Along with Alexander Poynton, Rosanna McFadden was the founder of the Poynton family in Australia, She arrived at Port Phillip Bay on December 6th, 1848, on the "Lady Kennaway". This ship was the first ship of Irish potato famine orphans to arrive in Australia, with 216 emigrants and ten passengers under Master Santry.

At the time of her arrival in Australia, Rosanna was sixteen years old. From her death certificate, it is understood that her father was Cornelius McFadden, farmer, of Donegal. Her mother was also Rosanna, and her mother's maiden name was also McFadden - at least according to the records!

Rosanna started work in Australia as a housemaid, working for Robert Robinson of Melbourne for £8 for six months. Her desperation to be married may have been born of the exploitative nature of master-servant relationships at the time in Australia.

Whatever the truth of the story of Alexander Poynton, he and Rosanna were married as members of the "Free Church of Victoria" on 27 August, 1852. After the birth of her son Charles in March 1855, Rosanna registered the birth in April. At the registration, she did not sign, but gave "her mark" on the forms, indicating that she was illiterate.

Rosanna McFadden was the mother of thirteen children, raising the last one (David) as a Catholic. She died of "senile decay" in 1920.

This page is maintained by Charles Poynton of 78 Blencowe St, West Leederville, WA 6007, Australia. ph +618 9381 7651 email charlesp@faroc.com.au
Should you have further information, corrections and/or photographs on antecedents or descendents, please contact him for their inclusion in this site.

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