Newspapers as a Source for Genealogical Research

1. Newspapers as a Source for Genealogical Research

2. The Drawbacks • Time consuming • Specific dates required • Limited to certain classes • Numerous publications for each town or area • Poor quality print

3. On a Positive Note • Digitisation makes research easier • Covers periods for which there are no other surviving records • If located can provide a wealth of information • Entertaining and informative, offering historical context to the lives of earlier generations.

4. Newspapers as a source for genealogical information • Births, death and marriage announcements • Advertisements • Trial reports • Overseas obituaries

5. Where to find newspapers • Online collections • Hardcopy collections • Abstracts and transcripts

6. Period covered by Irish Newspapers •   Began publication in the late 17th century. • Becomes useful for genealogical research from the 1750s. • Nature of newspapers change from the 1840s at the same time as other genealogical sources become more available. • By the late 19th century more and more of the population are reported in the Irish press

7. Who was recorded in Irish Newspapers • Wealthy class; gentry and professionals (doctors, solicitors, clergy) • Merchants, traders and wealthy farmers • Catholic merchant and middle class from the late 18th century • The local gentry, professionals, merchants and traders of the town in which the paper was published. Inhabitants of neighbouring towns were often included but not to the same extent • Announcements were copied from one paper to the next. Provincial announcements in the Dublin press and overseas announcements in the provincial press. • The difficulty is establishing where and when a piece of information may have been published.

8. Announcements The most useful genealogical source in newspapers are birth, marriage and death announcements. These are most significant for the period 1750 to 1860 as an alternative to parish registers which may no longer survive. Births Newspapers are rather disappointing for birth notices. These are usually the least informative announcements. They are sparse and often only refer to the wealthiest classes. They usually only record the name of the father:

9. Freeman's Journal on 16th September 1820: Births On the 18th instant, in Eccles Street, the Lady of Major Obins, of a daughter.

10. Marriage Notices Of far more value are marriage announcements, which were placed by a much wider section of the community and could be very informative. Marriage announcements usually included the names and addresses of the bride and groom and often the father of the bride, the church where the marriage took place and the name of the minister. Occupations could also often be recorded

11. Faulkner's Dublin Journal 2nd July 1763 Marriages. A few Days ago, at Headford, in the County of Galway, Mr. Luke Dodgeworth, to Miss Mary Mills of said Town – Mr. Richard Magan, an eminent Apothecary, in Skiane_ow, to Miss Millett, Daughter of Mr. Laurence Millett of the County of Kildare; a young Lady of fine Accomplishments and remarkable Sweetness of Temper. In the absence of Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic parish registers, marriage licence bonds or marriage settlements, marriage announcements in newspapers that date back to the mid 18th century are immensely valuable.

12. From the Southern Reporter 5th February 1818 The first announcement above indicates that the marriage took place in Douglas Church by the Rev. John Busteed, suggesting that this was a Church of Ireland marriage. Marriages from Cork, Clare and Tipperary but also from Paris and Bath.

13. Interestingly, there was little religious discrimination regarding the announcements of marriages For the wealthy Catholic merchant classes emerging from the Penal Laws in the late 18th century, marriages were announced in the newspapers similarly to Church of Ireland unions. The details of the cleric who officiated at the marriage will usually indicate the denomination of the couple, but it is important to not exclude wealthy Catholic families from this source.

14. Obituaries and Death Notices This is by far the largest of the three types of announcement and also one that covers the widest range of social classes. The information given varies greatly from a short notice giving the name and place of the deceased, a more detailed notice giving the date and time and place of death, the name, age and occupation of the deceased as well as some family relationships.

15. From Faulkner's Dublin Journal 2nd July 1763 Deaths. Wednesday Night at his House at Stephen's Green, the Right Rev. Dr. Robert Downes, Lord Bishop of Raphoe; his Piety and many social Virtues, make his Death justly lamented.- Thursday, after a tedious Illness, which she bore with true Christian Fortitude, and Resignation, Mrs. Heatly, wife to the Rev. Mr. Heatly, of College Green; a Gentlewoman possessed of every Virtue that naturally endears, as well as adorns her sex. Behaving herself, always with due Decorum, as a good Wife, an indulgent Parent and sincere Friend.

16. From the Southern Reporter 5th February 1818 On Thursday last, in Merrion square, Dublin, aged 87, the Rt. Hon. Sackville Hamilton, formerly Secretary to a Lord Lieutenant, and latterly Chairman in the Directors General of Inland Navigation; a Gentleman ____ sincerely lamented. On Monday, at her house in Catherine st., Limerick, after a few hours illness, by inflammation, Mrs. Rumley, daughter of the later Alderman Barrett, and widow of Lt. Rumley, who was killed at the head of the Grenadier Company of the City of Limerick, sgt., at the battle of _________.

17. Obituaries Obituaries are much more detailed and are usually published a few days after a death Obituaries were usually reserved for professionals or notable local characters  Obituaries for less prominent people become more common later in the 19th and early 20th century

18. The following obituary was found in the Drogheda Argus for 30th December 1922: DEATH OF MR JOHN CURRAN, MELL. RESPECTED RESIDENT PASSES AWAY It would be difficult to estimate the number of those for who Mr. John Curran, Mell, toiled the dead bell. To-day [Friday] the same melancholy tribute is being paid to himself. Mr. Curran was bell-ringer and caretaker at St. Peter's Church West Street, for perhaps, thirty long years. He was employed there during the entire long process of the building operations at the sublime edifice. From one place to another the little sweet-toned bell then in use was changed during the course of the work, and Mr. Curran rang out its sweet tones, and later the present great bell in the tower, for all religious purposes, night and noon, and morning, during the last long period. A couple of years ago he was forced to retire, owing to failing health, and on Wednesday morning he passed away, enjoying the respect of all who new him. His remains were taken to St. .Peter's West Street, on Thursday evening, at 7 O'Clock, followed by a large carriage, and this day [Friday] the funeral takes place to Tullyallen.

19. An obituary for John's son, Denis, which was found in the Drogheda Independent on 13th October 1951 also provided details about his trade as well as the surviving members of his family: Mr Patrick Curran of Mell, Drogheda, whose death occurred during the week-end was aged 73-years. He had long associations with the coach-building business in the town and for 36-years was employed in Doyle's Van Works, Mell. He took a great pride in his ancient craft and specimens of his work as to a wheelwright found their way to places far from Drogheda. In his younger days he was an ardent Gael and played for Mell juniors. Deceased is survived by Mrs L. Martin (sister), Mr. L. Martin (brother-in-law), Mrs Curran (sister-in-law); Mrs Whelan, Mrs Harte and Miss A. Martin (nieces); Messrs Laurence Martin, Johnny Martin and James and Pat Curran (nephews); Mrs L. Martin Jnr., Kathleen Meade, Joe Meade and Jimmy Whelan (relatives). The remains were removed on Sunday evening to Tullyallen Church and the funeral took place on Monday to the adjoining cemetery. R.I.P

20. Death notices were also published for people who died abroad. This is helpful for locating ancestors who were in the British army or navy, but also for those who went abroad for medical reasons or for business. Death notices for Irish immigrants in the US and Canada can state place of origin in Ireland. Death notices for people who died abroad naturally appeared much later than local deaths.

21. Layout Early newspapers did not always have a consistent layout. Birth, marriage and death announcements were not always found in the same place. This means that the entire newspaper should be searched. As early newspapers were usually only made up of 4 pages of print, this is not an overwhelming task, but can be time consuming.

22. Advertisements After birth, marriage and death announcements, the next most valuable genealogical source in newspapers are advertisements. Advertisements published in newspapers prior to the 1830s, were often much more personal and were used to advertise a wide and interesting range of information that the individual wanted to communicate with the local population. From about the 1830s, advertisements became much more businesslike and much less informative.

23. Advertisements were placed in newspapers for a variety of reasons; • To notify the public that a business was moving premises • That a business was being carried on by the wife or son of the deceased proprietor • Requesting an assembly of creditors for a bankrupt estate • Notice from a husband that his wife had absconded and was not to be given credit on his account • Notice of the elopement of a couple • Retirement from a business or the passing of a business from one generation to the next • Schoolmasters advertised for pupils • changing ownership of an inn • notice of the desertion of soldiers

24. From the Dublin Evening Post 27th January 1785 are the following advertisements:

25. In this collection we see an announcement by James Coates of Smithfield, that he has finished his apprenticeship as a salesman and has commenced his own business. A notice of items for sale by George Sall, which gives his business address at 10 Merchant's Quay, Dublin Also a notice of the desertion of James Clerk, alias Cleary and James Ryan, from the British Army: Deserted from the 18th Regiment of Dragoons, quartered in Dublin, James Clerk, alias Cleary, 21 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, fair complexion, strait and well made, born at Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, where he formerly carried a pedlars box; he went off in his regimentals, and took with him a regimental pistol. Also James Ryan, 21 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, strait and well made, red hair and very much freckled, by trade a breecher maker, born at Roscrea, Co. Tipperary; went off in his regimentals.

26. From Faulkner's Dublin Journal in 8th and 14th June 1763 is an advertisement by a husband denouncing his wife and requesting that she not receive credit on his account.

27. Whereas Mary Read, otherwise McNaughten, wife of Isaac Read of Dundalk, Esq., hath not only behaved in a most unbecoming way to her said Husband, but hath joined with some wicked malicious and ill minded People, in order to hurt him and his Children and whereas the said Mary Read hath made a Practice of raising large sums on her said Husbands Credit, in order to supply her said associates; Now I the said Isaac Read think myself under the Necessity of giving this publick Notice to inform the Public, that I have separated from the said Mary Read, and have offered her an ample separate maintenance, which she has rejected and of cautioning all Persons whatever not to credit the said Mary Read on my Account, as I will not pay any Debts she may hereafter contract. Dundalk, June 10, 1763. Mary Read responds in the following issue to her husband's announcement.

29. That the Publick may not be imposed on by an Advertisement in the Journal and Gazette of Tuesday last, signed Isaac Read, Mrs. Read thinks it incumbent on her to give it this Answer; That she never did associate herself with any person whatsoever, to the Prejudice of him or any of his Family; that she never did raise, or attempt to raise Money upon his Credit, for the Support of any Person whatsoever and is sure he knows this to be true. It to be turned out of Doors by Force, without being permitted to take with her even a Change of Linen, or any one Necessary, be considered by him as a Separation which should discharge him from the Support of a Wife, by whom he has for upwards of 13 years enjoyed, and must during her Life continue to enjoy, a very considerable annual Income, Mrs. Read can have no Relief by an Appeal to the Laws, in the Course of which much repeated Acts of Cruelty must appear against him, as she will not now shock the Publick with the Recital of, and would wish she never should be obliged to disclose.

30. In the same issue was the notice of the surrender of a man charged with murder: Whereas I am charged with the Murder of Richard Butler son to Francis Butler, late of Callen, in the County of Kilkenny, Gent., who died at the King's Arms Tevern in Fownes's Street on the 6th instant. Now this is to give Notice to all whom it may concern, that I have this Day surrendered myself to the Sheriffs of this City of Dublin in order to stand my Trial at the next ____________________ to be held in and for the said County at the City of Dublin, June 14 1763.

31. These advertisements can clarify addresses and occupations for professionals, merchants and tradesmen. They illustrate when the head of a family died and his business passed on to his wife or children. When a family may have been bankrupt, indicating a change in their circumstances. When a marriage might have taken place or what happened to the spouse of a particular family. They can give depth and insight into a particular generation, especially for the late 18th and early 19th century for which so few records exist.

32. Trial Reports Newspapers usually reported on the local assizes and petty sessions. The assizes were a periodic criminal court, that usually operated on a circuit in a particular area. The court prosecuted more serious crimes and usually took place once a quarter at each location. The petty sessions or magistrates court dealt with petty crimes which were heard by the local justice of the peace. Papers often published a transcript of the trial. Where the full details of the trial were not reported, the details of the crime and the conviction were included in the paper. As the newspapers appear to revel in the most gory or outrageous crimes, a great deal of detail can be gleaned from this source.

33. Trials of Transported Convicts One of the more useful things about trial reports is using them in tandem with the Irish Australia Transportation Database. The Ireland Australia Database is published on the website of the National Archives and is a database of convicts transported to Australia. The database usually indicates where and when a trial took place. The date of the trial can sometimes be six months or more prior to the actual date of transportation as after trial the convict usually in prison hulks, awaiting transportation.

34. Ireland Australia Database The database identified that John Roarke was transported for Larceny. He was tried in Co. Leitrim in late 1847 or early 1848.

35. A search of the Roscommon and Leitrim Gazette identified a reference to the trial of John Roarke on 12th February 1848: Trial reports can often add insight into the lives of the population at the time and the backdrop against which many individuals were transported for meaningless crimes.

36. Other items of interest carried in Irish newspapers Located in the Dublin Evening Post on 25th January 1795 are a list of tenants on the Cullenagh Estate in Queen's County. Although difficult to see, the list provides a description of the land holding, the name of the tenant, the length of the tenancy and the amount of rent paid.

37. Reporting on crimes and trials make up a large constituent of a local newspaper's news. These are the only areas where one is likely to find references to the vast majority of the Irish population. Much of the rest of the content of the newspaper, such as advertising, marriage and death announcements, etc., concern the wealthier classes. As we come into the late 19th and early 20th century more and more people are recorded in local newspapers. It can often be worthwhile searching local papers around a particular event that your ancestor may have been involved in.

38. Death of Soldier James Moyles during the First World War Moyles, James, Private, 2nd Bn. Connaught Rangers, No. 3479. Enlisted: Galway. Born and resided in Ballina. Son of William and Margaret Moyles (nee Barrett), Shambles Street, Ballina. Killed in action on 11/2/14, at France & Flanders. Memorial: Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. Grave ref: IV.E.4/6

39. The Western People of the 5th December 1914 Belmullet Man's Experience's at the Front, Wounded at Ypres

40. Just below this article was an announcement of James Moyle's death

41. We also found other extracts of the account of James Moyle's death in a publication about the Ballina men who served in the First World War. This article was also taken from the Western People Michael Gavaghan, Swinford: “I saw” he continued, “Michael O’Hara, of Ballina, walking up and down the trench to keep himself warm when the head was taken clean off him by a shell and he and nine other poor fellows were buried together. I ran over and put my raincoat, which was all I could spare, over his body and buried with him. I was quite near poor Jimmy Moyles, another Ballina-man, when he peeped over the trench and fell back quite dead. A bullet had cut clean through his forehead. He was one of the pleasantest men in the trench, and the father, I believe, of a big young family. – extracted from Western People

42. During the famine, many local provincial papers printed letters from parish priests and notable local inhabitants that decried the situation of their neighbours, who were dying in their homes and on the roads. These sometimes contained the names of the deceased.

43. This article was located using an online search From the Sligo Champion 20th February 1847

44. While it is impossible to anticipate who might be recorded in a newspaper. If your ancestor was alive at the time of a particular event or family tradition indicates that they were involved in an event or activity that might have been reported on and if you have the time to pursue it, you can search the local newspapers for mention of them.

45. War of Independence and Civil War During the War of Independence and Civil War, local newspapers with a Nationalist bent, would report on the capture or release of Volunteers by the British and on activities of the local volunteers in their area. Nenagh Guardian Saturday 9th July 1921, p. 3 col. 4 Borrisokane Notes. Our Town local internees, Messrs M. Phelan and M. J. Meara, who were interred in Ballykinlar camp for the last six months, having been released, arrived home on Tuesday evening. They are in the pink and were extended a hearty welcome by all and sundry on their arrival'. Nenagh Guardian Saturday 17th March 1923, p. 3 col. 2 'Nenagh Arrests. ..... Daniel Costello, Garryard and Ml. Phelan, Tower Hill, Borrisokane, were taken into custody by National Troops on Saturday evening'.

47. Sportsmen (and women) Sports men were often well documented in local newspapers: Faulkner's Dublin Journal Wednesday 23rd February, 1820, p. 2, col. 2 DEATH OF THE IRISH CHAMPION Died, at his house on Pill Lane, at One O'clock, Friday Morning, Mr. Daniel Donnelly, known in the pugilistic school as 'The Champion of Ireland'. It is said that he overheated himself a few days back playing rackets and that his death was caused by an inflammation of the lungs; he was about 40 years of age. Donnelly was renowned for having 'fought in famous battles'. His first pugilistic contest was with Hall, on the Curragh of Kildare, in which he was declared the conqueror; his next opponent was a much more celebrated man, Cooper, the battle was fought at the same place – after a severe contest, Donnelly obliged this Customer to give in. His fame had now reached the London fancy, he was invited to England, and scarcely had he entered the metropolis of the sister Kingdom, when he was challenged by the celebrated Oliver, a renowned first-rate – the challenge was accepted by Dan. and on the 21st July 1819, the battle was fought on Crawley Downs. After 34 well-contested rounds, Donnelly was declared third time the victor – he obtained the BELT, and received the title of 'Champion of Ireland'. His unexpected and rather sudden death will be deeply lamented by the fancy – the amateurs declare that no other antagonist, save grim death, could have willed him off the stage.

48. Where to Find Newspapers Hard Copy and Microfilm Newspapers • There is no one comprehensive catalogue of all of the newspaper archives that survive in Ireland. • NEWSPLAN provides the most comprehensive listing of surviving Irish newspapers in Ireland. • The largest collection of newspapers in Ireland can be found in the National Library of Ireland, where most of their collection is now available on microfilm. • The National Library of Ireland website has a special newspaper catalogue that will locate newspapers in the National Library collection as well as identifying those in the Newsplan catalogue • Most local and regional libraries hold an archive of newspapers that pertain to their particular area. • Since 1826, the British Library was obliged to hold a copy of all Irish publications and from that date its collection of Irish newspapers is largely complete. It also has an extensive but not complete, collection of newspapers published prior to 1826.

49. Digitised Newspapers • The Times of London, which dates from 1787 (available online in NLI) • The Irish Times which dates from 1856 (available online in NLI) • Irish Newspaper Archive (www.irishnewsarchive.com) has digitised a number of provincial newspapers. This collection includes the Freeman's Journal from 1763. Collections are incomplete (available online in NLI) • British Newspaper Archive (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)  which includes the Belfast Newsletter, Freeman’s Journal, Cork Examiner, Sligo Champion and Dublin Evening Mail. 19th Century only

50. Abstracts and Transcripts Prior to the digitization of Irish newspapers, one of the best sources for quickly identifying announcements and advertisements in the press were the abstracts and transcripts made by genealogists and other researchers and that have been published.