The following descriptions are from the New England Historic and Genealogical Society, publisher of The Search for Missing Friends.
The Search for Missing Friends: Irish Immigrant Advertisements
Placed in The Boston
Pilot
Edited by Ruth-Ann Harris, Donald M. Jacobs and B. Emer O'Keeffe
A leading resource in Irish genealogy, these volumes are the first in a set of eight
or more. The advertisements for missing persons placed in the Boston Pilot from 1831 to
1916, transcribed and indexed in The Search for Missing Friends series, tell poignant,
often heartbreaking stories that depict much of the nineteenth-century immigrant
experience. These ads, unlike passenger lists, also identify the Irish townland and parish of
thousands who came to America and sought, or were sought by, relatives already here.
Thus the work paves the way for millions of Americans to trace ancestors in Ireland.
These ads often include physical descriptions, relationships, destinations and personal
information, making them fascinating reading as well. For example:Information Wanted Of
Maurice, John, Michael and Patrick Reding from the parish of Kilvert, county Cork,
Ireland. In 1832 Patrick was in Baltimore. Any information respecting them will be tidings
of joy to their brother Thomas, who now owns a farm in Leicester, Mass. [28 May 1842]
Each volume begins with a scholarly introduction based on computer analysis of
data contained in the ads.
Published by NEHGS in cooperation with the Irish studies Program and the
Department of History at Northeastern University.
Volume 1: 1831-1850
NEHGS. 1989. 684+ lxii pp.
Volume 2: 1851-1853
NEHGS. 1991. 672+ xx pp.
Volume 3: 1854-1856
NEHGS. 1991. 672+ xx pp.
Volume 4: 1857-1860
NEHGS. 1995. 784+ xxxiv pp.
Volume 5: 1861-1865
NEHGS. 1996. 708+ ci pp.
Volume 6: 1866-1870
NEHGS. 1997. 854+ xxv pp.
Volume 7: 1871-1876
NEHGS. 1999. 772+ xxx pp.