Category Archives: New South Wales

Arrivals in Moreton Bay 1849-1850: a population boost with a difference

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1849-1850 was a distinctive stage in the free settlement of Moreton Bay which had begun in 1842. For the first time significant numbers of people arrived in Brisbane, most not government assisted immigrants. Different groups created vigorous conflict which determined the colony’s future. They also necessitate checking various records to track their arrival. When the government-assisted Artemisia, the first ship to bring immigrants direct to Moreton Bay came in December 1848, it brought news of the Fortitude’s imminent arrival, which … Continue reading

Finding Frederick

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For many years, my husband Trevor’s family had resigned themselves to never knowing the identity of their great-grandfather. Their grandmother Ida Beatrice Conroy was born in Bingara, New South Wales, on 13 January 1889 to Emma Ethel Conroy aged 20, with no father given on the birth registration.[1] Ida married William James Tighe in Goondiwindi, Queensland on 13 October 1904.[2] The marriage registration named both Ida’s mother and father, but it also raised questions. Ida’s father’s name was stated as … Continue reading

From Convict to Landowner: The Journey of an Irishman in Australia

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Sydney Cove August 1837 I spent some time researching Owen Tunny and his family when I thought he was my great-great grandfather. I now know he is not, but his son raised my grandfather, and after all my research into him and his family, I’ve grown fond of him. He was the first convict I researched, and I found myself wondering what it must have been like for him. Here’s a story of his arrival. The Calcutta II, loaded with … Continue reading

Convict tattoos

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It was quite a few years ago that I first encountered the Irish convict, James Harrison. He was found guilty of stealing copper and sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia. On his arrival in 1823, along with other details, his convict indent recorded that he had several tattoos. There was a crucifix, ‘1801’ and the words ‘man and woman’ on his right arm. On his left arm were the words hope and soldier and the picture of a woman, … Continue reading

Elizabeth Readford, lost to history.

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Many Queenslanders will have heard about Henry Readford, commonly known as Harry Redford. He is remembered in legend, in legal precedent, in written histories, in monuments and sculptures. His epic droving trip with stolen cattle from Bowen Downs in central Queensland to South Australia has been marked through modern day Cattle Drives.  In contrast, his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth has disappeared from history, without a photograph being located to remember her. Elizabeth Jane, my great grandaunt, was born in … Continue reading