Susannah Dengate

Susannah Dengate

Susannah Dengate

BIOGRAPHY PREVIEW:

Susannah Dengate was born 30 October 1822 and was baptised 27 November 1822 in the Wesleyan Chapel, Rye, East Sussex, daughter of John and Sarah Dengate.

Rye Methodist Chapel, 2004

In March 1838 when Susannah was 16 years old she, her parents and siblings set sail for new a new life in Australia onboard the ship 'Westminster'. Her uncle Edwin Dengate had already emigrated to New South Wales. The family arrived three months later, landing in Sydney on 26 June 1838. Once settled in Australia, John found employment as a fruit grower.

At the age of 27, on 10 September 1850, Susannah married William Smith, a fruit grower like her father. The couple had four children; Rosina Susannah, Serina, Sarah Blanche and William John Smith.

Some time between 1836 and 1854 William Smith purchased a portion of his father's property on Governors Arms Road (now North Rocks Road). The portion was just over 13 acres in area.

Four years after the couple had married William died at the age of 41 on 10 March 1854 in his home in Pennant Hills, New South Wales. He was buried 12 March 1854. The following notice appeared in the 16 March 1854 Sydney Morning Herald:

'At his residence, Pennant Hills, on Friday last, March 10th, Mr William Smith, eldest son of William and Isabella Smith, in the 41st year of his age, leaving a wife and four children to deplore their loss.'

William's property was dispersed by the following Letter of Administration held at the New South Wales Probate Office: '19 April 1854. This day by Act of Court Administration of all and singular the goods and chattels credits and effects of William Smith was granted to Susannah Smith the widow of the deceased. Intestate died 10 March 1854. Goods sworn under £300. Letters of administration dated the 20th April 1854'.

On 14 January 1857 Susannah married for the second time to George Ward, who was noted as a mariner and widow on the marriage certificate. Witnesses to the marriage were Samuel Portland(?) and Eliza Smith, a possible relation of her first husband. The marriage took place in St Andrews Scots Church, Sydney, New South Wales.

George Ward had been employed as a mariner up to the point of his marriage to Susannah. He worked from 9 January 1854 on the Barque "Acacia", a 227 ton ship, where he worked as Second Officer, until 28 March 1855. This ship plied between Sydney and Geelong in Victoria. George then went to work on the brigantine "Margaret" - a 142 ton ship with around 10 crew and between none and four passengers. He ceased working on this vessel in August 1856...

This is a preview - to read the full story see the December eJournal 2007