Brown and Patterson

Hi,

Thank you for your message.

It may be difficult to find more information on the family without a more specific place of origin in Derry. 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.

Have you tried looking into their emigration? Generally more information was given at the port of arrival rather than that of departure, so this may be a place to find more information and possibly even an exact place of origin. For information on immigration records in the US check the National Archives at the following link:

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

You could also try looking in the land records pertaining to Ireland in the 19th century. Although these do not contain any genealogical information they can sometimes be used to tie a person to a specific place. There are two:

The Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838) found at http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp

and Griffith?s Valuation (1848-1864) found at http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/

Have you done a search at https://familysearch.org/ ? This is a huge database of genealogical records compiled by the Church of the Latter Day Saints, if you can find s baptismal/marriage certificate in this it would give you a parish name.

Some other websites which may prove 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/derry/index.html

Alternatively, you could try contacting Derry Genealogy Centre for assistance-a fee may apply. Here are their contact details:

Derry Genealogy Centre,

Harbour Museum,

Harbour Square,

Derry,

BT48 6AF  

Phone: +44 28 71377331     Email: genealogy@derrycity.gov.uk

I hope that this is helpful. Remember to post any new information 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