Thomas Sheedy, per Blenheim.
Preface by Jenny Fawcett (with special thanks to Kay Cole nee Dempsey) Research supports that Thomas Sheedy, arrived New South Wales per Blenheimin 1834,is the son of John Sheedy who was transported to New South Wales aboard the Mangles in 1826. Thomas Sheedy's death certificate confirms that he was married twice in New South Wales: firstly to Johanna Jordan and secondly to Elizabeth Dempsey. This certificate also reveals that of his eight children only three survived until adulthood: Mary (by his first wife Johanna Jordan)and Thomas and Sophia (by his second wife Elizabeth Dempsey) Thomas died at Binalong on the 2nd of February 1862,from 'the effects of intoxicating drink' and was buried at Galong cemetery on the 4th of February. Thomas was accompanied to New South Wales aboard the Blenheim in 1834 by his brothers Roger and John.The vessel arrived at Sydney on the 14th of November, having departed Cork on the 27th of July. Their mother (Mary Sheedy) had arrived previously in September, aboard the Andromeda, with her remaining children Michael,Ellen and Mary Sheedy. The Blenheim was conveying prisoners to the colony of New South Wales, but Thomas ,Roger and John were all described as free emigrants. Thomas' father John Sheedy had been transported to New South Wales aboard the ship Mangles which arrived at Sydney on the 18th of Feb 1826. In 1828 John did petition the governer of N.S.W. requesting that his family be allowed to join him but this was denied.In that petition John stated that he had married in Kilfinane [Kilfinan] in county Limerick, so it is possible that Thomas was born in that region. Thomas' father kept in contact with his family in Ireland whilst confined in New South Wales: early in the year 1834 he wrote to Ireland to his eldest son Roger Sheedy,and in part the letter informed the family that John was then working at the Dockyards, at Sydney. (The letter was probably to initiate some arrangments for the family to come to New South Wales, as John had received his certificate of Freedom in this year,and soon after all of his family from Ireland). Shortly after the arrival of the Blenheim in 1834 Roger and Thomas Sheedy joined the Police force.(Their alleged uncle 'Michael Sheedy' (transported per Earl St Vincent had also previously joined the police force at Sydney). Both Roger and Thomas spent a period of years serving as policemen. In 1836, Thomas Sheedy was described as '....23 years of age,able bodied, active and intelligent. Can read and write. Has been brought up to farm work".. Syd Sheedy (confusingly) claimed that Thomas Sheedy (son of John per Mangles) was married to Cath Costello in New South Wales.But it needs to made quite clear that research provides solid evidence that Thomas Sheedy who married Catherine Costello is not the son of John Sheedy per Mangles. This man had arrived in N.S.W aboard the Aliquis in 1839 as a Monteagle emigrant. He was originally from Shanagolden in Limerick,(not far from Kilfinan,)and was recorded consistently until his death as a shoemaker by trade.He moved to Victoria in the 1840's and was recorded as "well known to police" and arrested for theft on at least one occasion.He died in gaol in Victoria. Thomas Sheedy was approved in December of 1834 to serve as a police officer at Goulburn: and again in February of 1836 he was approved to serve as a constable at Windsor.His daughter Mary (by his wife Johanna) is supposed to have been born around 1845,and his son Thomas (by his second wife Elizabeth) was born about 1850; daughter Sophia was born about 1853. By 1854 Thomas was living at Binalong where he worked as a horse dealer: one of his horses was reported stolen this year from Binalong but was soon after recovered. In 1860 his death was incorrectly reported in the Yass Courier but the announcement was soon corrected. The death of his first wife, the birth of his daughter Mary, have yet to be confirmed. His death certificate records that he was born about 1810 in Limerick Country in Ireland, and that he married Johanna Jordan at Galong when he was 32 years of age (so c 1842).No marriage record has been located for this event, nor can the death of Johanna Sheedy be located.Thomas married in 1852 to Elizabeth Dempsey (1820-1897) who was the daughter of John Dempsey (convict per Atlas) and Ann Bolton (free arrival per Experiment). Elizabeth's first husband was William Parnell. Thomas and Elizabeth Sheedy's children Sophia and Thomas Sheedy were born in the two years preceeding their marriage! There are still some anomolies in the dates of births, deaths and marriages for this family, and further certificates should be obtained to clarify dates. __________________________________________________________________________________Thomas Sheedy -
born c: 1813. probably Kilfinane, Co Limerick. c1813. [*1] c1810 Limerick County [src:death age from official certificate) parents: John and Mary Sheedy religon: Roman Catholic occupation: pre 1834.Farmer. [Ireland] [*2] 1834. Policeman [Goulbourn dist] [*1] 1836. Policeman [Windsor dist] [*2] 1852. 1854. Farmer? lived Binalong.see below. 1862. Horsedealer Bingalong [source: death certificate] literacy: Could read and write [*2] death: probably: Thomas Sheedy.died Binalong 1862.no 2751. son of John and Mary Sheedy.(on cert) death certificate needed note: Thomas' brother John [m Bridget Shea] had daughter Mary at Binalong in 1843 and had son John at Binalong in 1859. NOTE:INCORRECT NEWSPAPER REPORT " Sheedy Mr Thomas of Binalong died when a rock fell on his toe and he contracted Lockjaw and died of Tetanus two days later. Yass Courier 29.8.1860." This notice was reported as incorrect. Yass Courier 1.9.1860. burial: shipping arrivals Thomas Sheedy arrived Sydney 14th Nov 1834, per Blenheim with brothers Roger Sheedy and John Sheedy. siblings, Michael,Ellen and Mary supposedly came per Andromeda a few months earlier in . The Blenheim departed Cork on the 27th July 1834, arriving at Sydney. [*src.SMH.17th.11.1834] Marriage spouse 1? questionable.Johanna Jordan.no issue found. spouse2: Elizabeth Dempsey born 2nd Jan 1821.Richmond.NSW. [#@ no v1821 5755 1B] [@ no v1821 1314156] dau of: John Dempsey [convict-ATLAS ]& Ann Bolton [EXPERIMENT](death cert states ROBERT) m1. c1841 at Sydney to William Parnell. [@] [?possibly Wm Carnell & Magt Dempsey 1840.Yass@] m2. 7th Feb.1852 at Yass, NSW to Thomas Sheedy[@] [cert v1852 243 98] The death certificate of Elizabeth Sheedy nee Dempsey shows that her death took place on the 20th Dec 1887. Elizabeth died at the Newington Asylum: her death cause was given as 'Cancer of the Face' from which she had suffered for some time. Her medical attendant was J.J O'Connor? and he last saw her on the 17th december 1897. Elizabeth's parents are stated as John Dempsey (farmer) and Ann Robert (the informant being F.Willow, for the Chief Supt. of Newington Asylum. The death Certificate records that Elizabeth Sheedy was born at Richmond England (sic, but this is then amended to Richmond, New South Wales. Elizabeth first married at age 22, at Windsor in NSW, to William Parnell. She had then later married at Forbes to Thomas Sheedy. Issue by her first marriage is stated as: William (Parnell). Age unknown. Living Issue from her second marriage: Thomas (Sheedy). Age 49 years. Living Sophia (Sheedy). Age 47 years. Living Elizabeth Sheedy nee Dempsey was buried at Rookwood R.C Cemetery on the 21st December 1897.
Parnell Children:- William James Parnell. b 10th June 1843.Windsor. m c1867.Maria Macann issue Mary E.1867.Bombala Henry J.1869.Young Wm 1871. Young Florence 1873.Young Agnes. 1875.Young. Thos 1878.Young Marie.E.1880.Young. Richd L 1881.Young Annie 1883.Young Sophia. 1886.Grenfell. Henry 1888.Grenfall. Sheedy Issue No official registrations of children of first marriage located as yet. Children located for Thomas Sheedy and Elizabeth Dempsey ?Mary Ann Sheedy Not listed on Elizabeth Sheedy's death cert. No record found of her birth. A Mary Ann Sheedy died in Victoria in 1869, but who was stated to have been born in NSW in 1845. (death cert no 4899) Her parents were listed as Thomas and Elizabeth Sheedy. A Mary Ann Sheedy spent time in gaol in Melbourne: she stated she was born c 1844 in New South Wales, and had come to Victoria aboard the Shamrock (steamer).[src:gaol record *] This Mary Ann Sheedy may have incorrect parents listed on her death certificate:? Whilst this Mary Ann Sheedy is not listed on Elizabeth's death cert, she was originally included as a possibly child of Thomas and Elizabeth, by the information given that she was born in NSW c 1845,the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Sheedy.But her birth year would place her as an illegitimate child of this couple, as they did not marry in NSW until 1852. I suspect that Mary Ann is not their daughter. Sheedy's located as having travelled per Shamrock 1849.a Mrs Sheedy and two children are recorded as having arrived at Melbourne aboard the vesselShamrock.The vessel arrived on the 5th of December,commander Geo Gilmore,having had departed Sydney on the 1st of Dec, and Twofold Bay on the 2nd. Steerage Passengers are listed,and include the name of Mrs Sheedy and 2 children. [*3] No other Sheedys listed on this vessel. Syd Sheedy claimed that Mrs John Sheedy Mangles made a journey to Melbourne per Shamrock with Thomas Sheedy on her way back to Ireland. Thomas Sheedy b 1850. Yass. NSW. [v1850 391 67] d 1935.Young.NSW [no 23930] [@] parents listed as Thomas and Elizabeth Sheedy. m.1872.Catherine Gannon ? (information supplied by Beth Turner)[@] married 1880 to Susannah Robb nee Williams (informaton from Geraldine Walsh). Thomas' death certificate is needed to ascertain his correct wife) According to Geraldine, Thomas Sheedy married Susannah Robb in 1880 at Murrumburrah. Susannah was the daughter of John Williams and Elizabeth (Hughes).Susannah was born at St George Denbighshire Wales. Susannah first married to James Robb at Young, in 1872, and had two children by Robb: 1.John Wm Robb born 1873.Young NSW 2.Walter.F.Robb born 1875. Geraldine records that James Robb seems to 'disappear' around this time, and Susannah then marries Thomas Sheedy. issue. 1.Mary Elizabeth E Sheedy born 1881 2.Thomas A Sheedy born 1883 died 1885 3.Ruebina (or Rubina) Sophia Sheedy born 1885 4.William Thomas Henry Sheedy born 1887 5.Florence Sheedy born 1889 6.Hilda Beatrice Sheedy born 1892 7.Norman Leslie Felix Sheedy born 1894. died 1837 Murrumburrah 8.Cecil Raymond Stanley Sheedy born 1898 Sophia Sheedy b 1851. Yass. NSW. [1851 1924 69][@] m 1871.Young.NSW to John Kelly [3937] issue unnamed ch. Kelly. b 1872.Young [20157] John Kelly b 1874.Young. [22030] Sarah Jane Kelly b 1876.Molong.[14859] un. female Kelly b 1879.Molong.[17385] d 1879.Molong.[5898] Sarah Kelly b 1880.Molong.[18387] d 1883.Dubbo. [5898] Elizabeth Kelly b 1881.Dubbo, [11671] James Kelly b 1883.Dubbo. [12894] d 1884.Sydney [1140] Sophia Kelly b 1885.Sydney.[2608] d 1885.Sydney.[2181] Bridget Kelly b 1885.Sydney.[2609] d 1885.Sydney.[1767] History c1813. Thomas Sheedy born, possibly Kilfinnane.Limerick 1826 father John Sheedy transported to New South Wales, 1828 father John petition's for family to come to N.S.W pre 1834. Thomas Sheedy working as a farmer/labourer in Ireland 1834. father John Sheedy writes homes to family.also received Certificate of Freedom. Nov 14th. Thomas arrives N.S.W per Blenheim with brothers John and Roger.Thomas' mother and remaining siblings arrived in Sept per Andromeda Dec 1834.Thomas recommended as Constable Letter addressed to the Colonial Secretary.From Police Dept Goulbourn.N.S.W. dated: 20 Dec 1834. received 24th Dec 1834. "Sir, I beg leave to recommend the individuals named in the margin,to fill the situation of Constables in this establishment.They are free emigrants, and have been thoroughly recommended to me. I have the honor to be Sir, your Obedt Servant F. [?Allman?] Police Magistrate Roger Sheedy. vice Michael [?Rabbitt?] - dismissed Thomas Sheedy. vice Michl Connell - resigned. " notation on page: "Approved Dec 30th. Government Notice 13th Jan 1835". [Src = *1] 1836. Thomas to be ordinary constable at Windsor Letter to Colonial Secretary.dated 1st Feb 1836. from Police dept - Windsor.Received CS 2nd Feb 1836. "Sir, with reference to your Circular letter, of the 1st January, No 36/4, notifying the Establishment authorised for the Police of this District, for the year 1836, I have the honor to recommend the following alterations, to take place from this date: ....... Thomas Sheedy (came free) . to be Ordinary Constable... Sheedy is 23 years of age, able bodied, active and intelligent.can read and write.have been brought up to farm work. your Obedt Servant ? North ? .Superintendant of Police." [src=*2] other's mentioned in this letter are James Bullivant ]came free] John Colcroft [born in colony] Noel Chapman [Freed convict] Thomas Gosper [born in Colony] James Gallagher [per Minstrel] Edward Moore [Freed Convict] c1842 Thomas alleged to have married Johanna Jordan at Galong. 1843. Mr and Mrs T Sheedy and children to Vict on the 13th of Nov 1843 a Mr and Mrs T Sheedy and children are recorded as having departed Sydney and arriving at Melbourne per the vessel Corsair.But this family then went on to Launceston in Tasmania. It is not known where they went from there. (src: LA nov 23rd 1843) 1846 Is this one of Thomas' & Johanna's children? John Sheedy b 1846.Yass. NSW. [no v 1846 395 63] 1847 Is this one of Thomas and Johannas' children? Ellen Sheedy b 1847.Cooke Co. (no V1847 3495 64) 1850 Thomas Sheedy born Yass. Son of Thomas & Elizabeth Certificate number v1850 391 67 1851 Sophia Sheedy born Yass. Daughter of Thomas & Elizabeth Certificate number v1851 924 69 1852 Official Registration of Marriage of Thomas Sheedy/Elizabeth Dempsey Yass. Number 1852 243 98 1854 src: Police Gazette. December 15 1854. From Sydney Crime Reports. 24th Nov 1854 "supposed to have been stolen on 13th Nov 1854, from Mr Thomas Sheedy, of Binalong, one bright bay horse, about 15 hands high, black points, no white about him,branded N on near shoulder, single S on rump, 6 years old. Mr Thomas Sheedy offers a reward of 50 ponds if stolen, on conviction of the party or parties so stealing, and 5 pound reward if only strayed, on restoration to owners, Bingalong" 1855 src: Police Gazettes June 29th.1855.page 146. see Sydney Hue and Cry.24th Nov 1854. The horse supposed to have been stolen from Mr Thomas Sheedy,of Binalong, has since been recovered " 1860 Death of Thomas Sheedy at Binalong incorrect. "Death from Tetnus.- We have been informed that a person named SHEEDY residing near Binalong, had the misfortune a few days since to injure his great toe, by letting a stone fall on it. Lock-jaw resulted, and the unfortunate man died after two days suffering" (src:Yass Courier 29.8.1860. ) This notice was reported as incorrect. "Not Dead. A gentleman from Binalong has informed us that the rumour of the death of Mr Thomas Sheedy from tetnus is not correct, although it as originated from some idle persons." (src: Yass Courier 1.9.1860. ) 1862 February 2nd.Death of Thomas Sheedy of Binalong. Age 52 years.Husband of Johanna Jordan and Elizabeth Dempsey.
Family Researchers: Arthur Dempsey jnr. Dempsey Family Geraldine Walsh..Robb/Sheedy family. Lesley Whitla, desc of Thomas/Johanna. Beth [Dempsey] Turner Notes * = sighted original record. * SMH= Sydney Morning Herald. # = A.Dempsey. @= Beth Turner [1] = Letter from COLONIAL SECRETARY'In Letters.AONSW. 4/2250-5 39/9486. [2] = Letter from COLONIAL SECRETARY's In Letters. AONSW. 4/2334-2/ 36/937 [3] = newspaper report of the arrival of the Shamrock to Melb source: ARGUS. edition date Thursday Dec 5th 1849.
