This name was my very first to research. I chose it as my paternal grandmother was the earliest family member known to me. She was born in Wollongong NSW in 1864.

After a trip to the Registrar, I purchased her birth certificate.

I then joined Richmond Villa (Society of Australian Genealogists) and in a little drawer, I found my grandmother's father and mother on a little white card, a note to say they were both buried in the old Wollongong Cemetery - Catholic Section. Also on another card, their eldest son, John, was shown to be buried in Berrima Cemetery. (NSW)

With my daughter Diane and grandson Ivan, we walked the Wollongong Cemetery, and after many hours, we found their grave.

With my family, another trip was to Berrima Cemetery to find John's grave. He was the first man killed in the Joadja Mine. He was only 22 years of age and left a wife and one child

James Kiernan had sailed a ship with another sailor to Australia in the 1850's to be used as a "60 Miler", to bring coal from the mines.

He then returned to Ireland and married Julia.

At the Archives I searched and found that Julia came out later on a ship named "Kate".

James became Harbour Master at Wollongong.

In Wollongong Library I found that he first owned a hut in Wilson Street, Wollongong. Another entry showed a hut and a house, another, a hut and two houses, and then a hut and three houses, all in Wilson Street.

In all of my research I found that James and Julia Kiernan had ten children. I have found every member of the family, who they married, how many children, how they died, and where they are buried, some even in New Zealand.

I could tell you more, but I guess that is enough for now