You may remember that we highlighted colourful Irish convict, Sir Henry Browne Hayes, in our November newsletter. Hayes had been the Sheriff of Cork before he abducted an heiress and was transported to New South Wales on the Atlas. One of Hayes' many reputed antics in the colony was to import soil from Ireland to fill a trench around his home in Vaucluse, Sydney, with the belief that it would deter snakes.

Samuel Breakwell sailed to Australia from Cork as a free man aboard the Atlas, arriving at Port Jackson in 1802. He served as Sir Henry Browne Hayes’ valet until 1812 when they departed the colony on the Isabella. Their journey was just as evenful as their lives in the colony, for the Isabella was wrecked in the Falklands enroute back to Ireland.

Breakwell was, at the time of leaving Sydney, the owner of two properties, a 60-acre land grant (the present Rose Bay) that he named Tivoli (after a stately home in Cork overlooking the River Lee) as well as the Vaucluse House estate that Sir Henry had generously given him. Breakwell was probably at the time also a father. 

Once he returned to Ireland, Breakwell settled in Cork. Later, in July 1830, Breakwell gave Attwell Adam Hayes (nephew of Sir Henry) Power of Attorney to sell both the Vaucluse and Tivoli estates.

In 1831 Breakwell, while living at Grattons Hill in Cork, sold Tivoli to Thomas Horton James of Sydney. Hayes at that time was also said to reside at Grattons Hill, possibly in the same house as Breakwell. Hayes died a short time after in 1832.

Four years later Samuel Breakwell married Julia Crowley in the Diocese of Cork and Ross. He was listed as a business owner in the 1844-1845 General Post Office Directory as “Samuel Breakwell, glover, 38 Grand Parade”.

The probate of his will was approved in 1847, so he probably died either in that year or the year before. There is no record of his death or burial record in the Death Registry because the Registry started in 1864.

This information has been supplied by Rolf Grunseit. Rolf is looking for any further information on Samuel Breakwell and Sir Henry Browne Hayes. He is especially hoping to find any clues in the records as to which ship may have delivered the Irish soil to Hayes in Sydney. If you are able to help, please contact us and we’ll forward your details to Rolf.

News and events

Event Stories Behind the Graves
Presented by Port Macquarie Historical Museum
A guided tour of Port Macquarie's second burying ground. Hear the stories of some of the area's famous residents who are buried here, including convicts, soldiers and free settlers.
When 10-11.30am, Monday April 12, 2010
Bookings essential. Contact the Port Macquarie Historical Museum for more information.

Event Easter Rising Commemoration
Presented by Irish National Association
The Irish National Association will be hosting its annual commemoration of the Easter Rising at the 1798 Memorial over the graves of Michael and Mary Dryer in Waverley Cemetery, Sydney.
When 2-3pm, Sunday April 4, 2010
Where Waverley Cemetary, St Thomas St, Bronte, NSW 2024
All welcome. See map

Event 2010 National Trust Heritage Festival
Presented by National Trust of Australia (NSW)
Now in its 30th year, the National Trust invites you to celebrate our rich cultural and natural heritage. The year's theme is The Making of Our Nation, and will be marked with hundreds of events across the state.
When 9-24 April
Where Venues across metropolitan and regional New South Wales
Contact the National Trust of Australia (NSW) for more information.


This month in history

In 1790 John Campbell was acquitted of highway robbery. He was later transported aboard the Sugar Cane for the same crime.

In the same year Sydney's meager food rations were reduced further. The normal working day for convicts was shortened to six hours for those weakened by hunger.

In 1791 the Queen left Cork bound for New South Wales with 133 male and 22 female convicts on board. Within a year, more than half the men would be dead.

On 3 April 1792 Sarah Brennan, Queen arrival, was discovered stowed away on the Pitt bound for Norfolk Island, dressed in men's attire. The ship's master was charged with aiding her escape. He was found not guilty despite evidence to the contrary.

On 13 April 1798 Marquis Cornwallis arrival Maria Hayes married John Ward at St Johns Parramatta. The same day her good friend and shipmate Katherine Baker married Brian Cunningham. A witness for both ceremonies was a third shipmate, Mary Sweeney.

In 1803 Thomas Biggers, a short-tempered overseer who arrived on the Boddingtons, rode to town from the Hawkesbury in under three hours. The feat was so extraordinary it was reported in the Sydney Gazette.
 
 

Spread the word

If you'd like to know if anyone else is researching your ancestor transported from Ireland between 1791 and 1806, contact us and we'll include your details in our next issue so people can contact you. 

Similarly, if you have a history event coming up, or a recent publication you would like to let people know about, send us the details so we can include it in our May newsletter.



Missed anything?

Good news! Previous issues of our newsletters are available online by clicking the following links:

Issue 1: September 2009
Issue 2: October 2009
Issue 3: November 2009
Issue 4: December 2009
Issue 5: January 2009
Issue 6: February 2009
Issue 7: March 2009