What Is My Name? : Stace Tree

What Is My Name?
Stace Tree

THE STACE FAMILY TREE

The Stace Family Name

The surname, ‘Stace’ is essentially an English name and a shortened form of Eustace. With this history, Eustace has connections with Irish ancestry and is derived from Greek terminology meaning ‘fruitful’ (Reaney and Wilson, 1995).

Before the Norman Conquest in 1066, surnames were unknown in the United Kingdom. It was not until the 13th and 14th Centuries that they eventually became commonplace. Surnames were mostly used by landowners, and by 1250 the surname became hereditary and passed down through subsequent generations (Bull, 2008).

In Ireland, the original Eustace name is most distinguished and originates from the Anglo-Norman invasion. Although uncommon today, in 1659 the Eustace family was so prevalent that it was among the principal Irish names in four baronies of County Kildare. The dramatic elimination of the great Eustace families is due to their constant support of the Irish side in the struggles of the late 16th and 17th centuries (GoIreland, 2006).

In England, the Eustace family lived in southeast Oxford since the 1200s. They are descended from Eustace, Count of Boulogne, who was chief ally of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 (Eustace Families, 2006).

While ‘Eustachius’ was first recorded in 1066 at Hampshire in England, the surname ‘Stace’ was first recorded in 1147. This early recording details a man by the name of ‘Stacius’ living in Essex. It should be noted that ‘Stacius’ is the Latin form of Stace (Reaney and Wilson, 1995).

With this in mind, the surname of Stace has a large number of spelling variations, which makes research difficult. These include Eustace, Eustice, Eustis, Stacy, Stacee, Staceley, Stacet, Stacey, Stacie, Stacye, Stasey, Stacie, Staicey, Staycey (House of Names, 2006).

The Stace Surname Distribution Map

In 1881, a thorough census was conducted on all the residents of England. The place of birth of each individual was recorded and 561 entries were obtained for the Stace surname (Rootsmap, 2007). These details were compiled into a database, which is displayed in the table and distribution map over the next two (2) pages.

On viewing the Surname Distribution Map and Data Table, it can easily be established that the Stace family dominated the southeast extremity of England. The county of Sussex held the greatest concentration of Stace family members, whilst neighbouring Kent, Surrey and London also held a large proportion of individuals.

With this in mind, in can be concluded that the origins of the Stace family are centred in the county of Sussex. The Stace ancestors who are the topic of this research were all born and raised in the northern area of Sussex. The small parishes of Waldron and Northiam hold particular significance relating to this branch of Stace ancestors.

Stace Surname Distribution Map (Rootsmap, 2007).

Stace Surname Distribution Data (Rootsmap, 2007).

The County of Sussex

Sussex is a large historic county that covers the southeastern area of England. It is bordered by Surrey and Kent to the north and the English Channel to the south. In 1189, Sussex was divided into East and West sections. (GENUKI, 2006).

Map of Sussex on the England Isle (Wikipedia, 2007).

The position of Sussex has placed it firmly in the forefront of English history. From the landing of the Romans at Anderida, to the Viking raiders who preyed upon the land and providing the foothold for William the Conqueror (Ye Old Sussex, 2006).

According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, the origin of Sussex can be traced back to 477. At this time the Saxons landed and founded the Kingdom of the South Saxons. Before the Saxon invasion, Rome had controlled much of southeast England since 50 BC (Miller, 2008).

Sussex was originally called ‘Suosexe’ and later changed to ‘Suoseaxnaland.’ Although there are a number of spelling variations, the definition behind this title can be translated as ‘the land of the South Saxons.’ In reference to the 477AD invasion, many towns in Sussex are derived from Saxon origins (Sussex Place Names, 2006).

Below is the Coat of Arms for the County of Sussex in England.

Sussex Coat of Arms (Earthy Family History, 2007).

Topography and History of Waldron

Waldron is a village and extensive parish situated within the center of East Sussex. The Waldron Parish was bordered by Mayfield to the north, Chiddingly to the south, Framfield to the west and the County of Heathfield formed the western border. Waldron lies 50 miles south of London and in the 19th Century the population fluctuated between 840 and 1,400 (Weald, 2006).

The location of Waldron Parish in the County of East Sussex (GENUKI, 2007).

The deep connection that Waldron has in history is evident through the creation of the All Saints Anglican Church. Originally founded in 1195, the church was thought be built on the location of an older Saxon structure and is still standing today (UK Church, 2007).

In the past Waldron has also been known as Waldrene, Waldene, Wealden Waldryn and Waldern. The old English translation of Waldron is ‘Waldrene’ which means ‘Storehouse in the High woodlands’ (SurnameDB, 2007).

Map of Waldron and surrounding area in 1724 (Weald, 2007).

William Stace and Mercy Stevenson

Around the year 1684, William Stace was born in the Parish of Waldron, East Sussex. At this stage, the details of his parents are unknown, and further research is needed to uncover those secrets. From the naming tradition of England at the time, it can be assumed that William’s father was also named William.

In his early twenties, William met a young lady by the name of Mercy Stevenson. The surname ‘Stevenson’ or ‘Stephenson’ has old English origins and translates to “Son of Steven.” It was a common name in Rotherfield at the time. Rotherfield was situated north of Mayfield, which bordered Waldron (Behind The Name, 2007).

Mercy was a number of years William’s junior and their relationship soon developed. It appears that this development was ahead of schedule and by mid 1706 William Stace was born out of wedlock.

The next year, on 15th April 1707, William and Mercy were married at the All Saints Anglican Church in Waldron (East Sussex Records, 2007). William was 23 at the time, whilst Mercy was just 19 years old. The newly married couple settled down in the Waldron Parish, where they continued to raise a family.

The Children of William and Mercy Stace

Once settled in Waldron, William and Mercy had just three (3) children, two (2) sons and one (1) daughter. All three (3) children were baptised at Eastbourne and Waldron, East Sussex (East Sussex Records, 2007).

1. Wife and Children of William STACE;

A	William	STACE	m	15 Apr 1707	Waldron
			b	Abt 1684	Waldron
			d	3 Feb 1731	Waldron
A1	Mercy	STEVENSON	b	Abt 1688	Waldron
			d	25 Sep 1708	Waldron
	B1	William	c	10 Sep 1706	Eastbourne
			d	28 Sep 1729	Waldron
	B2	Richard	c	5 Feb 1708	Eastbourne
	B3	Mary	c	20 Sep 1708	Waldron
			d	25 Sep 1708	Waldron

On 20th September 1708, Mercy gave birth to their first daughter, Mary Stace. Unfortunately due to complications with the birthing process, both mother and daughter passed away five (5) days later (East Sussex Records, 2007).

It is a sad reflection of the times, when at the age of just 25, William Stace, had to bury is young wife and newborn daughter. On 26th September 1708, Mercy Stace and Mary Stace were buried together at the All Saints Anglican Church in Waldron.

William Stace and Mary Fuller

Facing the heavy prospect of raising three (3) children as a single parent, William met Mary Fuller. It is unknown if this was a marriage of love or necessity but just eight (8) months after the passing of his first wife, William married Mary Fuller.

On 17th June 1709, William Stace and Mary Fuller were married at the All Saints Anglican Church in Waldron. The marriage records indicate that both parties were from a small village called Frantfield, which lies west of Waldron (East Sussex Records, 2007).

According to a website titled “John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller – Squire of Brightling”, Mary Fuller was connected to a powerful family that first arrived in Waldron around 1575 and took over the lease of Tanners Manor. The family fortune was made by acquiring land through the Fuller Foundry at Heathfield and supplied cannons to the British Government. Many of the Fuller males entered politics and became Members of Parliament.

In the late 17th Century, the Fuller family acquired a coat of arms and was a symbol of their status as country gentlemen. The motto Carbone et Forcipibus – “By Charcoal and Tongs” reflects the history as ironmasters (John Fuller, 2007).

It appears that after facing the horrible circumstances of the death of his wife and daughter, William found comfort and strength in the daughter of a wealthy and important family.

The Children of William and Mary Stace

William and Mary had seven (7) children, five (5) sons and two (2) daughters.

2. Wife and Children of William STACE;

A	William	STACE	m	17 Jun 1709	Waldron
			b	Abt 1684	Waldron
A2	Mary	FULLER	d	3 Feb 1731	Waldron
			b	Abt 1688	Frantfield
			d	25 Sep 1747	Waldron
	B4	William	c	10 Apr 1710	Waldron
	B5	Elizabeth	c	10 Aug 1711	Eastbourne
	B6	Mary	b	14 Jan 1714	Waldron
	B7	John	c	11 Oct 1714	Eastbourne
			d	7 Dec 1792	Northiam
	B8	James	c	23 Jun 1718	Eastbourne
			d	3 Sep 1787	Northiam
	B9	Edward	c	1 Feb 1719	Eastbourne
	B10	Charles	c	6 Dec 1720	Eastbourne

On 3rd February 1731, William Stace passed away at Waldron and was later buried at the All Saints Anglican Church. Sixteen years later, his second wife Mary passed away on 19th August 1747 and was buried in the same cemetery (East Sussex Records, 2007).

Topography and History of Northiam

Northiam is a village and parish situated below the southern border of Kent, and located within the northern boundaries of East Sussex. The Northiam Parish was bordered by Ewhurst to the west, Beckley to the east, Brede to the south and the County of Kent was the northern border. The navigable Rother River separated this northern border. Northiam was not a large town and by 1861, it had a population of just 1,200 residents (GENUKI, 2006).

Northiam has an ancient connection to English history. This foothold in the past can easily be observed through St. Mary’s Church, which dates back to 1090 and stands on one of the highest points in the town (UK Church, 2006).

In the past Northiam has also been known as Northian, Northyham and Hiham. The old English translation of Northiam is ‘Hiham’ which means ‘Water meadow where hay grows’ (Domesday, 2006).

The location of Northiam Parish in the County of East Sussex. (GENUKI, 2006)

James Stace and Elizabeth King

In the year 1718, James Stace was born in the Parish of Eastbourne, East Sussex. James was the third son of William Stace and Mary Fuller and was baptised on 23rd June 1718 at Eastbourne. The baptism record is limited and only states that James was the son of William (East Sussex Records, 2007).

In his early twenties, James met a young lady by the name of Elizabeth King. Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry and Mary King and also born in Northiam. Elizabeth was only one year older. Like his father’s first marriage, it appears that this development was ahead of schedule and a shotgun wedding was forced upon the young couple. This is evident by the dating below.

On 11th July 1743, James and Elizabeth were married at Mountfield in East Sussex. According to the Sussex Marriage Index, James and Elizabeth were both from Northiam (SFHG, 2007). Just four (4) months after the wedding, Mary, their first child was born.

James and Elizabeth stayed in Northiam their entire lives as James made his trade farming the fertile land.

The Children of James and Elizabeth Stace

During their time in Northiam, James and Elizabeth had twelve (12) children, seven (7) sons and four (4) daughters.

3. Wife and Children of James STACE;

B8	James	STACE	m	11 Jul 1742	Mountfield
			c	23 Jun 1718	Eastbourne
			d	3 Sep 1787	Northiam
B8.1	Elizabeth	KING	b	1 Sep 1717	Northiam
			d	25 Nov 1797	Northiam
	C1	Mary	c	5 Oct 1743	Northiam
	C2	Judith	c	10 Oct 1745	Northiam
	C3	Unbaptised	d	22 Jan 1747	Northiam
	C4	Henry	c	16 Nov 1747	Northiam
	C5	Elizabeth	c	3 Apr 1749	Northiam
	C6	James	c	28 Jan 1750	Northiam
			d	12 Feb 1753	Northiam
	C7	William	c	25 Jan 1751	Northiam
			d	10 Apr 1752	Northiam
	C8	Jacob	c	18 Feb 1853	Northiam
	C9	Grace	c	25 May 1755	Northiam
	C10	James	c	13 Jul 1757	Northiam
			d	18 Mar 1838	Northiam
	C11	Charles	c	10 Jun 1762	Northiam

On 3rd September 1787, James Stace passed away at Northiam and was later buried at St. Mary’s Church. Ten years later, his wife Elizabeth passed away on 26th November 1797 and was buried in the same cemetery (SFHG, 2007).

James Stace and Mary Ann Bridger

In the year 1757, James Stace was born in the Parish of Mayfield, East Sussex. James was the fifth son of James Stace and Elizabeth King and was baptised on 13th July 1757 at Northiam Parish Church. Growing up, he followed in his father and brothers’ profession as a farmer in the Northiam area.

In the early 1780s whilst James Stace was in a town called Mayfield in Sussex, he met a young lady by the name of May Ann Bridger. According to the Surname Database, the surname ‘Bridger’ has old English origins and translates to “one who builds bridges.” It was a common name in the Mayfield area at the time.

It is uncertain of Mary’s exact lineage, but it appears that she was the daughter of John and Mary Bridger from Mayfield. This point can be strengthened by the previously mentioned naming order where Mary’s mother and her first-born daughter were named Mary. Additionally the naming order sequence would mean that the second born male would be named after the mother’s father, which was John.

In reference to this, a common naming tradition was to incorporate the mother’s maiden name into the name of the second born male. In this case it was John ‘Bridger’ Stace.

On 16th March 1783, James Stace and Mary Ann Bridger were married in the Anglican, St. Dunstan’s Parish Church at Mayfield. St. Dunstan’s Parish Church was founded in 960 by Saint Dunstan, the Arch Bishop of Canterbury. Originally a wooden structure it was replaced with stone in the 12th Century and has since gone through numerous repairs and additions. Through fire and lightening damage over the years only a section of wall and the foundations survive from the original construction (Roughwood, 2006).

The Children of James and Mary Ann Stace

Not long after marriage, James and Mary moved to another township to the east called Northiam. Once settled in Northiam, James and Mary had five (5) sons and four (4) daughters. At the time of writing, it can be confirmed that a majority of the children were baptised at St. Mary’s Church in Northiam.

4. Wife and Children of James STACE;

C10	James	STACE	m	16 Mar 1783	Mayfield
			c	13 Jul 1757	Northiam
			d	18 Mar 1838	Northiam
C10.1	Mary Ann	BRIDGER	b	Abt 1760	Northiam
			d	27 Mar 1836	Northiam
	D1	William	c	1 Jan 1784	Northiam
	D2	Mary	c	15 May 1785	Northiam
	D3	John Bridger	c	4 Feb 1787	Northiam
	D4	Anne	c	6 Jan 1789	Northiam
	D5	Jacob	c	11 Jul 1790	Northiam
	D6	Elizabeth	c	21 May 1793	Northiam
	D7	Sarah	c	21 May 1793	Northiam
	D8	Charles	b	Abt 1801	Northiam
	D9	James	b	Abt 1802	Northiam
			d	18 Jan 1866	Wingham

On 27th March 1836, Mary Ann Stace (Bridger) passed away at Northiam and was later buried at the Northiam Parish Church. Two years later, her husband James passed away on 18th March 1838 and was buried in the same cemetery.

James Stace and Philadelphia Clifton

James Stace was born around 1802 at Northiam, East Sussex, in England. James was the last child of James Stace and Mary Ann Bridger. He was twenty (20) years younger than his oldest sibling and followed his family’s trade as a farmer.

Later in life James claimed to be of the Baptist religion. The Baptist Church of Northiam, although no longer in use, was built in 1810 (UK Church). The small and delightful chapel is still standing today but was constructed eight years after James was born. It is possible that James was christened at St. Mary’s Church, but converted to the Baptist faith later in life.

At the early age of 15, James Stace was working on his father’s farm, when he met an older woman by the name of Philadelphia Clifton. Philadelphia or “Phyllis” was four (4) years his senior and it seems James was the toy boy of a country relationship.

Philadelphia Clifton was born in Hawkurst, Canterbury, Kent in the April of 1797 and baptised into the Anglican faith at Wadhurst in Sussex on 5th May 1797. She was the daughter to John Clifton and Philadelphia Evans of Wadhurst. It should be noted that Wadhurst lies on the border of Kent and Sussex. With this fact, references sometimes state that Philadelphia is from Hawkurst in Kent, which is a county close to Wadhurst, Sussex.

On 21st November 1818, James Stace married Philadelphia Clifton in Northiam. James was just seventeen (17) at the time and his older bride was twenty one (21) years old. The timing of the marriage and the birth of their first child may explain this rare age difference of a younger groom.

There is just six (6) months difference between the marriage of James and Philadelphia and the birth of their first daughter in June the next year. With this in mind, the bride was already three (3) months pregnant to James and they seem to have been involved in a shotgun wedding.

Children of James and Philadelphia

After marriage, James and Philadelphia settled down in Northiam where James refined his trade as an agricultural labourer. They had twelve (12) children, three (3) boys and nine (9) girls. The first eight (8) children were born in England.

The first seven (7) children were born in Northiam, Sussex but baptised at the Holy Trinity Church at Poynings. The unusual event of this is that Poynings is fifty kilometers west of Northiam and lies within West Sussex boundaries.

The Holy Trinity Church in Poynings is belongs to the Anglican Church and dates back to 1087. It stood for 300 years before it was rebuilt in 1389, with the titles at the base of the altar from the original Norman church. The replacement church is a Perpendicular style in the form of a near perfect equi-cruciform design (Roughwood, 2006).

Poynings is six (6) miles north west of Brighton and in 1861 only had a small population of 261. Today the town has not suffered a dramatic increase with industrialisation and the community is only 280 in number (GENUKI, 2006).

The reasoning behind this unusual tradition is a mystery and the Stace family enacted the journey for every baptism. As seen below, many baptisms were doubled up and they ranged in age from one (1) month to four (4) years old.

Name	Date of Baptism	Age
Philadelphia Stace	17 Oct 1819	4 months
Mary Ann Stace	16 July 1826	4 years
Eliza Ann Stace	16 July 1826	3 years
James Stace	20 Aug 1826	2 years
Edward Stace	20 Aug 1826	7 months
Ann Stace	2 Dec 1827	1 months
Henry William Stace	11 Oct 1829	3 months
Rhoda Stace	4 Sep 1837	4 years

Poynings Holy Trinity Church. Parish Baptisms 1813-1910 (SFHG, 2007).

5. Wife and Children of James STACE;

D9	James	STACE	m	21 Nov 1818	Northiam
			b	Abt 1802	Northiam
			d	18 Jan 1866	Wingham
D9.1	Philadelphia	CLIFTON	b	Apr 1791	Wadhurst
			d	22 Apr 1878	Wingham
	E1	Philadelphia	b	2 Jun 1819	Northiam
			d	Dec 1879	Sydney
	E2	Mary Ann	b	22 Nov 1821	Northiam
			d	14 Feb 1888	Hinton
	E3	Eliza Ann	b	2 Sep 1822	Northiam
			d	3 Mar 1900	Morpeth
	E4	James	b	21 Apr 1824	Northiam
			d	5 Nov 1891	Laurieton
	E5	Edward	b	9 Jan 1826	Norhtiam
			d	15 Dec 1910	Walcha
	E6	Ann	b	29 Oct 1829	Northiam
			d	27 Apr 1903	Nambucca
	E7	Henry William	b	12 Jul 1829	Northiam
			d	1 May 1920	Wickham
	E8	Rhoda	b	10 Jul 1833	Northiam
			d	4 Dec 1887	Wingham
	E9	Louisa Adelaide	b	15 May 1836	Northiam
			d	26 Mar 1909	Taree
	E10	Sarah Ann	b	17 Aug 1838	At Sea
			d	1918	Sydney
	E11	Rachel	b	1840	NSW
			d	1840	NSW
	E12	Harriet C	b	8 Jan 1842	Middlehope Parish
			d	1918	Auburn

Leaving England Behind.

In the early 1800s, Australia was suffering from a dramatic shortage of laborers and in 1832 the Government initiated the first of the assisted migration schemes. Single women, laborers and their families were transported from England and received financial payment from the Australia government. The transportation was chartered and the immigrants received financial payment for their services. In the initial three (3) years of the original migration program, 3074 individuals received assistance from England to Australia (NSW State Records, 2006).

In 1835, this scheme changed slightly where employers acting through agents and the Australian Government brought out people with agricultural skills. There were two (2) main systems: The Government ‘Wakefield” and The Bounty Immigration Schemes. The Second Government Immigration Scheme system was in place from 1837 to 1840
(NSW State Records, 2006).

By 1838, James and his family were living with his brother Charles Stace in Northiam. The Stace family was selected as a part of the Second Government Immigration Scheme to travel to Australia and the family made preparations to leave.

In April 1838, James, Philadelphia and their nine (9) children left Northiam and travelled north into Kent. They reached the town of Gravesend, which is situated on the River Thames in northwest Kent. At this location on 23rd of April, the Stace family boarded the Woodbridge emigrant ship bound for Sydney. Philadelphia was already six (6) months pregnant at the time and later gave birth to Sarah Ann during the ocean journey. The immigration records indicated when the pregnant Philadelphia boarded the ship, she was in a weak state of health (Woodbridge, 1838).

The Woodbridge Journey

At 7.00am on 7th May 1838, the Woodbridge set sail and headed towards Sydney with a modest breeze and fine weather.

The Woodbridge left England weighing 516 tonnes under the guidance of Captain W. B. Dobson. It was carrying 79 adult males, 68 adult females, 45 children (7 years to 14 years) and 75 children (under 7 years). There were a total of 267 passengers on board. A majority of these were farming families from Sussex, Kent and Wiltshire.

The vessel was owned by Tebbut & Co and the shipping agent was Lachlan & Co. The Superintendent Surgeon was A. Stewart. R. N, with Dr. Inches as the treating doctor. On 22nd July 1838, the vessel landed at Cape of Good Hope for supplies and by the time it arrived in Sydney there were ten deaths. Two adults and eight female children died during the trip. In direct contrast to this, three (3) children were born. On17th August 1838, Sarah Ann Stace was born on board the Woodbridge and survived the rest of the journey (Woodbridge, 1838).

On 15th September 1838, the Woodbridge anchored in Sydney Cove and all passengers departed on the 18th. All parties were transported to the Immigration Building situated on Bent Street, before they were required to leave and settle in New South Wales.

The information detailed was recorded by Alexander Stewart, MD. He was the Superintendent Surgeon for the Woodbridge and completed a log of the journey (Woodbridge, 1838).

Below is a transcript of the shipping records for the Stace family. The records include names, age and brief details.

Stace	James	36	With wife, Farmer, Laborer. Read & Write, born Northiam Sussex
	Philadelphia	37	With husband, Needlewoman born Hawkurst Kent nee Clifton
	Philadelphia	19	with parents, listed with unmarried females
	Mary	17	with parents, listed with unmarried females
	Eliza	15	with parents, listed with unmarried females
	James	13	with parents
	Edward	11	with parents
	Ann	9	with parents
	Henry	7	with parents
	Rhoda	5	with parents
	Louisa	2	with parents
	Sara Ann	1m	with parents (born during Voyage)

Shipping Records of Stace family aboard the Woodbridge (Woodbridge, 1838).

The “Married Male Immigrant” records for James Stace indicated the following:

James Stace – MARRIED MALE IMMIGRANT

Arrived by the Ship:
    - Woodbridge

Brought out by:
    - Government.

A native of:
    - Northingham in Sussex. Bertha & Charles Stace of the same place.

Calling:
    - Farm Laborer.

Age on Embarkation:
    - 36 years.

State of bodily health, strength, and probable usefulness:
    - very good health.

Religion:
    - Baptist.

Remarks:
    - Can read and write.

Topography and History of Largs

Largs is a small village situated in the Hunter Valley between Paterson and Morpeth. It lies within the County of Durham, which is connected to the Land District of Maitland; this is in turn a part of the entire Bolwarra Shire and Municipality.

Originally the site of logging, the town was settled by the Lang Family in 1821. It eventually developed into a river port and boat building town, before declining in prosperity when the river changed course.

Map of Largs and Maitland area (Wheretostay, 2006).

The town stands on what was originally part of the Lang family’s Dunmore grant. In 1837, Reverend John Dunmore Lang, son of the original landowners, encouraged the immigration of 120 poor Scottish islanders to settle the land, which is now known as Largs. The village became known as both Dunmore and Largs, with the latter named after a district in Ayrshire, Scotland (Sydney Morning Herald, 8 Feb 2004).

The Largs Public School was located on the edge of town. Originally established as Dunmore Public School in 1838, it is the oldest public school in NSW. The Dunmore area was named by Andrew Lang, after his mother’s maiden name (HunterValleyPlaceNames, 2006).

Settling Down in Largs

Disposal records for the Woodbridge reveal that James Stace was a 36 year old Baptist farm labourer and engaged to the services of Mr Richard Jones of Maitland. These same records indicate that his wages were for piecework (Woodbridge, 1838). Piecework payments were specifically defined as wages, where the payment was mainly paid to out-workers or itinerant workers (OSR, 2007).

The same records reveal that Philadelphia (19), Mary Stace (17) and Eliza (15) worked as nursemaids of the Episcopal religion. Mary was engaged to the service of Mrs Gray (Sydney), Eliza to the service of Mr Davison (Sydney), and Philadelphia to Mr Moir (Sydney). Earning between ten and 1fourteenpounds, each female worked in Sydney for one (1) year, before returning to Largs (Woodbridge, 1838).

Although their father was a Baptist, the three (3) eldest daughters were from the Episcopal faith. The Episcopal Church is a Christian denomination in Scotland and an autonomous branch of the Anglican Communion. It was formed in the 17th Century and is separated from the Presbyterian faith by having a Bishop as a leader. It is in full communion with the Church of England faith, but has its own distinct origins (AnglicansOnline, 2008).

Richard Jones was a wealthy merchant who purchased the estate of Bolwarra in 1825. The estate was situated just south of the Dunmore Estate and was famed for excellent colonial tobacco production. Richard employed a large number of assorted immigrants, including the Stace family to work on his Bolwarra Estate (Willets, 2006).

Unmarried Female Immigrant Records from Woodbridge (NSW State Records).

Unmarried Female Immigrant Records from Woodbridge (NSW State Records).

Married Male Immigrant Records from Woodbridge (NSW State Records).

Married Male Immigrant Records from Woodbridge (NSW State Records).

James, Philadelphia and the rest of the Stace children settled down on the Bolwarra Estate just south of Largs. While working for Richard Jones, James continued his trade as a farmer in Bolwarra.

On 13th May 1843, just a few years after arriving, James Stace attempted to register to vote on the electoral roll for the County of Durham. For reasons unknown, this claim was rejected. At the time, it stated that James was a householder, living in Bolwarra. The following is an extract from the Maitland Mercury, Saturday 13 May 1843, page 2. Column 4.

COUNTY OF DURHAM
THURSDAY, MAY 11.
(Before E.D. Day. Esq., chairman, with Capt. Day and G. Wyndham, Esq., acccessors.)
The following claims postponed from Saturday last, were opposed by Mr. P. J. Cohen.
Rejected: Donald Gillis, householder, Lorn; Robert Galloger, householder, Dunmore; James Stace, householder, Bolwarra; John Wenham, householder, Bolwarra; George Stratton, householder, objection withdrawn.

‘The Lamb Inn’ at Largs

After only ten (10) years in the colonies, James Stace had become a successful farmer in Bolwarra and Largs. With this success, James sort further challenges and opportunities within the liquor industry by starting the first hotel in Largs. Unfortunately for James, this was not an easy task and required him to make application for a publican’s license.

On Tuesday, 18th April 1848, James Stace’s application for a publican’s license for the Lamb’s Inn was refused. The following is an extract from the Maitland Mercury, Wednesday 19 April 1848, page 2, Column 2.

ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING.
------------------------------------
The following publican’s general licenses, for the year commencing 1st July next, were yesterday refused by the Maitland bench: -
James Stace, Lamb Inn, Dunmore.

James was not disenchanted by the initial rejection and forwarded his second application the next year. James was more successful the next year when on Tuesday 17th April 1849, his application for a publican’s license for the ‘Lamb Inn’ was granted. The following is an extract from the Maitland Mercury, Wednesday 18 April 1849, page 2, Column 3.

ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING.
------------------------------------
Yesterday the bench assembled in Petty Sessions to consider the applications for publicans’ licenses: present, Messrs. Day, Lang, Doyle, Child, and Hungerford. The following applications were granted:
DUNMORE.
James Stace, Lamb Inn.

With his granted application, James Stace founded the first hotel in Largs. For the next five (5) years, James Stace was the licensee for the Lamb Inn at Largs and refined himself as a businessman in the liquor industry.

It should be noted that running an alcohol-supplying establishment in the 1840s was not without its fair share of risks. Some of these risks were violent in nature and on 21st November 1849, James was assaulted by Bridget Croad, whom he was trying to remove from the hotel. The following is an extract from the Maitland Mercury, Saturday 22nd November 1849, page 2, Column 2.

ASSAULT. – Yesterday Bridget Croad appeared before the bench, charged with assaulting James Stace. It appeared from Mr. Stace’s evidence that Mrs. Croad was in his public-house drink Monday last, and became abusive in her language, and at length so disorderly that he was obliged to turn her out; she resisted, and not only torn his shirt, but seizing his thumb between her teeth she gave him a regular cannibal bite, leaving marks that were still visible yesterday. Mrs Croad was convicted and fined 20s. and costs.

James Stace spent six (6) years running the Lamb Inn at Largs. This was a successful investment and in 1854, James finished working at the Hotel and sold the business to Henry Stovchill who took over the hotel.

Certificate for Publican License. “Lamb Inn” at Largs 1853 (NSW State Records).

Topography and History of Wingham

Wingham is a small village situated within the Manning Valley, 13 kilometres north west of Taree. The Wingham Parish lies within the County of Macquarie, which is connected to the Land District of Taree. It is the oldest town in the area that borders the Manning River and relied heavily on the timber industry (Sydney Morning Herald, 8 Feb 2004).

Originally the site of logging and cedar-getters, the town was originally laid out by the Government in 1843. It was named after a village in Kent, England by John Gorman, who was a surveyor that set out the town. The first land sale did not occur until 1854 and the village's development was generally very slow. Nonetheless, until it surpassed Taree, Wingham was the main centre of the Manning Valley (Sydney Morning Herald, 8 Feb 2004).

In 1866, the village of Wingham was said to have about 90 inhabitants, but by the 1880s, the town really began to expand with banks, businesses and schools being built. Wingham was declared a town in 1885 and it became a municipality in 1889 (Fairfax, 2006).

‘The Lamb Inn’ at Wingham

James Stace was successful as a farmer and publican in the Largs area and in late 1854 he moved his family to a small town called Wingham. Some of his children had already married and decided to stay in the Largs area, while others followed in their parent’s tracks. Land had just opened for sale to the public in the area and James saw ample opportunities once more in this newly developing town on the north coast.

The initial alcohol supply business in Largs ignited a strong interest within the heart of James Stace who started another hotel when he moved to Wingham. Like the one in Largs, the hotel was called the Lamb Inn.

James Stace was the first licensee of the Lamb Inn, later known as the Wingham Hotel. He was granted this license on 1st July 1856. He sold liquor that, "Rejuvenates and also Inebriates" and the original Lamb Inn was situated at the rear of the present Wingham Hotel, where the present lounge area now stands (Wingham Hotel, 2006).

James Stace later leased the establishment to Mr J. Moss who allowed the license to lapse and the building was used as a saddler’s shop for a time. In 1881, Mr George Cross took out a hotel license. He bought the old Post Office building and built the Wingham Hotel next door to this building in 1882 (Wingham Hotel, 2006).

The Wingham Hotel is one of a handful that still has a cellar under the main building. The hotel was built using local timber and typifies the design of the era. At the rear of the hotel stood a huge shed, which housed a blacksmith’s shop, pattern maker and wheelwright’s establishment, known as 'Stroud & Menzies'. The Hotel still stands today on the original1882 site (Wingham Hotel, 2006).

James Stace held the license for the Lamb Inn at Wingham for four (4) years until 1861.

The death of James and Philadelphia Stace

Only a few years after setting up the Lamb Inn, James Stace passed away at Wingham on 9th January 1866. He died of heart problems known as “Dropsy of the heart,” which is technically titled Hydropericardium. The Free Medical Dictionary defines this as the ‘inflammatory accumulation of watery fluid in the pericardial cavity.’ This ailment was treated by Doctor Frederick CALOR for a period of seven (7) month before his death. Hariett Stace, his youngest daughter was the informant on his death certificate and James was buried on 10th January 1866 in the Church of England Cemetery at Wingham.

After James’ death, Philadelphia continued to live in the Wingham area with the rest of her family.

On 22nd April 1878, Philadelphia passed away at Wingham due to senility complications. James Stace, her eldest son, was the informant on the death certificate and on 24th April 1878, Philadelphia was buried next to her husband in the Church of England Cemetery at Wingham.

The Stace Children Growing up

E1    Philadelphia STACE was born on 2nd June 1819 at Northiam in Sussex. When she was four (4) months old, Philadelphia was baptised on 17th October 1819 at Poynings Holy Trinity Church in Sussex (SFHG, 2007). On 15th September 1838, Philadelphia arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with her family. On arrival, Philadelphia was a nurse maid and engaged to the service of Mr Moir from Sydney. The shipping records indicated that she was of the Episcopal faith.

On 20th September 1841, Philadelphia Stace married Edward Bowen at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in East Maitland. It does not appear that they had any children and in December 1879, Philadelphia died in Sydney at the age of 60.

E2    Mary Ann STACE was born on 22nd November 1821 at Northiam in Sussex. She was baptised on 16th July 1826 at Poynings Holy Trinity Church in Sussex. Mary was four (4) years old at the time and was baptised with her younger sister, Eliza (SFHG, 2007).

On 15th September 1838, Mary arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with her family. On arrival, Mary was a nurse maid and engaged to the service of Mrs Gray from Sydney. The shipping records indicated that she was of the Episcopal faith.

On 15th November 1841, Mary Ann Stace married Henry George Atkins in the Church of England Church at Hinton. Henry was also born in England and was 20 years Mary’s senior. On their wedding day, Henry was thirty-nine years while Mary was only nineteen.

Mary and George had five (5) boys and two (2) girls and raised their family in Hinton. These children included: Henry Michael, Mary Ann, Rosina, Richard Charles, James Gregory, William Oliver and Edward Atkins.

On 14th February 1888, Mary Ann died in Hinton at the age of sixty-six from heart disease. It was five (5) years later, that her husband George also passed away.

E3    Eliza Ann STACE was born on 2nd September 1822 at Northiam in Sussex. She was baptised on 16th July 1826 at Poynings Holy Trinity Church in Sussex. Eliza was three (3) years old at the time and was baptised with her older sister, Mary (SFHG, 2007).

On 15th September 1838, Eliza arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with her family. On arrival, Eliza was a nursemaid and engaged to the service of Mr Davison from Sydney. The shipping records indicated that she was of the Episcopal faith.

In her younger years, Eliza was a servant girl at “The Rose, Shamrock & Thistle Inn” at Morpeth. The following is an exert from the Maitland Mercury, Saturday 20th September 1845;

HAVING found the £10 note in my own house that I imagined I lost in the “Rose, Shamrock and Thistle” Inn, Morpeth, and about which I spoke to Mr. Day, the Police Magistrate, I regret that any imputation should have been cast on the Inn, or the servant girl, Eliza Stace. R.L. PATTISON
19th September 1845.

On 20th January 1848, Eliza Ann Stace married John Sucker at Hinton. John was ten (10) years her senior. On their wedding day he was 36 years old, while Eliza was only 25.

Eliza and John had two (2) boys and three (3) girls and raised their family in Morpeth. These children included Robert James, Henry William, Frances Elizabeth Jane, Dephie Mary Jane and Frances Harriet Sucker.

On 3rd March 1900, Eliza Ann died in the ‘Crown & Anchor’ Hotel of Morpeth at the age of 77. This was ten (10) years after John has passed away and they are buried in the Church of England Cemetery at Morpeth.

E4 James STACE was born on 14th April 1824 at Northiam in Sussex. He was baptised on 20th August 1826 at Poynings Holy Trinity Church in Sussex. James was two (2) years old at the time and was baptised with his younger brother Edward (SFHG, 2007). On 15th September 1838, James arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with his family.

On 14th February 1848, James Stace married Mary Jarvis at Tocal, near Paterson. Mary was also born in England and was nine years James’ junior. On their wedding day, James was 23 years and Mary was only 14.

James Stace and Mary Jarvis

James and Mary had eight (8) boys and six (6) girls and raised their family in the Hunter Valley and Manning River areas. These children included Alice Louisa, Henry William, George Alfred, Charles Edward, Philadelphia, Elizabeth Jane, John Clifton, James Joseph, Martha Ann, Mary Jane, Ernest Lestrange, Robert Douglas, Francis Thomas and Elvina Margaret Stace.

In 1852 James and his family moved to a property attached to the County of Macquarie, near the small town of Wingham. At the time the family was only small, with a young wife and two small children. The property was 61 acres of land and was purchased by James Stace for the sum of 70 pounds. The grant for this land was originally obtained from the Colonial Secretary in July 1851, but the deed was not executed until 5th January 1852 (NSW State Records). Maybe it was this initial move by his oldest son for James senior to eventually move to Wingham and set up the Lamb Inn.

Once settled, James made his trade as a farmer in the Wingham area and was known to inhabit Woola Woola and Landsdowne River. In fact, the property at Woola Woola was named “Clifton Cottage” after James’ mother’s maiden name. James and Mary had their remaining twelve (12) children in this Manning River area.

On 5th November 1891, James who was 67, died in the De Frains Timber Mill at Laurieton. Twelve (12) years later, Mary also passed away with the couple buried at Laurieton Cemetery.

E5    Edward STACE was born on 9th January 1826 at Northiam in Sussex. He was baptised on 20th August 1826 at Poynings Holy Trinity Church in Sussex. Edward was seven (7) months old at the time and was baptised with his older brother James (SFHG, 2007). On 15th September 1838, Edward arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with his family.

M1 - In the 1848, Edward Stace married Eliza Ann Bannister in the Hunter Valley area. It is unknown at this stage as to the specific date or location of this marriage.

Edward and Eliza had two (2) boys and one (1) girl and raised their family around Tocal. These children included Edward, Henry John and Lydia Stace.

On 24th December 1852, Eliza died in Maitland from birth complications.

M2 - After the death of Eliza in 1852, Edward married Mary Ann Geary on 17th October 1853 at the Presbyterian Church in Hinton. Mary was also born in England and was 5 years Edward’s junior. On their wedding day, Edward was 27 years old and Mary was 22.

Edward and Mary had seven (7) boys and five (5) girls and raised their family around Morpeth and the Manning River areas. These children included George Alfred, Emma, Constance Harriet, Frederick James, Jane Ann, William Henry, Oliver “Octamus”, Mary Ann, Joseph, John, Albert and Ida Stace.

Edward refined his trade on the land as a farmer, cattle dealer and horse breaker. After spending a few years in the Morpeth – Maitland area, Edward moved his family to the Manning River. In 1858, Edward followed in his parents and older brothers’ footsteps and moved to Wingham, where the rest of his children were born and raised.

On 7thAugust 1909, Mary Ann died in the Yarrowitch Parish within the Walcha District and was buried at the Tia Cemetery. A year later, on 15th December 1910, Edward also passed away in the same location at the age of 84. Edward was buried with his second wife in the Tia Cemetery.

E6    Ann STACE - was born on 29th October 1827 in Kent. At the age of 1 month, Ann was baptised on 2nd December 1827 at Poynings Holy Trinity Church in Sussex (SFHG). On 15th September 1838, Ann arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with her family.

Throughout her life, Ann married three (3) times and gave birth to a total of sixteen (16) children. In addition to step children, she raised an amazing 23 children. Something which is inconceivable in modern terms. Ann was only fourteen (14) years old when she first married. Not only was she 14 years old, but she was already three (3) months pregnant on her wedding day.

M1 - On 31st January 1842, Ann Stace married William Thomas Aspey Elliott in Morpeth. William was also born in England and was eighteen (18) years Ann’s senior. On their wedding day, William was almost twice her age at 32 years old. As mentioned above, Ann was already three (3) months pregnant with their first child.

Ann and William had two (2) boys and four (4) girls and raised their family around Morpeth, Dungog and Hinton areas. These children included Mary Anne, Caroline, Eliza Ellen, William Thomas Aspey, Louisa, and James Adolphus Frederic Elliot.

By the time Ann was 24 years old, she had six (6) children and was widowed on 25th February 1851.

Quickly after the death of William in 1851, William Pacey came onto the scene. William Pacey was a convict who originally married Margaret Flood, another convict, in Newcastle. They had seven(7) children together with the eldest being William Alfred Pacey. In 1846, shortly after the birth of her last child, Margaret passed away.
M2 – Ann Elliott (Stace) married William Pacey on 22nd September 1851 in Hinton. William was also born in England and was seventeen (17) years Ann’s senior.

Ann and William had three (3) boys and two (2) girls and raised their family around Thalaba Parish in the Dungog District. These children included John, Harriet, Francis Elizabeth, Charles and Robert Henry Pacey.

By the time Ann was 32 years old, she had 11 children, 7 step-children and was widowed a second time on 11th April 1860.

M3 - After the death of William in 1860, Ann married William Alfred Pacey on 25th July 1862 in Morpeth. William Alfred Pacey was the eldest son of his fathers first marriage and married his step-mother. When you talk about skeletons in the closet, you cant get much bigger than this one.

William was nine (9) years Ann’s junior and was only 16 when his father married Ann Elliot (Stace). Two(2) years after the death of his father, William married his step-mother. As could be expected, this marriage rocked the Elliott, Pacey and Stace families and a divide was created where siblings and family members never talked to each other again. The whole situation was never discussed and subsequent generations were oblivious to the history of their forebears.

Ann and William had two (2) boys and three (3) girls and raised their family around Dungog and Stroud. These children included George Joseph, Margaret, Sarah A Woodbridge, Clara and William Alfred Pacey.

On 27th April 1903, after an amazing of life, death and marriage, Ann passed away at the age of 75 in Nambucca Heads, where she was also buried. Three (3) years later, at the age of 69, William also passed away in the same location and was buried with Ann.



E8    Rhoda STACE – was born on the 10th of July 1833 at Northiam in Sussex. Rhoda was baptised on 4th September 1837 at Poynings Holy Trinity Church in Sussex (SFHG, 2007). On 15th September 1838, Rhoda arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with her family.

On 23rd April 1850, Rhoda Stace married James Weekes at West Maitland. James was seventeen (17) years her senior and originally born in Kent, England. On their wedding day, James was 33 years old while Rhoda was only sixteen (16) years.

Rhoda and James had four (4) boys and six (6) girls and raised their family in Wingham from the Manning River District. These children included James, Louisa, Harriet, Joseph, Justine Sarah, Elvina, Henry George, Susan, Edward and Philadelphia Weekes.

On 4th December 1887, Rhoda died in Taree at the age of 54. This was eight (8) years before James would eventually passed away.

E9    Louisa Adelaide STACE – was born on 15th May 1836 at Northiam in Sussex. On 15th September 1838, Louisa arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with her family. On 9th July 1842, Louisa was baptised at the Middlehope Parish within the County of Durham, which is connected to Largs.

On 11th November 1851, Louisa Adelaide Stace married Alexander McGilvray at St Andrews Presbyterian Church of Scotland in Largs. Alexander was born in Scotland and eight (8) years her senior. Louisa was only 15 on her wedding day.

The wedding was performed by Rev. William Purves in the presence of Duncan Cameron of Eskdale, Williams River and John Brown of Dunmore.

Louisa and Alexander had eight (8) boys and five (5) girls and raised their family in Morpeth and Wingham areas. These children included Mary Ann, John, Alexander, James, James Dugal, Sarah Ann Harriet, Duncan, Joseph, William, Louisa Mary Adelaide, Rachel Margaret, Ellen Martha and Joseph Donald Stace McGilvray.

Initially, Alexander was a publican in the Maitland area, but in 1854 he started to buy a great deal of land in the Wingham area. By 1856, Alexander and Louisa moved their family to Wingham and followed in the footsteps of Louisa’s parents and siblings. Whilst living in Wingham, Alexander still held the publicans license of the “Crown & Anchor” Hotel in Swan Street, Morpeth.

After leaving the liquor business in 1860, Alexander was employed as a mail contractor and farmer.

On 10th September 1885, Alexander died in Wingham at the age of 61 and was buried at the Wingham Cemetery. Louisa continued to raise her children in Wingham, before passing away on 26th March 1901 at the Manning River District Hospital. Louisa was 72 years old and later buried in the Church of England Cemetery in Wingham.

E10    Sarah Ann STACE – was born on 17th August 1838 on board the Woodbridge as it sailed from England to Sydney. On 9th July 1842, she was baptised at the Middlehope Parish, within the County of Durham, which is connected with Largs.

On 21st August 1860, Sarah Ann Stace married William Ivens Fencer at Maitland. The details of the marriage together and any children are unknown.

In 1918, Sarah died in Sydney and is buried in Rookwood Cemetery. She died with the last name of Stace, which points to the fact that she was divorced or widowed.

E11    Rachel STACE - was born in 1840 and passed away in the same year at Largs. It is unknown at this stage as to the circumstances of her passing.

E12    Harriet C STACE – was born on 8th of January 1842 in the Middlehope Parish, within the County of Durham. The town of Largs is connected to this parish and county.

In December 1877, Harriett C Stace married William John Goodwin in Sydney. The details of possible children they had together are unknown and in 1919, Harriet died in Auburn.

Henry William Stace & Ellen Wilks

Henry William Stace was born on 12th July 1831 in Northiam, Sussex, England. Henry was the seventh child of James Stace and Philadelphia Clifton and twenty (20) years younger than his oldest sibling.

According to the Poynings Holy Trinity Church Parish Baptism Records, Henry was
baptised on the 11th of October 1829. His father was a labourer and lived in Northiam. Henry was only three (3) months old at the time and was the last Stace child to be baptised at this church (SFHG, 2007).

On the 15th of September 1838, at the age of seven (7) Henry arrived in Sydney on board the Woodbridge with his family. Henry grew up in the Largs area within the County of Durham. He assisted his father with working duties on the family farm.

In 1850, when Henry was around 18 years old, Henry was witness to an accidental death of a 14 year old boy and appeared before the coroner to give evidence. As the following Maitland Mercury Article concluded, Henry William Stace was not completely truthful with his initial story (Maitland Mercury, Volume 8, Number 612, Page 2. 15/5/1850).

“FATAL ACCIDENT WITH FIRE-ARMS – On Monday an inquest was held before J. S. PARKER, Esq., coroner, at the Lamb Inn, Dunmore, on the body of John William FIELD, a lad of about fourteen years old, and in the employ of Mr. STACE. From the evidence of Mr. James STACE and Mr. Robert MUIR it appeared that on Sunday afternoon divine service was celebrated at Mr STACE’s house by the Rev. Mr PURVES, and that while it was proceeding Mr. STACE was called out by his son Henry William STACE, to see young FIELD, who he said was badly hurt; Mr. STACE asked Mr. MUIR, to go with him, and they went to the house of James STACE Jun, about a quarter of a mile off, where they found the poor boy lying insensible, and bleeding from a perforated wound in his head, above the left ear; Mr. Muir probed the wound with his finger, and found it so deep that he was convinced the lad could not live; Dr BROWN was sent for, but the lad died almost instantly after he arrived, never having recovered his senses. To Mr. MUIR’s and Mr. STACE’s enquiries Henry STACE replied that FIELD met with the wound by falling into the fire-place, when his head, STACE said, came in contact with an upright stick, which he pointed out, sticking between the bricks. FIELD’s father, who had been sent for, did not arrive till the poor boy was dead, and the same tale was told to him by Henry STACE and by William GOULD, a youth of nineteen years of age. Blood was observed in the fire-place, about the stick, which appeared to corroborate the statement. The next morning however FIELD observed that the inner part of his son’s left hand was blackened, as if with smoke, and he immediately suspected that a gun must have been fired off to cause this and that the wound was probably caused by a gunshot. When the inquest was held, Mr. STACE, Mr. MUIR and FIELD deposed as above, Mr. MUIR, assign that he had heard no discharge of a gun during service. Two women residing near were afterwards examined, and both deposed that they had heard a gun discharging during the service, they being at the time in their own houses and one of them residing close to James STACE’s Jun.; neither of the women had heard any quarrelling. Further enquiries were now made and at length GOULD admitted that young FIELD had been shot and he deposed that he was in company with FIELD on Sunday, when deceased whistled for Henry STACE to help him to disentangle a bullock, and subsequently proposed that they should go into the house to have a smoke; while in the house FIELD noticed a gun in the bedroom, and he went in for it, and brought it out, and commenced skylarking with it; Henry STACE told FIELD to put down the gun; FIELD did not do so, when Henry STACE attempted to take it away from him, when the gun went off; FIELD instantly fell in the chimney corner and Henry STACE picked him up, and asked him what was the matter, but FIELD made no answer. GOULD now observing blood running from FIELD’s head, and Henry STACE went to tell his father what had occurred. GOULD said he had been afraid to say before how FIELD was hurt. A post mortem examination by Dr. LIDDELL showed that the perforated wound above the left ear penetrated through the skull, and that the middle lobe of the brain towards the base was destroyed, numerous sprouts of bone and small pellets of lead being imbedded in the brain; and other pellets of load were found between the scalp and external surface of the skull around the injury; the left ear was blackened, especially within the ear, and the left hand was also blackened inside; from these indications Dr. LIDDELL had no doubts death was caused by a gun-shot wound, and he was of opinion the gun must had been held by FIELD near the muzzle, and that the muzzle of the gun must have been very close to FIELD’s head when the gun went off; no blow or fall on any body could have produced the injury; the wound must have caused almost instant death. The jury returned a verdict that the deceased came to his death by the accidental discharging of a gun during a scuffle with Henry William STACE; and they appended a rider that considerable blame was attachable to William GOULD and Henry William STACE for their conduct in concealing the circumstances.”

During the start of the 1850’s, Henry was working for himself and living in the Morpeth area. It was in this location, where he met Ellen Wilks who was three (3) years his junior.

Ellen Wilks was born on the 22nd of July 1832 in Lutley, Worchestershire, England. She was the daughter of Thomas Wilks and Mary Anne Railings of the same town. Worcestershire was a west mid-land county of England, which was made up of fertile land for wheat and livestock (GENUKI, 2006).

On the 16th of December 1840 the Wilks family arrived in Australia on board the Royal Sovereign. Thomas and Mary traveled with their four (4) children and the transportation was connected with the Bounty Immigration Scheme, which was described previously. The Table shown below reveals basic details of all family’s transportation;

Name                        Age
Thomas WILKS        33 years
Mary WILKS            32 years
Ellen WILKS            7 years
Mary Ann WILKS    6 years
Jane WILKS             2 years
Martha WILKS         1 year

As seen above, Ellen was only seven (7) years old at the time, and her family eventually settled down in the Morpeth area where Thomas Wilks became a Carpenter and Storekeeper. Thomas and Mary Ann Wilks had four (4) further children; William Henry, Thomas John, Richard Erwin and Matilda Wilks.

On the 10th of June 1851, Henry William Stace married Ellen Wilks at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in West Maitland, NSW. Whilst Henry was 21 years old on their wedding day, Ellen was only 18.

The wedding certificate reveals that Henry and Ellen were both living in the Dunmore County. The wedding ceremony was performed by Stephen Rabone, Minister of the Wesleyan Church in the presence of Reverend J.Fillingham and John Brown.

Henry and Ellen settled down in Largs, where Henry refined his trade with horses and became a well known “horse breaker.” Together they had nine (9) children, five (5) girls and four (4) boys, whom they raised in the same area.

6.    Wife and Children of Henry William STACE;

E7	Henry William	STACE	m	10 Jul 1851	West Maitland
			b	12 Jul 1829	Northiam
			d	1 May 1920	Wickham
E7.1	Ellen	WILKS	b	22 Jul 1832	Worcestershire
			d	3 Sep 1890	Morpeth
	F1	Rose Ann	b	1 Feb 1853	Largs
			d	1919	Morpeth
	F2	Martha	b	11 Jul 1855	Largs
			d	1931	East Maitland
	F3	Eliza Ellen	b	25 Jun 1858	Largs
			d	27 May 1941	Wickham
	F4	Henry John	b	9 Oct 1860	Largs
			d	23 Sep 1935	Morpeth
	F5	Matilda Mary	b	9 Nov 1863	Largs
			d	1902	Taree
	F6	Edwin James	b	3 Sep 1866	Largs
			d	13 Jul 1940	Morpeth
	F7	Rueben	b	3 Jan 1868	Largs
			d	11 Mar 1924	Newcastle
	F8	Mary Anne	b	20 Oct 1871	Largs
			d	26 Dec 1895	East Maitland
	F9	Arthur William	b	4 Nov 1874	Largs
			d	22 Nov 1958	Maitland

The Stace children were sent to Largs Public School, where during the 1880’s Henry Stace faced financial problems and fell behind in his schooling payments. A letter was forwarded to Henry in relation to the debt and on the 21st of February 1883, he replied to the issue. The following is a transcription of the said letter;

Largs Feb 21st 1883
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 24th of Nov 1882, I have the honor to acquaint you that I did not apply for my children to attend school free, but to be exempted from the payment of fees prior to August 25th 1882.
I further beg to state that I am a poor man and allowed the bill to run on through a misunderstanding – as I was told I should not be called upon to pay – till it has got beyond my power to pay and I should be greatly obliged if the Minister would re-consider my case.
I have the honor to be your Obedient servant.
Henry Stace.

~ Cannot recommend the cancellation of this debt. His neighbours who are in the same position as himself are paying theirs off by degrees. BC 10.3.83 ~

It appears that the debt was not cancelled and that the Stace family continued to live, battle and prosper in the Largs area.

Thomas John Wilks and Henry William Stace.

The Family Bible

Henry and Ellen Stace bought and compiled a family bible. The Holy bible was eventually handed down to their Grandson, Bethel Ormand Stace and is now is possession of the author; their Great Great Grandson. The “Holy Bible” contains the Old and New Testaments, which was published in 1858.

The interior of the bible contains ancestry records of the Wilks and Stace family tree. The following is a transcription of the hand written records;


Ellen Wilks                 Born July 22, 1832
Mary Ann Wilks         Born June 21, 1834
Jane Wilks                 Born Sep 16, 1837
William Henry Wilks Born March 15, 1842
Thomas John Wilks    Born Dec 17, 1843
Richard Edwin Wilks Born Jan 3, 1845
Matilda Wilks            Born Aug 22, 1846

The Above are Sons and Daughters of Thomas & Mary Ann Wilks Born in the County of Worcester in March 1807 England.
Henry Stace Received this……

Dunmore, Largs

Rose Anne Stace         Born February First 1853
Martha Jane Stace    Born July the 11, 1855
Eliza Ellen Stace         Born June the 25, 1858
                                    Died May 27, 1941
Henry John Stace        Born October the 9, 1860
Matilda Mary Stace     Born November the 9, 1863
Edwin James Stace   Born September 3, 1866
Rueben Stace              Born Jan 3, 1868
Mary Ann Stace          Born October 20, 1871
Arthur William Stace Born November 4, 1875

The Above are Sons & Daughter of Henry & Ellen Stace of Dunmore Largs
            {Deaths}
Ellen Stace Mother of the Above Died Sept 3rd 1890 aged 58 years.
Mary Ann Daughter of the Above Died December 26th 1895

~ Henry Stace came to live on this allotment in March 1859, Largs.

The Death of Ellen & Henry Stace

On the 3rd of September 1890, Ellen Stace passed away at Largs. She died at the age of 58 from a Cerebral Hemorrhage that was treated by Dr Samuel Alcomm. Thomas Wilks, her brother was the informant on the death certificate. Two days later, on the 5th of September 1890, Ellen was buried in the Church of England Cemetery at East Maitland.

The passing of Ellen left Henry alone with the surviving eight (8) children. Fortunately for Henry, his children ranged in age from 16 to 34 years, and were old enough to fend for themselves. Henry continued to live for another thirty (30) years performing his role as a labourer and father.

On the 1st of May 1920, Henry Stace passed away at 14 Lewis Street in Wickam, Newcastle. He died at the age of 90 from senility complications and was treated by Dr. Perkins. His son, Edwin Stace, was the informant on the death certificate. Two days later, on the 3rd of May 1920, Henry was buried in the Church of England section of Sandgate Cemetery, Newcastle.

The Children of Henry & Ellen Stace

F1    Rose Ann STACE was born on the 1st of February 1853 at Largs in NSW. She was baptised on the 10th of April 1853 at Bolwarra, by John R BLOMFIELD.

Rose was raised in the Largs area and she attended Largs Public School, during schooling years. It is unknown what level Rose reached before leaving school and attending to home duties.

On the 19th of July 1882, Rose Ann Stace married Richard Thomas Eves at Maitland. Richard was a butcher by trade and originally came from Sydney.

Rose and Richard had one (1) boy and one (1) girl, raising their family in East Maitland. These children included; Frances E and Henry J Eves.

In 1886, when the children were only young, Richard passed away in East Maitland at the age of 32. After a number of years, Rose married again in 1901 to Isaac Pillidge. No known children came from this union.

In 1919, Rose Ann died in Morpeth at the age of 66. It is unknown where Rose Ann was buried.

F2    Martha Jane STACE was born on the 11th of July 1855 at Largs in NSW. She was baptised on the 16th of September 1855 at Morpeth, by John R Blomfield.

Martha was raised in the Largs area and she attended Largs Public School, during schooling years. It is unknown what level Martha reached before leaving school and attending to home duties.

In 1880, when Martha was 25 years old, she gave birth to an illegitimate child called Ivey Isabella Stace. No father’s name was recorded on the birth certificate and she was born in Morpeth.

On 4th January 1884, Martha Jane Stace married James Jory at Morpeth. James was the son of a farmer in Morpeth and was six (6) years younger than Martha. While she was 29 years old on their wedding day, James was only 23.

Martha and James had four (4) boys and two (2) girls, raising their family in Morpeth. Including Martha’s first child, these children included; Ivey Isabella Stace, Arthur, Herbert, Percival, Sarah, Reubin and Gertrude Jory.

On 10th September 1931, Martha passed away in East Maitland at the age of 76. After a number of years, James died in Largs in 1955, at the age of 93. It is unknown where Martha and James are buried.

F3    Eliza Ellen STACE was born on the 25th of June 1858 at Largs in NSW. This was advertised in the Maitland Mercury on the 13th of July 1858.

Eliza was also known as “Ellen” and was raised in the Largs area. She attended Largs Public School, during schooling years and it is unknown what level Eliza reached before leaving school.

On 15 May 1883, Eliza Ellen Stace married Frederick William Baker Dixon at Maitland. Frederick and Eliza were both 25 years old. Eliza and Frederick had six (6) children; Cecil Henry, Ruby Maude Mary, BEthol Claude Sylvester, Frederick Hilton, Beulah Rose and Yeulit Ellen Dixon.

On the 27th of May 1941, Eliza passed away at the age of 82 in Wickham, 13 years after her husband died.

Photograph of Eliza Ellen Stace

F4 Henry John STACE was born on the 9th of October 1860 at Largs in NSW.

Henry was raised in the Largs area and he attended Largs Public School, during schooling years. It is unknown what level Henry reached before leaving school and attending to labour duties.

On the 16th of February 1886, Henry John Stace married Alice Matilda Quinn at the home of Frederick Dixon Jnr at West Maitland, by Reverend J. S. MacPherson. Henry was still leaving in Largs at the time and Alice was from ‘Narrowgut,’ near Maitland. While Henry was 25 years old on their wedding day, Mary was only 20. On the 13th of March 1886, this wedding was advertised in the Newcastle Morning Herald.

Henry John Stace & Alice Quinn.

Henry and Alice had six (6) boys and six (6) girls, raising their family in the Largs and Morpeth area. These children included; Clement Frederick, Arthur William, Winifred Mary, Verlie Louisa, Irene Annie, Henry, Uluah Clara, Alice Pearl, Cecil Henry, Raymond Henry, Ruby May, and Clarence Frederick Stace.

On the 23rd of September 1935, Henry died in Morpeth at the age of 74. Seven (7) years later, Alice also passed away with the couple buried at the Anglican Cemetery within Morpeth Plots.

F5 Matilda Mary STACE was born on the 9th of November 1863 at Largs in NSW.

Matilda was raised in the Largs area and she attended Largs Public School, during schooling years. It is unknown what level Matilda reached before leaving school and attending to home duties.

In 1882, Matilda Mary Stace married Edward Charles Shoesmith at Morpeth. Edward was a Bolwarra local and was three (3) years older than Matilda. While he was 22 years old on their wedding day, Matilda was only 19.

Matilda and Edward had one (1) boy and five (5) girls. These children included; Ellen Matilida, Mildred, Pearl, Elsie Rose Maud, Charles Edward and Eunice Beryl Shoesmith.

In 1902, Matilda passed away in Taree at the age of 39. Her early passing left Edward to raise a young family on his own. It is unknown where Matilda is buried.

F6 Edwin James STACE was born on the 3rd of September 1866 at Largs in NSW.

Edwin was raised in the Largs area and he attended Largs Public School, during schooling years. It is unknown what level Edwin reached before leaving school and attending to labour duties.

On 11th of July 1888, Edwin James Stace married Johanna Mary Guilfoyle at Maitland. Johanna was born at Phoenix Park and was three (3) years Edwin’s junior. While Edwin was 21 years old on their wedding day, Mary was only 18.

Edwin and Johanna settled in Morpeth, where Edwin was employed as a wharf labourer. They raised their family at 163 Swan Street at Morpeth. Edwin and Johanna had six (6) boys and two (2) girls. These children included; Robert Edwin James, Ira Rueben, Claude Russell, Coral Ina Adell, Ellen Lillian, Leo Bethel and Edwin James Stace.

(Left to Right) Robert Frederick, Ellen Lillian, Ira Reuben, Edwin James, Leo Bethel, Coral Ina Adell, Garnet Henry, Johanna (Guilfoyle) and Claude Russell Stace (Abt 1902)

Later in life, a back injury forced Edwin to retire from the wharves and he refined his trade as a jeweler, repairing clocks and watches at his house in Morpeth. Edwin was also the maintenance keeper of the courthouse eight-day clock, where he kept it wound, lubricated and running.

On 25th June 1934, Johanna Stace passed away in Hinton. Six (6) years later, on 13th of July 1940, Edwin died in Morpeth at the age of 73. They were both buried at the Anglican Cemetery within Morpeth Plots.

F7 Reuben STACE was born on the 3rd of January 1868 at Largs in NSW.

Reuben was raised in the Largs area and he attended Largs Public School, during schooling years. It is unknown what level Reuben reached before leaving school and attending to labour duties.

On 15th May 1892, Rueben Stace married Mary Armour McFee at Belmont, NSW. Mary was born in Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland and was six (6) years Rueben’s junior. While Rueben was 24 years old on their wedding day, Mary was only 18. In 1903, Electoral Role Records indicated that Rueben and his family were living at Racecourse Road in Honeysuckle Point.

Mary McPhee, Olive, Gladys, Reuben Stace. Eric & Athol at bottom.

Reuben and Mary originally settled in Maitland as a labourer, before later moving to Newcastle and refining his trade as a publican. Between 1911 and 1918, Reuben was the publican of the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel at the Junction, the Queens Arms Hotel at West Maitland and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Merewether.

Reuben and Mary had three (3) boys and two (2) girls. These children included; Gladys, Olive, Athol “Jack”, Eric Alexander and Ronald Stace.

On the 11th of March 1924, Reuben passed away in Newcastle. In 1955, his wife, Mary passed away in Hamilton at the age of 87. It is unknown where they are buried.

F8 Mary Anne STACE was born on the 20th of October 1871 at Largs in NSW. At the age of just 24, she passed away on the 26th of December 1895, East Maitland.

Arthur William STACE & Rhoda Emily MUNTON

Arthur William Stace was born on the 4th of November 1874 in Largs, near Morpeth, NSW. Arthur was the son of Henry William Stace and Ellen Wilks. He the last of nine (9) children and was 20 years younger than his eldest sibling. His mother was the informant on the birth certificate and indicated that his father, William was a “Presser.”

Arthur Stace grew up in the Morpeth area and refined his trade as a Black Smith. In 1903 he was a blacksmith at Millers Forrest near Raymond Terrace.

Arthur William Stace

During the early years of the 20th century, Arthur Stace met a young lady by the name of Rhoda Emily Munton. Arthur was four (4) years older than Rhoda, who came from a prosperous farming family from Buchanan area. The Munton, McCormack and Elliott families were all dominant in that farming community.

Rhoda Emily Munton was born on the 18th of December 1877 at Buttai Creek in NSW. Her parents were William Charles Joseph Munton and Mary McCormack. Rhoda was one of 12 children. Rhoda was only known as “Emily” by her friends and relatives. It is only after perusal of her birth certificate was it revealed her real name was “Rhoda.” Emily and her siblings went to school at Buchanan and at times spoke about riding a horse to school as a child.

Rhoda Emily Munton.

On the 28th of January 1906, Arthur Stace married Rhoda Emily Munton at St Peter’s Church in East Maitland under the Anglican Faith. The certificate indicates that Arthur was a Labourer from Largs and Emily was a Spinster at Buchanan. The ceremony was witnessed by Arthur’s Uncle Thomas John Wilks and Emily’s sister, Isabella Munton.

One unusual fact about the marriage is that Arthur was 31 and Emily was 29 years old. In 1906, this was very old for a couple to get married. Looking at old photographs of Arthur and Emily, there were no problems with their physical appearance. The only reasoning I could justify is a selfless commitment to either work or family. Considering both their mothers died at a younger age, they may have taken on the responsibilities of assisting their fathers and provide for the growing family.

Arthur William Stace and Rhoda Emily Munton.

Arthur and Emily Stace settled down in a house at 9 Price Street, East Maitland. At this location, they raised three children, one (1) girl and two (2) boys.

7. Wife and Children of Arthur William STACE;

F9	Arthur William	STACE	m	28 Jun 1907	East Maitland
			b	4 Nov 1874	Largs
			d	22 Nov 1958	Newcastle
F9.1	Rhoda Emily	MUNTON	b	18 Dec 1878	Buchanan
			d	2 May 1971	Newcastle
	G1	William Arthur	b	1908	Maitland
			d	Jan 1964
	G2	Iris Vivian May	b	1 Apr 1911	Maitland
			d	1978
	G3	Bethel Ormand	b	1 Sep 1918	Metford
			d	13 Oct 1997	Auburn

The children were all baptised and raised in the Anglican faith, whilst attending Tenambit Public School.

Arthur and his family lived in a weatherboard house in East Maitland called “Pastural Reserve.” The house and land was owned by The Maitland City Council, with Arthur being the caretaker of the property. The Council would allow farmers to run their cattle on the Reserve for a set fee.

In addition to his work as a caretaker, Arthur was employed by the Council as a “Ganger.” Arthur was essentially a foreman for the Council and the family has a number of photos with Arthur and men working in roads and quarries.

Arthur Stace was also a member of the Orange Lodge in Maitland. He was apart of this organization for a number of years, with the medals and sashes obtained in the possession of his Grand daughter. By 1919, Arthur Stace was well established in the Orange Lodge and succeeds in obtaining “Black Knight in the Red Cross Degree.” This was a qualification achieved as part of the Grand Royal Black Chapter of Ireland. In recognition of this, Arthur Stace was presented with a large framed certificate which now holds pride and place in his Grand daughter’s home. A transcription of this certificate can be seen below.

Grand Royal Black Chapter of Ireland.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST    ON EARTH, PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARDS MEN.
W.R III.
FOR THE
PROTESTANT
RELIGION
&
Constitution
1688
SIT LUX    LUX FUIT
A SERVITUTE ET NILO.

The Grand Royal Chapter of Black Knights to all whom it may concern WHEREAS it has been duly certified to us that our will beloved Brother Sir Arthur Stace Knight of our Magnanimous and Invincible Order And a Member of Preceptory N°749 encamped at W.Maitland in the State of N.S.Wales has regularly gone through the several Degrees and Colours recognised and allowed by the Rules and Regulations of this Grand Chapter and has been lawfully Initiated, Installed and Confirmed, in all the Rights, Titles & Ceremonies
thereunto belonging We therefore Recommend the said Sir Arthur Stace to all regular Chapters & Preceptories under our jurisdiction and request the said Chapters & Preceptories to receive and acknowledge him as a true Black Knight of the RED CROSS DEGREE and in token of our fraternal regard we have delivered unto him this Certificate which like the OLIVE BRACH OF PEACE, we commit into is hands praying that the Eternal Three in One and One in Three may ever protect and guard him IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF our Grand Registrar has caused the Seal of his office to be hereunto affixed this Ninth day of October One Thousand Nine hundred and Nineteen

W H Lyons    - SOVEREIGN GRAND MASTER
James S Briggs - GRAND REGISTRAR.
Arthur Stace

On the 22nd of November the 1958, Arthur Stace passed away at Maitland hospital from a blood clot and subsequent stroke. He was buried at Beresfield Crematorium.

After Arthur’s death, Emily stayed at her Price Street residence for a number of decades. As she got to and older age, Emily moved to Cardiff in Newcastle to live with her son Bethel.

On the 2nd of May 1971, Emily Stace passed away at Wallsend District Hospital. She died from Pulmonary oedema and congestive cardiac failure. She was later buried on the 4th of May at Beresfield Crematorium.

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