A patron has asked for our help in finding the birthplace of her 2nd-great grandmother (somewhere in Ireland). Her first name was Maria and she was married to Peter Kerns/Kearns who was born in Aroostook County. Peter and Maria were parents to a son, James Kearns, born in Boston MA 12 Feb 1876. James later migrated to our area, Westmoreland County PA. Little documentation has been found except for James’ birth record. I have also found a Peter Kerns living in Benedicts Plantation Township in the 1860 and the name “P. Kearns” on two lots near the “School Lot” on the 1877 Map of Benedicta & Silver Ridge. IF this is Peter, with property there in 1877 (a year after James was born in Boston) perhaps something of Maria might be known in Aroostook. Could anyone tell me if a marriage record of Peter and Maria can be found there? Or, sale of the Benedicta lots that might mention Maria or hint at her birthplace or other residence. thank you.
Wiggins History of Aroostook maine REF 974.11W pg.213-215 in the Presque Isle lib…. Rt. Rev. Benedict Fenwick Catholic Bishop of Boston wanted a colony and college in Benedicta–people came but “Holy Cross”ended up in Worcester Mass..People who came were Irish immigrants who worked in cities in Mass. should be able to do a search. I hear someone did do a book on Benedicta and there are lots of names. I don’t know the author’s name. If you google Benedicta it would seem there may be several sources you can utilize.
Aroostook County Registry of Deeds
patricia Brown
26 Court St
Ste.102
Houlton,04730-0047
207-532-1500….fax 207-532-1506
would need to look at grantor/grantee books to see if anyone listed in deeds of interest to you that would shed light
Cary lib. in houlton may have info in their collections, 107 main st 532-1302
ac