Laurence (or Larry) was my GGF. His parents where Lawrence and Hannah/Anne (nee McInerney). Laurence was one of five children; Synan, Bridget, Michael, Patrick and Laurence.The family moved from Tremora, where the two older children were born, to Quilty, where the boys were born. Prior the Laurence leaving Ireland, he, his father and brother Patrick, made several appearances at Miltown Malbay Couthouse between 1868 and 1872 for crimes such as trespassing and theft.
He immigrated to Australia, arriving in Adelaide in 1880. He followed his older brother Patrick who had arrived in 1878. Laurence married Ellen Kerin, a fellow native of County Clare in 1881 at St Patrick's in North Adelaide. Patrick and Ellen's older sister, Bridget, wed the same year. Both couples moved to Sydney where Ellen died of consumption in 1883. A baby girl was mentioned on her death certificate, although I haven't been able to find any trace of this child. She may have been given to Patrick and Bridget to raise as their own. She is not mentioned further with regard to Laurence.
Laurence married Annie Cochrane or Bryant, my GGM, in 1884. It appears that Annie was under age, not 21, and lied about her age and surname on their marriage certificate. Laurence was working as a ganger on the railways in New South Wales, which meant the family moved about as his job required. Together, he and Annie, produced eight children, six living who lived to adulthood; Florence, Thomas, Robert, Patrick and Annie (myGM). In August 1899, Annie died following the birth fof her eigth child from complication caused by consumption. The baby, a girl, who also perished.
Laurence then went on to marry a third time in December 1899. This time under rather dubious circumstances. His new wife was the daughter of a local inn and only 16 years of age, and pregnant. Laurence closely escaped a prison sentence for Carnal Knowledge. The rumour was that the residing judge was Irish and from County Clare, and the sentence over-turned. He and Phyllis had another 4 children, the first one died. Stanley, Sidney and Olive.
When Laurence died in 1934 of cancer, he had progressed to being a Public Works Inspector. In his native Ireland he had been a labourer and under the eye of the constabulary for minor crimes. Migration had allowed him to hold an office of prominance in the government workforce. He leaves behind many descendants in Australia from a total of 9 known children.
