Martin McMahon

Martin McMahon arrived at the Swan River Colony aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" on 31 August 1853. He had been convicted of killing 2 sheep and was transported for 7 years. He was described as: - 'A man of medium height, approx 5ft 5 in, with light brown hair and a round face, fresh complexion and hazel eyes'.

An entry in the 'Character Book' from the Guildford Depot shows he was of excellent behaviour during the 7 months after his arrival. He was given a ticket-of-leave on 22 March 1854 and received his Conditional Pardon on 3 February 1855. This meant that he was a Free Man, however the condition was that he did not leave the country and was not to return to Ireland.

His brother John also arrived on the same ship.

Martin and Ellen's wedding was witnessed by John McMahon and Mary Coffey. The ceremony, held in York, WA, was performed by the Rev Francis Salvador Chapstein with the Rites of the RC Church. Both Martin and Ellen were living in Toodyay at the time.