NORTHERN IRELAND RESEARCH PROJECT TASK FORCE RESEARCHING THE ANCESTRY OF IRISH LATTAS aka TRAILS

By Cathi Vannice, Vice-President Research, cjazz@comcast.net

    In 2000, under the leadership of Virginia Curulla, the Latta Genealogy Society began researching the Latta origins in Northern Ireland.  One professional genealogist gave an estimate of $10,000 to do a thorough Latta study in Northern Ireland.  Obviously this was more money than this organization had in the treasury or could hope to raise.

    It was decided to hire Sherry Irvine, a Certified Genealogist with special expertise in Irish research.  Her task was to write a research plan for this project.  Society volunteers did the research using microfilms from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.  A database was developed to keep track of the names, dates, locations, and the source of the information.  Maps were prepared in 50 year intervals, to track the locations where the Latta surname was found.  Using this information deeds, probate, church, military and estate records could be searched.

    In 2002, Virginia sent the results of the first phase of research to Sherry, who then updated the research plan based on what was learned.  Last fall Virginia asked me to coordinate the Northern Ireland research project.  Now we need your help again.  Volunteers will order and read microfilm at their local Family History Center (found at the Mormon or Church of the Latter-Day Saints).  I have a list of films that need to be researched waiting for volunteers.  If you have any questions please contact me at the e-mail address above or send me a note that you would like to participate.  No one needs to be an expert to help with this project.

    Please consider being a volunteer.  My mailing address and e-mail address is: Cathryn E. Vannice, 4223 S. 144th, Tukwila, WA 98168-4129.  cjazz@comcast.net