Need guidance in identifying family from Clare

Dear Lauren

When searching particularly for baptism/birth records you would generally search 5 years either side of a given year as the majority of people would not have known their correct date of birth or may not have been able to read or write. Birthdays were not celebrated as they are now either I suppose, so the date wasn't as significant, so just because it's 5 years out doesn't necessarily mean it isn't your ancestor : )

Did Mary have any siblings?

Mrs Doyle

Hello Mrs. Doyle,

Thank you so much for your quick reply! 

If the family I found in Roadford is the correct family, then she would have siblings!  The data I found for this (Roadford) family lists a son, Thomas, born in 1864, then Mary, born 1867, Bridget born 1869, James born 1871 and Anne born 1872.  I also found a possible step-sibling, Patrick, born in 1882 to the parents Thomas Maguire and Delia Nagle. 

I did find an Annie Maguire who lived in the same town in Massachusetts as Mary.  Again, the birth years are off, but they had the same parents names, so this information is encouraging.  Also, on a sad note, the Annie I found appears to have lost several children either at birth or at an early age.  I knew that I would find this in  my family history, as one of my cousins died from complications of Cystic Fibrosis, which is genetic and was historically diagnosed as pneumonia.

It seems that I should continue researching all the members of the family I have found until I have exhausted all options here on this side of the world.   I have never been to Ireland, but I very much want to go once I've figured out where my ancestors actually lived.  I am, for now, focusing my research on my great-grandmother and her family.  After that, I'll begin researching my great-grandfather, who was from Galway.

In addition to my geneology research, I am also doing general historical research of the time period (late 1800s to early 1900s).  I am working on a historical fiction story that will incorporate some of my ancestor's experiences.  If you have any suggestions for research materials, I will be sure to seek them out!

Conversely, if there is any information I can help you find in this area of the US (Northeast/New England), I'll be happy to help!

Thank you again!

Lauren Giesecke

Hi:

another good place to check is the Clare County Library website.  They have a lot of records for Clare ancestry.  In addition, you can access the 1901 and 1911 census records --the 1901 by surname and parish.  Their website is www.clarecountylibrary.ie/genealogy.  

You sound like you have a good bit to go in and the very best of luck!

kind regards,

Jane