Registry of Deeds: Mysterious Missing Memorial?

[Gilby]

Hi All,

I have found a reference to a memorial I want to see, but it seems to be missing and I was wondering,

1.   Have you come across similar missing deeds?
2.   Have you any tips for how I may find the missing memorial?

The memorial I am looking for is listed in the land index for County Donegal (1739-1810) here:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSMQ-2QYG-V?i=54&cat=185720

It is down near the bottom left (Gortoquigly – Rea to Hamilton & anr b307 p53 No202977).  So I went to book 307 page 53:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJW-J9F8-N?i=32&cat=185720

There's no sign of 202977, but there is 202959, so it can’t be far away.  Next page is 202978 … where is 202977!? 

I’ve tried searching the books above and below 307 too.  Below is a list of each book with the memorial numbers closest to 202977.  I’ve found 202975, 202976, 202978 and 202979 but not the one I want!

Book 296 = 200616/210015
Book 297 = 197726/
Book 298 = 201837/207811
Book 299 = 200345/209343
Book 300 = 201951/203585
Book 301 = 202940/203023
Book 302 = 202976/203025
Book 303 = 202793/203174
Book 304 = 202956/204565
Book 305 = 202975/202979
Book 306 = 202968/203013
Book 307 = 202959/202978
Book 308 = /203147
Book 309 = /203923
Book 310 = /204480

I’ve also checked the Grantor’s Index for “Rea to Hamilton” and “Hamilton to Rea” deeds, but have not found any more clues.

Thanks,
Gilby

[Elwyn Soutter]

The originals are held by the Registry of Deeds in Dublin. When they re-open, you could contact them to see if they can locate the missing memorial.

[Gilby]

Hi Elwyn,

I was having a look at their site a couple of days ago because I was thinking along those same lines, but I wasn’t really sure what services they were offering:

https://www.prai.ie/registry-of-deeds-services/

And this seems to suggest that the only way you can submit a search request is by post!  Actually, I see they have an email address in the “contact us” section.  I’ll try that and hope they pick it up when they’re back in.

Thanks,
Gilby

[Elwyn Soutter]

Hi Elwyn,

I was having a look at their site a couple of days ago because I was thinking along those same lines, but I wasn’t really sure what services they were offering:

https://www.prai.ie/registry-of-deeds-services/

And this seems to suggest that the only way you can submit a search request is by post!  Actually, I see they have an email address in the “contact us” section.  I’ll try that and hope they pick it up when they’re back in.

Thanks,
Gilby

I haven’t actually contacted them myself but I know someone who did. He was having difficulty reading the PRONI microfilm copy of a particular deed, and so phoned them. The staff got out the original and photocopied it. I think there may have been a €20 fee but he was content, and found them very helpful.

[Gilby]

Thanks, that sounds encouraging.  I’ll make a note so hopefully when things open up I can remember to give them a call.