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My great grandfather JohnMartin was born in Ireland, County Westmeath I believe about 1814. He emigrated to New York State in The United Stattes about 1852. I would greatly appreciate any info on this family. 

Sunday 30th Dec 2012, 08:01PM

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  • Hi,

     

    Thank you for your message.

     

    One of the most important pieces of information that you need when researching family history in Ireland is a specific placename. Most Irish record sources- church records, land records, census records- are based on specific locations. If you can find the name of the parish that John came from, it would greatly help you in your research.

     

    Do you have any documentation, letters etc that mentions a specific placename in Westmeath?

     

    Have you tried looking into his emigration? Generally more information was given at the port of arrival rather than that of departure. This may be a place to find more information-and perhaps even an exact place of origin. For immigration information in the US check the National Archives here:

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

     

    Given the date of his arrival, he most likely went through Castlegarden. You can search their database of passenger lists here:

     http://www.castlegarden.org/

     

    Do you know John's parents name? You could try doing a search for them in the Tithe Applotment Books. These are land records carried out between 1823-1838. However, if the names return multiple results, without a placename it will be impossible to determine which are relevant to you. You can search the Tithe Applotment Books here:

    http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp

     

    Some other websites which may be useful to you 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 National Archives UK ? genealogy search: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/

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

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

     

     

    I hope that this helps. Remember to post any new information that you find. 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.

     

    Kind regards,

     

    Genealogy Support

    Monday 25th Feb 2013, 11:37AM

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