INTRODUCTION - VERRALL VERITAS

Introduction
 

Verrall Veritas

Did it all begin here?

St. Martin's .... Courtesy of www.suffolkchurches.co.uk

The first recording of the name to date in England is that of George Verrell, Rector of St. Martins church at Ixning (Exning), Suffolk in 1229.

According to Bardsley the major period of surname formation was between 1250 and 1450, so Verrell certainly was an early starter in an era of French dominance in England. 

The origin of the Verrall name (and variants) has intrigued and confused family historians and etymologists for generations. Aside from dictionary derivations, numerous oral histories tell of a continental ancestry via either a mainly Norman or Huguenot connection, written records however speak to only an English origin, or do they?

Perhaps here?

Variations of the name, in terms of both locations and family can be found as far afield as Italy, Spain, Holland, Belgium and northern France, however almost certainly the origin for the name is the ancient site of Vederolae Verolae, the present day hamlet of St. Pierre adjacent to Tilly sur Seulles in Normandy. 

The transition of this name can be traced from a locational to a familial name, presumably for tax purposes or elevation to higher office within France, and then crossing the Channel with the Normans.

Given the connected history and proximity of Sussex and Normandy to each other it is not inconceivable the name was subsequently reinforced with later arrivals of religious (Huguenot) and economic refugees and trade (Gilbert V.)
 

Maybe here?

 

Courtesy of Sussex EUS 

Is this Thom's House from1332?

What is the story behind Thom atte Fayrehale? 

Does his home still exist today in Lindfield, Sussex?...... Maybe! 
How did we transition from Fayrehale to Verrall ? It is undoubtedly connected with the Verrall name, but is it an original source? Or is it a return to lost origins (George Verrell et.al), via a confused interpretation of an existing name of a newcomer to the area by a Sussex ear (the Taxators were locals) with an associated phonetically similar sounding location. Evidence for this hypothesis (confusion) can be found within the Sussex dialect, and the interchange of f's & v's. Undoubtly foreign clerics and a French speaking upper class and an English speaking lower class also played a role.

(More on this influence can be found in 'Family Names and Family History' by David Hey & 'The Sussex Dialect' by WD Parish). 

Whatever the case the spelling of the name has agonisingly returned to a close variation of the original as education improved and grammar standardised while the pronunciation remained fairly consistent.

Oral family history it seems, is not only in the spoken word, but the way it be spoke.

For a more detailed account on the Origins read Chapters 1, 2 & 3. (January 2013)

The other chapters following, deal with our family history some of which maybe relevant to other Eastbourne and Australian Verrall descendants.

Other Verrall Families (no content yet)

Chapter 12 - Miscellaneous 3 (no content yet)

Chapter 11 - Miscellaneous 2 (no content yet)

Chapter 10 - Miscellaneous 1 (no content yet)

Chapter 9 - Bob's Bush Ballards (no content yet)

Chapter 8 - CAPRICORN and BEYOND

Chapter Eight

Capricorn and Beyond


Robert Burnett Verrall

Robert Burnett Verrall (William Adam, Charles St.Vincent, George, Charles, William, Richard, Richard) was born 14 Jun 1915 in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. He died 7 Apr 1984 in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

Robert married Dulcie Isobel Ann Dingle daughter of John Lachlan Dingle and Ellen Jane Elizabeth Laverty 17 Jul 1950 in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Dulcie was born 28 Nov 1914 in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. She died 29 Sep 2000 in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

They had the following children:

i. Me, 

ii. Myself &

iii. I  

More Later........

Chapter 7 - SETTLING DOWN (under)

Chapter Seven

Settling  Down (under)

Chris Verrall & Yvonne Cottman

Charles St.Vincent Verrall (George, Charles, William, Richard, Richard) was born 6 May 1844 in On Board Ship St.Vincent. He died 28 Jun 1923 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.

Charles married Helen Robertson Adams daughter of William Adams and Allison Dickson 5 Aug 1869 in Ipswich Qld Australia. Helen was born 23 Apr 1848 in Newhaven, Midlothian, Scotland. She died 13 Apr 1919 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.

They had the following children:

i. Jane Verrall was born 18 May 1870. She died 29 Aug 1922.

ii. Mary Verrall was born 9 Dec 1871 in Normanby Reserve Qld  Australia. She was buried 25 Mar 1953. 

iii. William Adam Verrall was born 22 Jun 1873. He died 15 Apr  1950. 

iv. Sarah Verrall was born 2 Sep 1874. She died 11 Feb 1942.

v. Elizabeth Verrall was born 9 Apr 1876 in Mutdapilly, Queensland, Australia. She died 24 Sep 1953 in Queensland, Australia.

vi George Verrall was born 19 Sep 1878 in Mutdapilly, Queensland, Australia. He died 14 Mar 1892.

vii. Alexander Verrall was born 4 Mar 1881. He died 17 Mar 1941.

viii. Lilly Verrall was born 28 Mar 1883. She died 29 Sep 1961.

ix Charles Verrall was born 22 Mar 1885. He died 4 Dec 1922.

x Stephen Verrall was born 13 Jun 1887 in Mutdapilly,   Queensland,  Australia. He died 20 Aug 1965. 

xi Eva Verrall was born 1 Oct 1889 in Mutdapilly, Queensland, Australia.

Charles St.Vincent Verrall

Written by Yvonne Cottman From information and letters by .... William Hooper, Stella Saunders

(Grandchildren of Charles) and from Frank Verrall (Nephew).

Charles St. Vincent Verrall was born on 6th May 1844, aboard the ship "St.Vincent" enroute to Australia, arriving in Sydney from Deptford on 31st July 1844, the first child of George and Sarah Verrall. (Nee Keach)

He spent his first five years on the Clarence River at one or the other of three cattle properties on which his parents were employed by Ward Stephens. His father worked as a station hand, was noted as an expert rifleman and his mother, Sarah worked as a domestic servant.

After five years in new South Wales the family now consisting of four children, Charles, Mary, Thomas and Caroline.. journeyed to Queensland in a wagon drawn by bullocks. This was a long tedious, remarkable trek and some of it was remembered by Charles, then about five years of age but, unfortunately nothing ( as far as this writer knows) was recorded. Queensland was not yet a State and the promise of buying land and starting their own property was a great incentive for George and Sarah who, with stout hearts began their journey. They came all of those miles.. who knows how long it took them.. and Sarah gave birth along the way to her fifth child, George. They travelled over Cunningham's Gap making their way to Ipswich where there was an industry called "Boiling Down".. of cattle for Tallow to make soap. It is not known if George worked there.

The family soon settled on the land, rented a farm though it was not long before they were living on their own property at Redbank Plains. Being the oldest child, Charles was of great assistance to his parents,worked hard,increased the acreage, the stock and soon had a place of note.

In his young days, Charles felled and carried cedar from the Cedar forest at Mt. Mista, near Laidley, Qld, with his team of horses. On one occasion he became lost in the forest. It was incredibly thick with timber, the sun went down and he could not find his way out. It was two days before he appeared and he gave credit to his team of horses for finding the way out. He also carted coal to the shoot at the Bremer River, carted stone to Brisbane to build the Treasury Building and also to build the Lewis Thomas mansion on the hill at Blackstone... now demolished.

On 5th August 1869 Charles married Helen Robertson Adams, born in Scotland to William and Allison Adams (Nee Dickson). Many years later, Helen told her grandaughter, Stella Hooper, that her mother had written to her saying " Come home at once and marry Charlie Verrall as your father is building a house for you on the Reserve" as it was called those times. Later it became Mutdapilly.

Charles was a very handsome man. He was tall, powerfully built and with a ruggedness of the outdoor man. His eyes were light blue and they twinkled.. his complexion, though tanned by the Queensland sun was, underneath fresh and fair, a heritage from his English parents.

His disposition was most pleasant, his nature happy and he was endowed with a likeable sense of humour. He was not at all without talent in his attempt to mimic several of the interesting local characters... much to his family's enjoyment. He neither drank or smoked and was never known to lose his temper or to use bad language. Until his "old age" he possessed a good head of thick hair, had his own teeth and did not wear glasses... it is believed he had normal hearing but one story puts a question mark beside that.

It was told by Frank verrall. On one occasion, at church, Charles was sitting in the back row listening to the Minister give his sermon. He made a fine figure, in his white moleskin trousers and carrying a wide brimmed white hat.. He stood up and called out "Speak up Man, I can't hear you". He was offered a front seat and thereafter occupied it.

Another story from Frank was the time Charles went to Sydney, with one of his daughters, and while walking along Pitt Street, Sydney, he spotted a pair of grey horses pulling a dray.. he stepped out into the centre of the street, pulled up the horses, looked them over thoroughly, inspected their teeth etc, patted them and told the startled driver " You have got a fine pair of greys there".

He was noted for his kindness and generosity, concern for the welfare of his fellow man and a story bears this out.. related in a letter to the writer from William Hooper... Going along a bush track to his waggon to Ipswich to replenish his provivions his horse suddenly shied at something alongside the road. Thinking it must have been a snake or some such thing, Charles stopped the waggon and got out.. there he saw a youth under some bushes...clearly very frightened and cowering down. Charles spoke to him in a soft voice and encouraged the boy to come out from under the bushes. He explained to Charles that he had run away from his employer where life had been intolerable. Charles took him into the waggon and they continued the journey into Ipswich. Upon arriving there Charles took the lad to Cribb and Foote where they were able to get a hot breakfast as it was the custom those days that employee and customers alike could take advantage of the dining room. After completing his business in town Charles then took the lad to the Police Sergeant and told him the story. He then offered to feed and clothe the boy but was not in a position to pay wages. This was accepted by the Sergeant and agreed that things should continue in this manner until the

boy was eighteen. However, upon reaching this age the young man wished to stay on and was employed and paid wages, happy with life. For many years and even when the young man left to go elsewhere he visited the Verrall family in Mutdapilly many times in the ensuing years. His name was Daly and he lived to the age of ninety years. He had no relatives in Australia as he had run away at the age of thirteen years from his home in Ireland. He kept in close contact with the family and regarded them as his own.

Charles and Helen lived all of their married life at Mutdapilly and saw several of their family settle in the same area. The Mutdapilly school was just at the bottom of the paddock, the Methodist Church near by,.. also a small building that was used as a post office to which the mail was delivered each day.

Charles, like the other members of his family was a farmer. he grew numerous crops such as oats, millet, corn, potatoes, vegetables of all kinds.. an orchard of some distinction and in between the trees he had planted grapes. It is said that he had more than a hundred varieties. It was a treat for his grandchildren ( so says Stella Saunders) when visiting the farm to go with a bucket, fill it with grapes and eat until satisfied. Charles had a "touch" for gardening, was extremely productive and reaped a fine harvest.

He also kept a flock of sheep. Among them were pure merino for which he won first prize at the Ipswich Show for the best fleece. He had a fine dairy herd, kept pigs... quite a distance from the house... and further away on another property he ran cattle. He had a blacksmith shop (Smiddy worked with big belows and anvil, making horseshoes for his own horses.) All of his tools hung on a "Smiddy" wall, in good order and ready for use. Stella recalls that she loved to help work the bellows and watch the sparks fly.

He was a devoted son to his mother and many times as she was nearing her last days, he would ride on horseback from Mutdapilly to Riverview where she lived with her daughter, Charlotte Bassett, to see her. Several times after a hard ride he would arrive to find her somewhat recovered, sitting up in bed... this happened on several occasions and at one time he was heard to mutter : Die, die, woman,.. You'll never die". It was not meant to be unkind for that was not his nature. Sarah lived to be almost ninety-three years and died in 1913.

As he grew older himself,Charles could not understand why so many young people wore glasses etc. He was heard to say "False teeth, false eyes, false everything"... When he passed away at the age of seventy nine on 27th June 1923, he had a thick head of hair, all of his own teeth and had never worn glasses.

Charles and Helen had a family of eleven children... six girls and five boys. Of these, four did not marry and one died at thirteen from snake bite. They had thirty eight grandchildren.

William Adam Verrall

William Adam Verrall (Charles St.Vincent, George, Charles, William, Richard, Richard) was born 22 Jun 1873 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. He died 15 Apr 1950 in Queensland, Australia.

William married Sarah Annie Hodgson daughter of John Hodgson and Jane Denison 8 Feb 1904 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. Sarah was born 8 Jun 1882 in Queensland, Australia. She died 6 Sep 1952 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

They had the following children:

i. Herbert Verrall was born 23 Oct 1904 in Boonah, Queensland, Australia. He died 23 Oct 1904 in Boonah, Queensland, Australia.

ii. Edward Thomas Verrall was born 22 Feb 1906 in Boonah, Queensland, Australia. He died 27 Nov 1912.

iii. Harold William Verrall was born 29 Feb 1908. He died 24 Jul 1988.

iv. Dorothy Lillian Verrall was born 26 Oct 1909. She died 4 Jan 1991.

v. Mabel Rosamund Verrall was born 3 Dec 1910 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. She died 9 Oct 1997 in Dalby, Queensland, Australia.

vi. Vera May Verrall was born 7 May 1912.

vii. Arthur Hodgson Verrall was born 13 Jan 1914. He died 8 Jun 1991.

viii. Robert Burnett Verrall was born 14 Jun 1915. He died 7 Apr 1984.

ix Donald David Verrall was born 25 May 1917. He died 23 Sep 1992.

x Norman Alexander Verrall was born 3 Dec 1918. He died Feb 1994.

xi Keith Denison Verrall was born 14 Jan 1921 in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. He died 27 Aug 1984 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

xii Jean Eva Verrall was born 19 Jul 1922.

xiii George Adams Verrall was born 22 Apr 1925 in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. He died 16 Apr 2001 in Biggenden, Queensland, Australia.

Chapter 6 - The St. VINCENT

Chapter Six
  
The 'St. Vincent'

History

The St. Vincent was no stranger on the Australia Run, serving as an emigrant ship making voyages to Sydney in 1840, 1841, 1844 and 1849 and as a convict ship in three voyages to Sydney in 1837 and Hobart in 1850 and 1853, being the last ship to transport convicts to Tasmania (Ref 1,2.) 

St. Vincent was built in London in1829 (Ref. 4) , originally 410 tons and lengthened in 1844 and remeasured as 497 tons o.m. and 630 tons n.m . (Ref 1) 

Owners – Cruickshank and Co.

She was still afloat in1863.

Emigrant Ship “St.Vincent” shown here departing Deptford, England bound for Sydney, Australia ('The Illustrated London News', April 13th, 1844 Image No.14945) Remarkably this pen sketch records the exact moment in time that our family line seperated from its ancestral homeland.

The St. Vincent departed Deptford England on the 11^th April 1844, thence to Plymouth and Cork and arrived at Botany Bay, Sydney on the 31^st July 1844 (Ref. 3)

Newspaper Articles

The Shipping Gazette and Sydney general trade list; 1844

THE ST. VINCENT—by the St Vincent 263 emigrants have arrived who all appear to be in a healthy state. Of these 157 embarked at Deptford viz 8 single females, 20 single men, 30 married couples and 69 children. At Cork, 107 more were taken on board—38 single women, 22 single men, 13 married couples, and 21 children. The passage has been completed in 105 days; during which five infants under the two years of age have died, chiefly from change of climate; and four births have occurred. The vessels spoken by her on the passage had no connection with the Australian colonies. The St. Vincent departed Port Jackson for Bali, in ballast, on the 1^st September.(Ref.5)

Parramatta Chronicle (3/8/1844)

The St. Vincent has had a favourable passage from Cork, arriving here in 105 days. She crossed the line 30 days after sailing; made St. Paul's in 77 days and would have completed her voyage in 95 days, had she not been detained, when about 100 miles to the westward of Cape Otaway, ten days from light easterly winds. She has, however, arrived all in good health, having had no disease of a contagious nature on board. Five deaths occured, children under two years of age, and three births, since leaving Cork. Total number of emigrants 264, principally agriculturists, with the exception of, as high as we could ascertain, 21 or 22 mechanics, consisting of 8 stonemasons, 9 carpenters, 3 tailors, and 1 gardener. 157 were shipped at Deptford - 30 married couples, 8 single females, 20 single men, and 69 children, from 1 to 14 years of age: 107 were shipped at Cork - 13 married couples, 38 single females, 22 single men, and 21 children, from 1 to 14 years of age.

Illustrated London News (13/4/1844) (Ref. 4,6)

This Ship was also featured in several articles and sketches by the “ILN” on the 13^th April 1844, the very voyage George and Sarah Verrall undertook.

Description: An 'Illustrated London News' engraving showing life below deck on the emigrant ship 'St Vincent' (1829). Once used as a convict ship, the 'St Vincent' sailed from Deptford on 8 April 1844 with 165 emigrants to Sydney. She stopped in the West Country and at Cork, Ireland (known as Queenstown while under British rule) to take on additional migrants. Most of these emigrants had received special government grants that subisidised settlement in the colonies. The offer was open to families, single men 'of good character' and a proportion of single women between eighteen and thirty, who had been in domestic or farm service. The Illustrated London News stated 'The future well being and respectability of the colony [Australia] mainly depends on the good conduct of the working classes'.

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London

A. The hospital for females, fitted up with six bed places (one of which is prepared and devoted to accouchments.
B. The hospital for males, with four bed places.
Between A and B are 48 bed places, each 6 feet by 3 feet, for married people above, and for their children below, every one furnished with bedding, pegs for clothes, and each divided from the adjacent bed place by stout planks.
From the men's hospital (B) a bulkhead goes across the ship to separate that part of the vessel forward, which is appropriated to the single men and youths, whose bed places number 46, and every one sleeps alone in a bed 6 feet by 2 feet.
Between C and D are 24 bed places for married people (as on the opposite side), a bulkhead then goes halfway across the deck, and runs in the amidships to the stem, enclosing the apartment of the single females, and containing 24 bed places, each 6 feet by 3 feet, as two are required to sleep together.
Along the whole of the amidships are tables with fixed seats, and beneath the tables are plate racks and battens to hold small casks containing the daily allowances of fresh water, provisions, etc.

Emigration to Sydney

It will no doubt be in the recollection of many, that a Government grant was made to assist families and single men, agricultural labourers, shepherds, carpenters, smiths, wheelwrights, bricklayers, and masons, being of good character, to emigrate to Australia, limiting the number, we believe to five thousand. Amongst these were to be included a certain portion of single women and girls, between eighteen and thirty years of age, who had been in domestic or farm service.

Her Majesty's Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners entrusted that important undertaking to Messrs. Carter and Bonus, of Leadenhall-street, who have been engaged for several years in the management of emigration to Australia, Canada, etc., and from what we have witnessed, it could not well be in better hands. The trust is certainly most onerous as it respects the selection of individuals to be sent out, for it must be obvious to every one that the future well-being and respectability of the colony mainly depends upon the good conduct of the working classes.

There is, perhaps, something extremely melancholy at the idea of quitting our native land—perhaps for ever; the ties of kindred, the bonds of loyalty, cling round the heart, and true it is that absence only serves to strengthen the links that unite us to Home; for in whatever part of the world an Englishman may be, he still looks with ardent affection and longing desire to the spot of his nativity.

But with all these feelings, dear and precious as they are on second consideration, there is not so much to excite painful sensation in emigration as at first there seems to be. A large field is opened for skill and industry; there is a prospect of gaining a competency which promises a "welcome return"; and unhappily there exists in England so much real distress, that anything in the shape of improving the condition must be grateful to the feelings.

Several emigrant ships, under the direction of Messrs. Carter and Bonus, and superintended on the part of the Commissioners by Lieutenant Lean, of the Royal Navy, have already sailed—some for Sydney and others for Port Phillip—and very recently one hundred and sixty-five souls, men, women and children, embarked from the depot at Deptford, on board the St. Vincent, Captain John Young, of 628 tons (registered), and sailing the following day for Plymouth, where they received all who were assembled there from the western part of England. From thence she proceeded to Cork, to take in emigrants from Ireland, and quitted that port about the16th April, 1844, for Sydney.

The ships are expressly fitted out for the purpose in the London Docks, where an active and intelligent agent is in constant attendance, and persons desirous of obtaining the advantage of a free passage must address a letter to Messrs. Carter and Bonus, stating their name, age and calling; whether married or single; and if married, the number of children. The name and address of the clergyman of the parish must also be forwarded; the period on which they will be ready to embark, and to what port of the two they are desirous of going.

An answer is returned as to the eligibility of the applicants, and if they are not accepted under the bounty, a statement of terms of passage are given. Printed forms of application and testimonials are forwarded by the agents, which must be sent back for approval, together with a deposit of , one Pound for each adult, and 10 Shillings for each child between one and fourteen years of age, in payment for bedding (comprising a new mattress, bolsters, blankets, and coverlids), a small box, fifteen inches square for clothes, a knife and fork, two spoons, a metal plate, and a drinking-mug—all of which becomes the property of the emigrant on their arrival at the colony. They have also the free use of water-casks, and many necessary culinary articles. In the event of the passage not being granted the deposit is returned.

On being accepted, every male must provide himself with two suits of outside clothes, two pairs of strong boots or shoes, eight shirts, six pairs of worsted stockings, three towels etc.; and each female, besides outward garments, must possess a cloak and a bonnet. Those who desire comfort will also supply themselves with sheets and many little articles for essential use.

The between decks of the St. Vincent are 124 feet in length, the breadth at the main hatchway twenty-five feet three inches, the height from the deck that is walked upon to the deck overhead is six feet four inches. From the stern of the ship, right away to the stern on the larboard side, and back again to the stern on the starboard side, the space is entirely occupied by a double tier (one above the other) of standing bed places &c. according to the annexed plan.

On the day before the departure of the St. Vincent from London Dock, between one and two o'clock, we witnessed the spectacle of the emigrants taking their first meal on board (good mutton, beef, potatoes, and soup), and it certainly was a most interesting scene. The married people were very decently attired, though not so much as the single, for in several instances, among the latter, both male and female, there were indications of gentility in dress and manners that caused surprise.

Many had travelled long distances and, most had never before seen a ship; yet there was a display of cheerfulness that was remarkable - as if their minds were made up for whatever might betide, or that the novelty of their situations had produced an excitement, which cheered them in the hour of parting from their home, shores, and the friends they loved.

Mothers were sitting giving nourishment to their infants—all were cheerful—and perhaps a more healthy and robust set of boys and girls could not well be found. The principal portion of the youths and single men were also fine athletic fellows. Among the unmarried females were several really handsome countenances and good figures. If there is any gallantry at Sydney, where, it is stated, there are 15,000 males, and not more than between 3,000 and 4,000 females, many we beheld cannot be long after they arrived without husbands.

There was not the remotest indication of want or pauperism amongst the whole. One married woman, extremely handsome, was rather elegantly arrayed; she was tall and graceful, and her fashionable apparel set off her figure to great advantage. Her husband, a quiet, inoffensive-looking man, habited as a mechanic, but very neat and clean, glanced at his wife with solicitude and anxiety. Here was ample scope for the speculative mind; but what was their former history, there was not time to enquire.

We give the following statement of weekly allowance made to each adult during the voyage, the children being on half allowance. (The provisions, of course, are served out daily).

4 ¾ lbs of bread, 1lb rib beef, 1 ½ lb flour, ½ lb raisins, 6 oz suet, 1 pint of peas, ½ lb of rice, ½ lb of preserved potatoes, 1 oz tea, 1 ½ oz roasted coffee, ¾ lb sugar, 6 oz butter, 5 gallons and 1quart of water, a gill pickled cabbage, ½ gill of vinegar, 2 oz salt.

This taken singly, is adequate food, but when united in messes (say of ten) where appetites are not equal, is certainly not bad living, and we have not heard of any complaints. After the emigrants have arrived in the colony, they are allowed ten days free access to the ship, with all its advantages, should they not be hired or obtain employ at once. The number of emigrants the St. Vincent will convey is about 240, and from the general characteristic of those we saw on board, they will prove a valuable acquisition to the colony.

The St. Vincent appeared to be a fine vessel, well found and may the Almighty prosper her voyage!

THE EMIGRANT SHIP
From 'The Illustrated London News', April 13th, 1844

Thou semblance of the Angel Death,
With thy dark dismal shrouding wings,
Whose fluttering seems to catch the breath,
The very latest breath that wrings
The soul from body, thou art there
Like Hope, half soothing wild Despair!

In thee is promise that you'll bring
A change of season to the mind
Of those who chance a distant spring
For the dull wintry waste behind
Yet-what's the wintry waste they leave?
Alas! All hearts with theirs must grieve!

They quit their Native Land for life,
A land they'll weep for when away,
Sister and Brother-Husband-Wife
May never meet another day!
The living Death of absence, quite
Obscures the gloom of endless night!

Perchance to some hope will be true
And lead them on to riches-fame-
But all they loved, and all they knew
In early days, just like a name
Upon a tombstone will appear,
And memory, vainly, wish them near.

Some may return with power to bless
The weeping wretches left behind-
And see that home all loneliness,
Where they expected them to find!
The son for mother look in vain,
Then seek the wide-wide world again!

The signal's given-away to shore-
Break ties of every dearest kind!-
One parting kiss-one look-one more
Farewell to those now left behind!
Divorcer Ocean! Thou dost make
Many a gentle heart to ache!

Oh! Emigration! You are the curse
Of our once happy nation's race!
Cannot our Fatherland still nurse
Its offspring without taking place
Of dislocated men to make
More cause for thy disturbing sake?

Thou art an enemy to peace,
Thy restless hope but ends in grief-
When comforts in the mother cease
How can we hope step-dame's relief?
"Better to bear the ills we have"
Than seek in foreign climes a grave!
...............

References

Ref.1 
Departed Spithead 17/1/1853 and arriving 128 days later on the 26/5/1853 
The convict ships, 1787-1868, by Charles Bateson. 2nd ed. 1974.
Ref. 2   
Departed London 22 November 1852, arrived Hobart Town 30 May 1853, units carried - 58th, 65th (2nd Yorkshire North Riding) Regiment of Foot, - notes - convict ship, source – DNZ (This would account for the different departure dates). 

Ref. 3  
Qld State Archives – Agent's Immigration Lists – Film #2135) 

Ref. 4 
 ILN Reference, Yr. 1854, Vol. 25, Page 57. Index to Illustrations of ships, ports and places, and other items of general interest to Australia and New Zealand 1842 to 1891 inclusive. Compiled by Vaughan Evans, 1988. The Illustrated London News is available on microfilm produced by University Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbour, M1 48106 or at 3/32 Mortimer Street London, Win 7RA, England. (Their Reference: 0019-2422). 

Ref 5 
From the digitised version of the Sydney Shipping Gazette found at the National Library of Australia website. 

Ref. 6
'True Patriots All' by Geoffrey C. Ingleton, Published by Charles E. Tuttle Company, Rutland Vermont.

Chapter 5 - SUSSEX AND SEA

Chapter Five

Sussex and Sea

                     

  George Verrall (1807 – 1879)                                          Sarah Verrall (1821 - 1913)

                                                                                                               nee Keach

 5    George Verrall (Charles, William, Richard, Richard) was christened 5 Apr 1807 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. He died 12 Apr 1879 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.

 

George married Sarah Keach daughter of Abraham Keach and Susannah Hussey 27 Oct 1843 in Hailsham Sussex England. Sarah was born 1 Jan 1821 in Bridport, Dorset, England. She died 6 Dec 1913 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.

 

They had the following children:

i. Charles St.Vincent Verrall was born 6 May 1844. He died 28 

   Jun 1923.

ii. Mary Verrall was born 12 Nov 1845. She died 27 Apr 1918.

iii. Thomas Verrall was born 4 Jun 1847. He died 14 May 1908.

iv. Caroline Verrall was born 31 Oct 1848. She died 11 Jun 1933.

v. George Verrall was born 26 Jan 1850. He died 31 Jan 1937.

vi. William Verrall was christened 11 Mar 1851. He died 17 Mar 1891.

vii. John Verrall was christened 4 Dec 1852. He died 9 Mar 1924.

viii. Sarah Verrall was christened 29 Jul 1854. She died 28 Aug 1931.

ix. Phoebe Verrall was born 4 Mar 1856. She died 5 Oct 1949.

x. Ann Verrall was born 4 Oct 1857. She died 28 Feb 1915.

xi. Jane Verrall was born 15 Jun 1859. She died 22 May 1944.

xii. Elizabeth Verrall was born 6 Nov 1860. She died 13 May 1910.

xiii. Charlotte Verrall was born 23 Sep 1862. She died 6 Sep 1939.

xiv. James Verrall was born 3 Sep 1866. He died 15 Jul 1937

 

The Brisbane Courier 22 April 1879

Says the Redbank Plains correspondent of the Queensland Times :-" It is my painful duty to record the demise of Mr. George Verrall, who was the oldest settler in this district, having purchased his property on the Plains at the first sale of Crown lands, held about 1850. He owned some 800 acres on the Ipswich Reserve, taken up under the 1868 Act, besides increasing his first selection on the Plains by 1000 acres.
He arrived in Sydney in 1844, and resided on the Clarence river some time ; but, having met with disappointments in the mother-country, he left to try his luck in Queensland, and arrived in Ipswich about the middle of 1849, on the suburbs of which he engaged in agriculture for a few years. In the following year he purchased a farm on the Plains, where he resided up to the time of his death, and where he proved himself to be a most useful and energetic colonist. He was among the first to introduce the culture of wheat into West Moreton, and grew it successfully on Redbank Plains for many years. His orangery, &c, was the first of any note in this part of Queensland ; and, taken altogether, his farm was a model for neighbors to copy from. He has left a widow and fourteen grown-up children to mourn their loss, but, fortunately for them, they had a father above the average of mankind, who, by his industry, perseverance, and frugal habits, left them all well provided for. Mr. Verrall was born in Sussex, England, and was 73 years of age when died. He was a kind husband, an indulgent father, a successful farmer, genial and warm hearted, honest to the core, and carried with him the goodwill and kind wishes of all who knew him."

 

George and Sarah

Story by Yvonne Cottman.

A report on immigrants by John Young, master of the Ship "St.Vincent" which arrived in Sydney from Cork on the 31st July, 1844, showed that Sarah had given birth to Charles St.Vincent, the first of their 14 children, at sea on the 6th of May, 1844, and that George (farm servant) had been engaged by Ward Stephens of the Clarence River for a term of 12 months for 12pounds in wages and 1 and a half rations, the journey to the Clarence River to be defrayed by the Government.

LIFE IN NEW SOUTH WALES

The Richmond River was part of the Clarence River at that time and Ward Stephens owned two cattle stations, Runnymede and Virginia. 1n 1848 Runnymede consisted of 128,000 acres on which there were 6,000 cattle. Virginia was smaller being 16,000 acres running 1,500 cattle.
From 1844 to 1849 George and Sarah worked on three properties, Virginia, Runnymede, and Stratheden. During that time their second child Mary was born on 12 nov 1846, their third child Thomas in 1847; and their fourth child Caroline in 1848.

LIFE IN QUEENSLAND

George and Sarah then left the Richmond District and journeyed to Ipswich with their family by means of bullock wagons. Their fifth child George was born en route on the 26th January 1850.
They rented a farm from Mr. Fleming and engaged in agricultural pursuits, being the first to introduce wheat growing. 
In this they were successful, so much so that they were instrumental in getting Mr. Fleming to erect a flour mill. Their sixth child William was born in 1851; their seventh child John in 1852 and their eighth child Sarah on the 29th of July 1854.
After spending about four years on Mr. Fleming's property they purchased a freehold farm on the Redbank Plains and started cotton and wheat growing. This farm appears to be portions 40, 41 and 65 consisting of about 165 acres in the Parish of Goodna, County of Churchill. Whilst here their ninth child Phoebe was born on the 4th of March 1856; their tenth child Ann on the 4th of October 1857; their eleventh child Jane on the 15th of Jun 1859; their twelfth child Elizabeth on the 6th of November 1860; their thirteenth child Charlotte on the 23rd of September 1865; their fourteenth and last child James on the 3rd of September 1866.
On the 23rd of April 1868 George applied for selection 26, portion 285 adjoining the freehold farm, consisting of about 640 acres of second class pastoral land at sixpence an acre. His application was successful as he fulfilled all conditions under "The Crown Lands Alienation Act of 1868".
On the 23rd of February 1869 he applied for two more selections:
1. Selection 476, portions 83,84,88 and 89, Parish of Normanby, County of Churchill consisting of 333 acres of agricultural land at one shilling and sixpence an acre.
On the 18th of July a Deed of Grant was prepared in favour of George.
2. Selection 477, portions 99, 100,101 and 102, Parish of Normanby,County of Churchill consisting of 55o acres of first class pastoral land at one shilling an acre. On the 11th of September a Deed of Grant for this property was issued in favour of George.
He used these three selections for pasture and to graze his cattle.
It is interesting to note that portion 285 was coal bearing and that mining activities on this property go back to around 1854. In the late 1800's Mr. Alex Bennett drove a tunnel ( the original Belmont Tunnel) on the outcrop of a seam about a quarter of a mile north of 'Verrall's Tunnel'.
It is reported that Bennett later re-opened Verrall's Tunnel and that later he sold out his interests to H.G. Noble, known as Noble Collieries. A few years later the Bergins Seam was worked by a tunnel (Noblevale No. 2 ) driven into the estate across Six Mile Creek. Noblevale Tunnel was not abandoned until 1929. In 1939 James Gilliat opened a tunnel which he called East belmont, and in the following year he began a second tunnel known now as New Aberdare East. No. 2. The New Aberdare Company took over the property a year or two later and renamed it New Aberdare East. A washing plant was installed in 1940.
In a proclamation by the Department of Works dated at Brisbane on the 17th of February, 1871 and signed by William Henry Walsh, a block of land on the east boundary of portion 285, 49 chains and 16 links south from its northeast corner amounting to an area of 5 acres 3 roods and 4 perches was resumed for a deviation in the road from Redbank Plains to the main Ipswich Road.

George died on the 12th of April 1879, and was buried on his property at a burial site donated by him and which became the last resting place for a number of Redbank Plains settlers. It is hoped this old burial ground can be preserved as a memorial to the Pioneer Days of the Ipswich District.
Many references were made of George Verrall by people who knew him:
A proven, most useful and energetic colonist -
A kind husband and indulgent father -
A successful farmer , his farm a model for neighbours to copy from -
A genial, warm hearted man, honest to the core -
A man who carried with him the goodwill and kind wishes of all who knew him -
A man who possessed all the good qualities that man is heir to

           
Sarah passed away at the residence of her son in law, Mr. Fred. Bassett of Riverview on the 6th of December 1913 at the age of 92 years 11 months. Eleven of her fourteen children survived her. There were 78 grandchildren, 100 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Although Sarah was cared for by members of her family, she still remained active and independent, choosing to do her own chores and often travelling alone about the country to visit up until a short time before her death.
Frank Verrall relates that he remembers his grandmother quite well and that she had told him about her early days in Australia when aborigines used to come about to steal tea and sugar - she would fire a gun in the air and they would run away.
That she was a very capable and determined woman.
That she lived alone in a small house adjacent to the home of Alf and Mary Reed at Mutdapilly, doing her own chores, cutting her own firewood, coming and going as she pleased.
That when Bill Ruddle or anyone tried to take the axe from her to cut her wood she would object strongly and send them on their way.
That she became deaf to some degree and when doing the washing up she would crack the dishes.
That he loved to tease her by pulling her apron strings, she would usually reply "Get out of here you little varmint"
That because of failing health she finally consented to live with her daughter and son in law at Riverview.

George and Sarah Verrall were in every sense of the word, True Pioneers, a credit to their adopted homeland.

Chapter 4 - THE HARD YEARS

Chapter Four

The Hard Years

Research for this and following Chapters by Yvonne Cottman and Christine Verrall

      Richard was a very popular name amongst the various Verrall lines in Sussex around this time with a couple even marrying Marys to add even greater confusion for researchers. Thomas' Will below helps to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Richard Verrall

1 Richard Verrall was born Abt. 1680 in England.

Richard married Mary in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. Mary was born Abt 1684 in England.

They had the following children:

i Edward Verrall was born Abt 1708 in Sussex, England.

ii Thomas Verrall was born Abt 1710 in Sussex, England. He died Bet. 1 - 28 Jan 1766.

Thomas married Elizabeth Jenner 26 Sept. 1748 in Bishopstone, Sussex, England.

iii. John Verrall was christened 27 May 1711.

iv. Elizabeth Verrall was christened 18 Aug 1714.

v. Richard Verrall was born 10 Mar 1716. He died 19 Jan 1783.

The last Will and Testament of Thomas Verrall (above)

I, Thomas Verral of Excett in the parish of Seaford in the County of Sussex, shepherd, being weak in body but of sound mind and memory thanks be given to God for the same, do this first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty six make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say.

Fist I give and bequeath unto brother Edward Verrall,the sum of one guinea, also to my brother John Verral the sum of one guinea also to my brother Richard the sum of one guinea, also to my sister Elizabeth, the wife of John Sutton of Eastbourne in the county of Sussex one guinea which legacies I give to them and their heirs for to be paid within six months after my decease.

I also give unto my three brothers and sister aforesaid all my wearing apparel to be equally divided among them.

All the rest of my stock of sheep, household goods and all things whatsoever I...or after my just and lawful debts are paid, I give unto Elizabeth my beloved wife and to her heirs for ever whom I also make my wife Elizabeth full and sole executrix to this my last will and testament, utterley revoking.....all other wills before me at any time made allowing this and only this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.

 

The mark of Thomas Verral

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of those whose names are under written:

Thomas Acton, David Boys, James Cooper

Will proved in Lewes Archdeaconry Court 28 Jan 1766 (Archdeaconry of Lewes will A61/291)

Richard Verrall (1716 - 1783)

2  Richard Verrall (Richard) was born 10 Mar 1716 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. He was christened 19 Mar 1716 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. He died 19 Jan 1783 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.

Richard married Mary Marden daughter of John Marden and Mary 27 May 1740 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. Mary was born 3 Oct 1713 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. She died 25 Nov 1789 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.

They had the following children:

  i. Anne Verrall was born 30 Mar 1741. She died 22 Jan 1822.

ii. John Verrall was born 19 Feb 1742.

iii. William Verrall was christened 13 Jun 1747 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. He died 6 Aug 1748 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.

iv. Thomas Verrall was born 26 Mar 1748. He died 20 Oct 1797.

v. William Verrall was christened 30 Jan 1752. He died 27 Jan 1822.

vi. Edward Verrall was born 1753 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. He died 30 Jan 1755 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.

vii. Martha Verrall was born 5 Jun 1756 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. She died 28 Dec 1756 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.

viii. Martha Verrall was born 2 Jul 1758 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.

ix. Edward Verrall was christened 2 Jul 1758 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.

William Verrall (1752 - 1822)

3 William Verrall (Richard, Richard) was christened 30 Jan 1752 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. He died 27 Jan 1822 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

William married Ann Michel daughter of Richard Michel and Anne Bennett 5 Apr 1772 in Ninfield, Sussex, England. Ann was christened 15 Oct 1752 in Ninfield, Sussex, England. She died 29 Jan 1844 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

William and Ann had the following children:

i. William Verrall was christened 5 Jun 1772. He was christened 9 Oct 1798.

ii. Richard Verrall was born 23 Jan 1774.

iii. John Verrall was born 5 Jul 1778 in Ashburnham, Sussex, England.

iv. Thomas Verrall was born 28 Jan 1781 in Ashburnham, Sussex, England. He died 28 Jul 1819.

v. Charles Verrall was christened 1 Jun 1783. He died 21 March 1867.

vi. Mary Verrall was born 19 Jun 1785 in Ninfield, Sussex, England. She died 14 Feb 1857.

vii. Samuel Verrall was born 20 May 1787 in Ninfield, Sussex, England. He died 17 Nov 1855.

Samuel married (1) Elizabeth Allen 2 Dec 1816 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. Elizabeth was born Abt 1778. She died 15 Dec 1829 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

Samuel married (2) Mary Rich 6 Nov 1832 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. Mary was born Abt 1785 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. She was buried 14 Feb 1857 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

viii. Elizabeth Verrall was born 16 Aug 1789 in Ninfield, Sussex, England.

ix. James Verrall was born 8 Apr 1791. He died 17 Dec 1857.

x. Harriet Verrall was born 29 Sep 1793. She died 1844.

xi. Maria Verrall was christened 14 May 1797 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

William Verrall

From Sussex Family Historian Vol 3 No 1 June 1977

Verrally Relieved!

William Verrall, the subject of this short paper, was probably born at the end of 1751 and was baptised at Eastbourne 30 Jan 1752, one of the younger children of Richard Verrall (Born 1717, son of Richard and Mary Verrall of Eastbourne by his wife Mary Marden whom he had married in 1740.

It seems likely that William's early life was spent at Eastbourne, the family subsequently moving to nearby Hailsham, and when in his late teens William went to work at Ashburnham. Among the parish records at Ashburnham is an acknowledgement of settlement 17 Apr 1771 given by the parish officers of Hailsham and owning him as an inhabitant of Hailsham. He may have been a labourer on the estates of the Earl of Ashburnham and he was still there on 5 Apr 1772 when he married Anne, the 20 year old daughter of Richard and Anne Michel (Nee Bennett). The marriage had been necessitated by the birth of William and Anne's son William some nine months earlier: Indeed, the churchwardens and overseers of Ashburnham probably "obliged" the couple to get married for there survives no order for the child's maintenance.

Nine days after the marriage a removal order was obtained for both William and Anne, ordering their removal to Hailsham, but does not seem to have been carried out although there is a long gap between the birth of their first child William, and their second John in 1778. The last baptism of the family at Ashburnham was that in 1778 of a son John and sometime within the following eighteen months the family moved to Ninfield, a neighbouring parish where it stayed until 1791 and produced five more children. However, by 1793 they had all returned to Hailsham, later events indicating that he move was enforced, due no doubt to the large and still increasing family which William was desperately trying to support.

Back at Hailsham the family immediately went on parish relief, and in 1793 and 1797 produced two more children, making 10 and thus completing the family. By 1802 six of the children had left home and the family still on parish relief consisted of William and Anne, a boy aged 12 (James), a girl aged 13, (Elizabeth), a girl aged 7 (Harriet) and another girl aged 4 (Maria). During 1801 the family had cost the parish 33 pounds 2shillings and 1 and a half pence in relief and there survive detailed accounts of assistance given until 1821.

From the accounts we learn for instance that the rent of William's house was 4 pounds per year and with further research it should be possible to locate where it was. Elizabeth the daughter was, in 1802 in service with Mr. Parks and received money for clothes but by 1804, when she would have been about 15, was able to earn enough to support herself. In 1806 Harriet received 1shilling and 3 pence for a pair of mittens and the boy frequently was supplied with shoes. It is clear such shoes as were supplied over the years were of poor quality, frequently needing mending as the accounts show.

A detailed account is given below and is typical of each year's entry: only in 1807 does the total begin to fall, and this can be explained by the children leaving home for good.

Expenses from Easter 1802

June 15 Flour from Easter to May 17th 11s 5pence halfpenny.

June 15 Cloth from Mr. Kings 6s 8pence

June 25 ditto for his boy at Mr. Bodys 12s 1pence

Jul 19 Relieved with 6s

Wood from Mr. Currys 1pound 14s

Half a years rent due Oct 10th 2 pounds

Mending his boys shoes 3s 2pence

Nov 12 A great coat for Samuel 16s

A pair of Boot Shoes for Samuel 15s

one shirt for Samuel 5s

one quarter of barley 1pound 10s

Dec 6 a pair of shoes for the girl

at Parks 6s 6pence

1803

Jan 12 Relieved for the purpose of

Clothing the girl 10s 6 pence

one overcoat for his girl 4s

Feb 9 one pair of stays for girl 7s 6 pence

one petticoat for girl 3s 9 pence

2 changes for girl 7s 10 pence halfpenny

Mar 31 2 shirts for Samuel 10s 10 pence

Apr 4 1 sack of oats 11s

1 pair of breeches for the boy 8s

Doctor 1 pound 10s

Half a years rent due Lady day 2 pounds

____________

Expense Last Year 15pounds 19s 4pence

Expenses from Easter 1803

Jul 20 Shoe mending 6pence

Aug 2 One bed gown & pair of stockings

for Elizabeth at Master Parks 5s

One Tuck Apron for Elizth 2s 6pence

2 changes for the Girl Elizth

at Parks 7s 6pence

Nov 1 1 sack of peas 1 pound 4s

Dec 1 " ' 1 pound 4s

1804

Jan 24 one pair of shoes for the girl

at Mr Parks 6s 6pence

one pair of Stocking for girl 2s

Rent 4 pounds

one load of wood 1 pound 12s

Expenses last Year 9 pound 4s

During the period 1801 - 1822 William Verrall received a total of 207 pounds 16shillings and tenpence from the parish by way of grants and relief; when he died in 1822 his widow Anne was allowed 2s 6pence a week and she survived until the beginning of 1844 and died at Hailsham aged 96.

William Verrall their eldest child is probably the man referred to in the following extracts. It seems likely that he served in the Sussex Militia: (see below)

Money received on Parish Account

1802 Aug 29 Recd of the parish of Ewhurst for young Verrals Family 46 weeks at 4s 6p per week from

the 7th of June 1801 to the 24th of April 1802 (the time the Sussex Regiment was

disbanded which cancel'd the order from any reimbursement from Ewhurst 10pound 7s

1804 Oct 23 paid for young Verralls child at Catsfield 20 weeks from 2nd June to the 21st of October

2pound 10s

1804 Dec 27 paid for young Verralls child at Catsfield 9 weeks from October 21st to December 23rd

1pound 2s 6p

What could have happened was that young William was balloted to serve for Hailsham parish, took his wife and child with him to camp at first Ewhurst, for a short time before being disbanded, was able to support his family for a year or more, and then possibly rejoined as a regular soldier leaving his family to survive on relief. It seems likely that his son, another William was the same as:-

1804 Aug 6 Children put out - William Verrall to Thomas Sharpe of Eastbourne Memorandum - Mr Sharpe hired the boy for a year, from the 6th August 1804 to the 6th of August 1805, and the Parish agreed to pay Mr.Sharp for the year -3pounds 18s

In 1809 yet another of William and Ann's sons was " on the parish". Charles Verrall, born in 1783 at Ninfield, married in 1805 Lydia, daughter of William and Sarah Crowhurst. At Easter 1809 the family consisted of one girl aged 4, one boy (George) aged 2 and an infant (possibly Sarah who was not baptised until December of that year). Between Easter 1809 and Easter 1826, Charles received 234 pounds 13s and 9 pence in relief from the parish!

So between them, over about 20 years, William Senior, William and Charles his son, had over 500pounds for support. It is small wonder that Hailsham parish was enthusiastic about emigration - for about 15 pounds each person, it could dispose for good of this regular drain on the parish rates.

Sources

Hailsham parish records at the East Sussex Record Office. Acc1333. Information kindly supplied by Lady Teviot.

Eastbourne Male Census of 1803 - Eastbourne Men at War - A Census of all males aged 17 - 55 in 1803

On the 18th May 1803, Britain declared war on Napoleon and France and the adult male population of Eastbourne together with all other Parishes in Sussex was called upon by a Variety of Defence Acts to defend their country. These lists of men provide a virtual census of the resident adult male population at that time. Under those defence acts, the Lord Lieutenant was responsible for recruiting men for the services (especially the Militia) and Parish Officials were required to compile and return to him lists of all men in the Parish between 17 and 55.

Codes Used

1. Men aged 17 to 30, unmarried, no children under 10

2. Men aged 31 to 50, unmarried, no children under 10

3. Men aged 17 to 30, married, or with two children under 10

4. Remaining men aged between 17 and 55 years

Verrall H Servant Voluntary Infantry (1)

Verrall John Labourer (1)

Verrall Samuel Labourer Voluntary Infantry (4)

Verrall Thos Labourer Voluntary Infantry (3)

Verrall Wm Husbandman (1)

Verrall Wm Husbandman Voluntary Infantry (4)

Verrall Wm Labourer Voluntary Infantry (1)

http://www.rootschat.com/history/hastings - 1066 Genealogy Powered by Mambo Open Source Generated: 24 June, 2008, 08:17

Charles Verrall

  (1783 - 1867)

4 Charles Verrall (William, Richard, Richard) was born in Ninfield, Sussex, England. He was christened 1 Jun 1783 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. He died 21 Mar 1867 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

Charles married Lydia Crowhurst daughter of William Crowhurst and Sarah Roberts 26 May 1805 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. Lydia was christened 21 Aug 1785 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. She died 21 May 1861 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

They had the following children:

i. Martha Crowhurst was born 23 Mar 1805 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

Martha married Frederick Jones 10 May 1825 in Hailsham Sussex England.

ii. George Verrall was christened 5 Apr 1807. He died 12 Apr 1879.

iii. Sarah Verrall was christened 24 Dec 1809 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. She died 22 Feb 1879 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

iv. Jane Verrall was born 9 Jul 1812 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. She died 13 Aug 1832 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

v. Anne Verrall was born 26 Dec 1814. She died 23 Feb 1895.

vi. Mary Verrall was born 27 Apr 1817 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

vii. William Verrall was born 23 May 1819. He died 28 Sep 1906.

viii. Caroline Verrall was born 11 Oct 1821. She died 18 Aug 1904.

ix. Charles Verrall was born 7 Dec 1823. He died 1 Feb 1904.

x. Lydia Verrall was born 8 Feb 1828 in Hailsham, Sussex, England. She died 3 Dec 1833 in Hailsham, Sussex, England.

Charles Verrall

From Sussex Family Historian Vol 3 No 1 June 1977

In 1809 yet another of William and Ann's sons was " on the parish". Charles Verrall, born in 1783 at Ninfield, married in 1805 Lydia, daughter of William and Sarah Crowhurst. At Easter 1809 the family consisted of one girl aged 4, one boy (George) aged 2 and an infant (possibly Sarah who was not baptised until December of that year). Between Easter 1809 and Easter 1826, Charles received 234 pounds 13s and 9 pence in relief from the parish!

From the County Archivist Mar 2000

The Hailsham parish register, as you have noted, records the baptism on 4 June 1805 of Martha Crowhurst, who was born on 23 March 1805. The parents are not stated. Unfortunately marriage entries before 1837 do not record the names of parents.

However, a document among the Hailsham parish records (PAR 353 34/2/3), dated 18 May 1805, is a warrant for the arrest of Charles Verrall, who, on the examination of Lilly (sic) Crowhurst of Hailsham spinster, was adjudged to be the father of the female bastard child delivered of Lilly on 23 March last at the house of her father William Crowhurst of Hailsham. No doubt 'Lilly' is an error for Lydia.

This seems to resolve the matter: the child was Charles's, and he married the mother of his illegitimate child

Charles and Lydia's three lads, first George, then, William and Charles escaped England and emigrated to Australia in 1844 and 1849 respectively, never to return. George settled in Queensland, William and Charles in South Australia.

the Wish

May I see England,Though years go by Before I realise my dream; before I die May I see English cities, English towns, Green fields and meadows, the sweeping Downs, The village of my dreams, flowers in spring, Quiet country lanes, hedgerows. May I see everything That I have dreamed of. Should you ask me why I long so much for these. I will reply: "I have roots in England. Old though they be, They are not dead, but rise and live in me." Author Unknown

This poem is an excerpt from the book:
'Charles & Sarah Verrall & Their Descendants'
Compiled by D. Adams & G. Green

(This Charles is George's brother)