I am trying to determine the parentage of Thomas Stephens (my 3rd GG), born 1813 in County Cavan, Ireland. His parents were Thomas Stephens (no information whatsoever) and Margaret Scott, who died in Melbourne in 1873, aged 90.
Thomas married Catherine Bell in 1838 (b 1819, Killashandra, County Cavan, Ireland, d 1900 Melbourne). Thomas and Catherine immigrated to Australia (assisted immigrants) with Catherine’s two sisters in 1840 aboard the Andromache.
I have been unable to locate any information on Thomas Snr and Margaret Scott. An 1821 Census in the Townland of Duffcastle, County Cavan reveals:
House 19:
Margaret Stephens (Age 39), widow, Flax Spinner
Richard Stephens (Age 13), Labourer
Thomas Stephens (Age 7), Scholar
Have no record of Richard whatsoever. There is no evidence to suggest that he immigrated to Australia.
Thomas' mother, Margaret is buried at Melbourne General Cemetery. I have been unable to locate her name on any shipping/passenger records.
There is a Thomas Stephens (b 1786) from County Cavan who was sentenced to 14 years in Australia Thomas was transported aboard the “Pilot” to Port Jackson. Family have indicated this is Thomas' father, however we have no proof.
1825 Muster shows Thomas being free by servitude and being employed by John Harris of Melville.
1828 Australian Census shows Thomas as a Labourer and being married to Catherine Stevens (Age 30), Government Servant, with a child named Patrick Stevens (Age 1). Catherine’s maiden name was Larkins. She was also a convict. She came to Australia aboard the convict ship “Brothers” in 1826. She was sentenced to 7 years.
Other possible children were: Anne (1830); Elizabeth Anne (1832) md Joseph Waters and died Richmond, Victoria in 1921; Thomas (1838); Margaret (1840).
Any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.