Thomas Higgins (1806-1853)
Here is an opening piece of information:
Thomas [aged 35] and Mary (O'Niel or O'Neil?) [aged 33] emigrated to Australia aboard the Albatross with their children Mary aged 15 and John aged 10. They sailed from Kingston, Dublin on 23rd July 1841 and arrived in Sydney on 30th November 1841 carrying immigrants under the Bounty Scheme. Four days into the voyage, Mary gave birth to son Thomas Nicholas Higgins. The voyage took 130 days. The shipping records show Thomas' and Mary's religion as Roman Catholic. Thomas is listed as being a farmer, aged 35. Mary, 33 is shown as being a house servant. Their previous place of residences was Tuam, Roscommon, Ireland.
The master of the Albatross was Wm. Boult.On board were 145 female passenger and 87 male passengers aged over 15 [Adults] ; Children aged 14-7, 11 males, 7 females, children under 7; 11 males 15 females travelling under the Bounty Scheme. Seven babies were born on the voyage. 2 female adults died, 1 male and 1 female under 7 years of age also died. Divine Service was held 12 times, owing to bad weather. A school was held which was attended by 6 adults and 25 children. Shipping records claim the provisions were of the best quality. The principal occupation and amusement for the passengers was singing and dancing.
There was a large number of single females traveling on the Albatross and these were under the protection of various male passengers and sometimes their wives. It would appear that the following young women were under the protection of Thomas and Mary Higgins:
Sally Kenny, Sally Cohen, Ellen Fain [?], Bridget Walsh, Bridget Carving, Bridget Carey.
As the writing is very poor in places, it is hard to read some of these names.
Shipping records show that Thomas and Mary were brought out by Mr Alexander Campbell, Esquire.
Thomas and Mary settled in the Maitland district of NSW at Brooks Flats.
I have found his grave and it is still in fair condition. He has many descendants here in Australia.