Info on Thomas Jones and Bridget (Rochford/Ratchford) Jones Family - Daughters Johanna born 1840s, Mary ann who died young, son Thomas buried at sea in 1847-1848

Dear Joe:

Thank you for your post to the Ireland Reaching Out message board and welcome to the site!

I am the Parish Liaison for Tulla and I may be able to assist you with your query.

There is a family in the parish register with parents listed as Tom Jones and Betty/Biddy/Bridget Rochford.  Their children were baptised as follows:

1.  John 30 May 1839  Sponsors were:  John Jones and Bridget Conlin.  Glendree was the residence.

2. James 22 July 1840  Sponsors were:  Margaret Rochford.  Again, Glendree was the residence. Mother was noted as Biddy

3.Patrick January 1844.  Sponsors were:  Pat O'Hara and Mary Jones.  Glendree was the residence.  Mother was noted as Bridget.

4. Judy 25 October 1848.  Sponsor was:  Bid Walsh.  Glendree was the residence.  Mother was noted as Bid. 

There wasn't a Thomas or Johanna mentioned in the registers, but there are gaps and in places, pages are completely illegible at that time. 

This family resided in Glendree and descendants are still in the area. 

There isn't a marriage record in Tulla for this couple.  The surname Rochford was also common in Feakle, and it is possible that they may have married there.  The tradition was to marry in the Bride's home parish.  Unfortunately, the Feakle parish registers only begin in 1860. 

There were other Jones families living in Glendree and it is quite possible that they were all related.

If you need further information, please let me know.  You might also consider creating a profile for the Jones family members through the XO Chronicles.  The tab is located at the top of the page.  Profiles are updated weekly and are read by all our members.  Very often, others are researching the same family and they may be able to add further information.  For ease of reference the link is below: 

https://www.irelandxo.com/ireland-xo/history-and-genealogy

Kind regards,

Jane.  Tulla Parish Liaison

Jane, Thank you so much for the information.  I will keep looking and may create a profile in the future.

I too am looking in County Clare I believe, ancestors named Ratchford/Rochford and Halloran/O'Halloran.  My gggrandfather was George Ratchford/Rochford and his wife Mary - no maiden name known.  They had a number of children, one of which was my ggrandfather born between 1842-1846 in Ireland.  He married Susan O'Halloran in Ireland and my grandfather was born in England in 1883.  My grandfather loved his Irish heritage and was very proud of that.  He loved me too, even though I was only 4 when he died, I remember him dearly.  I have been searching for decades for a link to the rest of my family in Ireland.  Is it possible we are related Kevin?  Thank you for any help you can afford me!              Anne 

Hi Anne:

Do you think that your ancestors came from Tulla?  If so, I am one of the Tulla Reaching Out committee members and I may be able to assist you.  

I note that there is a civil marriage record for a Patrick Rochford and a Maria O'Halloran from Tulla in 1871.  You didn't say what the first name was of your Rochford ancestor.  I do see a George Rochford and Mary Donnelly who had a family in the early 1840s, but none of the children's names were George.

If you would like me to look further, please let me know.

All the best,

Jane