The Irish Quaker community is today very small but at the turn of the 19th century, they were a large, active mobile community in Ireland, with strong links to Pennsylvania, which was founded by William Penn, an English Quaker. They also kept amazingly detailed records in both the personal and business spheres. This lecture traces the history and impact of Irish Quakers and showcases their records while considering what a largescale DNA project might uncover for this endogamous and distinct community within Ireland.
This engaging webinar, presented by Irish genealogist Claire Bradley, delves into the rich and meticulously documented history of the Irish Quaker community, offering invaluable guidance for those tracing family lines within this distinctive group. Using the Goff family of County Wexford as a case study, Bradley explores how Quaker traditions, record-keeping practices, and social customs set them apart from other Irish communities. With records dating back to the 17th century, the Quakers’ commitment to precise documentation makes them a genealogist’s dream, especially given Ireland’s significant historical record losses. The session blends historical context with practical research strategies, revealing how Quaker archives can unlock family histories that might otherwise be lost.
Key Takeaways:
Exceptional Record-Keeping: From births, marriages, and deaths to registers of “sufferings” and removals, Irish Quaker records are unusually comprehensive. Their requirement to document every member’s life events, marriages, and even disciplinary actions means researchers can often trace ancestors in exceptional detail before the 19th century.
Unique Cultural and Religious Practices: Quakers’ plain speech, equality-focused ethos, pacifism, and rejection of traditional festivities shaped not only their community identity but also the nature of the records they left. Practices like uniform headstones, surname-first names, and refusal to marry outside the faith all had significant genealogical implications.
Valuable Research Resources: Key collections are accessible through repositories like the Friends Historical Library in Dublin, Findmypast, and the National Library of Ireland. These include pedigree charts, business archives, migration records, and meeting minutes—many containing clues to broader kinship networks and transatlantic links.
For anyone with Irish roots, understanding Quaker heritage can open up a treasure trove of genealogical material—offering insights not only into individual ancestors but into a tightly knit community whose members influenced Irish society far beyond their numbers. Viewing the full webinar will provide a deeper dive into research techniques, case studies, and rare archival examples, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced genealogists.
Those inspired to explore further are encouraged to consult the detailed syllabus accompanying the session. It contains direct links to databases, maps, and recommended readings, equipping researchers to pursue Irish Quaker ancestry with confidence and precision.
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Syllabus
Very informative, I can’t wait to find out more about my own Quaker family from Ireland
Excellent session giving a clear outline of the relevant Quaker sources. Thank you Claire. Martine Brennan M.A.
As my wife has Quaker ancestors in Ireland, we found this presentation particularly relevant. Excellent talk.
Very informative and interesting. I have Irish heritage, but not Quaker – that I know of!
Excellent talk, very well presented.
It has peaked my interest in diving deeper into my ancestry as I have one branch of the family that were Quakers.
Very thorough with great illustrations. Explained some of the ‘anomalies’ I found within my husband’s family in 1800s.
interesting