James Breslin Derry to new York

[gerrycass]

Looking for help in tracing my gran uncle James Breslin. He was born Derry on 16 dec 1886 . I have traced him on the ss Columbia arriving new York 10 November  1907 . On the entry form he is going to stay with his aunt at  1604 8th ave new York but I can not find him on any census even though we know that he was in new York until his death date unknown. Any advice on next step will be much appreciated

[shellyesq]

It's important to note that the aunt's address was in Brooklyn, New York.  There is also an Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. 

There is a New York City death index at www.italiangen.org.  With such a common name, it can be difficult to tell if you have the right one, but it might be worth checking for possibilities.

[gerrycass]

Hi shellyesq many thanks for your help. He was going to Brooklyn as it states this on the Ellis island site. I will have a look at the link and see if I can find them. The Irish census site allows you to check by street which makes it easy to check. Wil let you know if I have any success

[Lisa in California]

Have you found his aunt on any (American) census returns?  (Hoping he might have settled near her.)

[gerrycass]

Lisa i have spent hours on different web sites trying to find them both i do have an address in Brooklyn but i am still having no joy. I had trouble finding James on the Ellis island site but was able to find him via the ship manifest. We also have some form of legal document in relation to property been sold belonging to James Breslins mother in new york which came as a surprise. I would love to hit new york as its frustrating getting info at time on the web. Thanks for your interest and any advice please feel free to give it.

Gerry

[Lisa in California]

Maybe I could have a look for his aunt, as I'm not yet getting anywhere with James?  Was her name Catherine, and if I may ask when and where she was born, please?  Do you know her husband's name and any of his details, especially when they may have arrived in the states?

[gerrycass]

Hi Lisa when i came across the reference to an aunt in New York that James was staying with i was surprised as we had no idea about this lady. I phoned my aunt who checked her old family tree and she said he had an aunt Kathleen Breslin but she had no idea of her wereabouts. This infomation is hand written and is oral in origin so it could be Catherine. In the Ellis island site where i got this information it is difficult to make out the first name it does look like Kitty which could be either Catherine or Kathleen. The second name Doherty is very clear and the address in Brooklyn is also clear. As this is all new info to me i have not been able to carry out any research into how and when they left Derry but will work on it. Another small piece of information on the 1901 census James is shown as a law clerk and on the ships manifest he claims he is a reporter. Perhaps i am related to Jimmy Breslin the famous writer and columnist in New York wouldn't that be something. Sorry for all the waffle.
Gerry

[shellyesq]

On the passenger list, the aunt's name looks like Netta Doherty to me. 

[gerrycass]

yes Shellyesq it does look like Netta but a name i have never heard before. It is pure guess work at present trying to work out who the lady is. I have been trying to work out who she might be. I have found a Ellen Breslin who married a Hugh Dohery in Derry 1877 the dates are around the time of James Breslin father who was John Breslin, the church is in  the area the Breslins lived and their are not a lot of Breslins in the area most come from Donegal but that is our neighbours. I will keep trying my side and appreciate all your help and advice. A wee question can the American census be viewed by street on line or is it name only?