Bridget Benson, ex Lady kennaway
Bridget Benson was 16 years old when she arrived on the Lady Kennaway in Melbourne. She was Roman Catholic, and could not read or write. She stated that her mother was still living.
The Disposal List indicates that Bridget left the Immigration Depot on 16 February 1849, and was employed by James Pearson of Melbourne, at £11 for 12 months:
The Disposal List indicates that Bridget left the Immigration Depot on 16 February 1849, and was employed by James Pearson of Melbourne, at £11 for 12 months:
Disposal List, Lady Kennaway, 1848/9, page 1 (Image: Public Record Office Victoria). Click image for link
However, it is not confirmed if Bridget was actually one of the 25 girls sent from the Ballina workhouse, as two conflicting records exist for the arrival of the Lady Kennaway in Melbourne. The Shipping List records Bridget as being from County Mayo:
Shipping List, Lady Kennaway 1848 (Image: State Records Authority of NSW)
The 'Nominal List' records Bridget's native place as County Sligo:
Nominal List, Lady Kennaway 1848 (Image: Ancestry.com)
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The answer to this question might be found in newspaper references to Bridget Benson. On three dates in September 1856, a "Missing Friends" advertisement was put into Melbourne's The Argus newspaper.
The advertisement, addressed to Bridget Benson, advises that "A relative has arrived from Sligo". This could indicate that Bridget herself was actually from Co Sligo. |
The Argus, 16 September 1856. (Image: Trove)
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No further records have been located for Bridget Benson.
© Barbara Barclay (2015)
