52 ANcestors #17 - all my ancestors who came to Australia

This post is for Week 17 of the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge - 2015 - by Amy Johnson Crow from No Story Too Small. Prompt for Week 17 - Prosper.

I have chosen all my ancestors who came to Australia for this post. From the earliest, Peter McCann, who arrived in January 1800 to the latest, Catherine Eunice McLaren, who arrived in 1890, they were all coming to an unknown land. Some like Peter McCann and other convicts had no choice to come to Australia. Others, like Granny McCann, came to Australia from New Zealand with two of her sisters for an adventure and stayed. 

Image: SS Great Britain leaving Prince’s Pier, Liverpool, for Australia, 1852. ANMM Collection

Regardless of how my ancestors came to Australia, they found a new land and endless opportunities for those who were willing and able to work. The McCann side of my family went on to develop the cement industry in Victoria, farmed and developed various successful business ventures. The Connor side, from County Derry, farmed and learnt trades and experienced different occupations. The Thomas side also farmed and ventured into business in Queensland. And so on ...

What this tells me is that a number of my ancestors, except for the convicts, of course, made the decision to risk all and start a new life on the other side of the world. How it must have seemed alien to them, the weather, the vegetation and the animals. Imagine when they first saw a kangaroo, or a large snake, or the strange birds, they must have wondered where they were. Of course, many of the younger members of the family would have relished the experience but I think of the mothers who had to adapt to a strange new world.

Thank you to all of my ancestors who journeyed to Australia, we have certainly prospered because of you.