Genealogy Question

Not sure this is the right board to post this.. but here's an Irish research question -- my g g grandfather was in the British Military, on furlough in Fermoy, Cork. It was there he met his future wife, Jane Robinson. I know that the marriage certificate says she was "from Fermoy" and they were married in Dungarvan parish of Waterford. I'm curious why they would marry there if she was from Fermoy? (before that, she was b/ raised in India while her father was in the military there) Thank you for your time!!

Hi Nanette,

It is indeed usual to marry in the parish of the woman and Fermoy was certainly a place of huge presence by the British military.

Dungarvan is only 30 miles or so from Fermoy, although this would still be considered a fair distance back in the day of your GG Grandfather!

Was there any information on whether he was still in the military when they married?

I'm sure our Industry partners and fellow members may be able to throw some light on this.

Speak soon,

Martin

HI Martin,
Thank you for your speedy reply!  Yes, he was still in the military.  For quite some time afterwards.  He had just begun his "march" earlier in the year to different places in Ireland (Millstreet, Youghal, etc.) but he was on furlough in Fermoy in January 1840.  I'm just reading my notes now and see that the Depot moved to Cork and Youghal in June-Sept, and he was married in September! Maybe that explains it, that Dungarvan might've been closer to his station?  Thanks for your idea! 
I recently learned that Jane came from a military background as well - her Irish father met her Irish mother while he was serving in India.  So she was born and raised there for a few years.  Not quite sure when they moved back to Ireland, (other than the info above).
I think that Ireland is heaven on earth.  I've only been once, but dreaming of when and where I'll go when I go back!
Thanks again for your help!
Nanette

Hi Nanette,

What an interesting question! I see Martin has already offered some amazing tips to help get you started and I'll be glad to assist you too. :)

To get us started, I also see you mentioned that your Great-Great-Grandfather was in the military. May I ask if he was in the Navy specifically?

If memory serves, there was a specific provision on marriages to Naval officers about that period. In order for Naval Wives to receive a proper pension, their marriage had to be registered with the Navy. Before 1945, registration of marriages across Ireland wasn't mandated, and as an inland city, Fermoy might not have been able to document their marriage well enough. By contrast, Dungarvan was a port city, with a Naval presence. Marrying there may have made it easier for their marriage to be registered so that your Great-Great-Grandmother would receive a pension. 

This is just an idea but I do hope that it can help with your search. I would suggest reaching out to the National Archive for more information about these provisions a well as any documents that they may have on record.

There are also plenty more experts in this community who we're sure would be thrilled to offer a helping hand! 

Best of luck,

Rochelle

Rochelle,
Wow, I had not ever thought about that, Dungarvan being a port city, and registering there.  John was in the British Army.  But that might still apply to him.  And I'd never thought about the pension thing.  
Thank you for the suggestions.  I appreciate your time and thoughts!

Many thanks,

Nanette

Hi Nanette, 

It's so good to hear that you had such a great time in Ireland, and we can't wait to welcome you back! :)

Hopefully the tips from Martin and Rochelle will help you find out more about your Irish roots, and keep us posted on your findings! We would love to hear what you were able to uncover. 

Feel free to reach out as well if you're ever in need of some tips for your next trip. We're always here to help! 

Warm regards and best of luck on your search, 

Melin

Thanks, Melin! Yes, I love this forum!  I'll be using it in the future, for sure.  Also reading what others ask about.

Thank you!
Nanette