1777-1859
Father
Daniel Murphy
Mother
Johanna McCuss
Siblings
Not known
Married
Honora Mary Nagle
Children
Johanna, Denis, Mary, Catherine, Ellen, Bridget, Cornelius, Margaret, Patrick, Honora
Patrick’s Life
Patrick was born in County Cork Ireland in 1777 to Daniel Murphy and Johanna McCuss.
Patrick stated his occupation as Ploughman and Shearer.
Patrick was charged with uttering forged notes, attended the County Limerick Lent Assizes and was sentenced to 14 years and transportation to Australia. He was described as 5ft 6inches tall, with a ruddy complexion, brown hair and grey eyes, with various scarring on his face and hands. (Uttering is the distribution of forged notes, not the forging of them)
Patrick arrived on the ‘Brampton’ in April 1823 having left Ireland November 1822, picking up eleven convicts at from the Cape of Good Hope. The ‘Brampton’ also carried a detachment of the 3rd regiment (Buffs). The Brampton had an interesting history – firstly a ship of the East India Company, then a Whaler and eventually a Convict Transport.
Excerpt from Colonial Secretary’s Papers – “List of 94 Male Convicts landed this day from the transport Ship ‘Brampton’, Moore, Master, and forwarded to Parramatta to be disposed of’” – Patrick was to be assigned to Mr William Campbell of Liverpool
Patrick was eventually assigned to Captain McLeod at Bringelly.
Patrick solicited and was granted the favour of the Governor, along with others, to have their wives and families bought out to them as free passengers. Honora and their seven children arrived on the on the ‘Sir Joseph Banks’ in October 1828.
In December 1828 Patrick applied for exemption from government work and was able to reside with his family. The family settled into life at South Creek in the Penrith District and had three more children.
Patrick was granted his Certificate of Freedom in April 1836 at the age of 61.
Honora died of Apoplexy in 1841 leaving Patrick with sole responsibility of three children under the age of 12, he was 64 at the time.
Patrick died at 18 Mile Hollow, Woodford in the Blue Mountains on April 19,1859 at the age of 82. This was the home of his daughter Bridget Mary Murphy (1822-1902) and her husband, William Buss (1809-1867).
Patrick’s death certificate causing a little confusion, it indicates that there were two boys and four girls still living. This would include Dennis (although Dennis died later that year), Cornelius, Ellen, Bridget, and Margaret. It is not clear who the fourth living female was. The certificate also states that there were 3 male and 3 female children dead. It is difficult to know if there were births or deaths in Ireland or New South Wales.
Patrick was buried at McCarthy’s Cemetery, Penrith – the headstone was erected by William Buss.
Of note – Departure of the Brampton from Sydney
The Brampton’s departure was delayed as some crew members were imprisoned but left Sydney on July 23. On the return voyage from New Zealand on September 7, the Brampton was wrecked in Karadaka Bay. Rev. Samuel Marsden was on board but no lives were lost. Convict Ship Brampton 1823 (freesettlerorfelon.com)
Reverand Samuel Marsden went on to Baptise Mary York and William Cosgrove’s children as well as perform the marriage service for Mary and George Crooks.
Written by Leah Burnheim in collaboration with Dianne Pells