RootsChat.Com
Ireland (Historical Counties) => Ireland => Waterford => Topic started by: Feliss on Thursday 28 February 13 10:15 GMT (UK)
-
I am in Australia and previously have only traced relatives back as far as the family member who arrived in Australia. This means I have no knowledge of how to go about searching for records in the UK or Ireland so I'd be very grateful for any help.
John A Merrin was born in or around 1837 in Waterford. He was Catholic and emigrated to NSW in 1856, I presume to make a better life for himself. The goldrush had started in NSW in 1851, resulting in an urgent need for more police officers and The Police Recruiting Act was passed in 1853 to allow police to be recruited from England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. They were offered free passage in exchange for a minimum of 3 years service, with the first recruits arriving in 1855.
The recruits had to pay some kind of "deposit", I guess to guarantee that they would stay for the three years. John's deposit was paid by a Patrick Larkin(s) who may have been his maternal uncle.
I'd really like to know how to find John's birth certificate so I can find out more about his family.
Many thanks,
Felicity
-
Waterford Heritage Centre at Jenkins Lane , Waterford City would be able to find the birth certificate.
-
John's birth was well before the start of civil records in 1864, so there will be no birth cert available, so you would need to check for church records to see if you can locate a possible baptism. To this this you need a more detailed location for your Merrin family - ideally the name of the townland, town or parish.
Not all parishes have records back to the 1830s, so knowing the location is quite important. ('Waterford' can refer to the city or the county)
see : Introduction to Irish Records (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,442233.0.html)
My Ancestor came from Ireland - where do I start? (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,498742.0.html)
Do you have marriage and/or death certs for John ?
Australian version of these often give useful clues such as names of parents etc...
Shane
-
There are a number of Merrin baptisms listed on the index of RootsIreland (pay-website), but no John listed around the correct date.
If you have parents names from any certs it might be worth having a look to see if you can locate baptisms for any siblings of John, as that would at least give you a location for your Merrins
Shane
-
Do you have his Australian Marriage and Death Cert?
NSW BMD Reg for Death 1912 has his Mother as Mary A
If you dont have the actual Cert I would get it if I was you, as it may contains extra info.
Trish :)
-
Did your John die in Sydney ?
There's a possible death for him showing up on the NSW Index in 1912. Mother's given name is in the index but not father - not sure if that's normal or not...
Registration Number : 8797/1912
Name : John Merrin
Father's Name :
Mother's Name : Mary. A.
District : Sydney
Shane
-
and a possible marriage in 1860 ?
Registration Number : 1207/1860
Groom : John Merrin
Bride : Catherine Cavanagh
District : Bathhurst
S.
-
I looked in "Extracts from the census of the City of Waterford 1821" by Edmund Walsh Kelly, published in the Irish Genealogist Vol. 4 no. 1 October 1968 and Vol. 4 no. 2 October 1969. I could not find a Merrin listed, but as the census is not complete , he still might have lived in the city in 1821.
-
Wow - thanks so much everyone!
Yes, that's my John. I have his death certificate. His parents were Mary Ann Larkins and John Merrin, he married Catherine Kavanagh and died in 1912 in Sydney.
He may have had more siblings but the ones I have found are: Eliza (born 1841), Michael (born 1842) and Annie (born 1847). These three also came to Australia as teenagers so possibly John or the uncle sponsored them.
I don't know that I would be able to find out any more about where in Ireland he lived. His immigration record and death and marriage certificates simply say "Waterford".
Felicity
-
Hello Felicity .. you may have already seen this on TROVE, The Dubbo Liberal & Macquarie Advocate newspaper dated 9 Aug 1912 page 4. PIONEER POLICE OFFICER and another nice obt., in the same newspaper 16 Aug 1912 page 6. A HERO OF THE BUSHRANGING DAYS ... he encountered the bushrangers Ben Hall, O'Meally, Vane and Lowry and Frank Gardiner .... plus in recognition of his bravery he was presented with 400 pounds from the people of the district
... what an amazing man. Bonnie
-
Hi Bonnie,
I hadn't seen those so thank you! I use trove and have found quite a few mentions of John Merrin in connection with various arrests but not the ones you've mentioned. I'll look them up.
I am in contact with Craig Bratby who researches John Vane and his gang and he's also given me some good info.
One thing that puzzles me is why John left the police force. I have a copy of his recruitment and employment record but it's brief and only notes that he was 'discharged' in 1881. There is a bit more but it's in tiny writing and is illegible. I'm not sure whether he did something wrong in order to be discharged or whether being discharged just meant that he retired or was allowed to leave. He was only 44 so perhaps he was ill or injured but I've really no idea.
Felicity
-
Hi Felicity ... The article in Dubbo Liberal .... newspaper 09 Aug 1912 said he was 82 years of age when he died and had been a member of the NSW Police Force for 'upwards of 30 years' ... thou you can't always reply on newspaper articles for accuracy
You said that John was born about 1837 and arrived here in 1857 so if he did nearly 30 years service, it would mean he would have left in about 1887 which doesn't correlate with what you have plus he would have been born about 1830 ... ???
In the articles he mentions he was shot twice so may have discharged himself from the Force because of ill health ... just an idea. I am still searching TROVE articles and would have thought I would have come across something by now about his resignation. Bonnie
PS Great weather here in Sydney for staying indoors and doing family research
-
Hi again ... The last article I have been able to find with John Merrin still in the Police Force was in January 1881 and he was in Gulgong ... interestingly, that is where my grandmother was born (1882) her parents had resided there for sometime.
See from Death Notice SMH 06 Aug 1912 page 9 that John's age is shown as 75 years and that his Police record on NSW Archives shows DOB 1837, which I presume you have seen along with his arrival on the ship 'Kate' 1856.
Sorry but I can't assist you tracking him back to Waterford ... I too have ancestors who came from Ireland - County Longford - who I have been trying to track down for a number of years.
Good luck with your research. Bonnie.
-
Thanks so much Bonnie. The Jan 1881 info is very useful.
Yes, I have the record of his arrival in Australia and his police record. I can trace his moves from town to town via the birth records of his children. They had 11 kids, although only 8 survived him.
Many thanks for your help and good luck with your own research,
Felicity
-
I see that John Merrin is buried in the Catholic section at Rookwood Cemetery ... have you been able to visit his resting place? If not, and you don't live in Sydney, I plan to do a trip there towards the end of the month/early April and if your interested, I would be happy to take a photo of his headstone for you.
Bonnie.
-
Thanks Bonnie however I am in Pennant Hills in Sydney and have been to Rookwood to have a look.
That section of the cemetery - M2 - is very confusing and frustrating. It's the oldest part of the Catholic section and is overgrown and a great many of the graves, including those of my Merrin relatives, are unmarked. I know where they are from maps and plans but there's really nothing to see.
Thank you for your kind offer though.
Felicity
-
From Ancestry.au - New South Wales, Immigration Deposit Journals, 1853-1900. Eliza and Michael Merrin, birthplace - Wexford.
In Griffiths Valuation there is a John Merrin recorded in the townland of Glenroe, civil parish of Clongeen near New Ross, Co Wexford. www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml
There are three other Merrin families in the area. In adjoining parishes there are a number of Larkin families.
From another site - http://tinyurl.com/d6o3og5 - person looking for information on John and James Merrin married to Catherine and Mary Ann Larkin. Birthplace given as Saltmills Co. Wexford. It would appear that Annie Merrin was married to a Smith and her death record gives birthplace as Wexford.
Very few baptism records are online for Co. Wexford. However they are slowly appearing on the IFHF website.
Nowel
-
Thanks so much Nowel - that's amazing!
I do know a bit about Eliza, Annie and Michael. Annie and her husband died through accidental gas poisoning in 1922 in Sydney and Michael died in Dubbo at the age of 21. Not sure what happened to Eliza however your info about Wexford is brilliant, especially with the Larkin(s) connection. Will follow this up.
Thank you.
Felicity
-
I have seen on John Merrin's siblings, Michael and Eliza, Immigration Deposit Journal 1858, that they are shown to have been born at Saltmills, Fethard (short for Fethard-on-Sea) County Wexford.
A small write up about the place on Wikipedia. Also they arrived on the ship "Golconda' and from the record, it seems that their parents were living at Saltmills
... there is a Marriage notice in the SMH 22 Apr 1868 page 11 O'CONNOR-LARKIN. ...... to Mary Ann Larkin, only daughter of Mr. Patrick Larkin, Leitrim, county Clare, Ireland. Wonder if this was their cousin ?
Some great info posted by Nowel. Bonnie
PS Rain has eased off a bit here in Glebe - how is it out your way?
-
Wow (again) - thanks Bonnie!
Can I ask where you found that info about the Immigration Deposit Journal?
Still pouring down here.
Felicity
-
Hi Felicity ... found the record of Michael & Eliza on a paid search sites that I am not allowed to mention on this site. Will send you a PM soon.
Rain back big time here again in Glebe ... and it's hubby's night to cook dinner = he needs to brave the elements and walk to the local take away for a Thai, Indian, Japanese etc., hey hey Bonnie
-
www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation
In 1853 there are only 4 entries for the surname MERRIN. One being James Merrin in the townland of Saltmills, Parish Tintern Co Wexford . I saw that a previous post mentioned Saltmills as birthplace for Michael & Elizabeth Merrin :)
-
Just registered , chasing all about John Merrin , my maternal ggfather.
Intrigued reading and trying to make sense of info,eg cannot find record of burial place of his spouse M ray Catherine Nee Kavanagh D 22-12-1903 in Port
Macquarie .
My ggfather William Joseph merrin ,married to Lily Catherine
Robinson.
My mum Joan Yvonne Merrin etc.
Please correspond , Will try to assist with what I have....
gregT
-
Hi all , on shipping record for John merrin , birthplace to given as Tintern Wexford , this fits with one of the posts.
Waiting more info from posts.
GregT
-
Hi Greg,
I guess we're distant cousins!
The eldest daughter of John A Merrin and Catherine Kavanagh, Mary Ann, married a fellow called Hugh Ridgeway Bridson. Hugh's father was the Police Magistrate in Sofala and Mary Ann's father was Senior Constable so I'm assuming the couple met in Sofala.
Hugh and Mary Ann married in Sydney in 1883 but by 1884 were living in Port Macquarie where Hugh was an auctioneer. I think the family was reasonably well-to-do and well-regarded in the area. They eventually ended up in Manly in Sydney but were still in Port Macquarie in 1903 when Mary Ann's mother, Catherine, died. I assume she was visiting them and became ill because, as you say, she died in Port Macquarie and is buried there.
As a side note, poor Mary Ann had a tough time in later years. Her husband and at least four of her five sons enlisted in WWI and two sons were killed.
I am descended from John and Catherine's youngest son, Charles Michael Andrew Merrin.
Felicity
-
Hi felicity, I am descended from William Joseph merrin , son of John and Catherine , who we'd lily catherine Robinson ; their daughter , Joan Yvonne was my mum.
I have been trying to find details of Mary Catherine's death , 22-12-1903 in port Macquarie , do you have any further info , gravestone etc.burial place.
I am sure I have seen Minnie Bridson name in some of my correspondence from 80s.
Weather in Orange foul today , hope Ok at your place.
Ps johns guarantor was Patrick Larkin of Bathurst , there are still larkins in Bathurst phone book,may chase that way sometime.
I look forward to clarifying the merrin line , anything I have I can let you have
Regards Gregtracey
PSPardon one finger typing , and lack of computer skill. This is first posting effort ever......
-
Hi Greg,
Not sure where Catherine Mary is buried however I have this via trove from The Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate of 26 December 1903:
"Obituary.
We are sorry this week to have to record the death of Mrs. Merrin, mother of Mrs. H. R. Bridson, which occurred at her daughter's residence at Port Macquarie, on Tuesday night last. The deceased lady, who leaves a large family of sons and daughters to mourn her loss, had been in delicate health for some time past, suffering from an affection of the heart. She came to Port Macquarie about two months ago for the benefit of her health but, owing to the sea trip then experienced, she became somewhat prostrated, and was almost immediately confined to her bed. Dr. Dudney's services were sought, and all that kind hands and loving hearts could do was done for the sufferer. This, however, proved of no avail, and the patient gradually sank. We extend to the bereaved family our sincere sympathy in their sad loss. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. P. M. Ryan performing the last sad rites."
I'm not sure if the doctor's name is correct as it was hard to read.
You can read the original entry at http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/104761287?searchTerm=%20merrin%20%22port%20macquarie%22&searchLimits=#pstart11808871
-
Greg,
I can't be sure but I believe this is a photo of John Merrin and his wife Catherine.
Felicity
-
Felicity ... what a terrific photo. Can I make a suggestion that you post it on the 'Photograph Restoration and Dating" Topic and see if someone can make the image a bit clearer; looks to me that John is wearing some sort of military jacket ... maybe police?
-
Yes, I did do that some time ago. That's how I was able to establish that it was most probably a photo of John and Catherine.
The photo was among my great-grandmother's stuff but there was nothing to say who the people are. I knew it had to be her parents or her husband's parents and a very knowledgeable rootschatter pointed out the military-type jacket so I'm guessing it's John and Catherine, given that John was a policeman. Do you know the story about how John joined the NSW police force?
Felicity
-
Hi Felicity ... saw your first posting why John Merrin came to Australia and joined the Police Force .. what an amazing man he was and going from his looks in the photo, he must have been well over 6 feet tall and a person to be reckoned with ...
-
Hi all , we'll from all available info it seems certain that JohnMerrin was born at Saltmills ,Fethard on sea , Parish Tintern !County Wexford .
I will try to do my bit regarding searching for , birth/baptism in that locality.
Hope to hear more from you about other Merrin info.
Regards Greg Tracey.
-
Hi Greg,
It's been several years since I've posted but hope you might see this.
This is a page I've written about the Merrin family:
http://branchesofmyfamilytree.weebly.com/merrin-family.html (http://branchesofmyfamilytree.weebly.com/merrin-family.html)
It's not finished but I now have death certificates for John A Merrin and his wife, Mary Catherine, who was known as Catherine. I also have their marriage certificate.
I am planning a trip to Ireland next year and will be visiting the Saltmills and Fethard areas.
I'm interested in how you know Patrick Larkin was John Merrin's guarantor.
Felicity
-
Hi Feliss. Have to get out a few bits of notes and will answer your questions in nxt few days. Have been thinking of an Ireland trip , but you msay be able to sort that end for me, hopefully.
I haven't been to rookwood to see grave , tks for fotos. Still trying , after years , to sort out mechanics of rootschat site..bear with me.. GregT.
-
Very belated reply , both Eliza and Michael Merrin came to aystralia on Golconda , both listed as 17yo , twins or cousins ? I thought Feliss was looking to visit Ireland late last year .. I am no good at this computer stuff , anyway , here goes , I wait a reply....
-
Me again , I have , on reflection , two mentions of Patrick Larkin sponsoring Michael and Eliza. Michael died at 22yo , in Dubbo , as a mounted trooper. Witness at burial , John welfare , publican.... John also reported his death at "the land we live in " Fitzroy St Dubbo ... After a lot of looking , found pub of that name in Sofala Nsw , a fair way from Dubbo in those days.......but no record of a pub of that name in Dubbo , incidentally , courthouse and police station in Fitzroy st..
I am now finally retired , will try to make sense of a few things in the next few months , Michael is peripheral , but intriguing .let me know how you got on in Ireland , if you travelled there. Regards GregT.
-
Hi Greg,
Thanks for this info re Eliza and Michael. They're peripheral for me too but interesting.
Will see if I can find out anything more about them.
Felicity