Griffith's Valuation - Beyond the Basics!

Saturday, March 14th, is going to be a great day for those of us with Irish roots or who just want to be "Irish for the day." Beginning at 10:00 AM in the Huenefeld Tower Room of the Main Library,Mary Ann Faloon, will help us understand The Primary Valuation of Ireland, known as the Griffith’s Valuation. The Griffith’s Valuation, was developed to provide a standardized taxation method in Ireland during the mid-nineteenth century. 

Because of the destruction of early census records, it has become a census substitute used to find Irish ancestors, especially those who left Ireland during the Famine of the 1840s.  However, there is much more to Griffith’s than a list of names.  By exploring the various documents used to create the final product, along with pre and post documents, we can discover many interesting aspects about our ancestors and the lives they lived.  Join us as we investigate how Griffith’s was developed and view some of the information contained in the various records.

Note the special time for this presentation. It was scheduled at this time so that participants will be able to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade that begins at noon. For detailed information on the parade click on this link.

Here is a description of the parade route:

 Mark your calendar and “think spring.”

Submitted by Kathy Reed

Griffith's Valuation with Mary Ann Faloon

Mary Ann Faloon

Mary Ann Faloon, Chairman of the Irish Interest Group for the Hamilton County Genealogical Society was the Guest Speaker for the Kenton County Library's Congenealogy Group.  Due to the current renovations at the library, the meeting was held at the Baker-Hunt Arts and Cultural Center on Greenup St. in Covington, Kentucky.

Those in attendance were really in for a treat.  Learning how to navigate Irish genealogical records can be a daunting task.  Mary Ann was able to lead us through the various kinds of records available for researching Irish ancestors.  Tithes were collected to support the Church of Ireland.  The "County Cess" was created to support the needs of the counties.  The Griffith's Valuation was based on any occupant of the land, regardless of whether or not they owned land. 

Various acts passed in 1826, 1848 and 1852 determined what was to be assessed.  After 1838 the country was divided into Poor Law Unions and after 1852, all assessments were organized by Poor Law Unions.

We learned of the unintended consequences that made it much more profitable for landlords to evict their tenants and level their homes rather than pay the assessed taxes.  Mary Ann tracked a few select individuals through the various records so that we could better understand how the records complement each other to provide a fairly good picture of an individual ancestor.

We were provided with a list of terms and related resources.  Some items, including the Griffith's Valuation, are available online.  Townland Maps and 6" Maps are available in the Genealogy and History Department of the Cincinnati Public Library. Still other records are on microfilm which can be ordered and placed on loan at your local Family History Library.

Once again I am amazed at the expertise that can be found within the membership of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society -- one more reason to become actively involved. 

Jan Mueller of the Kenton County Library was our host for the evening.  Anyone interested in other programs sponsored by the Congenealogy Group can ask to be put on a mailing list.  Jan's email address is:
jan.mueller@kentonlibrary.org

Listed are some online resources that can be used to aid you in your Irish Genealogy.

• Ordnance Survey Maps - http://shop.osi.ie/
• Griffith's Valuation - http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml
• Lists of Townlands by Civil Parish - http://www.seanruad.com/
• Catholic Parish Information - http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/counties/rcmaps/index.htm

Baker-Hunt Arts and Cultural Center