Please help me understand

[otrider53]

Am just learning some of the differences and could use some edumacation .
When someone from Ireland says they are from
"Kildare", does that mean the town of Kildare or does  that mean "county Kildare"  Seems as I am trying to narrow down my search I am not sure of what exactly I'm looking for.

[Sinann]

Unfortunately it could be either but I would say County in this case.
I wouldn't narrow a search just to the town of Kildare until you have proof that's where they are from.
It's quite a small town anyway so the odds are against it.

[Sinann]

People often married people from there own place and looking at Griffith Valuation there is one Cuffe and one Reid family in the townland of Feighcullen with a print date of 1853. Worth bearing in mind at least.
http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=nameSearch

Of course neighbouring townlands should be looked at as well.

[otrider53]

Thanks !  I'll start there.  I know that they were well entrenched in the states by then...he became a us citizen in 1836.  He had to have been here for five years, which is why I'm saying 1830. 

[Sinann]

It's not easy with such early dates when they don't give anything more than Kildare, at least you got that much most just say Ireland.
Keep searching the US records for anything more, perhaps another family member went over to them, the more names you can link together the better.

[Kamilla]

As an inhabitant I would say it is Co Kildare. Town or village then after that.