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I am aware that my great-grandfather, John Francis Tracey, who grew up on a farm in Drumshambo (a small village in Tyrone), left Ireland for work in northern England (Consett, Durham) in the 1880s where he found work in the steel industry.

What I don't know much about is who came before. I only know that John's parents were Francis and Rose Anne (nee McGurk). Francis (probably Frank) died before 1901 and Rose died in 1922. Are there any records anywhere of their relatives?

A distant cousin has told me that there is a graveyard in the area with the remains of a John Tracey (aged 101). Note: there are many men with the name John Francis or Francis John in this branch of my family tree. Another popular name was Joseph. No need to look for anyone named William. This side of my family are all Catholics.

Thanks for your help.

Re: Richard Sr. He remarried in Oct. 1871. 2nd wife, who also died of "consumption" (Mom told me this years ago) was Emily Pearson.

Emily Pearson
Birth Place:   London, England
Age:   31
Estimated birth year:   abt 1840
Father Name:   Joseph Pearson
Mother Name:   Mary Pearson
Spouse Name:   Richard Smith
Spouse's Age:   36
Spouse Birth Year:   abt 1835
Spouse Birth Place:   London, England
Spouse Father Name:   Joseph Smith
Spouse Mother Name:   Mary Smith
Marriage Date:   2 Oct 1871
Marriage County or District:   York

Note: His third wife was Elizabeth (nee Wade) Simpkins whom he married 6 April 1874. She already two boys. She gave birth to Richard Frederick Smith (another Richard) in 1886.

Yes, you are right. Here are the details from her marriage license:

Groom Name:   William Ibbotson
Birth Place:   Toronto, Ontario
Age:   20
Estimated birth year:   abt 1866
Father Name:   George Ibbotson
Mother Name:   Julia Ibbotson
Spouse Name:   Annie Smyth
Spouse's Age:   19
Spouse Birth Year:   abt 1867
Spouse Birth Place:   England
Spouse Father Name:   Richard Smyth
Spouse Mother Name:   Annie Smyth
Marriage Date:   23 Mar 1886
Marriage County or District:   York

Note: Because I am a stickler for correct spelling, errors such as "Smyth" for "Smith" drive me nuts, but I know this is the correct person.

Oh, now I get it. You mean she probably worked as a day-servant. Yes, probably.

I have not found Richard in an 1871 census despite my efforts.

Just found a potential clue. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts:

A Henry Robert Smith, son of Richard and Elizabeth, was baptised in August 1868 in St. Luke's Marylebone. However, his father is listed as a "porter", so it may not be related to my search.