Any Tips on Researching Irish Genealogy?

[dat8844]

Hi,

My family has been trying to learn more about our ancestors for many years and have not had any luck. The reason for this is we only know the name of our ancestor, John Totten, and that he lived in the Co. Tyrone area. He and his wife and children immigrated to America in the early 1800's. That is where we lose all traces of our Irish roots. I heard it is difficult to trace ancestors in Ireland, is that true? Any help or insight would be appreciated! If you are a Totten, I would
be interested in hearing about your lineage.

Thanks, Dee

[aghadowey]

Welcome to Rootschat. There are already lots of tips posted here so have a look at the links below.

Ireland Resources:
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,385.0.html

At the top of the Tyrone board are topics:
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,78.0.html

The difficulty in Irish research depends on a variety of factors and in your case the following apply-
1) pre civil registration (1845/1864) you need to search for church records (if they exist)
2) religion- to find church records you need to know the family's religion
3) residence- to find church records, land records, etc. you need a location- at least the parish, if not the actual townland, not just the county

To find other Tottens there are a few places to search-
1) LDS site (www.familysearch.org)- put in Totten and Ireland to see what's there- some extracted and submitted records- not complete
2) Griffith's Valuation (mid 1800s):
http://griffiths.askaboutireland.ie/gv4/gv_family_search_form.php
3) index to civil registration:
http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails;t=searchable;c=1408347
4) PRONI: www.proni.gov.uk

[dat8844]

Thanks so much, looks like I have a difficult search ahead of me. All the best, Dee

[aghadowey]

There's some useful information re: Tottens in Co. Tyrone posted for you on this thread:
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,372514.0/topicseen.html

To avoid duplication and confusion anyone that can help further should reply to the other thread.