Desmond Search

Thank you for this site and group. I have been attempting to locate the Parish of, and the records for the County Cork family of John Desmond and wife Bridget Murphy. Their son Thomas Francis Desmond was born in 1834 - 1836. Current California USA records show some date discrepancies between 1917 death certificate and US census and county references. Oral history has him leaving Ireland at 12 or 17 years of age, again not clear. So, this range, if believable is, from 1846 through 1853. As to where he left TO is not in question. He was a seaman and sailed to Australia, and Pacific ports. He came to California in 1870 according to his 1876 Naturalization court record in Merced County, California.

There is more of course. Of the 316 Desmond households in County Cork in mid 1800s, there are also many John Desmond Griffith's Valuation posting, and many John Desmond Tithe Applotment entries.

I was told ten years ago that there was nothing in West Cork by an Ireland West Cork researcher. I also did the Mallow Heritage search in 2002 that turned up nothing for Thomas and parents. I am beginniing a Parish by Parish search. Sincer Regards, Tim Desmond, Fresno, California. June 2014