Thomas McClean was born circa 1849, Ireland to Richard and Eliza McClean and grew up in Dingle, County Kerry. It’s believed his father was posted to County Kerry while with the Royal Irish Constabulary and possibly the family was originally from County Tipperary, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Thomas was married to Sarah Gertrude Benner on Sunday, 15 October 1882, Dingle Parish Church, County Kerry, Ireland by the Rev. G.B. Anderson. The marriage entry states Thomas was “in business” and the son of Richard McClean formerly Head Constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary. Sarah is shown as the daughter of Arthur Benner, a solicitor. Witnesses of the marriage were Samuel E. Benner (believed to be a brother of Sarah’s) and a John Meek. 4)
When Thomas and Sarah’s son, Walter, entered the King’s Hospital School, Dublin in 1903, the admission papers reflected Thomas was a shopkeeper in Dingle at the time. It also stated that the family income was uncertain owing to the failure of the fishing industry (from which the locals in Dingle earned their living at the time) and that the family income had barely reached £100 the prior three years. 3) (Note: As King’s Hospital School was for children from low income families, the family income could have been downplayed on purpose to gain admission for their son.)
Thomas died, aged 57, on 9 July 1906, Dingle. The newspaper “The Kerryman” published a report on his death on 14 July 1906 as follows:
“The announcement of the death of Mr. Thomas McClean, which occurred on Monday (9 July) evening, created feelings of sincere and deep regret throughout this district. The deceased gentleman was in business in this town for many years, and by an honest and kindly disposition commanded the respect of all classes.
The funeral took place to-day, and the large attendance of the public testified to the esteem and regard in which deceased was held. Previous to the interment, which took place in the local churchyard, the remains were taken into the Protestant Church where the usual ceremonies were performed. The greatest sympathy is felt for Mrs. McClean in her sad bereavement.”
Thomas and Sarah’s second eldest son, Thomas, appears to have been the first in the family to have left for New Zealand. He sailed out of Plymouth on 25 April, 1903 on the SS Ruapehu arriving in Wellington on 8 June, 1903. Maud and her brother, William Arthur, were the next children to leave. They departed out of London on 10 August 1905 on the SS Paparoa arriving in Wellington on 30 September, 1905.
The year after her husband’s death in 1906, it appears Sarah made the decision to also leave Ireland sailing from London with her youngest child, Alec (then 14 years old), on 5 September, 1907 on the SS Rimutaka arriving in Wellington on 23 October, 1907. Sarah and Alec travelled in 3rd class (see newspaper report) and the ship made stops in Capetown and Hobart prior to arriving in New Zealand.
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