Hi clairhaines
The family arrived in Victoria on "Francis Ridley" Jul 1853 Ref: B 043 page 002
Margaret 31
Isabelle Sarah 5
Michael John 8
Benjamin Isaacs 3 (possibly AKA Benjamin James)
No mention of Michael Snr.
In 1851 the Family are living in Chelsea, Michael Snr is not listed, but Margaret is listed as married.
I'd probably check the English Archives and see if he was in the Royal Navy.
He appears to have died somewhere between 1851 and 1854, as Margaret remarried in Victoria in 1854.
1851 census as follows:-
14 Robert Street, Chelsea Middlesex (Ref: HO107/1473 Fol: 152 page 4)
Margaret Fairbank Head 32 Married Middlesex Dressmaker
Michael J Fairbank Son 8 Sidney (Brit subj) Scholar
Robert C Fairbank Son 7 Sidney (Brit subj) Scholar
Benjamine J Fairbank Son 3 Cranbook Kent
Isabella S Fairbank Daughter 5 At sea Scholar
Mary Supple Servant 18 Killkenny Ireland House Servant
As Isabella was born at Sea, it would appear to be on the way back to England. The State Library of Vic holds microfiche for British subjects born aboard, wonder if that would be worth looking at. See if the ship is mentioned, and whether Michael was the Captain.
Regards
Genni
