Tracings - Barry Conn J

Four brothers and a sister emigrated from Ireland to the Colony of Victoria between 1853 and 1858. They came as part of the gold rush, but not because of the lure of gold. They were pioneers that came to farm the new pastoral and agricultural estates that spread across the western district of Victoria. Life in Northern Ireland during the early 19th Century, provided limited opportunities for families. In comparison, the rapid conversion of the natural habitats into large pastoral and agricultural properties provided many opportunities for families to acquire wealth beyond anything that was possible in Ireland. After years of hard work as agricultural labourers on these large estates of the far-off colony, they became successful landowners in their own right. Many became highly regarded, well-respected citizens of their local communities who made significant contributions to the history of their local district. Their children were born as first-generation Victorians who continued in the traditional trades. However, some embarked on new careers as novel opportunities became available after the Federation of Australia in 1901.