Author: Christine O'Donnell
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I am so excited – I was talking to a Researcher in the Reading Room about “my” Irish Orphan project and he turned out to be the Great-grandson of one of the Girls. His ancestor, Winifred Jane Nealis, arrived on the “Lady Kennaway” and was admitted to the Immigration Depot on 13th December 1848.
She left there 16th December 1848 when she was engaged by Major Firebrace of Milford, Melbourne for 12 months at £11 per annum. (Disposal List – VPRS 14/P0000/0006). She married Samuel Pickersgill and was one of the early Pioneers of the Griffiths Point (now known as San Remo) district.
I was able to find a Land Selection File for when they applied for selection of land under Sections 19 & 20 of the 1862 Lands Act, a Probate and Administration File and an Inquest for Winifred. Her great-grandson has given me access to memoirs about family and community happenings written by her son and even photographs of the old family home.
It is a great insight into the opening up of country areas of early Victoria. You can read Winifred's Story here
Here's a page from the Land Selection File:
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