Armstrong/Costello Balla Mayo

[1lucybella2]

Hi everyone

I'm looking for a John Armstrong born c.1798 and Catherine Costello born c.1806. John was in the British Army from 1816 until 1837 and more specifically Corfu from 1821-1834. It was in Corfu that he married Catherine Costello (Costeller). His army records give his birthplace as Balla, Mayo and later English censuses in 1841/1851 list him as a Chelsea Pensioner and him and Catherine born in 'Ireland'.

I'm sure they were both from Balla, Mayo and having had a google I think this looks promising as there are plenty of Armstrongs and Costellos in later BMD Index years. I found a John Armstrong there in the Tithe Applotment books in 1825, maybe a connection.

Now I'd love to learn more about them such as who their parents might have been or anything more general about the families. I don't know if baptism records go back that far for the parish as I know Irish genealogy can be very hit-and-miss but was wondering if anyone can please help?

Many thanks!
Lucy

[heywood]

Hi Lucy,

he sounds very interesting    As you say, the details you seek are very early so perhaps not available.

Here are some pointers:

My Ancestor came from Ireland- where do I start?

Introduction to Irish Records

Additionally, there are some resources in the resources section of this Mayo forum.

best wishes
heywood

[1lucybella2]

Thanks very much for this heywood!

I am mainly interested to know whether anyone knows of the existence of any pre-1837 parish records please? 

If not, I can reluctantly call it a day on this line

Cheers, Lucy 

[1lucybella2]

The resources section is great by the way, thanks!

[shanew147]

....
I am mainly interested to know whether anyone knows of the existence of any pre-1837 parish records please? 

If not, I can reluctantly call it a day on this line
....

what denomination were this Armstrong/Costello family ?

the 1837 date applies to civil records for England/Wales. Full civil registration started in Ireland in 1864.


Shane

[shanew147]

just spotted that the RC records for Balla parish go back to 1837 also - so presume that's where this 1837 came from...

The NLI Index and Ryan's both give the same date.


Shane

[1lucybella2]

Hi Shane,

Yes this is where I got the 1837 from. I don't actually know the denomination for sure unfortunately but their children were baptised Protestant in England!

Thanks, Lucy

[shanew147]

Unfortunately records for the CofI parish, also called Balla, only go back to the 1870s.



Shane

[1lucybella2]

Thanks Shane, that's kind of what I thought but wanted to double check.
Lucy