Will DNA testing help identify the birthplace of ancestors in Ireland

[TinaRoyal]

Two of my ancestors, William Taylor and Catherine McKenna came over from Ireland in 1840’s, and were married in Liverpool in 1854.  I am trying to identify the places of birth of both William and Catherine, but all subsequent census returns merely state that they were born in Ireland.

It has been suggested to me that by matching with my DNA, this will indicate what part of Ireland they came from.   Is this correct, or will the results merely confirm Ireland as a source of my ancestors, which would in fact leave me no further forward than I am now.

If DNA is not the answer, can anyone suggest any other nontraditional means I could use, that would do more than just carry my research back across the Irish sea.

[eileenwilson]

It won't necessarily be the DNA test itself which will likely tell  you that you are mostly British (English & Scottish) and perhaps some Irish, as Taylor is not an Irish surname, but the usefulness will be if you match against someone who knows where his family came from.  The more info you can pull in about others that you match with, the better chance you have of finding a place in Ireland.

[Neil Todd]

Welcome to Rootschat Tina. Hopefully we will be able to get you help on your search for ancestors roots.

DNA can only be used as a comparison tool. If there were accessible files on lots of individuals from a certain area of Ireland and this particular area had an extraordinary gene marker then you might get somewhere. Unfortunately I don't see that happening.

Your best bet if available is a Death Cert on each. If the informant knew the people well and their history then you may get their birth details of the right area. Still a long shot but it may get you closer. Once you get some idea, you can post on the relevant Irish county Board for further information. Certificates are still the best method, marriage one's are really good as they give first hand information.

Good luck

Neil

[eileenwilson]

The marriage record for them in 1854 gives his father as John Taylor and her father as Richard McKenna.  There are only five Richard McKennas in the Tithe Applotments in the 1820s -- all in Dublin. The addresses suggest that they may all be the same person (or perhaps two people):

Richard McKenna, Seatown West, StPatrick's, Dublin 1827
Richd McKenna, Magillstown, Swords, Dublin 1824
Richd McKenna, Magillstown, StPatrick's, Dublin 1824
Richd McKenna, Seatown West, Swords, Dublin 1828
Richd McKenna, Magillstown, Swords, Dublin 1828

Given that they were married in Liverpool, it does not necessarily follow that they knew each other in Ireland so the Taylors may come from somewhere else entirely.

[eileenwilson]

There is also a baptism in Sheffield in 1859 at St. Mary's (St. Marie) for son Thomas. The baptismal record may provide more information about the parents' and their birthplaces.

[aghadowey]

Your best bet if available is a Death Cert on each. If the informant knew the people well and their history then you may get their birth details of the right area.
English, and Irish, death certificates contain little detail- birth date & place and names of parents are NOT included.

[TinaRoyal]

Eileen,

Thank you for your information regarding Tithe Applotments.  I will chase these up further.

[hurworth]

DNA testing may eventually help you to find out where they are from IF the descendants of surviving siblings can eventually be found through DNA testing and IF these surviving descendants actually know they have these names in their tree and IF these descendants know where their ancestors are exactly from.

In my experience with DNA it most definitely has pointed strongly to one area of Ireland in particular and I think I know which ancestor it is coming from, but until some cousins test I can't be sure which side/ancestor it is from.

[eileenwilson]

Like you, I have very strong circumstantial evidence as to the area in Ireland, and as a potential cousin has recently tested, and still lives in the area, if he is a match, then I know my research is correct; however, this is only after 15 years of much sweat and tears of finding the smallest pieces of evidence.