Matthews Name Files

The Keith Matthews Name Files is a collection of data on individuals, families and businesses that were involved in the settlement, fisheries and trade of Newfoundland from earliest settlement to 1850. Matthews compiled the files from a wide variety of English, Irish and Newfoundland records, including parish registers, newspapers, shipping records, customs records, political papers, census records, merchant records, diaries, etc. The files include data on 7,300 surnames, arranged by surname and subdivided by given name.

Each file contains all of the information collected by Matthews on a surname. The file consists of numerous separate pieces of information which include the surname and given name, a reference to the source of the information, the date, and a brief summary of the text. The following examples are typical of the type of information contained in the files:

TAVERNER 1754 oct trinity ct Jacob one of his men jac fox abused jn night. Night to get 20/-d of fox wages. JACOB the brother of BEN

Interpretation of Entry: Surname: TAVERNER; Date: October 1754; Source: Trinity Court Records; Notes: Jacob Fox, one of Jacob Taverner's men, abused John Night. The court ordered that Night is to get 20 shillings/no pence of Fox's wages. Jacob Taverner is the brother of Ben Taverner.

BROPHY 1821 dec st jns rc morgan of THE ROYAL OAK married bridget cunningham

Interpretation of Entry: Surname: BROPHY; Date: December 1821; Source: St. John's Roman Catholic Parish Records; Notes: Morgan Brophy of the vessel Royal Oak married Bridget Cunningham.

When you find a name and have trouble interpreting Matthews, visit the Abbreviation Database for a possible solution. There is also an Abbreviation Guide, which you may also find useful.

Finally, visit the Matthews Irish Name Files page. This page may also provide additional information on the meaning of a confusing term.

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