This blog is named after two of my Ancestors whom have featured significantly in my determination/ obsession to “find family”. The first of these is my Irish 2x Great Grandmother, Susan Kelleher, whom I’ve written about often.
After fleeing the horrors of the “Irish Potato Famine“, becoming shipwrecked, marrying and widowed young with 3 small children, marrying again… Susan’s final move, in 1887, was from Laura in the Mid North of South Australia to Broken Hill, in the far north west of New South Wales . This was at the beginning of the mining boom when silver was discovered in huge quantities, the creation of BHP etc. Many of Susan’s children moved to Broken Hill with her. My Grandmother, Elizabeth Mary Murray, daughter of Eliza Jane (Rowen) Murray and Peter was born there and survived the horrific living condition which her two younger baby brothers did not.
Recent events have drawn my attention back to Broken Hill and it soon became clear that I needed to go right back to my original sources and carefully look over it all again, using my more recently developed research skills. One of the best places to check, double-check and to gain further information is in the newspapers of the day – bless you TROVE… 😀
So, the Funeral Notice for my Susan, although difficult to read, provides valuable information as to which of her children were still living, at the time of her death, and where. Fortunately, despite the bad copy the names are familiar and so provide endless clues as to possible ways for following up on missing family…
First thing I will be doing is trying to find Susan’s home in Sulphide Street on “Google Maps“ and how wonderful it would be if it’s not been re-developed… but no worries. Just being on the street where my Susan lived will be enough for me.
I love modern technology and I especially love TROVE.
Many thanks to Amy Houston, of Branches, Leaves & Pollen, for initiating the TROVE TUESDAY Theme. Please click HERE to visit Amy’s Blog and HERE to read the contributions of others.
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Copyright © 2013. Catherine Ann Crout_Habel
My ancestors (on my grandfather’s side) are from Ireland too, and came out about the same time as yours, Catherine. They (mostly) settled in the South East, around Millicent and Mt Gambier. One of my cousins has researched the family tree right back to County Tyrone. I will be going back there during my next visit to Europe 🙂
Well, hooley dooley… Diane. I reckon it must be the Irish gene which impels us both to be outspoken and keep telling “the truth” sometimes to our own disadvantage. I sure am trying hard to curb that 🙄 and sure hope you’re being far more successful than me. We need no more martyrs!!!
I’ve made two visits back Erin and is where my heart sings and my soul rests. Happy travelling and be sure to share, eh? xxx