George Gerard, Free Settler "Thetis" 1848

• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Jun 24 2019, 7:54:48 UTC

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Biography George Gerrard was born May 1813 and christened on 23 May 1813 at St Margaret's Tintinhull Somerset England. His parents were John and Grace Gerrard. His father's occupation was Labourer. George married Mary Parker on 19 October 1833 at St Margaret's TinTinhull Somerset England. George and Mary settled in Tintinhull and had three daughters, Grace, Zipporah and Emily. In 1848 George, Mary and their 3 daughters emigrated to Australia on the ship Thetis. They arrived in New South Wales Australia 27 May 1848. George obtained employment as a Shepherd at Yulgilbar a property on the Clarence River. Their son, Joseph Gerard was born here on 24 Decdember 1848. George and Mary and their children continued to live at Yulgilbar where they had 3 more children; Elizabeth Gerard born 04 August 1850, Frances Gerard born 08 June 1854 and George William Gerard born 28 May 1856. George William Gerard may have died at Yulgilbar when he was an infant. No record of his death or burial has been found Around 1860 George purchased Freehold Land at Smith's Flat near Copmanhurst and the family settled here. In August 1863 George acquired another 160 acres as a Free Selection. Refer to newspaper article below George Gerard was very involvled in the community at Smith's Flat. As well as his farming pursuits, he was the postmaster, on the local school board and involved with the church. In 1866 he donated 5 pounds towards a Non Vested National School House and Teacher's House at Smith's Flat[1]. George Gerard died 11 September 1891 at his home at Smith's Flat. George and his wife Mary are buried together at Copmanhurst cemetery. "FREE SELECTION." Clarence and Richmond Examiner and New England Advertiser (Grafton, NSW: 1859 - 1889) 25 Aug 1863 [2] FREE SELECTION: THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH. George Gerard, Smith's Flat, Grafton 160 acres, county of Clarence, parish of Smith's Flat, north west from portion 2 lot 17, sale 12th April, 1859, on the north of the road from Copmanhurst to the Upper Clarence, and adjoining his freehold purchase.

"Family Notices." Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW: 1889 - 1915) 29 Sep 1891 [3] DEATH: GERARD.-At his late residence, Copmanhurst, on September 11, 1891,GEORGE GERARD, aged 78 years 4 months (a native of Somersetshire, England), leaving a wife, one son and five daughters, and a large circle of friends, to mourn their loss. No more info is currently available for George Gerard. Can you add to his biography?

Sources Christening[4] George Gerrard was christened 23 May 1813 at St Margaret's Tintinhull Somerset England. His parents were John & Grace Gerrard. His father's occupation was Labourer. (Reg.No. 12 File No. 36415) Marriage[5] George Gerard married Mary Parker 19 October 1833 at St Margaret's Tintinhull Somerset England Witnesses: William Priddle & Thomas Stone. Reg. No. 60/File No. 35715 England Census 1841 Click Here[6] to view Immigration to Australia [7] [8] GERRARD George age 34,and family Thetis 1848 Sydney and/or Newcastle Reel 2135, (4/4786) Page 45 Death[9] 6702/1891 GERARD GEORGE (parents) JOHN & GRACE (GRAFTON) BurialGerard, George age 78; Burial Copmanhurst Cemetery Row E, Lot 11