Formed in 1977, the Ipswich Genealogical Society was Queensland’s first genealogical society. In its collection, the Society has a wide range of resources suitable for novices and experienced historians, with a special focus on Ipswich and surrounding districts.
One of the useful resources compiled and edited by the Society is the “Ipswich and District Pioneer Register Pre 1914”. Comprised of two volumes, and held by the Ipswich Libraries’, these registers contain the names of pioneering families who contributed to the early development of Ipswich and surrounding shires. These registers provide valuable information about well-known and lesser-known individuals including dates of birth, death and immigration, occupations and names of spouses and children.
Below is a photo of Mary (Minnie) McLeary who was the daughter of Samuel and Mary McLeary. Samuel arrived in Australia in 1864, travelling on the ‘General Caulfield’, and he worked in a variety of occupations.
Minnie (Mary) Brown (nee McLeary), Ipswich, ca. 1911 – Image Courtesy of Picture Ipswich
For anyone interested in receiving help with researching their own family tree, the Ipswich Central Library has a ‘Genies in Residence’ program. Each Wednesday from 10am to noon, a member from the Ipswich Genealogical Society is available to provide assistance and advice.