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« on: Tuesday 13 January 15 02:47 GMT (UK) »
My great-grandfather James O'Meara (as per his death certificate in Australia 1939) was born in Toomyvara, Co Tipperary, circa 1859. He migrated to Sydney Aust. circa 1878 and married Mary Agnes Dawson from Co. Limerick in 1885, confirmed by his marriage certificate.
His parents were Matthew O'Meara, and Mary Delaney. Her parents were Patrick Dawson and Margaret Sullivan.
He had several children; two were registered at birth with surname O'Mara, the remainder as O'Meara.
His brother Michael also migrated to Australia, around 1889, also fathered many children with his wife Johanna Fitzgerald (born in Burwood, NSW). Her parents were Edward Fitzgerald and Mary O'Connor.
They were staunch Catholics and supporters of the Church in Kogarah, a suburb of Sydney.
They were very successful in their lives in Australia, as contractors, farmers, dairy owners, property owners, and real estate developers.
James died in 1939, and Michael in 1949.
I cannot find any record of arrival for either of these men, or a birth record for James in Ireland, but they were well-known and respected here in NSW especially Kogarah, and Coraki (Far North NSW).
On the Shipping List I have searched every ship from 1877-81 for James, and 1887-91 for Michael, every family record, every single man record, for O'Meara, O'Mara, Omeara, Omara, Mara, Meara.
N.B. There is a listing for James O'Meara on the Erato with a wife and child but I have discounted this as he married a couple of years later to Mary Agnes, and being a devout Catholic would not have divorced.
I do not have any living relatives of past generations to help me with my search, and hope that you might find some information for me.
Any help would be most welcome
Cheers
Kerry