Most of the families listed descended from common soldiers who arrived in the county with the Norman knights at the invitation of Dermot McMurrough. For their assistance in fighting their enemies, Dermot gave land in the southern baronies to the soldiers. These families retained their customs and language and mingled little with the Irish people around them, although by the late 1600's only the baronies of Forth and Bargy retained the old ways. Unfortunately, the old language is now extinct, and linguists have been unable to translate it. Most of the names are Norman, Cambro-Norman, or Cornish. Edel Codd, Fardy, Power, Roche, Walsh, Doyle in Wexford -----Original Message----- From: Joan [mailto:" rolfes"@erols.com] Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2000 12:44 PM To: WEXFORD-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [WEX] Family response Thank you to all that replied to me about the book. In looking at the list, I was surprised at the difference in the names. Not Kelly, O'Connor, O'Brien or Fitz-anything. It shows the diversity of Wexford. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I, can answer that one. Speaking of knowledge! Many have asked me for help. I am not a professional researcher. As Celestine can attest, I can not even find data on my grandparents that left Ireland in 1903. I think they hid behind a tree anytime someone asked questions. I have a CD Vital Records Index British Isles listing SOME births for 1864-1874 and have done some lookups for people on this list. If anyone else has a reference material perhaps we can help each other. Joan rolfes@erols.com STAFFORD/CARBERY/CURTIS/CAIN All Wexford ______________________________