Judith Purcell was baptised in St Patrick's Church, Kilkenny on the 1st August 1813. On the record of baptism her father's name is given as Patrick. Her mother's name is not recorded. She had a twin brother named John. At the time of her baptism the family is living on Jacob Street.
On the 4th February, 1839, she married John Doherty the son of John and Bridget Dogherty of Moville, Donegal. Later that same year she gave birth to her first child Martin. According to the record of his baptism the family are living on Mill Street, Callan. She gave birth to at least five more children; James in 1841, Mary in 1843, Thomas 1844, Catherine 1845 and John in 1852. At the time of Catherine's baptism the family are living on Green Street, Callan.Only three children survived infancy, Martin, James and John.
In 1856 Judith, John and their three sons emigrate to South Australia. They set sail on the emigrant ship the 'Marion' on the 8th October 1856. The ship sailed from Plymouth and arrived in Port Adelaide on the 19th January 1857. Sometime after arriving in the colony Judith becomes known as Julia. (All documents after 1857 give her name as Julia e.g her youngest son's marriage certificate, her husband's death certificate and her death certificate.)
By 1861 John, Julia (Judith) and their two youngest sons move to Melbourne, Victoria. In that same year Julia is transferred from the Yarra Bend Asylum to the Kew Asylum. The only surviving notes on her time in Kew Asylum states that she suffered from chronic mania.
Julia remained in the Kew asylum until her death on the 26th June, 1880.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1813 | |
| Date of Death | 2nd Jun 1880 | |
