Matthew smith born around 1889 clontonakelly

[brian.g]

My uncle managed to get copies of actual Orphanage records for 1902 and 1904 (attached).  The 1904 record shows the birth date (month only, not day).

Matthew is register number 5 while my grandfather is number 6.

I have attached copies along with a history of the Olivet Home that may be of interest.

It is interesting to note the 1902 records show the "School" as opening in July 1902, but obviously both boys were resident in 1901 and the orphanage in some form was opened in about 1884 based on the history.  Maybe there was a change of Administration in 1902.

[brian.g]

Bisjam,

what country are you friends from.  I am in Australia,  My Grandfather came over in 1912.

[bisjam]

He lives in East Belfast. Is doing all his research without having a computer at home as well. Is a very good family friend of my father in particular who passed away earlier in the year so I'd like to help if possible. I also live in east Belfast so if there's any thing I can do don't hestitate to ask. Send me a private message if required

[brian.g]

Bisjam,

I have seen somewhere that the Workhouse records for NI are available from PRONI if you visit in person.  Have you asked them if they hold the ones for Olivet Home?

Interestingly Georges wife's mother was also a Smyth.  I have posted a request for ideas on the ANTRIM page, to see what more can be found out about her and her husband who both lived in the Falls are of Belfast in the 1890's.

[aghadowey]

I have seen somewhere that the Workhouse records for NI are available from PRONI if you visit in person.  Have you asked them if they hold the ones for Olivet Home?

PRONI's e-catalogue can be searched for holdings but there may be restrictions on Workhouse records (you may be looking for information over 100 years old but the same set of records may cover many years after that) so it's best to check with them beforehand.
http://apps.proni.gov.uk/DCAL_PRONI_eCatNI_IE/SearchPage.aspx

For Olivet School they show the registers from 1905-1942-
Olivet school, Ballygowan. [Folio 8]. Roll No. 15720/1537, 1905-1942