Sarah Hortle

Sarah Lucas Born on 7th December, 1803

Compiled by Betty Taber from Material supplied by Russel Barton and Brian Hortle.

Sarah Lucas was born on the 7th December, 1803 on Norfolk Island and was the eleventh child of Nathaniel and Olivia Lucas. Sarah was baptized at Norfolk Island on 28th February, 1805 just before leaving the Island. The officiating clergyman being Henry Fulton. She was the second daughter to be called Sarah, the first being one of the twins that was killed by a falling tree when Nathaniel was clearing ground near their home and a burning tree fell on the house. Many families in those days used the name again if the first child, with that name died.

Sarah moved with her parents from Norfolk Island, in the first evacuation, arriving in Sydney on 11th March, 1805 on the "Investigator". She lived with her parents at Sydney and Liverpool until 1817 when he mother, Olivia took all the younger children with her to Launceston, Sarah remained in Van Diemans Land for the rest of her life.

On 27th January, 1820 she married James Hortle by Banns and license at St. John's Church, Launceston. James, the son of James (Senior) and Ann Hortle, was born at Sydney on 1st November, 1799. James and Ann with their family, had arrived on Van Diemans Land in 1804 with Lieutenant Governor Paterson and was one of the founders of Port Dalrymple. He was given a tract of land west of the Tamar where he was speared four years later.

In 1814 James Junior received a grant of 50 acres on the Lake River, Norfolk Plains. In 1816 he received a further 200 acres, and in 1821, 350 acres; in 1820 he leased pasture land from the Government. James joined the Police Force early and became Division Constable for Norfolk Plains - both East and West - his Lake River grant being in the East, and later grants, West.

During the early "twenties" he lived with his family on Quamby's Brook (west), and up to 1829, when he was appointed Chief District Constable with headquarters in the eastern and more populous part. In 1830 he exchanged his western farm for "Inglewood", near Longford, where he lived apparently, until his death. He held office as Inspector of Stock in 1836 in addition to his police duties.

It will be seen by this short history that Sarah and James were becoming more affluent and had a busy life. Sarah and James had 7 children during the 19 years they were married. They were mostly born in the vicinity of Norfolk Plains, now Longford. Sarah died on 26th June, 1839 at the age of 35 years. She was buried at Christ Church, Longford on 29th June, 1839.

James married Ann Brumby (nee Mansfield) on 24th September, 1854 at Christ Church, Longford, but there were no children from this marriage.

Children Of Sarah and James Hortle

A. Thomas Hortle E. Henry Hortle

B. John Hortle F. William Hortle

C. Ann Hortle G. Charles Hortle

D. James Hortle