I was looking at a list of my immigrant ancestors (and some of my collateral lines), and everyone moved to Australia, except one. Margaret Russell, a child of my 3rd great grandparents. She was one of at least 8 children, and she moved to a country where we had no prior connections.

Margaret was born in about 1836 in County Donegal, Ireland, to Robert Russell and Elizabeth Mitchell.

When Margaret was about 16 years old, she immigrated to the United States. As far as I know she came here alone. I am still looking for her immigration details. Her brother Robert, immigrated to Australia in 1857.

In about 1859 she married James Crawford and they eventually made their home in Redfield, Oswego County, New York.

In 1860, James and Margaret were living in Osceloa, Lewis County, New York, with their 2 sons William and Robert. Both children were born in Vermont. I have found William’s birth record but I am still looking for Robert’s.

In 1862, another three of her brothers immigrated to Australia. In 1863, Margaret’s parents immigrated to Australia, with the last of her siblings.

In 1870, James and Margaret were living in Redfield, Oswego County, New York. They had 8 children living with them.

In 1880, James and Margaret had added another 2 children to their family.

By 1900, all the children had moved out or died. Margaret was listed as being a mother to 12 children, 7 still living. I can only account for the 10 children in the 1880 census, so there are 2 still unknown to me. These 2 children, as well as 3 from the 1880 are probably the 5 listed as being deceased by the 1900 census.

In 1905, James and Margaret are still living in Redfield with their youngest son David.

By 1910, I cannot locate James or Margaret. I have not found a death date or burial for them either.

Family lore says that Margaret had sent money for her parents to move to the U.S. a couple of times but they kept refusing to relocate at the time.

I wonder what made Margaret want move to the United States at such a young age all by herself? What attracted the rest of her family to move to Australia instead?