Boylan, Michael

DESCRIPTION

NameBoylan, MichaelConvictTransported 1828 'Morley' for stealing pockets - 7 yearsBiography
Michael was caught picking pockets in Dublin in 1827. It was his second offence. He was sentenced to seven years and transported aboard Morley, in 1828.

On arrival, Michael was assigned to John Coghill of Kirkham. Coghill was the former master and part owner of the convict transport ship Mangles, and made four voyages to New South Wales from 1820 to 1826.

Michael was granted a Ticket of Leave in 1833 and allowed to remain in the Illawarra. His Certificate of Freedom, granted two years later, described him as a labourer and sawyer.

In 1842, he married fellow convict Mary Bourke who had arrived in 1839 on Minerva.

Mary’s brother Thomas, and mother Catherine, had both been transported before Mary. Mary’s Ticket of Leave 1844 stated she was allowed to ‘remain in the service of Mr Ash, Sydney’. Mr William Ash, had married her mother the same year.

Michael and Margaret lived at Sussex Street, Sydney, probably with Mary’s mother and stepfather. Their eldest four children were born here. Son John, died in infancy.

By the mid 1840's, the Boylan’s were living in the Illawarra. They settled at Jamberoo, before moving to Albion Park where eight more children were born. The youngest Henry, born in 1863, died when he was just 10 months old.

The Boylan’s moved to Shellharbour where they owned and operated a store. Michael supplemented his income by working for Shellharbour Municipal Council, doing construction and repair work. Mary was paid for cleaning the Council Chambers in Addison Street.

Mary Boylan died of bronchitis in 1889. Michael died five years later aged 93 years.

In his last will and testament, Michael bequeathed to his daughter Catherine Vincin all of his household furniture and effects and 150 pounds sterling. To his other children James, Mary, William, Thomas, and Michael, he each left 50 pounds sterling. Michael signed his will with a cross.

Michael and Mary were both buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery at Albion Park.

Their headstone, along with fellow convict family, the Cronin’s, was removed from the cemetery in the 1970's, and dumped in nearby Fraser’s Creek. Years later, the headstones were discovered in the creek, and incorrectly placed in the Albion Park Pioneer Cemetery, where they remain.

CONNECTIONS

CollectionPeopleConvictsFamilyBoylanPersonBourke, Margaret

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Boylan, Michael