Michael Berrell

7

Frances Wilson on 1st May 2016

Michael received his ticket of leave in 1834, moved to Diamond Swamp (later Diamond Creek, then Limerick). He finally settled at Thalaba (between Laggan and Peelwood) and ran a bush hotel called "The Rose, Shamrock and Thistle". His daughter, Margaret married Joseph Shepherd (Guildford, March 1824-Old Bailey July 1822 No 1088). Crookwell/Binda NSW saw lots of intermarriage between convict and free settler families.

221

D Wong on 4th February 2016

This is a letter by convict Michael Berrell (Mangles 1828) to his wife Margaret and his family. They arrived in NSW per ‘Surrey’ in 1833 – makes interesting reading: Nov 1st 1831 Oldbury Argyle New South Wales My Dear Wife I send this letter with much affection for you, and my dear children, trusting the almighty leaves each of you in perfect health - as I am at present - thanks be to God for it, my loving Margaret this makes my fifth letter to you - the first I sent nearly four years ago which occasions great grief on my side at not having the pleasure of hearing from you - and my dear girls and dear boys - who are my only thoughts day and night. I expect by the time you receive this that an order will reach you and your dear children to reach their affectionate father and you, your loving husband. My dear Margaret this is a fine country for any person who wishes to obtain a living by industry. Everything I am able to mention is very cheap, fish, fruit and poultry is plentiful and for my part - Thank God - since my arrival which is not four years yet I have procured 20 head of cattle some of which are fine milk cows - that will enable me on your arrival with my dear family to have a dairy, the gentleman whom I went to on my arrival I am with now - and he promises to me a farm when my dear children and you reach me - I parted that day I came ashore with my brother Bernard and never have seen him since – but hear that he is doing well. I again say my love that should the order not reach for you coming to me with my affectionate children before you receive this letter - hold yourself with them in readiness - as reasons make me know that after having the misfortune to be torn from you and them that our days will end happy - as I shall be able to see my sons and daughters in a way of prosperity - having that by me that I am aware will be to their service, - let your delay after receiving this be long or short - write to me immediately and let the post be paid directing for Michael Berrell at James Atkinson Esq JP Oldbury Argyle NSW. Give my best and sincerest love to your aunts and uncles with my own and all inquiring friends. I wish to know dear Margaret did you receive payment for the 3 acres of wheat. I conclude my dear wife Remaining with true love to you and my dear children a sincere husband and affectionate tho' unhappy father Michael Berrell [Source: The Bells of St Marys: A History of the Catholic Community of Crookwell, NSW by Rev Brian Maher, Crookwell 1991 St Marys Parish Centenary Committee] Michael Berrell was 5’7 ¼” tall, ruddy complexion, brown/grey hair, blue eyes, diagonal scar over inner corner of left eyebrow, large scar top of centre of forehead. Assigned to James Atkinson Esq JP Oldbury Argyle NSW. On arrival. 23/7/1838: COF 19/3/1863: Michael died in Kangaloola, NSW (Crookwell). Brother Bernard Berrell eventually lived in the same area as Michael and died 14/7/1884 at Thalba/Crookwell, NSW. Children of Michael and Margaret: Patrick Berrell 1818-1901 Margaret Berrell 1815-1864 Ann Berrell 1817-1897 Catherine Berrell 1821-1859 Michael Berrell 1827-1833 James Berrell 1834-Unknown There was one more child who died in Ireland C1825.

105

Denis Pember on 31st January 2016

When tried and convicted, Michael was recorded as age 32, married with 7 children. He had married Margaret Hoy, sometime around 1814, at Louth in Ireland. Margaret and his family (I have located 5 children only) followed after he was transported. They arrived in 1833, aboard the "Surrey". Michael is not recorded in the 1828 Census.

105

Denis Pember on 31st January 2016

Michael was a farm worker, An oat Malster. He was tried at Louth, in Ireland and convicted of stealing oats. His younger brother, Bernard was also tried and convicted at the same time.