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Census Returns:
This chapter lists and describes the official censuses conducted in Co. Mayo, and also other sources which describe a significant number of Mayo residents at a particular period.
Official Government Censuses of Ireland have been carried out at 10 year intervals since 1821. However, the individual household returns for the years 1821-1851 were destroyed in a fife in the Public Record Office in 1921. Returns for the years 1861-1871 were destroyed by Government order to protect confidentiality, and the 1881 and 1891 returns were pulped during the First World War due to a shortage of paper. A full set of returns for the 1901 & 1911 censuses are available for public inspection in the National Archives (See P.83).
The following is a chronological list of sources for Mayo, with a description, and where each can be accessed:
1625-35. Stafford Inquisition of Co. Mayo:
Landholders and others named in an inquisition which opened in Ballinrobe on 31 July 1635. Arranged by barony with indexes of persons, places and subjects. Royal Irish Academy Ms. 24.E.15; SaG Library; Also published by the Irish Manuscripts Commission (Dublin, 1958).
1630-39. Particulars of Quarters of Land in Mayo.
Arranged by barony, it lists 54 landholders and extent of holdings. NLI Pos. 1416.
1641. Books of Survey and Distribution
Lists the owners of the land in 1640, and the owners following its confiscation and redistribution in 1641. RIA Ms 1 VI. 1; Published by Irish Manuscripts Commission (Dublin 1956).
1654 -58. The Transplantation to Connaught:
This is arranged by county, subdivided by Barony. It lists planters, their original county and address, and holding. Also local transplantation giving name and original parish address. Pub. by the Irish Manuscripts Commission (Dublin 1970). County Mayo is covered on pp 183 -225.
1691. Mayo Jacobites:
A list of Mayomen who were indicted and outlawed for treason against William ill. Gives names, and in some cases addresses and relationships. Analecta Hibernica Vol. 22, p. 1-240.
1692-98. Foxford Quit Rent Collection Books.
Names of proprietors, locations of land, area and yearly charge. NAI M 6968.
1716. Petitioners for the Fortification of Ballinrobe:
Lists the names of 70 Protestant freeholders petitioning (in July 1716) for Ballinrobe to be fortified with surrounding walls. J. Galway Arch. & Historical Society, Vol. vn (1911-12) p. 168-70.
1783. Ballinrobe, Register of Householders
This register is arranged by street or townland and lists the names of approximately 190 householders. The names are not in alphabetical order. Analecta Hibernica, Vol. 14.
1785. Lord Altamont's Rent Roll of West port
A list of 87 persons in the town of Westport who paid rent to Lord Altamont. It ,:1 is arranged by street giving names and rent paid. In the journal 'Cathair na Mart' 1 1982 Vol. 2 No.l.(see Westport Hist. Soc. P. 84)..
1786. Westport Petitioners
A memorial dated March 10th 1786 calling for a regular post between Westport and Castlebar and signed by 70 local inhabitants. NAI Post Office records, MFA 43/1 Also published in Cathair na Mart No.16, 1996. (see Westport Hist Soc. P. 84).
1793 -1794. Catholic Qualification Rolls:
Names, addresses and rank/occupation of Catholics taking an oath of allegiance in order to have restrictions against them eased. The rolls for Mayo were signed in Castlebar in July 1793 and January 1794, also in Newport in July 1793. NAI Ref. 2 -446 -53.
1795. Armagh Migrants to the Westport Area
A petition by Armagh migrants to Westport to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, seeking relief and assistance. It contains a list of 99 names only. Pub. in the journal 'Cathair na Mart' 1982 Vol. 2 (1) (see Westport Hist Soc. P. 84).
1796. Linen Board Premiums For Persons Growing Flax:
A list of persons paid premiums for sowing flax in a scheme run by the Linen Board to increase the supply of flax. It provides the name and parish of residence of over 2,000 persons in Mayo. It is available in several archives in book or microfiche versions, some of which are indexed. NLI (Call number: 1r.633411 i7); NAI; SOG Library.
1796. Catholics Migrating from Ulster to Mayo
A list of 283 persons from Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone who immigrated into Mayo. Arranged by county (and townland if given).of origin and detailing name, location in Mayo and number in household. Seanchas Ardrnhacha Vol. 3(1) 1958 p.17-50.
1798. Persons Claiming For Losses Suffered In The 1798 Rebellion
A list of 'loyal' subjects claiming damages for losses sustained during the 1798 rebellion (see Chapter 13). Arranged in alphabetical order by name and providing occupation/rank, residence, and place where loss was sustained, nature of loss and amount claimed. Over 650 claims were submitted from Mayo. These claims are available in book form in the National Library (NLI. JLB.94107).
1800-1805 Families in the Townland of Carrowmore, Knock
Lists of the residents of the townland of Carrowmore & Knock from Lord Dillon's rental papers 1800-1805, the Tithe Applotments 1833, Griffith's Valuation 1856 and the 1901 census. J. of SMFRHC Vol. VII 1994 p. 22-25.
1809. Killala Organ Subscribers.
A list of subscribers to a fund to purchase a new organ for Killala Church of Ireland Cathedral. NAI MFCI 32.
1815-42 Tithe Applotment Surveys
These are extensive listings of landholders eligible for payment of tithes. Although the layout is not standard, typical details provided include name of occupier, landholding area and tithe payable. A surname index is available. See Land Records (Chapter 8) for details.
1815. Lord Sligo's Rent Roll, Westport
A list of over 200 persons in the town of Westport paying rent to Lord Sligo. Arranged by street giving names and rent paid. Pub. in 'Cathair na Mart' 1982 Vol.2 (1). (see Westport Hist Soc. P. 84).
1817. Mayo Summer Assizes
Lists the names of 17 persons sentenced to hang, giving the crime committed and date of sentence. National Archives: OP 488/24.
1818. Tithepayers of Kilrlan & Moygownagh:
A list of 450 persons who paid tithes in the parishes of Kilfian and Moygownagh giving their townland of residence and amount paid. NAI (M.6085).
1818. Rent Roll of the Marquis of Sligo.
Lists 91 tenants of the Marquis of Sligo in the parishes of Aughagower, Burrishoole, Kilmeena and Oughaval. Pub. in 'Cathair na Mart' Vol. 5 (1) 1985 p. 22-24). (see Westport Hist Soc. P. 84).
1823-24. Westport Tithepayers
List of those paying tithes at the Westport Petty Sessions, 1823-24. Details include name, residence, and amount of tithe payable. NLI Ms. 14,902
1823/24. Defendants at Westport Petty Sessions
Details of those appearing at the Westport Petty Sessions specifying; name of 1 defendant and complainant, case of complainant, punishment awarded and whether committed, held to bailor dismissed. Addresses are given in returns of some sessions. NLI Ms. 14,902.
c. 1825. Ballina Landholders and Traders
A memorial of landholders and traders of Ballina seeking a grant to have the River Moy deepened. Over 100 signatures. National Archives: OP 974/131.
1827. Killala Tithe-payers.
Names (only) of persons paying tithes in Kil1ala in April 1827. NAI MFCI 32.
1830/31. Voters of Co. Mayo
A list of persons entitled to vote as holders of a lease for life of a house or land with an annual rent worth £10 or more. Alphabetically arranged listing names, addresses and how they voted. Telegraph (Connaught Ranger) of 15/22 June 1831; Reprinted in SMFHRC Jnl. Vol. VII 1994. p. 6-21
1831. Petitioners of KiIgarvan and Attymass:
A list of approx. 750 names of petitioners for poor relief as a result of 'the scarcity of potatoes, depression of the Linen trade and injust valuation of tithes'. A request was made to create work by finishing a road through Coolcarney (common name for Kilgarvan and Attymass). NAI: OP 974/116
1832. Protestants of Foxford & Surrounding Areas
A census of the Protestant populations of Attymass, Ballynahaglish, Foxford ., (Toomore), Killasser, Killedan & Templemore. Arranged by parish listing Head of households, children and other relationships. Of the 210 persons listed, 70% are from Foxford. NLI: MS.8295
1832-39. Mayo Freeholders
A list of freeholders in Co. Mayo arranged alphabetically by name, giving address. J situation & valuation of freehold, and place and date of registration, NAI: OP , 1839/138 "
1833. Tithepayers of Kilmore Parish ,
Dated November 1833, this Tithe Applotrnent Composition Book is arranged by townland listing occupier, area of holding, valuation and some observations. NLI Ms 5933.
1833. Defendants at Mayo Lent Assizes
A list arranged by surname giving forename and crime. Published in "Claremorris in History" (Mayo Family Hist. Soc., Mayo, 1987) p. 66-77.
1833. Tenants of Lord Clanmorris
Lists the names, rents payable and some observations on over 300 tenants of Lord Clanmorris. NLI Ms 3279.
1834. Tithepayers of Kilconduff Parish
Dated May 1834 this Tithe Applotment Composition Book is arranged by townland listing occupier, area, quality of land, arable value and other observations. NLI Ms 5933.
1835. Tithepayers of Kilcummin Parish
Dated November 1835, this Tithe Applotment Composition Book is arranged by townland and lists occupier, description of land, and valuations. NLI Ms 5933
1835. Mayo Chelsea Pensioners
A list of names of out-pensioners of Chelsea Hospital (British Army Veterans) residing in the county of Mayo who have been found fit at recent examinations. Details given as follows: Pensioners name, Regiment, Rate of pension and Address (Parish or Village). National Archives: OP 1835/8.
1836. Defendants at Mayo Summer Assizes
A list, arranged by surname, giving forename and crime. Published in "Claremorris in History" (Mayo Family Hist. Soc., Mayo, 1987) p. 78 -81.
1839. Crossmolina Parishioners
A list of names of 170 parishioners who nominated Messrs. Bryan Gildea and James Gallagher as applotters for the parish. NA1: Call No. OP/1839m.
1839 Gaming Certfficates List
Gaming certificates were issued to persons allowing them to hunt for game in certain areas for certain periods. A printed list of persons who obtained gaming certificates arranged by area is available in PRONl Ref.: T. 688
1842. Mayo Freeholders
A list of freeholders registered in 1842 for the baronies of Burrishoole, Carra, Clanmorris, Costello, Gallen, Kilmaine and Murrisk. Alphabetically arranged by name, giving address. situation of freehold, valuation of freehold, place and date of registration. NA1: OP 1842/71
1845. Defendants at Mayo Summer Assizes
Notebook of Hon. Justice Jackson giving the names and details of 43 cases heard before him. NA1: M.5249
1845. Tenants of Clare Island:
Names only of tenants of the Clare Island villages of Capnagower, Fawnglass, Glann, Kill, Lecarrow, Maum, Strake and Toorrnore. From the Telegraph (Connaught Ranger) of 3 September 1845, reprinted in SMFHRC Jnl. Vol. VII 1994 P. 46- 47
1849. Ballina Presbyterian Church Subscription List
A small notebook containing the names of persons who subscribed to the building of the Presbyterian Church in Ballina in 1849. Only names and amount subscribed included. PHSI Library
1850. Voters of County Mayo
An alphabetical list by barony of the names of all occupiers of land, hereditaments rated separately or together at the net annual of £12 or upwards. Pub. in Jnl SMFHRC 1996, p. 27 -41.
1851. Tenants of Clare Island etc.
Rentals of the lands and premises of the estates of Clare Island, Castleaffy, Ballynew, Kilboyne, Kilnacurra, Rosehill, Carrowmore and Caber over which a receiver was appointed in 1851. The name, townlands, yearly rents, arrears and observations of the 746 tenants are listed. NAI: M. 2795.
1852- 54. Tenants of Ballinrobe
Index to the tenants of Mr. John Hearne, Agent for the estate of F.J. DeMontmorency. Alphabetically arranged listing 240 tenants name, townland, rent and year. SMFHRC Jnl. 1989 p. 22-26.
1855/57 Griffith's Primary Valuation
Comprehensive list of land occupiers of Mayo. Provides, for each landholding, the name of occupier, townland, the Ordnance survey map references, Description of the holding etc. A surname index is available. See Land records Chapter 8.
1855 -72. Pupils of Lehinch National School
An index of pupils of the school including child's name, address, year of birth, parents occupation, and some comments. This school is situated on the Hollymount to Ballindine road in the townland of Lissatava. SMFHRC Jnl. 1989 p. 39-49
1856 -1857. Mayo Voters Register
Registers of persons entitled to vote at any election of Members of Parliament for the period 1856/57. Arranged by barony giving Name, Abode, Qualification to vote, Description and location of property. The registers can be consulted at the NAI using the following call numbers: Barony of Clanmorris: M.3448. Barony of Costello: M.3447. Barony of Gallen: M.2784. Barony of Kilmaine: M.2783. Barony of Tyrawley: M.2782.
1860. Tenants of the Browne Estate.
An index to the tenants on the rental of the estate of James Browne and James Denis Howe Browne (In Crossboyne, Kilcolman and Tagheen) alphabetically arranged by name, and giving street or townland address. Pub in "Claremorris in History' p 44-51.
1878. Tenants of the Moores of Moore Hall
An index to the Rent Rolls of the Moore Hall Estate, listing names and townland. Published in Jnl. SMFHRC 1990 p. 5-15.
1881. Kiltimagh Eviction Families
10 eviction forms relating to the Brennan, Clarke, Conlon, Higgins, Kelly, Prendergast and Walsh faD1ilies of Kiltimagh. Details include, tenants name, address, number in family, rent, arrears, tenancy, landlords name, agents name and observations. NLI Ms 17,714(5)
1884. Tenants of Clare Island
A memorial of the occupiers of the Lands of Glen, Capnagower and Fawnglass on Clare Island requesting the enlargement of the harbour. It is dated 8 Sept. 1884 and contains 37 signatures. NAI: OPW 32698/84.
1894. Mayo Shareholders
Liquidator's list of shareholders in the Irish Land Purchase and Settlement Co. Ltd. Alphabetically arranged by name, giving address, occupation and number of shares or extent of interest. Dates 18 January 1894, it includes details of 90 Mayo persons. NLI MS 13,471.
1894. Victims of the Clew Bay Disaster
A list of those who perished in the Clew Bay Disaster which occurred on the 14 June 1894. Names, age, address and marital status from a memorial at Kildavent on Achill Island. SMFHRC. Jnl. Vol. VII 1994, p. 40.
1898. Lodgers in Westport
One of the provision of the Common Lodging House Act of 1851 was that a register of lodgers be kept by the keeper of each lodging house. The register of keepers Mary Carney and Bridget Salmon both of Peter Street, Westport survives. The permits included are dated June 1898. The register contains several alphabetical lists of names only. NLI Ms 12, 700.
1901 Census Returns:
This was the official Government Census of all households conducted on Sunday the 31st of March 1901. The details given in these returns are as follows: Forename, Surname, Relationship to Head of family, Religion, Literacy, Age, Sex, Occupation, Marital Status, Birthplace, Ability to speak Irish, and Inf"lrInities. These returns are available in the NAI and copies are held in Mayo County Library in Castlebar. (see p. 33).
1901. Mayo Persons Residing in Kingstown, Dublin
An alphabetically arranged list of Mayo persons who were residing in Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) during the compilation of the 190 1 census. Details include, name, address, age, religion, marital status and occupation. Published in the Journal of the Dun Laoghaire Genealogical Soc., Vol. 5. (2) 1996, p. 71-74; Vol. 5 (3) 1996, p.116.
1901. Achill Parish; Census Index
An index to the 1901 census returns for the parish of Achill including transcripts of the originals. Published by William G. Masterson (Indianapolis, 1994) NLI Jr. 94123 m21
1903. Tenants of the Burke Property
This rental gives the following details: Name of tenant; Yearly rent; Area; Description of tenancy and observations for the townlands of Corrahoor, Attavally and Carrick, all in the barony of Gallen. It relates to a High Court order regarding the selling of land. NAI: M.3699
1908 -1922. Census Search Applications
The Pension act of 1908 allowed for persons of 70 years and over to receive an 'old-age' pension. As the civil registration of births only began in 1864, birth certificates were not available as proof of age. A cornrnon method of proving age was to apply for a search of the household return for the applicants home in one of the early censuses (usually those of 1841, 1851 or 1861). This should show the applicant and give his age at the time of the particular census searched, and would (where relevant) prove the applicants eligibility for pension payment.
The applicants details were completed on census search application fonDs, also known as Green Fonns. These search fonDS are held in the NAI, and are indexed by the county, barony, parish and townland in which the search was made. Each gives the name of the family who were claimed to be resident in the census. The Green fonD provides the following details: Name and address of applicant; Name of parents of applicant (with maiden name of mother if given); Name of head of family if other than father; Relationship and occupation; Year of census to be searched; Parish; Townland/Street and date of receipt of application. Held in NAI; Copies are also held at the PRONI (Belfast): T.550
1911 Census Returns:
This was the official Government Census of all households conducted on 2nd of April 1911. Each household return gives the following details for each occupant: Forename, Surname, Relationship to Head of family, Religion, Literacy, Age, Occupation, Marital Status, Number of years married, Birthplace, Languages spoken (i.e. Irish and/or English) and Infmnities. Of particular relevance is that it states, (for each married woman) the number of children born, and the number then alive. Held in NAI. (see p. 35).
1913-1923. Irish Army Medal Applications:
Medals were awarded for services during the Irish War of Independence, but only after application was made and merit established. Application details include: Name, 1916-1923 service units, districts and references. Requests for searches can be made in writing to: Veterans Allowances Section, Department of Defence, Renmore, Co. Galway.
1914 -1918. Irishmen who died in the First World War.
These memorials are of Irishmen in Irish and British regiments of the British Anny who lost their lives in the Great European War of 1914 -1918. Details were compiled and published in 1923 by the Irish National War Memorials Cornrnission. The 49,400 entries provide: Name; Regiment number; Rank; Battalion; Place of death; Date of death and, in the majority of entries, the place of birth. A copy of these records was placed in every major Irish library.
1918. Mayo Voters List
A list of Persons entitled to vote at Parliamentary and Local elections. Voters name are listed alphabetically within voting districts, giving address and qualification to vote. NAI ID-51-77/80.
1922. Irish Anny Census
A census of personnel of the Army of the new Irish State carried out in November 1922. These returns provide: name, address, next of kin, date of attestation and age. The above returns are held at the Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6. (By prior appointment only).
In addition to the above sources, there are also some further records which are :, either undated, or for a wide time period:
Mill Books:
These are undated lists (by Barony) of millers and details of their premises, and include 57 Mayo millers. They are available in the National Archives. There is no reference number for these books, they may be inspected by simply requesting "Mill Books". This source has been published in "The Millers and Mills of Ireland... of about 1850' by William E. Hogg (Dublin 1997).
1703 -1838. Convert Rolls:
A index by surname of over 5,500 people who converted from Catholicism to the Church of Ireland during the period 1703 -1838. These Convert Rolls were edited and indexed by Eileen O'Byrne and published by the Irish Manuscripts Commission (Dublin 1981) Mayo converts were published in MNFHRC (1997) pp 33-38. (see p. 76).
1814 -1922. Royal Irish Constabulary:
The Irish police force came into being as the Irish Peace Preservation Force in 1814. In 1836 the Irish Constabulary was formed, and was renamed the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1867. During its existence some 90,000 men enrolled. The records of all of these are held by the Public Record Office in London and a , microfilm copy is available in the NAI. The records are indexed by the initial letter of the surname of the member in two periods i.e. 1816-67 and 1867-1922. They i. contain the following details: Name; Age when appointed; Height; Native County; Religion; Date of marriage; Native county of wife; and Dates of appointments, allocations, transfers, promotions; rewards/marks of distinction . etc., punishments etc. It also specifies when discharged, Dismissed, Resigned, i. Dead or Pensioned. The index and details can be consulted at the NAI (Ref. MFA 24/1-16) or Public Record Office. London (Ref. HO 184.43). RIC. Directories for the years 1840-45, 1857, 1876-79 and 1881-1921 are also available at the National Library.
1888 -1988. Shraigh School Rolls:
This lists all the children on the school rolls in the period 1888-1988. It includes the date of admission, name of child and townland. Published in the 'Shraigh Centenary Year Book' (Ballina; Western People 1988)
1906 -1979. Students of St. Muirdeacha's College, Ballina.
A roll of students arranged by: (1) Year with name and address (2) Surname index with forename and year of enrolment. National Library: 1r.259 m2.
1924 -.Irish Army Pension Applications:
Applications for Irish Army Pensions, providing name and details of service. A search of these records can be made by post only, giving as much details known as possible, to: Veterans Allowances Section, Department of Defence, Renmore, Co. Galway.