New to geneaology, advise on where to start??

[rotella]

Thanks Darcy;

I will definately check out the other boards as suggested. I have decided to take on this monumental task as I watch my family history fade away with the passing of each family member who takes the information with them.  Many of my cousins etc all say that they would love to know more about our families past, but so far none of them have even attempted to gather any information, so (sigh) that brings me to where I am. Lost in a sea of information which seems to take me nowhere! I do enjoy meeting new people however, and everyone on this site seems to be very personable.  Thanks again!

[Darcy]

Your welcome Rotella.

Just take it one step at a time.

Don't forget to have a go on the Ulster Historical Foundation data base yourself.

Just type in a name and see what you come up with. You might surprise yourself.

Darcy

[audrey]

rotella
I did not want to say too much at present as I am going to have to take a close look but I think your Shaw family and mine are connected I am also researching the Shaw's from Antrim I have a Francis Shaw b 1813 married to Hannah they had many children and were RC are your family RC

audrey

[rotella]

Hi Audrey, wouldn't that be interesting! My grandma seems to think that they were protestant - but I'm not certain and I know that bible quotes were my grandpa Shaw's favourite things to recite.  I know that my grandpa was a carpenters apprentice in Belfast before he came to Canada. Once in Canada he met my grandma (McClurg) who had come here in 1916 with her family.  I have a picture of Francis with a small child on her lap I think it is a son, but no information on the photo.

[audrey]

it would seem from my reseach so far into this family that my Francis Shaw left Ireland  for England before 1840 as he married in Northumberland although some of the kids are on the census as born Ireland  all so far have been born in Northumberland Sarah Shaw married James Rafferty also from Ireland

I will see what I can come up with for you  but researching Ireland is very difficult

audrey

[audrey]

I have only found two marriages for Shaws in Larn you might want to save these for later



CALWELL, Hugh B.         Marriage
   Wife:   Annie SHAW      
   Marriage Date:   29 Sep 1862   Recorded in:   Larne, Antrim, Ireland
         Collection:   Town Of Carrickfergus; Civil Registration
   Husband's Father:   William CALWELL
   Wife's Father:   Henry SHAW




HUTCHISON, Francis         Marriage
   Wife:   Martha Maria SHAW      
   Marriage Date:   11 Jun 1867   Recorded in:   Larne, Antrim, Ireland
         Collection:   Civil Registration
   Husband's Father:   James HUTCHISON
   Wife's Father:   William SHAW


audrey

[mikehicks]

Rotella,

Have you tried the GenesReunited website? www.GenesReunited.co.uk

There is a Mary Shaw born 1872 in Larne, and 5 McClurg's born Belfast. You can search these yourself and contact the member if you are registered (£7.50 per year). You may find connected families this way.

Mike

[rotella]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the information, I hadn't heard of that site and will definately check it out. Here in British Columbia Canada we have a site on-line for vital statistics. I was able to find my great grandparents death certificates as well as their marriage certificates quite easily but that was the end of the trail. Have you ever used the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Website? I was thinking of giving it a try later on.

Thanks again!

Michelle

[mikehicks]

Rotella,

The LDS site is good for the 1881 census and the IGI, although the IGI often disappoints me!

Definitely use it though.

If you find a potential hit on GenesReunited let me know and I will contact them for you if you like.

Mike