Very Tricky Question

[Katie123]

Hello All
I've just found out that my Irish great-grandmother worked, at some stage, as a matron in a hospital in either Devon or the Isle of Man (Douglas). I have no information about her whatsoever - this memory is from my aunt, who only knew her as a very small child. I know that my grandmother was born 1900ish in Wexford, Ireland.
So...am wondering...is there anyway possible that I could try and find out more about this woman, based on such a tiny scrap of info??    I know it's pretty much impossible but thought it was worth a go!

[Evie]

Hi

You could maybe work back from your Grandmother if you know her name. If she is still alive you'll not be able to post her name here though.

Then find the marriage of her parents which would give you an idea at least of Great Grandmother's maiden name. Depends if it is a common name, hopefully not. The 1911 census may help too once you can find out her name.

Evie

[Katie123]

My grandmother died in 1990 and I haven't been able to find her in the Irish 1911 Census as it was quite a common name :S difficulties at every turn!
Thanks for the advice

[Evie]

Sorry what I missed out was to try and find the birth of your Grandmother, then the parents marriage

Well if you need help searching this is the place, there are very clever people on here.

I'm sure someone will be able to track down your Grandmother's parents, it's not often they are beaten

Evie

[Katie123]

Hopefully! All I know about her is her maiden name - Mary Kate Hogan - and that she was born roughly 1900. No specific date, and no specific place either, presumably somewhere in Wexford near Camolin.
Fingers crossed!

[aghadowey]

If your grandmother was still living in Ireland in 1911 (hopefully other family members) then you can look at 1911 census (free) online-
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search

Index to civil registrations is also free but you'll need to purchase a certificate to get any details-
http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails;t=searchable;c=1408347

[dillybert]

Do you have your Grandmother's death certificate from 1990. Later ones (in England anyway) usually show the date of birth, which will help you to search for her birth certificate.

dilly

[Evie]

Ah good idea dilly.

If Mary Kate died in England or Wales in 1990 then we can find out her birth date or what was recorded at least. What was her surname Katie please when she died?

Evie

[jorose]

http://rcnarchive.rcn.org.uk/
  - you could try the RCN archive. They have the old nursing journals online, which often list appointments (particularly of senior positions such as Matron). There are some hits for Hogan.