NameCronanAlternative NameCroninDescriptionMary Brady arrived in Australia aboard the Asia in 1830. Her convict indent stated she was Mary Connor with the comment ‘or Brady’ added. Mary was c.24 years old and from County Westmeath Ireland, 5’1, ruddy and freckled, with light brown hair and grey eyes. She was sentenced to seven years for stealing clothes. On arrival she was assigned to Mr. Joseph Willis.
John Cronan (Cronin) was born in Mallow County Cork, Ireland c.1784. He was transported in 1821 per Prince Regent 2 for seven years. John was 25 years old, 5’4, florid complexion, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He worked for the government under Mr. David Johnston at Rooty Hill.
John applied to be married on several occasions; to Eleanor Rourke in 1823, Ann Carroll in 1824, and Mary Connor (Brady).
John received his Certificate of Freedom 16 April 1827 and married Mary Connor 22 April 1827 at Parramatta NSW. He was 31 years old and Mary 24 when married by Banns by William Yale Coffey, Chaplain. Mary received her Certificate of Freedom 8 October 1835.
In the 1840's Mary and John lived at Jamberoo moving to the Macquarie River in the 1850's, and Shellharbour in the 1860's.
They had nine children; Michael 1831, John 1832, Thomas 1836, Mary Jane 1840, William 1841, Ellen 1842, Margaret 1843, Daniel 1845 and James 1848.
John died from inflammation of the brain 4 November 1880 aged 96 years and Mary died 25 August 1887 aged 92 years (as stated on her death certificate). Both John and Mary were buried at St Paul’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Albion Park.
John and Mary’s headstone was found in a creek at Albion Park and now lies in the Pioneer Cemetery in Russell Street.
Descendants of Mary and John Cronan include the members of the Swan, Prior and Nunan families.