NameGeraghtyDescriptionPatrick and James Geraghty arrived in Port Jackson 5 August 1815 on board the 'Canada', convicted of robbery in County Westmeath, and transported for life.
Patrick was 23 years old and described as a labourer, 5’23/4, fair complexion, with sandy hair. James was 21 years old, 5’5, with dark pale complexion, hazel eyes and light brown hair.
Patrick and James were granted their Tickets of Leave in 1825 and by 1828 they lived in the Illawarra. The 1828 census lists Patrick (Constable) and James (Farmer) as having 100 acres with 25 acres cleared, 22 acres cultivated, 1 horse, and 35 horned cattle.
Patrick married Martha Foley 19 August 1829. Martha was the daughter of convict Samuel Foley and was just 15 years old. Patrick was about 37.
They had fifteen children;
Catherine 1830 Wollongong (married John Daly)
James 1832,
Jane 1834 (married Michael Cawley)
Mary Ann 1836 Wollongong (married William English)
Elizabeth 1838 (married Owen Daly)
Thomas 1840 Jamberoo (married Mary O’Neill)
Anne 1842 Jamberoo (married John Cawley)
Margaret 1844 (married Eugene Cawley)
Isabella 1846 Wollongong (married Thomas Healey)
Patrick 1848,
Charlotte 1851 Shellharbour (married James Bryant)
Martha 1854 Wollongong (married John Kenny)
Ellen/Helen 1855 Wollongong (married John Tyter)
Agnes 1858 Wollongong (married John O’Neill)
Caroline 1860 Wollongong (married William Dickson)
Patrick and James were responsible for the dispersal of a band of bushrangers around the Bulli area in 1828. Due to his heroic actions at this time James was rewarded with the appointment as first Constable in the Wonoona/ Bulli area.
James was severely wounded by the discharge of his own pistol while mounting a horse c.1830. He was brought up the escarpment in a wheelbarrow with ropes but died in Liverpool hospital.
Patrick was appointed the first Constable of Kiama following James’ death and during his service received a pardoned 11 March 1830.
Descendants of Patrick and Martha include members of the Geraghty, Foley, Daley, Condon, Cawley and Howell families.
