James Morisset
Privacy Level: Open (White)

James Thomas Morisset (abt. 1780 - 1852)

Lt Col James Thomas Morisset
Born about in Brunswick Square, London, Englandmap
Son of [father unknown] and [mother unknown]
[sibling(s) unknown]
Husband of — married 2 May 1826 in Ryde, Isle of Wight, Englandmap
Descendants descendants
Died at about age 72 in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australiamap
Problems/Questions Profile manager: Simon Ross private message [send private message]
Profile last modified | Created 20 Mar 2019
This page has been accessed 324 times.

Biography

James Thomas Morriset was born about 1780 into a refined family and a life of comfort living in Brunswick Square in London. He was the eldest child and only surviving son James and Jannette Morisset. The Morisset family were artisans – watch makers, enamellists, silver and gold smiths. Young James' father was a highly skilled goldsmith who crafted some of the most elaborate and exquisite presentation swords of his time. James junior was not destined to follow his father’s profession. He wanted action and excitement and saw that was possible in a military career. The British Empire was expanding and needed its army.

On 28th January 1798 he purchased his commission as an Ensign for £400, and joined the 80th Foot, the Staffordshire Volunteers, in India. After earning promotion to Lieutenant on merit he purchased a Captaincy in the 48th Regiment for £1500. This move put him on the battle front of the Peninsula Wars and he was awarded clasps for seven battles.

The 48th Regiment was deployed to New South Wales in August 1817. In 1819 Morriset was sent to the Newcastle Penal Settlement as commandant. The Sydney Gazette reported on the expedition of Major Morisset in 1823, making the first overland journey from Newcastle to Windsor. His first camp was where the township of Morisset now exists. When the 48th were rostered back to England, Morriset remained in the colony. Morisset returned to England on leave in January 1825. Whilst there he successfully requested appointment as commandant of the soon to be reopened penal settlement on Norfolk Island and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

At this time he met Emily Louisa Vaux who was the daughter of John Vaux and Elizabeth Louisa Liddiard. John Vaux was a retired Deputy Commissary General and Elizabeth’s mother was the sister of Lord Craven of Coombe Abbey in England. The Vaux family lived on the Isle of Wight. James and Emily were married on 2nd May 1826 at Newchurch Ryde, Isle of Wight. Janetta Louisa Morisset was born 28th Feb 1827 at Kent.

James and his family departed England on board the ship Harmony and arrived in New South Wales on 27th September 1827 where he was expecting to take on the role of commandant of Norfolk Island. Whilst accommodation suitable for his family was built he was appointed police superintendant in Sydney. James and Emily had their second child born in Sydney during this period. Edith Julia Eliza was born on 25th November 1828. The Morisset family arrived on Norfolk Island in late 1829 and settled into life at Government House. It was interesting to read an article titled “Government House “A Living National Treasure” by Mr Bruce Baskerville. The article described the contribution made by Emily Morisset and there is no doubt Emily had good taste in her decoration of Government House on Norfolk Island. The furniture in the house was mostly brought to the island by the family. This wonderful building is available to viewing by the public on special open days. Emily Morisset gave birth to three more children: firstly their son Edric Norfolk Vaux Morisset, then two more daughters, Fleurette and Laura Theresa.

Morriset later exchanged appointment at Norfolk Island for office at Bathurst, New South Wales. Here five further children were born. He sold his commission and bought a farm at Winburndale Brook near Bathurst. There in May 1838 he was appointed police magistrate at a salary of £300, and in January 1841 commissioner of the Court of Requests.

Mr B Champion, the noted Newcastle historian in his writing to the Royal Australian Historical Society wrote: "On 17th August 1852, Colonel J T Morisset answered his last roll call, having been on the active list for fifty-four years." He was entombed in the family vault at Kelso Cemetery.[1]

Sources

  1. New South Wales Death Index #1416/1852 V18521416 38B




Is James your ancestor? Please don't go away!
 star icon Login to collaborate or comment, or
 star icon contact private message the profile manager, or
 star icon ask our community of genealogists a question.
Sponsored Search by Ancestry.com

DNA
No known carriers of James's DNA have taken a DNA test.

Have you taken a DNA test? If so, login to add it. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA.



Comments

Leave a message for others who see this profile.
There are no comments yet.
Login to post a comment.