Catherine Farmer was born in Cleenish, Fermanagh around 1834. Her father was James Farmer, her mother was unknown. It is said that her family left her behind in Ireland when they immigrated to Australia. At the age of 14 years, Catherine came to Australia on the ship "Sir Edward Parry" as part of the Caroline Chisholm Scheme where she was to be reunited with her father, James FARMER in Port Phillip Bay, Australia. The Passenger Log Book states FARMER, Catherine.
Age: 14 years
Calling: Housemaid.
Native Place and Country: Cleenish, Fermanagh.
Religion: R Catholic.
Read and Write: Neither.
There is no evidence to say that she ever saw her family again. The following year on 11 June 1849 aged 15 years old Catherine married James Regan at St Francis Church Melbourne. From 1849 to 1861 Catherine and James had seven children all born in Victoria. Thomas 1850, James 1851, Mary Ann 1853, Catherine (Kate) 1856, Louisa 1857, Ellen 1858, Alice Jane 181861. Her husband James discovered gold at PovertyPoint, Ballarat on 21 August 1851 with John Dunlop. They lived in various areas of the goldfields until January 1863 when the family set sail for Newcastle in New South Wales on the ship "William Watson" where they produced another six children, Rebecca 1864, Patrick John 1865, Daniel 1868, Elizabeth 1869, Francis Michael 1871. Catherine was a well-respected member of the community and died aged 71 years old of Dysentery from contaminated water in their well, she died on 25 April 1905.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1834 | |
| Date of Death | 25th Apr 1905 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Townland born | Cleenish, Fermanagh | |
| Father (First Name/s and Surname) | James Farmer | |
| Spouse (First Name/s and Maiden/Surname) | James Regan | |
| Place & Date of Marriage | St Francis Church Melbourne | |
| Number of Children | 13 | |
| Names of Children | Thomas 1850, James 1851, Mary Ann 1853, Catherine (Kate) 1856, Louisa 1857, Ellen 1858, Alice Jane 1861, Rebecca 1864, Patrick John 1865, Daniel 1868, Elizabeth 1869, Francis Michael 1871 | |
