Margaret Parr : Short Biography

Margaret Parr, my 2nd Gr Grandmother was born c 1825 in Cavan.  Her immigration documents to Australia on the Sir Charles Napier in Apr 1842 says she is a native of Kingscourt. She is aged 16, Episcopalian, can read and write, a Nursemaid.  I have found a Baptism for a Margaret Parr, parents Young Parr and Elizabeth Car in Dec 1825 in Bailieborough. When she travels to Australia she uses her Mother's new family name of Kells - under the guardianship of her parents. 

Her Mother Elizabeth's Immigrant document states her  parents' names were Robert and Mary Carr deceased.  She was a native of Kingscourt, Episcopalian, could read, farm servant - aged 38. Elizabeth travelled with her husband Richard Kells and 2 younger children aged 9 & 11 (so born c 1831/33.)  Richard was a weaver/gardener, a native of Clones Monaghan. It is possible that Elizabeth might have been a little older than this. 

So I am trying to unravel this family situation. Two Australian documents say that Margaret's father was John Parr.  I don't know if  the names John and Young are interchangeable or if this is even the right Baptism. The big picture suggests this scenario:  Elizabeth Car/Carr is the Mother of Margaret Parr born c 1825.  The Father is either John or Young Parr - I cannot find a marriage so it might not have been a legitimate birth.  There is no mention of a first marriage to a Parr on Elizabeth's documents going forward. If it was a legitimate marriage John/Young must have died by c 1830. Elizabeth marries Richard Kells (can't find a marriage) and the family of 5 sail to Sydney - all using the name Kells.

Margaret marries almost immediately on arrival in Australia - barely 17 - to William Hartnett, Convict from Cork. They went on to have 13 children.