NameRoche (Roach), JamesDate of Birth1807Date of Death1875BiographyJames Roche was born 1807, Doneraile, Ireland to Thomas and Julia Roche (nee Mellan).
In 1828, James was transported aboard ‘Borodino’ for seven years for lamb stealing. He was described as five feet, four inches, ruddy with much freckles, light brown to sandy hair, dark hazel eyes, and a small scar on the top left side of his nose.
James married Mary Ann Rourke at Dapto in 1840. The 1841 Census states they were living on part of Elizabeth Williamson’s property at West Horsley as one of 21 tenant farmers. At some point, James began spelling his surname Roach.
James and Mary Ann had six children before Mary Ann’s death in 1854.
Elizabeth b.1842 (married Edward Warrington Fry)
John Francis b.1845 (married Jane McCrink, died 1915, Granville)
Mary Ann b.1846 (married William Rogan, died 1928, Dapto)
Bridget Adeline b.1849 (married James Smith, died 1935, Bega)
Teresa Winifred b.1850 (married James Law, died 1926, Bega)
Julia Cicely b.1852 (married John Mackay, died 1929, Sydney)
James married Ellen William (nee Mulcahy) in 1855, and they had one daughter -
Ellen b.1856 (married William Renno, died 1915, Balmain)
James died at Dapto in 1873.
Three of James’ relatives came to the colony from Donerail, his nephews Michael and James Roach, and their sister Catherine Roach who lived at Shellharbour.
