After a good night's sleep and an Irish Breakfast, I was ready to get started. (Not quite as cranky today.) I spent the morning at the National Archives meeting with the Archivist who will be doing the Orientation on Tuesday morning. I also had a chance to go through the Calendar of Wills after1922 (these are books on the shelves in the Research Room). They are by year so starting with the year of death of the individual I went though the books (these look just like the images online of the earlier Calendar of Wills). Just a reminder, the probate (will or administration) does not necessarily have to be close to the year of death. I found one Administration for a James Johnston who died 25 Jul 1928 from Cloonawillian, but then found him again in 1944 listed as an Unadministered Estate. I also found a 1913 death that wasn't administered until 1931. I looked for at least five years after the death but as you can see, that's sometimes not enough.
For the area of Leitrim where I'm researching, some of the estates were probated in Dublin, but most in Ballina. So as long as I was in the book, I also looked for any Johnston with a probate in Ballina and picked up a couple of interesting ones. Since everyone is named William, James, Andrew or Arthur, the probate may give me a hint as to what family they are attached to. Probate documents are still kept at Four Courts and it takes two days for them to be brought up to the National Archives, so my requests will be waiting for me on Tuesday.
The National Archives closes from 1p.m. - 2 p.m for lunch so I returned to the hotel and arranged to meet my new contact at the Valuation Office at 3 p.m. He was great and very accommodating. Since COVID they've only allowed four people in during their morning or afternoon hours. He is willing to be very flexible which is great. Some participants know they need more than a two hour slot, but I expect that those visiting for the first time are going to want to go back to the VO.
I stopped for an early dinner (Irish Stew) on my way back to the hotel and I got a good picture of the Ha'penny Bridge. I'm writing up my notes for today's research.
Thanks to everyone who offered up solutions to my phone situation. I bit the bullet this morning and signed up for Verizon's 30 day plan (I'm here for 28 days). It was more expensive then I've paid in the past with the SIM card, but I don't have to worry about access.
Drew commented: My brother, who has Straight Talk as his carrier, is going to leave his phone turned off in Ireland, and he can use my phone. I'll be using AT&T's international plan, so I keep my regular phone number and just pay $10/day for any day that I use the phone
I suggested his brother just leave his phone in Airplane mode. That way he can use it on the Wi-Fi network at the hotel or repository but won't receive any calls.
Deb agreed...I too use my international plan on verizon for 10 bucks a day. If I recall correctly, I am only charged the daily fee if I use it, but I know there is *something* Im supposed to do like only use Wifi if I dont want to use it.
Cath also uses the $10/day when in France. She added that she used the 30 day plan last year in Ireland since she was here more than 10 days.
Same suggestion as above...take it out of Airplane mode when you need to use it for a call or if Wi-Fi is not available. (Don't forget to put it back in Airplane mode.).
Máire added, Ye can use SKYPE to ring businesses. Just add like €10/$10 and you can call Ireland cheap. And some businesses do use WhatsApp.
Someone also mentioned the Orange Card which gives you a French number, but is good throughout Europe, including Ireland. Sorry, don't remember who.
People are starting to arrive tomorrow and Friday, but the majority will be here on Saturday. It's going to be a busy week.
Happy Hunting!