I am looking for information on my relative BridgetShier and her parents, James and Mary.
All we know is that Bridgit was born in County Limerick in about 1838. According to her marriage and death certificates,James Shier was a farmer and her mother was Mary Hastings. She emigrated to Victoria Australia sometime before 1850 (possibly with her parents?).
Any advice much appreciated.
Regards
Anne Kerr
Anne:
The surname Shier was very rare in mid-19th century Ireland and was almost exclusively found in Co. Limerick. The variant surname Shire was also rare and found almost exclusively in Limerick.
I was unable to find a baptismal record for Bridget on Roots Ireland.
If you go to www.titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie and enter Shier and then Shire you will see where the names were found around 1825-1830. You can also go to www.askaboutireland.ie and see where the names were found in 1850 during the Griffiths Valuation in Co. Limerick.
The Tithes has a James Shire in 1830 in Coomheer townland in Shanagolden parish. There is also a James Shire in the Griffiths in Clashganniff townland in Shanagolden.
All of these records are leads for your consideration.
Roger McDonnell