8.

Elizabeth LEMMON, daughter of Isaac LEMON and Elizabeth REYNOLDS, was born on 4 Dec 1799.⁶ She was baptised on 1 Jan 1800 in St. Nicholas.^{1 6 12} IGI. Elizabeth married William KNIGHT on 1 Apr 1820 in St. Peter's Church, Church St., Liverpool, England.^{19 20} by Banns.

The wider Lemon family have some Jewish background according to research done by Suzanna Edkins. This is confirmed to be through Isaac Lemon.

No definitive death can be found for Elizabeth.¹⁷

William KNIGHT,^{2 21} son of Daniel KNIGHT ( - ) and Margaret WILLIAMS ( - ), was born on 20 Sep 1789 in St. Nicholas. He was baptised on 24 Nov 1789 in St. Nicholas. He was a Mariner.

There existed a number of people by the name of William Knight in Liverpool between 1800 and the late 1800's and it has been difficult to reliably identify William and his family, particularly in the early 1800's. However some facts exist. Crosbie St., Liverpool was given as the residence and William's occupation was given as mariner in all of the children's baptisms, over 10 years, 1820-1830. neither he nor his wife could write, evidenced by their signing the marriage document with a cross. And William was alive in 1842 as daughter Margaret's immigration documents indicate. Other information is less reliable.

We do know that, living in housing in Wapping by the Liverpool docks was very basic, unsanitary and rough. A later description is "In 1803, the whole district as far as Parliament Street, and beyond, was covered with streets, and to a great extent with houses. The bane of Liverpool, the erection of narrow unwholesome court-houses was here suffered to a most pernicious extent. Various changes have taken place and much of the property has been removed for commercial purposes and public improvements, but the original vice still clings to the locality, rendering almost abortive the adoption of effectual sanitary measures". Crosbie Street maps show Roperies (rope works) adjacent to street in 1801. "Crosbie Street is the site of the ropery of Messrs. Crosbies and Siddalls." By the 1833 maps Crosbie Street, in the Wapping area of Liverpool docks, had been converted to a goods train station. "The construction of the Wapping railway tunnel commenced in 1827 and encompassed Crosbie Street as an end terminal of the famous Liverpool to Manchester Railway Line. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway began in Liverpool at Wapping, very near to the Queen's Dock. A part of it extended to Crosbie Street and ended at the junction of Liverpool Road and Water Street in Manchester at the terminus (passenger station at the end of the line). The original goods station was built at Wapping Station opposite the Kings Dock in Liverpool and was connected to the main line of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway." William's son William was born in 1827 and George in 1830, residence Crosbie Street, adjacent to this construction, presumably. "The Railway Station, now extending from Wapping to Park Railway Lane along Crosbie Street, was established after the tunnel was st constructed in 1831. From its modest commencement it has gradually enlarged its borders to its present gigantic dimensions. "(1875). Crosbie street had disappeared under Wapping Goods station, but reappears as Kings Dock Street in the present day.

Another major event which may have affected this family was Cholera. "Asiatic cholera reached Britain for the first time in late 1831, with the main epidemic occurring during 1832. The disease caused profuse diarrhea, severe dehydration, collapse, and often death. There was widespread public fear, and the political and medical response to this new disease was variable and inadequate."A cholera epidemic was evident again in 1849 and crosbie Street was heavily infected.Living in court housing was very unsanitary and Crocbie Street in 1849 had 24 courts in a short street. An article "The court and cellar dwelling: The 18th century origin of the Liverpool slum" focuses on Crosbie Street, where the Knight children were born. "The courts on this street are fairly typical of those added in the areas of working-class accretion during the 1780s. Crosbie Street has been selected for this reason and because of its reputation for a degree of squalor and immorality which singled it out for mention on several occasions during the public health agitation of the 1840s. " Sanitary provision was minimal even eighty years after construction (Table II), there being on average one privy to six houses (Figure 10). The privies listed in 1863 were earth middens and not water closets, there being few street sewers until the 1850s. Furthermore, the front houses were without yards and the inhabitants of these houses had to use the privies and ashpits of courts. As the council did not take on the responsibility of court cleansing until 1846, the state of these areas which served between 60 and 100 people can be appreciated only by reading the eye- (and nose-!) witness accounts of the middle-class visitors. Cleansing even by the inhabitants was made almost impossible by the lack of paving, the ground consisting of earth or cinders."

And regarding population density "At the microlevel these densities can be translated into yards per person and in 1841 Fir Court, containing 118 inhabitants, had 1,1/3 square yards per person and Oak Court 1,1/4 square yards per person."

The 1841 census does not indicate that the family were living together anywhere in Liverpool, although various names of family members are scattered amongst other families. No verifiable information, however.

Liverpool census in 1851 has a William Knight,lodger at Frederick St., Court 25. He is a mariner, a widower, born Liverpool,age 60 or possibly 40. Living with 2 mariners wives and their 2 children. If it is our William Knight, then his wife has died or something else between 1830 and 1851, and William was born around 1791.^{13,22,23,24,25,26,27,28},

William KNIGHT and Elizabeth LEMMON had the following children:

29.

Margaret KNIGHT, daughter of William KNIGHT and Elizabeth LEMMON, was born in 1822 in Liverpool, England. calculated as baptism date. Margaret was baptised on 13 Apr 1823 in St. Nicholas.³² She was a Domestic Servant.³³ She married William KEMPSTER on 2 Dec 1844 in Holy Trinity Church (Garrison Church) Sydney.³⁴ V1844219 29/1844 Married by Banns. Margaret died on 12 Dec 1900 in Sydney Hospital, Sydney, N.S.W.³⁵ 1900/114488 Cardiac failure, chronic bronchitis. Margaret was buried on 13 Dec 1900 in Rookwood Cemetery Anglican.³⁵ Headstone with husband.

Margaret was listed in 1841 census as living at Rodney Street, Toxteth Park. With uncle Simon Lemon and family, listed as Family Servant.

Simon, 46, Shipwright; Mary, 38, wife; Ann, 14,; Elizabeth, 12; George, 9; Henry, 7; James, 5; Edward, 1;and Margaret Knight. All born Lancashire.

Margaret could not write (according to her wedding cert.) She arrived in Australia on the ship "William Sharples" on 29.1.1842, aged 17 (Would have been 19 a/c to baptism date). For the journey to Australia Margaret had been placed in the care of Michael Riley, his wife and family by her father. Michael was 47, a farm servant, born Roscommon. Margaret was described as a domestic servant, native of Liverpool, who could not read or write. After her arrival she was engaged by Mrs. Moore, George St. Sydney, at 12 pounds per annum, for 3 months.

She was married to William Kempster, a cooper, in 1854. Unclaimed letters in NSW Govt. Gazettes (Mrs MA, Mrs M Kempster) 1854, 1852

According to NSW Government Gazettes, Margaret was acquitted of assault on a female neighbour in 1857. In 1869 she was victim of theft by her servant, and although she prosecuted her, Margaret paid her fine. And in 1871 Margaret was a witness in a trial about a brothel in her neighbourhood, Castlereagh St. In 1892 she was the victim of theft again.

Her address in 1899 was 112 Riley St as informant son John's death.

Her Death certificate says late of Bullanaming St., Redfern (by 1934 this was re-named Renwick St.)

Death cert says 2m, 1f deceased chn.

Granddaughter Isabel Brand 33 Bullanaming St (from death cert)

Burial witnesses FJH Walton, Thomas McCarthy

Sydney Morning Herald reports her death: Margaret Kempster, beloved wife of John Kempster, aged 76 years

Also: Grandmother of Mrs. White, Martha, Nellie and Hugh Gordon.

Also grandmother Mrs. E. Knight, Mr/s J Brand, Mr. GW Gordon, Mr/S AJ Winkworth

2 years after her death husband William inserted a memoriam in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Her headstone was rediscovered by RK in November 2006. Details on SAG Rookwood C^{13,33,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44}D

William KEMPSTER was born c. 1819 in London, England. birth calculated from death cert. William was a Cooper. He died on 7 Aug 1905 in 33 Bullanaming Street, Redfern, Sydney, NSW. Heart disease, chronic bronchitis, old age 1905/10376. William was buried on 8 Aug 1905 in Rookwood Cemetery Anglican.

The England 1841 census has a William Kempster , cabinet maker, 25,sharing accomodation at Cleveland St., Marylebone, St. Pancras, London.

His marriage to Margaret Knight was in 1844 at the 'Garrison Church'.

The NSW Government Gazette indicates a William Kempster was at Fort Street in 1847. In 1857 he was the victim of an assault outside the "Hit-or-Miss Hotel", Windmill Street.

Cox's Sydney PO Directory 1857 has a William Kempster, cooper, 25 Windmill St.(From Argyle St. to Lower Fort St.) Also a Kempster, cooper, 25 Windmill St.

Various relevant sketches, maps of the vicinity are available in 2 books about the area. A compilation of early family names from the Sydney Assessment Rolls, indicating relevant addresses has been made including Kempster. It seems that the early years 1845-48 were at Windmill Street and at Philip Street 1861-67. Sands Directory 1858 has a William Kempster, cooper, at 30 Windmill St. And a Sands 1865 Directory places William Kempster, cooper, at 76 Phillip St. On 19th June, 1868, William Kempster, "for many years" foreman of the "City Cooperage", purchased the business from the Estate of the late Charles Chapman. The SMH in 1868 noted that William Kempster and Frederick Palmer were fined 10 shillings each for allowing their horses to stray in the streets. A notice was placed in the SMH in 1870 by father William Kempster regarding debts contracted by son John Henry. This indicated the business was named "City Cooperage", George Street. Funeral of grandson William George Gordon in 1870 was noted to to leave from his Grandfather's address, 243 Castlereagh St, Sydney.In 1872 William was called to give expert evidence as a cooper,in a court case. In 1875 Sands Directory has William, cooper, at 246 castlereagh St.This directory also has a William Kempster, cooper, at Erskine St. Perhaps this is the son.William's address, as a ratepayer in Macquarie Ward, in 1879 was 241 castlereagh St.

The SMH in 1894, various dates, reported the voluntary bankruptcy of a William Kempster, boarding house keeper, 143 castlereagh St. Whether this is William senior or junior is uncertain.There was also another William Kempster born in Sydney in 1819, died 1906, who was unmarried.

Death certificate has '56 years in NSW' which makes arrival 1849, but his marriage was in 1844.

Unclaimed letters in NSW Govt. Gazettes 1847

His Death certificate says he had 2 male children deceased.

Burial witnesses John Thomas Brand, G Dangar

Headstone has age 86, so birth c.1817 perhaps.

William was a member of 'Loyal Mariners Rest No. 925 GCOOF Lodge a/c to a funeral notice.^{13,35,37,42,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61}

William KEMPSTER and Margaret KNIGHT had the following children:

30.

William KNIGHT, son of William KNIGHT and Elizabeth LEMMON, was born in 1827 in Liverpool. He was baptised on 25 Mar 1827 in St. Nicholas.^{62 32} He was a drayman, storeman. He was Protestant. He married Sarah Maria AIKEN on 26 Dec 1857 in St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Balmain, Sydney. Marriage certificate 1070 / 33 copy 10/11/1980 - information on certificate from Church register 28/6.1916. William died on 15 Jul 1865 in 13 Domain Terrace, off Macquarie St., Sydney.^{63 64} Reg. No. 1865/781. William was buried on 19 Jul 1865 in old Camperdown cemetery behind St. , Stephens Anglican Church.^{65 66 67 42 68 69} Headstone located by RHETT KNIGHT in May 1998 in above cemetery, south-west wall, near end. Viewed again in Dec. 1999. Headstone is 22nd. stone in from corner of s-w wall. Burial of Joseph Munford in same grave. SAG transcriptions has age 36, No.

Update April 2025

Through modern DNA matching it has come to light that William Knight (b. 1827) had a marriage, children, was engaged in criminal activity and was jailed before migrating, marrying an Irish orphan and continuing the Knight line in Australia. Consequently there exist half-cousins in the UK ,New Zealand and Australia who only now have knowledge of each other.

This information draws attention to some of the speculation below about William's early life in Sydney, between being discharged from prison in Portsmouth, England in April 1855 and his marriage in Sydney in December 1857.

We will leave it to the interested reader to research the union of William Knight and Sarah Valleley (b 1826), their criminal activities and the progress of their offspring by whatever means they like, e.g .Ancestry, My Heritage, Wikitree, Familysearch, etc. As a foretaste we have included on the home page an article about their involvement in house robberies in 1850.

William was born in 1827, the son of a Liverpool mariner who lived very close to the Liverpool docks. According to family sources William emigrated in the 1850's becoming the first male of the Knight family in Australia.

There is no verifiable trace of his immigration to Australia, including within a list of "ship's deserters", although a William Knight did desert from the ship "King William" in 1852 . As well in 1852 a William Knight, 5 feet 5 inches high with brown hair and grey eyes, about 19 years old, deserted from the ship"HMS Pandora".

There is no mention of William in the NSW Immigration Deposit Journals 1853-1900 and so perhaps he may have come out as a fare-paying passenger (unlike his sister Margaret who was an assisted immigrant), or as ship's crew. It is also quite possible that the record has not survived.

It seems that after coming to Australia William lived close for a while to his sister Margaret, who had arrived in 1842. In 1848 a William Knight is listed at 955 Windmill Street and in 1861-63 at 141 Phillip Street, both close addresses to the Kempsters. Margaret had married William Kempster in 1844. A compilation of early family names from the Sydney Assessment Rolls, indicating relevant addresses, has been made - including William Knight, indicating his quite poor accommodation.

He married Sarah Aiken in 1857 and by 1863 Sands Alphabetical Directory lists William at 13 Domain Terrace, and the same address in 1865.

William's early working life in Sydney seems to have been varied. His occupation was given as "Storekeeper" at his daughter's Elizabeth's marriage in 1883. Sands Directory has a "William Knight, Stores, Wynyard Lane, Sydney", 1861. In 1863 Sands notes him as a storeman living at Domain Terrace. By 1865 he was employed by Messrs. Watkins & Leigh as a drayman, that is a carter using a dray pulled by horses.

He died very suddenly the day after his second son's birth. Details of the enquiry at the Coroners Office have not survived. The coroners inquest index recorded death by "natural causes".This was echoed in a newspaper report about the inquest indicating death by "natural causes", suffering "from chest affections for some time previously". The Camperdown Cemetery Burial Butts describe his death as from "Disease of the Heart".

He died at his address, 13 Domain Terrace, Sydney city. See the image of 1886 for a map. Domain Terrace was on the original site for the State Library of N.S.W.

The grave headstone was rediscovered by Rhett Knight 23.3.98 at St. Stephen's Camperdown cemetery in Newtown.

Newspaper notices include:

"17.7.1865: Funeral. The friends of Mr. William Kempster are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of his deceased brother-in-law, Mr. William Knight, to move from his late residence, 13 Domain Terrace, this (Monday) afternoon at 3 o'clock."

"Loyal United Brothers Lodge No. 3592, IOOF, M.U. - The officers and brothersof the above lodge, together with visiting officers and brothers, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of our late brother William Knight to take place this day (Monday) 17th. instant. Brethren to meet at the hall, at 2 p.m.. By order. James McMenemy, N.G. William H Baker, Secretary." The involvement of Manchester Unity lodge may have helped the family, even with providing the headstone for the grave.

Witnesses at the burial were brothers-in-law William Kempster and CuthbertMcLachlan.

As the Sydney Morning Herald put it, reporting the Inquest, "Knight has left 4 children but scantily provided for".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Joseph Munford was buried in same grave 13 years later. The headstone inscription, below William Knight's reads:

"ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF

Joseph Munford

who departed this life 4th April 1878

Aged 52 years"

No relationship has been established between Joseph Munford and William Knight. They were the same age. As Cornelius Munford (who had his older brother Joseph buried in William's grave in 1878) was also a ship's deserter 2 months earlier than the aforementioned William Knight, possible "ship's deserter", it may not be a coincidence that William and Joseph's only connection was in their burial together.

Details about Munford are:

[NSW Pioneers Index - Deaths:

Jos. Munford

d. 1878

Fa. Adam

Mo. Sarah nee Castles

Sydney

Registration Number 677/1878.]

According to the international Genealogy Index Joseph was christened on 15/11/1826 at St. Mary Whitechapel, Stepney, London to Adam and Sarah. His mother Sarah Munford was a fishmonger, and she and her 8 children, including Joseph and Cornelius were located at Whitechapel on the 1841 UK census.

Joseph was unmarried and came to NSW in about 1848. He resided in Castlereagh St., with his younger brother Cornelius.

Newspaper notices of the death and burial in 1878 include:

"Munford, April 4th., at his residence, 241 Castlereagh St., Joseph Munford, aged 52 years."

Funeral Notices:

"The friends of Mr. Cornelius Munford are invited to attend the funeral of his deceased brother, Joseph. To move from his residence, No. 241 Castlereagh St. on Saturday the 6th. instant at 2.30 to Camperdown cemetery. Thomas, undertaker, 141 York St."

The Burial Butt for his burial indicates that his calling was "Gentleman", that he died of "cerebral disease", and that he was to be buried in the same grave as 13185, (William Knight).

It has also been discovered that William's wife Sarah's grand nephew William Gordon, age 3, was buried in or near the same burial plot in 1870. There is no reference to this on the headstone. It seems that multiple burials in the same grave were not uncommon. According to Society of Australian Genealogists "after 1867, the creation of new grave plots was prohibited and burials were only permitted by license from the Chief Secretary." And "From 1867 to 1900 there were a further 2,183 burials at Camperdown Cemetery into already existing plots and family graves." The Burial Butts for William George Gordon indicates that he had died of bronchitis and was to be buried next to William Knight's grave, that his father was a drayman, and that his address at death was 243 Castlereagh St., next door perhaps to where Joseph Munford lived 8 years later^{13,42,50,62,63,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83}.

Sarah Maria AIKEN, daughter of Thomas AIKENS ( - ) and Julia DORAN ( - ), was born in 1831 in Newry, Co. Down, Ireland.^{84 85} She was baptised on 16 Sep 1831 in Newry, Down, Armagh, Ireland.⁸⁵ Her baptism appears to have been sponsored by a Mary Doran, most likely her maternal aunt. Sarah was a Needlewoman.^{86 87 88} She was Catholic.⁸⁴ She died on 8 Jun 1916 in 96 Curtis Rd., Balmain North.⁸⁴ 1916/6175 Cardiac disease (aortic) Ref. letter 1 , Ref Letter 3, Buried with her daughter Elizabeth OBrien at Gore Hill cemetery. Sarah was buried on 9 Jun 1916 in Gore Hill cemetery, Roman Catholic section.⁸⁴ 1916/6175 Ref. letter 1 , Ref Letter 3, Buried with her daughter Elizabeth OBrien at Gore Hill cemetery, catholic section.

Sarah Maria Aiken (Aiken often spelled differently) was baptised in September 1831 according to “Ireland Roman Catholic baptisms” and so her birth year is likely to be 1831. A birthdate of 1834 is indicated on her death certificate, which was informed by son Edward, and from her headstone. Her age given on her emigration document in 1853 says she was 19, so there remains some question over her exact date of birth.

Her baptism was at Newry, Armagh, county Down., with parents Thomas Aiken and Julia Doran. We have no knowledge of her parents’ demise. However, she was raised with her sister Margaret (Bessy) as an orphan, in Ireland by the "Poor Clare's", an order of Roman Catholic Nuns, at Newry.

The Order moved to Newry from Dublin in 1830 : “by invitation, the Order moved north to Newry. The Minutes of the Newry Mendicity Association in the late 1830s note that care of orphans was given over to the good Sisters. It had been Dr Kelly, Bishop of Dromore who had written to the Poor Clares in their Harold’s Cross, Dublin headquarters, requesting help to deal with the widespread poverty, misery, and lack of educational facilities of his people. Prior to this, it had been exclusively a contemplative order. To the great benefit of many generations of Northern Catholics, the Sisters agreed to take academic training and pass on their skills and knowledge to their young charges”, reported the Newry Journal. “Within a year four hundred children were attending school, and by 1835 this number, augmented by many orphans, had risen to five hundred. Soon a workshop was added to teach older girls the skills of lace-making and embroidery, by which they might earn their living. By 1836 the Bishop was in a position to laud the Sisters on the examination successes of their young pupils”. According to ‘Newry Memoirs’ “An Inspector of the National Education Board reported on an examination of 500 pupils in 1852: “All the classes must be highly commended on their proficiency in reading, writing, arithmetic and geography. Their answering evinced a readiness and proficiency quite astonishing in persons so young.” Sisters of St. Clare.com states that “The history of the Poor Clares in Newry is one that placed a strong focus on the education of women, enabling them to take their role with confidence in society and the Church. In addition to the basic reason for their being, ie prayer and contemplation, the Sisters assumed the following Ministries: Teaching: Primary, Secondary, Grammar and Commercial Schools. Ministry to the Poor- they established a breakfast and dinner kitchen.” Given this strong educational focus and no doubt stern treatment (the Sisters in modern times promising reparations for past abuses, reported by the ‘Independent.ie’), Sarah seems to have developed into a person with resilience and determination.

Sarah emigrated (age stated as 19) with her sister ‘Bessy’ on the Ship "Bolton", which arrived in Sydney 23/6/1853 from Plymouth, England, via the Cape of Good Hope. They emigrated as orphans, and one pound each was paid towards their passages. They were listed on the ship’s manifest with other single young women, assisted immigrants.

The ‘Empire’ newspaper in Sydney reported about the arrival of the ‘Bolton’ ; “The extreme cleanliness of the various compartments of the vessel in occupation of the emigrants, as well as the healthy appearance of the latter, reflects the greatest credit on the surgeon superintendent, Dr. Roberts; and the many samples of needle-work displayed in the cabin show that their time has been fully employed.”

The assisted scheme for the women on the "Bolton" followed, the model of the earlier Earl Grey scheme. Four thousand two hundred famine orphans had arrived in Australia under the Earl Gray scheme between 1848 and 1850. “Behind the scheme to relieve Ireland of its crowded workhouses and ship needy orphans to the colonies was the politically progressive Earl, Henry George Grey, Secretary of State for the Colonies (1846–1852). His vision was twofold: youthful lives spared of misery and the ex-convict colonies enriched with hardy, humble, fertile females. The selection process was simple. The girls had to be young, single, obedient, healthy and free of smallpox."

Earl Grey had originally hoped that orphans would be drawn from pauper institutions operating throughout Britain, although for unknown reasons only adolescent, unmarried girls from Ireland were despatched. Transport and processing costs were shared between the English government and Irish Poor Law Unions. Just as important was support from the colonies to ensure secure and comfortable housing and efficient hiring facilities, once the girls were brought ashore.

Initially the scheme looked promising. Reporting to London in 1848, immigration agent Frances Merewether was optimistic that, ‘provided the Emigrants were of useful description … three ship loads, or about 700 Statute Adults … might be despatched to the Sydney District each month’. With minor alterations and expense, the spacious old prisoner barracks with its high-walled compound and outbuildings could offer ‘ample and most comfortable accommodation’ for the Irish orphans.

In Australia, decades of convict transportation had left the colonies with a serious shortage of women. Teenage girls were vital for raising families while female servants and workers were needed in aspiring colonial households. However, without supportive networks or family, the girls remained vulnerable and powerless to control their fate. Mostly uneducated, unworldly and unused to domestic service, the orphans relied on protective officials to negotiate their place in the labour market. And costing less to hire than more experienced servants they generally found work quickly.” (Sydney Living Museums)

“For all the prejudice, the colonists needed labour and they needed women, so work was found for the girls as domestic servants and as wives. There was probably not much difference between servitude and marriage in many cases but marriage offered at least a chance to 'get on' and so many of them married young. In a colony with too few women they contributed much as the mothers of this nation.” (Shirley Fitzgerald, City of Sydney historian)

The journey to Australia usually took months, and “Before they left Ireland each orphan girl was given a regulation kit of clothing, linen and utensils stored in a lockable box. The girls shared bunks in third-class quarters and mustered in small mess groups. Each shipment was overseen by a surgeon-superintendent and a matron, who guarded against contact with sailors and fellow passengers. After several months at sea, the immigrant ships were towed into Sydney Cove, unloading their passengers on the dock like so many human parcels. The orphan girls, strangers in a strange place, along with the motley assortment of unaccompanied women and mothers with children, were carted on drays or walked up Macquarie Street to the Immigration Depot at Hyde Park Barracks” as described by ‘Irish Orphan Girls at Hyde Park Barracks’.

"No relations in colony, could both read and write", was the description of both sisters as per the ship Bolton’s manifest. Sarah’s occupation was given as "needlewoman". On arrival in Sydney they were quartered at the Hyde Park Barracks at top end of Macquarie Street. Sarah's name is engraved on the obelisk to Irish famine orphans at the Barracks. The obelisk was opened in 2002. It aims to acknowledge & commemorate the large numbers of often young, single women who arrived in Australia & resided at the Barracks during its time as 'Immigrant Women's Depot & Asylum', 1848-1886.

“To manage the orphan arrivals in Sydney, an immigrant depot was set up at Hyde Park Barracks. In its newly plastered and painted rooms were added rows of heavy iron beds, replacing the old convict hammock frames and tattered hammocks. In some areas, ceiling boards were fitted, eliminating drafts and creating comfortable sleeping wards. Downstairs offices were remodelled and furnished for immigration business. While the orphan scheme itself was short-lived - swept aside by popular protest - other programs of sponsored emigration, along with the discovery of gold, continued to lure hopeful travellers, reunite families and boost the colonial workforce for decades to come” observed ‘Irish Orphan Girls at Hyde Park Barracks’.

“It was from there that they were hired out and there was an agreement or indenture for up to three years, between one and three years, for them to go and work for someone within the colony”, noted Dr. Perry McIntyre – (“Irish immigrants from Australian records”)

The orphan girls were lodged at the Barracks. Scrutinised by immigration clerks, health officers and clergy, they shared sleeping quarters in the newly-appointed wards upstairs, before signing indentures for work in the ground floor hiring room. Elsewhere in the building, separate areas were appointed for regular shiploads of immigrant women. Immigration officials saw the Barracks as shelter for 'unaccompanied' females, along with the wives and children of convicts, 'sent out to their husbands or parents'.”

“From the first arrivals in 1848, and for years afterwards, the orphan girls confronted heated local hostility. In the background, moves towards colonial self-government had already kindled fears of a mobbish Irish majority, and Earl Grey’s support for the revival of convict transportation had won him few friends in the colony. Initial antipathy towards the orphans centred on their youth, incompetence, lowly workhouse origins and, most of all, their Irishness.”

The advertisement inserted by the Immigration Office in the Sydney Morning herald of 29 June 1853 for the hiring of single female immigrants from the “Bolton” at Hyde Park Barracks does not mention ‘Needle-workers” among the callings. The great majority are general house servants.

We have no information as to how Sarah lived from 1853 until her marriage to William Knight in 1857 (Her sister Bessy married in 1854). A List of returned letters returned to the Sydney GPO from the country in September 1856 has one for a Sarah Aikens in Hexham, NSW, near Newcastle. If it is our Sarah, then she would have had a work agreement to work at Hexham, perhaps as a housemaid for a certain period of time. She married William Knight in Balmain in 1857, and by 1865 4 children had been born.

After the death of her husband in 1865, she kept her family by making children’s clothing for Farmer & Co., as recounted by family reminiscences. Farmer & Co. were a drapery business established in 1839 which became a retail empire and social institution. Her sister-in-law Margaret Knight had married William Kempster in Sydney in December 1844. This couple probably took an interest in Sarah and her children after William's death in 1865. William Kempster had been a witness at the burial of Sarah's husband William. As well it has also been discovered that Sarah's grand-nephew William Gordon, age 3, was buried in or near the same burial plot in 1870 as her husband William. So the 2 sides of the family were probably close for some time.

Two years after husband William’s death we find Sarah trading as a grocer, at Adolphus St., Balmain, as per the Sands Alphabetical Directory of 1867. The Sands Directories then have her as a grocer at 92 Curtis St., in 1869, 1871, 1873, 1889 and 1901. She was obviously living next door to her daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law, Matthew O’Brien, who were listed at 90 Curtis Rd.in 1892. In 1890 her daughter Sarah, aged 20, was also still living with her. The 1901 census has her at 92 Curtis Rd, with 2 female occupants. She seems to have been living at that address up to and including 1905, when her son Edward, a blacksmith, was also at that address. In 1906 (aged 75), she was listed at No. 92, ‘domestic duties’ with son Edward. They lived there together until her death in 1916, according to Directories, censuses and Electoral Rolls. Curtis road and Short street seem to have been the areas where the family members lived, very near to one another. Sarah’s son William moved from 49 Curtis road in 1905 to “Glenore” in Rowntree street, still in close proximity to his mother.

Sarah died in 1916 at 98 Curtis Road, and her funeral moved from there to the Catholic section of Gore Hill Cemetery at St. Leonards on the north shore of Sydney Harbour. She was to be buried with her daughter Elizabeth O’Brien who had died in 1910. The Sydney Harbour Bridge had not yet been built, and so her hearse would have travelled on the Milsons Point horse ferry, a steam operated paddle punt, which was a vehicular ferry crossing to Blues Point, near to where the Sydney Harbour Bridge now stands.

A Family story says that there was a 'Robbie' Aiken, whether in Ireland or Australia is unsure but no evidence has been found. Her grand-daughter Elsie May Knight reported that Sarah said that she was a poor relative of the 'Guinness Stout' family, a story which might explain why her father was listed as a “brewer” on her death certificate (informant her son Edward).

Sarah died intestate and 235 pounds was declared as the value of her estate^{42,62,70,86,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110,111,112,113}.

Sarah Maria AIKEN and William KNIGHT had the following children:

47.

Elizabeth Margaret KNIGHT, daughter of William KNIGHT and Sarah Maria AIKEN, was born on 20 Oct 1858 in Balmain.^{62 116} 1858/2407. Elizabeth was Catholic.⁸⁴ She married Matthew James O'BRIEN in 1883 in Sydney.¹¹⁸ Regn. no. 1883/1774. Elizabeth died on 23 Dec 1910 in St. Leonards, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney.^{84 42} Buried with mother in Gore Hill cemetery, St. Leonards, North Sydney, catholic section. Ref. letter 1, Died 1910 a/c to letter 6,anda/c to letter Betty Sparks 15/11/97. Elizabeth was buried in Gore Hill cemetery.⁸⁴ Buried with mother in Gore Hill cemetery, St. Leonards, North Sydney, , catholic section.

Birth regn. 1858/2407

In 1892 Sarah Aiken was listed at Short St. Balmain,92. She was obviously living next door to her daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Matthew, who were listed at 90 curtis Rd.¹⁰¹

Matthew James O'BRIEN, son of John O'BRIEN ( - ) and Mary JANE unknown ( - ), was born in 1855. He died on 2 Dec 1933.^{119 120} 1933/19090. Matthew was buried in Macquarie Park Cemetery.¹²⁰

Birth, death a/c

1904 P.O Directory has - O'Brien Matth., "Me-Mel," Christie-st.,Lane Cove

Death notice Margaret has Me Mei, Christie St., St. Leonard'^42,121,122s

Matthew James O'BRIEN and Elizabeth Margaret KNIGHT had the following children:

48.

Edward KNIGHT,¹²³ son of William KNIGHT and Sarah Maria AIKEN, was born on 1 Nov 1860 in Philip St., Sydney.^{124 116} 1860/2154. Edward married Alice Maud EARLE on 31 Jan 1899 in Enmore, N.S.W.^{124 118} Buried Field of Mars - anglican. Ref. letter1, Died after giving birth to Sarah Jean - letter 1. Edward died on 22 Dec 1949 in Marrickville, Sydney.¹²⁴ Buried Field of Mars cemetery, Anglican section, his ashes into , wife's grave., Died at daughter's home, Mrs. T. Davies, a/c to Letter 3. Edward was buried on 24 Dec 1949 in FIELD OF MARS cemetery.¹²⁴ Ashes.

Edward was a Catholic. He became a chef. He was known in family as "Nicka" according to Ken Knight.

He became a champion swimmer a/c to source 5 and 464 (and see image).

He was Vice-president, and a stalwart of the Balmain swimming club.First champion of the Club, in 1884.The trophy for that event was on display at the Watch House Museum of the Balmain Association in 1994.

In the 1901 census an Edward Knight was listed at 152 Weston Rd, with 2 males, 2 females, though Sarah Knight was listed at 92 Curtis Rd.

Listed as living at 92 Curtis Rd. in 1903, next door to brother William.Still there 1906 with mother Sarah

P.O. Directory 1904 has - Knight Edw., 92 Curtis-rd., Balmain,

By 1909 still listed there., No. 92, occupation blacksmith.

1910 still at Curtis Rd. 1913 Still there with mother. Edward Knight, blacksmith listed at 92 Short St., Balmain in 1913.and 1915. Whilst his mother was dead Edward was still at Curtis Rd., 1917 ( No. 98), and 1922.

He received a recognition of Bravery, along with some other workers, from employers 'Mort's Dock and Engineering Works' in December 1900. See accompanying picture^{90,95,103,104,115,122,125,126,127,128,129,130}.

Alice Maud EARLE, daughter of Jean UNKNOWN ( - ), was born c. 1864 in Ayrshire, Scotland.¹²⁴ She died on 25 Dec 1905 in Balmain.^{124 119} She was buried in Field of Mars cemetery, Catholic section.¹²⁴ with MH Sievewright and EM Knight.

Died 6.5 weeks after giving birth to Sarah Jean.¹³¹

Alice Maud EARLE and Edward KNIGHT had the following children:

50.

William George Joseph KNIGHT,¹³⁴ son of William KNIGHT and Sarah Maria AIKEN, was born on 14 Jul 1865 in Macquarie St., Sydney.¹¹⁶ 1865/1661. William was a Blacksmith.^{90 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141} He married Amelia Alice JONES on 5 Oct 1891 in Bethel House, Sydney. W.M. Macky, rites of Scots Church, Marriage certificate 1654 copy 23/7/93. William died on 23 Dec 1931 in Glenore, 14 Rowntree St., Sydney.¹⁴² 19350/1931 Heart attack, Buried Field of Mars cemetery, Death after 2 months- illness. William was buried on 24 Dec 1931 in Field of Mars cemetery.^{142 143} Buried Field of Mars cemetery,

William (b.1865) was born in Macquarie Street, Sydney, presumably at the old Sydney Hospital. Tragically his father, a Liverpudlian working as a drayman, also named William Knight (b.1827) died the following day. The baby William was named William George Knight and an additional name "Joseph" was first used in his marriage certificate. Perhaps it was a Catholic baptismal name not used for official purposes. He and all his siblings were christened in the Catholic Church, presumably because of their mother's strong Catholic upbringing as an orphan by the "Poor Clare's" in Northern Ireland.

It appears that William lived most of his life in Balmain. As a suburb in the Victorian era Balmain enjoyed the benefits and the drawbacks of rapid urbanisation. "1830’s - Ship Building: From the 1830s until the 1850s Balmain developed as a suburb. By this time regular ferry connections from Balmain to the city had begun operating, and the reliance on steamers, ferries and coastal vessels for both travel and trade resulted in the establishment of shipyards along the harbour foreshores. Shipyards brought workers, who wished to live close to their place of work. As the population increased so did the demand for services - houses, shops, churches, schools, police, a hospital and local government with Balmain Council being formed in 1860. By the 1880s Balmain claimed to be the leading social suburb in Sydney. Numerous clubs were formed including rowing, swimming, bowling and cricket. Institutes such as the Balmain Literary Institute, the Balmain Working Men's Institute and Balmain School of Arts were also established". However, "by the late 1880s it was apparent that the suburb was overcrowded and badly organised. Factories were opened next door to houses and schools, streets had been created in the most inappropriate places and the suburb went into a decline." Industrially "The peninsula changed rapidly during the 1800s and became one of the premier industrial centres of Sydney. Industries clustered around Mort Bay included shipbuilding, a metal foundry, engineering, boilermaking and the Mort's Dock and Engineering Company works which opened in 1855—in 1958 Mort's Dock closed and is the site of Mort Bay Park. Increasing industrialisation at Balmain created a demand for cheap housing. This was satisfied by the dock owners selling small blocks of land to entrepreneurs who then built tiny cottages and rented them to the workers."

A family story is that William built the house "Glenore" at 14 Rowntree Street, which later was described by the family as the Knight family home, in 1888, after purchasing the land from his brother Edward. That interpretation is complicated by a statement that "he bought the house". He was a blacksmith after all, not a builder. However the land was vacant in 1888 according to Birchgrove Subdivision Plans, and presumably available for building. One way or another "Glenore" became William's property, passed to his daughter Elsie and then to his grandson Ken. It was remembered as "very dark inside". Another memory was that "Jack and Don Knight used to play marbles in the lane beside the house." However it seems that William himself did not live there until 1906. Prior to that evidence suggests that he lived at different addresses in Balmain, mainly in Curtis Road, close to where others in the family lived. From 1906 he had moved to "Glenore". The Electoral Rolls of 1906 and 1913 state him as living there; as does the Roll of 1917, with his sons William Frank, Ted, and his daughter Elsie. He was still living there with Amelia when he died in 1931.

He served a blacksmith apprenticeship at Mort's Dock engineering works and was employed there for 30 years, and then 11 years at Cockatoo Dockyards. His brother Edward, son Edward Arthur and grandson William Frank Knight also worked at Mort's Dock during their lifetimes. "The Mort's Dock and Engineering Company trained apprentices and journeymen with the expertise and out put of a technical College. For over 65 years an average of 20 men a year became qualified tradesman through the company. Many of them became famous and two were later State Premiers" according to "An outline of the history of Balmain". According to William McKell, a Dock boilermaker who became State Premier and then Governor-General, boilermaking was "The hardest, the dirtiest,and most dangerous trade of all". Around the shop "you would see many boilermakers with only one eye; you found boilermakers every one of them deaf" and "it was very, very dangerous; very very hard". Mort's did most of the merchant-ship repair work in the harbour, and working hours were very long and often till late at night. Mort's Dock, named after Thomas Mort, was the first Dry dock of it's size, opening in 1855 one year before Cockatoo island. It was the largest shipyard and engineering workshop, and the colony's largest private enterprise. It became the home of the Ship Painters and Dockers union which was established on site in 1872 and which was instrumental in the creation of what was later to become the Australian Labour Party in 1891. The Dock was by far the major employer in Balmain.

William Knight was Secretary of the Sydney Branch of the Australian Society of Engineers, instrumental in the formation of the Mort's Dock Ambulance Corps, (incidentally giving a speech at the presentation of a Bravery gold medal to his brother Edward), secretary of the Mort's Dock employees committee, a Lodge member for 40 years, and a member of the Balmain Cooperative Society Board of Directors for 20 years, with the last 2 as President. He "used to go to Melbourne with work for the Wages Board", according to his son Kenneth Frederick Knight. He was a Justice of the Peace from 1911. And an early Labor Party supporter, according to family.

Cockatoo Island Dockyard was based on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour. Established in 1857 to maintain Royal Navy warships, it later built and repaired military and civilian ships. World War 1 created a lot of work and 50 new ships were built and 150 more had been converted or repaired by the end of the war. By 1919 4085 people were employed at the dockyard. William worked there until about 1921.

He died at home at "Glenore". His estate was sworn at 657 Pounds, left to his wife Amelia with the sole executor being his oldest son William Frank Knight.^{90,95,102,103,104,122,135,140,142,144,145,146,147,148,149,150}

Amelia Alice JONES, daughter of Benjamin Gaffee JONES (1829-1876) and Anne INGLESON (1834-1893), was born on 24 Jun 1869 in Westbury, Tasmania.¹⁵¹ She was a Housemaid. She was Anglican. She died on 19 Oct 1947 in Sydney.¹⁵² Cerebral haemmorhage, arteriosclerosis, senility. Amelia was buried in Field of Mars cemetery, catholic section.¹⁴² Buried Field of Mars cemetery, catholic section although an Anglican, Buried with William G.J. Knight a/c to photo from K F Knight, and , Ref. letter 1.

Amelia was born in Westbury, Tasmania in 1869. She gives her own name as Mildred Alice Knight on the marriage certificate to William George Joseph Knight and in the birth certificate of William Frank Knight.

She states Launceston as her birthplace in the birth certificate of William Frank Knight. although she was born in Westbury. An Anglican.

Came to Balmain from Tasmania 61 years before death (1886) (age c.17)

Had a job as a housemaid for a Judge in Balmain.

Lived in Rowntree St., Balmain. In 1906, 1913, 1917 and 1922 listed as domestic duties, 14 Rowntree St.

During the Depression scrubbed floors in schools - no dole then

Used to sit on the balcony at Rowntree Street and wave to the tram guards going by, according to Ken Knight.

She had wonderful afternoon teas at Rowntree St. put on with her daughter Elsie. Had "Beautiful china" Her estate was valued at 550 pounds, and was left to daughter Elsie.^{90,103,142,152,153}

Amelia Alice JONES and William George Joseph KNIGHT had the following children:

64.

Alice Maud KNIGHT, daughter of Edward KNIGHT and Alice Maud EARLE, was born in 1899.^{124 116} 1899/18826. Alice died on 16 Apr 1919.^{89 119} pneumonia influenza epidemic, Buried Field of Mars, catholic section, age 19. Ref. letter1. Alice was buried in Buried Field of Mars, catholic section.⁸⁹

68.

William Frank KNIGHT, son of William George Joseph KNIGHT and Amelia Alice JONES, was born on 2 Apr 1892 in Sydney. He was an Accountant ,Company Secretary. He was Baptised Catholic.⁹⁰ He married Hilda Doris HARWOOD on 19 Jan 1924 in Sydney. He died on 24 Feb 1970 in Sydney.⁹⁰ Heart attack. William was buried in Crematorium.

Baptised Catholic

Birth address 18 Short St.,Balmain.

Born in 1892, Birth registration 5520 / 329 - copy dated 23/12/85

He was an Altar boy and attended Balmain Christian Bros.school.

In 1917 he was listed at 14 Rowntree St. with the rest of the family.And also in 1922.

At his father's death his address was at Lakemba .

He was awarded Military Medal in World War 1. He was lodged in Belgium at end of hostilities in W.W.1

WW1 history of a William Frank Knight:CPl. 1782 2nd. Battalion Enlisted 21.11.16 RTA 25.9.19

Service Number: 1782

Rank: Lance Corporal

Unit: 2nd Bn

Service: Army

Honour / Award: Military Medal

Date of London Gazette: 20 August 1919, page 10585, position 75

Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 11 December 1919, page 2373, position 3 . Also se^{90,103,142,157,168,169,170}e

Hilda Doris HARWOOD was born on 27 Aug 1899. She was Methodist. She died on 27 Aug 1989. Ref. Letter 3. Hilda was buried in Crematorium.⁹⁰

Ref.

Her brother was a builder and was scared of banks, buried his money in tins in the garden. When he died his kids found about $3000 buried.^90,161

Hilda Doris HARWOOD and William Frank KNIGHT had the following children:

69.

Elsie May KNIGHT, daughter of William George Joseph KNIGHT and Amelia Alice JONES, was born on 27 Apr 1893 in Sydney. She was Baptised Catholic.⁹⁰ She died on 28 May 1972 in Sydney.¹⁴² Diabetes, at her residence, 14 Roundtree St., Balmain. Elsie was buried in Catholic cemetery, Field of Mars.¹⁴²

C of E. She went to a Convent school for a while according to Ken Knight.

She became a Department Store Manager.

Address Balmain at father's death in 1931. She lived at 14 Rowntree St. until she died.

She was listed there 1917 and 1922 , occupation dressmaker.

She had a shop at 104 Curtis Rd., on the corner in Balmain for years. She also lived at 98 Curtis Rd., where nephew Bill lived with her for a while when The Depression was starting. She inherited her mother's property at her mother's death in 1947.^{89,90,103,142,145}

70.

Edward Arthur KNIGHT, son of William George Joseph KNIGHT and Amelia Alice JONES, was born on 28 Jun 1895 in Balmain Nth.^{89 116} Reg. no.20166. Edward was a Fitter & turner, Marine Engineer.^{171 172 145 128} He was educated at Balmain Christian Bros. school.⁹⁰ He was Baptised Catholic.⁹⁰ He married Margaret Harken MACDONALD on 20 Oct 1917 in St. Barnabas Church, George St. West, Sydney.¹¹⁸ 9847/1917 (C of E church). Edward married Bridget Victorine GARVEY in 1936 in Sydney.¹¹⁸ reg. no. 17395. Edward died on 13 Oct 1972 in Sydney.^{142 173 119} 67877/1972 Heart failure. Edward was buried on 16 Oct 1972 in Catholic Lawn cemetery, Rookwood. Mortuary 3, Lawn 3, Grave no. 743.^{142 174 173} Service at Church of St. Joseph, Liverpol Rd., Enfield.

Ted was born "during a strike", according to his mother, humorously indicating his personality. He attended Balmain Christian Brothers school, and according to his family he was a real "Larrikin". This was an epithet that was used, not coincidentally, to describe his son Billy, and then Billy's son Kenny. Physically Ted was a small man. "Six stone soaking wet", someone said.

He was lIving at his parents residence in 1917, according to Electoral rolls. At marriage, age 22, he was a marine engineer, residing at Balmain, according to the marriage certificate. His wife Margaret, known as "Rita" died in 1927. He had 2 children by then, and they were raised mainly by Rita's mother Annie Macdonald. Ted's address was Drummoyne at his father's death in 1931.

During WW1. Ted was a ship's Engineer, mainly in the Atlantic. He was 4th engineer on a cargo vessel, the "Toromeo", ex Transport Branch of the Navy Department, then under the control of the Commonwealth Government Line in February 1919, sailing from Liverpool to New York. It was the time of the end of the "Spanish Flu" pandemic. Five crew members died on the ship of influenza, and were buried in a community grave in New York. Ted said he survived by drinking rum. "While at New York, the Toromeo experienced a tragic epidemic of influenza among themembers of the crew during the 5 weeks stay at the American port.The Chief Officer and 5 other members of the crew, succumbed to the disease. The victims included the 3rd engineer and the carpenter. Fifteen others were left behind in hospital when the Toromeo sailed for Wellington. The outbreak on the steamer was remarkable in view of the epidemic having almost entirely disappeared in New York". Ted had contracted some flu and always spoke with a husky voice from then on .

He sapparently bravely helped a little boy who had diptheria by clearing a blockage in his airway.

Ted worked at Mort's Dock, Balmain, Sydney, as a fitter. According to his son Bill, Ted's lunch sandwich was "a double rum". Jack Knight's father, William Frank Knight was annoyed that Ted didn't get his engineer's certificate because he was a very, very good draughtsman, and some of his work was used as examples at Sydney Technical College. He was apparently renowned as an expert at removing a ship's propeller from its shaft.

In September 1942 he was living at the Knight family home at 14 Rowntree St. Balmain.Then during WW2 he moved to 56 Boyce St., Glebe Point. During WW2 he was a fitter at Mort's Dock,and he was retrenched from there in 1957. He married his second wife "Bridie" during WW2 in 1936. She had been working in a local hotel as a barmaid. They lived at Boyce St., Glebe, near Harold Park, Sydney. This is where he was known to RK, where there was always Resch's Dinner Ale on offer, and ginger ale for Rhett^{90,103,128,142,145,157,171,172,175,176}.

Margaret Harken MACDONALD, daughter of Walter Alexander MACDONALD (1859-1915) and Annie SMITH (1863-1946), was born on 4 May 1899 in Glasgow, Scotland 95 Kilmarnock Rd., Shawlands District Eastwood County Renfrew. She was a Music teacher. She was Presbyterian. She died on 9 Aug 1927 in Coast Hospital, Little Bay, Sydney.^{177 178 119} Streptococcal Meningitis, Death regn.no. 11742/136 issued 29/8/73, Late of 41 Foucart St., Rozelle. Margaret was buried on 28 Aug 1927 in Presbyterian cemetery, Rookwood, Presbyterian section 5C grave 9436.^{179 177 180} Buried 28/8/1927 Presbyterian cemetery, Rookwood.

Margaret was known as "Rita". Her family emigrated to Australia in about 1901 from Glasgow, where she was born.

She was reputed to be a beautiful singer,as well as a music teacher. Ken Knight remembers her singing "Where my caravan has rested". Her son Don Knight said that she made a couple of piano rolls for Mastertouch piano Roll Company in Sydney.

At her marriage to Ted Knight in 1917, her occupation was listed as Home Duties, age 21, residence Mosman, according to her marriage certificate.

She died when young of Streptococcal Meningitis leaving 2 young children, Bill age 9, and Don, aged 2. She was buried 10/8/27 at the Presbyterian cemetery, Rookwood, next to her mother and father. Rookwood Independent cemetery. Presbyterian section 5C grave 242.GPSLatitude - S33 52 19.683 (33.872134) GPSLongitude - E151 2 58.9429 (151.049706). There is only 1 photo surviving of Rita.

Don always visited his mother's grave at Rookwood cemetery on trips to Sydney.⁹⁰

Margaret Harken MACDONALD and Edward Arthur KNIGHT had the following children:

Bridget Victorine GARVEY, daughter of Patrick GARVEY (1858-1908) and Catherine HOURIGAN (1838-1917), was born in 1891 in Casino, N.S.W.^{173 116} reg. No 1891/1853. Bridget died on 26 Aug 1970.¹⁷³ 30607/1970 Heart failure. Bridget was buried on 28 Aug 1970 in Catholic cemetery, Rookwood. Mortuary 3, Lawn 3-grave no. 743.^{174 173} Buried in same grave as Edward Arthur Knight.

Bridget was born in Casino, country NSW, to publican Patrick Garvey and Catherine Hourigan in 1891, the 4th of 8 children. Catholic. Known as "Bridie". Bridie was living in Bangalow, noted as domestic duties in 1913 with her brother James Andrew Garvey, a painter. By the beginning of WW2 she was living in Drummoyne after having been married to Ted Knight in 1936. She was a barmaid in Drummoyne.^103,181

71.

Mildred Hilda KNIGHT, daughter of William George Joseph KNIGHT and Amelia Alice JONES, was born on 30 Jul 1899 in Sydney. She was Baptised Catholic.⁹⁰ She married John Aiton SIEVWRIGHT in 1917. Ref. Letter 3, 1917/2223. Mildred died on 6 Feb 1961. Pneumonia, date a/c to Ref. letter 1. Mildred was buried in Catholic cemetery.

C of E

Name, d.o.b.a/c to Ref. l

Catholic, a/c to Ref.

Ref.

Address Tempe at father's death^89,142,161

John Aiton SIEVWRIGHT, son of John F SIEVWRIGHT ( - ) and Isabella HORAN ( - ), was born in 1895.¹¹⁶ 1895/30125. John was a Railway employee.¹⁵⁷

Railway executive

Known as "Jack"

PO Directory has Sievewright, Jno 42 Gipps St Balmain in 1904 (Father)

WW1 history of a John Acton Sievwright:Dvr.719 1st. FAB. Enlisted 24.8.14 RTA 3.11.15 Also see

On enlistment in 1914 Mother's address B Sievwright, 53 Rowntree St., BalmainIn 1961 mother was at 61 Rowntree St.^122,157,168

John Aiton SIEVWRIGHT and Mildred Hilda KNIGHT had the following children:

73.

Kenneth Frederick KNIGHT, son of William George Joseph KNIGHT and Amelia Alice JONES, was born on 19 Mar 1910 in Sydney.¹⁸³ He was a Public Servant. He was Baptised Catholic.⁹⁰ He married Valerie Clare JOHNSON on 16 Feb 1952 in St Francis Catholic Church, Paddington, Sydney.¹⁸³ 2439/1952. Kenneth died in 2010.

Ken was born and lived in the family home in Balmain. He was reportedly "spoiled rotten" by his mother and Elsie Knight as the baby of the family. A keen swimmer, water polo player, winter sea swimmer and amateur sport official, he was collator of "1884-1984 Celebrating a Centenary - Balmain Swimming Club". He married Val Johnson in 1952 and daughter Kerry was born in 1954. In the late stage of his life he moved to the RSL retirement village at Narrabeen.

His life was ably summed up in an address given at a large dinner gathering, probably sometime after his 90th birthday. It is entitled "This is Your Life - Ken (Tiger) Knight. It ranges from his birth to his schooling, his employment and retirement in 1971, his military service and his sporting achievements. His memberships list, particularly Life memberships, is a reflection of his love and dedication to playing sport, sport administration, and community participation:

Life Member Royal Australian Armoured Corps Association

Life Member Royal Australian Armoured Corps Club

Member Bondi Junction-Waverley RSL sub-branch and Bondi RSL Club

Member St. Vincent de Paul Society

President of St. Charles Borromeo Conference

Recipient of awards from Bondi and Eastern Suburbs Clubs

Recipient of Waverley Council Scroll on Australia Day 1986 for outstanding service to the needy.

Athletics representation at school and work levels

Cricket participation at work level

Vice President of Balmain District Cricket Club since 1949

Rugby League representation at school level and Old Boys level

Member of Balmain Rugby League Football Club (Tigers) - their most enthusiastic and best known supporter over 80 years

Rowed for Balmain Rowing Club

Life and Associate Member Balmain Rowing Club

Played soccer at school level

Member Freshwater Surf Lifesaving Club in 1941

Awarded 25 and 50 years medallions for service to Australian Surf Lifesaving

Member of Balmain Swimming Club since 1923

Served as Club Captain, Assistant Secretary, Honorary Secretary, Handicapper and Honorary Treasurer of Balmain Swimming Club

Represented Balmain in swimming

Life Membership Balmain Swimming Club in 1955

Bronte Men's Amateur Swimming Club member in 1957, then Honorary Secretary

Life Member Bronte in 1970

NSW Swimming Association - member, Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, Executive Officer Finance, Manager NSW swimming team 1966 and 1972

Official at 1st World Swimming Championships in Belgrade 1973

Life Member NSW Swimming 1977

Water Polo player for Balmain at 2nd and 3rd grade levels 1927-1931

Life Member NSW water Polo Association 1991

Foundation Member and Honorary Secretary of the Union of Old Swimmers since 1953

Life member Union of Old Swimmers in 1960

Awarded the Australian Sports medal in 2000 by the Prime Minister and Governor-General

Ken was a great raconteur and repository of family knowledge, having lived for 99 years^{90,128,130,142,145,183}.

Valerie Clare JOHNSON was born in 1920. She died on 8 Jul 2007 in Sydney. She and Kenneth Frederick KNIGHT had the following children:

95.

John Harwood KNIGHT, son of William Frank KNIGHT and Hilda Doris HARWOOD, was born on 30 Jun 1925 in Sydney. He was a Master mariner. He was Methodist. He married Betty Helene JOHNSON on 27 Aug 1953 in Sydney. He died on 17 Nov 2002 in Sydney. He was buried on 20 Nov 2002 in North Shore crematorium.

Jack was known to Don Knight from early in his life and they followed nautical careers. Jack and Don met once a month when young at Grandmother Knight's at Balmain. Don, Jack and Bob played marbles outside at Rowntree St. They were in touch with each other troughout their lives and when Jack's ship came into Burnie where Don was living they spent time together. Later in life Jack worked in an office at Circular Quay, Sydney and Don would call in there on his Sydney visits¹²⁸.

Betty Helene JOHNSON, daughter of Claude Parker JOHNSON (1881-1948) and Alice Jane JOHNSON ( - ), was born in 1927. She died in 2012. She and John Harwood KNIGHT had the following children:

96.

Robert Harwood KNIGHT, son of William Frank KNIGHT and Hilda Doris HARWOOD, was born on 20 May 1929 in Sydney. He was a Ship's Officer, Factory Manager. He was Methodist . He married Jeanette Elwyn HOLDAWAY on 19 Jul 1957 in Sydney. He died in 2014 in Sydney. Renal failure.

Jeanette Elwyn HOLDAWAY was the daughter of Cecil G HOLDAWAY ( - ) and Elwyn E COOKE ( - ). She and Robert Harwood KNIGHT had the following children:

97.

Pamela Marie KNIGHT, daughter of William Frank KNIGHT and Hilda Doris HARWOOD, was born on 15 May 1931 in Sydney.¹⁸⁷ She was a Trained nurse. She was Methodist. She married Peter CAINS on 23 Jun 1956.¹⁸⁷ Ref. Letter 3. Pamela died on 28 Jul 2017 in Sydney. Pancreatitis. Pamela was buried on 10 Aug 2017 in Macquarie Crematorium, Sydney.

nfo. from¹⁶¹

Peter CAINS was born on 3 Dec 1930.¹⁸⁷ He was a Pharmacist. He died in 2012. He and Pamela Marie KNIGHT had the following children:

98.

William Harwood KNIGHT, son of William Frank KNIGHT and Hilda Doris HARWOOD, was born on 5 May 1944 in Sydney. He was a Judge.¹⁸⁸ He married J C S M in 1976. He died on 3 Nov 2017 in North Shore Hospital, Sydney. He was buried on 13 Nov 2017 in Private cremation. Northern Suburbs Crematorium. Memorial Service St. John's Church, Darlinghurst 13 Nov 2017

Former District Court of NSW judge and barrister.

His District Court appointment as judge commenced in 1987 and ended in 2009 for a total of 21 years in office. He was also an Acting Judge of the Supreme Court during 2004.Bill was a Rugby Union player and follower during his life, and always interested in family history.

J C S M and William Harwood KNIGHT had the following children:

99.

William Frank KNIGHT, son of Edward Arthur KNIGHT and Margaret Harken MACDONALD, was born on 24 Mar 1918 in Mosman, Sydney.¹⁸⁹ He was a Fitter & turner. He was Methodist. He married Elsie May RANKIN on 17 Feb 1942 in Sydney.¹⁹⁰ married 14/2/42 a/c to. William died on 8 Oct 2003 in Laurieton, NSW. He was buried on 14 Oct 2003 in Taree Crematorium, NSW. Service in Manning GReat Lakes Memorial Gardens Crematorium.

Bill was named William Frank after his uncle, in case his uncle did not return from the War.

He was living as a boy at the corner of Spring St.and Short St., Birchgrove. Photo's from his album show him playing with his first cousin Norma Sievwright when very young.

His humour was ever-ready. During Kerry Knight-Robertson-s nuptial mass wedding (Catholic), Don Knight, methodist, took communion. When brother Billy asked if he wanted to follow Billy said "he's a publican, I'm not that thirsty".

Bill and his brother Don were living at Foucart St. Rozelle when their mother died. Then their Grandmother Annie Macdonald, who was a nurse looking after some old people, came to care for them at Foucart St. They then moved (by horse and cart!) to Thompson St., Drummoyne.Then to Broughton St.,Drummoyne where they had a garden in the Depression. Then to Edwin St., Drummoyne. Don went into the Navy at 17. Bill, who had lived at other family houses, including Rowntree St., and with his Aunty Else at 98 Curtis Rd.Balmain, got married from Edwin St. He was in the army at the time. Then he moved to Bondi, was sent to Ingleburn by the Army and luckily escaped going with the Battallion which went to Singapore. Bill went to Rozelle school, said he was the "youngest to pass the QC" and eventually to Drummoyne High School. When he was 16 he obtained a job at Lever's in Balmain. He worked at Mort's Dock as a fitter, was put off during the 1948 coal strike, then returned, and then worked as a fitter at McNiven's.

Bill's life was best described in this eulogy given by his son Ken in 2003.

"Dad’s early childhood was spent in the Balmain and Drummoyne districts of Sydney. Dads brother Don was born in 1925 and not long after this they lost their mother and both Dad and Don were raised by their Grandmother on their mother's side, who by all reports was a broad speaking Scottish lady who did not tolerate frivolity.

Dad would not talk much about his life except to say that things were tough and his Grandmother did the best she could for them both—though reading between the lines and hearing vague stories from relatives, they did indeed do it tough—as did a lot of people at that time.

Dad attended school in the Balmain and Drummoyne areas completing his schooling in 1933 with the Intermediate 'Certificate at Drummoyne High School where he attained A's and B's. Given that at the time it was the Great Depression period - Dad was lucky to gain an apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner, completing this in 1938.

Dad joined the army 19d) January 1942 and was discharged on 13th December 1945, [ never leaving our shores]. He was one of the lucky ones.

On the 14th Feb 1942 Dad married Elsie May Rankin and they went on to have three children in Lorraine, Christine and Ken, and remained married until Mum's death in June '1983.

After the war dad worked as a fitter with Mc Nivens icecream, also gaining 'his boilermakers license when that company was taken over by Lever Bros. He stayed with them until 1964 and then joined Balm-Paints at Cabarita as a Fitter/Boilermaker untiI his retirement in 1982.

Over the years dad enjoyed a lot of leisure activities—fishing, cricket , horseracing, Rugby League and Union, lawn bowls and dancing. On the fishing side of things he loved to go down to Lake Conjola with his mates from Levers and just kick back doing nothing but fishing and drinking. He wasn't too good at fishing but BOY could he drink – the family holidays were held at either Ettalong or Palm Beach.

Dad's job at Levers was the envy of all the other employees (about 500 of them). I know because I worked there for 12mths, got to know and talk to some of his workmates. He had this work shop area which 'was as big as a house’ with only him in it—it also had its own private entrance into a lane way—instead of having to go thru the main gates- Out 300mts from the Kent Hotel (where the film “Caddie” was made). They reckon he spent equal time between work and the pub. He said that was only fair!!

In 1950/60 he was sent to Lowood near Ipswich in Queensland to oversee the setting up of machinery for the NEW WONDER FOOD – Deb instant mash potato. He stayed there off and on for l8months , was then asked to move to Ballarat to head up the maintenance team at their factory. He declined- instead opting for a more lucrative position in the workshop with the back entrance near the pub.

After leaving Unilever (I think he was sprung once too often in the pub) he continued to associate with his mates from there going to the S.C.G every Saturday for the match of the day and once the match of the day format finished he didn’t go to another League Game.

The same crowd would gather in summer months to have a punt with the S.P.Bookie and get dressed up in their suits and take their wives to each Epsom and Doncaster Days — this practice continued for many years.

Dad played minor grades 3rds\4ths with Drummoyne Rugby Union in the late 30’s, although I can’t imagine his skinny legs in footy shorts. The photos are around somewhere.

Dad’s love of cricket is my earliest or most vivid memory of him — He would often go to the S.C.G or Sheffield Shield Games and the Test Matches, he would take me along sometimes- sit me on the wooden seats in front of the hill with a drink and a packet of chips while he said he had to see someone and would not be long. He would always come back to see me during drinks and lunch breaks. I guess the bar was too crowded then.

Through his youth Dad played cricket with teams from Drummoyne and after the War played in a Sunday comp. with Eastern Park Cricket Club- this competition was played in a social atmosphere even though it was a competition and OH YES there was a keg on tap.

He gave cricket away for some years and then became interested in the late 60’s and became secretary of the J.W.S/Bayview Club at Gladesville and continued in that role until the 80’s when with no players the club folded. During this time he was also Secretary of the Gladesville District Cricket Ass. and again Sec. of the Combined Gladesville Dist. C.A and Balmain C.A. when they merged. If any of our teams were short a man Dad would help out fielding even though in his late 50’s early 60’s.

In the late 6o’s Mum and Dad decided to try Forster as a new holiday destination and it became their favourite spot , coming up twice a year for holidays - one in particular stands out [tell story]

After dad retired he decided lawn bowls would be a good sport and so even though he had played for some years before he started to get involved in the running of the Putney/Tennyson Bowling Club which was run on a voluntary basis from the president down and committee members had to do voluntary hours behind the bar. Dad became secretary of the registered club. During his tenure rum purchases skyrocketed , however when compared to sales there was a marked discrepancy

DAD LOVED RUM.

There is a photo of dad’s father at a Mort’s Dock Xmas party of the early ’20,s sitting at a table with his work mates- carved in one of the heavy beams above the table was “TED KNIGHT RUM KING”. If his father was the King Dad was surely the “PRINCE” of rum drinkers.

He loved rum that much that he would drink it with a dash of cloves just so Mum wouldn’t think he had been drinking it, the theory the cloves would mask it ---it didn’t work—--she knew.

During the latter years he was also Secretary of the Gladesville R.S.L. Bowls Club, a job he enjoyed doing as it meant an excuse to be at the club — not that he needed an excuse.

He was always an active person-not strenuous stuff- he enjoyed walking- he never had a car license- it would not bother him in the slightest if he had to walk 5klm. If there was no transport he would set off on foot—people would stop and offer him a lift —most times he’d decline saying it was exercise and besides it made him thirsty. He liked the layout of Forster. He would walk from the Lakes and Ocean to Forster Bowls Club then the R.S.L up to the Golf Club then off to the Tavern and on to Pipers Bay no doubt having a OP rum and a middy of black at each stop and he would tell you the difference in price at each location.

Dancing was another of his and mum’s favourite pastimes with Saturday nights and Sunday arvos spent at the Blue Rinse cutting a rug—as he would say. After mums passing in 1983 Dad continued to haunt the Blue Rinse and started dancing with fellow widow Jean Rust who became a very good friend to dad nursing him back to health after his Aortic Aneurism and his triple by-pass operations. They were good friends and it is ironic that they would both be affected by Alzheimers/dementia.

In November 2000 we decided to bring dad to Forster as his memory and behaviour patterns were erratic; we knew he was in the early stages of dementia. With him not knowing where he was or where the bathroom or bedroom was and couldn’t find his way back from down the street—some funny things happen to people when in this state —pyjamas/undies story.

Dad was a person who would avoid drama —if he was cranky you would know only by him pursing his lips and giving a sigh. He was a simple person who needed little in the way of material things, he had a ready grin for all and would always look for the positives in people.

Most of Dad’s friends and relatives have pre-deceased him with those still alive too old or frail to travel. Dad’s brother Donald died in 1995 and he has an uncle who is still here at 93yrs. of age Ken Knight senior.

To those who attended today especially those who have covered some distance to be here, and to those who rang to pass on their condolences and those who couldn’t be here I know that he would thank you, just as Lorraine, Christine and I do. Thank you.

To the staff at Camden/Haven Hostel who looked after Dad so well for the last years of his life we especially thank.

HE HAD A GOOD INNINGS WITH PLENTY OF LAUGHS.

WE’LL MISS HIM.^{90,145,189,191}"

Elsie May RANKIN,¹⁹² daughter of Alfred William RANKIN (1881-1954) and Lillian May ABBOTT (1885-1919), was born on 24 Mar 1919 in Bangalow, NSW.¹⁹⁰ born 15/5/1918 a/c to. Elsie died on 21 Jun 1983 in Sydney.^{190 190} M.

Elsie was a dancing instructress when she met Bill.¹⁴⁵

Elsie May RANKIN and William Frank KNIGHT had the following children:

100.

Donald Macdonald KNIGHT, son of Edward Arthur KNIGHT and Margaret Harken MACDONALD, was born on 30 May 1925 in Sydney. He was a Ship's Officer, Hotelier. He was Methodist. He married Jean Norma HALL on 22 Jun 1946 in Christ Church, Gladesville, Sydney. David J.Knox, Marriage Certificate C694305, Witnesses - Ian E Barton, Norman E Smith. Donald died on 21 Oct 1995 in Launceston. Heart failure,whilst suffering terminal liver cancer. Donald was buried on 21 Oct 1995 in Cremated Launceston Crematorium. Ashes with son, Rhett Knight.

Don was born into a working-class family - father a ship's engineer, mother the daughter of a ship's engineer. Don's mother died when he was aged 2, brother Billy 9. Perhaps because their father, Ted, worked full-time or could not cope with 2 young boys, Don and Bill were brought up by their maternal grandmother Annie Macdonald, an Irishwoman from Londonderry. Annie was a nurse by profession. According to Don's brother Bill "by all reports was a broad speaking Scottish lady who did not tolerate frivolity....but who did the best she could for them both". Annie's husband Walter had died in 1915. Although she was stern, Don spoke about her fondly. In later life whenever Don visited Sydney he always visited the family grave at Rookwood. Annie came to care for them at Foucart St., Drummoyne. They moved (by horse and cart!) to Thompson St., Drummoyne. Then to Broughton St., Drummoyne where they had a garden in the Depression. Next to Edwin St., Drummoyne. Don went into the Navy at 17. Bill, who had lived at other family houses, including Rowntree St., got married from Edwin St.

Don went to Drummoyne Primary School and Drummoyne High School. He attended the Methodist Church in Drummoyne, and was in the "Boys Brigade" during Primary School. He spent 3 years at High School, and after finishing school he obtained a job as a clerk with WD&HO Wills and Co. in the city. Don may have been a a surf lifesaver, probably at Narrabeen, explaining his lifelong love of bodysurfing. He had a friend at Narrabeen, Larry McNab, whose mother was reputed to be a relative or family friend of his mother. Don visited Mrs. McNab several times before her death, last time at Collaroy.

Before the War Don sang in a vocal group called the "Arabian Knights". He was 17 years of age when in it, according to Ian Barton, another member. It was 3 part harmony consisting of members Ian Barton - bass, Don Knight - melody, and Herb Smith - tenor. It was a National competition and they won it. The show was broadcast by Macquarie network 2GB. Assessment was done by vote, and the groups were auditioned first. The show pianist was Marie Ormston, the "Melody Girl". She was engaged to Frank Brown (contempt of Parliament). The "Arabian Nights" were invited to sing at their wedding, but war intervened. Don was also on "Amateur Hour" in an instrumental group, the "RonDonIans": Ron Gowans - sax, clarinet, became professional and later played with Tommy Tycho, Ian Barton- Spanish guitar, Don - piano accordion, George Watson - drums.

Because he was only 17 he had to get his father's authorisation to enlist in the Navy. This was obtained only grudgingly, according to his cousin, Jack Knight. He kept waiting outside the pub door for his father Ted to sign the document which he eventually did. Don was mobilised for War service 0n 7.9.42. His naval experience was mainly on Corvettes, and he was a member of the Corvette Association in later life, attending reunions from 1980 until 1992, and taking senior roles in the Association.

"Corvettes are one of the smallest warships in the Australian navy and were built in local shipyards in Australia. They served in World War II escorting merchant ships around the Australian coast, swept for mines and rescued survivors from bombed ships."

Training during WW2 seems to have been: "Cerberus" to Jan 1943."Rushcutter" to April 1943. HMAS Rushcutter was an anti-submarine school, and a radar and gunnery school at Edgecliffe, Sydney.

Don served on the "Cairns", corvette, then the"Geraldton" minesweeper during 1943 during the invasion of Sicily in the Mediterranean, in Atlantic convoys, and in the Persian Gulf convoys from Aden to Bombay. He was on HMS "Canopus", a naval shore establishment in Alexandria in 1943. From April 1944 until February 1946 he served on the "Yandra, Radar ship until he finished his navy service. Yandra remained in eastern Australian waters conducting routine patrol, anti-submarine and escort duties which extended as far north as New Guinea. "Don had qualified in Radar and Gunnery at "Rushcutter". His photos and memorabilia show that he had visited many places during WW2, including Bombay, Calcutta, Karachi,Kandy, Suez, Port Said, Alexandria, Gibraltar, Haifa, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Aden, Cairns, Milne Bay, Fremantle and Eden.

During the War he met his future wife Jean when he was on leave. They exchanged hundreds of letters during the War and whilst he was in the merchant Service.

He was demobilised on 4.3.1946, and his WW2 discharge address was 40 Edwin St., Drummoyne. His discharge was a month before his grandmother Annie Macdonald died.

After demobilisation Don went back to work for WD&HO Wills for about a year. During a period of leave he went to sea for a trip with close friend Norm Smith's wife, Molly Smith's father, Captain Haydn. Don then served under the captain on "60-miler" cargo ships, about 60 miles up and down the coast from Sydney for a couple of years. Haydn persuaded Don that he needed more qualifications which meant going on longer voyages. Don then joined Miller's shipping company. Ships he sailed in included the "William Macarthur" and the "Birchgrove Park". And the Union Steamship Company's "Kamona", and the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company's "Mildura". Don wrote to Jean whenever he was ashore and the letters indicate many sailings to Strahan, Hobart, Brisbane and other Australian ports. He was examined for and passed his 2nd Mate's certificate of Competency. Later he sat and passed exam for 1st. Mate's certificate of Competency. He didn't take up a captaincy, although he only had about 12 months before he could qualify for it. Life at sea was proving difficult for a young married couple with a young child. Don was a Masonic Lodge member first at Birkenhead in Sydney,joining on 22/8/1946, continuing membership in Tasmania from 1977 at the Army and navy Lodge as a Master Mason, retiring in June 1990.

By June 1947just before son Rhett's birth, the family was was living at 25 Dean St., Enfield, and were still there in October 1948.(232), and in July 1950.

Don left the sea in 1953. His last port of call was Newcastle on 15th April 1953.Whilst on leave from the Merchant Navy, at a weekend trip to Mt. Victoria Hotel, Don was spotted by the owner, Doyle Mallett, organising a dance for all the guests. Mallett persuaded Don to leave the sea to work for him, learning the hotel trade at his hotels in Katoomba, Mt. Victoria and Petersham.After leaving the sea, Don went into the hotel trade, and eventually managed the Annandale Hotel for a period whilst the owners were overseas, living on the premises. After that came a stint managing "Gearins' Hotel" at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains (Including a short stint at the Mount Victoria Hotel). Then, spotted by Reg Ansett, Ansett Hotels contracted Don to develop and manage the Club Hotel at Burnie in Tasmania. In April 1955. He certainly did that, lifting the beer sales from nowhere to be the second largest of any hotel in the state. One of the attractions for drinkers in the Public Bar was the television set. License Number One in Tasmania. The family moved to Launceston about 1958. A photo of the Club hotel was notated on the rear "our hotel from 1954-1958" by Don Knight. He organised many dinners for the local ex-P.O.W.'s, serving extra-hot curries for them in a private room. Part of the reason for moving from Burnie was the urging from Jean who was concerned that Don's vocabulary was becoming limited to "Ow yer goin' mate, orright?" and thought that a more elevated tone would be more appropriate for them both. After several years the Centennial Hotel in Launceston was purchased freehold, and soon the building was re-developed. Whilst owning this Hotel, Don took over the lease of the Hotel St. George Launceston in August 1961 from the Brewery, and after many years, eventually sold it in August 1980. He had a great interest in, and appetite for, wine. His interest led to him being appointed the first Vineyards Association of Tasmania Executive Officer, a part-time honorary position, from 1984 to 1990.

Like many others from slightly deprived backgrounds, Don was proud of his wartime experiences and his time at sea. It opened up for him new worlds and interaction with many different people from all stratas of society. He celebrated these experiences for the rest of his life; by referring to them (whilst he was on his boats "Lady Jean", then "Shenandoah" he was the Captain and everything was referred to in naval terms), by socializing with like-minded people, and by joining and working for interest groups related to them (the Naval Association and Legacy - Launceston president from1973).

Likewise, he was proud of his Scottish ancestry - through his mother's side he was a Macdonald and given that as his second name. She was born in Scotland and although he knew little of her forbears other than the story that his great grandfather was a Master mariner, he loved the idea of his Scottish descent. He celebrated it in many ways, most obviously by introducing the idea of a "Burns night" (25th January) to the Beefsteak and burgundy Club. Every year a Burns night would be held at his hotel, the St. George. A Haggis, made by Don, using ingredients (lung, heart and other nasty bits) from the friendly German butcher Wolfgang next door, was piped into the gathering by a bagpiper from the local Caledonian band. Burns' "Ode to a haggis" would be recited by a local Scot and the ceremonies would be overseen by the local Chieftain, Bill Thompson, another Scot, and close friend. Much revelry ensued, drinking and singing - lots of good fellowship and also good for business.

Don's gifts were his social skills - he genuinely loved and enjoyed other people. He could relate and adapt to people from all backgrounds, was naturally friendly and outgoing. He enjoyed individual interaction and he loved a party.

He loved old musicals and in his retirement would watch many of them again on video .He had a great knowledge of songs and where they came from and who sang them as well.

Beauty Point. In the 1960's Don and jean bought a shack on the waterfront at Beauty Point, 40 minutes drive from Launceston. They renovated this over a number of years to a pleasant house. From here, Don was able to develop his passion for boats and the sea through a motor cruiser moored close by. The weekend routine was often to come to Beauty Point on a Sunday (or on a Saturday, returning to the Hotel for the Saturday night) and cruise and fish in the Tamar, eating onboard or barbecuing ashore somewhere. This was often done with other families and friends aboard or on their own boats: most notably the Hendersons' in the early days, and other boat owners (Rex Stephens, John Roark and families) later on. The boats had the advantage of being very fast, powered by large petrol motors, of being able to have a full day on the water and get back home quickly to have a social gathering at home afterwards. Because they were motor boats they were looked down on by some in the yachting fraternity as 'not real boating'. Don was aware of this snobbery and was always careful not to offend yachties.

In 1971 jean and Don had an overseas trip for 4 months, visiting Hawaii, Mexico, Bahamas, New York, Portugal, Spain,Paris, London, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Greece and South Africa. They had previously travelled to Japan in the 1964.

Don and Jean never had a house of their own (apart from their shack) until they purchased 30 High Street, Launceston in about 1980. They lived either in rooms at their hotels (Club Hotel, Centennial Hotel, St. George Hotel) or rented local flats (Dean St. Ashfield, Sydney, Cook Rd. Centennial Park Sydney, Frederick St. Launceston and Elphin Rd. Launceston). Frederick St. was a long-term stay and so was decorated appropriately according to Jean's taste. So the purchase of High St. was a milestone for them, particularly as it was in a very upmarket part of Launceston and was an imposing residence. They had come a long way from Gladesville and Drummoyne in Sydney.They were gradually renovating and decorating High St. and they had one upstairs bedroom full of antiques and bric-a-brac ready to be used. When Jean first was affected by Alzheimer's disease in about 1989 the renovations stopped, and when she was put into private care at a local nursing home, gradually Don sold off many antiques in order to pay for her care.

Don was a wonderful carer, religiously visiting Jean, usually twice daily, and became on best of terms with the nursing staff and many residents.

He faced his own mortality with great equanimity being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer 3 months before his death in 1995. He had begun some research into his family history at that time and would have loved to see how it developed^{128,145,157,176,189,193,194,195,196,197,198,199,200}.

Jean Norma HALL, daughter of Frederick Poole HALL (1893-1944) and Isabella Jean MCLEAN (1894-1987), was born on 13 Feb 1925 in 88 Lyons Rd., Drummoyne, Sydney.²⁰¹ born at "Nurse Rice's Private Hospital".Birth certificate A 271477 extract 27/12/41. Jean was a Bank Officer ,Hotelier. She was C of E. She died on 17 May 1996 in Mary's Grange Nursing Home, Taroona, Hobart, Tasmania. Alzheimer's Disease. Jean was buried in Cremated Hobart Crematorium. Ashes with son, Rhett Knight.

Jean attended Gladesville Primary School, and then Riverview High School to Intermediate Level. She then worked at the Rural Bank in Martin Place, Sydney city as a typist/office assistant in the Chief Accountant's office, 8th Floor from 5th Jan 1942 until 5th April 1946, shortly before her marriage. Jean and her sister Shirley were Legatees after their father Fred's death. She and Don became attached during 1943 and many hundreds of letters were passed between them during the war and whilst Don was in the merchant Service. After her marriage to Don, and Rhett's birth, they lived at Enfield and then Centennial Park whilst Don was still at sea. She worked as a barmaid in various hotels whilst living at Centennial Park before Don came ashore and they managed the Annandale Hotel for a period.

During their hotel management, Jean often would take responsibility for the kitchen and accommodation roles, complementing Don's public relations side.

She was a gifted interior decorator and an avid antique collector. In Tasmania she was contracted to do the decorating for several other Tasmanian hotels. Her eulogy, written and delivered by Nancy Schaffner tells of the cruel disease which eventually took her life²⁰².

Jean Norma HALL and Donald Macdonald KNIGHT had the following children:

132.

Louise Anne CAINS, daughter of Peter CAINS and Pamela Marie KNIGHT, was born on 24 Nov 1958.¹⁸⁷ She married P A D in 1984. She died in 2018. Cancer.

C of E.

P A D was born in 1955. He and Louise Anne CAINS had the following children:

139.

Kenneth William KNIGHT, son of William Frank KNIGHT and Elsie May RANKIN, was born on 28 May 1950 in Sydney.¹⁹⁰ He married L D R in 1976. He died on 22 May 2020 in Forster, NSW.^{205 206} He was buried on 1 Jun 2020 in Great Lakes Memorial Gardens, Forster.

C of E

Due to Covid 19 restrictions the funeral was held online as well as at the Funeral Chapel.

Putney School

Worked for Ampol

Moved to Harbord 1976

Moved to Wagga 1980

Moved to Newcastle

Moved to North Ryde, Syney

Moved to Forster 1988²⁰⁷

L D R was born in 1950. She and Kenneth William KNIGHT had the following children: