Hello list I'm new on today with one of my 'brick walls" in search of Rosanna HART (born circa 1838 Ireland?) Rosanna was the daughter of John McConaghy and Mary Ann McAuley. John (born circa 1810 seagoe, ireland) was in the 52nd Regiment. On retirement came to NZ as Fencible soldier with wife Mary, 3 children including Rosanna and Elizabeth in 1848. Rosanna McCONAGHY married James HART, 58th Regiment, in Auckland, New Zealand 1854. James Jnr born Akl 1855. HART's moved to Sydney during 1857. Daughter Elizabeth Winifred HART born in Sydney Aug 1857. James HART apparently in New South Wales Mounted Police or similar at this time.(not on State Archives online index) Family returned to Auckland 1864. Then the scandal hits! Rosanna apparently returned to Sydney (or somewhere in Australia) , without her family, to become an opera singer! James HART continued to live out his days in NZ along with his two children. Rosanna HART may have changed her name, remarried (illegally) or had more children. Does anyone have any ideas where to search for Rosanna. I have not been able to look up any cemetery records, or Death Indexes after around 1899, perhaps there is a very kind person out there who might be able help. She does appear to be on the 1903 electoral roll. Haven't found the family or Rosanna on inward shipping lists to NSW - i'm not having much luck am I?. Cheers Stephanie Niederberger New Plymouth New Zealand

Dear Stephanie, Under that spelling I did not find Rosanna HART either marrying or death registered until 1945. Similarly she did not appear on the Australasian Genealogical Computer Index. There is the birth of John HART to Henry and Rosanna registered ANNANDALE, a Sydney suburb 1914/27293, hardly likely to be her as the mother. Sincerely,Bill > Hello list > I'm new on today with one of my 'brick walls" in search of Rosanna HART > (born circa 1838 Ireland?) >