So, here we are – You and I, now know how my ancestors arrived in Queensland. As you can tell some of the ships have interesting tales whilst others have little to not much written about their journeys.
I suppose it’s like life, some events are more eventful than others. One thing I have learnt, newspapers enjoyed copying even if the information is incorrect. I did not find any particular publication better than another.
It does pay to “follow up” on leads and check details if it can be done, so as to ensure you get a good idea about the events – spelling is an interesting one that comes to mind. Of course space and deadlines need to be met!
Rabbit Hole.
Within this writing I shall also explain how easy it is to go down a rabbit hole – ah, there is an end… But! More on this soon.
How I did it.
During my research, I viewed a large number of newspapers, too many to list within each arrival blog or even in this one. If you want to locate anything, commence with Google e.g. (Type a ship name into the search and go from there.) How easy can it be? I can tell you, it is not easy.
My process is probably the long way or even the wrong way… I created a Word document for each ship – found newspaper articles – cut and pasted these – did a transcript, and made corrections to the text in the newspaper articles. From here, I was able to find out the possible path each vessel took. Then, I created notes and lists. I searched for ship photos via archives, libraries and websites etc.
I found free maps and then drew a rough line showing the path of the voyage – visuals are always good. From passenger lists, I found who the captain was, the surgeon-superintendent and the matron – all showed their name. Also, passenger numbers, birth and deaths during the voyage. There was usually a breakdown of nationalities as well as who travelled in saloon, steerage, assisted and free, in a summary at the end of the passenger list. So really, a lot of information… Knowing what to put in and leave out was an issue – I attempted to make each ship’s journey a little different. Hopefully, I achieved that in each writing.
Rabbit Holes.
I was sidetracked a number of times by other articles found on the pages. Advertisements are very interesting. The language used over 100 years ago was so different to now.
Newspapers needed to be sold – the stories are there in black and white with no holds barred… Court articles where one can get lost and end up down another path. I never realized that court cases were conducted on those who attempted to take their own lives – I will let you find your own examples and let you think about what is said in the court… (Let me know what you think if you take on this “rabbit hole”.)
You would have seen another rabbit hole in one of my writings – just look for “stealing” at the end of a voyage. I write a little about it – something one would probably not think of happening…
Oh, rabbit holes – the joys of research. Oh yes, and then there is Professor Haddon, a zoologist in 1888!
Three Months.
In all my writings about the Arrivals – from start to finish, it would have taken me about three months to research and write to final publication – not constantly, but mostly a little every day.
I can say it has been enjoyable. My ancestors just didn’t get on a ship and then arrive in Queensland – voyages were months long not hours. What they saw from the places they either visited or passed by is mind-boggling.
The changes they experienced being confined on board a vessel basically bobbing about in the ocean is an amazing feat.
Being Grateful.
Looking at my ancestors, I am thankful for what they encountered and endured. Today, we all take everything for granted but without all the knowledge I know now, I am grateful. Firstly, I would not be here writing this now, if my ancestors had not taken the steps to leave what they knew and venture to the sort of unknown.
An Understanding.
I have a better understanding of what it was like. I go back to 1976 when I started my own overseas adventures. From Australia, flying across an ocean to a foreign land. It has never stopped.
Thank you, dear ancestors. I am so proud of you all – all different, yet the same.
Go Now.
Go, explore and discover.
You never know what you will find…
Ancestor Family 