Ida and Eva Franz

by Kerry
(Australia)

I am researching my family on my maternal grandmothers side. The information I would like to extend on is about two sisters who were born in Alsace Lorraine, Ida (1854) and Eva Franz (1862). There is little known about their parents but I have this bit of information, the girls mother was Whilomena Vernor and father was John. Both girls immigrated to Australia in 1877 . They travelled on the ship Lammershagen which set sail from Hamburg. The girls were 23 and 15 years old. They came with no other family. I would be interested in knowing why their family did not come. I am intrigued to know why these two young women travelled all the way to start a new life in Australia. My grandmother told me once that her grandmother was French speaking. I have researched the regions history and realise Gremany had taken control around six years before they left. I would lbe grateful to hear from anyone who may help me.