James Jim Smyth

My great grandfather James aka Jim Smyth (later Smith) was born about 1838 in the small townland of Corradooa, Cavan, in the Parish of Killenkere.  His parents were tenant farmers Patrick and Bridget Smyth nee O'Reilly.  The Smyth family was of the Roman Catholic religion.   Bailieboro was the closest large town. 

James Smyth born about 1838 had five known siblings they were:

Elizabeth was born about 1837. 

John was born about 1840.  (John seems to have died as a young adult as his name is recorded on his parent's memorial stone)

 Elioner was born about 1843.  When adult, Elioner took up Holy Orders and was known as Sister Hilda so did not marry.

Michael Smyth later Smith born about 1847 died in 1920. According to Griffith's Valuation Revision Books - Michael took over the Corradooa farmstead in 1866 when his father passed away. Michael married Ellen "Smith" and the couple raised five children whilst farming at Corradooa. (They were Patrick, Thomas, Ellen, James and Mary Anne)  I have details of these children)  Michael and Ellen's grandson Mick Smith Jnr was the last Smith to live on the Corradooa property - a bachelor, he passed away in 1982 and the property was sold.              (NOTE: In 1887 when James Smyth/Smith died at Brighton, Victoria aged 49 years old he left his younger brother Michael Smith of Corradooa, Co Cavan,  £100 in his WILL)

James Smyth emigrated to Victoria, Australia as a First Class Cabin Passenger aboard the Harriet.  He left from Dublin arriving in Geelong, Victoria in December 1858. In July 1859 James Smyth married Marianne (various spellings) Logan an Assisted Immigrant from Newtownlimavady, Co Derry. Marianne Logan was Presbyterian so the couple was only allowed to marry in the narthex of the RC Church, St Mary of All Angels, Geelong.   Marianne's parents were David and Catherine Logan nee Clements

James and Marianne Smyth later known as Smith, first made their home at East Brighton, Victoria (now known as Bentleigh) close to Marianne's sister Margaret Marquis nee Logan who had emigrated earlier.  James did market gardening and also became the Licensee of the small hotel named Live and Let Live.  Situated in East Brighton now known as Bentleigh.  The couple had a total of five children whilst living here - John Logan Smith born 1860 (my grandfather), Elizabeth Smith born 1862, James Patrick Smith born 1864, Bridget Ann Smith born 1866 (died in infancy), and Francis Alexander Smith born 1867. 

When this little hotel burnt down the couple Selected land at Congupna near Shepparton, in Victoria. James and Marianne Smyth/Smith built a successful farm there in Congupna and were well-respected community members.  When James Smith became ill - the couple returned to live at Brighton where James died aged 49 years on 25th December 1887.  James Victorian Death Registration records James Smith's "Occupation" as "Gentleman"  (Marianne Smith nee Logan died in 1904 at East Brighton Now known as Bentleigh)  Both are buried in the North Brighton General Cemetery.