the birth dates of his children, I believe he would have been located in Westmeath at that time.  

Therefore, I am looking for any information on the William Graham or his family located in Kilpatrick, Kilpatrick, Westmeath prior to 1851.

Any assistance is appreciated.  Thank you.

According to my information in a Lowe family tree Elizabeth Lowe married a Graham and the family moved to America.

Are you sure about the first name of William Graham's wife? (My source could be incorrect.)

Otherwise there is a match.

John Mitchell

johnblarney1303@gmail.com

My ancestors were Lowes. We could be distant cousins.

Hi, John

In my Graham line, the father (William Graham) and 4 of the five children came to America in 1851.  The father died 3 months after their arrival.    The children's mother died in Ireland.   The children apparently were confused regarding her name.  I found them using Ann Lowe,Anna Lowe,  Emma Law, and Anna Belle.  With the exception of Ann Lowe, this information came from their death certificate which, of course, was filled out by a survivor and there for more suspect.  The name Ann Lowe was in a brief biography about my great-grandfather, the oldest son, John C. Graham.  I have never seen any information with the name Elizabeth Lowe, but since the oldest child's name was Elizabeth, it certainly is within the realm of possibility.  Does any of this match with your information?  I would gladly provide additional information on the Graham side, but, unfortunately, I have nothing on the Lowe side.  Your thoughts are appreciated.

Ginger Smith

ginger@daleandginger.com

Hi Ginger,

Good to hear from you.

I have a Lowe family chart prepared by a family member a long time ago.

There is an entry which says Elizabeth, daughter of Tom, married Graham - "family in America".

I think this part of the chart is a bit suspect.

I'll see what I can find out about both Grahams and Lowes around the early1800's.

Is it possible that William Graham was a policeman? The Lowes had many contacts with the RIC and their predecessors. I can check this later in the month when I visit the national Archives.

In our 1901 Census there were three Graham families in Westmeath plus an individual in Athlone. One was in Athlone, one in Tyrrellspass and one in Ballykilmore, Tyrrellspass. There were definitely Lowes in Ballykilroe.

I'll keep searching and report any progress.

Slan.

John

John -

When William Graham arrived in America, he stated that he was a farmer.  All of his children became farmers, so I am fairly certain that he was a farmer in Westmeath.  Any information which you could find in the National Archives about the Lowe/Grahams would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Ginger

Ginger,

A bit of good news.

I checked yesterday and I can confirm that William was not a policeman.

I'll keep digging.

John