found this on another list, and thought it might be of interest: >> Brendan Hall [jbhall@indigo.ie] Source: GC-County Louth URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/Ireland/Louth?read=754 Subject: Ranson The following Ranson inscriptions (taken from the Co. Louth Archaeological and Historical Society Journal 1972) are found in Ballymascanlon churchyard (North of Dundalk). RANSON Sacred to the memory of Mary Ranson wife to John Henry Ranson of Dundalk who departed this life on the 4th day of July 1850 in the 28th year of her age, also of Joseph Samuel Ranson their infant son who departed on the 6th day of July 1850 aged one year and 2 months. Also John Henry Ranson their eldest son who departed thos life on the 4th of June 1851 in the 9th year of his age. RANSON Erected by Anne Ranson in emmeory of her Husband John Ranson of Castletown who departed this life on 13th August 1855 aged 65 years. RAWNSON This stone was erected by Mary Rawnson in memory of her Beloved husband Thos Rawnson of Faughart who departed this life the 23rd of May & in the year of our Lord 1797 Aged 72 years. I can't find any other RANSON inscriptions in any printed Louth sources. County Louth Flax Growers 1796 (National library of Ireland Spinning Wheel Lists): (Name, Parish, Number of Spinning Wheels) Ranson Joseph, Castletown, 1 Also: (Public Records office, Kew. Co. Louth Commission of Array) County of Louth at a Commission of Array held at Dundalk for the upper half Barrony of Dundalk aforesaid in and for the County of Louth aforesaid the 9th day of Sept. 1756 Ransom Samuel Ranson Thomas These are the only Ransons (and slight variations!) I can find. Regards, Brendan <<