Hi Elizabeth At that time did Australia have a scheme to pay new emigrants? Were your ancestors involved in making fabric? In the late mid-1800's the American Civil War disrupted the cotton industry in England, precipitating emigration. Depending upon where in England your ancestors lived, I would suggest posting your question to the relevant county mailing list where those with local knowledge might be able to provide you with answer. Regards, Lynne Elizabeth Cook <[email protected]> wrote: > >My Wills family went from rural England to Geelong and other places in country Victoria in the mid 1800s.There does not seem to be any thought of gold panning. Why would people leave a job in England for the unknown? >Elizabeth

My Wills ancestors were farmers and/ stable hands. I have not found evidence they were sponsored migrants. Thank you for your reply Elizabeth > On 4 Oct 2019, at 10:32 pm, Lynne <[email protected]> wrote: > > At that time did Australia have a scheme to pay new emigrants? > > Were your ancestors involved in making fabric? In the late mid-1800's the American Civil War disrupted the cotton industry in England, precipitating emigration. > Depending upon where in England your ancestors lived, I would suggest posting your question to the relevant county mailing list where those with local knowledge might be able to provide you with answer. > > Elizabeth Cook <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> My Wills family went from rural England to Geelong and other places in country Victoria in the mid 1800s.There does not seem to be any thought of gold panning. Why would people leave a job in England for the unknown?