The 5 Mulqueen family members who made the journey to Australia.
With a large family and relatively small farm at Doorus in the district of O’Callaghan’s Mills, the decision was made by Michael in 1891 to emigrate to Australia to start a new life.
In 1891, Michael, John and Catherine left Ireland and travelled on the S.S. Orotava – which sailed from the London Port of Tilbury on June 5th 1891.
The Orotava was built by Barrow Shipbuilding Co, and was launched in 1889 for the Liverpool-Valparaiso service of Pacific Steam Navigation Co. S.S. Orotava made two voyages in that service in 1889, and was then placed under Orient Line management for service from Liverpool to Australia via Suez. She made the first sailing in that service on June 6th 1890
They arrived in Adelaide first before making their way to Melbourne, Kate (Catherine) stayed in Melbourne (she ran a confectionary shop in Port Melbourne and at the age of approx. 50 married Michael LYNCH). The 2 boys, Michael and John, travelled on to Bendigo. On arrival they obtained work at the “Cohn’s Brothers Brewery” in Bridge St.
Two of their siblings Andrew and Margaret followed 10 Years later, in 1901 (It seems they left after the 1901 Irish Census given their names appear on the census as living at Doorus). Andrew joining his brothers and settled in Bendigo whilst Margaret joined her sister in
Melbourne and later married John Michael DAVERN a Policeman from Kyneton (m.7/5/1912).
Arriving in Bendigo, Australia
Apparently, they arrived in Adelaide and made their way to Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria. The boys went on to Bendigo where they obtained employment with the Cohn’s Brothers – Victoria Brewery in Bridge Street, Bendigo (The City having recently made the name change from Sandhurst to Bendigo after a vote of its citizens in 1891).
Four of the Children would ultimately stay in Ireland, as I understand it Bills Family taking over the farm at Doorus.
Nine of the Twelve Children lived into their adulthood.
The 4 Siblings who stayed in Ireland:
- Bridget Mulqueen (remained Single),
- Minnie (m. Thomas Moloney),
- Bill Mulqueen (m. Anne Moroney),
- Johanna (m. T. Malone).