Thomas Cagney was born Abt. 1780. He married Margaret Brown. Curiously, his family were from the same town (Newmarket, Cork) as his daughter Mary's future husband, in the Colony, James Houlahan.

Their children: James, Michael, Mary, Thomas & Dennis

Thomas was transported to Australia on the Eliza II as a convict. His crime? Burgalry. His ship departed from Cork 19 Jul, Arrived 8 Nov 1827.

His wife Margaret and daughter Mary applied to join him in Australia and were granted free passage on the Roslin/Roslyn Castle. His sons Michael and Thomas also did this, arriving on the convict ship Surrey in 1836.

This information can be found on the National Archives of Ireland website.

He had a Ticket of Leave issued (36/1033). Thomas recieved a Pardon on 1 Feb 1845 [4/4446] 781 - 085. You can find details of these on the NSW Records website.

Thomas died December 1850 at Patrick's Plain, NSW.

The family is mentioned in the book Mines, Wines & People, which I believe is available for purchase from the Cessnock Library. You might find it in your local borrowing library as well. Also mentioned are associated families: Houlahan, Smith, Bowcock, Harris.

Please note "Thomas Cagney" in the book who is supposed to be a convict is in fact the son of the convict, Thomas, who came free on the Surrey.