Jamison, Martin and Spence Family Connections

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out and apologies for the delay in replying to your message. 

There are a couple of instances of Dromore and Dromora in Co. Down. The link below shows that Dromore is near Newry in the Civil Parish of Warrenpoint:

http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/fuses/townlands/index.cfm?fuseaction=TownlandsInCivil&civilparishid=865&civilparish=Warrenspoint&citycounty=Down

Dromara is also a Civil Parish in Co. Down:

http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/fuses/townlands/index.cfm?fuseaction=TownlandsInCivil&civilparishid=820&civilparish=Dromara&citycounty=Down

I think you are going about your search in the correct way. You have exhausted the records available and I believe the only way you will be able to solve the puzzle is to continue collecting as much information as possible, in the hope that pieces start to make sense to you as more records become available. Have you had a look at the Ulster Historical Foundation website?

http://www.ancestryireland.com/

Another interesting site that is great for keeping up to date with online genealogical resource releases is that of the Irish Genealogical Research Society:

http://www.irishancestors.ie/

Have you tried searching Ancestry.com for any mention of your ancestor?s name in member family trees or messages?

Other important sources include the Tithe Applotment Books and Griffith?s Valuation. Even though these sources only record the head of the household, the information is very important and can be valuable:

Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1837): http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/index.jsp

Griffith?s Valuation (1847-1864): http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/

The National Archives of Ireland: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/  you can search the 1901/1911 Census on the National Archives page too, for instances of the family name at that time

Remember to post any new information that you find here. The more information you post, the more likely it is that one of our volunteers will be able to advise or assist you. Also include information concerning which sources you may have already used so others may further your search.

Best of luck with your search

Clare Doyle

Genealogy Support  

thanks so much, Clare. I appreciate your suggestions, but I've researched them as well and with no success in finding the right families. I thought I was on to something finding Jamison, Martin and Little all in Drumgooland Tithes but that hasn't panned out - in fact, someone told me that they wouldn't be my families in the Tithe books because they weren't rich ... I've come to find out that actually skilled craftsmen could be listed - at least that's what I recall. 

Since I'm unable to come to Co. Down to do my own research, I think the only way to get any info earlier than what I have is to find other descendants. 

Again, thank you. I appreciate the encouragment!

Beth