I have the Census for both 1901 and 1911 for Andrew Speers and James and Isabella Dawson. I am yet to locate Robert Kerr, nephew to Andrew Speers.
I also located the and saved the reference only for the moment as it not only mentions Andrew Speers but also members of the Dawson and Kerr family as well. This is just a work in progress.
Griffith's Valuation 1847-1864 Transcription
First name(s): Andrew
Last name: Spiers
Role: Occupier
Year: 1859
Printing date: 1859-03-02
Townland: Ballynocker
Civil Parish: Magherafelt
Barony: LOUGHINSHOLIN
Poor Law Union: MAGHERAFELT
County: Londonderry (Derry)
Lessor's first name(s): -
Lessor's last name: WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF SALTERS
Occupier's first name(s): ANDREW
Occupier's last name: SPIERS
Act: 15&16
Record set: Griffith's Valuation 1847-1864
Category: Census, Land & Substitutes
Subcategory: Land & estates
Collections from: Ireland
After a lot of searching yesterday I finally managed to locate an image for Wm Speers and Thos Speers arriving on the John Elder Melbourne 31 August 1879. This comes back to William's obituary stating he had been in Tasmania for 14 years. This find is likely but definitely not fully confirmed as being our William. Thomas I located as being in Melbourne, passing in 1937.
So far I have located but still wanting to confirm somehow I have the right sons for Andrew and Mary Speers (maiden name unknown):
John Speers Abt 1846 – 1924 (in Tasmania, Australia) definitely son of Andrew and Mary stated in newspaper articles
Andrew Speers Abt 1851 – 1920 (in Ballynocker, Ireland – Isabella Dawson was granted at Londonderry 16 March 1920) definitely son of Andrew and Mary - he was granted probate of father Andrew's estate
Robert Speers 1952 – 1935 (in Tasmania, Australia) definitely son of Andrew and Mary - definitely son of Andrew and Mary stated in newspaper articles
Thomas Speers Abt 1857 – 1937 (in Melbourne, Australia) may be a son of Andrew and Mary further proof needs to be found. Death has parents as "Unknown" - found this on Trove:
Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 6 March 1948, page 9
THOMAS SPEER. - Will Thomas Speer, formerly of Broagh, Castledawson, in the County of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, and Melbourne, or anyone knowing his present whereabouts, please communicate with Whiting & Byrne, solicitors, 101 William street, Melbourne.
Confirmation still needed for Thomas
William Speers Abt 1860 – 1893 (in Tasmania, Australia) definitely son of Andrew and Mary stated in Obituary.
Whilst I know of Isabella being a daughter, I need to locate other ladies/lady. Who was it who is the mother of Robert Kerr, finding him will confirm, hopefully.
I searched the Registration Office as suggested but was floored that it will cost A$30 for one certificate! Spending that amount of money only to purchase a wrong certificate is something that is out of my reach.
I am going on the hunt for the Speer ladies today and to see if I can locate more information on Thomas.
John Speer/s is the second son born to this couple so I need to locate another son earlier than him.
Cheers
Judi
