Irish Parish Registers Records Are Digitized, Going Online National Library and Catholic Church Combine to Give Joy to Researchers —-Zoe Von Ende Lappin

Volume'16,'Number'2' Denver,'Colorado' April,'May,'June'2015' '

! Irish Parish Registers Records Are Digitized, Going Online National Library and Catholic Church Combine to Give Joy to Researchers —-Zoe von Ende Lappin

! Good news for researchers working in Ireland: All Roman Catholic parish records in custody of the National Library in Dublin are being digitized and will be online this summer. They will be accessible free at a dedicated website on your home computer, and the URL will be announced as the launch date nears. The Catholic Church in Ireland and the library, at times overwhelmed by family historians – mostly Americans – trying to trace their families have agreed that digitizing was the best route. What’s more, the microfilms had become so worn that they were in danger of becoming useless. The registers cover 1,091 parishes starting as early as 1740, though many begin much later or are incomplete, and end in the 1880s. They record mostly baptisms and marriages with a few deaths. Baptisms name the child and his or her parents, sometimes including the mother’s maiden name, and usually the sponsors (godparents). Marriages name the bride and groom, sometimes identify the parents and usually name the witnesses. Later parish records are supplemented by civil registration of births, marriages and deaths starting in 1864 for Catholics. Until now, the only online access has been though a paid site, www.rootsIreland.ie, though researchers could use the microfilm without charge at the National Library or at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City (and branches), which owns microfilm of about 30 percent of the Irish RC parish registers. This good news of free access has been a long time coming. The not-so-good news is that for now at least, there’ll be no index. What you’ll see on the screen is just what you see when you’re looking at the microfilm. Therefore, you’ll have to be content with browsing via parish name or use the limited indexing systems now available. These include the Householders Index (Griffith’s Valuation and Tithe Applotments) plus online sites. The latter include www.rootsIreland.ie (free indexing up to a point) or www.Irishgenealogy.ie which offers free church record transcriptions for a select number of parishes, both Catholic and Protestant. For instance, using both of those two online indexes, I learned that Bernard Reilly and Mary Doyle registered baptisms of at least two children, one in each of two RC parishes in Dublin. Both times, the names of both parents were recorded. In other baptismal records, it appears that this Mary’s surname was omitted, for I’ve come upon several baptisms of children belong to John and Mary Reilly. –Continued on page 22

www.wise&fhs.org, W.I.S.E. Words 20 !! April, May, June 2015

a brick wall. I also learned that research can be frustrating and if you're like me, the desire President’s Message to overcome can consume the moment. This is particularly true of moments that are important to the rest of your family and especially your

spouse. Isn't it ironic that researching your past When I accepted the nomination for president of could have a serious detrimental affect on your the W.I.S.E. Family History Society I somehow marital future? overlooked the fact that I would be expected to write a president's message for our quarterly news- One of the most significant discoveries I've made letter. A review of messages by past presidents to in my family history research was learning that I'm gain inspiration made the task seem even more not who I thought I was. I'm sure that, during your daunting. After all, I'm expecting to have to write research, many of you have come across what can a “message” - you know, something short and only be described as a proverbial skeleton in sweet. Instead, I find messages that should be the closet. Mine is my paternal second great- more appropriately defined as a missive. As a rela- grandmother, Ellen Turner. She was one of the tive newcomer to family history research I found younger daughters of William Turner and Ellen myself pondering, “Where am I going to come up (Wilson) Turner, who were blessed with ten chil- with content that will be substantive and of interest dren. At this juncture, I feel compelled to point out to our members?” and, “If only I could write as that considering her soon to be revealed indiscre- much as I can talk.” tions, it's a little disturbing that her Christian name, although different from mine, sounds the The importance I attach to family history research same. Anyway, I digress – so, back to my point. is probably best characterized by the brief article Ellen had two sons, Levi, my paternal great- “Our Heritage and Identity,” which I wrote in grandfather, and Simeon, his older brother. De- 2012 and is still posted on our WISE-FHS web- spite extensive research I was unable to identify site's welcome page. I personally hadn't realized their father(s). My breakthrough came when I just how important it was until my parents and eventually found Levi's and Simeon's birth record their generation had almost completely passed on the Cheshire BMD (Birth, Marriage and Death) from my life and into history. The realization website. My earlier research had been hampered came to me in the spring of 2008 when I visited by the fact that Simeon's name had been entered my mother at her home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, as Simon on the few resource documents available England. She appeared healthy and in good spirits, on the Internet. Unfortunately, neither of their although she had lung cancer and had accepted the fathers' names was included in birth records. fact that her life's light was dwindling fast. Having So, I had no choice but to take a chance and pur- been blessed with the opportunity to spend some chase copies of their birth certificates from the quality time together, we made the best of it. That Macclesfield Registration Office. I was surprised, included spending valuable time probing the dis- but not unexpectedly so, that Ellen was not tant reaches of her mind to reveal family history married when she gave birth to Levi and Simeon. facts that, once she was gone, would be lost forev- Levi was the fortunate one in that his father was er. Sadly, her brightly shining light in this world identified as Samuel Webb, a farmer in Bollin Fee was extinguished on November 4, 2008. The fol- (Wilmslow), Cheshire. Simeon was less fortunate lowing day was Guy Fawkes Day in Britain, with with his father being listed as unknown. Clearly, its traditional bonfires and fireworks. I like to Ellen may have been a woman of questionable think of that particular day as more of a loud and moral character when she was young. It is of some colorful celebration of my mother's life rather than comfort to know that she eventually did get mar- the demise of a notorious character, who in ried to a man named James Blythin in 1852. There today’s world, would be defined as a terrorist. is no record of them having any children. Ellen I learned quickly the addictive nature of family died in 1877 and was laid to rest with her husband history research and the seductive pleasure derived in her parents’ family vault at St. Bartholomew from success, particularly when you overcome Parish Church, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England.

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So by now you will have realized that Ellen named genealogy and family history are synonymous. I both of her sons using her maiden name, Turner. think the jury's still out on that. What I do know is Thus, I'm not who I thought I was – I should actu- that it's important to not only gather family statis- ally be Allan Webb and Samuel is my paternal tics such as names, dates of birth, marriage and 2nd great-grandfather. death, etc., but to support that information My most recent family history research involves with stories that makes each of them stand my father's career in World War II, when he out as individuals. served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) I encourage each of you to consider sharing your assigned to No. 61 Squadron, RAF Bomber Com- research accomplishments with the rest of our mand, from 1940 until 1943. My focus has been members at our monthly membership meetings. on an operational mission to locate and sink an Be proud of breaking down those brick walls and Altmark Class tanker along the north Coast of other challenging research barriers you have over- Spain in the Bay of Biscay, which occurred on or come. Let us all know how you did it. Your expe- about August 19, 1942. Events during the incident rience may help us identify “best practices” resulted in the tragic loss of four Avro Lancasters research methods that we can all benefit from. and 28 aircrew members. My father's Lancaster —Allan M. Turner! was badly damaged by flak from the ship during this incident but he managed to return it and his crew safely to its base at RAF St. Eval near Membership Report Newquay in Cornwall, England. Descriptions of —Sandy Breed the incident published in various books since that time have incorrectly identified the tanker as the Welcome to those who joined the W.I.S.E. Family SS Corunna. Based on my research, I have con- History Society recently: firmed that the tanker involved was in fact the December: Barbara Bloom Troßschiff (Supply Ship) Uckermark that had pre- Tracy Evanko viously been named the Altmark. Its claim to fame Lynda and Jim Higley was as a supply ship to the German Navy's Pocket January : Diana Copsey and Edwin Adams! Battleship, the Admiral Graff Spee. It heavily damaged three British cruisers, the HMS Exeter, Ajax and Achilles in the Battle of the River Plate, Treasurer’s Report which took place on December 13, 1939 in the —Laurie Ramos River Plate estuary off of the coast of Argentina and Uruguay in South America. There is much Beginning cash as of December, 31, 2014 more to this story that I would be more than will- savings $ 5,385.04 ing to share at a future membership meeting. I'm in checking $ 5,187.57 the process of finalizing a research paper that I total $10,572.61 have agreed to share with the No. 50 and 61 Cash $ 50.00 Squadrons Association. For me, this was more Outstanding Deposits $ 198.00 than a routine family history research project. I Outstanding Checks $ -135.95 was driven by the desire to correct the historical Ending Balance record of this incident in order to provide closure as of January 22,2015 $10,684.66! and to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by 28 brave young men. And, here was I thinking that I would find it hard Volunteers Needed for the to come up with substantive content for my first 2015 Colorado Irish Festival president's message. I hope you did find it interest- —Bill Hughes ing and that it inspires you too, if you aren't already, complement your genealogy research with This 2015 Irish Festival will be held Friday, July research that delves into your family history. 10, to Sunday, July 12, at Clement Park, southeast There are many of you who believe that the terms of West Bowles Avenue and South Wadsworth

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Boulevard in Jefferson County. Newsletter Staff W.I.S.E. volunteers will be providing genealogy Newsletter Editor ...... Nyla Cartwright information and presenting several classes on Irish ...... [email protected] genealogy and history. Book Review Editor ...... Zoe von Ende Lappin We will need Volunteers - contact Bill Hughes, Technical Resource Editor ...... Vacant [email protected] or 303-989-8560. ! Proofreaders ...... Jack and Zoe von Ende Lappin Distribution Coordinator ...... Sue Clasen W.I.S.E. Family History Society Country Editors

W.I.S.E. Family History Society is dedicated to Wales ...... Nancy McCurdy research in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Ireland ...... Thyria Wilson Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Attention is also directed to the emigration and immigration of these Scotland ...... Diane Barbour peoples as well as heraldry and one-name studies. England ...... Elizabeth Marcheschi Monthly meetings are generally held the fourth Saturday of most months at the Central Denver Public In This Issue Library, 7th Floor. Membership is open to anyone with interest in family history and genealogy. Membership Irish Catholic Parish Registers Digitized ...... 19 dues for the calendar year are $12 for an individual or $15 for a family living at the same address. The President’s Message ...... 20 W.I.S.E. Family History Society publishes W.I.S.E. Membership Report ...... 21 Words four times per year, and a subscription is included with membership dues. Add $5 to the dues if you Treasurer’s Report ...... 21 want a printed copy of the newsletter mailed to you. © 2000-2015, W.I.S.E. Family History Society, 2015 Colorado Irish Festival ...... 21 P.O. Box 40658, Denver, CO 80204-0658 Annual General Meeting and Heirloom Sharing .. 23 All rights reserved. Visit our website at www.wise-fhs.org. Members’ Interests ...... 24

Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies ...... 24 Help Wanted ...... 24 Officers and Board Members Salt Lake City Research Trip ...... 25 President ...... Allan Turner Irish Immigration to North America ...... 25 ...... [email protected]! Local Family History Societies’ Resources ...... 27 Vice President ...... Sylvia Tracy-Doolos Scottish Land ...... 27 Secretary ...... Milly Jones From Cornwall to Colorado ...... 29 Treasurer ...... Laurie Ramos ! Book Reviews ...... 31 Past President ...... Barbara Fines Price! W.I.S.E. Program Schedule ...... 34 Membership ...... Sandy Breed! Members’ Interests Coordinator ...... Megan Koepsell! Publicity Coordinator ...... JoAnn DeFilippo! Irish Catholic Parish Registers Digitized Archivist ...... Elaine Osborn —Continued from page 19 CCGS Delegate ...... Bill Hughes When the site comes online, I will go to both of those parishes, and others that seem relevant, to Hospitality Coordinator ...... Roberta Dice search for additional children. These would be Webmaster ...... Allan Turner! ones that the original indexers missed or misinter- preted. I am hoping to find the baptismal record of Member-at-Large ...... Sandy Carter-Duff their daughter Esther Reilly who married into my

! W.I.S.E. Words 23 !! April, May, June 2015 family, had 12 children and is the progenitor of is typical of what you’ll see when the registers hundreds of people, all of them my cousins. come online.) I’ve been fortunate enough to use many of these Besides the lack of an index, for now at least, records on microfilm at both the FHL and in researchers will continue to be hampered by diffi- Ireland. Some are extremely difficult to read – the cult access to original records of non-conformist most difficult of any primary records I have used churches. Also, not all Catholic registers have in 30-plus years of research. Many are in Latin. It been microfilmed and are in the custody of appears that priests recording the events – bap- the National Library. It’s estimated that it owns 98 tisms, marriages and very few deaths – were trying percent of them. Still the project has been greeted to save paper, so they wrote in cramped handwrit- with boundless joy by all stripes of genealogists, ing to the edge of the page. Not all pages were family historians, librarians and archivists. dated. In short, this is a slog, requiring patience In announcing the project, Collette O’Flaherty, and willingness to hunker down till your eyes bug head of special collections at the National Library, out. A news release from the Nation Library re- called it “the most ambitious digitization project vealed that 390,000 digitized images have been in the history of the National Library of Ireland, produced from the microfilm. and our most significant-ever genealogy project.” She praised the Irish Catholic hierarchy for its role in preserving and sharing the registers. “The role of the (church) in creating and maintain- ing these records during some of the most turbulent times in Irish history must be acknowl- edged and praised,” she said. “The NLI has worked with the (church) to preserve these registers since the 1950s when we were initially invited to make microfilm copies. Now, in the 21st century – and in keeping with our aim of enhancing ac- cessibility through making our collections available online – we are delighted to embark on this project.” John Grenham, noted Irish researcher and writer, called the records “one of the greatest legacies of The accompanying example above shows bap- the Catholic Church in Ireland.” tisms (Bap at the left-hand side of the page) from Writing in the Irish Times, he held nothing back: the year 1794 in Darver/Dromiskin Parish in “It is almost impossible to overstate the im- County Louth. It is in Latin. The baptism that’s portance of what is about to happen. When the outlined discloses a fascinating bit of history: A Irish public service gets things right, it can get woman named Bridget Lappin (my and my husband’s surname) gave birth to an illegitimate them spectacularly, gloriously right.” " daughter, Bridget. She identified the father as Patrick Savage, which also is the name of my ancestor. The date, 1794, assures me that the father, Annual General Meeting Patrick, was not my ancestor, for mine was only 5 and Heirloom Sharing years old at the time. My Patrick was baptized in the same parish, however, so chances are this older W.I.S.E. held its general meeting on January 24, Patrick was a relative. The record includes the sad 2015. Allan Turner took the helm as president and note that the baby died. And I have no idea wheth- Laurie Ramos continued as treasurer. Both were er this Bridget Lappin is connected to my hus- elected by the membership in December. The 2015 band’s family. (This image was reproduced from budget prepared by Laurie Ramos was accepted by microfilm at the Family History Library and the members after it had been approved by the

! W.I.S.E. Words 24 !! April, May, June 2015 board of directors. An announcement was made Vital Statistics, was the speaker at the October that the board has voted to join three additional meeting and will be invited back to the next meet- genealogical societies. ing. This would be an opportunity to learn about the Colorado Office of Vital Statistics. Sylvia Tracy-Doolos announced that Roberta Dice has volunteered to take over the duties of the Pattie Apple was elected president and Bobbi King hospitality coordinator. as treasurer for 2015. Sylvia Tracy-Doolos presented the meaning of the CCGS volunteers will continue to set up and man “Knees up Tea”, so-called because it was a more booths representing all Colorado genealogy organ- informal setting than the British elite would have izations at the various national Genealogy Confer- for their teas. Sylvia also provided the tea to drink ences. They bring copies of W.I.S.E. Words with our snacks. Barbara Bloom, Zoe Lappin, Judy and our membership brochure along with the ma- McKemy, Hildy Morgan and Sandy Ronayne terials of the other state organizations at these shared their heirlooms and stories. ! the national conferences. If you are interested in volunteering at these national meetings, please contact (cocouncil.org). Members’ Interests CCGS is trying to develop the capacity to use the — Megan Koepsell GoToMeeting Webinar program to broadcast Just a reminder that if you have not yet submitted the various states’ genealogy presentations to or updated the surnames and countries you are all its members. If you have experience with researching, please submit the information to the GoToMeeting Program or similar Webinar Megan Koepsell at [email protected]. programs contact John Putnam, the Colorado Also, if you would like to share your latest geneal- Springs CCGS representative (cocouncil.org), or ogy breakthrough in five minutes or less at contact Bill Hughes at (303-989-8560) or an upcoming W.I.S.E. meeting, please contact [email protected].!" me to volunteer. !! Help Wanted Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies (CCGS) W.I.S.E. is seeking volunteers who can fill the —Bill Hughes following positions: CCGS is the umbrella organization for all the Technical Resource Editor: Writes quarterly Colorado genealogy associations and most of the articles for W.I.S.E. Words newsletter. The arti- Colorado genealogical associations are members. cles will give tips for genealogy research at British W.I.S.E. is a paying member of CCGS and all Isles websites and/or technical information for W.I.S.E. members are invited to come to the navigating these websites. Contact Allan Turner at four quarterly meetings. Along with the business [email protected] or Nyla Cartwright at meeting speakers now make presentations at [email protected]. the meetings. Country Representative for Each British Isles The various Colorado genealogy groups report on Country: W.I.S.E. is searching for four people their activities and identify any issues and con- who can organize fun activities and/or learning cerns. The CCGS website (cocouncil.org) contains experiences for those interested in each of a calendar listing most of the state's genealogical the individual countries. Contact Allan Turner meetings, activities and programs. at [email protected] CCGS’ remaining meeting schedule for 2015 is Associate Newsletter Editor: This is a new April 11, July 11 and October 10, all starting at 10 position. The position will support the newsletter a.m. at locations to be determined. editor and will provide a one year overlap for the purpose of becoming familiar with the editor’s Ron Hyman, director of the Colorado Office of duties. The associate newsletter editor will

! W.I.S.E. Words 25 !! April, May, June 2015 then replace the newsletter editor at the end of that in Ireland and other countries. There are many person’s term. Contact Allan Turner at records that can give clues as to ancestral homes [email protected] or Nyla Cartwright at in Ireland. [email protected]. Before 1820, ship records were normally deposit- Coordinator for W.I.S.E. Field Trip: W.I.S.E. ed at the port of arrival, not the port of departure. has selected the Western Museum of Mining Roots Ireland gives sources for Irish Passenger and Industry and a tea at Glen Eyrie Castle Lists at www.rootsireland.ie/index.php?id=71 and in Colorado Springs in June as this year’s annual an Irish Passenger Lists Research Guide is at field trip. This trip is dependent on a volunteer www.genealogybranches.com/irishpassengerlists/ who can make the arrangements. Contact U.S. Customs passenger lists date from 1820 Sylvia Tracy-Doolos at (720) 314-5213 or email and immigration passenger lists from 1883 are [email protected] for details.!"! in the National Archives. There are lists for the ports of Boston, New York, Baltimore, New Orleans and Philadelphia. These are indexed Salt Lake City Research Trip at www.Ancestry.com. —Sandy Breed Canada poses many challenges for genealogical research. Canadian sources are in the National and The annual research trip to the Family History Provincial Archives of Canada. Passenger lists did Library in Salt Lake City, sponsored by W.I.S.E., not start until 1865. There are civil records from will be held the week of October 11-18, 2015. It is 1851 to 1891 and some local census records from open to any W.I.S.E. member and guests who wish earlier years. The largest collection of records is in to visit the world's greatest genealogy library and the Ottawa National Archives. A good resource for work without interruption using online sources, Canadian research is Angus Baxter’s In Search of microfilms and books. The library offers world- Your Canadian Roots (3rd ed., 2000). Here Be class consultants to answer your questions as well Dragons! : Navigating the Hazards Found in as hundreds of computers, more than two million Canadian Family Research (1996) by the Ontario microfilms and books on four floors – all without Genealogical Society gives a short history of charge to the public. Remember – not everything Canada and relates additional information for is online and never will be. The research trip is a searching in Canada. The book suggests using the wonderful opportunity for first-time visitors as National Topographical Map Series 1:50,000 of well as the more seasoned. A get- 1950. In the book, the Ontario Society estimated acquainted luncheon will be held prior to the trip that 40 percent of passengers arriving in Canada and an optional orientation will be scheduled were bound for the United States, although for our first research day. Contact Sandy Breed most immigrants had to promise that they at [email protected] or 303-989-6442 for were settling in Canada. There was direct rail s more information.!" ervice from Montreal to New York and Portland, Maine. No lists of border crossings were required Irish Immigration until the U.S. Immigration act of 1891. The act excluded those suffering from “loathsome or to North America contagious diseases.” —Thyria Wilson In the late 1600s there was some Ulster-Scots Tracking down our Irish ancestors through their emigration into some eastern Canada settlements. journey to North America is not always easy. In 1760, Ulster Irish settled in lands that had be- There are no centralized records, but there are longed to Arcadians in Nova Scotia. The largest some books and online resources that can help our immigration from Scotland and Ireland to Atlantic search. A great resource for Irish research is colonies was from 1815 to 1850. Irish immigration Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: The Complete th occurred in New Brunswick in the 1830s. Famine Guide (4 ed., 2012) by John Grenham. He emigrants settled farms and towns of Upper and provides an extensive bibliography for researching Lower Canada in the thousands. Most immigrants

! W.I.S.E. Words 26 !! April, May, June 2015 were suffering from disease and poverty and some After the British defeated the French, Irish immi- were sent to quarantine camps. Many Irish immigration to Canada increased. By 1753, there were grants crossed over to the United States as soon 5,000 Irish Catholics out of a total population of as they could. My Moolick and Doyle families 13,000 in Newfoundland. Halifax, Nova Scotia, were somewhere in Canada in 1845 and settled had 1,000 Irish out of a population of 3,000 by in Schenectady, N.Y., by 1850. It was cheaper 1759. Irish from Northern Ireland began settling in to sail on British ships to Canada, but passenger Canada in substantial numbers in 1817. The Irish deaths were almost four times the number of went to Prescott, Kingston and York (Toronto). deaths on American ships. The British ships After the famine of 1822, there were a number of were known as “coffin ships”. Paul Milner’s talk group settlements. Thomas Talbot settled 20,000 and article on Irish Emigration to North America: Irish from Tipperary in the Lake Erie region. Peter Before, During, and After the Famine (2011) Robinson settled Irish Catholics from County Cork on FamilySearch discusses the reasons for emigra- in the Peterborough area. By the mid-1800s, more tion, immigration patterns during various Irish were in Canada than English and Scots. time periods and clues the immigrants’ settlement During the Great Famine years (1845-1851) there patterns can give for origins in Ireland. There were Irish coming into Canada through the were five waves of emigration during the Late Co- quarantine stations at Grosse Isle near Quebec and lonial Period (1717-1783). In the early years, Partridge Island near Saint John, New Brunswick. drought and evictions due to “rack-renting” caused emigration from the Bann and Boyle River valleys in Ulster to Boston and then to New England, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. During later colonial waves, Philadelphia became the primary entry port. In 1740 there was a famine in Ireland that killed 400,000. From Pennsylvania, immigrants went into the Great Valley, into the Shenandoah and into the frontiers of North and South Carolina. From 1771 to 1775, there was “rack-renting” and mass evictions that sent Presbyterians to the frontier of America. There was major movement through the Cumberland Gap into Appalachia. By the Revolu- tion, Paul Milner estimated, half of Ulster had crossed the Atlantic and one in seven of the U.S. Crowd gathers at Grosse Isle at a memorial erected in colonists were Ulster-Irish. Irish Anglicans, 1909 in memory of Irish immigrants who died. Catholics and Quakers also came during the New York City became the primary port of Colonial period. entry into the United States. From 1845 to 1855, There was increased tension in Ireland during 1.5 million Irish came to the United States the pre-famine years (1783 to 1845) and a down- and 340,000 came to British North America. Some turn in the woolen trade. In 1801, the Irish already in the U.S. began using the term United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was “Scots-Irish” to distinguish themselves from the created. Immigration started again after the Amer- multitude of poor and uneducated Irish. Even Irish ican Revolutionary War with 5,000 emigrants Catholics who had come earlier used the term. from Ulster and 1,000 from Dublin in 1783. In the From 1851 to 1891, four million Irish emigrated, following years, there were approximately 5,000 most from west Munster (Kerry, Cork, and Clare) immigrants per year with continued movement and some from Leitrim and Galway counties into the Carolinas, but also into Tennessee, Ken- in Connaught. During the Civil War, the Union tucky and Ohio. By 1803, there was a drop in the Army sent recruiters to Ireland and recruiters Irish immigrant numbers to around 2,000 per year. signed up other Irish as they got off the boats.

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After the famine, many Irish came over as part of left. The quarterlies I donate are cataloged as chain migrations, particularly young women. G929.106 N815 and start with 2005. Irish migration may be difficult to track before The Northumberland and Durham Family History 1851, but it can be done through diligence and by Society (NDFHS) are jointly based in Newcastle understanding the push factors in Ireland and the and Durham, Ireland. The quarterlies are similar to settlement patterns in the United States. " those of the NIFHS and are cataloged as G929.34288 J826. Issues start with 1991. Local Family History Societies’ While checking out my facts for this article I found family history society quarterlies at DPL Resources at DPL for other localities of the United Kingdom. The — Sandy Carter-Duff ones for Essex County, England, caught my eye as I browsed the shelves. I also saw the quarterlies The name of our society is the Wales, Ireland, of Scotland. Scotland and England (W.I.S.E.) Family History Society. The phrase, “family history society,” If you are a member of a United Kingdom Family gives the impression that we are another branch of History Society and are donating your quarterlies the Federation of Family History Societies in the to Denver Public Library, we thank you. UK. We're not, but that's another story to be told Next time you're at the library for a W.I.S.E. meet- by someone else. ing or for research, look at these publications. At the January 2015 meeting, the board voted to Check out the DPL catalog in advance pay dues and join the Federation of Family History so you know what is there and where to find it – Societies (FFHS). I think of the FFHS as being and have fun. "! like the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) in the USA, which holds an annual confer- ence and promotes the strengthening of state Scottish Land and local society boards and programs and —Diane Barbour PLCGS promotes the preservation of records such as the War of 1812 pensions. If you visit the FFHS website, As seen in our last article on Scottish land, David I http://www.ffhs.org.uk, you can get a lot of infor- of Scotland introduced feudalism into Scottish mation including how to connect with local family land distribution. We ended up with a pyramid history societies all over the United Kingdom. type of distribution. Looking somewhat like this: You can also find out how to join a local family God history society in an area from which your | ancestors came. Among other things, there is a King | National Burial Index and Research Tips. Nobles &Lords I happen to belong to two of these local family /\ Vassals Vassals history societies and I donate the quarterly publi- /\ /\ cations to the collection at the Denver Public Li- Lesser Vassals Lesser Vassals brary Western History and Genealogy Department. The division ended when the plots of land were The North of Ireland Family History Society so small that they could no longer be divided. (NIFHS) is based in Belfast. The quarterly features Inheritance was by our old friend primogeniture. articles on local resources and publications and The oldest son inherited his father’s landholdings. informs readers of society projects. And like local This went on until 1868 in Britain. When there quarterlies with which we're familiar, you will was no son, it was distributed according to a set of sometimes find articles of family history. I'm sure laws covering this situation. This was discussed in they would welcome articles on our families who my earlier series on inheritance.

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In order to prevent any one lord or noble attaining out his approval. Possibly, there would be a verbal so much power that he would overthrow the gov- announcement and then a written charter would ernment, law and order was taken away from the make it legal. Trade was strictly controlled. There landowners and kept by a system of sheriffs. The could be different kinds of burghs: lairds, as the lords were called in Scotland, were • Royal, which were created by the king or his administrative, not the police or judiciary. The royal house. sheriffs occupied castles all around the country. • Ecclesiastical burghs in the control of a church There were also forces of men attached to these leader existing between 1124 and 1450. sheriffs. In cases of emergency several sheriffs and • Burghs of Barony granted to owners of land that their forces could be brought together to quell any was acquired directly from the king. They were given various trading rights but few of these outbreaks or civil disobedience. In the movie eventually became market towns. They existed Braveheart, it was the evil sheriff who sent between 1450 and 1846. William Wallace off on his journey to infamy. • Burghs of Regality again given to leading lairds. David also gave land to churches and monasteries. They had more jurisdictional rights giving them He saw the church as responsible for religion, control over many things. learning, agriculture, arts and social services. In The document that actually transfers the land from other words, they were responsible for taking care the king or laird to another owner is called a char- of the poor by administering almshouses, hostels ter. There are various types of charters but they and hospitals. The Cistercians were in charge of were similar in what they recorded. They began agriculture and given lands for agricultural re- with an introduction that included the names of search. The Dominicans and Augustinians were witnesses, what kind of charter it was and why the also brought into the country. land was being transferred. Next there would be a land description and the tenure under which it is being held. The terms by which the buyer (vassal) could use the land and payments or duties returned to the king or laird were also laid out in this document. Sometimes it included a brief history of the land. If the vassal defaulted on his end of the bar- gain, he could lose his property or land. It would be returned to the control of his superior. If the king or laird defaulted, the vassal had the right to appeal to an appointed body agreed upon by both parties. When a vassal wanted to sell a piece of land to another buyer, it technically went back to the superior and a new charter would be drawn up Pictured above are the ruins of Melrose Abbey, for the new buyer. Amendments could also be one of the first Cistercian monasteries built by made to a charter. There is a whole list of Latin David. It still stands today in the Scottish Border terms used to describe these processes. I am not region. On one of my trips to Scotland we spent going to list them all here. If you are interested in a great deal of time in this region and I had an this list, refer to my source information at the end opportunity to walk through the grounds and of this article. see the outline of Melrose where these men lived Where do you find these charters? If the king and worked. There are several ruins in this region granted them they were recorded in the Registry of of Scotland. the Great Seal of Scotland. Abstracts and indexes Burghs were established for local and foreign have been printed in nine volumes by the Scottish trade. These were small towns or cities. A burgh government for the period 1314-1668. They can be could be an already existing town or it could be found at the General Register House in Edinburgh. built from scratch. A castle and small town around Amazingly, they are online at Ancestry.com. Who it would be erected in a new place. It had to have says that Ancestry doesn’t have everything online? the blessing of the king and could not exist with- Better polish up your Latin because they are

! W.I.S.E. Words 29 !! April, May, June 2015 in Latin. Just for kicks I entered my Barbour sur- indexing can be spotty so check with name and got four hits, one of which was from www.nas.gov.uk/guides/sasines.asp for a list of Dumbarton, where my Barbour family came counties that have been indexed. These were from. I then entered my grandmother’s surname, abolished about 1868 but with all new laws Hamilton, and there were more hits for that name. some continued up until 1871. In one document it looked to me like it was the • General Registers included transactions for land complete history of the owners of the land. Char- in more then one county. They could be recorded in Edinburgh at the General Register. These ters may also be found in the Registry of the Privy are indexed for the periods 1617-1735 and Council. The charters for the middlemen or subject also 1781-1868. Again in 1868 these were elim- superiors who sold their land are much harder to inated as the Land Register Act reformed the find. Some are at the National Records of Scotland whole system. or in local libraries. Many are still in the hands of • Burgh Registers of Sasines. All 66 of the private owners and many have been lost. National royal burghs could have their own registers. Archives of Scotland has a guide on the privy seal These usually only contained the original at http://www.nas.gov.uk/guides/privySeal.asp. medieval part of the royal burgh. These registers were also abolished in the 20th century The final part of most charters is about actually at various times. Most have been deposited at transferring of the land. The superior would draw the National Records of Scotland excluding up a precept of sasine (rhymes with raisin) with Glasgow and pre-1809 registers for Aberdeen written instructions allowing for the actual transfer and Dundee. of the land. Originally the seller would physically Advice in one of my sources said it often could be hand a clump of dirt from the land in question and wise to check all three registers. hand it to the buyer. The townsfolk would witness it. From the 16th and 17th century the recording of So much to learn, so little time. I hope you have such transfers is in registers. From that time on it enjoyed this little journey. Next time we will talk is easier to look for the instrument of sasine in- about where to find these documents and some stead of the charters. This document confirms the map resources for Scotland. completion of the transaction. It will include: Source list: • Description of land being conveyed including a Course 10: Scottish Genealogical Research, 2013 Syllabus, description of which properties existed north, Samford University Institute of Genealogy and Historical southeast and west of it. Here is your Research (Birmingham, Alabama: IGHR session 1TH). FAN principle. Chris Paton, Discover Scottish Land Records, (Australia: • It may include information about other family Unlock My Past, 2012). members if they were involved in the transac- Wikipedia, “The Great Seal of Scotland,” tion including executors, trustees and witnesses. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Seal_of_Scotland: ac- • Can be in Latin and in archaic handwriting. cessed 11 February 2015). Check out a tutorial on old handwriting at National Archives of Scotland has a guide on the privy seal at www.scottishhandwriting.com. http://www.nas.gov.uk/guides/privySeal.asp ! Prior to the 16th century notaries public recorded records of sasines in protocol books. Few of these From Cornwall to Colorado remain. Attempts to register sasines were made in — Elizabeth Marcheschi! 1540 and 1587, but it wasn’t until 1599 that the Secretary’s Register came into existence. These Anyone with knowledge of the people of ceased to be used after 1609. Records from only Cornwall, England, would grasp why the Cornish seven of the 17 districts have survived. In 1617 the came to Colorado - the geology. Or as A.K. county was required to keep its own registers and Hamilton Jenkin wrote in his book, The Cornish from the 1660s they became fairly comprehensive. Miner, “Wherever in the world there’s a hole in There were three types of registers. the ground at the bottom of it you’ll find a Particular Registers: from 1617 to 1868 • Cornishman searching for metal.” It has long been each county had its own registers for transactions occurring within that county. These ingrained in the Cornish blood to look for a bit of are indexed from 1781-1868, but before that the shiny stuff in the ground.

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Long before the Romans came to the British Isles, discoveries in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, the people of Cornwall were poking around, dig- New York, the Virginias, Nevada and, of course, ging in their mineral-laden soil and inventing ways California. They had not been mining only gold of digging deeper. Colorado’s vast geological but coal, lead, silver, copper and nearly any other diversity would have drawn the Cornish eventual- gem or mineral that could be dug from the ground. ly, but it was their expertise, honed over the mil- While these Cornish filled the new mining towns, lennia, that made them valuable when silver, gold they were known as a clannish lot. They possessed and other valuable minerals were discovered in characteristics that descendants love, but traits that Colorado. After all, finding a vein was one thing, irritated their co-workers and neighbors. Unlike but extracting from uplifted, twisting, turning de- other groups, they often left their wives and chil- posits deep in the ground called for the world’s dren back in Cornwall, so instead of leaving the experts, the Cornish. While one might imagine proceeds from their labors in Colorado most of that these mining experts came directly from their money flowed back to Cornwall, irritating England, and likely even directly from Cornwall, those in the retail trade from shop keepers to sa- this would be in many cases incorrect. loon keepers. Cornwall was a Celtic land that had Long before Colorado was a state, prospecting had closer ties to Wales (just across the Celtic Sea, a begun. As early as 1806, Zebulon Pike, of Pike’s quick trip in a boat), Brittany (a quick trip across Peak fame, heard a rumor about gold being found the English Channel), Ireland and Scotland than to near South Park. Later, miners on their way to England. At the most southern tip of the UK, California’s Gold Rush tried panning the South Cornwall was largely cut off from most of Platte River for gold. The small amounts that re- England save Devonshire and Bristol. Over the sulted must have been so paltry that they contin- centuries, the Cornish developed a reputation for ued on to California anyway. Had they remained being clannish to the point that they referred to to further prospect, or had Pike followed up on the one another as cousins, which considering the iso- tip about gold, Colorado’s mining history might lation of Cornwall is fairly accurate. Yet, they had have begun much earlier. Instead, it began in 1859 another irritating trait. They would work long with news of gold found in what was called “the enough to build up enough money to buy into a Pike’s Peak Gold Rush.” This was actually a mis- claim and when they did, they partnered with other nomer, as Pike’s Peak was the closest landmark. Cornishmen – becoming owners rather than work- The actual location was in what we now know as ers. Being so tightly knit, they hired amongst their Englewood, Colorado. This led to more discover- own. Every Cornishman had a “Cousin Jack,”! as ies and Colorado’s boom was just beginning. men were called, or a “Cousin Jennie,”! who When Colorado’s geological discoveries were was married to a Cousin Jack. It was said that they found, the Cornish geologists, engineers, smelters, had a communication system that was second and miners were just as often recruited from other to none. If a job popped up, the Cornish from states or even other countries for their expertise, coast-to-coast knew about it long before other na- rather than coming from other places in England, tionalities. This thoroughly irritated the other Wales and Ireland (yes, Ireland as they had been groups who had trickled in as word of more employed in the mines in places such as West strikes in Colorado spread. Cork) or from their native Cornwall. Those who “By Tre, Pol, and Pen, we will know most came from Cornwall were of a group whose exper- Cornishmen,” is an ancient saying that is linked tise had kept them employed as mines played out to some of the oldest names in Cornwall. In in Cornwall or who were educated in mining Colorado, while it was still a territory, Cornish and engineering. names began to appear. Flipping through the old Initially, they came for the first strike but soon censuses we can glean names such as Trethewy, after, when news of new finds began popping up Trevais, Trenhale, Tremaine, Tremethick, Treloar, throughout the soon-to-be Centennial State, they Polglase, Pollard, Penrose, Penhall, Pendrase, were recruited to lend their expertise. Many of the Pendarvis and Pentire. But those are just a Cornish were already in America, drawn by earlier sampling that goes by that ancient verse. Others

! W.I.S.E. Words 31 !! April, May, June 2015 changed the history of Colorado forever. and stepchildren and came to Central City in 1886 Names such as Argall, Vivian, Gregory, Oates, in hopes of creating a temperance hall to steer Floyd, Waters, Bowden, Bray, Fox, Pascoe, miners away from saloons. Shortly after arrival, Curnow, Chenoweth, Chellew, Hicks, Hocking, he found that this would in no way support Hosking, Henwood, Lobb, Moyle, Rickard, his large family and his temperance hall became Clemens and Mitchell poured into places such as a hotel that family and friends, Cornish and Leadville, Blackhawk, Idaho Springs, Central otherwise, kept afloat. His children and family City, Clear Creek, Silverton, Pueblo, Caribou, soon married into Colorado families, and populat- Boulder, Telluride and Cripple Creek, just to ed Denver, Littleton, and much of Colorado name a few. Those with more common names and New Mexico. such as Thomas, Collins, Richards, Bennett, Others, such as John Charles Vivian, were of Williams and Pearce joined them, leaving their marks. Cornish descent, but were born in Colorado and became exceptional examples of what Colorado’s education system can produce. Born in Golden in 1887, he graduated from the University of Colorado and later received his law degree from the University of Denver. He went on to become Colorado’s 30th governor in 1942. Finally, on a somber note, it is important to remember those who contributed to part of Colorado’s saddest history. Fourteen-year-old Steven Curnow was avid soccer player, a young man fascinated by his Cornish heritage and was Cornish miners in 1891 at the Stanley mine the youngest member of the Cornish American in Idaho Springs. Heritage Society. Curnow also the youngest stu- Of them, a few notables stand out, such as Richard dent killed at Colorado’s Columbine High School Pearce, born in 1837 in Barrippa, a hamlet in 1999. near Camborne in Cornwall, England. He went to The names and histories go on and on, filling work in the mines as a teen but his abilities soon books with tales of coming to Colorado and set- showed themselves. He was educated at the tling the Centennial State. While a clannish lot, Royal Institution at Truro and later, in London. they have become so immersed in the Colorado’s From there, in 1865, he was recruited to work just mainstream society that few recognize their across the Celtic Sea, in Swansea, Wales. He came Cornish heritage, or the impact that the Cornish to Colorado in 1871 and returned to England. In had in Colorado. However, when glancing through 1872, he returned to Central City with his family, the history of Colorado, or paging through bringing along trusted Cornish workers from the censuses, you might remember to look for Wales. Later, moving to a large home in Denver, Cornish names. !! he was noted for his hospitality and his welcoming attitude for his “Cousin Jacks.” His inventions have been hailed as both expanding and saving the Book Reviews Colorado mining business. Not every Cornishman who came to Colorado was directly involved in the mining trade. Some, such The Welsh Marches and King Offa’s Dyke as Richard Ellis Floyd, born the 21st of March in Ellis Peters and Roy Morgan, Strongholds and 1839 in Perranuthnoe, Cornwall, England, came Sanctuaries: The Borderland of England and for other reasons. Having been twice widowed in Wales, Stroud, Gloucestershire:!Sutton Publishing Cornwall, and a devout believer in temperance, he Ltd, 1993. married once more, then packed up his children

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The separation of Wales and England and creation long period a boundary between two kinds of of Wales as a separate nation is a ripping good Christianity. The Welsh clung to the old commun- story. This book brings to life the characters and ion of Celtic saints for a long time, and they kept stories – enhanced by beautiful evocative pictures their Celtic language and ancient customs long – that set one’s mind unto the breach. after the Romans retreated. The authors take us on a As the authors proceed from south to north, they journey along the border- describe each significant historical site in text and land between Wales and in photographs. For example: Ludlow, the pivotal England called the Welsh stronghold of the entire Marches, was a planned Marches. King Offa of village, the castle at the steep west end with Mercia, late in the eighth the river Teme below the wooded cliff at the east century, created a dyke (a end. During the War of the Roses, Ludlow dug canal) to delineate was one of the family homes of Richard of the border which runs for York and a strong base of the Yorkist cause. 80 miles from the Dee In October 1459 York’s forces were defeated at estuary in the north to the Battle of Ludford Bridge at the edge of the Chepstow on the Severn village, the village and castle plundered while his estuary in the south. son Edward, afterwards Edward IV, reached The dyke was a tremendous undertaking and must France by way of Devon. have employed armies of laborers to dig out and In later warfare, Henry VI had loyal Welsh adher- pile the earth ramparts. Traveling from the south at ents since the Tudor clan were kin to him – the Chepstow, medieval mysteries come to life. The king’s widowed mother secretly married a Tudor action leaps off the pages as the text and pictures and had sons by him. The course of events was describe the battles of claim and counterclaim, further entangled by the changing loyalties of Welsh risings and English attacks, siege and de- powerful men like the Earl of Warwick. After fense, capture and burnings. the Battle of Tewksburyin 1471, the descendants Some of our favorite historical people have of the Mortimer secured the English throne parts to play in the telling: Eleanor of Aquitaine, as Edward IV. Henry V, Richard III, Henry VIII, Llewellyn ap When Edward IV died in April of 1483, the new Griffiths, the Marcher earls, the Mortimers, child-king, Edward V, was in residence at Ludlow Edward II, who was the final conqueror of Wales castle with his younger brother. They set out for and the first Prince of Wales. London at the end of the month for a coronation Superb color photographs enrich the historical de- but were diverted by Richard of Gloucester into tails of remarkable landscapes and haunting re- the Tower and were never seen or heard from mains of castles, great cathedrals and abbeys. again. Presumably they were killed; their bodies These include Abergavenny Priory, Tintern were never found. Abbey, Powis Castle and Club, Arthur’s Stone, There is more, much, much more. See St. Mary’s Llewellyn’s Grave, The Black Mountains, The church in Shrewsbury founded in about 965 by Usk Valley and the Vale of Llangollen. King Edgar and the oldest religious foundation in References to the Marches from other literary Shrewsbury. And a serene picture that depicts the books are disbursed throughout the test. Excerpts spot on the River Severn where an oak tree grew from Afterglow and Nightfall and The Dragon at and where St. Augustine is said to have preached, Noonday romanticize an already thrilling tale. explainin that at the time of the Domesday Survey in the 11th century, the place was called The belt of land, the Marches, was created not by Christ’s Oak. agreement but was forced upon Wales by the for- midable England. Before the Norman Conquest in See what I mean? These are our ancestors, their 1066, the Marches of Wales were a legal and de- history and culture. fensive buffer zone between hostile races and for a —Nancy McCurdy!!

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Going Back to Yorkshire The Denver Public Library genealogy collection has received a donation of about two dozen books dealing with Yorkshire. Here is a sampling. The first two, set in the dales and moorlands of Yorkshire, are by a pair of “social historians.” The third is an exhaustive academic study of the great landowners of East Yorkshire over four centuries. Marie Hartley and Joan Ingilby, Life and Tradition in the Yorkshire Dales, 1968 with revisions; and Life and Tradition in the Moorlands of North-East Yorkshire, 1972, with revisions, both published in Otley, West Yorkshire: Smith Settle Ltd. While both books quote many people by name, These could be called “in the nick of time” and touch on families, there’s not much of genea- studies, for the authors/researchers/anthropologists logical interest beyond the abundance of place combed the two areas for names. Instead, these works of astounding intima- particulars of life in time cy with Yorkshire of yore will help fill out the gone by in close-knit rural family historian’s understanding of life in another communities where few time and another place. strangers deigned to tread. The research began in the Barbara English, The Great Landowners of East 1960s, and concentrated on Yorkshire 1530-1910, Howden, East Yorkshire: information gleaned in mu- Hull Academic Press, 1990. seums, private homes, pub- This one is intense, not for the newcomer to gene- lic archives and interviews. alogy and hard-going even for the most experi- It revealed remarkable details of life going back to th th enced. Still, landowners dominated English history the 16 and 17 centuries, ending around 1950 for hundreds of years and land was the principal when change became overreaching and fast. There point of power, so it’s worth a look. The landown- are hundreds of photographs, marvelous sketches ing class was more flexible that we generally be- of tools and implements, and each book is orga- lieve, and the members often had to manipulate nized by topics such as Cures on the Farm, Peat, their social environment to keep the land together. Folklore, Saddlers, Shoemakers and Cloggers. (Think Downton Abbey.) The author studied fami- The vernacular language can slow the 21st century lies in East Yorkshire (formerly East Riding) and American reader, but it casts a certain charm to the listed the 10 most prominent in 50-year intervals. narrative: “In the last century there lived on East Major family names from 1537 to 1900 include Moors a mole-catcher and his wife. He made be- Bamburgh, Bethell, Boynton, Broadley, Clifford, soms and bee skeps and kept bees for honey for- Constable, Dawnay, Denison, Dunbar, Elleker, sale, whilst his wife fashioned peggy sticks and Finch, Gee, Griffith, Hotham, Manners, Percy, pegs like Gypsies’ pegs.” They made those be- Ros, Strickland, St. Quintin, Sykes, Thompson, soms (brooms) and skeps (wicker baskets) out of Warton, Wenlock and Willoughby. If you recog- ling (dried heather). Pegs are wooden clothespins, nize any of those, this fully indexed volume may and making them once was a craft associated with advance your research. Gypsies. A sketch of a bee skep is pictured at the – Zoe von Ende Lappin! top of the next column.

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W.I.S.E. Program Schedule

March 28, 2015 1:30 p.m. Understanding the Anglican Church Denver Public Library Barbara Price! 7th Floor April 25 , 2015 1:30 p.m. Irish Miners in Leadville and Beyond Denver Public Library Dr. James Walsh! 7th Floor

May 23, 2015 The W.I.S.E. Way to Say Goodbye 1:30 p.m. Sylvia Tracy-Doolos Denver Public Library 7th Floor Sylvia will discuss the British Isles traditions and records surrounding death and burial.!

June 13, 2015 Field trip to Colorado Springs – Western Museum of Mining and Industry Tentative and tea at Glen Eyrie Castle.!

September 26, 2014 1:30 p.m. To be Announced! Denver Public Library 7th Floor

October 11-18, 2015 Annual Research Trip Family History Library Salt Lake City Please see details about joining research group on page 25. !

October 24, 2015 1:30 p.m. Understanding the British Army Denver Public Library Ed Storey! 7th floor