How do I find my KENNEDY?

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Permalink Reply by Jeanette Seaborn on July 2, 2010 at 8:22pm

Hi, Chris:
My Kennedy clan immigrated to Canada in the 1850s; where they emigrated from is still uncertain (there are few transport records available before the late 1860s). I knew where they settled, so I searched the census records. I found my 2x great grandparents in the 1881 Canadian census (although the spelling was different - probably the person taking the census wasn't familiar with the Irish accent). There's also a family Bible that I hope to gain access to at some point.
My great grandfather bought land from his namesake uncle before the uncle died, so there were references with that. Following the uncle's death, my great grandfather was a co-executor of the estate, and many letters were passed between the executors and the uncle's attorney (I have access to some of them), as well as other documents.
Family legends, if available, are another source of information. If there are rumours about where the family is from, you can try and narrow down the area (provided there aren't a lot of similar-sounding place names like Eniskillen, Iniskill or Iniskillen).
There are a number of genealogy-based websites with message boards. I've posted a number of questions on a lot of these message boards. It might take a while to get an answer, but usually someone will respond with either a question or an answer you're looking for.
I hope this helps.
Jeanette

Permalink Reply by Chris Chapman-Taylor on July 2, 2010 at 8:55pm

Hello Jeanette,
Thank you for replying. I wish I did have some family tales to go by : ) We were always told that we were Scottish Kennedy's not Irish, so when this popped up it was quite a surprise. I know research in Ireland is very hard but I just don't want it to end here, although it looks as though it may have to go on the back burner for a while at least. Without a townland or anything it seems as if it will be impossible. I have posted on message boards without any success, I am starting to think that maybe DNA may give me a link to this elusive line. I was hoping that the names may give me a lead, my grandfather was John, his father David, Davids father was John and his father David (who was the Irish born) if I was lucky enough he was the eldest son and maybe his father would be John BUT how common would John Kennedy be in Ireland!!!
I have read very similiar posting as mine so I know I am not the only researcher having these drama's : (
I guess it is just a matter of plodding on!!

Thanks Jeanette, If I find any of mine that left for Canada shores I will know where to come for help ; )

Regards
Chris