"Many of those who found themselves in Smiths Falls [Ontario] came from Coollattin Estate, which was owned by the Fitzwilliam family. In 1847, the most harrowing year of the Irish Famine, the British Parliament passed legislation that transferred all responsibility for the welfare of Irish tenants living on estates from the government and to the landlords. Many of these landlords were “absentee,” meaning they mostly lived in England, and agents collected the rent from their tenants and would managed the estate in their stead. "Several of these landlords decided it was best to rid themselves of these tenants and the responsibility of looking after them by aiding their passage to the USA or to Canada. During the years 1847 to 1856 6,000 Wicklow tenants who lived on the CoollattinEstate found themselves forced to relocate with the 'help' of the Fitzwilliams..." "Among these names were Byrne, Carr, Clare, Coghlan, Dagg, Doyle, Eagers, Jackson, Kenny, Lowman, Murphy, Pearson, Pierce, Rickby, Tallant, Tallon, Timmons and Whelan." To continue reading, check here>>> http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/Canadian-city-of-refuge-for-famine-emigrants-explores-link-with-Wicklow-town.html Barb MizScarlettNY@aol.com