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If you are researching and writing your own family history, this book will serve as an excellent example and model.

The genealogy is extensive and well-sourced. You will discover how to get the most out of Irish and U.S. records from the early 1800s so often overlooked or underutilized: Irish Census fragments from 1821; passenger lists from the St. Lawrence Steamboat Company; and the U.S. Censuses of 1830 and 1840.

You will learn new ways to make your genealogical record of distant family members come alive by placing them in a compelling historical narrative. You will see how this approach invites your readers to connect the dots between historical events and circumstances and the lives of their own relatives.

If you are a descendant of Marion Tiernan, her ancestors, or their neighbors in St. Lawrence County this is your story.

You will discover your deep roots in both the Irish and American experience. You will value this book as a wonderful keepsake of your family history and share it with your children and grandchildren.

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Editorial Reviews

“This book is a perfect amalgamation of historical and genealogical information worthy of readership. Mr. Carletta is not just a story teller.…What stands out is his clear and concise writing, excellent organization, and scholarly presentation. The book delves deeply into the history of County Meath and Northeastern America, the reasons for emigration, and the conditions faced by the emigrants on their journey to Saint Lawrence County and in the wilderness where they settled.” –Victor C. Pellegrino

“Excellent family history. The book contains extensive, well-sourced information on the author’s heritage as well as details about the historical and sociopolitical context of early 19th century Irish immigration that bring the genealogical information to life….this book…will be of interest to relatives of the author and the broader public alike. For the Grass of a Cow serves as a fine model that achieves a complete and interesting story by including carefully selected biographical material from neighboring families.” –Timothy Leonard

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An in-depth history of Irish immigrants to Saint Lawrence County, New York

Part genealogy and part history, this book tells the fascinating story of Marion Tiernan’s family, emigrants from County Meath, Ireland, who arrived in northern New York beginning in the 1820s. Among the earliest settlers of Waddington, Madrid, and Norfolk, their stories unfold with descriptions of their home parishes, journey to New York, and life on the frontier. Family histories complete the stories of the settlers and identify their occupations and achievements. The final chapter reveals Marion’s own journey, from the Bellhurst Club in Geneva, New York, to Miami Beach, Lake Tahoe, and Carson City. All readers who are descendants of these families will discover their Irish roots, and family history researchers will profit from the broad picture of Irish settlement in Saint Lawrence County and numerous connections to sources in Ireland.