Hello Mike - First, to answer your question simply - yes, the years in which Thomas Connor may have spent in Oz coincide with the gold rush and subsequent 'gold fever' in Victoria. The first discovery was publicly anounced in 1851, and for several years would-be prospectors flooded into the area. In fact the greater percentage of gold was taken in the first few years, although in 1869 the largest nugget was discovered. There is a mailing list associated specifically with the Gold-mining areas of Victoria: AUS-VIC-GOLDFIELDS@ROOTSWEB.COM which you may be interested to join. Hope this helps a little cheers, Nandina ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Connor <mconner2@home.com> To: <AUSTRALIA-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2000 6:08 AM Subject: Need some advice > Hello Listers > > I'm new to the list and new to researching for information in Australia. > > My g.g. grandfather Thomas Connor (B:Oct.16,1842) was born to Thomas > Connor and Mary Stewart, somewhere in Ireland and died in Jan. 1901, > Minnesota, USA. In his obituaries it states that had been in Australia > for several years and worked as a gold miner in an unknown location. I > know that Thomas (Jr.) arrived in the US in 1869 so it does narrow down > somewhat the yeas he could have left Ireland and been in Australia. > > If his obituary is in fact accurate is there any suggestions as to how I > can get any information on Thomas (Jr.)? Knowing the present > restrictive immigration policies were similar restrictions in place back > then? Would someone coming into Australia be required to report to an > agency to obtain work permits etc.? etc. > > I know there was a great gold rush in Australia but are the years that > Thomas was there consistent with the years of the gold rush? Was the > gold rush in a particular area of State of Australia? > > So many questions and no place to start. Any suggestions would be very > much appreciated. > > Mike Connor > Abbotsford, British Columbia > Canada > > > ==== AUSTRALIA Mailing List ==== > Australians at War > Boer War Soldiers Awarded the Victoria Cross > http://www.southernx.com.au/secure/boersvc.html > > > ============================== > Create a FREE family website at MyFamily.com! > http://www.myfamily.com/banner.asp?ID=RWLIST2 >