Hi everyone, I found out a little while ago that I had an ancestor named Valentine McLaughlin from Ireland. Very recently I found a relative who knew that family stories said that Valentine was from County Kildare. Valentine was born in about 1827 (supposedly in county Kildare) and according to family stories he was Catholic. He later moved to Scotland and (according to family stories) converted to Presbyterianism so that he could marry. Valentine and his wife emmigrated from Scotland to the United States in 1852. I was wondering if anyone was familiar with the McLaughlin family from County Kildare. The name as a wide variety of spellings, the most common variation in my experience has been McLoughlin. Also, I was wondering if anyone was familiar with County Kildare and could help direct me where I should go from here. Many of you were of great help when all I knew was that my ancestor was from Ireland, but now I have more specific location. I was wondering what resources are out there for County Kildare and what would be the best place to start. Thanks! ~Michael Messinger~