I am trying to complete my family tree from my Irish grandfather's family. The details I have are fairly sketchy, but here goes. My grandfather Martin Murray gave his age as 36 in the 1911 census, 27 in the 1901 census but 40 when he married in November 1911. He came from a farming family born in Wilton, Co Cork according to the 1911 census. His father was named Patrick. It was said that the farm was called 'Murray's Model Farm'. Martin was estranged from his family over his reluctance to enter the Priesthood and I assume that he was in Lancashire, England due to this. I understand that letters sent home to Ireland were returned unopened. I would dearly like to know more of his background but really don't to know where to begin. What is a Townland? Any help or advice would be very much appreciated. Bob

Hello Bob - a Google search shows that Wilton appears to be on the south side of Cork city. Just to the north of Wilton is a road called Model Farm Road so it seems to bear out what you have found. You would need to find what parish covers this area and try to see if there are surviving church records for that parish. The National Archives in Dublin holds many Roman Catholic records on film which can be viewed in person. As you know his father's name (Patrick, don't you love them!!) and a rough year of birth, it should be possible to find his baptism. Cork City Library or the Cork Archives may hold information regarding the Model Farm. http://www.corkarchives.ie/ http://www.corkcitylibraries.ie/ Not sure if that is what you are seeking but hope it is useful. Best wishes, Patsy - New Zealand. Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:53 AM Subject: [CO CORK] Advice or Help >I am trying to complete my family tree from my Irish grandfather's family. >The details I have are fairly sketchy, but here goes. > My grandfather Martin Murray gave his age as 36 in the 1911 census, 27 in > the 1901 census but 40 when he married in November 1911. > He came from a farming family born in Wilton, Co Cork according to the > 1911 census. His father was named Patrick. It was said that the farm was > called 'Murray's Model Farm'. Martin was estranged from his family over > his reluctance to enter the Priesthood and I assume that he was in > Lancashire, England due to this. I understand that letters sent home to > Ireland were returned unopened. > I would dearly like to know more of his background but really don't to > know where to begin. > What is a Townland? > Any help or advice would be very much appreciated. > > Bob