I'm trying to track down the origins and parentage of my greatgrandfather Michael Boyle (and my greatgrandmother Ellen Howe). The Howes apparently came from around Miltown Malbay in County Clare, so I'm assuming that's the general region for Michael as well. Lately I've been trying to catalog Boyles and Howes from Kilmurry Ibrickan parish, since both surnames were represented in that area. Michael emigrated from Clare in 1847, Ellen perhaps at the same time. Family lore indicates that Michael arrived at New York, perhaps worked on the canal system and then railroads, came to settle around Dubuque, Iowa, about 1852, bought a 160-acre homestead in Jackson County, Iowa, in 1853, married Ellen at Sinsinawa Mound, Wis., in 1857 (John Boyle was listed as a witness), settled on the homestead near Garryowen, Jackson County, in 1858. There may have been some cousins who came to Dubuque around 1855... Mary Corry, a widow, plus young men named Michael and John Boyle, plus a young widowed woman listed as M. Boyle, with two children named John and Mary. After the 1856 census I've lost track of them. I've put some Boyle information, particularly about my family and the Clare connection, at http://family.boyle.net. So if you have any hints to add, particularly about Boyles or Howes in County Clare, I'd appreciate hearing. Many thanks, Alan ============================================================ Alan and Tonia Boyle -- [email protected] 12412 SE 26th Place, Bellevue, Wash. 98005 tel: 425-957-0219