Michael Stanley O'Keefe (also O'Keeffe) was born in 1818 in Dublin, Ireland. His parents are listed as "unknown" on his death certificate.
He travelled to Australia at an unknown time and married Honora Gardiner on 14 November 1850 at St Francis' Catholic Church, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[1]
The ceremony was performed by Father Gerald Ward, the founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.
The Marriage Certificate states that the Groom is of Kilmore and the Bride of Melbourne. Witnesses to the marriage were John and Ann Basford who ran a boarding house in Queen St, Melbourne.[2]
Interestingly, the parents of Edward (Ned) Kelly (Australian Bushranger) were married in the same church on 18 November 1850.[3]
Michael and Honora began married life in Kilmore, Victoria then moved their family to Heidelberg, Victoria. They had seven sons and three daughters:
In 1856, Michael was working as a storekeeper in Heidelberg.[4]
By 1882, the family had moved to Smith St, Collingwood, and ran a newsagency.
In 1903, Michael lived at 97 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne and was listed as living by independent means. His wife Honora and children Alicia, Frances, John and William also lived there.
Michael Stanley O'Keefe died on 28 January 1906 at his son's residence, 553 Brunswick St, North Fitzroy, Melbourne.[5] [6]
He was interred privately at Heidelberg Cemetery, Victoria 30 January 1906.
This Michael Stanley O'Keefe may be the same as Michael O'Keefe who was a convict. It cannot be proven at this point.
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