Looking at Every Resource as an Opportunity – (Part 1)

You may be sitting in a genealogy class or even reading one of my blogs and wonder; “What does this have to do with me?” The answer is simple. Even if the topic doesn’t directly apply to your family history, there will be some common principles which intersect your research.

Applying Non-Irish Techniques to Irish Research

You might find that someone discussing English or German research may hold the key you need to further your research efforts. I can’t tell you how often I’ve learned about genealogy principles from another ethnic group and asked myself; “Now can I translate that strategy over to Ireland?”

For example, in some parts of the world, Roman Catholics were Freemasons with no problem. This was common in frontier areas and in the British Army where Catholics and Protestants mixed freely in the Lodge setting. I found this applies to Ireland also until the 1830s with even some later exceptions.

Applying Irish Techniques to Other Research

I also find myself doing this in reverse where I apply what I know from my Irish research to research in other nationalities. For example, in Ireland we have the post-Griffith’s revision books which continue the taxation process. Is there a counterpart in Scotland? So many Irish went to Scotland that I figure these types of records might come in handy. I found the answer to be yes; a version of taxation record do exist, even if the Scottish records are not exactly like the Irish ones. Yet, the principle translated over and allowed me an extra source from which to track Irish immigrants.

In another example, we are used to the Church of Ireland parish and diocese historically taking care of the affairs of Roman Catholics and other non-conformists. The principle translates over in Colonial America, where there were few, if any, Catholic priests outside of Spanish America and Maryland. The Church of England handled the affairs of Catholics and other non-conformists. In Colonial New England, the Congregational Church served the role.

In Part 2 of this blog I will discuss how to keep an open and broad mind in your research.

If you would like assistance in “thinking outside the box” in your research Click Here.