John Anstey (abt. 1821 - 1882)

Born about 1821 in Witheridge, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Husband of Jane (Thomas) Anstey — married 18 Nov 1847 in Paddington, London, England, United Kingdom

Descendants

Died 2 Jun 1882 at about age 61 in Saint Kilda, Victoria, Australia

Biography

John Anstey 1821, as John Anstice was baptized 12 November 1821 at East Worlington, Devon, son of John a carpenter of Drayford and Mary. In 1841 his father John Anstey 55 carpenter lived at Higher Adworthy in Witheridge with Mary 50, Ann 20, John 15, and William 12. In 1851 John Anstey 66 carpenter born at East Worlington, lived at Higher Adsworthy with Mary 60 born at Chumleigh, and son William 22 carpenter born at Witheridge.

John married Jane Thomas in 1847 at Kensington, specifically St John Paddington on 18 Nov 1847, both of 41 Star street Paddington, John son of John carpenter and Jane daughter of John Thomas servant. In 1851 John Anstey 29 a carpenter born at Witheridge in Devon lived in Brewery street Chelsea with Jane 30 from Glastonbury and two children William 2 and Jane 1, both born in Chelsea and two visiting carpenters.

19 Mar 1853 John Anstey carpenter & joiner 29, arrived in Sydney Harbor onboard the Bussorah Merchant with his wife Jane and three little children William 4, Jane 3 and John 1, all three born in Chelsea. , ^[1]

His next three children were born in St. Kilda, a seaside suburb of Melbourne; Elizabeth in 1854, Henry in 1855 and Frederick in 1857. John was a carpenter at Jamieson in 1868 and at Mansfield in 1875. Their child Elizabeth died as a baby. On 12th Feb 1877 a lecture was delivered by Mr. A. L. Ely, one of the Delatite free-trade candidates, on Victorian Taxation. A correspondent states that the public were admitted free, and after the lecture Mr. Ely addressed the electors present, according to advertisement, so that the whole affair may be looked on as a political meeting. Among those present were Messrs. William Grisdale and John Anstey, old and respected residents. Some remarks of the lecturer's induced the former to exclaim, 'How about the gag' Whereupon, without any warning, he was pounced upon by a constable, and alternately dragged and pushed out of the room in a violent manner, although he offered no resistance. Shortly afterward the lecturer was speaking interrogatively as to the most convenient time for the payment of taxes, when Mr. Anstey said, ' Why, just after harvest, to be sure.' This was too much for the zealous constable to stand, so he immediately ejected Mr. Anstey in the same manner as he had done Mr. Grisdale. Mr. Anstey at once went to the police quarters, and lodged a written complaint with the senior-constable in charge, the result of which is not yet known. [Leader, Melbourne, 24 Feb 1877]

Death John Anstey at Blenheim street St Kilda on 2 June 1882 aged 67. [The Age, 3 June 1882]

Sources

1. ↑ NSW State records, http://indexes.records.nsw.gov.au INDEX ANSTEY John Assisted Immigrants Index 1839-1896 Age: 29 | Ship: Bussorah Merchant | Year: 1853 | Copy: Reel 2136, [4/4790]; Reel 2464, [4/4930]