A very important resource for
Irish genealogical research in the state of Kentucky is the Kentucky Irish American newspaper.
Statewide newspapers aimed at the Irish community, and that were published for
decades, are not that common. This publication hit the newsstands on a weekly
basis from the 1890s to 1968.
Based in Louisville, it catered
to the needs of the concentrated Irish community. In the early decades there
was regular reporting on fraternal organizations, such as the Ancient Order of
Hibernians, with members and officers named on a weekly basis. Other features included
society news, focusing on the burgeoning middle-class Irish, and deaths that occurred. Some
obituaries, such as the one below, for Mary Boyle Featherstone, give a county
of birth.[1]
Obituary of Mary Boyle Featherstone from the Kentucky Irish American |
Microfilm editions for all years
are available at the University of Louisville. Some years (1900, 1901, 1909, 1910) are available on the
subscription website Fold3. Copies from
1898-1921 can be accessed for a fee on Newspapers.com, and for free on The Chronicling America website.
[1] Author Unknown. Mourn Her Death. 11 March 1905. Kentucky Irish American. p. 1. Available online at
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069180/1905-03-11/ed-1/seq-1/#fullscreen=true: accessed 17 March 2014.