MacDONAGH, Clare Champion 3 Aug 1933

Clare Champion 3 Aug 1933

Moher Revisited
.............
A fine monument to the late Cornelius O'Brien stands at the foot of the Cliffs, by the well of St. Brigid, and in the graveyard adjoining is a mausoleum containing the coffins of the O'Brien family. Nearby is Birchfield (now in ruins), the former seat of the O'Briens.
Birchfield was originally the home of the MacDonagh family, the last owner being Nicholas MacDonagh, brother of Captain Anthony MacDonagh, who distinguished himself at the battle of Fontenoy - under Lord Clare - by defeating in single-handed combat, in presence of the opposing armies, a British officer who had challenged the best officer his opponents could produce.
Nicholas MacDonagh, was married to Joan, sister of Brigadier O'Connell and widow of Edmund Hogan, of Cragmoher; their being no issue of the marriage he left the estate to his step-daughter - Catherine Hogan, who became, by her marriage to a Mr. O'Brien, the mother of Henry O'Brien, of Birchfield - father of Cornelius O'Brien, M.P. for Clare, 1833-1852, who had seven children, but all died without issue. The above Nicholas MacDonagh is buried in the ancient church of Kilmacreehy, near Liscannor, and the following quaint inscription (now difficult to decipher) appears on his tomb:-
"Here rested Nick whose name no age can blot; the ch'ef MacDonogh of old Habers lot, who while on earth revived ye ancient fame of his own line, and yet of all ye name; his first religion was his actions guide, and so he lived beloved, lamented died; erected in the year of Our Lord God, 1745.
Incidently it is interesting to note that after many changes in ownership, since 1745, Birchfield has again reverted to the MacDonagh family - the present owner being Mr. Anthony MacDonagh, of Ballyvislane, in the neighbourhood.
...............

Courtesy of Declan Barron

CLARE JOURNAL 1821

Clare Journal July 2 1821

Creditors of Terence O'Bryen

Mrs. Mary Powell, widow, Ennis, John O'Donnell, Esq., ditto, Philip Dwyer, Phinagh, Daniel O'Grady, Esq., Coogy, William Emerson, Gent. Ennis, David Power, Esq., Ennis, Conor O'Brien, Glen, Francis Owen, Corofin, Rev. Thomas Healy, Knockfin, Tim. Kelly, Bouleven, Thomas Hynes, Ennis, Ths. O'Donoghue, Enistymond, James McGrath, Glan, John O'Halloran, Ballyabbane, the heir at law or representative of Thomas Steele, late of Cullane Castle, Esq., Burton Bindon, Esq. Cloney, and Murtogh, William, Terlogh, Connor, Edward and James O'Bryen, of Glancollomkill, Minors, all in the county of Clare ; Laughlan Maelachlan?, John Kirwin, John Moore, of the town of Galway, Esqrs., John D'Arcy, Newforest, John D'Arcy, Clifden Castle, Esqs., John Conlahan, of Ballinasloe, all in the County of Galway. Donatus O'Brien, Esq. residence at present unknown to Insolvent and to all others to be, are or claim to be Creditors of daid Insolvent.

On Thursday last, Mr. Bourrien, Officer of Excise, and Mr. James Foster, Preventive Surveyor, with a detachment of the 40th Regiment, stationed in Ennistymon, succeeded in detecting on the lands of Killinaboy, in the west of this County, a large still, &c, at full work. On the same day, the same officers destroyed four disilleries, together with 600 gallons of potale, and 150 gallons of singlings. We have great pleasure in adding that through the exertions of the above active officers, illicit distillation has been almost entirely suppressed in the west of this county, though the military assistance is rather confined.

Courtesy of Declan Barron

CLARE ASSOCIATION YEAR BOOK 2014

In this year's Clare Association Yearbook 2014,  is a very detailed article on Kilrush Poor Law Union and the Parishes of West Clare by Paddy Waldron PRO, KDHS and chairperson, Clare Roots Society.

This year's publication is on sale at €6.00 in local shops.

ENNIS CHRONICLE 28 SEPT 1816

clarelibrary.org

Ennis Chronicle 28 Sept 1816

In the matter of Michael Brown, an insolvent Debtor.
..............
To James Nestor, Knocknabricka, Michael Cleary, of Garrynakilla, Stephen Markam, of Knocknabrico, John McMahon, of Ballintlea, Michael Eagan, of Gurtalinka, Margaret Eagan, of Castlecrine, Js. Meade, Ballycare, Ed. Armstrong, Esq., Ennis, Daniel McMahon, of Kilkishen, Pat. McNamaras, of Drumgila, Patrick McMahon, of Brickhill, all in the Co. of Clare. ........................
Charles Mahon, Esq.
Assistant Barrister for said County.

To The Gentlemen, Clergy and Freeholders of the County of Clare
Induced to offer myself to your consideration for one of the vacant Coronorships, now in your County. ...................
Joseph Roughan
Green Hill
Sept 19 1816.

 Courtesy of Declan Barron...

........................................................

Ennis Chronicle 1831

Deaths

On Monday morning, rather suddenly, to the inexpressible grief of her family and friends, and to the deep affliction of her husband, 
Mrs. Cullinan, wife of Mr. Ralph Cullinan, and daughter of Michael O'Brien, Esq., of this town.

On Wednesday night, after an illness of some weeks, at his residence, Sixmilebridge, in this county, aged eighty years. William Russell, formerly of Bank Place, Limerick.

Clare Roots Society. " A BROAD HISTORY OF A NARROW STREET"

With thanks to Larry Brennan who sent on these clippings from Clare People...

" A BROAD HISTORY OF A NARROW STREET"

This is one book that you won't want to miss, available now, from the Bookshop, 

clareroots.org

A wonderful history of Abbey Street and it's people, author Brian Spring... Look for the link to my previous post re this publication and you can listen to an interview with Brian Spring and Eric Shaw.


 Photos from the book launch..

http://www.ennisparish.com/gallery/?album=23&gallery=485



From Clare Champion...

From The Clare People

From The  Clare People...

Book Launch : THE ISLANDS OF THE FERGUS ESTUARY

 Jackie Elger, with Delores Meany have produced a wonderful
new book /*The Islands of the Fergus Estuary*/.

This book looks at the Fergus Islands of Co Clare, Ireland, lying on the
estuary stretching from Clarecastle to Shannon and Kildysart. 

It examines the larger islands - their history, archaeology and folklore as
well as the people who lived there. Their history is a microcosm of Co
Clare's history - from the monastic foundations of the early saints to a
medieval Augustinian Abbey, from the castles of the Irish chieftains
through Cromwellian times to the era of English landlords. It also
presents a current photographic record of the islands plus a selection
of older photographs (and memories) of past inhabitants.

The book is being launched at *Kildysart Hall on Friday 13 December at
8.00pm*.

JUSTICE IN 1816

Courtesy of Declan Barron...


"Found this 'skeleton' in my house's history.."

Clare Journal Monday 29 July 1816

We regret to learn that the office window of Pat Mahon, Esq., of Newpark, was broke open last night, and what silver and bank notes that was in the two drawers of his desk taken away, together with a case of pistols. - We think it right to mention that the initial letters of Mr. Mahon's name are reversed on each note, being written M.P.

Clare Journal Thursday 1 Aug 1816

The money taken on Sunday night out of Mr. Mahon's Desk, and which we mentioned on Monday, has been recovered except some few shillings, and the robber apprehended.

Clare Journal Monday 5 Aug 1816

And. McMahon, to be hanged on the same day (14th of September), for robbery at the house of Patrick Mahon, of Newpark, Esq.


Anyone missing an Andrew McMahon from their tree ?

CLARE JOURNAL 1816

With thanks to Declan Barron....

CLARE JOURNAL 1816

Jan 25
Married.
On Sunday last, Michael Stritch, esq., of Tuomullen, to Miss Cahill, daughter of Mr. John Cahill, of Ballymurphy.

Died
At Port Royal, (Jamaica) Lieutenant Stacpoole, R.M.

Feb 1
Married
Tuesday, by the Rev. Henry Gubbins, at George's Church, Geirge  (sic) William Stamer, Esq., of Carnelly, Lieut. Colonel of the Clare Regt., to Mary, daughter of Ralph Westropp, Esq., of the city of Limerick, Alderman, and niece to the Rt. Hon. Colonel Vereker, M.P.; immediately after the ceremony, the happy Pair proceeded to their seat at Carnelly.

Died
At Cullane Castle, in this co. the seat of her brother-in-law, Thomas Steele, Esq., much regretted Mrs. Steele, relict of the late Wm. Steele, Esq. of Derrymore.

Feb 15
To Be Let
......House, Shop, and Concerns, at the corner of Hunt's Lane, they are nearly opposite the courthouse, ........
Proposals to Mr. Richard Floyd, Jun., or to Mr. Thomas Gorman, next door to the Premises, in High Street.

Birth
At Clifden, the Ladt of William Burton, Esq., of a Son.

Died
At Gaurus, Mrs. Gannon, wife of Mr. Paul Gannon.
In Jail Street, Mr. Chas. Cooke.
In Limerick, Mrs. McMahon, wife of Matthew McMahon, Esq., and sister to Dr. Tierney, Physician in Ordinary to his Royal Highness, the Prince Regent.

Mar 21
Sunday last, Mr. Wm. Dwyer, and Mr. M. Shannon, were proceeding from Ennistymon towards Milltown, they were attacked by a number of men who assailed them with stones, one of which struck Mr. Dwyer in the forehead, and instantly deprived him of life. ....... John Sheehan and Michael Gallery, have been committed by Pat. Lysaght, Esq., charged with being concerned ........

Birth
On Sunday, at Belfast, the lady of Captain Dulhunty, 45th regt. of a son and heir.

Married
Yesterday, by the Rev. Robt. Walden, Lieutenant Gardiner, of the Kilkenny militia, to Miss Eliza Pinchin, daughter of the late Mr. John Pinchin, of this town.

Died
Last Monday, in Limerick, after a tedious illness, Mrs. Power, wife of Pat. Power, esq. Her remains were conveyed to town on Tuesday, and deposited in the family vault.

Apr 8
Birth
This morning, in Jail Street, the Lady of Montrose Dulhunty, Esq., of a daughter.

INVITATION TO BOOK LAUNCH "A Broad History of a Narrow Street" by Brian Spring.

YOU'RE INVITED!

Clare Roots Society

Book Launch

                The Mayor of Ennis, Mary Coote Ryan, will launch a new Book

"A Broad History of a Narrow Street" by Brian Spring.

The history of Abbey street and it's people going back to the 13^th Century. 

The book will be launched at the Queens Hotel at 8pm next Thur. 12th Dec. 

All are welcome.

You can read full details at    

http://astheywere.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/clare-roots-society-book-launch-broad.html

It will be €15 local and €20 international including p & p.

You may order through Clare Roots Secretary, Clara Hoyne 

secretary@clareroots.org

Thank you for your interest.

UPDATE... You can listen to an interview with author, Brian Spring,  and Eric Shaw from Clare Roots Society about this book by following this link...

ClareFM interview on 11-Dec-2013

NATIONAL FAMINE COMMEMORATION DVD, KILRUSH, CO CLARE, IRELAND, 2013

IT'S HERE...

This is a DVD set that you have been waiting for..

 all those photos you meant to keep, all those details you missed

are all here for you.

 Many of you who read Paddy Waldron's great posts re the day to day activities of the Famine Commemorations in May, 2013

 asked if there would be some other kind of record of the event.

Here it is, all in one place, perfect to revive memories or 

to 'take you there' if you weren't able to be there. 

If you would like to reread Paddy's posts, please look in the Left Hand side column

for May, 2013.

(click image to enlarge)

This set is available in Ireland as above... for Australia, the price is $36 which includes postage. For other countries, please contact Kay via the email below.

To order from Australia, please contact Kay at 

clancysballynote at eircom dot net

(please use the correct symbols for address)

CO CLARE GENEALOGY FACEBOOK GROUP REACHES 1000 MEMBERS!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 1000TH MEMBER

OF COUNTY CLARE FACEBOOK GROUP

MALONEY ALMOND

Great to have you with us Maloney

We hope you enjoy both your prize 

and the great community which is the

Co Clare Genealogy Group.

To join, please go to

COUNTY CLARE FACEBOOK GROUP

CLARE ROOTS SOCIETY BOOK LAUNCH : "A BROAD HISTORY OF A NARROW STREET"

Clare Roots Society

Book Launch

                                     The Mayor of Ennis, Mary Coote Ryan, will launch a new Book

"A Broad History of a Narrow Street" by Brian Spring.

The history of Abbey street and it's people going back to the 13^th Century. 

The book will be launched at the Queens Hotel at 8pm next Thur. 12th Dec. 

All are welcome.

PRESS RELEASE:

A Broad History Of A Narrow Street:

There is something special about walking through Abbey Street Ennis where the gentle curve of the path leads you towards the Height. Fellow pedestrians nod in greeting while slow moving traffic passes you by. Along the way your eye is drawn to attractive shop windows, historic laneways, and brightly coloured buildings. The silhouette of O' Connell statue of Abbeyfield House all reveals stories from the past. This narrow street has a broad history which is unravelled within the pages of Brian Spring's new book on Abbey Street.

Next Thursday 12^th December at 8.00 p.m. in the Queens Hotel, Mayor of Ennis, Mary Coote-Ryan will launch the book. This the latest book on The Clare Roots Society publication list, brings together the history of the buildings and the people going back to the 13^th Century. It contains some of the usual historical features you would expect-a chronology of the street's growth and accounts of some of its most famous events, a collection of 19^th century photographs and invoices and a shop by shop account of the buildings and the people associated with these. Brian has reconstructed the life story of every single builing on Church Street / Abbey Street from newspapers, commercial directories, and valuation revisions, and then tops the entry for each building with a vintage photograph where available or modern photograph as an alternative.

For anyone who knows the present street, an entirely new dimension is made visible.

There have been many great times and many troubled times in the vicinity of Abbey Street over the centuries. In 1306 the town of Ennis was destroyed by the forces of Dermot O'Brien and almost three centuries later it suffered the same fate at the hands of Hugh O'Donnell. The Abbey or Franciscan friary that gives the street its name was spared at this time," in honour of The Lord". Cromwell's forces were not so generous, as they tore the roof of the building and destroyed much of the interior in October 1651. Many of the early settlers of the town had connections to Limerick City and this connection remained strong over the centuries. The Fergus-Shannon river system was the lifeline between the two trading centres. Improved road networks and the introduction of the railway ensured that this connection would endure.

Among the seventeenth century residents and property owners of Abbey Street were Maurice Cuffe, John Cruise, James McNamara and John Cooper (husband of Máire Rua). One of the earliest recorded houses on the street is mentioned on Henry Ellsworth's map of 1638. It is possibly the house of the Fanning family of Limerick. Simon Fanning of Limerick sold wine and aquavit in Ennis under a license from the Earl of Thomond.

Eighteenth century Abbey Street had plenty of hustle and bustle about it. The streets were filled with pedlars, hawkers and animals on market days. Sanitation was a problem and street was almost certainly filled with odours from the tan-yards and piled with dung and waste material on a regular basis. During the Penal Laws members of the Franciscan community took shelter at the home of Miss Clancy on the street. One Abbey Street resident was Pierce Butler who was responsible for keeping the town clock in good repair. His shop was broken into in 1799 and a number of silver watches were stolen. The Bindon Family had many associations with Abbey Street and David Bindon leased part of Cruise's in 1707. The Shambles or meat market was erected by Henry Bindon at the back of his tenement, Nicholas Bindon ran a Brewery along with Richard Brew and Francis Bindon is reputed to have designed the Courthouse at the "height" of the street. The Finnucane family had property in the town of Ennis and Dr. Andrew Finucane had a premises at the junction of Abbey Street and the Causeway. The Georgian era brought a period of relative prosperity and this was reflected in the shops and businesses of the merchants. Education became more important and a number of school were in operation including a classical school run by Nicholas Dermody, father of the famous poet Thomas Dermody. During the period of unrest by the United Irishmen, the Longford Militia were stationed in Ennis and the officer's mess was located in Abbey Street.

The highlight of the Georgian era has to be the Clare Election and the victory of Daniel O'Connell. The election took place in 1828 in O'Connell Square and O'Connell, along with many other political figures, is reputed to have stayed in Carmody's Hotel in Abbey Street, on many occasions.  The end of the Georgian era and start of the Victorian era is characterised by poverty, sickness and famine. Many of the merchant families on the street were affected by cholera and among those who died in the 1830s were John Kelly, grocer and wine and spirit dealer, Miss Molony, daughter of Andrew Molony, grocer and wine and spirit dealer, Charles Trousdell, china and glass dealer and James McNamara. The famine too had a devastating effect on the street. Trade was very poor and few animals were sold at the local fairs. The old brewery in Abbey Street carpark was possibly used as an overflow for the workhouse. Trade improved again in the 1850s and many businesses advertised regularly in the local press. Among these was that of John McGrath. His shop front at 15 Church Street, now 17 Abbey Street, was sketched in the 1850s and also shows the entrance to the Friary Bow. Abbey Street was a hive of activity in March 1867 during the Fenian Rising. The notorious Fenian Colonel Godfrey was at Tom Halloran's in the street. The Land War was a tense time in the history of the street and trade was difficult.

Trade improved at the turn of the century and the shops and businesses are recorded in the 1901 census and 1911 census. The numbering on the street varies a lot and businesses advertisements show the street name Church Street and Abbey Street being used interchangeably. Sixty feet of the street surface was torn up in a gas explosion in 1911. During The Great War the recruiting office for the British Army was located on the site of Enzo's Fast Food. The Army was stationed in Abbeyville House. The War of Independence brought the destruction of T.V. Honan's premises. The British Army placed six bombs in the building and blew it up. The front and side were destroyed but the cellar remained intact as it had not been packed with explosives. Eight people lost their lives in the Carmody's Hotel Disaster in January 1958. The floor of the room the auction was in collapsed and resulted in the loss of the eight lives.

NEW FILES IGP ARCHIVES NOV DEC 2013

So much on offer once again... be sure to check the IGP site regularly as there is always something new.

Thanks to all who contribute.

Files added in the last two weeks.
ANTRIM Genealogy Archives - Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1849
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/antrim/military.htm

DERRY Londonderry Genealogy Archives Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/derry/military.htm

DONEGAL Genealogy Archives
Donegal Abbey (views & some headstones)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/donegal/photos/tombstones/markers.htm

DUBLIN Genealogy Archives - Headstones - Mount Jerome, Dublin
Mt Jerome, 66 & 67 (over 10,000 headstones)
http://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/dublin/photos/tombstones/mt-jerome-ndx.htm

DUBLIN Genealogy Archives - Deansgrange Cemetery
West Section - Part 4
http://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/dublin/photos/tombstones/deansgrange-ndx.htm

GALWAY Genealogy Archives - Headstones.
Clontuskert Church (MOYLAN)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/galway/photos/tombstones/markers.htm

GALWAY Genealogy Archives - Headstones.
Clontuskert Church (MOYLAN)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/galway/photos/tombstones/markers.htm

KERRY Genealogy Archives - Headstones.
Stradbally Burial Ground
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/kerry/photos/tombstones/markers.htm

KILKENNY Genealogy Archives - Military
Nov 2013 Richard Leonard Single Entry Irish Constabulary with
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/kilkenny/military.htm

LIMERICK Genealogy Archives - Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/limerick/military.htm

LAOIS (QUEENS) Genealogy Archives - Headstones.
Timahoe Cemetery (McKENNA)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/laois/photos/tombstones/markers.htm

LEITRIM Genealogy Archives - Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/leitrim/military.htm

LONGFORD Genealogy Archives - Photos
St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church, Edgeworthstown Road, Ardagh
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/longford/photos.htm

LONGFORD Genealogy Archives - Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/longford/military.htm

LOUTH Genealogy Archives
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/louth/military.htm

MAYO Genealogy Archives - Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/mayo/military.htm

MEATH Genealogy Archives - Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/meath/military.htm

MEATH Genealogy Archives - Headstones
Hill of Slane (GOW)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/meath/photos/tombstones/markers.htm

MONAGHAN Genealogy Archives - Military
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/monaghan/military.htm

OFFALY (KINGS) Genealogy Archives - Military & Constabulary
Irish Constabulary 1858 partial (Service nos. 22751-24000)
www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/offaly/military.htm

Thank you for all you have done for Irish family history.  I hope you enjoy the upcoming holidays.

Cheers,

Christina
http://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/
===============================

COUNTY CLARE GROUP HAVING GREAT SUCCESS

COUNTY CLARE FACEBOOK GROUP

Many people have found a great way to research their family history and interact not just one on one, but with many people at the same time.

Social Media is the catch all name given to sites like Facebook, Twitter, and many others.

It is certainly not just for the young, rather the young at heart who have taken over a great proportion of daily posts on Facebook, with the formation of many genealogical groups.

They have the advantage of being able to draw on the knowledge of many people at once... and by their very being, become not just a research tool, but a community of willing helpers. 

One such group is the 

COUNTY CLARE FACEBOOK GROUP

which is not much more than a year old, 

but is having such great success with the sharing of knowledge 

and the willingness of the members to help each other,

that we are getting ready to welcome our 

1,000th member!

To celebrate, we would like to announce a great incentive. 

Thanks to the generosity of

HERITAGE SCRAPBOOKING

we would like to make the following offer...

HERITAGE FAMILY HISTORY SCRAPBOOKING

offers some wonderful designs to enhance your written family history, 

making it a great way to create your very own family heirlooms in a creative and economical fashion.

You can find full details re these images, pages and all that is offered via the link above.

Our 1,000th member of the

COUNTY CLARE FACEBOOK GROUP

will receive the great package above

(see image) as well as a very personal poem 

to become the lead in to enhance all the hard work you have done.

To join the 

COUNTY CLARE FACEBOOK GROUP

click on the link above.

If you have already clicked Like on 

HERITAGE FAMILY HISTORY SCRAPBOOKING

you will receive an extra bonus of five free tags.

Will you be the 1,00th member or will it be a friend if you are already a member?

Best of luck...

QUESTIONNAIRE/GENEAMEME RESPONSES

Recently, I posted the following questions...  at

http://astheywere.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/wanted-few-moments-of-your-time.html

I was gratified that so many took the time to respond. As promised, here is a selection of the responses... If these inspire you to add your own responses, it is never too late...


1. What is the most important detail you want to find about your  ancestors?

2. Do you buy certificates?

3.  Do you belong to a paid subscription site, if so, which one/s?

4. What has been your 'best' find?

5. Who is your favourite ancestor and why?

6. What are you looking for on a regular basis? 

7. Do you belong to any genealogy group, or family history society?

8. Do you belong to any Facebook or other social media genealogy groups? Would you join if there was one available?

9. Have you ever volunteered to transcribe, index etc.? Would you be interested in doing so? 

10. What is your personal reason for being involved with genealogy/family history?

RESPONSES

I won't repeat all the answers that you can find in Comments on the original post, however I will select various answers from all who posted responses on their own blogs...

 Those who blogged answers were...

 Helen Smith

http://helenvsmithresearch.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/in-answer-to-crissoulis-request.html

Julie Goucher

http://anglersrest.blogspot.com/2013/10/genealogy-questionnaire.html

Catherine Crout-Habel

 http://caiteile.com/2013/10/10/a-few-moments-in-time/

Jill Ball

http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/a-geneameme-from-crissouli.html

ScotSue

http://scotsue-familyhistoryfun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/wanted-few-moments-of-your-time.html

Alona Tester

http://www.lonetester.com/2013/10/crissoulis-geneameme-my-responses/

Kim Aubrey

http://kkgenealogy.com/moments-time/

Pauleen Cass

http://cassmob.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/as-they-were-questionnaire-on-family-history/

 Caitlin Gow

My response is here 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ZFfxG-kto 

If I have missed anybody, please let me know. You can still participate at any time... perhaps you didn't see this first time round.

There were some anonymous responses, which is fine. If you would like to add your name or any further comments, please do so in the comments or reply options.



1. What is the most important detail you want to find about your  ancestors?

Learning more about ancestral lives was the most common answer, in various forms... but also understanding the history of the times they lived in.


2. Do you buy certificates?


The most common answer was simply 'yes'. Note the various answers where some hints were given such as getting marriage certificates from parish registers and using transcription agents.


3.  Do you belong to a paid subscription site, if so, which one/s?


The well known sites such as Ancestry and Find My Past were mentioned, as also were sites such as My Heritage, The Genealogist and and Origins... 



4. What has been your 'best' find?



Most common answer was 'everything'...

Alona had two, they made me smile at her obvious delight, so I am reposting them here in full...

"I can say that there’s two ‘best finds’ that REALLY stand out. One was the obituaries for  my 4x great grandma Charlotte Trewartha (nee Phillips) and her husband Samuel Trewartha in a small town newspaper in New Jersey. You can find details of these obits in a post I did earlier.
And the other was receiving a parcel from the Helsinki Archives which was packed with information on my great grandpa Otto Winter. Including his school reports, a sketch of the house he grew up in, and copy of a diary entry from a ships log saying when he jumped ship in England. I was floored by what was included.
And both of these ‘finds’ had me happy dancing for weeks." 

Enjoy the dance with her...


Pauleen said..

The latest snippet of discovery? But if we're talking about pivotal finds, then the church record of my George Kunkel and MaryO'Brien.

I posted about why it was so important here. 

Or perhaps actually finding Mary O’Brien from County Clare.

5. Who is your favourite ancestor and why?





Julie Goucher thinks along my lines... to quote..." It does not matter if they had done remarkable things or were basic and down to earth people, they all have their place."


Helen Smith nominated George Howard Busby as a 'colourful 
character'... follow Helen's link to see why.

Jill Ball made me smile and made me curious by her response.
"Elizabeth Phipps, the convict. I would love to know which of her partners is my direct ancestor."  I have one or two like that as well.


6. What are you looking for on a regular basis?


Scott Sue responded in part "Easy to answer - the birth certificate of my maternal grandmother. Alice Danson, nee English, who died when I was a baby. .  Her marriage certificate and death certificate confirm her birth year as 1884..." go to her blog to read the rest.


7. Do you belong to any genealogy group, or family history society?


Most people said they did belong to at least one organisation, but not all. The most common answer was their local Family History Group, which makes a lot of sense as they have resources often not found elsewhere.


8. Do you belong to any Facebook or other social media genealogy groups? Would you join if there was one available?



Mixed responses here again...some hesitate to be involved via social media, others embrace it fully. It's a matter of personal choice. From personal experience, I have found the Facebook groups to be very popular and helpful... I would say that as an admin for the Co Clare group, but the amount of local knowledge that can be found is incredible. I love nothing more than to read comments such as " my granny's best friend was your granny" or similar.  


9. Have you ever volunteered to transcribe, index etc.? Would you be interested in doing so?


Where would we be without volunteers... surprisingly, people often say they don't volunteer, they just correct articles on Trove or similar. That is a great service... and is definitely in the realms of volunteering. Then again, if ever you feel the need or desire to transcribe, I can always point you in the right direction, one that suits you.




10. What is your personal reason for being involved with genealogy/family history?


Catherine wrote in detail, but I empathise with the beginning of answer...  "For me it’s about knowing who you are, where you come from and what the forces are that shaped you."

Kim Aubrey said it slightly differently...  "A never ending quest to discover my roots and to learn just what makes my DNA tick."