"La Ferrolana" did NOT arrive in 1853; it arrived on 29th Dec 1849; with Bishop Serra NOT Salvado; with Ventura (Bentura), Rafael (Raphael); a Catalan, from Villafranca (Barcelona) Hortelano / Gardener; aged 46. In the New Norcia archives records him in 1856: as having left the Benedictines and returned to Spain. There has been some conflation of Raphael and Francisco, who – although from a different Catalonian town, Gerona - is said to be Raphael's nephew, who in 1853 arrived (with Salvado aboard ‘John Panter’) Parents Andres & Clara Figueras. 1856 went to Gerldton/Mullewa. Married 7-8-1862 Catherine Keefe(Sheehy) Children Narciscus DOB 1864; Franciscus 1866; Margaret 1869; Lucy 1872; Mary 1876; Susan Ellen 1878-1963. Literate & RC; whose story is retold by his descendant Pat Mills.

Tue 3 Jan 2023