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Thomas Bradford
was born in Hailsham, Sussex, England in 1814. He was the third child and
eldest son of George and Harriet Bradford. He married Mary Ellen
Goldsmith in September 1838 in the Parish of Hailsham. They
continued to live in Hailsham where they had four children, two boys, two
girls, but unfortunately the two girls both died in 1841.
In April 1844,
with their two sons Thomas William and George, they sailed from Cork for
Australia on the ship "St. Vincent", and arrived in Australia on
31st of July 1844.
After their
arrival they went to the Richmond River area where Thomas was employed as
a hut-keeper on a property known as Keelgyrah with an estimated area of
13,000 acres. They stayed in the Richmond River area for some five or six
years and during this time had three more children.
The family then
moved to Ipswich where Thomas was recorded as being a carrier and owner of
teams.
With the death
of Mary Ellen in 1853 and the death of Thomas in 1856, their children were
left orphans. Thomas left considerable property including 700 pounds in
cash, 35 working bullocks, with bows and yokes, 3 bullock drays,
tarpaulins, 100 head of milking cows and their increase, a home, an
allotment, and household effects.
St. Vincent:
The St. Vincent, built in 1829, was used as a convict ship but was
fitted out for emigrants going to Australia. The biggest cabin was only
2.9m x 2.7m. The ship took between three and five months to make each
voyage. Bad weather and overcrowding left many emigrants pale and sickly.
Newspaper
Clippings:
Parramatta Chronicle - (03-08-1844)
The St. Vincent has had a favourable passage from Cork, arriving here
in 105 days. She crossed the line 30 days after sailing; made St. Paul's
in 77 days and would have completed her voyage in 95 days, had she not
been detained, when about 100 miles to the westward of Cape Otaway, ten
days from light easterly winds. She has, however, arrived all in good
health, having had no disease of a contagious nature on board. Five deaths
occured, children under two years of age, and three births, since leaving
Cork. Total number of emigrants 264, principally agriculturists, with the
exception of, as high as we could ascertain, 21 or 22 mechanics,
consisting of 8 stonemasons, 9 carpenters, 3 tailors, and 1 gardener. 157
were shipped at Deptford - 30 married couples, 8 single females, 20 single
men, and 69 children, from 1 to 14 years of age: 107 were shipped at Cork
- 13 married couples, 38 single females, 22 single men, and 21 children,
from 1 to 14 years of age.
The Dispatch
- (Saturday, 03-08-1844)
ARRIVALS
Wednesday
From Deptford the 3rd and Cork the 17th of April, the ship St. Vincent,
Captain Young, with bounty emigrants.
Certificates:
Thomas Bradford and Mary Ellen Goldsmith - Marriage Certificate (1838)
Thomas Bradford - Death Certificate (1856)
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