When passing through the old convict town of Campbell Town in Tasmania during a recent holiday, Neville and Ros Cordes noticed two bricks among many thousands in a memorial walk.

The bricks have become of great interest to KI historians and pioneer families.

“The bricks are interesting because the name Calnan is richly embedded in Kangaroo Island pioneer history.

“But nothing is known of the 18 year-old convict girl, Mary Calnan, nor of her marriage to William Donnelly, nor whether there were children from the union.

“Calnan descendant and KI Pioneers’ Association member, Anthea Taylor, has begun research in order to cast some light on the mystery girl who may well be related to the KI Calnans,” Mr Cordes said.