Developing Your Own “Census Substitute” List

I’d like to continue from yesterday’s blog, and discuss how you can develop a census substitute list.

For the detailed answer check out my article “Creating an Irish Census Alternatives List” published in The Okanagan Researcher, 27, #2 (December 2010), pages 5-8. This is the publication of the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society in Kelowna, British Columbia: www.kdgs.ca The article is not online, but for a donation, I’m sure they will send you a copy.  Tell them Dwight sent you.

In the Kelowna article I pulled together easily accessible resources for Aghadowey Parish, County Londonderry. From it came the first wave of Scots-Irish to New England in 1718. They founded Londonderry, New Hampshire. Millions of Americans and Canadians descend from these Aghadowey families.

Now for the short answer. I go through many varied sources which list names, some published, some not. Think in terms of lists of names. These can include church registers, tax lists, history books, court records, journal articles, land lord rent and lease accounts, and newspaper extracts. My rule is that any source is fair game as long as it is easily accessible. Then I arrange my list by date order, source name, and the reference. Never, ever forget the full reference.

Once you have compiled your list, please have it published in a genealogical journal. It doesn’t matter which one, or if it’s even Irish related. That way it is referenced in sources such as Periodical Source Index (PERSI) and everybody can find your creation.