Stephen Joseph White, Free Settler “Rubicon” 1832

Stephen White was born in 1794 at Ore, Sussex. Unfortunately his baptism has not been located. He was the son of William White and Sarah nee Tolhurst, and grandson of William White and Ann Thatcher. William jnr was recorded as a Yeoman and Inn Keeper. They had ten children: Sarah born 1788, William 1790, Thomas 1792, Stephen 1794 (not registered), Joseph 1795, James 1796, Robert 1799, Ann 1801, George 1804, and Barbara 1807. All were baptized at Ore.

William White was born 2 February 1766 at All Saints Hastings, and died on 13 November 1837 at Ore, aged 72. Sarah died 15 May 1827 aged 60. William’s will dated 2 February 1838 named his sons and daughters, Stephen was mentioned as one of the sons.

Why Stephen left his comfortable home in Ore for a life at sea is not known. At the age of 27 he sailed on the Blenden Hall as a member of the crew in 1821. He is referred to by name in a diary, written by the Alexander Greig the Captain's son. The first entry for Stephen was when he showed some kindness to the young maid named Peggy[4] during the wreck. Not as complimentary was the next report when he lodged with a turbulent character by the name of James Smith. This association was to lead Stephen into great trouble later on Tristan da Cunha.

Stephen Joseph White is very well known in his own right. There are several books that he is named in and one book in particular is, "Steven White and, The Blendan Hall". If you just put The Blendan Hall and Endurance Island, it will also tell you about his life, and when he met his Future wife," Margaret Peggy Vass Anderson". and their life on the Island of "Tristan Da Cunah' Stephen was one of 9 children at that time living in Ore, Sussex. England. http://www.tasfamily.net.au/~schafferi/index.php?file=kop69.php