Researching my family history. Andrew Kerr and Sarah McConnell (Brewer)

Andrew Kerr was a Doctor born in March of 1846 in either Co. Donegal or Co. Tyrone.  He immigrated in 1880.  Andrew Kerr was married to Sarah McConnell (married sometime June to December of 1879). It was believed that Sarah was a maid in the Kerr household, they fell in love and married.

Andrew Kerr was Presbyterian and died in Ellsworth Co., Kansas on Sept. 2, 1902

My name is Patrick Michael Brewer, born in Salina, KS.   I'm coming to Ireland at the end of September and have an appointment at the National Library of Ireland with the family services department.  I have no idea what to expect, but it should be fun.

I appreciate any help, thank you very much.
Mike Brewer

Hi Mike,

It sounds like you have some fascinating family history to explore, and your appointment at the National Library of Ireland should be a great opportunity to learn more about Andrew and Sarah.

As Andrew was born in 1846, you’ll generally need to look for church and parish records, such as baptismal records, rather than birth certificates. Some older records have unfortunately been lost, but surviving records are organised through genealogy centres around Ireland. Given the uncertainty between Donegal and Tyrone, checking the resources for both counties would be a good strategy.

As Andrew and Sarah married in 1879, their marriage falls within Ireland’s civil registration period, which began in 1864. These records are held by the General Register Office of Ireland (GRO) and can include valuable information for your research.

Good luck with your research, and I hope you have a wonderful trip to Ireland in September.

Regards,
Eoin