To find your Ancestors in Ireland, you need to follow the land. Using only records found online, I was able to trace my Dromore Parish, County Tyrone ancestors from 1805-1929. This post is dual purposed, it will explain how to use on-line Irish Land records and explore my McQuaid’s and the families that they married into. My Great Grandfather, Thomas John McQuaid was born in Tummery, Dromore Parish, County Tyrone in 1871. He came to America, with his family in 1880. Family lines from Tummery include McQuaid, Barrett, Gallagher, Teague, McNabb, O’Donnell and McMahon. Here is their story, told by the land.
TUMMERY
An t-Iomaire: The ridge. OSNB; TNCT; Possibly a boundary ridge. Old-timers pronounce it as “Chimmery”. Timory (1609, 1654); Tumory (1666); Tummery (1834); The eastern part of this townland was known as “Tummery Teague” and the western part, “Tummery Gallagher”. Other names know here are, Drumbrack (Druim breac): the speckled drumlin, and Barnatomog (Ba’rr na dtomo’g): top of the bushes. “The Long Shot” is the name of a field on James O’Neill’s land.
Tummery Teague OSM-1834: Houses 37; Inhabitants 164; Arable acres 210; bog 30Tummery Gallagher OSM-1834: Houses 35; Inhabitants 210; Arable acres 227; bog 50Tummery (total)- Hearth Tax 1666: 3 tax payers/Hearths- Leases per Landed Estates Court 1805: 38 for 3 lives, 4 yr to yr, plus Bog- OSM-1834: Houses 72; Inhabitants 374; Arable acres 437; bog 80- Tithe Applotment 1834: 66 agricultural holdings over one acre- Census 1841: 87 Houses; Inhabitants 479- Census 1851: 73 Houses; Inhabitants 329- Leases per Landed Estates Sale 1855: 38 for 3 lives, 4 yr to yr, plus Bog- Leases per Griffith’s Valuation 1860: 63- Census 1861: 74 Houses; Inhabitants 343- Census 1871: 61 Houses; Inhabitants 315- Census 1881: 47 Houses; Inhabitants 264- Census 1891: 41 Houses; Inhabitants 209- Census 1901: 38 Houses; Inhabitants 139- Census 1911: 31 Houses; Inhabitants 122
Note 1: On the Ordnance Survey Memoirs and the 1834 Tithe Applotment, acres were “Irish or Plantation acres”, not English statute acres. The Ordnance Survey maps used the English statute acre measurement. The English statute acre is also used on the 1841, and later, census and the Griffith’s Valuation of 1860. The Irish acre is 1.62 times larger than the English statute acre. The difference between the Irish acre and the statute acre arises from the fact that the Irish mile is 14⁄11 miles (1.273 miles (2.049 km)). Irish Acres X 1.62 = English Standard Acres
Note 2: Area is in acres - roods - perches1. Acre: Originally, the amount plowed by a yoke of oxen in a day, and hence very variable. Legally, the area of a piece 40 poles long by 4 broad; that is 160 square rods (43,560 square feet).2. Rood: one-fourth of an acre; or 40 square rods; 10,890 square feet3. Perch: one rod; 5.5 yards; 16.5 feet. One square perch equals 1 square rod or 272.25 square feet
Note 3: ALL of the Land Records used their own method of numbering the Lots. The only way to compare is to use the groups of Family and Given names.
Encumbered Estates Court Rentals for Tummery.
The Landed Estates Court is also known as the Encumbered Estates Court and the Land Judges Court. It was set up to deal with land whose owners were either insolvent or otherwise without the resources needed to properly manage their estates. The Court sold off around 8000 estates. The sales took place between 1849 and 1875. - See more at: http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/landed-estates-court-rentals.html#sthash.ENDkPCCB.dpuf
The sale of ALL lands in Tummery was posted in 1855, before the Griffith's valuation. It included a list of people leasing lots at that time AND a list of any ACTIVE 3 Lives Leases for each lot. These 3 Life Leases were given in 1805 for Tummery.
Gale Days were the 1st of May & 1st of Nov; ie. ALL males in the family are to provide manual labor to the Landlord on these days. Also, note that ALL males had to provide 6 days of labor each year to the County for maintenance of roads & bridges.
Note that the 1805 leases were given by George Gledstanes, Sr and George Gledstance, Jr. The owner at the time of the 1855 Encumbered Estate Sale was Richard Donovan Speer. These names can be useful when searching estate documents.
The Encumbered Estates Court Rentals were originally available only at the National Archives of Ireland in Dublin and PRONI in Belfast, they were launched online by FindMyPast in May 2011.Link to FindMyPast's Landed estate's court rentals collection.
Link to GOOGLE Drive folder with 1855 Tummery Landed Estates Court Rental.Tummery Encumbered Estates Court Sales 1855
There are 16 pages to the Tummery Encumbered Estates Sales package, including maps showing the placement of each lot leased in 1805. By comparing these maps to the OS maps used with the 1860 Griffith’s Valuation we can determine how the lot #’s coincided with each other. The Dromore Parish Tithe Applotment was taken in 1834. The lot numbers on the Tithe do not line up with 1860 Griffith's Valuation. By comparing names on the Tithe to those holding the lease at the time of the 1855 Encumbered Estates Sales and the names of those given the 1805 leases, we can determine how the lots match the Tithe. From 1860 through 1929 we can use the ‘Griffith’s Revision books’ to determine who these lots passed to. We can also use the 1901 and 1911 census,’House and Building Return (Form B10)’, right column, which gives the name of the person holding the lease or owning the lot, to match the lot number in the Griffith’s Revision books that include those years.
This means we can determine the names of the individuals holding each lot in Tummery from 1805 to 1929 and who the lots passed to over time. The date of land passing between people gives a hint as to the date of a death or emigration.
For the purpose of this post, it would be too tedious to track all of the leases in Tummery through the years. I will give a detailed example of my family lines. The method can be used to track others if you wish.
My McQuaid family of Tummery:
Thomas McQuaid born abt 1770 was named, with two brothers, holding a three lives lease in Corbally Fergus, now known as Knocknahorn, in 1796. He married Rose Teague of Tummery, born abt 1770. They had at least three children between 1800 and 1813. By the 1826 Kilskerry Tithe Thomas was dead and Rose and family were living in Lisdoo, a field away from Tummery. Their son Thomas born abt 1805 married Mary McCourt abt 1833 and had their children in Lisdoo. Thomas also rented land to farm in Tummery. Thomas’s sister Brigid born abt 1813 married Bernard McNabb of Tummery, abt 1840. Thomas B1805 had a son Thomas B1837, and two daughters Catherine Ellen B1833 Anne B1836. Thomas B1837 married Mary Ann Barrett B1835, of Tummery. Her father was Denis Barrett and mother Margaret Gallagher. Anne B1836 married John O’Donnell born Abt 1823, of Tummery. Brother and sister, Thomas B1837 and Anne B1836 were married on the same day, 4 Feb 1856. Anne in Kilskerry because she was living in Lisdoo and Thomas in Dromore because Mary Barrett was from Tummery. Catherine Ellen B1833 Married John McMahon, in Kilskerry, in 1855. John was the son of Patrick McMahon of Tummery. Thomas B1837 and family left Tummery for America in 1880. Some of the McNabbs, Barretts, McMahon’s and O’Donnell’s stayed in Tummery.
Let us see what the land can tell us about my McQuaid’, Barret’s, McNabb’s, O’Donnell’s, McMahon’s and Gallagher’s of Tummery.
1805; Encumbered Estates 3 Life leases
Tummery 1805, as stated in 1855
Parcel 3, Lot-1; 32A 0R 0P Lease dated 1st June, 1805, George Gledstance, senior and George Gledstance, junior, to Patrick McMahon, Bryan McMahon and Owen Keenan, for the life of Michael Gallagher, now dead,of Henry Osburne, then age 6 years, and John M’Cusker, then aged 10 years, or 31 years from 1st May, 1805, at the yearly rent of 22 pounds 1s 10d with 12d in the pound Agent’s fees, late currency. This rent has been temporarily abated to 19 pounds 8s 8d. The contents in the lease are 16a 3r 17p Plantation measure. Henry Osburne has emigrated to Australia. By endorsement on the lease, the rent was abated by 13s 6d.
Parcel 23, 23a, 23b, Lot-4; 21A 3R 10P Lease dated 1st June, 1805, George Gledstance, senior and George Gledstance, junior, to Bryan Gallagher, for the life of Michael Gallagher, now dead,of Henry Osburne, then age 6 years, and John M’Cusker, then aged 10 years, or 31 years from 1st May, 1805, at the yearly rent of 11 pounds 2s with 1s in the pound Receiver’s fees, late currency. The contents in the lease are 9a. 3r. Plantation measure. Henry Osburne has emigrated to Australia.
Parcel 27, Lot-4; 8A 3R 20P Lease dated 1st June, 1805, George Gledstance, senior and George Gledstance, junior, to Francis McNabb, for the life of Michael Gallagher, now dead,of Henry Osburne, then age 6 years, and John M’Cusker, then aged 10 years, or 31 years from 1st May, 1805, at the yearly rent of 7 pounds 7s 6d with 1s in the pound Receiver’s fees, late currency. This rent has been temporarily abated to 6 pounds 10s. The contents in the lease are 5a Plantation measure. Henry Osburne has emigrated to Australia.
Parcel 37, Lot-3; 12A 1R 0P Lease dated 1st June, 1805, George Gledstance, senior and George Gledstance, junior, to James O’Donnell, for the life of Michael Gallagher, now dead,of Henry Osburne, then age 6 years, and John M’Cusker, then aged 10 years, or 31 years from 1st May, 1805, at the yearly rent of 8 pounds 6s 6d with 12d in the pound Receiver’s fees, late currency. This rent has been temporarily abated to 6 pounds 8s 4d. The contents in the lease are 5a 3r 1p Plantation measure. Henry Osburne has emigrated to Australia.
There are NO McQuaid’s or Barrets in Tummery, with 3 Life Leases, in 1805 per the Encumbered Estate Sales
1834; Dromore Parish Tithe Applotment Book Index 1834
PRONI FIN5A/114/1
This is Denis Barrett born abt 1810, husband to Margaret Gallagher, most likely the daughter of Bryan Gallagher. They hold Bryan Gallagher’s active,1805, 3 lives lease on Parcel 23,23ab in 1855, on the Encumbered Estate Sales listing.Barrett Denis Tumery
This is Bryan Gallagher that holds the 3 Lives Lease on Parcel 23,23ab in 1805. Most likely the father to Margaret Gallagher wife of Denis Barrett.Galagher Bryan Tumery
This is Thomas McQuaid born abt 1805, husband to Mary McCourt married 1833, son of Thomas and Rose McQuaid nee Teague born in Tummery. He lives in Lisdoo, Kilskerry with his mother Rose and siblings at the time of the Tithe. This land, in Tummery, is leased to farm, on a year to year lease, Parcel 28 & 28a on the Encumbered Estate Sales listing.
McQuaid Thomas Tumery
This is Francis McNabb that holds the 3 Lives Lease on Parcel 27 in 1805.Father to Bernard that marries Bridget McQuaid in 1840.
McNabb Francis Tumery
This is James O’Donnell that holds the 3 Lives Lease on Parcel 37 in 1805. Father to John that marries Ann McQuaid in 1856
O’Donell James Tumery
This is Patrick McMahon that holds the 3 Lives Lease on Parcel 3 in 1805. Father to John that marries Catherine McQuaid in 1855.
McMahon Patrick Tumery
The list above is the Tithe Index. The original document is not online for the North of Ireland. It is available at PRONI in Belfast and as a microfilm from FamilySearch. The Republic Tithe records are online.Here is a link to the Dromore Parish Tithe record. Tummery is images 178 to 182. Note how the names are clustered. You can see the family names from the 1805 leases in groups on the Tithe.
Encumbered Estates Court Rentals for Tummery1855; Lessee's on Tummery lots
Between the 1805 Lease record and 1855, the following takes place: Note the # of people paying part of the lease on each Parcel. As each family grew through birth and marriage room was made for new houses as the individual came of age. As stated above in 1805 there were 42 total leases in Tummery, by the 1841 census there were 87 houses on the same number of leases. The number of leases does not change until the 3 Lives Leases expire between 1855-1860 when the Griffith’s Valuation was taken. Lot/parcel size will be adjusted to each individual paying rent and ALL Bog land will be divided into leasable parcels. The number of leases will go from 44 to 63 on the same acreage.
Parcel 4, Lot-1; 37A 2R 20P Patrick McMahon, James Bernard, Sarah Gallagher, John Gallagher, Michael Gallagher. Patrick is the Father of John McMahon that marries Catherine McQuaid in 1855. I believe this is the same Patrick that takes the 3 Lives lease in 1805, on Lot 3, with brother Bryan McMahon.
Parcel 23, 23a, 23b, Lot-4; 21A 3R 10P Owen McQuade, Denis Barrett & Charles Gray are leasing portions of this 21A+ Parcel. The 1805, 3 Lives Lease to Bryan Gallagher is still active. Bryan Gallagher is most likely dead, as he is not listed as leasing in Tummery in 1855. Dieing between 1834 and 1855. Denis Barrett married Margaret Gallagher in 1834. She is most likely the daughter of Bryan.
Parcel 27, Lot-4; 8A 3R 20P Bernard M’Nabb born abt 1811 has taken over the active 3 Lives Lease that was held by Francis McNabb. Bernard is the son of Francis. Francis most likely died between 1834 and 1855. Bernard married Brigid McQuaid on 5 Apr 1840. They were given a Dispensation in the 3rd degree. The individuals marrying are 2nd cousins, with common Great Grandparents. She is the daughter of Thomas McQuaid and Rose McQuaid nee Teague and the sister to Thomas McQuaid leasing parcel 28 & 28a in 1855.
Parcel 28, 28a, Lot-4; 13A 1R 0P Bernard Crane on 28a and Thomas McQuade , on 28, B1805 are leasing 1 of the 4 Parcels leased for Tenants from year to year, year ending 1st May. This is the son of Thomas McQuaid and Rose McQuaid nee Teague and the brother to Brigid married to Bernard McNabb on Parcel 27. Their parcels abut each other.
Parcel 36, Lot-3; 3A 0R 10P John O’Donnell born abt 1923 and Cornelius O’Donnell are leasing 1 of the 4 Parcels for Tenants from year to year, year ending 1st May. John O’Donnell is the son of James O’Donnell with an 1805, 3 Lives Lease on Parcel 37. Cornelius O’Donnell is most likely a family member, a brother or Uncle.
Parcel 37, Lot-3; 12A 1R 0P John O’Donnell and Cornelius O’Donnell have taken over the active 1805, 3 Lives Lease that was held by James O’Donnell. John is the son of James. James most likely died between 1834 and 1855. John O’Donnell marries Anne McQuaid in 1856. She is the daughter of Thomas McQuaid B1805, on parcel 28 and the niece of Brigid McNabb nee McQuaid on parcel 27.
1860; Griffith’s Valuation
By the time of the Griffith’s Valuation, the 1805, 3 Life Leases in Tummery had expired. The 42 leases, as set up in 1805 were divided into the areas being paid for by individuals. The bogland was also divided up into lots. The numbering system for the Griffith’s Valuation and the resulting OS maps was different from the 3 Life Lease maps. A comparison needs to be made in order to match the numbering systems.
1805 3 Lives Lease Map Lot-4; Parcels 20-31 with Bog Parcel 43.

3 Lives Lease Map Lot-3; Parcels 31-42.
1805 3 Lives Lease Map Lot-1; Parcels 1-8 plus 43b Bog.
Tummery OS Map as applied to 1860 Griffith’s Valuation
1805 Parcel #
|
Griffith’s Valuation Lot #
|
4
|
51, 52, 53, & 54
|
23
|
into 9
|
23a & 23b & part of 43 bog
|
=10
|
27
|
=22
|
28
|
=21a
|
28a
|
=16
|
36
|
into 24
|
36
|
Divided into 21a & 24
|
1860 Griffith's Valuation Tummery
Lot-2a Thomas McQuaid Jr, 8A 1R 35P This is Thomas B1837, husband to Mary Barrett, married 1856, her father Denis, is on Lot-10. The Female National school is on Lot 2b. Note that Bernard & Bridget McNabb, Thomas’s Aunt & Uncle, are the witnesses at their 1856 wedding.
Lot-10 Denis Barrett, 16A 1R 15P
Lot-21A & 21B Thomas McQuaid, This is Thomas McQuaid B1805, Wife Mary McCourt. Father to Thomas on Lot-2a, Anne O’Donnell nee McQuaid on Lot-24a and Catherine McMahon Nee McQuaid on Lot-51, 52c.
Lot-22 Bernard McNabb,9A 1R 35P This is the husband of Brigid McQuaid sister to Thomas on lot 21A & 21B. Her mother was Rose McQuaid nee Teague who lived in Lisdoo, Kilskerry Parish, one field away. Rose McQuaid is living with her daughter Brigid McNabb in 1860 as she is not listed on the Lisdoo Griffith’s. She would be 91 years of age.Rose dies in Tummery in 1864 at the age of 95. The death is reported by her daughter Brigid McNabb, present at death.
Lot-24a John O’Donnell 24b Cornelius O’Donnell 15A 3R 0P split 50/50. John is the Husband of Ann McQuaid, married 1856, Daughter of Thomas on Lot 21A & 21B. Note John McMahon & (Catherine) Ellen McQuaid are the witnesses at their 1856 wedding. Ellen is married to John McMahon and the sister to Ann McQuaid.
Lot-43 Patrick McMahon, Land 9A 3R 15P Father to John on Lot-51, 52c.
Lot-51 John McMahon, Land 13A 2R 20P
Lot- 52c John McMahon, House only’ John is the Husband of Catherine Ellen McQuaid B1833, Daughter of Thomas on Lot 21A & 21B. John & Catherine have 4 children between 1859-1866. In 1868 Catherine dies along with their 5th child, in childbirth. John remarries in 1869, to Rose Doran. Thomas McQuaid, brother to John’s 1st wife is a witness at the wedding.The Civil Registration of marriage states John’s father is Patrick McMahon.
1866-1929 Griffith's Revaluation Books Tummery
1861-1866Lot-2a Thomas McQuaid JrLot-10 Denis BarrettLot-21A & 21B Thomas McQuaid B1805’ 1862 Thomas McQuaid is marked as ‘dead’ the lot has Pat Teague penciled in, 1865 the lease is taken over by Patrick Teague. He is a cousin of Thomas’s through his mother Rose.Lot-22 Bernard McNabbLot-24a John O’DonnellLot-24b Cornelius O’Donnell, 1862 Thomas McQuade is penciled in as taking over the Lot. 1865 the lease is taken over by Thomas McQuade. This is the brother to Ann O’Donnell nee McQuaid, married to John O’Donnell on Lot-24a. The same Thomas leasing Lot 2a. 1862 is the same year as the death of Thomas McQuaid B1805. Thomas and Ann’s mother, Mary McQuaid nee McCourt moves after the death of her husband in 1862, to either Lot-2a or 24b, both being paid by son Thomas.Lot-43 Patrick McMahonLot-51 & 52c John McMahon
1867-1880Lot-2a Thomas McQuaid JrLot-10 Denis Barrett, 1876 John Barrett, son of Denis, takes over the lease.Lot-22 Bernard McNabbLot-24a John O’DonnellLot-24b Thomas McQuaidLot-43 Patrick McMahon 1876 the lease passes to John Campbel on Patrick’s death in 1874
Lot-51 & 52c John McMahon
1881Lot-2a Thomas McQuaid JrLot-10 John BarrettLot-22 Bernard McNabbLot-24a John O’DonnellLot-24b Thomas McQuaid, Hugh McDermit takes the lease in 1881. In May of 1880 Thomas McQuaid B1837, Wife Mary McQuaid Nee Barrett, their 9 children ages 9-24 and Rose Barrett, sister to Mary, appear on the Census in Monson, Massachusetts USA Lot-51 & 52c John McMahon
1882-1898Lot-2a Thomas McQuaid Jr, 1885 Daniel O’Donnell Jr takes over the lease, 1896 Lease taken over by Joseph O’Donnell. The O’Donnell’s are family of Thomas’s brother-in-law John on Lot 24a.Lot-10 John BarrettLot-22 Bernard McNabb, 1883 James McNabb, son of Bernard takes over the lease.Bernard died 20 Aug 1881 at age 70.Lot-24a John O’Donnell, John’s wife Bridget O’Donnell Nee McQuaid dies on 5 Dec. 1895.Lot-24b Hugh McDermitLot-51 & 52c John McMahon, 1893 the lease passes to Rose McMahon, John’s 2nd wife, on his death 24 Nov 1890.
1899-1912Lot-10 John BarrettLot-22 James McNabbLot-24a John O’Donnell, John O’Donnell dies 9 Oct 1901 at age 80. His son John takes over the lease. 1910 Bridget O’Donnell takes over the lease. She is the daughter of John O’Donnell.Lot-24b Hugh McDermit, 1899 John O’Donnell Jr takes over the lease. He is the son of John on 24a, 1910 Bridget O’Donnell takes over the lease. She is the daughter of John O’Donnell and sister of John O’Donnell Jr.Lot-51 & 52c Rose McMahon, 1899 the lease passes to Daniel Gallagher Jr. ALL of the McMahon’s are gone from Tummery.
1913-1929Lot-10 John Barrett 1914 John Barrett buys his lot ‘In-Fee’ “LAP’, 1922 the Lot passes to James Barrett B1885, son of John Barrett. Lot-22 James McNabbLot-24a Bridget O’Donnell, 1929 the lot is given up to Patrick Teague a cousin through Bridget’s Grandmother Rose McQuaid Nee TeagueLot-24b Bridget O’Donnell, 1929 the lot is given up to Thomas Teague a cousin through Bridget’s Grandmother Rose McQuaid Nee Teague
1901 Census Tummery
There are NO McMahon’s in Tummery on the 1901 Census.House #26 is Lot-10 John Barrett on the Griffith’s Valuation & Revision Books. The House walls are made of Stone, brick or Concrete, the roof is thatch, and it has 2 windows in the front. 8 occupants live in the houses 3 rooms. The farm has 4 other outbuildings.
House #22 is Lot-22 James McNabb on the Griffith’s Valuation & Revision Books. The House walls are made of Stone, brick or Concrete, the roof is thatch, and it has 2 windows in the front. 2 occupants live in the houses 2 rooms. The farm has 4 other outbuildings.
House #19 is Lot-24a & 24b John O’Donnell on the Griffith’s Valuation & Revision Books. The House walls are made of Stone, brick or Concrete, the roof is thatch, and it has 2 windows in the front. 3 occupants live in the houses 3 rooms. The farm has 6 other outbuildings. One of these outbuildings is the old house on Lot-24b.
1911 Census Tummery
There are NO McMahon’s in Tummery on the 1911 Census.
House #6 is Lot-10 John Barrett on the Griffith’s Valuation & Revision Books. The House walls are made of Stone, brick or Concrete, the roof is thatch, and it has 2 windows in the front. 5 occupants live in the houses 2 rooms. The farm has 4 other outbuildings.John Barrett’s wife Rose Barrett Nee Gallagher died in 1903. Most of the children have gone to Massachusetts USA. Note that Margaret Agnes Gray, age 3, born in America is living with them. She is listed as a niece. She is John’s Granddaughter and daughter of Margaret Barrett married to Patrick Gray. One of John’s children must have supplied the info for the census. Margaret Barrett arrived in Monson Massachusetts in 1898. Passage paid for by Uncle Thomas McQuaid of Monson Massachusetts. She married Patrick Gray in Boston in 1903. Margaret assisted her siblings in going to Boston.
House #12 is Lot-22 James McNabb on the Griffith’s Valuation & Revision Books. The House walls are made of Stone, brick or Concrete, the roof is thatch, and it has 2 windows in the front. 6 occupants live in the houses 3 rooms. The farm has 3 other outbuildings.James McNabb married Sarah Sweeny of Tummery on the 26 of Nov 1903
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