Sophia Markey - Philp

Sophia was the fourth child of John Nichols, 'First Fleeter', and Ann Pugh. Sophia was born 10 March 1806 being baptised on 24 April 1808 by William Pascoe Crook at St Johns Church of England, Parramatta. Sophia married Alexander Philp on 24 February 1823 at St Phillips Church of England, Sydney.

Alexander Philp had been charged with stealing and sentenced to 7 years transportation at the Plymouth Borough Quarter Sessions, Devon on 25 March l818. Alexander arrived in Sydney 9 January 1819 aboard the 'Globe', being assigned to William Walker, merchant of Dawes Point, Sydney.

Sophia and Alexander were residing in Pitt Street, Sydney in 1823. Their daughter Louisa was born on 14 February 1824. Alexander advertised in Sydney Gazette on 5 August 1824 that he had opened a Pastry Cook and General Baking Business at 6 Phillip Street Sydney.

Their son Alexander was born 17 September 1825 at Parramatta Road Sydney. By 1826, Sophia and Alexander were residing in Newcastle when more children were born. John Francis born 1827 died 1828, John James Francis on 10 September 1829, William on 26 August 1831 and George on 15 November 1832.

An 1830 map shows Alexander residing at 11 Pacific Street Newcastle where he conducted a bakery /inn. The business was advertised for sale in the Sydney Herald on 2 July 1832.

In 1836 Sophia was residing at Druitt Street, Sydney where she gave birth to daughter Ann. By 1839 Sophia and Alexander had parted company. Alexander opened a bakery at West Maitland on the corner of Day and Melbourne Street, which was advertised in the Sydney Gazette on 18 March 1839.

Sophia formed a relationship with Patrick Markey giving birth to their son Charles on 23 November 1839 at Johnsons Bay, Sydney where Patrick had a land grant. Sophia and Patrick's family grew when Susannah Victoria was born C1842 at Johnsons Bay, Peter C1843 and Patrick 20 November 1846. Sophia and Patrick's children's surname was legally Philp. By C1863 Peter and Patrick had changed their surname to Markey.

Sophia died on 18 August 1851 aged 45 years at Balmain, being buried on 20 August at Camperdown Cemetery, Sydney.

Sophia's husband Alexander and their children had settled at Raymond Terrace, Hunter River by C1849. Sophia's children to Patrick joined Alexander family at Raymond Terrace after Sophia died. Patrick Markey appears to have disappeared.

Alexander Philp died 14 October 1862 Millers Forest, Hunter River being buried in the Raymond Terrace Cemetery.

Sophia had in excess of 100 grandchildren so the family line is very large.