Killalea - Edward (*Convict*)

+ Rumour within the family suggests that one or maybe both these boys may have used the surname Thompson/Thomson or possibly Thomas and been in the Victorian goldfields.

A search of records carried out by Sean Kenny in Ireland came up with the following information on the Killalea's living in the Kiltormer area and it would appear they are probably members of Edward's family.

The following is the results of a the search to see if we could find further evidence of Killalea’s living in the area around the time Edward left for Australia. There doesn't appear to be any other Killalea family members recorded after 1842 which would indicate approximately when they moved out of the area.

· The death records for the Ballinasloe district (which encompass the area of Kiltormer and Clontuskert reveal nothing for the years 1864-1879. I might add here that an Irish death certificate does not record the name of the deceased’s parents, spouse or children. Only the name of the witness or informant are mentioned. Not being able to cross reference a person with a set of parents or even a spouse or children they may have had, makes it extremely difficult to ascertain whether you have the right person you are looking.

The following was taken from information provided by Leanne Kellalea as a handout for the "Killalea Family Reunion" held at Shellharbour, NSW in 1997:-

Edward Killalea was born abt. 1816 and research to date suggests he was born in the Parish of Kiltormer in County Galway, Ireland. There is no record of his birth or baptism as the Roman Catholic parish registers for this area did not commence until 1834. Unfortunately the names of his parents remain unknown. It is also unknown how many brothers or sisters he may have had.

Very little information is available as to what Kiltormer was like when Edward and his family lived there, and with further research we may learn more.

Kiltormer and Lawrencetown were combined as a diocesan parish about five or six hundred years ago. These two villages, about 4 miles apart, are situated in the south-east of County Galway between Ballinasloe and Portumna in the barony of Longford.

At the age of about 19 Edward and some of his friends were involved in a fight near where they lived which resulted in the death of two men. A typed copy of Edward’s trial and various letters associated with the events that took place surrounding this incident will be included in the book. Subsequently Edward was charged with manslaughter and sentenced to be transported to Australia for the term of his natural life. The trial took place in March, 1836 at Galway and after sentencing Edward was held in the Galway Gaol before being transferred to the hulk "Surprise" in May, 1836. Hulk's were old warships that docked at various ports and used as makeshift prisons.

Information from the Griffith’s Valuation (1856) and the relevant map, which could help clarify where Edward and his co-accused did in fact live will be found in the book.

On Tuesday 7th of June, 1836, the "Captain Cook 3" convict ship left England and sailed for Ireland, embarking its convicts at Dublin and Cork. I have not been able to ascertain which town that Edward boarded this ship. The "Captain Cook 3" finally left Ireland on Tuesday 5th of July, 1836 and sailed for Sydney, New South Wales. On board were 32 Officers and men constituting the Guard, 10 women, 4 children, 34 Crew and 229 male convicts, which included James Haverty (33 years - married with no children); Patrick McKeagh (39 years - married with 3 sons and 2 daughters); Daniel McKeagh (18 years - single and the nephew of Patrick McKeagh) and Edward Killalea (20 years - single).

A very interesting site has been created by Sean Kenny in Ireland about the "Kiltormer Four". One of Sean's ancestors was involved in the crime with Edward but remained in Ireland. Anybody interested in knowing more about what happened back in Ireland in the 1830's should click on "Kiltormer Four" to go to Sean's Web Site which includes very good photos.

There is no mention of Edward in the Surgeon's Log which is pleasing to see as it was quite common for disease and sickness to run rife through these overcrowded convict ships. The journey took 4 ½ months arriving at Sydney Cove on the 13th November, 1836.

From Edward's Indent Papers that were on the ship with him, state that on arrival he was 20 years of age; could read and write; was a Roman Catholic; single; native place was Galway; farm servant; was convicted at Galway of manslaughter; sentenced to life; no former convictions; 5'5 ½" tall; brown complexion; light brown hair; light blue eyes and no particular marks or scars.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find whom Edward was assigned too on arrival. State Archives of New South Wales have informed me that many assignments for the 1830's have not survived and on checking a N.S.W. Convict Muster for 1837 all the "K" entries are missing. Nevertheless I do believe that his Master was probably from the Illawarra area. I have three reasons for presuming this:-

The Shellharbour area was opening up for development in the 1830's and 1840's and convict labour was used to fell the forests.

At the bottom of Edward's "Ticket of Leave" it says - on recommendation in September, 1844 he was allowed to REMAIN in the district of Illawarra.

I quote from the "Illawarra Mercury" - Friday 18th February, 1870 - 9th paragraph - a Council meeting - "Alderman Killalea remarked that he and Alderman Fenwick were two of the oldest residents of Shellharbour".

Edward received his "Ticket of Leave" on the 11th January, 1845 and a "Conditional Pardon" was finally granted on 10th July, 1850.

When Maria met Edward is not known. Research to date suggests that Maria and her family - “James and Mary Campbell” - were from Lot 11 on the Towns Estate at Shellharbour. Could Edward have been working for the Campbell family? Further information as to who James and Mary Campbell really were is discussed in further detail in the book.

Edward Killalea married Maria Rolright or Campbell on the 15th of July, 1847 at Jamberoo, he being about 31 years of age and Maria, about 17 years old.

Maria has been a very complex and frustrating person to research. On the various certificates in relation to her family there is much conflicting information with regard to her maiden name, her age and place of birth.

The use of two different maiden names - Rolright and Campbell - has caused the most confusion. Research to date suggests that James and Mary Campbell are the “parents” of Maria. Mary Campbell died in 1861 and James Campbell died in 1865, both at Shellharbour. Although it states on both these death certificates that they did not have any children, Maria Killalea was the beneficiary of James Campbell’s estate and is recorded as his daughter and only next of kin. There is still a great deal of research to be undertaken with regard to Maria to try and unravel the numerous mysteries that surround this woman and to ascertain her true relationship to James and Mary Campbell. Maria died on 8th December, 1914 at Paddington, Sydney and is buried at the Roman Catholic Cemetery at Rookwood, Sydney with her daughter Ann Jane Kennedy.

Although it is still not known exactly where Edward and Maria lived in the Illawarra district from 1847 to 1867, all their children were born at Shellharbour with the exception of Thomas who was born at Wollongong. The Electoral Rolls are published from 1867 and Edward is found having a leasehold on the “Darley Estate”, Shellharbour - this being the place where they lived and probably had lived for some considerable years until his death in 1872.

Edward Killalea was also the owner of 4 parcels of land, although I do not believe that the family lived on them. They were located at Jamberoo, Kiama and Foxground. Edward stated that he lived at Shellharbour when he bought and sold these allotments of land. There is much information to support my belief that he lived at Shellharbour from about 1848 or even as early as his arrival in 1836.

The deeds for the purchase and sale of these 4 properties, together with their relevant maps are included in the book. Three times, Edward borrowed money on security of his properties and these documents are also included.

The 1860’s was the decade that saw many situations present themselves in which Edward was to gain and also to lose.

In fact much has been learnt about the next 12 years of his life through numerous newspaper articles regarding Edward’s involvement with the Shellharbour community and the local Council.

About 30 newspaper articles have been found which inform us of Edward’s involvement with various projects - Shellharbour Steam Navigation Company; partner in a company to extract gold from the beach on his property; Committee Chairman for forthcoming elections; election to Shellharbour Municipal Council and Council meetings. Other articles give us an insight into the kind of man he was - personal letters to the editor of “The Kiama Independent”; and the inquest held into his death. All of these newspaper articles will appear in the book.

In the late 1860’s gold was found on the beach opposite Edward’s property that he leased and farmed. Edward was a partner in this operation, and other prospectors paid Edward 10 shillings per month for claims taken. Newspaper articles give a detailed description of how the gold was extracted from the ground. Today the beach is called “Killalea Beach” and the land that surrounds this beach is known as “Killalea State Park”. In land is “Killalea Lagoon” which was previously known as “Moles Lagoon”. When the name change took place is still not known but it is recorded that the Moles family had a clearing lease at Bass Point circa 1843 until 1858.

Edward was elected to the Shellharbour Council on 12th February, 1870 and served until his untimely death on 17th August, 1872. He was buried in the old Shellharbour Cemetery that now lies under the Bassett Park Caravan Park on the seashore at Shellharbour.

From what may have seemed a disheartening start to his life here in Australia, Edward Killalea was able to succeed beyond his earlier life’s misfortune. He was a well educated and well versed man. Issues were raised for the community by Edward and it appears that he was a man to be reckoned with. His good humour and pleasantry are often mentioned and he was well supported by his peers and electors.

Of course there is a great deal more to the story of Edward and Maria Killalea and their descendants. I hope you will look forward to reading my book about our ancestors; and together with a detailed description of the lives of Edward and Maria, their 12 children and 44 grandchildren, will be photographs; all newspaper articles found; maps of land - some owned by the family and the various documents that have been located.

1st two generations of descendants as known at the time of "Killalea Family Reunion 1997":-

Date of Birth	Location of Birth & Baptism if known
About 1816	Co Galway, Ireland. Probably at Kiltormer near Ballinasloe.
Date of Death	Location of Death & Burial if known
17 Aug 1872	Wollongong, Illawarra, NSW's, Australia.

Father	Mother
Unknown?	Unknown?

Date of Marriage	Spouse	Location of Marriage
15 Jul 1847	Maria Campbell?	Jamberoo, Illawarra, NSW's, Australia

Thomas Killalea	Thomas KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 22-Dec-1847 in Wollongong, NSW, and died 30-Apr-1931 - Waverley, Sydney, NSW. He married Emily Isabella Ada SNODDEN 06-Mar-1884 in Tumut Plains, NSW - Rites Church of England, daughter of Henry SNODDEN and Emily LOCKYER. She was born 05-Apr-1869 in Green Flat, near Tumut, NSW, and died 21-May-1945 - 15 Woodville Street, Hurstville, Sydney, NSW. Children of Thomas KILLALEA and Emily SNODDEN are: i. Henry Thomas KILLALEA, born 31-Jul-1884 in Tumut Plains, NSW; died 12-Aug-1957 - Umina, NSW. ii. Carrington KILLALEA, born 01-Sep-1886 in Tumut Plains, NSW; died Bet. 22 - 25-Jul-1916 - WW1, France. iii. Sidney Thomas KILLALEA, born 26-Aug-1888 in Tumut Plains, NSW; died 05-Jan-1962 - Seskinore Private Hospital, Glen Iris, Melbourne, VIC. He married Margarietta HULL. iv. Mary Alberta Victoria Malviva KILLALEA, born 06-Dec-1890 in Tumut Plains, NSW; died 08-Nov-1984 - Waverley, Sydney, NSW. She married John (G) PEEL. v. Conway Stanley KILLALEA, born 31-Mar-1893 in Tumut, NSW; died 16-Mar-1981 in - Wagga, NSW. He married Gladys Mary WARD. vi. Olive Rose KILLALEA, born 27-Oct-1895 in Bombowlee, near Tumut, NSW; died Bet. 1977 - 1982 in Rockdale Psychiatric Hospital, Sydney, NSW ???. vii. Myles D KILLALEA, born 27-Jun-1899 in Bombowlee, near Tumut, NSW; died 06-Apr-1918 - WW1, France. viii. Margaret May Jersey KILLALEA, born 20-May-1902 in ?; died 18-Sep-1977 - place unknown. She married (1) Francis Maurice FAHY, (2) Ernest H W CADDY. ix. Stella Venice Martha KILLALEA, born 27-May-1905 in Bombowlee, near Tumut, NSW; died 10-Jan-1982. She married Leslie William HODGSON. x. Ila Beatrice KILLALEA, born 1909 in Bombowlee, near Tumut, NSW; died 08-Feb-1959 in ?. She married (2) John James GILES.
John Killalea	John KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 07-Oct-1848 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died 03-Nov-1887 in 39 years - Cleveland, near Dapto, NSW. He married Ann SEYMOUR 10-Jan-1873 in St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, Kiama, NSW, daughter of James SEYMOUR and Sarah HOARE. She was born 21-Aug-1849 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died 23-Apr-1888 - Keira Vale, NSW. Children of John KILLALEA and Ann SEYMOUR are: i. James Edward KILLALEA, born 14-Jan-1874 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 26-Jun-1943 - Canterbury District Memorial Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, NSW. He married Louisa HURKETT. ii. William KILLALEA, born 01-Aug-1875 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 19-May-1959 - Coffs Harbour, NSW. iii. John KILLALEA, born 29-Nov-1877 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 10-Mar-1938. He married Doris Georgina DUFFIN. iv. Andrew KILLALEA, born 02-Jun-1880 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 01-Dec-1945 - Memorial Hospital, Kyogle, NSW. v. Sarah Ann KILLALEA, born 29-Jun-1883 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 30-Sep-1956 - Coffs Harbour, NSW. She married Henry STANDING. vi. Joseph KILLALEA (aka Joseph Patrick HORE), born 16-Nov-1887 in Dapto, NSW; died 31-Dec-1957 - Gippsland Base Hospital, Sale, VIC. He married Maude Blanche FARLEY 09-Jan-1915 in Presbyterian Church, 11 Victoria Pde, Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC; born 29-Dec-1890 in Rosedale, Gippsland, VIC; died 05-Jun-1963 - Sale, VIC.
Edward Killalea *** Possibly known as Edward Thompson/Edward Thomson or Edward Thomas	Edward KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 21-Aug-1851 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died Unknown in ?. He married Unknown. + He is a mystery but was supposedly still alive at the time of his mother's death in 1914? Between 1881-1886 he was in the Tumut/Adelong area and his occupation was Gold Miner otherwise he is a total mystery.
Bridget Killalea	Bridget KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born Abt. 1853 in Shellharbour, NSW - no birth certificate, and died Unknown in ?. She married William BENTLEY 07-Jun-1873 in St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, Kiama, NSW, son of John BENTLEY and Sarah/Mary UNKNOWN. He was born Abt. 1851 in Melbourne, VIC, and died Unknown in ?. Children of Bridget KILLALEA and William BENTLEY are: i. Mary Theresa BENTLEY, born 09-Oct-1874 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 24-Jun-1956 - St. Vincents Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW. She married (1) Edmund LORD, (2) George Wallace LUPSON. ii. Female BENTLEY, born Bet. 1875 - 1878 in ?; died Unknown in ?. iii. James BENTLEY, born 26-Jun-1879 in Bega, NSW; died Unknown in ?.
Catherine Killalea	Catherine KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 06-Aug-1855 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died 29-Nov-1921 - Footscray, Melbourne, VIC. She married Robert James KING 07-Mar-1876 in Wesleyan Church, Adelong, NSW, son of William KING and Maria LAIDLOW. He was born 19-Apr-1851 in Belfast near Warrnambool, VIC, and died 14-Mar-1926 - 71 Droop Street, Footscray, Melbourne, VIC. Children of Catherine KILLALEA and Robert KING are: i. Albert Edward KING, born 25-Nov-1877 in Adelong, NSW; died 1964 - Cottesloe, Perth, WA. He married Louisa Ellen HAMPTON. ii. Walter KING, born 07-Dec-1879 in Adelong, NSW; died 19-Jun-1963 - Newport, Melbourne, VIC. He married Eliza Jane SHAW. iii. Maria KING, born 27-Jan-1882 in Adelong, NSW; died 17-Jan-1968 in 85 years 11 months - ?. She married Henry HENDERSON. iv. William KING, born 25-Feb-1887 in Ballarat, VIC; died 03-Apr-1978 - Hampton, Melbourne, VIC. He married Amanda Mary POULSON. v. Bertie KING, born 20-Jul-1890 in Gippsland, VIC (most probably Walhalla); died Apr-1892 in 1 year 9 months - Walhalla, VIC. vi. Thomas Henry KING, born 25-Dec-1893 in Bairnsdale, VIC; died 21-Dec-1970 - Kew, Melbourne, VIC. He married Nellie BAMFORD. vii. Victoria KING, born 18-Feb-1895 in Eldorado, VIC; died 22-Sep-1977 - ?. She married (1) Frank LEE, (2) Herbert LEWIS.
Mary Killalea	Mary KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 15-May-1857 in Shellharbour, NSW - Registry No. 7460 - Female Killalee, and died 12-Sep-1949 - Albury, NSW. She married John ROWE 25-Mar-1873 in Adelong, NSW, son of James ROWE and Mary NICHOLAS. He was born 16-Jul-1846 in St. Just, Cornwall, England, and died 09-Dec-1887 - Adelong, NSW. Children of Mary KILLALEA and John ROWE are: i. Richard James ROWE, born 15-Mar-1874 in Adelong, NSW; died 25-May-1962 - Prince Henry Hospital, Little Bay, Sydney, NSW. He married Martha May ANDERSON. ii. Mary Elizabeth ROWE, born 21-Mar-1875 in Adelong, NSW; died Feb-1906 - Melbourne, VIC. She married William John RUMBLE. iii. Lucy Ann ROWE, born 15-Jul-1877 in Adelong, NSW; died 30-Oct-1918 - Tumut, NSW. She married Frederick DARBY. iv. John Brockshire ROWE, born 06-Jan-1880 in Adelong, NSW; died 16-Aug-1970 - Albury Base Hospital, Albury, NSW. He married Jessie Joan Herbert HARRIS. v. Robert Nicholas ROWE, born 22-Nov-1881 in Adelong, NSW; died 23-Jul-1882 - Adelong, NSW.
Michael Patrick Killalea	Michael Patrick KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 24-Jan-1859 in Shellharbour, NSW - no birth certificate, and died Bet. 1947 - 1949 in Nambour, QLD. He married Bridget ROSS 20-Oct-1896 in St. Pauls Roman Catholic Church, Albion Park, NSW, daughter of James ROSS and Mary DRAIN. She was born 15-Jan-1875 in Airdrie, Scotland, and died Feb-1954 in Brisbane, QLD. Children of Michael KILLALEA and Bridget ROSS are: i. James Edward KILLALEA, born 15-Aug-1897 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 20-Aug-1986 in Redcliffe, Brisbane, QLD. He married (1) Violet Stella ELLIOTT, (2) Martha DAU. ii. John KILLALEA, born 05-Aug-1899 in Long Point, Shellharbour, NSW; died 23-Jul-1968 in Townsville, QLD. He married Rosina MOFFITT. iii. Michael Patrick KILLALEA, born 30-May-1901 in Shellharbour, NSW; died 27-Aug-1966 in ?. He married (1) Eva M BRIDGER, (2) Lillian Violet ROBINSON, (3) Nola MAXWELL, (4) Edna GOURLAY. iv. Mary Anne Aileen KILLALEA, born 04-Jun-1903 in Shellharbour, NSW. She married Robert STARLING 1940 in Waverley, Sydney, NSW; born Unknown in ?. v. Kathleen Elizabeth KILLALEA, born 15-Mar-1906 in Long Point Quarry, Long Point, Shellharbour, NSW; died 19-Nov-1992 in Nambour, QLD. She married Lionel Russell HOGUE. vi. Alice Maria KILLALEA, born 13-Jan-1909 in Shellharbour, NSW; died Jun-1994 in ?. She married Patrick Francis BURLEY. vii. Bernard R KILLALEA, born 1914 in Kiama, NSW; died 1916 in Kiama, NSW. viii. David Benedict KILLALEA, born 11-Jun-1916 in Kiama, NSW; died Abt. 1935. ix. Patrick Thomas KILLALEA, born 06-Nov-1918 in Mullumbimby, NSW; died 07-Mar-1994 in Nambour, QLD. He married Lorraine May JOHNS.
Patrick Killalea	Patrick KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 12-Nov-1860 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died Unknown in ?. Thought to have been a bachelor? It has been suggested that Patrick was Professor Cobbett’s secretary at Hobart, Tasmania.
Peter Joseph Killalea	Peter Joseph KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 17-Apr-1863 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died 08-Dec-1939 - Hobart, TAS. Never Married? Peter was thought to have been the Valet/Butler of Professor Pitt Cobbett of Hobart, Tasmania.
James Killalea *** Possibly known as James Thompson/ James Thomson or James Thomas	James KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 02-Mar-1866 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died Unknown in ?. + He is a mystery but was supposedly still alive at the time of his mother's death in 1914?
Ann Jane Killalea	Ann Jane KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 25-Aug-1869 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died 29-Mar-1898 in 28 years - Sydney, NSW. She married Thomas Robert KENNEDY 20-Jan-1889 in St. James Roman Catholic Church, Adelong, NSW, son of John KENNEDY and Elizabeth DOYLE. He was born 07-May-1862 in Adelong, NSW and died 19-Jan-1901 - Adelong, NSW. Children of Ann KILLALEA and Thomas KENNEDY are: i. Norman Thomas KENNEDY, born 05-Aug-1889 in Adelong, NSW; died 18-Dec-1937 in Canterbury Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, NSW. He married May MILNES. ii. Kerion KENNEDY, born 25-Dec-1891 in Glebe, Sydney, NSW; died 29-May-1915 in Dardanelles - killed in action WW1.
Agnes Killalea	Agnes KILLALEA (Edward¹) was born 14-Mar-1871 in Shellharbour, NSW, and died 27-Dec-1963 - Randwick Nursing Home, Randwick, Sydney, NSW. She married (1) Edward Clifford MELSON 14-Jun-1899 in Independent Presbyterian Church, 471 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, son of Edward MELSON and Elizabeth BAMFIELD. He was born Abt. 1869 in London, England, and died Abt. 1906 - America - earthquake. She married (2) Henry STREET 1908 in Sydney, NSW. He died 19-Apr-1919. Children of Agnes KILLALEA and Edward MELSON are: i. Aileen Josephine MELSON, born 05-Oct-1896 in Sydney, NSW; died 20-Feb-1965 - St. Vincents Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW. She married John Wilfred CAIN. ii. Muriel MELSON, born 1900 in Sydney, NSW; died 10-Oct-1946 in 46 years - place unknown. She married Hercules Alfred DAVIS.