Sarah Brookman emailed information

Sarah Brookman was born in 1835 in either Knightsbridge London in 1835 or Chiltern, Buckingham, daughter of George Brookman and Ann Caley. She was baptised on 27th dec 1835 in St Mary's church Harmondsworth Middlesex England.

Departed from Liverpool on 25th march 1853 and arrived in Melb Hobson's bay on 1st July 1853 aboard the "Genghis Khan". The ship's captain was Dyer Bond with a crew of 51 all English. The ships agent was Marshall Kirk. On arrival she was a domestic servant Governess who could read and write. She worked for a mister Townsend of Russell Melb for 25 pounds per annum. The term of employment was 3 months with rations commencing on 8th July 1853. It seems she returned to England after completing her assignment but returned later as a free settler.

She was said to be Auburn haired and had a stately disposition. She was C of E but later became catholic. She at some stage settled in Kyneton Vic where she met Peter Roney. He was born in County Clare Ireland. He deserted ship in Australia to work in the Goldfields. They married on 8th June 1856 in the C of E manse in Kyneton Vic.

In Rochester Vic they owned four buildings including a corner hotel. They selected land near Euroa Vic clearing it and selling firewood to Melbourne. Dan their eldest son lived adjoining them close to Creighton's creek Longwood vic.

After Sarah's death he (Peter Roney) lived at goorambat with Michael Frawleys family. He was said to be dark and vivacious when young. They are buried at Longwood.

There is a family bible and I recall as a child looking at it when we went to stay with Aunty Ollie.. who was Sarah Eliza Olive. I assume it is passed down through her family...

I certainly hope so anyway... till the next, lot love Dianne.