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Why Did They Emigrate?

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Emma

Emma Report 12 Nov 2006 11:58

Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone might have any clues as to why my family emigrated from County Wexford, Ireland to Liverpool in the late 1830s? It was pre-potato famine as my ancestor married in Liverpool in 1841. His occupation was a Cooper. Other than work/a better life, can anyone suggest another reason? It's bugging me!! Many thanks, Em

SydneyDi

SydneyDi Report 12 Nov 2006 12:14

Hi Prior to the great potato famine in the 1840s, there were other failures of the potato crops through out the years. One other reason to leave Ireland was the harsh treatment of the tenants by the landlords, they wanted to clear the land for grazing, if I remember. if you google 'irish potato famine' the wikipedia entry gives a bit of background and I am sure there are other websites which will detail to terrible treatment of the Irish by their english landlords. Liverpool was a growing industrial city and there was plenty of employment opportunities Diane

Emma

Emma Report 12 Nov 2006 12:18

Hi Diane, Many thanks for your reply, I'll look further into what you suggest. Kind regards, Emma

Lisa J in California

Lisa J in California Report 12 Nov 2006 13:26

Hi Emma, it could be as Diane mentioned. Most of my ancestors arrived in Canada around the 'famine time'. However, I have one ancestor who came over prior to 1842. I finally found out her family sailed in 1839. It wasn't until my son wrote a report about the famine that I realized that there were potato failures prior to the 'big famine'.