Researching John Brown, born 1791 Balynahinch, Magheradrool

Hi thanks for your message and interest in Ireland Reaching Out.

Unfortunately, the reality of finding documents pertaining to births/baptisms/marriages etc prior to 1800- in particular in rural areas-, is that they simply may not exist. Please also note that the Church of Ireland was the official church of the country and therefore the bulk of information that does survive for earlier periods is often from these registers. 

Church of Ireland parish registers for the period up to 1870-are public records. Registers are available for about one third of the parishes, however many were destroyed in the Public Records Office in Dublin in 1922. Most are still held by the local clergy, although some are in the National Archives of Ireland and others are in the Representative Church Body Library in Dublin. A list of all surviving registers is available in the National Archives. http://ireland.anglican.org/about/42 and http://www.nationalarchives.ie/.  The Anglican Record Project has created an index to their records: http://ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/AboutUs/library/AngRecord/bunclodyunionindex.pdf

Some other websites that may prove helpful are:

The National Library of Ireland http://www.nli.ie/en/family-history-introduction.aspx

The National Archives of Ireland http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-records/introduction/

The National Archives UK ? genealogy search: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/

and The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/family_history.htm

Do you know much about their emigration? Sometimes more information was given at the port of arrival rather than that of departure. If you knew which city he arrived in it may help you find information. A good place to start looking for immigration information is the US Archives at the following link:

 http://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/

Perhaps you could also try contacting the Ulster Historical Foundation, as they may be able to help you. However they may charge a fee. Here are their contact details:

Ulster Historical Foundation,

49 Malone Road,

Belfast BT9 6RY,

Nothern Ireland.

Phone: +44 (0) 2890661988    Email: enquiry@uhf.org.uk

I hope that this helps you in your search for information. 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 

Hi,   I cannot as yet go back as far as 1791, But,  I am searching for my great grandParents ?   In my search I have found in the Griffiths Valuation revord ( 1847 -- 1864 ) living as a tenant at 2 Alfred Street, Ballynahinch the Family of Patrick Ballintine, and as the lessor a William Brown.  My Grandfather was a Thomas Brown and my Grandmother was a Anne Ballintine.  Is there any connection. ??   any information would be welcome.    Cheers      Don Brown.