I am new to the list, but I am hoping that someone can comment on the frequency of the surname Spalding or Spaulding in Westmeath. I am trying to search my wife's family for our newborn son, James. So far, I have only discovered that her great, great, great grandfather, James Spaulding, was born in County Westmeath on 8 September 1819 to Patrick and Bridget Spaulding. He and his parents arrived in New York, New York on 19 August 1839, and they then moved to Boston. Does anyone know if this name is common in Westmeath, or does it exist in only a few parishes? From the IGI, I was able to find a John Spalding, who was married in 1866 at Roman Catholic Chapel, St. Mary's Parish By Athlone, Westmeath. I am wondering if this may be their parish. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, since I am new to this. Thanks, Jim Bayard Wareham, Massachusetts