Patrick McLean, left in 1845

Hi Tomm,

Thank you for your message.

Unfortunately 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 place name, it may be difficult to do anything more with these records.

Do you have any documentation (official or unofficial such as letters, diaries etc. ) belonging to the family that mentions any place names- townlands/parishes/villages or towns?

Have you looked into their emigration much? Sometimes you may be able to find more information on places of origin on immigration records. For Immigration information in Canada check the National Library and Archives at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/index-e.html

You could try searching for Patrick in Griffith?s Valuation. This is a property valuation survey that was carried out between 1848 and 1864. Although it does not offer any genealogical information it can sometimes be used to tie a person to a specific place. You can search it here:

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

Do you know Patrick?s parents names? If you do you could search for them in the earlier land record called the Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838) at http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp

Another good website is https://familysearch.org/ . This is a huge database of genealogy records compiled by the Church of the Latter Day Saints. If you can find some record of the family in this it may give you a parish name.

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 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/tyrone/index.html

Irish Times:  http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/

You could also try contacting the Irish World Heritage Centre for possible assistance-however a fee may apply. Here are their contact details:

Irish World Heritage Centre,

51 Dungannon Road,

Coalisland,

Co. Tyrone B71 4HP

I hope that this is helpful. 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