Last year I came across a birth certificate in the family records, and I initially thought it had been included in error.  The birth certificate was for a Mary Smyth, but it was clearly not Mary Jane Smyth (daughter of John Smyth and Isabella Shiels), as the date, parents and place of birth were different.  Then last week, the penny dropped – this was the birth certificate of a relative of Mary Jane.   It appears the father, William, might be John Smyth’s brother, and was living in Townsville.  If that is the case  then Isabella and her daughters might have had  family support after all when John died.

The birth certificate details are:

Child:  Mary Smyth b,  7 Feb 1887

Father:  Wiliiam  Smyth

Age 31 years

Birthplace:  Athy Kildare Ireland

Occupation:  Labourer

Birthplace:  Athy Kildare  Ireland

Mother:  Bridget Welsh

Age:  29 years

Birthplace:  Acies Queens County Ireland

Children living (of William and Bridget):

– William (1 year old)

Children deceased:

– 1 X Female

Witness to the birth:   Nurse – Mrs McDeregal

I suspect when Isabella sent her older daughters to the Townsville Orphanage, she might have placed her younger daughters with William Smyth and family (who probably couldn’t look after all 5 daughters).

I’ll investigate further when I get some time.