Hi all, I am new to the list and researching the Collins and Summers families of the Illawarra district. COLLINS FAMILY My ancestor Thomas Collins born around 1823 and his wife Mary Harnett (Hartnett) born around 1829 in Co. Limerick Ireland immigrated to Australia on the ship "Success"arriving Sydney on 18-12-1849. Thomas and Mary were married in Co. Limerick in 1849 prior to leaving. They were accompanied by Thomas`s brother John ,his wife Johanna and 2 children together with brother Dennis and sister Margaret. I believe Thomas selected land at Jamberoo. The family was joining their father Dennis Collins ,born around 1793, in the Illawarra district. Dennis of Abbeyfale Co. Limerick was convicted of sheep stealing at Listowel Co. Kerry in 1834 and transported for life on the "Backwell" in 1835 aged 42. Dennis was married to Elizabeth [surname unknown] SUMMERS FAMILY Richard Summers born around 1824 and his wife Mary born around 1834 with their daughter Mary Ann ( 1 year old ) arrived in Sydney on the ship "Regina" on 23-06-1857.The parents gave their native place as Co. Galway, Ireland. Mary's place of birth was Gurnsey, Channel Islands. I believe they had at least 2 more children Richard and Bridget who were born in Australia. Mary Ann Summers married Michael Collins, son of Thomas and Mary Collins, at Dapto N.S.W. Nov 1879.A birth certificate of one of their children born in 1886 however gave Mary Ann's place of birth as Jersey and not Gurnsey as stated. It is believed that Mary"s parents did not approve of the marriage and are said to have disowned her.However her brother and sister appear to be witnesses at her wedding and Mary still had contact with them when she and her family moved to Queensland around 1900. I would like to hear from anyone with information about these families.At least with the Collins family i have town names in Co. Limerick and Co. Kerry. For the Summers family i only have Co. Galway and no idea of where they lived. Kerry.