Have you come across this TV programme?
Finding your ancestors seems remarkably easy in it. Of course, they do have a team of two hundred professionals assisting them.
The reason for my inquiry is that while sifting through a concealed box of memorabilia, I discovered a handwritten letter. It was penned by a family member who migrated to Australia, addressing his relatives back in the UK.
There isn’t anything particularly unusual about that, as most emigrants kept in touch with their families. However, this letter bore the date 1861.
James O’ Donnell, born in Ireland in 1833, likely set sail for Australia around 1860. In Sydney, he resided on George Street and found employment in a biscuit factory. Tragically, his son lost his life in Kalgoorlie while prospecting for gold.
Not much information about the family has survived. A sister also emigrated, settling in New Zealand, and she, too, corresponded with her family back in the UK.
Tracing ancestors from Dublin and rural Ireland proved challenging after the famine of the early and mid 19th century. Nevertheless, it offered a glimpse into the past and was quite fascinating.
How did they fare? Did they thrive? Did they return to the UK or Ireland?
What I do know is that he was related to my grandmother on my mother’s side. Beyond that, well, it’s just history.
My family and I reside in WA, one hundred and fifty years after James made his journey to Australia.
Who do you think you are?
by TOG
