1810 Thomas O'Brien

Tom was born in Cork in 1810 and married Martha, also from Cork, born in 1815.

Travel

Tom and Martha travelled to Australia with 260 other emigrants on the Lady McNaghten; departing from London August 30th, 1840 and arriving in Sydney, December 16th, 1840.

The "Ballengeich": a ship of the period, departing Southampton for Australia

Between decks on an emigrant ship (1850) showing travelling conditions

On arrival, Tom is noted as a 29 year old native of Cork, cabinet maker by trade, Roman Catholic, able to read and write.  Martha is aged 25, also from Cork and is listed as a needle-woman, Roman Catholic, able to read and write.

The passenger list is here.

Children

Six children were born in Australia.

1. John, B October 19th, 1841, Sydney, D July 14th, 1848
2. Thomas, B June 20th, 1844, Sydney
3. Mary, B July 19th, 1846, Sydney
4. Jane Martha, B September 16th, 1848, Sydney
5. John Francis, B October 3rd, 1850, Adelaide
6. Bernard Redmond, B July 6th, 1853, Adelaide
7. Catherine, B September 26th, 1855, D March 11th, 1863

Thomas went on to become the first Australian Jesuit, while John was the first South Australian priest.  Jane became a nun, Sister Placida.

Later life

Tom and family left Sydney for South Australia, arriving in Port Adelaide December 18th, 1848 and moving on to Seven Hills, where Tom became postmaster.  Tom died in Georgetown March 4th, 1873, while on a mail run on his horse.  It appears he got off his horse to open a gate and died of a heart attack.  He was found with his dog.  There are several altars around Georgetown/Jamestown area that were made by Tom.

Martha died November 2nd, 1862.

Credit

• Records NSW
• Blaxland.com
• Stories from Tom O'Brien and "the Aunts"