New member introducing myself

Question

Hi, I'm Bill Joyce and have recently started looking at Wikitree in my quest to uncover all the saints and sinners in my lineage.  I hope to get to know the site and learn to use it effectively.  I've been doing family research off and on for about 20 years and almost full-time for the past 3.  My biggest roadblock is the Joyce family prior to 1850 in Ireland.  I haven't lost faith, but it's been a while since I've had any verifiable facts about them.  Perhaps someone here can help me unlock some of those hidden vaults where records are kept.  Thanks for having me.

Comments

Is there a particular county and or city in Ireland to search for the Joyce surname in Ireland before 1850?

Would you have any first names before 1850?

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Unfortunately, the Joyce family came from County Galway where the name is quite common.  According to family lore, my g-grandfather Christopher was from Clifden, but I can't verify that.  His death certificate and marriage request both say only Ireland.  I know that his father was Thomas and his mother was Mary Cline, both confirmed on the death certificate and marriage license, as well as those of his brother.  Some of the family may also be from Mayo.  My g-grandparents were married after emigrating and she was from County Clare (Bridget Halloran), and also difficult to trace.  My g-g-grandparents were born in the 1830's in either Mayo or Galway.

Answer 1

Christopher Joyce, Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910

Christopher was a laborer who married Bridget Halloran 3 Oct 1886 at Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts. He was 22 and Bridget was 21. Estimated birth year for Christopher 1864, and estimated birth year for Bridget 1865.

Bride and groom both born Ireland. His parents are Thomas and Mary Joyce and brides parents are Michael and Bridget Halloran.

Comments

As I stated, I have that information and the information for Thomas Joyce's parents, though unverified.  My quest is to get factual information for my 4th g-grandparents and beyond.

Answer 2

Hi Bill, welcome to WikiTree, it's good to have you here!

When you get your tree built to your brick-wall ancestor come post in here about what you are looking for and attach the profile to the post. There are a lot of members that are happy to help. If the profile is connected then it makes it easier for us to find it and jump in and help.

If they were from Ireland then also add the tag Ireland to your post. That will catch the attention of the members who do a lot of research in Ireland.

Glad you are joining us.