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Greetings,

  I am seeking information on the Brennan family. I have been attempting Genology research but have some gaps to fill.  Brennan is definately the name, though. My grandfather always told tales of how his great grandfather came off the boat through I believe Nefundland to Maine, and his father came down from maine to massachusetts.  I am thinking it is during the famine in the 1800s but not sure.

  I would love to one day visit Ireland and meet some living relatives.  My grandfather had no grandsons to carry on the name, so I gave my first son the family name as his middle (Joseph Brennan).

Downer is my grandmothers maiden name- I am not sure it is irish but thought I would attempt to find out anyhow. 

My email is sunshinenrose77@yahoo.com and I would love to connect t those of my ancestors native home. I have so many fond Irish traditions my granfather handed down.

I would love to be pen/email pals! :)

 

Thank you so much for your time. Blessings.

 

Saturday 12th Jan 2013, 06:57AM

Message Board Replies

  • Hi,

     

    Thank you for your message. 

     

    Glad to hear that you are hoping to visit Ireland, it would be great if you could make some connections beforehand!

     

    In order to find information however, it is important that you have a specific location in Ireland, preferably a parish name. Most Irish record sources- church records, land records, census records- are based on specific locations. Until you know a specific location within Ireland, preferably a parish or placename, it may be difficult to do anything more with these records.

     

    Do you have any other information on the Brennans that you could share?Do you know your grandfather's great grandfather's name? Perhaps you could try doing a search for him in Griffith's Valuation. This is a property valuation survey that was carried out between 1848-1864. Although it doesn't offer any genealogical information it can sometimes be used to tie a person to a specific place. To search the records go here:

    http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/

     

    You could also check the earlier land records called the Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838) here: http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp

     

    If you could look into his emigration more it may be helpful. Generally more information was given at the port of arrival rather than that of departure, so it may be a place to find information-and maybe even an exact place of origin. For immigration records in Canada check the National Library and Archives here:

    http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/index-e.html

     

    Some other websites which you may find useful 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 Public Records Office of Northern Ireland http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/family_history.htm

    The US National Archives: http://www.archives.gov/

    Family Search: https://familysearch.org/        

    IrishTimes: http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/

     

    I hope that this is helpful. Once you have a more specific location of origin, more things will open up and you will be able to search further. 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.

     

    Kind regards,

     

    Genealogy Support

     

    Monday 11th Mar 2013, 04:31PM

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