I am searching for a possible link between my ggrandfather John Michael Fitzpatrick, who is known to have enlisted in the NSW police in January 1863, and later married and lived in Wentworth, NSW, as a publican before again moving later in life to Aldinga, South Australia, and retiring to Willunga. He is known to have come from Co Clare, and there is a possible link to Ennistymon. (Family bible). It is also possible there is a link to Ballyvaughan.
I have also found a record of a John Fitzpatrick, who is listed as age 21 when sailing to Australia on the Northumberland, landing in NSW on 12 November, 1862, coming from what looks like Ballyvaughan, Co Clare. Hence likely to have been born 1839 -1841. Is there a simple way I can trace this person to check if he might be the same John Fitzpatrick who is my great grandfather? I understand at that time the NSW police force was in great need of constables and the NSW government would support the fare from Europe for potential candidates who would agree to serve for a given time.
He is listed as being able to read and write and as a 5 pound fare 'RR"? I am interested to see whether there may be others who have some link to this family, and whether this John Fitzpatrick may be my ggrandfather, John Michael Fitzpatrick, or not. I also have a marriage certificate from Wentworth NSW where my ggrandfather married Mary Theresa Harrison in 1868. That document states the groom's parents were Michael Fitzpatrick and Mary Shannon, of Co Clare.
My great grandfather died in 1906 at Willunga, South Australia. His gravestone has some innaccuracies but states born Co Clare Ireland. Hoping to find any links to Ennistymon or Ballyvaughan. Regards, Shaun F
SFItz
Tuesday 22nd Sep 2020, 01:05AMMessage Board Replies
-
Dear Sfitz:
It sounds as if Ballyvaughan may be the place of origin for your ancestor. If you have not already done so, I would recommend that you look at the Clare Library website and in particular look at the resources that are available for Ballyvaughan which is located in the Civil Parish of Drumcreehy. The link for that civil parish is here: http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/places/dromcreehy.htm
You should also view the areas (surrounding parish records) around it including Ennistymon, New Quay. They are here:
http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/places/kilmanaheen.htm
http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/places/oughtmama.htm
If you have any further questions please let me know.
All the best,
Jane
Jane Halloran Ryan