RootsChat.Com
Ireland (Historical Counties) => Ireland => Roscommon => Topic started by: Murtagh on Saturday 03 February 07 00:43 GMT (UK)
-
I have relatives who were constables in the RIC in the period of 1881-1919. I cannot find them on a census in 1901. I know my great grandfather was in Roscommon then. Does anyone know where the census is for the constables? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mary Sparks
USA
-
Mary,
The full names of RIC members were not given in 1901, only their initials. A search might be possible on the Leitrim-Roscommon site, see item 10 on the Census Home Page.
http://www.leitrim-roscommon.com/1901census/
-
Hi, Coolcam,
Thanks. I already checked that site. I know my Great Grandfather was a constable till 1918. But I cannot find him (initials) in that census. I was hoping someone knew where the barracks was located. Frustrating! I put in a request of his pension records and they can't find them! Irish records are so hard to come by...to know that they should be there is so frustrating. My great uncle was killed while lying in his bunk in his barracks on Dec. 26, 1919. And this pension record could have told me if the parents were at least compensated for the comrade who shot him. Would you know if there are any newspapers at that time. Maybe there would be a record of it. Or do you know if there is any inquest records available? Would love to see them. His service record was altered....notation erased and written over with "shot accidentally by comrade". Wonder what really happened.
Mary
-
Greetings Mary,
Must admit, I know nothing about Constabulary records. Was under the perhaps mistaken impression that most members were posted to areas distant from their home.
Will list what you probably know already, having requested pension details. John Grenham has the service registers of the RIC being in the National Archives (HO 184), Kew, London, with filmed copies in the National Archives of Ireland and LDS Family History Library. There is an index to the registers in a book by Jim Herlihy, ‘The Royal Irish Constabulary: a complete alphabetical list of officers and men, 1816-1922’, available from the LDS, it includes Service Numbers.
Irish Newspaper Archives Ltd. have put some historical newspapers online. The (free) search facility results can be obscure. The Roscommon Herald was founded in 1859, it may be worth enquiring with them regarding inquest details.
www.roscommonherald.com
Best Wishes and Good Luck.
Coolcam
-
Thanks, Coolcam.
Yes, you are right that they were stationed at counties that they had no connection with. I know his service record. He was listed from 1881 to 1917. He was in Sligo when he married. And Roscommon after. I don't understand why I can't find him in the census. My Uncle told me he had 5 children. I only know of four. Trying to learn the fifth. I rented films at LDS for birth indexes and searching all the years he would have children. Worth a try. Thanks for your help.
Mary
-
Hi,
New to this site today and just came across your posting. Mr own relatives were Roscommon RIC - I got in contact with Jim Herlihy (who is currently a Garda in Cork and one of the most interesting people one could chat with!). If you want his details you can email me at
Moderator Comment: email address removed to prevent spam and other abuses. Please use the secure personal message system to share email addresses and other personal material. Thank You
-
Hi, Pagett,
I e-mailed Mr. Herlihy a few months back but received no reply. He probably is asked for so much help, he can't respond to all.
I would absolutely love to chat with the man. I was told he is an expert on the subject. I had two RICs in my family. My Great Grandfather and his son.
Thanks for the suggestion,
Mary
-
Hi Mary,
I will call him later this evening and remind him to respond! May I ask the name of your ancestors in question?
Hazel.
-
Dear Hazel,
You know him!? Wow. My ancestors are Thomas Murtagh - 1881-1918 service. and Wm. James Murtagh 1917-1919. Wm. James Murtagh was shot in his barracks "accidentally" by comrade.
Thank you so much,
Mary
-
Good Morning Mary,
I spoke with Jim Herlihy last night and he was able to relate the following:-
Wm James Murtagh was born in Sligo in 1898 (withoout his service record he cannot tell where in Sligo he was born - but he will get the service record for you, just may take a little time). Wm was shot accidentally on 24th December 1919 by his comrade Constable Twomey when stationed at Clonoulty Police Hut which was actually in Co. Tipperary and not Roscommon as previously thought. Wm is mentioned in Jim's first book, The RIC Short History & Genealogical Guide.
With regard to Thomas Murtagh - there were actually 5 Thomas Murtaghs in the RIC, so until he gets the service records he cannot tell which is which, so again a little wait!
Jim said you can email him should you wish at j_herlihy@esatclear.ie (just refer to his telephone conversation with me).
Hope this is of some interest.
Hazel Morrison-Pagett.
-
Mary,
Just re-read your notes again and realise you actually have Wms service record.... in any event emailing Jim again would probably be worthwhile.
H.
-
Hazel,
You are so very kind to go out of your way to help me so. Thank you very much. I can't believe that Jim Herlihy knows the Constable who shot my Uncle. I wonder how he learned that. And the exact location. None of that is listed on his death record. Also, he mentions my Uncle in his book! I definitely would like to purchase that book. Yes, you are right, I do have their service records. I so hope that Jim can help me locate this family in a census. Thank you again, Hazel. I have written him and anxiously waiting for a reply. I am a very patient girl, so I don't mind waiting long.
Have a wonderful day!
Mary
-
Morning Mary,
Glad to be of help.... I know that exciting feeling when you get some extra bit of info to fit the puzzle! Such a pity you didn't reside in Ireland - Jim mentioned to me when I was speaking with him that he is giving a talk in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon at the end of March. Strokestown has a heritage centre and are organising a special day/weekend??? on Tracing your Family Roots to include RIC....
Just wondering if you had checked out these sites?
http://www.roscommonroots.com/
http://www.irish-roots.net/tipperary-north.asp
http://www.tfhr.org/
Take care.
Hazel.
-
ooooops forgot this link:-
http://www.sligoroots.com/
Hazel.
-
Hazel,
No I hadn't seen them. But I will now!
Thank you.
Mary