Birmingham, or maybe Bermingham

[Henry7]

My great-great-grandfather, Walter Robert Birmingham, came from Ireland, or so he said.  He never disclosed exactly where, sometimes saying Dublin, sometimes Donegal, sometimes Cork. He was born about 1851 or 1852.

He had a brother, Thomas Birmingham, who "died at sea". Their parents were said to be Walter Birmingham, a baker, and Hannah (or possibly Honorah).

Walter ran away from home as a boy and joined the British Navy.  His parents are said to have "bought him out" but he ran away again and joined the British Army, serving in India for many years. He died in Edinburgh in 1899.

It seems clear that he tried to keep his origins quiet - but I have no idea why.

I'd be very grateful for any information, ideas, leads or suggestions.   

[shanew147]

a few Birmingham/Bermingham listings :

1846 Slaters directory

Birmingham Walter, printer, 38 Queen st, Dublin

Birmingham Ellen, 7 Hamilton row, Dublin (CONFECTIONERS &  PASTRYCOOKS.)

Birmingham Walter, 38 Queen st, Dublin  (PLUMBERS & WATER CLOSET MAKERS.)

Bermingham Walter, fruiterer, Main st, Wexford town

1870 Slaters directory.

Birmingham Alfred, baker, High st , Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo



Shane

[Henry7]

Many thanks, Shane.

This is all new info to me. When I was in Cork a few years back I came upon some Berminghams by accident, and wondered if my ancestor was from there, but I've been quite unable to make any link.

Your interesting refs make me wonder if I'll be able to crack our old family mystery - at last.

Harry.

   

[Vabre]

Hi Henry,

The Griffith's Valuation shows there were just three Walter Birmingham's in Irealnd at that time. They were in the following Counties.....
County Limerick, Civil Parish of Kilflyn, Townland of Coolfree.
County Westmeath, Civil Parish of Rathgrave, Townland of Raheen Moreand
County Wexford, Civil Parish of St. Michael's, Townland of Townparks.
Hope this helps,

John....Sydney 
 

[Henry7]

John -

I'm amazed. I really thought my query was pretty hopeless, but suddenly it looks as if a big tour of Ireland is on the cards.

I used to wonder if my ancestor, in seeking to cover his tracks, had simply renamed himself 'Birmingham', but with these several Walter Bs, it looks as if it could well have been his real name.

Many thanks for your efforts!

Harry.

[Vabre]

Hi Harrry,

Add these to your list for the following are Walter BERMINGHAM'S.......

County Cork, Civil Parish of Ballydeloughy, Townland of Balldangan.
County Cork, Civil Parish of Ballydeloughy, Townland of Ballydeloughy.
County Cork, Civil Parish of Marshalstown, Townland of Curraghgorm.
County Dublin, Civil Parish of Dublin City, Townland of Usher's Key, Ward, Thomas Street.
County Dublin, Civil Parish of St.Catherines, Townland Thomas Street.
County Offaly / Kings, Civil Parish of Barri, Townland of Townparks, T/ Birr, The Green.
County Wexford, Civil Parish of St. Selskars, Town of Wexford.

It looks to me that the Dublin entries could be interesting for you. 

John...Sydney

[Henry7]

John and Shane -

Overwhelmed - again.

A couple of days ago this man's origin was just a family legend, perhaps a bit of romantic fiction.  Suddenly it seems it's probably true, and researchable - with at least the possibility of discovering more. I asked for 'leads' - but I'd no idea I'd be given all these.

Many thanks!

Harry 
(in Edinburgh, Scotland).

[Leofric]

Hello Harry,

There are hundreds of Birminghams on the IGI for Ireland, most of which are submitted by LDS people rather than extracts of official records.

Have you found Walter junior in the 1891 census? And then tried working backwards to trawl for clues?His marriage cert will also verify his father's name and occupation.

You could also try a posting on the Armed Forces forum on this site on how to obtain his army papers - these will be useful as they usually show the parish of birth.

regards Leofric

[Henry7]

Hello Leofric -

I know exactly where he was living in 1891, his family are all listed in the census - but he isn't.

Of course, he might have been away on a visit somewhere, but from all I've heard (tales from my grandma) he kept his affairs very private, and gave even friendly enquirers the brush-off, so maybe he just avoided the census clerk and told his wife not to mention him. She gave herself as the head of the family. He was an awkward customer, from all accounts.     

I'll have a try on the Armed Forces forum as you suggest - I have (somewhere) two of his Army numbers: I think he deserted, so there's probably a lot of paperwork somewhere.  It sounds promising!

Many thanks!
Harry.