Michael Stenson : Short Biography

Michael Stenson (1865–1935)

Michael Stenson was baptised on 4 April 1865 at Rathdowney, County Laois, Catholic diocese of Ossory. He was the sixth child of Michael Stenson and Bridget Gleeson.

Michael emigrated to Australia, arriving at Port Melbourne on the Alexa on 30 January, 1889. He lived in Port Melbourne for the rest of his life.

Michael worked as a labourer on the docks. (Will of Michael Stenson, Public Records Office Victoria, VPRS 7591/P2 unit 965, item 275/193).

Until 1894, he lived in a boarding house in Beach Street, Port Melbourne. On 24 January 1894, he married Bridget Galvin at the Carmel Priory, Beaconsfield Parade, South Melbourne (later Albert Park). (Marriage Certificate of Michael Stenson and Bridget Galvin, 754/1894).

He and Bridget rented 1 Jubilee Terrace, Nott Street, Port Melbourne where both his children were born. (Birth Certificate of Bridget Agnes Stenson 32103/1894 and Birth Certificate of Mary Stenson 14141/1896)

From 1897 until 1901 Michael and Bridget lived at 167 Liardet Street, Port Melbourne. They moved to 238 Stokes Street, Port Melbourne. In 1913 Michael purchased a small four-roomed weatherboard house, 179 Heath Street Port Melbourne. (Port Melbourne Council Rate Books are available from Ancestry.

Michael Stenson died 14 September 1935 at 179 Heath Street Port Melbourne. (Death Certificate of Michael Stenson 8362/1935)

According to my aunt (grandchild of Michael junior) Michael and one of his brothers emigrated from Ireland. As Michael arrived alone from Mauritius. It must be assumed that his brother had not stopped off at Mauritius. My aunt says that some years later they were made aware of a newspaper notice about a brother seeking news about Michael Stenson. Sadly, by that time the brother had departed. She thinks he went to America.