John Smith

GEDCOM Note

John Smith's life and descendants are documented comprehensively in the book by his descendant, Noreen Barnes, 'Jenner-Smith family History, 1683-1995'

Like his younger sister Catherine, John also emigrated to the antipodes. His death certificate suggests he arrived in Victoria about 1853. The certificate lists his occupation as engine driver, but he also worked as a carpenter and miner.

He probably arrived in Victoria to seek his fortune on the goldfields. He and Margaret settled in the Ballarat district where they spent the rest of their life - the same area as his first cousin Adam Blair Smith. In 1877 he built a four-roomed cottage on 18 acres of land he had leased at Staffordshire Reef, south-west of Ballarat. In 1885 he became the owner of the land. According to a descendant, the building has not survived.