South America

[jaybeedee]

I have an ancestor who is reported in a letter dated 1924 "to have gone to South America". His name George Balfry from Limerick, Ireland. His father was a farmer. George's brother was born in 1819 so I guess George might have emigrated in the 1840 to 50s. What rescources are available to track him down? Were there any development projects attracting young Irishmen at that time? Argentinian railways or Peruvian mines come to mind. I cannot find him on passenger lists to USA in case he took the long way round. S. America seems to be something of a black hole where geneaology is concerned.
has anyone had any success on this kind of search?

[Historycat]

I also have an ancestor who went to South America.  He was a civil engineer and went to work building the railways there.(mid 1880's) He married and had three children there - their details were found in consulate records.  He died on board ship on his way back to England -details from deaths at sea. (1910)
It is a bit of a black hole, I have been lucky enough to make contact (through this forum!) with some of his descendants who are still in Peru.  Family search has some South American records, I am trying to make some sense of them - my Spanish is somewhat rusty!
Post details and you never know, a descendant may read it and get in touch!

[jaybeedee]

Thanks Historycat for getting in touch. How did you acess the Consular records?

[Historycat]

through FindMyPast's overseas records.  If you need any help PM me.

[Svenja]

Hello

Maybe I can help with the South American records at familysearch, because I can read and understand Spanish.

British Settlers in Argentina and Uruguay - 19th and 20th century emigration
http://www.argbrit.org/

I know some more links, most of them about (german and swiss) emigrants in Brazil.
Most of them contain info between the middle of 19th and the early 20th century.

Regards
Svenja

[emmsthheight]

Hi there 

I can't help you directly but we did do a lot of research including this era on a family who were merchants in South America including Brazil.

It wasn't easy and we didn't get much from shipping and immigration records.  I have to go out now but I'll try and get on later.  Worth trying though.  There was loads of merchantile activity at the time and engineering as you mentioned.  We got a lot from googlebooks and from British library newspapers online and there are also some records on familysearch.  If yu know where you're dealing witht there may be an English church and they may be able to help you.

Also look at the records in this country and Ireland and on Scotlands people.  I found a will for Portugal and Brazil on Scotlands people.  Look at wills for relatves over her for references.

Just a few ideas.

Good luck!

Best wishes

Emms

[BrazilianBombshell]

I have checked for George Balfry, but so far no luck.  You may wish to check out the South American Brits Database at sabrits.co.uk, to see the many British activities there.

[GrahamSimons]

There are some really helpful Brazilian immigration records on familysearch - I've found immigration cards complete with photos....