Clearly, illiteracy and Irish accents produced multiple English interpretations of Irish surnames in the mid-19th century. I have an Irish 1823 baptism record for my g-g-grandfather Thomas Geherty and several post 1845 records after he emigrated to London, wherein his surname is spelled Garretty/Garritty.
After years of searching, I've located his brother Patrick and his wife in the 1841 census (Brick Lane, St Luke Old Street, London, Middlesex). Their surname was recorded as Garby, while on their marriage certificate it is spelled Garty. I have not been able to locate him (Patrick) or his wife (Mary) nee Magaim/Ragun in any subsequent census records. Both their ages were rounded down to 25 in the 1841 census, so they could have been 25 to 29 years old, and their marriage certificate recorded their ages simply as "full age"
Patrick's documented occupations included 'gas lighter' and 'stoker at gas factory'.
Patrick's 7-year-old daughter, Bridget, was living with Patrick's brother, Thomas in 1851, but they also had a daughter, Elizabeth Garratty, born 27 June 1846, Old Street, St. Luke.
If anyone can locate Patrick and his wife, Mary, in the 1851 census – a challenge given the variables – I would be forever grateful. Thank you.
Jack
