Where to next for John ?

Jolan · Post by **Jolan** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:52 pm

One of my family lines that I am having a problem with are the Murphy's. I managed to get back to John Murphy who married Mary Harper in 1836 in Glasgow. On the IGI site it had John as being born c 1811 in Shotts, so for long enough I have assumed that this was the case. However on checking the 1851 Census it confirms that Mary was born in Glasgow, and their children were born in Shotts, but that John Murphy was from Ireland.

I had always wondered at what point the Murphy's came over from Ireland, so at least I now have a rough idea, and this is my problem.

Firstly, what is the best way to start researching John. I would imagine looking for a John Murphy from Ireland is a bit like looking for a John Smith! The one thing that I do know is that in the Census he was a Furnace Filler and his address was 7 High Street, but the 'village' is given as Shotts Iron Works. I have been researching the Iron Works on the internet, and this is where my second query comes in.

I have never visited the Mitchell Library, but having read so much about it, I wonder if it would be worth a visit. Might there be records anywhere about Shotts Iron Works? Are you able to phone the Mitchell with queries, or do you need to visit in person?

I would be really grateful for any help with this.

Jo

Rab · Post by **Rab** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 2:29 pm

I'm not too sure if the Mitchell will have what you are looking for. It might be worth contacting them though and personally I think a phone call would be the best way forward. They can be contacted by email, though I've never had a reply, or also through the contact page on their site. All details can be found at the following link:

http://www.mitchelllibrary.org/virtualm ... =contactus

Post by **emanday** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 2:51 pm

I apologise in advance if you have looked at these sites relating to Shotts Iron Works village already.

The third one has piccies

http://www.mining-villages.co.uk/142.html

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/scotlandgenea ... 20hist.htm

http://www.scran.ac.uk/database/results ... chdb=scran

CatrionaL · Post by **CatrionaL** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 3:15 pm

Jo

One of my branches worked in Shotts Ironworks. I found a visit to the Local Heritage Centre in Shotts worthwhile. It's situated just opposite the old Ironworks.

Best wishes
Catriona

Jolan · Post by **Jolan** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 2:37 pm

Thanks for that! I have had a browse of the sites, which were really interesting, and I will try and get through to Shotts to have a look at the Museum to see what I can find out.

Jo

karenc · Post by **karenc** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:42 pm

HI Jo,

You will also get info on the Iron Works at www.shottshistorygroup.co.uk.

I also think that visiting the heritage centre, which is situated in the library would be of interest to you. I actually live in Shotts so i have been there!

There is also part of one of the towers of the Iron Works which is still standing, and part of a lamp standard that was made there stands outside the library.

Karen

Jolan · Post by **Jolan** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:06 pm

Hi Karen

Thanks for your reply. I had been trying to find out where the heritage centre was situated, and looking at maps of Shotts on the internet, so it is good to know that I am on the right lines. I really must get myself along there!

It's good to know that there are still some signs around of the Iron Works, and its products.

Jo