Author: Jennifer Wood

Living and loving the Whitsundays

My Grandpop’s Cornet needs a Passport

I wrote this paper for my Diploma of Family History in 2020. I received a High Distinction for this assignment. I hope you enjoy reading it. Jennifer.        My Grandpop, James Prendergast grew up in the Victorian High Plains but was schooled in Bairnsdale. During this time, he joined the Bairnsdale Juvenile band and was … Continue reading My Grandpop’s Cornet needs a Passport

John Prendergast – Irish rebel or convicted felon?

Over the past 8 years, during my quest to find Prendergast ancestry, a number of people have asked me “Was John Prendergast a rebel or a convicted falon?” Slowly, with the changes to the privacy laws in Ireland and the launch of the Catholic parish records 8 July 2015 https://vimeo.com/138285559 that information is being released … Continue reading John Prendergast – Irish rebel or convicted felon?

Biography of John P[r]endergast Junior.

Hawkesbury John was born to Catherine and John Prendergast in the Hawkesbury sometime after 25 September 1800. There are no children recorded prior to this date in the Historical records of New South Wales in the relevant section of the report1 As a child growing up in the Hawkesbury, John would have been called a … Continue reading Biography of John P[r]endergast Junior.

Prendergast Slave owners in Jamaica during the 1700s.

Historians are like detectives. They question, analyze and interpret evidence from the past. Studying history is diving into the unexpected and unknown. By understanding our past you'll also learn to create a better future. Reference; Utas history unit handbook.   As they say, you cannot change history so with this in mind I have decided to blog about … Continue reading Prendergast Slave owners in Jamaica during the 1700s.

UTAS Diploma of Family History Graduation 2021

Artist's impression of my graduation attire Having completed the Utas Diploma of Family History in 2020 and enjoyed it so much, I decided in 2021 to continue with my University studies. Through the excellent online company “Future Learn” I completed the University College Dublin Irish language course “Irish 101”. Then I studied the “Book of … Continue reading UTAS Diploma of Family History Graduation 2021

The trial of John Prendergast in Dublin

Studying the Diploma of Family History at Utas, I learned an exciting way to discover more about our ancestors. This technique helps bring them historically to life. I had read the court report of what transpired the night John Prendergast was arrested in Dublin. Click for court report Although I have visited Dublin on 5 … Continue reading The trial of John Prendergast in Dublin

The mysterious death of Elizabeth Pendergast(nee Dwyer)

John Pendergast, son of John Prendergast Snr. married Elizabeth Dwyer on 1st June, 1824. They produced 10 children. Elizabeth was the daughter of Cornilius and Harriett Dwyer. It has always puzzled me how Elizabeth died. Records show that Elizabeth died on December 6th, 1847 and was buried on 8th December, 1847. Her oldest son Thomas … Continue reading The mysterious death of Elizabeth Pendergast(nee Dwyer)

Utas diploma of family history 2020

Following my invigorating research trip to the Hawkesbury NSW in June/July 2019, I felt inspired to plan a P[r]endergast family reunion and coordinate a "go fund me" and heritage grant to raise funds to restore the family Vault at the old Catholic Cemetery Windsor during 2020. The Whitsundays where I live is a very long … Continue reading Utas diploma of family history 2020

June 2019 Archival visit to the Hawkesbury.

In June/July 2019, following my productive Archival visit to Sydney in February, we decided to drive to Sydney and stay for a month at Agnus Banks, a suburb on the Nepean River. This river is a tributary of the Hawkesbury River and close to all the early colonial settlements outside of Sydney in New South … Continue reading June 2019 Archival visit to the Hawkesbury.