CAPTAIN MICHAEL VICARY

Born in Wexford, Ireland in 1793.  When the family had to flee their home it is said that they hid the baby Michael in a chest of drawers.

He had a distinguished military career in 63rd Regiment, marriage to Eliza Murrey in Ipswich in 1815 followed immediately by a posting to West Indies where losses from disease was appalling. His family survived this with one child born during the voyage, one in Antigua and one in Barbados. Returning to UK in 1820 the Regiment were sent to Ireland where another child was born in 1820.  Michael appears to have had some leave in Leeds where two children were born in 1822 and 1824. After a short spell in Portugal  in 1827 the Regiment returned to UK and duty in Windsor Castle, followed in 1828 orders to act as guard detachments for convict ships going to New South Wales and Van Dieman's Land.   

Michael, his wife and six surviving children travelled on board the Countess of Harcourt (along with a detachment of troops and 184 male prisoners) arriving in Hobart Town on 23rd November 1828 after 97 days at sea.