DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purposes of review and I have received other books from Genealogical Publishing Company, also for review. However, my opinions are my own and not influenced by outside sources.
I have reviewed David Dobson’s books in past posts and it never ceases to amaze me how what a prolific researcher he is.
Today’s review is more accurately a notice of two newly published volumes, which are a consolidation of previous works by David Dobson – 17 earlier volumes, to be specific, all related to Scots-Irish ancestors.
Volume 1 includes Scots-Irish Links, 1575-1725, Parts One to Eight and Volume 2 contains Scots-Irish Links, 1575-1725, Parts Nine to Eleven plus Later Scots-Irish Links, 1725-1825, Parts One to Three, Scots-Irish Links, 1825-1900, Parts One to Two and Addendum to Later Scots-Irish Links, 1725-1825.
There is no Table of Contents, which isn’t necessary given that these volumes are alphabetized lists of Scottish, Irish and Scots-Irish men and women whose names and details are documented government records.
Each volume is massive, containing 900+ pages per book with an all-name index. personal details are presented in a simple, straightforward manner, generally short in length, but always with a source citation.
Examples:
Kennedy, Anthony, granted Irish denization on 29 January 1611
Erwin, Robert of Cregill, a yeoman and a horse thief, 1611
Verner, Benjamin of Killgavinache, County Antrim, a deed, 1694
Stewart, Andrew Thomas, parish of Ballyclog, County, Tyrone, matriculated at Glasgow University on 14 November 1745, Earl of Castlestewart, ‘descended from Robert II, King of Scotland,’ died at Stewart Hall, County Tyrone, 26 August 1809
Stein, John, married Miss Colclough, only daughter of Charles Colclough in Dublin in 1811
Each statement is sourced with the list of abbreviations found at the beginning of each volume. There is a second key for military titles.
Most entries focus exclusively on people who lived in Scotland and/or Ireland. There were very few instances where North America, or anywhere else, was mentioned in the entries.
There are mentions of marriages, education of young men at schools and universities, names found in indentures and deeds, military connections, some death notices, merchants and seamen affiliated with various sailing ships and much more.
This is a fabulous reference set for anyone with significant Scots-Irish heritage, who is researching ancestors who lived in Scotland or Ireland and may, or may not, have ever emigrated to a new home.
These volumes are not inexpensive, but for those who would like to have all 17 books on their home reference shelf, this new consolidated edition is the way to go.
Scots-Irish Links, Consolidated Edition in Two Volumes by David Dobson can be ordered online, either individually for $90.00 per volume or as a set of two for $165.00 from Genealogical Publishing Company.