NameDownesAlternative NameDownsDescriptionFrancis Edward Downes was born c.1837, County Carlow, Ireland, to Samuel and Elizabeth Downes (nee Costigan)
In 1862, he married Mary Jordan in Kiama.
Mary was born c.1833, Kinvara County Galway, Ireland. Mary arrived in Australia on board the ship 'Eliza' 15 September 1855.
In the N.S.W. Australian Immigration Deposits Journal on page 33, Mary Jordan, is recorded as depositing 5 pounds for her brother Martin Jordan, to come to Australia. Martin arrived in Sydney in 1857, and his immigration records state he has a sister living in King St. Sydney.
Francis and Mary had several children, all born at Albion Park;
Samuel b.1863 (married Bridget Timbs 1894)
James b.1864 (married Mary Raftery 1892)
Bridget b.1865 (married William Henry Croft 1894)
Francis William b. 1867 (married Ellen Jordan 1899)
Martin b.1869 (married Clara Emma Valeska Homburg 1901)
Daniel Edward b.1870 (died 1874)
Mary Elizabeth b.1872
Joseph b.1875 (died 1875)
Mary Downes (nee Jordan) died in 1897, aged 63 years. Francis Edward Downes died at Albion Park in 1907, aged 69 years. They were both buried at the Albion Park Catholic Cemetery.
Francis William and Ellen Downes (nee Jordan) had ten children. Four died in infancy. Daughter, Mary Mildred married Albert Errol Robb in 1954. The Robbs farmed at Yellow Rock.
In the Board of Health Inspections for Shellharbour Council 9 of December 1893, Francis Downes is recorded as having 86 cows, and Samuel Downes had 45 cows.
Sources:
Tongarra Tales - Jack Martin.
Tongarra Heritage Files.
Shipping Records.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records.
St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery Records Albion Park.