Tracey/Tracey/McDonald C. Roscommon

[llynhelyg]

hello, I am wondering if anyone may be able to point me in the right direction to find out a bit more about James Tracey born Aughrim Co Roscommon c. 1820 and his wife Mary MdDonald (or any derivation) born possibly Rooskey or Rosecray depending which census you look at. They emmigrated to England some time before 1851 when they are first recorded on the English census. Have not been able to get any further back owing to sketchy details. They had children james born c1853 supposedly in Dover but we have been unable to find any record of his birth. Two younger girls also listed as born in England. James remarried  a Josephine Mills in1874 when his father is listed as John Tracey, labourer. Any suggetions for pointers would be appreciated. REgards Diane

[Christopher]

Hello Diane,

What denomination were James and Mary?

You'll have to rely on Church records as civil registration in Ireland was not introduced until 1864. Non Catholic marriages were registered from 1845 onwards. When registration for BDMS started in 1864 some people didn't bother with the registration for a few years after that date. Keep your fingers crossed that church records still exist.

Christopher