Cussen Ancestors

Hi Rory

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I had tried Griffith's Valuation & Tithe Applotment Books but the problem is there are a lot of James Cussens and no real way for me to determine which one might be the correct one because the only information that I have on James is his name and that he lived in either Ashkeaton or Rathkeale (son Martin's daughter's birth certificate stated Martin was born in Askeaton, but his death certificate stated Rathkeale).

According to James' wife Catherine Magdalena (nee Dooley) Cussen's death certificate, she was born in Rathkeale.

I haven't had much luck with rootsireland website, though I do know the family was Roman Catholic.  Living in the US, what is the proceedure for contacting the National Library in Dublin, and would they have the records from Limerick?  Having read a lot about the history of Ireland, it would seem that the British did quite a job on trying to supress the Catholic churches and that many of their records are lost.

Warm Regards,

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I wonder if there is a connection between Martin Cussen and my Great Grandmother.  He name was Mary Stokes (Cussens).  She was born in Askeaton (1846) and died in Rathkeale (1927).  She married Martin Stokes.  Her father Michael Stokes was born in Askeaton in 1815, and her mother was Mary McDonald.  If you think there is a connection, please let me know.  Thank you.

Annemarie

Hello Annemarie

Thank you for contacting me with your information.  I don't believe at this time, there is a connection.  My gg grandfather Martin Cussen emigrated with his mother Catherine Magdalena (nee Dooley) and three sisters to Victoria, Australia, arriving 3 Nov 1854.  Although his mother's Victoria 1886 death certificate listed several other children including a Mary as all being deceased, the assumption (at this time anyway) is that Catherine emigrated after the death of her husband James and the deaths of those other children.  No Australian records have been located for those other children.  Unfortunately, researching Irish records is an exercise in frustration.

Best wishes in your search,  Maggie

Hello Maggie ... many thanks for the note and information.  You're so right, researching Irish records is frustrating.  Yet it's also rewarding when you find one little bit of connection.  So I keep looking.  Plus, I'm enjoying connecting with others, like you, along the way.

Wishing you all the best with your research.  
Thanks again.

Annemarie