I'm beginning my European research with my third great-grandfather, Michael Clark. His birth year and noted birth place of Dublin are all I know of him in Ireland. Family lore indicates he came to America at a young age and I know he married Rachel (Racherl, Ratchel) Smith in 1832 in Peoria, Illinois, USA.
Hello Still Looking - wlecome to Top Dog Do you have the marriage details for Michael? Do they give any clues as to his parents?
Hi, Daft Bat, No details for Michael Clark's parents, that's my problem. I have his marriage date to Ratchel (Rachel, etc as above) as 23 Aug. 1832, Peoria, IL (Source: Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763-1900, Lic. #7, Vol. I, Pg 10.) Ratchel is daughter of Jessie???, and was born about 1817.
High there. I am not very well informed about American records but I see from Familysearch that you might get the following information: Things you may find in Marriage Records Age at time of marriage Church of marriage ceremony County where the marriage took place Date and/or place of birth for bride and groom Date of the marriage Full names of bride and groom Name of minister or priest Names and birthplaces of the bride’s and groom’s parents Names of the witnesses to the marriage, often relatives Occupation Residence of the parties Whether single, widowed or divorced so I wonder whether your next step is to send for that certificate to see what else you can glean from it.
Hi Still Looking you might like to try Irishgenealogy(dot)ie it's a free site and has parish records, not the easiest site to work in but I found lots there for Dublin when searching for a friend. There is only one baptism on this site - a Michael Clarke baptised 11 July 1808 RC at St Michan church father Petri Clarke and mother Brigida Finningan. Petri could be Petrus or Peter or even Patrick if incorrectly transcribed - are these family names of his children? I could not find a marriage nor other baptisms for this couple so perhaps this child was baptised just before immigration - just a wild guess. Good luck with your search, Irish rellies are the hardest to piece together. Hilda
Thank you, Blackmogs. Yes, I have tried using the FamilySearch site but mostly have not had any luck. What I need to do is visit one of their locations as I have been told they will help you if they have someone who can take the time to do so. I appreciate your help! Thanks again. -- Still Looking
Dear Hilda, Thank you for your help and research efforts. I have tried this site and gleaned the same information. As far as I know, the parents remained in Ireland. Family lore indicates Michael Clark went to the United States to escape the Irish military. His parents were so embarrassed by his flight that they disowned him. In America, I have Michael's information from 1832 when he married Ratchel Smith, through about 1840 when one son, William was three years old. After that, Michael and Ratchel both disappeared. One report indicated she died when William was three and William was raised by a relative. Thanks for your help! -- Still Looking
