This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Soopy464 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.henderson/5756.4.3.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Betty, Yes....they did not mislead you by telling you that it is VERY hard searching in N.Ireland.Mainly because of a fire many years back,where all the census and info was held, there is very little left. Perhaps pieces of census during 1800s....but not until 1901 (I believe) is there any definite info. Now...because you (and I) are looking back as far as 1700s that is even harder. There are the Freeholders lists, Griffiths lists, Directorys....and sometimes people who have researched a name will post info that they have come across (like myself I have lots of Armstrong info-not mine lol). The best way I have learned to search....is to first join a mailing list (thru rootsweb). I belong to maybe 10 of them. Ones with my surnames or areas that I am looking in. I CAN NOT emphasize enough what I have learned and found thru these lists! First...you are dealing with people who live in these areas are are so very helpful. Second there just "may be" that distant relative of yours who has one more little piece of info that just might connect you. And third...the "historical" and "genealogical" knowledge of some of the people on these lists will blow you away! lol I have learned so much, made many new friends all over the world and even found relatives....going back as far as ggg! g grandparents in Scotland....because of these lists. Also....yes you are quite right when you say crossing borders. N Ireland is not a very large area and back then people crossed what we see as borders today, whether to work, get married or baptize a child. It was usually "what ever is closer". So in searching Ireland, tho where they lived is very important....also too is what was near them. If you do decide to search there....let me know. I have incredible sites to look at. Map sites etc. If I ever do find new info on my Hendersons I will certainly post it. lol Before I go....2 things that I found extremely useful in my searching.... FIRST>>> If you have surnames as middle names...they CAN definitly be big clues in past lineage!!!! SECOND>>> The traditional naming pattern! Used during 1700s to the late 1800s..INCREDIBLE how this can help in search of past family!That tradition applied equally across Great Brittain and Ireland. 1st son After father's father 2nd son After mother's father 3rd son After the father 4th son After the father's eldest brother. 1st dau After mother's mother 2nd dau After mother's father's mother 3rd dau After the mother 4th dau After mother's eldest sister Good luck to ALL Sue in NY Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.