Hi Thanks for all the info re my Niles queries, Im ploughing through articles and books suggested. Im also looking for info on my g grandmother Mary Donnelly who married Patrick Niles 1870 Frizington Cumberland. Mary came from Co Wicklow to Cumberland pre 1861 census The 1861census shows John Donley born circa 1829 Co Wicklow- Iron ore Miner Esther Donley born circa 1833 Co Wicklow Mary Donley born circa 1855 Co Wicklow Im thinking this is them Esther- and John -are family names. I am using IGI and am interested in a VERY LOOSE LINK a marriage between John Donnelly and Esther Short 04 SEP 1848 , , Ireland. I know it doesnt say Wicklow but hey, you have to start somewhere. I cant find a Donnelly birth with mam and dad John and Esther but Esther Short and her family look promising. I have found some Wicklow Short christenings- could this be Esther with her siblings? i know it would appear to make Esther very young when she married but I am not sure of the norm at this time in Ireland, and would the christening be done shortly after birth or could she have been a toddler. Patrick Short FEB 1833 , Wicklow, Ireland Esther Short 19 APR 1835 , Wicklow, Ireland John Short 18 FEB 1844 Wicklow Ireland Mary Short 27 DEC 1840 , Wicklow The parents of the above are all John and Esther Short. A marriage looks good. John Short and Esther Cullen 1829 Kilquade, Wicklow, Ireland If any of this rings any bells with anyone, please shout as Im really stuck with this family. By 1870 Mary Donnelly has married Patrick Niles, her mam Esther Donnelly died on Christmas Day 1869 and I cant pin down John Donnelly anywhere 1871 census. All in all not a lot to go on. Carol