NOBLE SPEAR

[Joan Rines]

Researching Noble Spear b. 1796 Ire.
w/ Martha b. 1808 Ire
dau/ Eliza M. "Lizzie" b. 1850 Maine
  Eliza's ch: Arthur M. & Daisy
Thanks for any clues.

[Christopher]

Hello Joan,

I'd a quick look at Griffith's Valuation of Ireland 1848-64 to get a rough idea in which part of Ireland you should have a look for your Spear family. Most of the people with this surname came from the Province of Ulster ... ie the counties in the north of Ireland. It's a pity you have not got Martha's surname as a cross check on the surnames might help to pinpoint where they lived.

What about the christian names of the descendents? Do any of them look like a surname? The surnames of some of the families who lived near them in Maine could help as a large number of Irish tended to settle close to other families who may have lived near to them in Ireland.

Christopher

[Joan Rines]

Thanks Christopher!   Since this posting, I have found this Spear family in Maine.  Martha's name is actually Matilda.  Still no surname, but b. 1806 Scot.    Very common-named children.  Son John b. 1829 Ire.  Dau. Jane b. 1831 Maine which helps narrow the immigration date.
Leaving for the summer today, without my computer.    Any responses will be delayed.
Many thanks again.  This forum is terrific.
Joan

[Christopher]

Thanks Christopher!   Since this posting, I have found this Spear family in Maine.  Martha's name is actually Matilda.  Still no surname, but b. 1806 Scot.    Very common-named children.  Son John b. 1829 Ire.  Dau. Jane b. 1831 Maine which helps narrow the immigration date.
Leaving for the summer today, without my computer.    Any responses will be delayed.
Many thanks again.  This forum is terrific.
Joan

Have a good summer break Joan.

I look forward to your posts when you return.

Christopher