Elizabeth Priestley (1864 - 1962)

Born 6 Feb 1864 in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Descendants

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Biography

Elizabeth Priestley is born on February 6, 1864 in Newcastle, New South Wales, the daughter of George Priestley (1840-1887) and Elizabeth West (1841-1930). Both parents were born in England and had arrived in Australia, with their parents, as children in the 1840’s. Elizabeth’s surname on her birth registration is spelt “Priestly” and some of her siblings do adopt this spelling. But various newspaper stories about Elizabeth after she has married show the original “Priestley” spelling.

She marries George Shearman (1863-1951) on August 21, 1883 in St. Saviour Church of England, Williamtown. Williamtown is across the Hunter River from Newcastle. The St. Saviour Anglican Church is (today) just on the outskirts of Newcastle Airport in Williamtown. George was born in Newcastle in 1863.

Elizabeth and George have nine children:

• Oliver George Shearman 1884-1951 + (1907) Mary Elizabeth Nicholson 1883-1961

• Myra Jane Shearman 1885-1955 + (1905) Arthur Johnson 1884-1965

• Rose Elizabeth Shearman 1887-1983 + (1) (1907) James Clark ?-1935 + (2) (1941) Henry Pearson ?-?

• Horace Shearman 1889-1964 + (1912) Fanny May Blanch 1891-1972

• Joseph Shearman 1892-1967+ (1913) Hilda Boyce 1892-1987

• Cecil Shearman 1894-1894

• Clarence David Shearman 1895-1974 + (1914) Edith Ellen Poile 1895-1976

• Alice Shearman 1897-1907

• Harold James Shearman 1908-1982 + (1929) Mabel Grace Campbell 1906-1962s

All children were likely born in the Newcastle area of New South Wales. George was a dairy farmer someplace outside of Newcastle. The newspaper announcement of the death of their daughter, Alice, in 1907 gives the residence of the family as Fullerton Cove which is between Stockton Centre and Williamtown. This is just on the other side of the Hunter River from Newcastle. From accounts given at their wedding anniversaries, it is known that the family acquired a good holding of land in the Hunter River area.

In about 1918 George and Elizabeth quit the Hunter River area and moved about 600 kilometres north to Jiggi. Jiggi, just north of Lismore, is in northern New South Wales, not too far from the border with Queensland. George and Elizabeth settle on a farm in the Jiggi district and stay there for twenty years. They also buy land in the Roseberry district some distance north of Jiggi. The precise locations of the farm land George owns is not known but the guess is that the land in Jiggi district was close to the village of Jiggi (21 kilometres north of Lismore) and the land in Roseberry was near to Ruckenvale (66 kilometres northwest of Lismore). Some children either move with them (to the same farm) or, perhaps more likely, also move north to this area to take up farming. Their oldest son, Oliver George Shearman, may have moved into Jiggi two years before they did.

In about 1938 they retire from farming and move east to Evans Head on the coast. Evans Head is about 200 kilometres south of Brisbane – roughly half way between Brisbane and Port Macquarie. They stay in Evans Head, with a brief break in 1949 when they move to Lismore, for the rest of their lives.

George dies on December 18, 1951 and is buried in Evans Head Cemetery. Elizabeth dies on September 26, 1962 and is buried with him.

Sources

[1] The Newlin-Noakes family tree at http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ shows Elizabeth Priestley b 6 Feb 1864 in Newcastle, NSW; married George Shearman in 1883 in Raymond Terrace; d 1962. It spells her surname “Priestley” but her father’s as “Priestly.” It shows George Shearman b 1863. It shows no children.

[2] Karen Eldridge “The Descendants of William West” at http://members.iinet.net.au/~rgkje/west.html shows Elizabeth Priestley (1864-1962) married (1883) George Shearman (1863-1951) and it shows 9 children and numerous grandchildren.

[3] New South Wales Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages: registration #11684/1864 This shows Elizabeth Priestly born in 1864 in Newcastle. Her parents are George & Elizabeth Priestly.

[4] Northern Star (Lismore) Sat 16, Sept 1933, pg 14: “GOLDEN WEDDING MR. AND MRS. G. SHEARMAN: At St. Saviour Church of England, Williamstown, on August 21, 1883, the marriage was celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Sims, of George Shearman, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Shearman, and Elizabeth Priestley, daughter of -Mr. and Mrs. Priestley, of Fullerton Cove. The bride was attended by her sister Harriet (the late Mrs. Sutton). Mr. Harrv Sutton was best man. The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Shearman was celebrated at their home at Jiggi. All the members of the family being present for the occasion, some travelling considerable distances. THE FAMILY: The sons are Messrs. 0. G. Shearman. (Gundurimba), H. Shearman (Roseberry, Kyogle), J. Shearman (Stoney Chute, via, Nimblin). C.. Shearman (The Risk, Kyogle), Harold Shearman (Jiggi)j and the daughters are Mrs. Johnson (Atherton, Nth. Queensland), Mrs. J. Clark (Woodlawn). The guests included a few old friends of "the bride and bridegroom. . . . . The chairman then proposed tho toast of the bride and bridegroom, and congratulated thcm on passing the 50tli milestone of their married life and rearing a family, the members of which were a credit to them. . . . . Mr. and Mrs. Shearman, who spent their early days on the Hunter River, can relate many tales of hardships endured 50 years ago, when they had to set their milk in vats, skim it by hand and then market the butter per horse back. By sheer hard work, grit, and the help, of a good family they eventually secured extensive property in the Hunter River districts. On hearing of the wonderful opportunities ??eering on the North Coast Mr.-Shearman came over on a tour of inspection and eventually bought farming lands in the Jiggi and Rosebcrrv districts, where he has resided ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Shearman have a family of five sons and two daughters 37 Grandchildren and six great grandchildren. • Three years ago they built a new • home on their propertv at Jiggi and retired . from active farming pursuits.”

[5] Northern Star (Lismore) Mon 20 Sept 1943, pg 4: “Mr. and Mrs. G. Shearman: Bowls of sweet peas and Iceland poppies decorated the lounge and verandah at thp home of Mr. and Mrs. H. Pearson, at Lake-street, North Lismore. when Mr. and Mrs. G. Shearman, of Evans Head, were entertained by their family at a Luncheon to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Shearman were married at Newcastle, and took up residence at Fullerton Cove for a number of years. They later came to Jiggi and Rukenvale. Mr. Shearman retired at Evans Head six years ago. Mr. W. Gwynn, of Georgica, acted as chairman at the luncheon.and the usual toasts were honoured. Mr. Gwynn spoke of the esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Shearman were held, and of their sterling qualities as citizens. There are 34 grandchildren, and 35 great grandchildren. Thirteen grandsons are serving with the forces. Amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. G. Priestley, of Maitland, and Mr. J. Priestley, of Stockton, brothers of Mrs. Shearman, who had made the trip especially to' be present. A daughter, Mrs. A. Johnson, of Malanda, North Queensland, was unable to attend. Numerous congratulatory telegrams and letters were read, several from grandsons at battle stations. A feature of the tables was the anniversary cake made by Mrs. H. Pearson, and decorated by Miss Phylis Moveton of Nimbin.”

[6] Northern Star (Lismore) Mon 30 Aug 1948, pg 2: MR, AND MRS. SHEARMAN. A host of congratulatory telegrams, including- a cable from their Majesties, the King and Queen, were received by Mr. and Mrs. George Shearman, of Evans Head, formerly of Jiggi, when they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in Rosolen’s Hall at Evans Head. Telegrams were also received from the Governor General (Mr. W.J. McKeill) and Mr. H. L. Anthony, M.H.R. The guests included members of the family and old friends of the bride and bridegroom. A brother of the bridegroom; also the bride’s brother and wife, travelled from Newcastle for the occasion. The tables at the wedding breakfast were tastefully appointed. A beautifully decorated wedding cake was made by a great grandson, Athol Shearman, of Casino, Numerous wedding gifts were left at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shearman prior to the festivities. Through the unavoidable absence of Mr. W. D. Gwynne, who presided at Mr. and' Mrs. Shearman's golden wedding celebrations and on the occasion of their diamond wedding, the chair was taken by Mr. H. J. Shearman, the youngest son of the family. The toast of the bride and bride groom was proposed by Mr. . . Fraser, supported by Mr. D. Gardiner. Both congratulated the couple on reaching the 65th anniversary of their marriage and rearing a family, members of which were a great credit to them. Bride and bridegroom responded. They expressed pleasure at seeing so many of their family and friends present. "The family" was proposed by Mr. A. DuFrocq, who had also been present at the golden wedding anniversary. The response was made by Messrs. O- G. and C. Shearman. A toast to the grandchildren was proposed by Mr. C. Fox, of Lismore, responded to by Mr. A. Clark, the oldest grandchild. He was supported by Messrs. R., J. and Cliff. Shearman. "Absent Relatives" was proposed, by Mr. J. Priestley. The toast of the Chairman was proposed by Mr. J. Priestley; Married in 1883 Mr. and Mrs. Shearman were married at St. Saviour Church of England, Williamstown, on August 21, 1883, by Rev, Sims. Mrs. Shearman was formerly Miss Elizabeth Priestley, of Fullerton Cove. The family consists of five sons, Messrs. O. G. Shearman (Evans Head), H. Shearman (Kyogle), J. Shearman (Casino), C. Shearman (South Lismore) and Harold Shearman, of Jiggi. Daughters are Mrs. A. Johnson, of Atherton, Queensland, and Mrs. H. Pearson, of Lismore. There are 35 grandchildren and 54 great grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Shearman spent their early days on the Hunter River, and can relate many tales of hardships endured 65 years ago. By hard work, grit and the help of their family, they eventually secured an extensive property in the Hunter River districts. On hearing of the opening up of additional country on the North Coast, Mr. Shearman, after preliminary inspection, purchased farming lands in the Jiggi and Roseberry district. After their retirement they lived at Jiggi and eventually went to Evans Head, where they now live. Both are enjoying excellent health.”

[7] Northern Star (Lismore) Wed 15 Feb 1950, pg 8: “Evans Head: Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Shearman intend taking up residence in their recently completed home in Woodburn Street, Evans Head, today. Mr. and Mrs. G. Shearman, who left Evans Head last year for Lismore, intend returning to Evans Head today. They will move into the house recently occupied by Mrs. O. E. Shearman.”

[8] Northern Star (Lismore) Sat 27 Dec 1952, pg 2: “Five Generations pictured above are: Mrs. G. Shearman (Evans Head), Mrs. R. Pearson (daughter, South Lismore), A. J. Clark (grandson, Caniaba), Mrs. Joan Robinson (great granddaughter, Grove), and baby Wayne Robinson (great-great grandson). Mr. and Mrs. G. Shearman came from Stockton, near Newcastle, 34 years ago and purchased a farming property at Jiggi and remained on the original selection until 14 years ago when they retired and took up residence at Evans Head. Mrs. Shearman is now in her 90th year. Mr. Shearman died in December, 1951, at the age of 90 years. The descendents of the pioneering family total 118, being five sons and two daughters. 35 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.”

[9] www.findagrave.com Memorial# 152788682 (thanks to Gone Gravin) Elizabeth Shearman died Sept 26, 1962 and is buried in Evans Head Cemetery in Evans Head, NSW.