Hello everyone, I'm new to this list, and am a bit of an ignoramus re. New Zealand, I'm afraid. I am related to Michael Mansfield, who arrived in Hobart Town as a seaman on the Ocean when settlement in Van Diemen's Land began, in 1804. He became harbour pilot for Hobart and his sons became whaling captains. They were William John Mansfield, John Mansfield, and Thomas Mansfield. I've found a number of references to a "Thomas Mansfield", fisherman, on your site, thanks to the wonderful people who've transcribed old newspapers. This Thomas could be a grandson of Michael, as he appears to have been born around 1847. A Captain Mansfield is also mentioned at a whaling station with two Tasmanians working for him. Any further information on these people would be wonderful: I'd love to hear from descendants, especially! I've been unable to find the death of either 'my' Thomas or 'my' William John Mansfield in Australia, and wonder whether any of you may have access to early BDMs? William John was born in 1810, and Thomas in 1818 in Van Diemens Land. William John was also a widower when he married for the second time in 1855 in Hobart, and his first wife is recorded as travelling with him on his whalers. There is no record of that first marriage in the Australian records, nor any children, so I wonder if she was from New Zealand, whether they had children registered in New Zealand, and whether any of these Mansfields died in New Zealand. I hope someone can help, and I have lots of information on the family in Australia, if anyone is interested. Best wishes, Carol Brill, Melbourne.