I am searching for more information about one of my great grandmothers. She was Josephine Costelloe from Tuam, Galway. She arrived in Melbourne, Australia at the age of 14 with her sister Fanny (age 21) in 1870. I am searching for any leads as to her family, birthplace, baptismal records, etc. We are going to visit Ireland in March-April 2016 and plan to visit Tuam. Thanks.
Anthea,
Tuam RC parish baptism records are on-line on this site. Have you searched looking for the 2 girls births (and perhaps that of any siblings?):
Hi Anthea
Let me know if you would like to meet up while you are in Tuam. I live just outside the town and while I will be in the UK for a few days in April would love to help you out if I can.
Let me know at cdoyle@irelandxo.com your intended visiting dates.
There is a Church baptism for a Josephine baptised on 22-Apr-1855 in Tuam to a father John Costello and a mother Anne Brook. Other children include: Elizabeth: 21-Mar-1850, Frances:18-Mar-1847. I can't see a marriage record for the couple in Galway. You can see the originals as Elwyn suggests above on the NLI website.
There are no Brook families listed on the Griffith's Valuation in the mid-1800s so it may be the case that Ann was not a local girl:
http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/surname/index.cfm?Surname=Brook&fuse….
There is a John Costello entry on the Griffith;'s Valuation for Townparks, Tuam and this COULD be your John:
http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=doNam…
Let me know what you think.
Best wishes
Clare Doyle
Genealogy Support
Thank you Elwyn and Clare. That's wonderful work you've done. I had checked the handwritten microfiche for 1856 only. Clare, you have found my great grandmother. Her father was John and her mother was Anne Brook. It's on Josephine's Marraige Certificate. We are going to be in Ireland from 22nd March until 23rd April this year. We would love to meet with you. We were hoping to get to Galway in the beginning of April but we're flexible. (Being Australians we're not afraid of long car rides!) Now that I have your email address I will message you on arrival. This is exciting. Thanks again. Anthea Dacy
Please do contact me. I am a couple of minutes drive from the centre of Tuam so can be with you at short notice. Once you confirm that date let me know so that I can arrange to be here. Looking forward to meeting you.
Best wishes
Clare
Genealogy Support