Hi Kay

James Cowin , bap June 20, 1830 , married Mary Kernush ( Actually Kerruish) Sept 5 , 1855 in Braddan , Father Thomas , Farmer , James a Ship Carpenter.

Cant find either on 1851 or 1861 census. However on September 27, 1861 they are in Liverpool boarding the ship " Royal Saxon " of the Mersey Line, and arrive in Melbourne , Colony of Victoria , Jan 3, 1862.
James is 29 and Mary 25. No children with them , but 2 people died on board. They paid their passage as they were not assisted passengers.

They have child Thomas Grant Cowan in 1862, Mary's name given as Kerrish, and the child dies the same year. Mary dies 1863 , her father is given as Unknown Kirnish.

The new marriage gives wife's name as Anne Maria O'Keeffe, childrens births show Ann Maria O'Keeffe of O'Keefe. All children names correct , except Lydia's second name is shown as Doherty.

James dies February 28,1909, parents are 100% correct !!

Death notice states at his residence "Ellan Vannin" , Master Shipwright. And names his 9 children including married names. , no mention of wife.(Amazingly the prior death notice is for James Clegg !!)

An Obituary in the "Record', Emerald Hill , Victoria , Sat, March 6, 1909, states he came to Victoria first in 1854 when quite a young man , he remained for only a brief period , returning to England within a few years (Can't be right !!) . As a young man he had been in troopships in the Crimea, India and China wars.

Also states he was the uncle of Doctors Cowen of Kew & Eaglehawk and Mr A Cowen . The Doctors are sons of Mr John Cowen , Isle of Man and Mr a Cowen is the son Mr William Cowen of the Isle of Man Railways.

If he had gone to Sydney , instead of Melbourne , could have researched more for you , but the State of Victoria does not have ships records online , like New South Wales has.

Neither he nor Mary are on the IOM to Australia immigrants list , which is strange as it was done by a Victorian.

That will keep you going for a while

David