This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jimjam2000 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.ireland.may.general/7993.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Oh my goodness! Some of these names and dates are really familiar, but I don't have Rose or Ellen. Our family descends through Patrick's son Michael. I worked back through the census records, and am fairly sure until 1851 with Patrick and Barbara Ratchford, son John, son Michael and his wife Mary and their son James. I've checked 1841 for them in Newcastle 1841 and think that I may have Patrick and some older children, one even staying with a neighbour perhaps, but prior to this I have definitely hit a wall. I looked at the dates and figured that Patrick left Co. Mayo after the birth of his son John 1837, and that Barbara came over after 1841. I don't have anything on their Irish background. How does this figure with you? Do let me know! 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.