Thank you for this site and group. I have been attempting to locate the Parish of, and the records for the County Cork family of John Desmond and wife Bridget Murphy. Their son Thomas Francis Desmond was born in 1834 - 1836. Current California USA records show some date discrepancies between 1917 death certificate and US census and county references. Oral history has him leaving Ireland at 12 or 17 years of age, again not clear. So, this range, if believable is, from 1846 through 1853. As to where he left TO is not in question. He was a seaman and sailed to Australia, and Pacific ports. He came to California in 1870 according to his 1876 Naturalization court record in Merced County, California.
There is more of course. Of the 316 Desmond households in County Cork in mid 1800s, there are also many John Desmond Griffith's Valuation posting, and many John Desmond Tithe Applotment entries.
I was told ten years ago that there was nothing in West Cork by an Ireland West Cork researcher. I also did the Mallow Heritage search in 2002 that turned up nothing for Thomas and parents. I am beginniing a Parish by Parish search. Sincer Regards, Tim Desmond, Fresno, California. June 2014
timdesmond
Wednesday 25th Jun 2014, 05:19PMMessage Board Replies
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Tim:
I checked the two main sites that have Co. Cork baptismal and marriage records: www.irishgenealogy.ie and www.rootsireland.ie The first site is free and covers the Diocese of Cork and Ross. The second site is a pay site if you want to view a transcription of a church record. I didn't have any success on either site. Roots has an 1829 baptismal record for a Thomas Desmond with a father John but the mothers name was not Bridget. You already have looked at the other two early-mid 19th century sources, Tithes and Griffiths.
Since you are a Desmond, you may want to consider having your Y DNA tested to see if there are any other Desmonds out there who are a close match.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Wednesday 25th Jun 2014, 07:57PM