References
Michael McNamara from Ballycarton, Londonderry, born 1840 left home at 18 yrs to come to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Michael’s ship the Rodney sailed on Christmas Day 1858 arriving at Williamstown, Victoria, March 1859. His employment had been previously arranged with Captain Fryer at Williamstown with board and wages.
At aged 21 he married Ellen Griffin from Cashel, Tipperary on 26 January 1861 at St Francis Catholic Church, Melbourne. Sadly Ellen died in childbirth with their seventh child on 20 Sept 1870, leaving Michael with six young children. Michael did not remarry but with the help of Ellen’s friend who had travelled with her to Australia, kept the family together, until sadness once again came to Michael with the death of his three sons - William at 15, George 24 and Daniel 1 yr. His three remaining children all daughters lived with him, until the marriage of two daughters. Ellen did not marry and stayed with her father until his death.
Michael worked for many years with the Williamstown City Council and upon retiring became the Licensed Victualler of the Rose of Australia Hotel, Williamstown.
In 1914 Michael, his daughter Ellen, and granddaughter Veronica made a world trip - mainly to his homeland and then to see his brother Charles who had gone to Canada.This was the first time the brothers had been reunited in 50 years. Within a few months of their reunion Charles died. The trio were in Paris when WW1 started and they immediately returned home safely. Michael died the following year April 1915.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1840 | |
| Date of Death | 6th Apr 1919 | |
| Spouse (First Name/s and Maiden/Surname) | Ellen Griffin | |
