One story in 1920 in the Illawarra Pioneers says that 'Ira Polley
was an American, who in the company of Joseph Marceau and one other,
came to Australia in the 1840's bringing American axes.
From research and notes made by George Mackaness:
'Of the 58 prisoners who arrived in 1840, two died in Sydney and 55
ultimately returned to Canada. One, Joseph Marceau, son of James and
Archange Marceau, a farmer of Montreal, a widower with three children,
aged 34 at the date of his arrival, alone remained in New South Wales.
He married in 1844 Mary Barrett, and settled at Dapto, South Coast. He
died on 8th June 1883, aged 77, leaving eleven children, one of whom
survives, and many grandchildren. He was buried at West Dapto Roman
Catholic Cemetery, where a headstone commemorates him. His wife, Mary,
died 14th February 1909, aged 84 years. The Marceau family, which
claims descent from that Francois Severin Desgraviers Marceau (1769 -
96), one of Napoleon's Generals who was killed covering the French
retreat at Altenkirchen, constitutes the sole remaining link of the
Canadian rebels with Australia.'
Marsh says the "Patriots" sailed under the captaincy of a free man,
the Master, Selah Young. She cruised off New Zealand, then made north
and in April anchored off Honolulu. Ira Polley was still listed as
being on board in Honolulu, however he never arrived at the next
destination. It is still unknown how Ira got from there back to
Australia.
Polley was definitely still on the Stieglitz when it cleared Honolulu
Harbour in 1845 on the way to the Alaskan whaling grounds . In 1846
the Captain brought his ship into Sydney to be careened at Mosman Bay.
The discharging of ballast and coppering, sheathing, etc. required the
entire winter of three+ months. If Polley were still on board at
Sydney, which seems likely to me, he would have had a long time there
in which to decide to stay. This would appear to support the reference
that he arrived in Australia in the 1840's. There are still unanswered
questions though, as always.
regards
David
----- Original Message -----
From: <Chiniquy(a)aol.com>
To: <PATRIOTS-WAR-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2002 1:59 PM
Subject: Re: [Patriots-War] Patriots data
Bonsoir David,
I don't understand your statement that Joseph Marceau returned to
Australia.
Joseph was sent to Australia from his home in Canada for his part in
the 1837
Rebellion and when he was finally pardoned, he remained in Australia
and
never returned to his three children in Canada. He was the only
french
canadian who did not return to his home in Canada. I have never
heard of Ira
Polley or the story about importing axes from America.
Art Marceau has just returned from visiting Kevin Marceau in
Australia.
Kevin is a direct decedent of Joseph Marceau and his wife, Mary
Barrett, who
he married in Australia. Art may have some new information for me
when he
gets in contact with me.
I hope this helps,
Carol Anne
In a message dated 1/5/02 6:33:34 PM Pacific Standard Time,
freeman(a)tsn.cc
writes:
<< Hi Carol Anne
One report in Australia had that JM returned to Australia with Ira
Polley (IP) and one other and imported American axes - do you know
any
background to this story?
Did JM and IP know each other? It seems hard to believe when they
came
from opposing camps?
Do you know who the third person was who was purported to have
returned? Some documents have that it was only JM, however IP did
return, married and had lots of children as did JM.
I am also trying to find out how and when IP returned.
Thanks
David >>
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