Seery

Hi,

Thank you for your message.

Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find more information on James without a more specific place of origin. 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 documentation belonging to the family (official or unofficial) that mentions a townland, parish, village or town?

Have you tried looking into his emigration as a possible source of information? Generally more information was given at the port of arrival rather than that of departure-you may lucky and find a place of origin recorded. For immigration records in the US check the National Archives at http://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/

You could also try searching for his parents? ain Griffith?s Valuation. This was a property valuation survey that was carried out between 1848 and 1864. Although it doesn?t offer any genealogical information it can be used to help tie a person to a specific place. You can search this here:

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

You could also try searching for him and any family members at www.familysearch.org . This is a huge database of genealogical records compiled by the Church of the Latter Day Saints. If you can find any family members in this it will give you a parish name.

Some other websites which may be helpful include:

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

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

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

I hope that some of these links are helpful and that you are able to establish a specific place of origin. Once you have this other avenues of research should open up for you. 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.

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