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Friday, January 6, 2012

Where For Art Thou Relatives?

Dear Uncle,

I've once again trotted out the papers and books and maps and magnifying glasses.  I've once again set up the little chart that I can tape to the computer monitor. I've re-checked the census info for birthplaces.

I've got my Griffiths Valuation list handy and I've got the Genealogical Atlas of Ireland at hand. I'd already started to trace the surnames by county from the years 1848 - 1864.

I'll go back through and check the estimated immigration dates to see if that might narrow the search.

Right about now I'm really not happy that we kids weren't close to my Dad's side of the family. For alot of reasons. So much was missed.  Being back in touch with my cousins has been a huge blessing. At least they share their memories.  Of course, now everyone we could ask questions of is gone.  And we are all 1800 miles from "Home" in Massachusetts, where the history is.  Therein lies the challenge.

This may require a trip back .  To funeral homes and cemeterys and churches.  As a new friend just told me.."The Irish may have lied to the census man, but they wouldn't lie to their parish priest."  I imagine she is right.

Uncle it has been a great deal easier dealing with the other side of my dad's family- the English side - your side- going back 13 generations was a piece of cake compared to this. But it's onward!

Fondly,
Your niece

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