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William FRASER, Smythe's Creek, 1856
I'm trying to trace my husband's great-great-great uncle, William FRASER, b. 1829 Inverness, Scotland. We know that he was in Inverness for the 1851 census but then left for Australia on board the SS Vincent which arrived in Botany Bay on 15th October 1851. There is a letter from him dated 22nd October 1856 describing his life at Smythe's Creek gold diggings and that is the last we know of him. His parents were William FRASER (1787 to 1832) a forester in Dochfour, Inverness and Catherine MACRAE (1791 to 1878). We think that William must still have been in Australia in 1878 as when Catherine died the intimation in the Inverness Courier read "At 22 Duff Street, Inverness on the 16th December Catherine MacRAE for 46 years widow of the late Mr William FRASER, Forrester, Dochfour, aged 87 years. (Australian papers please copy.)" Any information would be very gratefully received.
Contact: Claire Fraser - EMAIL - December 2008

DAWSON / KELLY / LOCKYER
Looking for descendants of William LOCKYER (b.1855 d. 1910) married Elizabeth DAWSON (b.1853 d. 1912), also George LOCKYER (1879 of Buninyong) and Jessie Catherine KELLY b. 1887 of Buninyong.
Contact: Robert Lockyer - EMAIL - November 2008

Chinamans, District of Maryborough
I am trying to find the location of Chinamans. We always believed that our Grandfather was born in Ballarat, we now have a birth certificate which says Chinamans, Tullaroop Shire, County of Talbot, District of Maryborough, if anyone help with any information I would be most grateful.
Contact: Janet Hutchins - EMAIL - November 2008

THORNE / METELMANN
I would welcome any information re: THORNE, John Hamilton (occupation, teacher) and his second wife THORNE (nee METELMANN) Olive Jane who died in Ballarat in 1984. Are they both buried at Ballarat and were there any children?
Contact: Beth ___ - EMAIL - November 2008

CRAKER, Samuel
Would appreciate help in finding information on Samuel CRAKER was married in Jan 1859 at the Wesleyan Church at Creswick, Victoria to Bridget LYNCH of Co Limerick, Ireland. Stated his age as 29, however this varies from his recorded death at Bairnsdale in 1890. I am trying to find his arrival information in particular. He was apparently widowed "sometime in 1856". (His daughter Sarah Ann married John GREENWOOD.)
Contact: Judith Wood - EMAIL - October 2008

CHIN / CHINTOCK / McINTYRE / JOHNSON / EDWARDS
Looking for members of these families. All were in mining community in Ballarat in late 1800’s, Alfred CHIN LOCK (from Canton) married Louisa McINTYRE in NSW. McINTYRE family and CHIN family all later in Ballarat. Name later changed to CHINTOCK.
John JOHNSON (Johanes JONSSON) from Sweden. Born 1869, traveled to USA, then to Tasmania. He may have been in Victoria for a short time around 1890’s.
Also seeking Thomas EDWARDS b c 1836 in Wiltshire. Was a miner and he and his family, wife Mary-Jane (Jones) and children Thomas, Maud and Annie Prudence, lived in mining area in Queenstown, Colony of Victoria in 1870’s. Later in 1870’s in Oatlands, Tasmania.
Contact: Lynne Weidmann - EMAIL - October 2008

Richard BELFORD
I recently discovered that my 3xgreat-grandfather had a brother named Richard BELFORD. Richard died in Brisbane in 1865, and his obituary helpfully stated that he had run a newspaper called the "Ballarat Star". Working my way to Ballarat via the internet, I have found that Richard seems to have been an active fellow in Ballarat in the 1850s (not sure when he arrived but he probably left around 1860) - he had the "Ballarat Star", was one of the founders of the Benevolent Asylum, involved in the Volunteer Rifles, on Ballarat East Council etc. (from "History of Ballarat" by WB Withers).
I'd like to try to find out more details about Richard's time in Ballarat, so if anyone has any ideas as to how I could go about this, such as which resources would be useful, I would be really grateful if you could share them with me.
Contact: Prue McKay, 39 Nirta Drive, Murrumbateman NSW 2582, Australia - EMAIL - October 2008

Eliza SANDERS (nee ILES)
For over 5 years I have searched for the burial information for my g.g.grandmother who was born at Brighton, Sussex, England on 13th November, 1832, she came to Melbourne with her parents and siblings in 1853. Eliza married James SANDERS in 1854 and moved to Creswick. They had 11 children, the last born in Creswick in 1879 when Eliza was 47. According to the death certificates of her father (1878) her mother (1888) and her eldest daughter Elizabeth (1896), Eliza was still living. According to her youngest daughter’s marriage certificate (1913), Eliza was deceased. Thus, she died between 1896 and 1913. Eliza and James did not own any property. James’ obituary in 1919 refers to "his dearly beloved wife, the late Eliza". Nevertheless, I have checked divorce records. I have checked the death records in all States. None of her children married or died between 1896 and 1913. I have also searched electoral rolls and rates listings. If she died in an asylum, she still has to be buried somewhere.
Contact: Sue Orbach Iles, 78 Clunes Road, Creswick, Victoria 3363. Ph (03) 5345 2327 - EMAIL - October 2008

YOUNG / PEART
Phyllis YOUNG was born on 2/9/1912 in Ballarat & attended Urquhart Street School and Macarthur Street School.
Her mother, May Walton YOUNG, (born 1/8/1889) was the eldest child of Andrew YOUNG and Mary Jane YOUNG (nee PEART). May's siblings were Mary Maud who married Carl Emil EHMS and Alan Andrew who married Phyllis MATTHEWS. All these people as well as May's later partner William George LINDEN and 6 younger children are deceased.
Seeking details of (i) whether Phyllis lived with her grandparents at 24 James Street followed by 228 Errard Street in Ballarat as a child; (ii) whether Phyllis married; and (iii) whether Phyllis is alive or deceased.
Contact: Maureen Duffy - EMAIL - September 2008

CLARK / WATKINS
I am after some help in tracking down information on my grandfathers parents. Grandfather is Herbert Eustace CLARK b 5/8/1887 at Tarradale, d 29/6/1965 Ballarat. His spouse was Florence Emily England WATKINS b 26/4/1892 Ballarat, d 31/10/1943, Ballarat. His father was William James CLARK (no other details), spouse Martha and they lived in Scott Parade near the Humffray St intersection. Herbert had 1 brother Norman & 2 sisters Ruby and Bertha. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Contact: The Ditchfields, PO Box 2703 Bakery Hill 3354, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Ph 53333171, Mob 0408108965 - EMAIL - September 2008

Reunion - Charles and Elizabeth ROBERTSON
I would like to let other family members know of this reunion at Waterloo / Beaufort on Sunday 21st September 2008.
The Robertson Family Reunion including a Headstone unveiling of Charles Robertson and Elizabeth Robertson (nee Downie) Sunday 21st September 2008 11am details below.
They came out to Australia from Fife - Scotland and settled in the Ballarat area.
They have relatives scattered all over Victoria, Ballarat and western district.
I would like to notify the descendants of Charles and Elizabeth Robertson of the reunion.

Charles Robertson and Elizabeth Robertson (nee Downie) from Scotland settled in Ballarat area upon arrival to Australia. They are buried at Waterloo and there will be a new Headstone Unveiling ceremony 21 Sept 2008 (Sunday 11am), and also Family reunion of the Robertson Family. Same day - Lunch at the Beaufort community bank complex- Beaufort Football Ground- 12 midday. Contact for details and catering info Edna 0352322833, Rhonda 039600577.

From the OPR (Old Parochial Register). Scotland The birth for Charles reads..."Robertson, Charles; son of Charles Robertson and his wife Janet Westwater. Born 7th February 1832 and baptized 18th February by the Rev. (reads as 'W' or 'M' Hardie or McHardie) - Kinghorn".
The marriage for Charles and Elizabeth reads..."Robertson, Charles and Elizabeth Downie both residing in this parish have given in their names in order to proclamation of banns. They were regularly proclaimed on the 6th June 1852 and married at Lochgelly 7th June by the Rev. William Reid."

The Victorian PRO Assisted British Immigration registers for 1839-1871 show that Charles and Elizabeth (aged 20 & 19 respectively), arrived at Port Phillip in October of 1852 aboard the 'Chance'. (book 7, pg.59).
The 'Chance' set out from Liverpool on 24th July that year and arrived on 26th October 1852 (This information sourced from the shipping register).
Charles's occupation is listed as 'labourer'. Their religion was listed as 'Presbyterian' and they were both able to read and write.
Charles and Elizabeth were held in quarantine from their arrival, until 11th November. This was quite routine, especially considering that 45 people on the voyage had died. To prevent any possible spread of disease, other passengers were kept out of general circulation until they could be declared fit and able to take up their pre-arranged employment.
Charles had been assigned to work as a miner/labourer/engine driver and was to receive 52 pounds for 3 months work. He and Elizabeth were housed at Mt. Pleasant (Ballarat) on the goldfields. They had 13 children and adopted another along the way. The 14 children were born between 1853-1880 Christina, Charles, Alexander, John, Andrew, Jessie , David, Margaret, Elizabeth, Samuel (Adopted), Matthew , Lucy, Archibald and James. Their youngest , James born at their residence of Humffray Street Ballarat Victoria Australia. I have contacts form the Downie side from Scotland. that some of the Family genealogists may be interested in.
Contact: Vicki Anderson ph 0419292332 - EMAIL - September 2008


MAGEE Family Reunion
Informal family gathering to be held in Ballarat in February 2009 for any descendants of Irish immigrants Jane HORAN 1833-1884 and her husband James MAGEE 1822-1875 we will also be unveling a new plaque on James' grave in the Ballarat New Cemetery.
Contact: Gail ___ - EMAIL - August 2008

McMAHON / DOOLAN / RICHARDS / PIPER / RATTRAY / LODGE
I am seeking ancestors/descendants or information regarding. John McMAHON b1824(approx) County Meath, Ireland. who married 1857 in Ballarat to Nancy Ann DOOLAN b c1831, County Clare, Ireland, daughter of John & Mary DOOLAN (nee FITZGERALD). John and Nancy (otherwise known as Ann) had 9 children; Bridgett b.1858 d.1866, Maryann b.1859 d. 1869, Catherine b.1861 d.1861. Catherine b.1862 m.1886 Collingwood, to Christopher RICHARDS, Michael b.1864 m.1887, Fitzroy to Margaret PIPER, John b.1864 m.1884, Melbourne to Janet RATTRAY, Brigett b.1866 seeking further info., Thomas b. 1868 seeking further info., Patrick b.1871 m.1894, Ballarat to Annie LODGE. All of their children were born Ballarat, Burrumbeet, Miners Rest area.
Contact: Shirley McMahon - EMAIL - August 2008

LYNCH, Joseph
I am seeking any information regarding Joseph LYNCH, b. abt 1851 in Ballarat. He married Emily SANDERS/SAUNDERS in around 1884 in N.S.W. She was born in N.S.W around 1861. They later lived in Lilydale and Brunswick, Victoria.
They had 4 children:
  1. Alfred Peter LYNCH in 1885
  2. Joseph Henry LYNCH in 1887
  3. Ernest Edward LYNCH in 1889
  4. Emily Mabel LYNCH in 1891
I know that the family were living in Brunswick around 1890 but I have been told that the 4 children were perhaps sent to live with an Aunty (possibly a sister of Joseph LYNCH snr) in Ballarat, possibly around the 1890's - early 1900's.
It seems like Emily may of passed away or perhaps they had separated and Joseph could no longer look after the children.
I have been told that one of the children, perhaps Ernest Edward LYNCH was killed while playing in a mine shaft but I don't have any information about this.
I also know that Joseph Henry LYNCH didn't stay there long and left for Tasmania on his own as a young boy, apparently he never saw or heard from his family again.
I am also led to believe that Joseph LYNCH snr remarried and had more children with someone else.
Any information regarding this family would be great, I believe that Joseph LYNCH was born in Ballarat so anything on his parents or other family would help immensely.
I am the Great Great Granddaughter of Joseph LYNCH so if any one could assist me with my research it would be greatly appreciated.
Contact: Tara Smith (nee Lynch) - EMAIL - July 2008

BASSETT, Frank
Family History search. Don't have much information on the name but he could have lived in the Ballarat or Melbourne areas around 1930 onwards. He could have been connected to George PIZZEY, collar maker around the late 1800's to early 1900's who operated a collar maker shop or perhaps linked later on to leather goods owner Geo.PIZZEY and Son Ltd of Fitzroy around 1940.
Contact: Pam McIntosh - EMAIL - July 2008

McDONALD / KERR
I am seeking information including any photos on the descendants/history of Roderick McDONALD and Hannah KERR. They were married at Carlsrue in 1860. Roderick was a station manager and overseer, and was at Emu Hill near Pitfield when his wife died on 16th March 1906. Roderick died at Wattle Flat near Dean on 2nd September 1912. He came to Victoria in about 1852 from Dingwall, Ross Shire Scotland. He was born about 1828-1832. At the time of his death he may have been living with his son-in-law, John George MILNER, a farmer at Dean. The KERR family came from Girvan in Ayrshire, although there was a close connection with Drumore Parish in County Down Ireland.
Roderick and Hannah had the following children.
  • John McDONALD (b 1860 Kyneton) m. 1882 Charlotte Jane WATKIN (b 1859 Teesdale). John was a Police Constable at Skipton and died there in 1913. They had at least five children (Roderick, John, Allen, Edith & Eva). He was executor of his fathers estate. No other details known.
  • Jane Elizabeth McDONALD (b 1861 Kyneton) m. 1881 at Maryborough James Thomas BLAKE (b 1856 Clunes). There were five daughters born to this marriage. Ethel May Blake m. Walter Norman Scott; Margaret Isabel Blake m. Andrew Edington Abbey; Edith Mary Blake m. David Corlett; Eva Jane Blake m. Harry Hosgood Stevens; Ada Blake m. Charles Edward Port. James Blake died at Camperdown in 1912. He was a groom for Archie Thompson at Gnarpurt. He may have been the station manager employed by the Manifold family. Jane (or Jean as it was recorded) remarried David Stanley Ross in 1914. He was possibly the drum major in the Ballarat Pipe Band.
  • Margaret (Maggie) McDONALD (b 1866 Springdallah or Piggoreet) m. 1892 William Turnbull GRANT (b 1862 The Leigh) They had at least three children (Gordon, Kenneth & Doris). No other details known.
  • Mary McDONALD (b 1869 Pitfield) m. 1900 George Charles ASHMOLE. They had at least one son Donald.
  • Flora McDONALD (b 1869 Pitfield) m. 1896 William OTTAWAY. They had at least one daughter Flora who died the year of her birth.
  • Ellen (Helen) McDONALD (b 1871 Pitfield). She was single in 1913, and may not have married.
  • Matthew Kerr McDONALD (b 1873 Pitfield, d. at Meredith in 1925). Do not know if he married.
  • Jessie Bell McDONALD (b 1875 Pitfield) m. 1904 John George MILNER (b 1868). They had at least six children (Hannah, Norman, Victoria, May, Lillian & Francis). No other details known.
  • Roderick McDONALD (b 1877 Pitfield). Do not know if he married.
  • Josephine Kerr McDONALD (b 1877 Pitfield). m. 1907 William James COGHLAN (b 1871). They had at least two children (William, John). No other details known.
  • Hannah Kerr McDONALD (b 1882 Pitfield). m. ?? LAWSON. No other details known.
  • Victoria Agnes McDONALD (b 1882 Pitfield). m. 1908 William DRANSFIELD. No other details known.
Any details would be greatly appreciated.
Contact: Colin McLeod - EMAIL - July 2008

MOORE / KERR
I am researching Francis MOORE b 1803 m 24/11/1844 in Ireland to Faithful Montgomery KERR b 1823. Francis died in 1901 in Ballarat Faithful died 1903 also in Ballarat. Surviving children at that time were, Faithful 52; Sarah 40; Theresa 37 (?) John Francis 36. I am looking for descendants who may still be in Ballarat. The family lived in Lydiard Street. I hope someone can help.
Contact: Heather Seletto - EMAIL - July 2008

Fr. James (Jamie) O'BRIEN
Looking for information and photo's of Fr. James "Jamie" O'BRIEN who was ordained as a Catholic priest in Waterford, Ireland in 1905 and who emigrated to Ballarat, Australia shortly thereafter. I understand that he was a priest in the Ballarat area. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Contact: Luke O Brien (Grandnephew) - EMAIL - May 2008

Isaac COOPER & Sophia LEES
Isaac COOPER b: c1813 in Southwark London d: 1885 in Ballarat. He arrived here on the "Mariner" in 1852 (age 38y) with his wife Sophia (nee LEES) (36y) and 4 children, Sarah (13y, who later married John OAKES), Sophia (11y, who later married Robert FIDLER), Mary Jane (8y, who later married John FRIEND) and Rosina (6y, who later married Benjamin DAVID). Another child; a son Isaac Henry b: 1853 near Geelong, Victoria appears to have married Sarah MILLS. Sophia COOPER is my great, great grandmother and Rosina Henrietta Cooper FIDLER, daughter of Robert FIDLER and Sophia Elizabeth COOPER is my grandmother who came to Western Australia with her husband Thomas ROPER and 3 of their children. They had another 3 children born in Western Australia.
I am interested in this family as I do not know much about this side of the family and would love to hear from someone regarding the rest of the families who stayed in Victoria.
Contact: Beverley Lane - EMAIL - May 2008

DICKINSON / WILLIAMS / SMITH
Any information appreciated on Ann (Annie) DICKINSON b1815 Middlewich, Cheshire. Convict per "New Grove" 1835 to Tasmania. Married 1836 in Launceston to Thomas WILLIAMS. Widowed 1845. Arrived at Belfast (Port Fairy), Victoria per "Sydney Griffiths" 1850 with children Charles Williams b1836, Joseph b1838 and Mary Ann b1840. The 3 children married at Hamilton, Victoria 1858-1859. Charles WILLIAMS married Sarah HARMAN, Joseph WILLIAMS married Betsy CAIN, and Mary Ann WILLIAMS married Robert HARMAN. The mother Ann DICKINSON / WILLIAMS was using the name SMITH in 1859 but no marriage has been found. No death for Ann SMITH has been found.
Contact: Paul Davies - EMAIL - April 2008

TYLER, James
I am trying to locate and contact descendants of James Merrick Brighton TYLER who ran a drapery business (MORREY & TYLER) in Ballarat during 1870-1880 with a partner G J MORREY. James was born in Coleford Gloucestershire in 1855 and came to Victoria on the ship Sommersetshire in 1877. James married Emma BOWMAN and they had 5 children - May Frances b 1884, d 1916, Olive Dunkley b 1885 married Samuel MORROW in 1917, d 1956, James Gordon b 1889 married Helen Ramsey HEINTZ in 1919, d 1966, Lyell Merrick b 1892 married Ella TURNBULL in 1917, d 1969, Ruth Victoria b 1898, married Edmond Christian DOEPEL in 1924, d 1954.

James was a brother to my husbands Great Grandfather Richard Henry TYLER, who came to Western Australia in 1886 with his wife Agnes TYLER (nee SANTER) and their 4 children, one of whom was my husbands grandfather Robert George Merrick TYLER.

The TYLER family will soon be celebrating 100 years of cropping wheat in the Western Australian wheatbelt town of Korrelocking and I would love to be able to provide more information to other family members and our younger generation on their ancestors. I am also compiling a Generational Family Tree which I hope to be able to present at the 100 year celebration this year.
Contact: Contact: Debra Tyler, RMB 711 Waroona, Western Australia 6215 - EMAIL - April 2008


SHEPHERD / BELL
I am tracing the family of Patrick Nimmo (or Numey) SHEPHERD. Born in 1815 in Scotland, married Jane BELL, Dundee 1836. I think he came to Australia about 1846. One of his daughters Margaret was married in 1861 at Linton Diggings. Other children: John, David Bell, Jane and Patrick. (The last two being born in Vic 1854 and 1852 Patrick died in New Zealand 1868.
Contact: Lyn Eccles - EMAIL - April 2008

SHEPHERD / HUNT
My grandmother Mary Jane SHEPHERD was born in Ballarat 28/4/1876. Her father was John SHEPHERD born 1844 in Dundee Scotland, her mother Esther HUNT born 1848 in Reading England. Other children in the family - Jane, Frank Hunt, Albert Bell, Martha Eli, Arthur Ernest, May Victoria, Robin Ellis and Walter Mathew. Any information on this family would be appreciated.
Contact: Lyn Eccles - EMAIL - April 2008

MCLEOD, MACLEOD, SMITH, HERRMANN
I am trying to obtain further information on the family of my late husband's family. His great uncle John Neil MCLEOD (born Horsham 19/5/1874) married Agatha Eliza Victoria HERRMAN (born Fitzroy, Melbourne 25/9/1882) in NZ on 10/4/1905. John was the son of Angus MACLEOD (the name changed with John) born 1828 in Grealin, Skye and Annie Jane SMITH born in 1840 at Kingstown, Dublin. They married in Narracoorte S A 17/6/1858. They both died within 3 days of each of in July 1922 and are buried at Ballarat. I would love to find out about any other children Angus and Annie had and anything about their parents. I believe Angus' dad was also John MACLEOD and his father Neill MACLEOD. Annie's father is reportedly Henry SMITH. I have no other information regarding this family.
Contact: Pam McLeod, Gold Coast, Australia - EMAIL - April 2008

Peel Street North, Ballarat
Some years ago my Great Grandfather was John COOMBES lived at 170 Peel Street North, Ballarat, when I went looking for his house with my father we could not find 170. Even though we had been told the house still stands today.
A fellow researcher said that a supermarket was built in Peel St Nth and a quite a few houses were demolished and hence the change of numbers.
Could any body please tell me that when the numbers changed and if they know where 170 would be today?
Contact: Lorraine Coombs - EMAIL - March 2008

Abraham ALLEN & family of Ballarat
Any information at all re births deaths marriages connected with the family of Abraham ALLEN, died 30.4.1889 and his wife Mary ALLEN died 18.2.1882 - both buried at Ballarat. Would their be death notices be available at all?
Their children were:
Albert born about 1849 in Youlgreave, Derbyshire
George born about 1841 in Youlgreave, Derbyshire.
I have the info re their sister Mary Ann who married William Samuel DOYLE
George possibly married Lavinia HIGGANS/HIGGINS
Contact: Bethell Hunt, 69 Tweeddale Road, Applecross, WA 6153, Australia - EMAIL - March 2008

Linton Avenue of Honour
The Linton Historical Group is looking for any information relating to the establishment of Linton Avenue of Honour (SW of Ballarat) or names associated with trees in the Avenue. We are in the early stages of looking at researching the Linton Avenue of Honour and hopefully restoring the name tags and so on.
Contact: Donal Charles - EMAIL - March 2008

BARRY / BODINNAR
William BARRY m: Mary Jane BODINNAR 1875 in Melbourne, children born in Timor, Ballarat: Mary Jane (1876, d: inf.); Emma Elizabeth (1877-1931); William Adolphus James (1879-1879); William Adolphus John (1880); Tabitha Thomasine (1883); Vivian Edwin (1884-1969); Stephen James (1885); Victor Joseph Henry Russell (1887); Adena Adelaide (1890-1925); Harold Benjamin Moffatt (1890-1964); Arthur Herbert (1892); Eva Mary (1892); Mary Jane (1895) and Norman Clarence (1895). I'm hoping any descendants of anyone with information may get in contact with me.
Contact: Kelly Dyer - EMAIL - March 2008

Henry Valcour Cletus "Clete" KISLER
I am trying to find the Military record of Clete, born as Henry Valcour Cletus KISLER. On his death part of his uniform was donated to one of the Museums in Ballarat, but we still have his hat. We believe he was a Major and did instruction. He did not serve, as I can find no Service Record in Canberra. I would think it would be prior WW2 but somewhere around that time. Was there a "Dad's Army" in Ballarat and would he have been part of it? Other members of the KISLER family served in WW2. Can anyone throw any light on my query?
Contact: Graeme Armstrong - EMAIL - February 2008

HODGES / TAYLOR
Anne HODGES married Alexander TAYLOR in Ballarat mid 1850's and it is believed she also died in Ballarat.
Contact: Corrie Bussem - EMAIL - February 2008

BERRY family, Ballarat
In the 1903 Electoral Roll and PO Directory there is a Mrs Ida BERRY Superintendent of the Canadian Rescue and Children's Home in Clayton Street, Ballarat East. I am looking for information on Ida BERRY.
Contact: Rhonda Willmett - EMAIL - February 2008

CHALMERS / McTAGGART
William CHALMERS was born in Scotland on 20 December 1834, parents Andrew CHALMERS and Jean Templeton. He married Margaret McTAGGART in June 1855. They migrated to Australia and moved to the Ballarat district. Margaret died in the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum on 6 November 1886. Am trying to find out what happened to William. I can find no record of his death (a lot of Williams with parents unknown), move interstate or overseas. Any help would be appreciated.
Contact: Steve McTaggart - EMAIL - February 2008

SHENNAN / SHENNON
I am looking for information on the SHENNAN/SHENNON family. David Shennan married Hellen DON on 17th March 1857 at Presbyterian Church Ballarat. The marriage certificate stated that he was 26, gold miner from Annan Scotland. His father was William SHENNAN a shoe maker, his mother Sarah IRVING. Hellen DON was 25, from Auchterader Scotland. Her parents Alexander DON and Jean ( nee SOMERVILLE) came to Australia in 1856 on the "Arthur The Great" with their children Anne 22, Alexander 12, Robert 12, Hellen 24, James 17. They were assisted immigrants.
David and Helen had three daughters Sarah Ann(SHENNAN) born 1859, Jane(SHANNAN) born 1857, Agnes Johnson(SHENNON) born 1862.
Agnes married Robert CHAPPLE in 1883. I am looking for some information on when and where David SHENNAN came to Australia, how he got to Ballarat. I believe a David SHENNON was killed in a mining accident in 1869, but haven't confirmed this is the same David SHENNON. If it is what would have happened to Hellen? Did she remarry? When or where did she die? Where is David buried?
Any information or help would be appreciated.
Contact: Pam Messenger, 6 Morison Street, Maffra Vic 3860, Australia - EMAIL - February 2008

LANGFORD / SIDEBOTTOM / BURNS
LANGFORD / SIDEBOTTOM families. I am researching these families and would love some help. Ann LANGFORD married John William BURNS in 1857 and lived at Creswick, Victoria. Apparently they had a large family and I would love to know if there are any relatives out there. Any connection with the LANGFORD / SIDEBOTTOM / BURNS family would be appreciated.
Contact: Lee Steele, Bathurst, NSW - EMAIL - January 2008

ROWE / JOSE
Looking for information and photo's on Joseph ROWE who married Lilly Louise JOSE on 21 October 1896 in Maryborough, Victoria. Lilly was the daughter of William and Johanna JOSE of Maryborough. Lilly was born on 16 January 1873 in Clunes, Victoria. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Contact: Max Rowe, Melbourne - EMAIL - January 2008

Mary KILDAE, KILDA or..., Ballarat, Vic 1860s
I am looking for any reference to a KILDAE (or KILDAY, KILDA or similar) family in Ballarat in 1860s. Mary TURNER nee KILDAE stated on her daughter's birth certificate (Perth 1896) that she (Mary) was born in Ballarat and was aged 30. I can find no record of this in Victorian BDMs.
Contact: Gina Pinkas, Canberra, Australia - EMAIL - January 2008

DICKINSON Family Tree
I am looking for any ancestors / descendants of, or information on John Robert William DICKINSON.
He ws born in Ballarat 4/1/1855, # 1450. His parents were Julius DICKINSON and Fanny ALLAN.
He married Cecilia Hendry CARNEGIE 23/2/1881 Presbyterian Church, Ballarat.
She was the daughter of James CARNEGIE and Diana Waldie CLARKE.
This marriage produced ten children.
Contact: Geoffrey Hayes - EMAIL - January 2008

Michael MADDEN & Catherine McCARTHY, Ireland to Buninyong, Victoria
Michael MADDEN
Birth: About 1835 Place: Burgess Tipperary Ireland
Death: 30 Dec 1878 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
Burial: 1878 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
Occupation: Farm Labourer Miner, Religion: Catholic
Father: Malachy MADDEN, Mother: Honora SWAYNE
Marriage: 1862 Place: Victoria Australia

Wife: Catherine McCARTHY
Birth: About 1844 Place: Galway Ireland
Death: 2 Sep 1878 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
Burial: 1878 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
Father: Patric McCARTHY, Mother: Honora CLARKE

Children...
1. M Child: Thomas Malachi MADDEN Birth: 1863 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia Spouse: Annie Elizabeth CARMICHAEL ????? Marriage: 1899 Place: Victoria Australia
2. M Child: John MADDEN
Birth: 1864 Place: Black Lead Victoria Australia
Death: 12 Sep 1939 Place: Ballarat East Victoria Australia
Burial: 1939 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
3. F Child: Honora MADDEN
Birth: 1867 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
Spouse: William GIBSON??????
Marriage: 1892 Place: Victoria Australia
4. F Child: Mary MADDEN
Birth: 1869 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
Spouse: Albert Davis
5. F Child: Catherine MADDEN
Birth: 1871 Place: Buninyong Victoria Australia
Spouse: James Rogers
Marriage: 1899 Place: Victoria Australia

Husband's Notes...
I believe that Michael was sponsored into Australia by his brother in law in August 1858 when he was 21 and that he came from Tipperary with his sister Anne / Honora who was 10. Records show that they were sponsored by "Edward LODDER". sic. (his brother in law was Edward Lowther.) He is number 654, on document 1367, on reel 2669. Michael arrived into NSW on the Palmyra 27th May 1859. He was listed as a Catholic who could read & write. He married in 1862 in Victoria and had five children in Buninyong. Baptism sponsors for Michael MADDEN were John CUDDY & Catherine SWAYNE. Death Certificate 1879 5769, Marriage Certificate 1862 2742

Wife's Notes...
The marriage records show Catherine as McCARTHY. Her children were registered to Catherine CARTY and the death records list her parents as Patrick McCARTY and Honora CLARKE. She had a sister Maria born circa 1841. Maria married Thomas Anthony COSWELLO circa 1875. She died at Buninyong in 1889 and Thomas remarried in 1896 to Mary Anne PERRY. Death Certificate 1878 9376, Marriage Certificate 1862 2742

NOTES & QUESTIONS:
1. John is buried with his parents at the Buninyong Cemetery.
2. The Cemetery records list a stillborn child who died 29/4/1864. Is there any way that I can find out any more about that burial?
3. There is a John Eugene MADDEN buried at Buninyong in ????. His parents were John Michael MADDEN and Elizabeth HARRINGTON. Are there any records of this family? Could he be the John burried with Michael & Catherine?
4. The marriage partners that I have listed are only supposition. Thomas M to Annie Elizabeth CARMICHAEL ? Honora to William GIBSON. Catherine to James ROGERS.
5. I am trying to find out what happened to the five children after their parents died in 1878.
6. Any contact with the descendants of Pat McCart(h)y and Honora Clark(e) or and of Maria McCart(h)y and Thomas Coswello would be appreciated.
7. The Buninyong Grave and Register show Michael MADDEN as dying on 30th Dec. 1878 and being buried on the 4th June 1879. Is there any reason for this? Was there an inquest for his death?
Contact: Sue Wood, 5 Filipi Drive, St Albans Park, Vic 3219, Australia - EMAIL - January 2008