Alcorn, William (married Sarah Keys)

DESCRIPTION

NameAlcorn, William (married Sarah Keys)Date of Birth1807 (according to Death Certificate)Date of Death1884 OccupationFarmerBiographyWilliam Alcorn was born c.1807 in Omagh Tyrone, Ireland to James Alcorn and Mary (Nee Carruthers)

William married Sarah Keys (daughter of Thomas and Mary), and they came to Australia aboard ‘Kate’ in 1851, with their two children;

William James b.1848 (married Catherine Jane Gray, died 1916, Berry)
Robert b. 1849 (died 1911, Bega)

A daughter was born on the voyage –

Agnes b.1851 (married Daniel Harris, died 1874, Bega)

William’s shipping records state he was an agricultural labourer, could read and write, and his parents were both deceased.

Immigration information shows they came to the Illawarra to possibly join Sarah's cousin John & Eliza Keys (Coughlan), who were living in the area.

On board ‘Kate’ was another cousin, Margaret Keys. Margaret’s shipping records state she was joining her brother and sister John & Eliza Keys (Coughlan) residing in the Wollongong area.

William & Sarah's had more children in the Illawarra -

Mary Jane b.1853 Berkeley (married Samuel Alexander Anderson, died 1916, Jamberoo)
Sarah b.1857 (married Robert Lenton Ward, died 1937, Jamberoo)
Thomas b.1860 (married Florence Agnes King, died 1906, Casino. Thomas’ obituary stated that he was a cousin of A.C. Alcorn, who was the eldest son of Robert and Margaret Alcorn.)

In 1857, William Alcorn had a 10-year lease from Richard Dennis which was part of the Yallah Estate.

In September 1858, William donated 10/- towards the English church at Shellharbour. He also donated 5/- towards the Incubus Libel Fund.

October 1859, William signed a petition to support S D Gordon nominating for the N.S.W. government.

From 1876-1885, William was recorded as lessee of land owned by Darley. On the Bassett-Darley Estate Map the Alcorn Buildings can be clearly seen showing Saltwater Creek.

William died in April 1884, and was buried in the General Cemetery Shellharbour.

Sarah sadly died in 1898, a result of drowning in Saltwater Creek (off Minnamurra River), near their Clear Hills farm.

Source:

Shellharbour's Forgotten Cemetery and Selected Pioneers- W & T Nunan.

External LinkCourt case 1869Obituary William Alcorn 1884An Old Lady Drowned 1898Petition for Division of Shellharbour Municipality 1899Obituary Thomas Alcorn 1906Death Thomas Alcorn 1906Robert Alcorn Death 1911Death William James Alcorn 1916Obituary Mrs S Anderson 1916The Passing of the Pioneers - Anderson 1916Obituary Sarah Ward 1937

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CollectionPeopleFamilyWardAlcornPersonAlcorn, Sarah (Nee Keys)Related ItemBassett-Darley Estate Map A

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Alcorn, William (married Sarah Keys)