The Journey

Jonathon Piper  Jonathon Piper was born in Sydney on January 1, 1813, and in 1835, he entered into matrimony with Ann Bates in Pitt Town along the Hawkesbury River. A year earlier, his sister Sarah had wed Joseph Spears, the descendant of a Rum Corps member granted 60 acres of land on Brisbane Water in 1829.   This parcel, located at the headwaters of Cockle (Kincumber) Broadwater, was precisely identified at 50 chains and 50 links from the mouth of Kincumber Creek. Evidently, a strong family bond existed between the Spears and Piper clans, likely prompting Jonathan and Ann to relocate to Brisbane Water in 1829. Joseph Spears named his property Brisbania, while the Piper residence found its place at the southern end, marking the eastern boundary of the current Gosford suburb known as Yattalunga.   The Piper family left an indelible mark on the local landscape, waterways, and land use, distinguishing themselves as committed, full-time residents rather than absentee landlor...

  Early Grave Sydney Mary Turner: A Life of Struggle and Survival In 1785, Mary Turner, a young servant to the Collins family in Pershore, Worcestershire, was caught stealing a few humble articles of clothing from their daughter, Nancy. Attempting to flee down the High Street, she was swiftly apprehended and arrested. Born to William Turner, a farm laborer, and his wife Betty Ferrett, Mary was convicted on March 5, 1785, in Worcester and sentenced to seven years of transportation. After enduring time on the prison hulks, she was sent to Australia aboard the Lady Penrhyn . A lingering mystery surrounds Mary due to her use of the alias "Wilkes" "Wilks" (sometimes spelled without the "e"). The ship's officers, lacking proper records of the prisoners’ details, contributed to the confusion. Some speculate she adopted the name in a moment of panic, while others wonder if she had a connection to Richard Wilkes, a fellow convict tried in the same court session...