O'Brien Reunion Photograph 1
Not much is known of James O’Brien’s early life, as there are only small amounts of information contained on his death certificate. Nonetheless, the certificate records his parents were Luke O’Brien and Kate Jurett.
The certificate also records his first marriage was to Mary Ann McGorrist (spelling?). The marriage took place in “Southern Ireland” and lasted twenty-five years according to the certificate. His second marriage, to Mary Ann Smith (the eldest daughter of farmers, John Smith and Ellen O’Reilly, though her death notice, names her parents as John and Nellie – same thing) lasted thirty-four years. Long-time O’Brien Researcher, (Gus) Barry O’Brien believes the first five children may have been from the first marriage.
According to these records, James, was both a landowner and his family were living in the townland of Knockerk, between Slane and Navan in County Meath. According to the records he had rented a sizeable piece of land from Anne Willens and in turn sub-let about 45 acres.
Before coming to Australia, James was living at Knockerk near Slane, County Meath, Ireland. According to “The origin and history of Irish names of places, Volume 1″ by Patrick Weston Joyce Knockerk was…
The very spot where the huntsman wound his to collect his dogs and companions is often identified by such names as Tullynahearka near Aughrim in Roscommon Tulmgh na hadhairce the hill of the horn Killeenerk in Westmeath Kilhen a little wood andDrumnahearkin Donegal Drum a ridge Knockerk near Slane in Meath and Lisnahirka in Roscommon the hill and the fort of the horn.
According to Griffiths Valuation 1851 and was a landowner and a renter. Griffiths also records a connection between James O’Brien and the Willens Family, as does a gravestone inscription listed on the website of the Slane Historical Society.
It’s difficult to know why they left Ireland, although one would assume it was for some of the reasons why so many people left in the wake of the devastation of the potato famine. It’s also note-worthy, Mary Ann already a brother Bernard, a farmer had already moved to Australia in the 1830s.
James, Mary and their children travelled to Australia from Liverpool, England, on the clipper ship, “Great Victoria” arriving in Melbourne on September 8, 1864.
It is believed James and Mary Ann purchased tickets from Ireland to the Darling Downs, but as the ship “rounded South Australia and approached Port Phillip Bay it was discovered their daughter, Ellen had contracted the disease, Typhus. How serious the condition was is unclear as Typhus is a term which was often applied to a range of ailments. In general terms, however, the symptoms of Typhus were high fever depression, delirium, headache, and a peculiar eruption of reddish spots on the body. Undoubtedly conditions on the ship would have contributed to her contracting the disease as it is caused caused by several micro-organism species of Rickettsia which are transmitted by lice and fleas. She was put off the ship and sent to the Quarantine Station at Portsea (at the head of Port Phillip Bay)”. Reportedly, they stayed in Melbourne until Ellen recovered. Several months later – in January 1865 – they traveled by boat to Eden and then, by bullock dray, they traveled to Kameruka, near Candelo (via Bega) on the NSW South Coast, where they settled at first with Mary’s brother, Bernard Smith at Wollumla.
O'Brien Family Reunion Photo 2
At first, James worked as a Shepherd for John Ritchie. After three or four years, however, James selected 200 acres near Bembooka and named the property, Slane Park. Over a period of twenty years, he increased it to 800 acres and he carried on dairy farming. In the mid 1880s, James and Mary returned to Ireland, where, reportedly, one or more of her brothers were dying. After staying there for five months, they returned to Bemboka.
Senility afflicted James in the final three years of his life. He died on May 17, 1894 and was buried two days later.
Mary continued to live in the area until her death in 1911 (13685/1911).
DEATH OF A NONAGENARIAN: On Saturday night there passed peacefully away at her residence, Gipps Street, Mrs James O’Brien at the great age of 93 years. Her illness was only of short duration, the old lady sustaining a fall about a fortnight ago. Prior to that she enjoyed good health, and retained a wonderful memory to the last.
Born in Ireland, she married in County Kavan, at the age of 18 years. Eight children, four boys and four girls were the issue of the union, and the family emigrated to Australia when the youngest was two years old, landing in Melbourne on 26th January, 1865.
After 12 months spent in Victoria they came to NSW, landing at Eden, and travelling to Wolumla by bullock dray. Mr O’Brien settled down at Kameruka, where he was employed as a shepherd by Mr. John Ritchie. After three or four years he selected Slane Park, now Kirby’s.
An obituary published after her death, gives a brief insight into Marys life after the death of James.
Almost 27 years ago this property was sold, and Mrs and Mrs O’Brien and their son and daughter, Mary and Jack, made a trip home to Ireland, where Mrs O’Brien (whose maiden name was Smith) had two brother priests. They remained in Ireland (about 12 months) till one of the brothers died, and once more sailed for Australia. They bought a property at Cooper’s Gully, and resided there till Mr O’Brien died 17 years ago. Mrs O’Brien ultimately took up her residence in Bega, and during the latter end of her days, was cared for by her daughter, Mary.
The deceased have lived through the reign of four monarchs of the British Empire. The four sons were Peter (deceased), Luke (resident of Bemboka), John and Patrick (both of Queensland), the daughters being Mrs Brannigan (Victoria), Mrs Bennett (Yourie), Mrs D. Collins (Wyndham) and Mary. Mr J.J. Smith of Wolumla was a nephew of deceased.
The funeral, which took place yesterday afternoon, was largely attended, Rev. J.J. Gunning conducting the burial service.
Children
* Peter O’Brien was born in County Meath, Ireland. Aged 18, he left Ireland on September 5, coming to Australia along with his parents and siblings on the “Great Victoria”, arriving in Melbourne on November 29, 1864. Aged 23, he met and married Mary Ann Goward, the daughter of James and Mary Ann. Although she was only fifteen, she soon fell pregnant with their frist, child, James Joseph. At the time of their marriage, on October 2, 1870 (Reference: 1870/2194), James was a “Labourer” at Tantawangalo, while Mary Ann was a “Dairy Maid” at Lithgow Flat. They raised a large family in the Bega district. Peter was reportedly a “noted wrestler in the distrct” according to the newspaper obituary for Mary Ann. After one years illness with Phibesis – possibly relating to heart disease – Peter O’Brien died at Candelo on October 6, 1897, (Death Certificate 1897/11322) and was buried the following day. After a three-year ilnness with Chronic Congestive Heart Disease (Mitral Insufficiency), Mary Ann died, aged 77, on September 22, 1932 at Orchard Farm, Candelo. She was buried the same day in the Church of England section at Wolumla Cemetery.
* Ellen O’Brien was born in 1851 in Meath,Ireland. At “Widgiewa”, she met Thomas Branigan, from Bulla, Victoria. They married in the Catholic Church at Keilor on August 1, 1876. According to information on the website of Hume Shire, Thomas was the son of Thomas Branigan and Mary Anne Stanleke. For many years, Thomas and Ellen lived at St John’s Hill in the Bulla District. At the time of the death of Thomas’ mother, eldest brother Thomas was farming at Strathmerton (on the lower Goulburn, an area not long previously opened for selection),.
His death was reported in The Pambula Voice of May 18, 1894
* Edward O’Brien was born on 1 May 1853.
* Luke O’Brien was born in 1853 in Ireland. In 1884 at Bega, Luke married Annie Moran (who was born in 1864 at Eden, NSW). They had the following children : – William Thomas O’Brien (born in 1885 in Bega), Mary Ellen O’Brien (born in 1887 in Bega) who a married Timothy F Collins in 1921; Theresa Ann O’Brien (born in 1888 in Bega) who married Roy J H Ziegler in 1918; James O’Brien (born in 1889 in Lytteton, NSW), John Joseph O’Brien (born in 1890 in Lytteton, NSW) who married married Mary Lillian T Phillips, daughter of Joseph Phillips and Susan Momsen; and Francis Leo O’Brien (born in 1892 in Candelo, NSW). Luke and Annie lived for many years at Moran’s Crossing, near Bega.
In the book, “River Oaks, Green Willows and young Corn (a brief history of the Bega District Jockey Club)” by Ray James and Jim Gordon, there are a number of stories about local trainer, Luke O’Brien,…
Luke O’Brien was fond of a bet, and his daughter, Mrs Roy Ziegler told a story of one of Luke’s gambling adventures. In many stories of this kind, it can be difficult to separate truth from well-intentioned humour. We’ll let you decide this issue. Well, anyway, Luke set off through the bush to go to the Bredbo Cup Meeting. Bredbo was a flourishing gold mining town at this time, and it took Luke a few days to find his way through the bush and through the mountains, and the horse looked a complete wreck when they arrived. However, he had been fit before leaving Moran’s Crossing, and starting at a good price, the horse duly won the Bredbo Cup, and Luke cleaned out the bookmakers well and truly. It had taken him several days to reach Bredbo across country, but Luke returned by road, stopping at every hotel en route, and the return trip took almost a month. With no communication in those days, the family had to go looking for Luke, eventually to find that he had come to no harm. Which just goes to show, that even if racing is a bit of an adventure, there is no need to overdo things.
Luke died July 22, 1932 at North Bondi, NSW (aged 79). His wife, Annie Moran died several months later on December 24, 1932 at Bega, NSW (age 68).
* John O’Brien was born on 5 May 1855.
* Catherine O’Brien was born on 18 Jul 1857. Thanks to researcher, Fran Firth from the Blue Mountains, I have the following information about Catherine and her husband, David Collins.
David Collins married Catherine O’Brien on August 13, 1883 at the Catholic Church in Candelo. David was the eldest child of William Collins and Margaret Keys both of whom were born in Co. Tyrone Ireland. William, who had emigrated to Australia as an 18 year old with his parents and siblings, married Margaret keys in 1852, who had arrived the year earlier from Ireland. David being the oldest son took over the running of the dairy property “Greenmount” near Wyndham, and had 6 daughters and 1 son. Their children were: Mary Collins born July 6, 1885, married George Yates and lived in Randwick, Sydney; Christine Collins born November 9, 1887 married Eugene Grant; Adeline Collins born March 18 1889, who married Andrew Burg; Rachel Collins born April 21 1890 and married Michael O’Rourke; Alice Collins born October 8, 1891 and married Russell Auguston; John Collins born December 23, 1893 and married Alice Reid.
Her funeral notice which appeared in the Bega Standard also gives some information about her life.
Mrs David Collins, of “Greenmount”, “Wyndham” passed away in Pambula District Hospital on Saturday, at the age of 62 years. The late Mrs Collins, who had been ill for a long time, was highly esteemed and had a large circle of friends who will regret her death. She was formerly Miss O’Brien, sister of Mr Luke O’Brien, of Moran’s Crossing. A husband and grown up children are left to mourn their loss. The funeral was held at Wyndham on Sunday and was very largely attended. Rev. Father McNeeve of Pambula conducted the service. Manning and Sons of Bega had charge of the arrangements.
* Mary O’Brien was born on 7 Mar 1860. It appears as if Mary never married, and took care of her mother in her later years. She appears to have died at Bega in 1932 (13543/1932) though I have yet to confirm this is the correct Mary.
* Patrick O’Brien was born on 6 Jul 1862 in Slane. He married Agnes Moran on October 28, 1889 at Bega (4482/1889). The birth records for their children indicate they lived in a number of locations in the Bega District. Annie (Bega 1890), Ruby (Lyttleton 1902), Mary Aileen (1894 Bemboka), Bernard Eugene (Bemboka 1896) Agnes Maud (1900 Bega) and Patrick (1903 Bega). His death was reported in The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933-1954), Wednesday 16 October 1935, page 4, and a photograph of he and his wife’s graves are available online.
The death of Mr P. J O’Brien, of Woodford, occurred yesterday after a short illness. Mr O’Brien started his turf career in the Bega and surrounding districts, where he rode with a good deal of success being associated with the late Teddy and Eueene McGrade and with Tommy O’Keefe about 1876. He and his brother, the late Luke O’Brien, afterwards bred and raced a number of
horses, among them being Sir Ladden, Lemonwood, Desert Queen, and Reform. Mr. P. J. O’Brien about 29 years ago settled in the Woodford district. He bred Little Jewel, Billy Jewel, Retford Cooney, Bega, and All Black. These horses won many races in Brisbane and Sydney. The late Mr. O’Brien was chiefly interested in dairy farming and pig raising, and for a time kept hotels in Woodford and Maryborough. He is survived by his widow, five daughters, and a son, Mr. B. O’Brien, ‘ of Woodford. The funeral will take place at Woodford at 2 o’clock to-day.
* Eliza O’Brien married Alfred Bennett at Petersham in 1882 (2193/1882) and, according to her mother’s death notice, lived at Yourie, near Cobargo. Eliza died at Bega in 1912 (9515/1912).
Notes:
* Details about the first marriage, recorded on James’ death certificate remain unconfirmed. A simple search on Google for the name McGorrist in Louth, Ireland, suggests an alternative spelling of the name “McGorisk” living at Louth in the 1800s, including the names James and Thomas McGorisk. According to the 1842 electoral roll, Thomas lived at Upper Dundalk, part of Louth. There is also a reference to Thomas McGorisk at Drumcashel on the 1855 Ardee Convent Subscription Fund. James McGorisk is listed on the Louth Parish Church Subscription Fund 1890. Since I cannot find the name McGorrist at all, it’s presumably McGorisk that we’re looking for to establish this as fact or not. The name McGorisk also appears at Dundalk Town in Thom’s Directory of Ireland, 1931 appears currently in relation to a number of businesses in Athlone (Westmeath) which, co-incidentally, I visited in 1999. Anyway, can anyone add any light on the story of a first marriage for James in 1831?
Records & Stuff
Notes:
* There is a record of a personal diary kept from someone who was on board the Great Victoria when it came to Australia. I have written seeking more information about this diary.
An O’Brien Family Reunion was held at Jamberoo Hall on February 27, 2010.
Sharing Around: Please feel free to copy any of the information on this page which may help you in your own research. My feeling is that family research is hard enough, without the need to constantly re-invent the wheel. It would be great, however, if you’d leave a comment below just to say “hi”.
Hi James, I am not related to the o’Briens, but I think my GGGrandmother was on board the GREAT VICTORIA.
Do you have the passenger list. Her name was Margaret Clifford married to James Clifford who were on board, but I cannot find the child Ellen Clifford with them.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Kevin
Hi Kevin
I don’t have the complete list for the Great Victoria, as I only worried about printing off the bit I wanted.
Having a look at the Victorian Public Record Office, though, it seems Margaret and James Clifford came to Australia on an earlier voyage of the Great Victoria, arriving November 1863.
http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/PROVguides/PROVguide023/PROVguide023.jsp
Hope this helps.
James
Hi,
O’Brien was my g grandmothers surname she being Mary Anne married to Thomas, My Grandmother was Elizabeth and her brother Bernard was one of a twin and a sister Gertrude. LIz moved to W.A. married a Thomas Russell.
After Thomas died Mary Anne remarried to someone with the surname of Smith.
I’m clutching at straws but there is some similar surnames as your history hope you can help.
Hi Jacquie, I’m not sure if I can help, as my interest has been mostly focussed on my own immediate ancestors and getting as much info as possible about them, rather than a broader study of the O’Brien family. A distant relative Barry (from Muswellbrook) has done a lot of O’Brien research and another, Alf (from Shellharbour) put together an O’Brien and Smith book a few years back. From what I can see about the broader family, some of the O’Brien family ended up in Victoria and others in Queensland, but mostly the family were either in the Bega District or the Lismore districts of NSW. I hope this helps in some way. James
Hi James,
I think my G Grandmother is your Catherine O’Brien (1857) married to David Collins in Candelo. He was from Whydham. I purchased their wedding certificate but unfortunately there were no details about Catherine’s parents or her age. They were married in 1883. Does this look like a match to you?
regards
Fran
Hi Fran, lovely to hear from you and it sounds like it might be, as the death notice for Mary refers to her daughter-in-law as Mrs D. Collins from Wyndham. If you have some information about Catherine and David about when they were married, the children they had, where they lived etc it would be great if you could write back so I can fill out more of the details of them for the website. Cheers James
“The deceased have lived through the reign of four monarchs of the British Empire. The four sons were Peter (deceased), Luke (resident of Bemboka), John and Patrick (both of Queensland), the daughters being Mrs Brannigan (Victoria), Mrs Bennett (Yourie), Mrs D. Collins (Wyndham) and Mary. Mr J.J. Smith of Wolumla was a nephew of deceased.”
Hi James
Did any of your O’Briens have a brother named William O’Brien, born c1840 in Ireland, married Margaret Moran in Bega in 1865 and was listed as a farmer at Meringo or Meringlo near Bega in 1882. These two are my GGrandparents.
Thanks for your efforts.
Hi Lorraine, I’ve been struggling with this for the last couple of weeks trying to find out the correct answer. It’s a bit confusing as there was a Luke O’Brien who married Annie Moran, but I’m not sure where a William O’Brien fits into it all. Given the time/dates involved, and the connection I wonder if the William you’ve described is a cousin, maybe one of the as yet unproven step-brothers, or no relation at all? Any further information you have about William who married Margaret would be great to receive. This might add another layer to the story, perhaps? James
* Luke O’Brien was born in 1853 in Ireland. In 1884 at Bega, Luke married Annie Moran (who was born at 1864 in Eden, NSW). They had the following children : – William Thomas O’Brien (born in 1885 in Bega), Mary Ellen O’Brien (born in 1887 in Bega) Theresa Ann O’Brien (born in 1888 in Bega), James O’Brien (born in 1889 in Lytteton, NSW), John Joseph O’Brien (born in 1890 in Lytteton, NSW). and Francis Leo O’Brien(born in 1892 in Candelo, NSW). Luke and Annie lived for many years at Moran’s Crossing, near Bega.
Hi James
Just read your response to Lorraine regarding Margaret Moran who married William O’Brien. Margaret Moran was the sister to the following: Thomas Moran who married Ann O’Donohue 21 Jan 1860, Moruya (Annie Moran who married Luke O’Brien is Thomas and Ann’s daughter); Patrick Moran who married Alice Slavin, Ulmarra NSW (who is my ggrandfather – putting the finishing touches to this section of the family and I have been working on Thomas side from Bega); twins Bridget and Ann, James and Mary (have not undertaken an indepth research on last four). Their parents were William and Mary (nee Carey) Moran from Galway. I beleive their was 14 children in the family but still researching.
Would appreciate if you could put me in contact with Lorraine Palmer (or for her to make contact with me) as it appears we are connected by our great great grandparents William and Mary (nee Carey) Moran. Happy for you to pass my email address to her.
Regards
Araleen
Araleen
You would not credit what I felt when I read your posting. The family legend always said that 2 brothers came out from Ireland – one went north & one south, but I had never found any evidence of that until reading what you wrote. My g grandfather was Thomas the one who went south, & yours seems to have been the northerner. I really hope you can contact me, or James can you help put us in touch?
Hi Araleen, thanks for the clarification. I’ve passed your details on to Lorraine. James
Hi James
Thanks for sending my details to Lorraine as she has made contact. Araleen
Hi James
I wonder if any of your research extends to the family of Bernard Smith. One of my extended branches includes Ellen Darling who married Bernard Smith in 1860 at Wollongong, The first son Edward was reg at Wollongong the following births included Ellen 1864, Catherine 1865,Michael T 1867 and Jane 1869 all at Eden. I think Bernard Smith died 1870 at Eden, parents noted as John and Ellen. Ellen Mary Darling was the daughter of John Darling a convict and Mary Oates. I am a descendant of Mary Oates’ sister Ann Gilham formerly Quirk(e) nee Oates.
I’m interested to know if the family remained in the Eden district or returned to Sydney and what became of them.
Regards Viv Callaghan
I am trying to contact Viv Callaghan re a Hughes connection. I had lost Contact with Viv. since moving to Queensland. Would love to be in touch again. Regards Bronwen Hughes
Hi Bronwen
Pleased to make contact again.
P.O.3177
Dural, NSW 2158
or below
Hi Viv, my own research doesn’t. However, a distant cousin Alf, who lives at Shellharbour has put together a book which includes a lot of information about Bernard Smith and family. I’ll check the book when I get home tonight. Cheers James
Hi Viv, sorry for the delay. I came home from work last night quite exhausted and didn’t have much energy for family history matters.
Tonight, however, I checked Alf O’Brien’s book which has a lot of information about Bernard Smith and his family…
A couple of interesting facts contained in the book…
1/…Bernard’s first marriage was to Ellen McHugh. They married at Ratmond Terrace on April 27, 1843, and had a reasonably large family until Ellen’s death at Berkley on June 21, 1859.
2/…His second marriage to Ellen Darling was at St Franxis Xavier’s Wollongong on March 18, 1860. They apparently had 5 children together.
3/…The reason for Bernard’s move from the Illawarra to South Wolumla isn’t known. However, Alf speculated it may have been because of the presence there of his borther in law, Bernard McHugh.
4/…He died in 1860 after being thrown from his horse in soggy ground.
I could go on, as there’s a wealth of information in Alf’s book. I haven’t seen Alf for a number of years, but the last time I did he was living at Shellharbour. Failing that, I know there’s a copy in the Mitchell Library at the State Library of NSW.
I hope this puts you in the right direction for your own research.
James
Hello
I came across your story and recognised the names you discuss. Ellen O’Brien married Thomas Branigan from Bulla. Thomas father, also Thomas was born in County Louth and arrived in Australia in 1842. His first wife was Mary Anne Stanlake and they had two sons Richard and Thomas. Thomas senior married again to Johanna Elligot in 1850 and had two sons Michael and Denis. Denis was my great grandfather. Please contact me if you want to discuss anything further.
Thanks Donna
Hello,
Like Donna Young, I’m a great-grandchild of Thomas Branigan from his second marriage. I’d be very interested to get in touch with her to discuss the family’s history.
Could you pass on my email address to her?
Regards,
Tony Branigan
Sydney
Hi Tony, I’ve passed on your details. James
Hello.
My name is Martin O’Rourke, and Catherine O’Brien was my great grandmother.
My grand parents were Michael O’Rourke and Rachel Collins, a daughter of David Collins and Catherine O’Brien.
We have kept in touch with the new owners of Greenmount, and still hold a close affinity with Wyndham.
Regards, Martin.
so that would make us second cousins -I think as my g/grandmother was Mary Collins -she married George Yates.
Marcia Hatcher
Martin, thanks for being in touch. I’m currently on an extended overseas holiday. I’ll be in touch properly when I return mid-September. James
Hi James,
My name is Trish O’Brien and I’m trying to find any information whatsoever regarding my portion of the O’Brien clan. Unfortunately not much information has been handed down, only an old family prayer book which says that he’s from Limerick, was a Remittance Man, and married Mary Maher from Balycamis in 1867, coming out to Australia in 1868. They had one child, also called James, and settled in Hay or Young. ‘Young’ James became a pharmacist, married Mary Garry from ‘Garryown Station’ and had 4 children, Florence, Carlene, Alexis Margaret and (another) James who was my father.
Sorry it’s so little to go on but it’s all I’ve got. I couldn’t find any information regarding the wedding in the Dublin Registrary Office and I think that Balycamis (Tipperary) was one of those villages that was burnt to the ground. If you could point me in the way of finding out more about them I’d really appreciate your efforts.
Regards,
Trish
Hi James
My name is Anne Arnold and my grandparents were Theresa O’Brien and Roy Ziegler. So it was really great when I googled Luke O’Brien and your site came up. So thankyou for the information.
Regards
Anne
Hi James,
The previous writer Anne Arnold is my first cousin and thus like Anne I am one of the great grandchildren of Luke and Annie O’Brien and one of the 29 grandchildren of Theresa Anne O’Brien. I recall visiting Mary Ellen (aunty Sis as we knew her)at the Bondi Beach Surf Club and William – Uncle Bill to us was a regular visitor to our home 36 Carp Street Bega. Each time he came to town he would give my brother and I 2 shillings to carry his tea from the kitchen to lounge room but often he would allow us to watch him juggle the tea cup on the saucer. I thought he was incredibly clever that he never spilt a drop. I know believe that he probably suffered from Parkinson’s Disease.Nanny Zig (Theresa Anne) often told the story of the race horse (and it never changed from the story you have. She told other little tales some of which are contained in Visions for a Valley. Catholic People in the Bega Valley (1985).
History has a way of repeating itself and my daughter married an Irishman so in December 2006 I visted my son in laws family and toured Ireland extensively. Louth,Cavan and Mead had significant relevance for me. Thank you for the detailed history of the family which I will now pass on to my children and grandchildren.
Regards Janice Dunning (nee Moody)
Gday James my grand aunties Annie & Agnes Moran married O’Briens as you’ve listed, & quite possibly my great grand aunt Mary, a William O’Brien. Would like to compare notes ..
Hi Patrick, I’ll drop you a line privately. James
Hi James,
My father is Terence Edward O’Connell, son of Terence O’Connell, son of Thomas O’Connell, son of Terrance O’Connell and Mary O’Brien.
The only evidence we have is the following:
Thomas ,bachelor aged 30 years, nationality Irish, birthplace Sligo
marries Anna Petronella Susanna van der Schyff, spinster aged 20 years
in Wakkerstroom, Transvaal, South Africa in 1866.
Terrance O’Connell and Mary O’Brien are present at the marriage. The eldest daughter (of Thomas & Anna)is subsequently named Mary Elizabeth; perhaps Mary O’Brien is also Mary Elizabeth.Second son is called Daniel Thomas Petrus (known as Thomas) after Anna Petronella’s father but also after Thomas his father.Their 3rd son is James, possibly after Mary O’Brien’s Father. PLEASE is someone able to help me find my people…I have found all our other lines but my O’Connells appear nowhere. Thomas & Anna name their farm in Potchefstroom,South Africa: SHAMROCK…ever so Irish!
Greetings from South Africa,
Lesley O’Connell-Maritz.
Hi Lesley, lovely to hear from you South Africa. I hope someone finds this connection which helps you. I’ll pass on any emails, details that come through. Cheers, James
Hi Lesley,
My great great grandfather on my mother’s side was Barney James O’Connell, son of Terence O’Connell and brother of Terence Edward O’Connell.
I have recently started looking back into the family history and found your comment above.
If you are still looking for more information on the O’Connell family history in South Africa I have found some interesting information on the following website: http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/family_group_record.asp?familyid=259918298&indi_id=100171871385&lds=1®ion=0&frompage=99
I would love to know if you have managed to trace any more of the family history since you posted this comment?
Regards
Tabitha Stone
Hope you find this helpful
Hi James
i would be grateful if you could pass on my email address to Jacquie, Fran, Lorraine Palmer, Araleen Taylor, Viv Callaghan, Donna Young, Tony Branighan, Martin O’Rourke, Anne Arnold and Janice Dunning. I have been in contact with Pat Edgerton, so thank you for passing my details on to him. I had been planning to travel to the Blue Mountains this past week with my cousin Pat Smith from Ipswich to catch up with Keven Madden, but unfortunately Pat had to defer his trip down south. Hopefully we will make it soon. Keven has a wealth of information, especially on the Smith side of the family.
Cheers
Gus
Hi Gus
Not sure if you’ll read this.
Viv at gjcallaghan.com to make contact.
Hi Barry,
Details have been passed on.
James
Information about the O’Brien Family Reuion has been added here http://jamesobrien.id.au/obrien-family-reunion/
HI My Grandmother was Mary collins who married George Yates .They lived in Randwick and had 2 children-georgena and Leslie .Frances Firth who has an entry earlier is my cousin -Catherine O’Brien is my great grandmother.There is a book published some years ago with the family history-it was published in the late 1970s early 1980s .There rae probably many homes with the photo of the Collins sisters all dressed in their finery for a family photo -they excluded their brother .I have 3 photos of them all together at different ages.I have childhood memories of hearing about Nanas .Marcia Hatcher
Hi Marcia, great to hear from you. James
James
Just a small correction re caption for “Great Victoria” and also the obituary for James O’Brien.
My understanding is the O’Brien family arrived in Melbourne aboard the “Great Victoria” on 29 November 1864, not September 1864 nor January 1865.
Barry
Hello, James, I was wondering if you could do me the most huge favour and either let me have a copy of the Great Victoria passenger list, or look something up on for me or let me know how to get hold of it myself? I think some ancestors of mine were on it too and I can’t find any info online – heroic people are transcribing passenger lists but it a huge process. I would be extrmely grateful if you could help me – I’m in York, England, by the way!
Alison
Allison, I don’t have a copy handy except for the bit relating to mine. However, happy to pop down to the library/state records office to grab a copy, and will put online.
Hi, that would be absolutely brilliant! My relatives were called Dowson, if that’s any help. Thank you so much.
Alison
Hi James,
I also think my ancestor was on the Great Victoria with your family. His name was Richard Power, of Co. Wexford. A great aunt told me that he travelled to Australia with his cousin called Jim, and there happens to be a James Power on board too! Very grateful for any assistance!
I went into the NSW State Library today and scanned the passenger records for the Great Victoria, only to discover they’re available online here.
http://www.prov.vic.gov.au/indexes/index_search.asp?searchid=23
I hope this helps anyone looking for anyone on the ship. There’s an index of Unassisted Passengers.
Would like to hear from Viv Callaghan have lost contact re the Hughes family
Brownen, my grandmother Ruby Margaret Hughes married my grandfather Herbert Henry Hughes. The Hughes are also related to the Brennans of Dalby Qld. My sister is doing the family tree, has done for the past 25 or more years.
Apologies for mistake it should write that my grandmother Ruby Margaret HUGHES married Herbert Henry CALLAGHAN. Ruby’s mother was Maria Cecilia Hughes (nee Brennan). William Callaghan married Helena Orth (widow) in 1857 Ipswich Qld.
Hi James & Bronwen
I have tried several times to reach Bronwen, both via this post site and an old Genforum e-mail address.
If one of you reads this please reply with Bronwen’s e-mail.
Regards
Viv Callaghan
Hi Viv, I sent your details to Bronwen after your last post on January 17. James
Hello James,
Did you have any luck retrieving the diary kept by Grace Ferrier on board the Great Victoria, 5 September to 29 November 1864.
If so, would it be possible to get a copy?
Regards,
Grieko Enter, Netherlands
Hi Grieko, no I haven’t. It kinda slipped my mind. But thanks for the reminder. Will chase up. James
Hi James
I gathered a fair bit of information on the Great Victoria from digital English newspapers. My wife’s grandfather Charles Goodliff left the New Plymouth UK on 11 October 1865 and arrived in Queensland on 5th January 1866. Unfortunately the passengers list seems to have gone missing, funny enough an index and the crew list did survive.
So the diary might shed some light on the circumstances on the Great Victoria.
Regards, Grieko
My grandfather’s wife Ruby Mary Chapman (Mrs William Ernest Smith) is related to a O’Brien. Anyone here related to her?
Hello!
I am trying to track down my ex sister-in-law who was a Patricia o’Brien. Now she’s married and I do not know her new surname. How can I track her down. Is there a South African Irish association I can contact? She now lives in Johannesburg,South Africa.
I would be thankful if anyone is able to help.
Thanks!
Warm regards,
Miss Winsome Loraine Peter
Hi James,
I am trying to track the origins of a Jack O’brien who came to the islands of Tuvalu as a resident trader. There is a book that Doug Munro wrote on the resident traders that came to Tuvalu but there is only limited information on Jack O’brien. Apparently he is of Irish-Australian descent and in the book it states that his father was a New South Wales convict. Jack travelled to the islands during the 1950s, he then married one of the locals. I am a descendant of Jack and would very much like to track his ancestry and who his parents were. if you have any information that could assist me in my research it would be greatly appreciated.
thanks Penny
Hi James – I have written to you before. I am a descendent of Luke O’Brien born in 1853 in Ireland. I am returning to Ireland early next year and would like to know where he was born (if possible) – do you have any idea?
I was delighted to see the correction on the arrival of James, Mary & children (29/11/1864) as my birthdate is 29 November.
I noted that a previous writer was looking for passenger lists – I found the Genealogical Recordfinder at http://www.cobhheritage.com most helpful when last in Ireland – they have both British and Irish ships with passenger lists (but not all) You can also email cobhheritage.com
Hi James, I am trying to contact Grieko Enter. I have contacted him before regarding the Goodliff family in Queensland, but have lost his email address.. Can you supply it? or ask him to contact me?
Hi Ian, apologies for the delay. I’ve been pretty busy over the last few months, and am only catching up on some my genealogy correspondence today. I’ll pass on your email and comment to Greiko. Cheers, James
Hi James, I don’t think I’m related to you but do you think that you can perhaps help me find out about the O’Brien’s that came to South Africa because that’s where I’m from.
Thank you
Austin O’Brien, 12
Hi Austin, I’m sorry but I don’t think I can help as I don’t know much about family history resources in South Africa, though I have seen the SA version of “Who Do You Think You Are?”. My advice is to go back generation by generation. When I was about your age, I had a high school project about genealogy, and began by asking my parents and grandparents as much as they knew. It helped, and so I was able to go on from there. So if you can, ask your parents and grandparents and write everything down. Hopefully it will beome easier. James
Hi Austin, one of my relatives moved to South Afica from Ireland, she was known as Annie or Patricia O’Brien, her remaining siblings came to Australia, settling in Victoria and New South Wales. Her father’s name was Patrick. regards, Sonya