PART SEVEN: DUFFUS FAMILY TREE

81.0 Ancestry of GGGM Jane Duffus (c1834-1915)
The Duffus family connection was through the marriage of GGGM Jane Duffus (c1834-1915) to GGGF William Reid (1834-1884). This ancestral line includes Irish and Scottish connections and a link with Canada. The Duffus and Gleeson entries in the family tree are currently being expanded and updated and this latest version will hopefully be completed by April 2020.

NOTE: As there are fewer records to substantiate facts during the 1700's and early 1800's there is a greater chance of inaccuracies. One of the best sources of information about the Duffus family is the website http://www.duffus.com/aussiejamesart.htm , which contains a wealth of information and sources.

81.1 GGGM Jane Duffus; later Reid & King (c1834-1915)

Details of Jane Duffus’ early life are not clear. On her death certificate, Jane’s daughter indicated that her mother was born in Woolwich, England in 1834, but no baptism record has been found. Her father’s military record suggests that she may have been born in Woolwich when the family returned from Canada, after her father George finished his deployment in 1830. Sources do agree that her parents were George Duffus and Elizabeth Cahill. It appears that on completion of her father's military service, George took his family back to Ireland to live after a short stay at his military base in Woolwich, where Jane was born

GGGM Jane Duffus married GGGF William Reid on 12 Apr 1855 at Belfast, Ireland. William's occupation in other records was listed as 'engineer'. The marriage record above lists her age as 21 (ie born 1834) and her father as George Duffus. Twenty-one was the age of consent and women often married at that age. However Jane's death notice in 1915 listed her age as 85 or 86, meaning a birth year of 1830. The year 1830 makes sense, when you consider the year of birth of her last child. Baby Thomas was born in 1868, which would have made Jane 38, if she had been born in 1830. My conclusion is that Jane was born in the early 1830's; probably 1834. GGGF William Reid was listed as being 21 at the time of the marriage too.

Over the next few years, three children were born to the couple in Belfast, Ireland; GGF Robert Reid in 1856 (see above), James Reid, baptised 19 Jul 1858 and Margaret Reid, baptised 13 Apr 1860. Later in 1860, GGGP William and Jane decided to migrate to Australia. They set sail with their three young children; GGF Robert 3, James 1 and Margaret a baby, on the sleek sailing ship “Owen Glendower” (one of the fastest passenger ships of this time) for the 140 day journey to Melbourne. They arrived in Dec 1860.

In Australia Jane gave birth to four more children; Eliza Jane Reid b1862 at Koroit, William Reid b1864 at Koroit, Edmond George Reid b1866 at Golden Square and Thomas Alfred Reid b1868 in Melbourne. From the place of birth of their children, it appears that after they arrived in Australia the Reid family lived for a few years (c1861 to c1866) at Port Fairy (possibly with Jane's brother James Duffus), then Bendigo, before finally settling in Melbourne. Sadly baby daughter Margaret died in Nov 1861, whilst the family were living in Belfast. For more details of their adventurous journey and GGGM Jane’s life with William Reid in Australia see 77.1.

Page 2 of William's death certificate indicating William being 17 when he married , and also listing Jane's children

Jane’s first husband GGGF William Reid died in 1884 at their home at 117 Kerr St., Fitzroy. Jane continued to live there and in 1887 her daughter Elizabeth Jane Reid (see 78.4 above) was married at her mother’s residence in Kerr St.

In 1892 GGGM Jane Reid nee Duffus (at the age of 61) married for the second time to Jesse King, 71 ‘coachbuilder’.

The Age: 7 Jul 1893

Sadly the marriage was very short-lived, as Jesse King died the following year in 1893. He died at his residence at 9 Perry St Collingwood aged 72.

There were several funeral notices placed in the local papers including one from Jesse’s branch of the Freemasons which read as follows, "The Officers and Brethren of above Lodge and the Order in general are respectfully invited to follow the remains of our late Brother, JESSE KING, to the place of interment, the Melbourne General Cemetery. The funeral to move from his late residence, 9 Perry Street, Collingwood, at 3 o'clock."

Over the next few years GGGM Jane King nee Reid nee Duffus lived at several addresses in Fitzroy including 165 Kerr St, 187 Kerr St. and 418 George St, Fitzroy; by which time she was a pensioner.

The Age: 8 Apr 1915

GGGM Jane King nee Reid nee Duffus died on 7 Apr 1915 at the home of her daughter 738 High St, Northcote. Her reputed age of 86 indicates an unlikely birth year of 1829, but the statement that she was a colonist of 56 years is more accurate (she arrived in Victoria in 1860). The death notice listed her surviving children as Robert, James, William, Thomas and Eliza Jane Stanford nee Duffus. Margaret and Edmond were deceased.

Death Certificate Jane King nee Reid nee Duffus

Jane King nee Reid nee Duffus' Death Certificate provides additional information; some of it contradictory. On the certificate Jane was listed as 85 years old (b1830), died of "heart failure and senile decay". Her parents were George Duffus, spirit dealer, and Elizabeth Cahill. The informant was daughter "Elizabeth Reid of 736 High St Northcote". Jane was buried in Melbourne General Cemetery on 8 Apr 1915.

According to the death certificate Jane had been born in Woolwich and had lived in Victoria for 56 years. Jane had been married twice; first to GGGF William Reid at the age of 21 in Belfast [in 1855; b1834] and secondly to Jesse King in Fitzroy [in 1892; born 1831] at the age of 61. These latter two facts provide different years of birth. Lastly, the certificate provides a list of Jane's seven children and their ages at that time (1915). Listed were GGF Robert Reid 59, James Reid 57, Margaret Reid deceased, Elizabeth Reid (Stanford) 53, William Reid 51, Edmund George Reid deceased and Thomas Alfred Reid 47.

GGGM Jane King nee Reid nee Duffus was buried at the Melbourne General Cemetery in Plot No. MGC-COE-Comp-V-No-1092 next to her first husband GGGF William Reid.

NOTE: See 78.0 for more information about each of the seven children of William and Jane Reid nee Duffus.

81.2 GGGGP George Duffus (1790-c1859) & Elizabeth Cahill (c1795-c1840)

George Duffus was possibly born in 1787 in the area near Forgue, 16 miles south of Banff, Aberdeenshire Scotland. He was baptised at Forgue by his father James Duffus on 22 Mar 1787. Most family histories list his parents as James Duffus b1759 and Margaret Hay, who were married on 13 Jun 1784 in King Edward, near Forgue. However, according to www.duffus.com, James and Margaret had the following offspring; James 1785, William 1787, Ann 1789, Margaret 1791, John 1796 and Morrison 1796. Either George was born to another James Duffus in the same town, or a mistake was made with the names the children in the preceding list.

GGGGF George Duffus joined the Royal Artillery as a bombardier as a young man aged 18 in Banff (16 miles from Forgue) on 13 May 1808. This is confirmed by Royal Artillery 2 (Second Battalion) Statements of Service, which state "Soldier's Number 88: George DUFFUS. Born King Edward, Turiff, Aberdeenshire. Enlisted 1808 aged 18 years. Discharged 1830. Discharge reason: Pension". (http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C12388709) . The town of Turriff is 10 miles south of Banff and 8 miles from Forgue. George is listed in the Chelsea British Army Pensioner Records Wo97.

Marriage Record: St John's Anglican Church, Newfoundland, 1817

George was posted to city of St John's, Newfoundland, where he married GGGGM Elizabeth Cahill c1795 on 1 Jun 1817. Elizabeth was listed as a spinster of St Johns, so presumably she was born there, but her parents probably originated in Ireland. There were two daughters baptised at St Johns in 1778 and 1779 by William and Ann Cahill. Perhaps GGGGM Elizabeth Cahill was their daughter too, or born to a relative (several years of baptism records in the late 18th century are missing). Elizabeth did name one of her sons William, and he may have been named after her father.

We know from other records that George was 27 at the time of his marriage (Duffus.com). George and Elizabeth had several children, brought up as Catholics, because that was Elizabeth's faith. Son James Duffus’ religion was confirmed as 'Roman Catholic', when he migrated to Australia.

In 1818 in the garrison town of St Johns, Canada, Elizabeth gave birth to their first child. She was named Elizabeth after her mother. Elizabeth gave birth to her second child, James Duffus on 11 Sep 1819. A third child, William, was born there in 1823. Baptism registrations have only been found for son James Duffus.

George Duffus was given an honourable discharge from the army as a sergeant on 30 June 1830 after serving 22 years (on various postings). He was given 'one pound, eight shillings and two pence' to get himself and his family, now consisting of his wife and children, home. This was a 'marching allowance', even though George was suffering with "Incontinence of Urine and General Debility" and was unfit for His Majesty's Service.

On leaving Canada, he may have returned to Woolwich, England (‘the home of the Royal Artillery Regiment’) and his last child, Jane, may have been born there. This correlates with daughter Jane's listed place of birth (on her death certificate) and 1834 being her date of birth. A birth date for Jane in 1834, also ties in with her mother being born c1795. Her mother would have been 39 when she had her last child.

Some family histories say that George and his family returned to Scotland for a while, but GGGGF George must have moved his family to Ireland in the mid 1830's. In 1835, son James would have been 16 and daughter Jane just a baby. Evidence for this, is the fact that his son James Duffus was described as a ‘native of Ireland’, when he migrated to Australia in 1840. Also, daughter GGGGM Jane Duffus 21, married GGGGF William Reid in Belfast in 1855, and then migrated to Australia in 1860.

Nothing more is known about the life of GGGGF George Duffus after that, but according to the daughter of GGGM Jane King nee Reid nee Duffus, who filled out Jane’s death registration, her father GGGGF George was a ‘Spirit dealer’ in later life; presumably in Belfast. George was most likely deceased when William and Jane Reid nee Duffus migrated to Australia in 1860. GGGGM Elizabeth Duffus nee Cahill died prior to 1841 according to her son James’ immigration form.

81.3 James Duffus (1755-?) & Margaret Hay (?-?) Possible Parents of GGGGF George Duffus

James Duffus was baptised in Forgue by his father Alexander Duffus on 12 Oct 1755. A clue that this James may not be the father of George, is the fact that the name 'Alexander' does not appear among George's descendants.

James Duffus 28 and Margaret Hay were married on 13 Jun 1784 in King Edward a small hamlet about 5 miles SSE of Banff and about 15 miles north east of Forgue. According to Duffus.com, they had six children all of whom seem to have lived in Scotland until their deaths.

82.0 Four Children of GGGGP George Duffus (1790-?) & Elizabeth Cahill (c1800-bef 1841)

Only two of the four known children of George and Elizabeth's are known to have survived to adulthood, and both ended up migrating to Australia. (James Duffus in 1841 and GGGM Jane Reid nee Duffus in 1860.) There is a decade long gap between children from 1823 to 1834. Elizabeth Duffus nee Cahill may have had more unknown children or perhaps George was serving away from home for long periods of time, or perhaps babies died before they could be baptised. It is unusual that none of her known children were named after their father, so there may have been other children!

82.1 Elizabeth Duffus (1818-?)

Elizabeth was probably born in St John's, Newfoundland in 1818. She was named after her mother. No records of Elizabeth’s life have been found, so she probably died as an infant.

82.2 James Duffus (1819-1883)
James was born in St John. Newfoundland in 1819. He migrated to Australia in 1841 as a free settler and married Margaret Gleeson in 1842. The couple had nine children and eventually settled in Belfast (Port Fairy) in Victoria where they became prominent citizens. James died in 1883. For more about his life see 83.0.

82.3 William Duffus (1823-?)
William was probably born in Newfoundland whilst his father was on his posting to Canada. No records of William’s life have been found, so he probably died as an infant

82.4 GGGM Jane Duffus (1834-1915)
Jane was born in Woolwich, London in 1834 and was the last child born to 39 year old Elizabeth Duffus nee Cahill. Jane joined our family tree when she married GGGF William Reid (1834-1884) on 12 Apr 1855 in Belfast, before migrating to Australia in 1860. Soon after arrival, William and Jane moved to the Port Fairy area, where Jane's much older brother, James Duffus and his extended family, were well established. In fact it may have been letters from James to his younger sister that inspired GGGP William and Jane to come to Victoria. For more information about Jane’s life see 81.0.

83.0 James Duffus (1819-1883) Brother of GGGM Jane Duffus

James was born in the garrison town of St John, Newfoundland, Canada on 11 Sep 1819, whilst his father was serving in the English army. He was baptised in St John the Baptist Anglican Church on 28 Sep 1819. The baptism record lists his parents as George and Elizabeth Duffus nee Cahill. He was named after his grandfather James Duffus (George's father)

After his father was discharged from the army, the whole family seems to have returned to the Royal Artillery Regimental base at Woolwich, where younger sister Jane was born in 1834. Soon after, the family must have moved to Belfast (Ireland), where James learned the trade of joinery.

The Herald carried James Duffus to Australia in 1841

Around 1840, free passage to Australia was being offered to entice more migrants (particularly skilled migrants) to come to the Colony of  NSW. James 21, must have found the offer of free passage and potential to start a new life in Australia attractive. He signed up and arrived on the ship ‘Herald’ in NSW on 15 Jul 1841, being one of ninety-nine unmarried male immigrants brought out by “Gilchrist & Alexander” under the Colonial Bounty System.

Passenger List for ship 'Herald' 1841

James' immigration record stated that he was the son of George Duffus, a soldier and Elizabeth (her maiden name is hard to read (and probably mis-spelt) and a note says that she was 'dead'. The record also states that James was a “native of Belfast” (which suggests he lived in Ireland for a good while), his occupation was joiner, he could read and write, he was in good health and his religion was Roman Catholic.

83.1 James Duffus & Margaret Gleeson (1824-1923)
After disembarking in Sydney, James moved to Port Macquarie, where he worked as a joiner in that area, which had been thrown open for free settlement, and skilled workmen were in demand. Whilst working in the Port Macquarie area, he met Margaret Gleeson. See 85.10 for more information about Margaret's early life.

Margaret Gleeson, daughter of Denis Gleeson and wife of James Duffus

Margaret was the third daughter of Denis and Mary Gleeson nee Bourke. Margaret Gleeson had been baptised on 27 June 1824 in the village of Hospital, Cashel and Emly, Tipperary; about 25 km south of Limerick.

Three Passenger records from the ship 'Livingstone' in 1841

With her mother and three of her siblings  (Edmund 22, Patrick 16 and Honor aged 20) Margaret 19 (really 17) arrived in Sydney, on the Bounty Immigration ship ‘Livingstone’ on 20 October, 1841 to be close to their father, who had been transported to Australia as a convict. The ship's papers described her as a housemaid, her sister as a dairymaid and both could read and write.

Margaret and her family moved to Port Macquarie, shortly after their arrival in Sydney, to be near her father Denis, who, as a convict, had been assigned to that area.Whilst there, Margaret met James Duffus, who was working as a joiner.

The marriage ceremony between James Duffus and Margaret Gleeson took place in the Anglican Church of St. Thomas, which is one of the oldest churches in Australia on 18 Jul 1842. Margaret and James' marriage certificate states that she was married with the consent of her parents, so it is not impossible to imagine her imprisoned family members being present at the ceremony, as some latitude was allowed to well-behaved prisoners. (Duffus.com)

In 1845 Margaret gave birth to their first child named Edmund George Duffus. The couple were living at Blackman's Point, Port Macquarie, where the Hastings River enters an estuary. They lived there with their son until the prosperity of Port Macquarie went into decline, "due to the ending of the transportation system and  a sand bar blocking the harbour".

Port Phillip Patriot 19 Feb 1847

 It seems that James and Margaret Duffus left Sydney bound for Melbourne on 9 Feb 1847.
 

83.2 Success on the Goldfields and in Commerce

James and Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson moved to Melbourne in the second half of the 1840’s and opened a grocery store in Bourke Street, Melbourne, near Elizabeth Street. In the early 1850’s it seems that James may have also spent some time at the goldfields with his Gleeson brother-in-laws, and Margaret, "a very practical and business-like woman according to family anecdotes, carried on the shop in the city".

The Age 29 May 1856

The Argus 1855: Members of the Committee listed included James Duffus,

With the proceeds from their shop, and perhaps findings on the goldfields, the Duffuses and Gleesons moved to the Port Fairy area (then known as Belfast, because of its large Irish immigrant population). Evidence of the Gleesons and Duffuses living in Belfast can be found a early as 1855. In that year James was listed as being on the Committee of the Benevolent Asylum and Hospital at Belfast. In 1856 both James Duffus and an unnamed 'Gleeson' attended a dinner at The Stag Hotel. In 'The Argus' 27 Oct 1857 both James Duffus and Patrick Gleeson wrote letters decrying the proposed removal of a teacher from the Belfast Roman Catholic School; a man "who had given general satisfaction" in carrying out his duties.

Port Fairy 1861

After their arrival there, James began to acquire farming lands in nearby Yambuk, at first living in a tent while they constructed a home. Here he farmed land on a property, called ‘Naringathurn’ (managed as a nature reserve today). James’ sister GGGM Jane Reid nee Duffus and her husband William Reid moved to this area in the early 1860’s (see below) and in all probability they reconnected during this time.

Typical early Port Fairy house built from local materials.

Retaining their interest in the Yambuk farms, which at their height covered over 5000 acres, James and Margaret moved to Koroit in 1867 and there the last of their nine children was born. James Duffus and Co. opened the 'Beehive General Store' in 1868. This store was moved, but remained in Koroit. It sold "Drapery, Grocery, Ironmongery, Stationery, Wines and Spirits". The Western Star Hotel was opened on the old site, which James Duffus apparently owned too.

83.3 Success in Local Government

James became a foundation councillor in seat of Belfast (Port Fairy) for the Borough of Koroit and in 1869 was appointed a JP. In these roles he was frequently mentioned in articles in the local papers. James Duffus died in 1883 aged 63 and was buried at Towerhill. His will in which he left £12,500 to beneficiaries is evidence of his financial success.

James Duffus

The Warrnambool Standard published the following obituary in June 1883. "James arrived in Australia in 1841, landing in Sydney. There he worked for a short time at his trade, which was that of a carpenter. In 1847, he came to Victoria and he opened a grocery shop in Bourke St., Melbourne. He tried his hand at digging, in company with Messrs. P. [Patrick] and D.[Denis] Gleeson, his relatives, being tolerably successful. In 1853, in the company with the same party, he opened a general store in Belfast (Port Fairy). Subsequently, he removed to Koroit, where for many years he was a successful store keeper and an excellent public man. He was foremost in municipal matters having been Mayor of the Borough, and all that pertained to the welfare of the place received his earnest attention. He was a man of sterling integrity, whose place in his adopted town will not easily be filled."

Probate granted for the estate of James Duffus

Probate was granted to Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson 9 Aug 1883. She inherited an estate with a value of 12,457 pounds from her husband.

The Argus 9 Oct 1886

There was another marriage at Koroit between the Duffus family and the Gleesons in 1886. James and Margaret's daughter Elizabeth M. Duffus (b1862) married  Patrick C Gleeson (b1853) of Belfast, Vic. Patrick was the second son of William Gleeson Esquire of Knocklong, Limerick.

Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson died in 1903 at the home of son Dennis Cornelius Duffus at Crossley. The Warrnambool Standard published the following article on 4 Mar, 1903."Sincere regret was felt throughout the district today when it became known that an old and much respected resident in the person of Mrs. Margaret Duffus had passed away the previous evening. Mrs. Duffus was the widow of the late Mr. James Duffus and with her husband arrived in Sydney from the home country in 1841, arriving in Victoria in 1849. They commenced business at Port Fairy in 1852, and afterwards purchased a farm at Yambuk where they resided until 1867, when they opened a shopkeeping business in Koroit. Here, Mr. Duffus was for many years a leading citizen, a member of many public institutions as well as being for some time, Mayor of the Borough. Mrs. Duffus was 80 years of age at the time of her death. She had been ill for a considerable time and was living with one of her sons, Mr. D. C. Duffus at his farm at Crossley when she died"

Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson in later life

James and Margaret’s nine children were Edmund George Duffus 1845-1923, Margaret Matilda Duffus 1847-1919, James Frances McDonald nee Duffus 1854-1923, John Lawrence 1856-1857, Dennis Cornelius Dent Duffus 1858-1938, William Vincent Duffus 1859, Elizabeth Duffus later Gleeson 1862-1909, (Catherine) Agnes Duffus 1864 and Patrick Kevin Charles Duffus 1868-1945. There is a wealth of information about the children on this site www.duffus.com/aussiejamesart.htm .

Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson with daughter Margaret Barry nee Duffus and unknown child

Probate was granted for the will of Margaret Duffus on 16 Apr 1903

Margaret's will was quite detailed and listed specific information about property she owned. She bequeathed assets to specific children and attached two codicils that rescinded bequests written into the original will

83.4 James Frances Duffus (1854-1923) Son of James & Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson

James assisted his parents (who arrived in Sydney 1841 and Port Phillip in 1849) in a business at Koroit, which they transferred from Port Fairy in 1867. He became an auctioneer with his brother and acquired freehold ownership of the Koroit Hotel. His ‘official’ occupation was publican (like many others in this family tree).

James Duffus' Koroit Hotel

He also followed his father’s footsteps into politics and was a Koroit borough councillor for nearly 40 years, serving several terms as mayor. He was elected to the Victorian Parliament representing the electorate of Port Fairy for two terms in the early 1900’s. James died on 27 September 1923 at Canterbury, Melbourne.

84.0 Gleeson Family (Not Related but connected by marriage) 

The Gleeson Family are not related to our Duffus family. However, they have a connection through Margaret Gleeson's marriage to James Duffus, who was the brother of GGGM Jane Duffus. The Gleeson story is also a fascinating one in its own right.

84.1 Dennis Gleeson (1782-1857) & Mary Bourke (1784-1865) Parents of Margaret Gleeson

Denis Gleeson was born in Tipperary in 1782 and Mary Bourke in 1784 (from gravestones). They married around 1805 and lived near a hamlet called Hospital near Herbertstown, Tipperary where they had eleven children. We know they were well educated because all the family could read and write, and later in life some of the children took on leadership roles in the community. Economically they seemed to be well off because they owned land and had at least one tenant. Their comfortable existence came to an abrupt end in 1838, when a number of the family were tried for manslaughter of a tenant. See detail of the incident below.

Page 1&2 of entry Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin 1838: Cornelius 35, Denis 55 and William 30 'life' sentence for manslaughter

An edited summary of Denis’ background taken from the 'Convict Records' website is as follows;

"Denis was a genteel and well educated landowner from Tipperary, Ireland. He was 5'5" tall, with hazel/grey eyes and brown hair. He was involved in a fight with his tenant James Hayes who was not paying the rent. James Hayes died as a result. No one knows who killed James, if anyone did. Eleven men were tried. It is believed that James died while running away, and the exact cause of death isn't clear but a verdict of "a most aggravated case of manslaughter" was found on Denis, his son William, and his brother-in-law Cornelius Burke. 

Judge Moore sentenced them to be transported for life with "Twelve months hard labour". They sailed on the "Clyde" from Kingstown Harbour, Ireland in 1838 to Sydney (Port Macquarie?) via South Africa. Their land was confiscated and given to the Hayes family. On August 9, 1851 he was pardoned by the Governor of Victoria, on condition that he did not return to the United Kingdom. No longer a convict, his wife and other children were able to join him. Denis became a school teacher in Port Fairy (known as Belfast) and probably taught his grandchildren, including James Francis Duffus."

Denis Gleeson's Convict Record. Note: The record confirms only six of his children were alive in 1838

Denis, William and Cornelius arrived in NSW on 10 Sep 1838. Denis' convict record tells us he was 56, could read and write, was married and had 4 sons and two daughters and was the father of convict William Gleeson.

84.2 Mary Burke later Gleeson (1784-1865)
Mary Bourke was born in Ireland in 1784 (from gravestone) and married Denis Gleeson around 1805. Mary had eleven children but only six survived to adulthood. Mary's husband and eldest surviving son were transported to Australia in 1838 (see above). The Gleeson lands were confiscated as part of her husband's punishment, so life would have been very hard for Mary and her family.

In 1841 Mary, with four of her children, sailed to Australia on the ship 'Livingstone'. They were free settlers and their passage was paid as part of a government scheme to boost free settlers in the colony. Her remaining son (Denis jnr) stayed in Ireland with his new wife and baby son.

84.3 Reunited
Denis’s wife Mary and four children, Margaret, Honora and sons Edmond and Patrick arrived on the ship ‘Livingstone’ in 1841 and went to to Port Macquarie to be with Denis and their son William. In 1844 Mary's son Denis jnr arrived in Sydney with his wife and child. Sadly Denis junior died in an accident in 1846.

Port Phillip Gazette 25 Apr 1846

By early 1846 Denis Gleeson senior, his son William and son-in-law Cornelius had all been granted tickets of leave, which afforded them some freedom. The announcement was made in the Port Phillip Gazette, so presumably wife Mary and Denis' other children were living with him in Victoria. Five years later on 9 Aug 1851 all three men were granted pardons. By the mid 1850's the Gleesons and many of their extended families had settled the area of Victoria known as Belfast (now Port Fairy).

Victorian Electoral Roll 1856

According to the Electoral Roll of 1856 members of the Gleeson family all owned property in the Belfast/Koroit area. Most were listed as farmers.

Denis Gleeson died in 1857 and was buried at the Tower Hill Cemetery, near Warrnambool.

Mary Gleeson nee Burke died in 1865 at the age of 81

Gleeson Family Plaque

85.0 Eleven Children of Denis Gleeson & Mary Burke
Denis Gleeson and Mary Burke had eleven known children; all baptised in the 'Village of Hospital' in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, County Tipperary. Hospital Village was in a rural area about 3 km south of Herbertstown and about 25 km south of the city of Limerick. Five of the children died young. Only six  reached adulthood, and all of those ended up in Australia, settling in the area near Port Fairy (then known as Belfast).

In 1841 mother Mary arrived in Australia on the ship 'Livingstone' with four of her children: Edmond 22 (b Dec 1817), Honor 20 (b Jan 1822), Margaret 19 (really 18; bJun 1824) and Patrick 16 (bSep 1826).

85.1 Mary Gleeson (1806-c1806)
Baptism records for the village of Hospital are unavailable prior to 1810. Mary was named after her mother and died as a child.

85.2 William Gleeson (1808-1880)
Baptism records for the village of Hospital are unavailable prior to 1810. Several other records though, confirm that William was a child of Denys and Mary Burke

Marriages Tipperary: 3 Aug 1836, William Gleeson married Joanna Crowe at Bransha

At the age of 28, William Gleeson married Joanna Crowe/Crough at Bansha. Joanna gave birth to a son, who was named Denis after his grandfather, in 1838. Bansha is about 30 km from where William was born and was the birthplace of brother Denis' wife Mary Ryan.

Two years after his marriage, William, along with his father and brother-in-law, was sentenced to transportation to Australia. They were alleged to have been responsible for the death of James Hayes; a tenant of the Gleeson family. It should be noted that the death was not necessarily caused by a deliberate act and may even have been the result of an existing health condition. Nevertheless the Gleeson men were seen to be at fault and found guilty. Judge Moore sentenced them to be transported for life with "Twelve months hard labour". They sailed on the ship 'Clyde' from Kingstown Harbour, Ireland in 1838 to Sydney  via South Africa.

Convict record for William Gleeson

William's convict record notes that he could read and write, was married with one son, and contains a physical description. William, along with father Denis Gleeson and brother-in-law Cornelius, were granted 'Tickets of Leave' in 1846, which gave them some freedom to go about their lives.

Somehow William’s wife, Johanna Gleeson nee Crough/Crowe 33 and son Denis Jnr.(1838-1918) made their way to London, where they boarded the ship 'Panama' in 1849. The passenger lists notes that Johanna intended to join her husband William Gleeson at Belfast, Port Fairy, Victoria. They arrived at Port Phillip on 25 Aug 1849.

Conditional pardon granted Oct 1850

Four years later, the men were granted conditional pardons (in Oct 1850). The above record informs us that they arrived in Australian on the convict ship Clyde in 1838, after being tried in Tipperary in Spring 1838.

William and Johanna established their own farm and went on to have three more children; Bridget Gleeson 1852, John Andrew Gleeson 1854 and Mary Ann Josephine Gleeson 1858. All three were born in the Koroit district.

The Argus 16 Oct 1880

William Gleeson died at his brother Edmund's home "Ruby Villa", Belfast (Port Fairy) on 12 Oct 1880 at the age of 74. Other records indicate he was more likely to have been 73 (Perhaps born 1807 and baptised 1808).

85.3 Honora Gleeson (1810-c1820)

Honora was baptised by Denys and Mary Bourke on 17 Sep 1810 at Hospital, County Limerick. She died as a child and another daughter was given the same name twelve years later.

85.4 Margaret Gleeson (1813-1813)

Margaret was baptised by Denys and Mary  Bourke on 8 Feb 1813 at Hospital, County Limerick. She must have died  as an infant, because another daughter was given the same name the following year.

85.5 Margaret Gleeson (1814-c1820)

The second child named Margaret was baptised by Denys and Mary Bourke on 4 Oct 1814 at Hospital, County Limerick. She also died at a young age because another daughter was given the same name ten years later.

85.6 Michael Gleeson (1816-1816)

Michael was baptised at Hospital Parish, Cashel and Emly on 2 Oct 1816. Michael also died as an infant.

85.7 Edmond Gleeson (1817-1899)

Edmond was baptised at Cashel and Emly Parish in Dec 1817. In 1841, at the age of 22, he accompanied his mother and three siblings on a voyage to Australia. They were following Edmund's father and brother who had been transported to Australia as convicts in 1838 "for the term of their natural lives". Edmund and his siblings arrived on 20 Oct 1841. The passenger list noted that he was  an unmarried male, he could read and write and his occupation was farm labourer.

At the age of 45 Edmund married Margaret McGrath 28. Edmund and Margaret had four children; Edmund Joseph Gleeson 1864, Patrick Francis Gleeson 1866, Margaret Mary Gleeson 1867 and Denis William Gleeson 1870. Margaret was 36 when she had her last son, who was born in Collingwood. The first three children were born in Belfast (Port Fairy). A newspaper report indicates Edmund purchased property in the Koroit region in 1853 and this is confirmed by the Electoral Roll of 1856 which lists Edmund as owning a property in Belfast.

The Argus 9 Aug 1879

Margaret Gleeson nee McGrath died at her home Ruby Villa, Belfast in 1879.

In 1898 Edmund's youngest son Dr. Patrick Francis Gleeson was married at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. The notice listed Edmund's address as Fitzroy.

Edmund Gleeson died on 13 Oct 1899. Probate was granted for the will of Edmund Gleeson, gentleman, of 41 Brunswick St, Fitzroy to Patrick McGrath farmer of Koroit and Edmund's sons Edmund Joseph Gleeson of Fitzroy and Patrick Francis Gleeson, bachelor of medicine.

85.8 Denis Gleeson (1820-1846)

Denis was baptised at Cashel and Emly Parish in 22 Jan 1820. His father was listed as "Denis of Hospital". In 1838 when Denis was 18, his father and brother were transported to Australia for life. Then in 1841, his mother and four more siblings sailed to Australia to be with their father. The reason Denis did not accompany his mother was probably because of his impending marriage (to a pregnant Mary Ryan), which happened in that same year.

Marriages Cashel & Emly 1841

On 14 Jun 1841 Denis married Mary Ryan at Cashel, Ireland. Denis and Mary had a son named John baptised on 24 Feb 1842.

Passenger List for the ship William Metcalfe 1844

In late 1843, Denis Gleeson 22, his 20 year old wife Mary and one year old son John Gleeson also sailed to Australia on the ship William Metcalf and arrived in Australia on 14 Mar 1844. The following day Mary Gleeson nee Ryan from the ship Wm Metcalfe, agreed to work for three months for John Weiss of Pitt St, as a house servant for 14 pounds per annum and lodgings. Denis and Mary had a second child named Mary Bridget Gleeson in 1844. (Daughter Mary later married and moved to California). About the same time, husband Denis gained a job in Cooper's Distillery in Paramatta Rd.

Maitland Mercury: 14 Oct 1846

1846 Sydney Coroner's Report 10 Oct

Sadly Denis 26 was accidentally killed at Robert Cooper's Distillery in Paramatta Rd, Sydney in 1846. The Coroner's report indicated "accidentally scolded" as the cause of death. The distillery's most well-known product was 'Robert Coopers Gin'; which is still available today.

Mary Gleeson nee Ryan remarried in 1852 and moved to different locations around Victoria with her new husband up until her death. She had more children in her second marriage and died at Yarram in 1905.

85.8a John (Jack) Denis Gleeson (1842-1880) & the birth of the 'Australian Kelpie"

John (Jack) Denis Gleeson was born in the County of Tipperary, Ireland, in 1842. He was baptised at St. Michael's Church, Tipperary, on the 24th February 1842 by his parents Denis and Mary Gleeson nee Ryan. He was grandson of convict Denis Gleeson and at the age of 1 had arrived in the colony in Mar 1844, with his parents on the 'William Metcalfe' after 110 days at sea.

In 1846 John's grandfather Denis Gleeson snr was granted a ‘ticket of leave’, but sadly in that same year John's father was accidentally killed. After his mother remarried in 1852, Jack and his sister were cared for by Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson.

The Duffus family opened a grocer's shop in Bourke Street, near Spring Street, Melbourne. In 1852 the Duffus family, with Jack, moved west to Port Fairy, (then known as Belfast), and took up farming.

'Jack' Denis Gleeson reputedly played a significant role in the development of the Kelpie breed of dog

Jack spent much of his life working on cattle stations and farms in western NSW. During this period he played a critical role in the development of the ‘Kelpie’ dog breed. The full story can be found at the website of the ‘Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre’ and 'Wikipedia' has additional information, including the possibility that the first kelpies were crossed with a dingo. Jack died on 29 Aug 1880 and was buried at Tower Hill cemetery, near Warrnambool, Victoria.

85.9 Honora Gleeson (1822-1893)

Baptisms: Hospital, Cashel & Emly, 1822

Honora was baptised in Cashel and Emly Parish on 3 Feb 1822. In 1841, at the age of 20, she accompanied her mother and three siblings on a voyage to Australia. They were following Honora's father and brother who had been transported to Australia as convicts in 1838 "for the term of their natural lives". Honora and her siblings arrived on 20 Oct 1841.

 The passenger list noted that she was  an unmarried female, she could read and write and her occupation was dairymaid.

In the early 1840's Honora met William O'Keefe, a convict still serving his 'life' sentence. In 1845 the couple asked permission to marry, which was granted. William and Honora had six known children; all born in the Tower Hill area.

Honora O'Keefe nee Gleeson returned to the area near Tower Hill and died in 1893 at the age of 71.

85.10 Margaret Gleeson (1824-1903)

Margaret (Margarita) was baptised in Cashel and Emly Parish on 27 Jun 1824 by her parents Denys (Dionisis Gleeson) and Maria Burke. Christian names were "latinised", as were the names for most baptisms from 1824 to 1826.

In 1841, at the age of 19, she accompanied her mother and three siblings on a voyage to Australia. They were following Margaret's father and brother who had been transported to Australia as convicts in 1838 "for the term of their natural lives". Margaret and her siblings arrived on 20 Oct 1841. The passenger list noted that she was an unmarried female, she could read and write and her occupation was housemaid.

Margaret, her siblings and her mother moved to Port Macquarie, shortly after their arrival in Sydney, to be near her father Denis, who, as a convict, had been assigned to that area. Whilst there, Margaret met James Duffus, who was working as a joiner. They married in 1842.

James and Margaret’s nine children were Edmund George Duffus 1845-1923, Margaret Matilda Duffus 1847-1919, James Frances McDonald nee Duffus 1854-1923, John Lawrence 1856-1857, Dennis Cornelius Dent Duffus 1858-1938, William Vincent Duffus 1859, Elizabeth Duffus later Gleeson 1862-1909, (Catherine) Agnes Duffus 1864 and Patrick Kevin Charles Duffus 1868-1945. There is a wealth of information about the children on this site www.duffus.com/aussiejamesart.htm.

Margaret Duffus nee Gleeson died in 1903 at the home of son Dennis Cornelius Duffus at Crossley. For more information about Margaret's married life with James Duffus see 83.1.

85.11 Patrick Gleeson (1826-1885)

Patrick (Patricius) was baptised in Cashel and Emly Parish on 27 Sep 1826 by his parents Denys (Dionisis Gleeson) and Maria Burke. In 1841, at the age of 16, he accompanied his mother and three siblings on a voyage to Australia. They were following Patrick's father and brother who had been transported to Australia as convicts in 1838 "for the term of their natural lives". Patrick and his siblings arrived on 20 Oct 1841. The passenger list noted that he was an unmarried male, he could read and write and his occupation was farm labourer.

Passenger List for the ship 'Panama' 1849

In 1849 Patrick's sister-in-law Johanna Gleeson (wife of brother Patrick) and her son Denis arrived in Australia on the ship Panama. One of her fellow passengers was Catherine Bourke 14. The Bourke family must have settled in the Belfast area, because by the time Catherine had reached the age of 19 she had met Patrick Gleeson. In 1853 Patrick and Catherine were married in Belfast.

Patrick and Catherine had a daughter named Honora Catherine Gleeson in 1854 at Belfast. Sadly she died after a few months. Three more children followed; Denis Cornelius Gleeson 1855, Mary Ann Gleeson 1856 and Bridget Gleeson 1859. The latter baby also died as an infant.

By 1856 the Gleeson family was established at Belfast (Port Fairy). Denis jnr, Patrick, Edmond and brother-in-law James Duffus had all contributed to a property fund. The subscriptions had been collected by Patrick.

On  27 Oct 1857 both James Duffus and Patrick Gleeson wrote letters to 'The Argus' decrying the proposed removal of a teacher from the Belfast Roman Catholic School; a man "who had given general satisfaction" in carrying out his duties.

The Argus 21 Mar 1861

In 1861 Patrick's wife Catherine Gleeson nee Bourke died at home in Belfast.

In 1863 Patrick married for the second time. His new wife was Ann Cronin and they went on to have eight children together. In 1869 Patrick Gleeson was appointed as a magistrate at Belfast (The Age, 6 Jan 1869)

Patrick Gleeson died at the age of 58 on 17 Jun 1885 and was buried at Tower Hill Cemetery.

86.0-88.0 For Future use

89.0 Reid, Duffus and Gleeson Family Trees