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« on: Tuesday 27 September 11 07:51 BST (UK) »
Richard WESTMAN and his wife Ellen (nee FURLONG) and 2 yo son Saunders emigrated from Queen's County to Australia in 1840. My research leads me to believe that they came from the area immediately west of Mountmellick in the civil parishes of Rosenallis, Kilmanman and Rearymore. As they were Protestant, I believe it is necessary to focus on the C of I Parishs which cover this area. This seems to be mainly Rosenallis plus Clonaslee after 1814. The C of I Parish of Mountmellick did not start till 1840. Previous research at the National Archives found the baptism of son, Saunders, in the C of I Parish of Clonaslee in Sept 1838 and the baptisms of Ellen's siblings in 1815, 1817 and 1820. There was no success with the marriage of Richard and Ellen (c1837) or of their baptisms (c1809 and c1813 respectively).
I feel that my effort now needs to concentrate on Rosenallis but the previous researcher commented that many pages in the copy held at the National Archives were extremely faint and almost illegible, and I have been trying to confirm that the version held at the RCB Library would be the original, or at least a better copy. Information from the Library is inconclusive. I have also heard a suggestion that the original may be in the custody of the Rector of the Parish.
Can anyone offer any thoughts or suggestions. I am prepared to pay for another researcher if that is what it takes but there seems little point in going over the same copy at the National Archives.