Wisbey Family - Araluen Valley History

The Wisbey family were one of the original families to arrive in Araluen in about 1840 from Essex in England, settling in Reidsdale, and North Araluen. The family had gold mining interests and then became one of the Valley’s long standing and premier orchardists.

John Wisbey Snr (1775-1858)

John Wisbey (1775-1858) married Sarah Miller (1780- ) in 1799, in Essex, England. Their children are understood to include William (1800- ), Esther (1801-1857), Eliza (1804- ), Frederick (1806-1886), Alfred (1808-1859), Robert (1809-1880), John (1810-1861), George (1812-1885), Stephen (1815-1815), Allen (1817-1879), Hepzibah (1819-1906), Harriet (1821-1894) and Lizzy Love (1824-1912).

The 1851 English Census shows John (75) noted as a pauper and agricultural labourer, his wife Sarah (70), and their son George (40) a stall keeper, and his wife Elizabeth (34), residing in a stationary van made into a house, in Upper Green, Langley, Essex.

The 1851 English Census records showing John and Sarah Wisbey in Langley, Essex. — John and Sarah Wisbey – 1851 English Census

Four of John and Sarah’s children (Frederick, Alfred, John, and Allen) are known to have come to Australia.

Frederick (1806-1886) and his family arrived on 22 August 1856, on the ship Herald. Frederick died on 26 July 1886, in Araluen.
John (1810-1861) departed England on 7 October 1829, on the convict ship Katherine Stewart Forbes, arriving 19 February 1830 in Sydney, New South Wales. John was tried at Essex Assizes on 9 March 1829, convicted of poaching pheasants in Elmdon, Essex, on 18 December 1828, and sentenced to fourteen years transportation.¹ John married Mary Fitzgerald (1811-1856) in 1838 and they had six children. John died on 16 June 1861 at Reidsdale.
Alfred (1808-1 January 1859) was transported to Tasmania on the convict ship Neptune departing 4 October 1837 and arriving on 18 January 1838, as was his brother Allen (1 January 1817-1 January 1879). Alfred and Allen were charged with being armed with a gun in the nighttime in pursuit of game, were tried at Hertford Assizes, and given seven years. They arrived in Van Diemen’s Land on 18 January 1838 with three hundred and fifty other convicts.² Alfred died in 1859 in Tasmania, and Allen died in 1879 at North Brunie Island, Tasmania.

Frederick Wisbey (1806-1886)

Frederick was born on the 24 March 1806 in Langley Essex, and married Mary Ann Deards (1808-1871) on 15 March 1831 in Langley, Essex, in England. Frederick arrived in Australia on 22 August 1856, on the ship Herald, with his wife Mary (aged 48), Arthur (aged 23), Ann (aged 21) and Henry (aged 13).

Frederick and Mary had seven children:

Arthur was born 1833 in Langley, Essex, and was on the electoral roll as a resident in North Araluen in 1879.³
Frederick was born 1834 in Langley, Essex, baptized 14 January 1838, and died in August 1841.
Ann was born 1835 in Langley, Essex. Ann married John Wallace in 1861 in Braidwood.
Alfred was born in 1841.
Henry was born 1843 in Langley, Essex and died 31 October 1888, in Gunning. Henry married Catherine Gambell and they had a son Charles Henry Wisbey (1883-1952). Catherine was born 28 July 1845 in Queanbeyan, and died 7 February 1895 in Braidwood.
Frederick was born 1847 in Clavering, Essex, was baptized 22 April 1847 and died in June 1847.
George was born 1851 in Clavering Esssex and was baptized 27 July 1851 and died December 1855.

Historical maps⁴indicate the Land Portion purchased by Frederick Wisbey on 1 June 1868 was as set out in the table below.

Portion	Name	Plan	Loc	Vol	Fol
345	Frederick Wisbey	676	NW	68	185	2 acres, in Upper Araluen.

The Greville’s Post Office Directories 1872⁵ and 1875 ⁶ compiled from addresses of letters as they pass through the various post-offices of the colony, note Frederick Wisbey, a miner, residing at Upper Araluen.

Frederick died on 26 July 1886 in Araluen.⁷ His wife Mary Ann Deards was on born 13 May 1808 in Clavering, Essex, died on 19 May 1871, and is at rest in the Araluen Church of England Cemetery.⁸

John Wisbey (1810-1861)

John was born 17 June 1810 in Langley, Essex, in England and died aged fifty-one (51) on 16 June 1861, a farmer at Reidsdale.⁹

John married Mary Fitzgerald (1811-1856) on 19 January 1838 at Long Swamp, between Boro and Bungendore NSW. Mary was born in 1811 and died aged forty five (45) on 24 July 1856.¹⁰ Mary arrived in Australia on 3 August 1829, on the convict ship Sovereign, and John arrived in Australia on 19 February 1830, on the convict ship Katherine Stewart Forbes.

A family member’s research¹¹ noted ‘Living in Reidsdale, the Irish Corner boys, as they were known would make their way along a very steep track down the side of the Bell’s Mountain following the Bell’s Creek falls into the valley, at Upper Araluen, for their usual day’s digging … One Saturday as the Irish corner boys were on their way home they brought with them their picks, shovels and pans and decided to prospect around the roots of some large oak trees, which grew in abundance near the top of Bell’s falls. John Wisbey, … [and others] all struck gold right at the roots of the grass … John Wisbey later had a claim, not too far away from his home, near where the road from Araluen to Braidwood intersects the Major’s Creek road that runs through to Reidsdale.’

A map showing the Wisbey families land portions at North Araluen — Wisbey families land portions at North Araluen

Historical maps¹² indicate the Land Portions purchased in Upper Araluen (512, 584, 587, 593, 602, 603, 606, 610, 611, 612, and 646) were as highlighted on the map above.

John and Mary had seven children. Matthew William Wisbey (1840-1840), William Matthew Wisbey (1840-1925), Eliza Elizabeth Wisbey (1842-1920), Johannah Wisbey (1843-1934), Sarah Wisbey (1845-1929), John Wisbey (1848-1923) and Esther Ester Wisbey (1849-1876).

1. Matthew William Wisbey (1840-1840)

Matthew William was born and died in 1840 and was a twin with his brother William Matthew.

William (BOSS) Matthew Wisbey (1840-1925) and two of his grandsons, John (JACK) William Wisbey and Edward (NED) Jennings Wisbey. c 1920.

2. William Matthew Wisbey (1840-1925)

William Matthew Wisbey was born 19 January 1840¹³ and died 24 October 1925. The Braidwood Review ¹⁴published a notice in November 1925 stating ‘One of the oldest identities of the district in the person of Mr. William Wisbey, of Araluen, died there last week. The deceased gentleman was 86 years of age, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He leaves a grown-up family. He is said to have been the first white child born at Reidsdale. Prior to his death he was residing with his daughter, [Mary] Mrs. Charles Dunshea, of “Hillview”, Araluen.’ William is at rest in the Araluen Church of England Cemetery.

William married Mary Ann Ellen Jennings (1853-1917)¹⁵ on 5 April 1876 at St. John’s Araluen, and they had six children – Mary Wright, John Robert, William Jennings, Daisy Wright, Ruby and Esther.

Mary Ann Ellen Jennings’ parents were Robert Jennings (1814-1885) and Eliza Wright (1818-30 November 1889. Eliza is at rest in the Araluen Church of England Cemetery). The Braidwood Dispatch¹⁶published a notice in January 1917 stating ‘The death is announced of an old and respected resident of Araluen in the person of Mrs. W. Wisbey, [Mary Ann Jennings] of North Araluen, at the age of 63 years. She was born in Braidwood, and for over 40 years had been a resident of the Valley. She leaves a husband and family of six grown up children to mourn her loss. She died in Sydney, where she had recently undergone an operation. The deceased lady, was a daughter of Mr. W. [R] Jennings, a former resident of Araluen.’

A picture of Iris Dunshea with her mother Mary Wright Dunshea (nee Wisbey). — From l. to r. Iris Dunshea with her mother Mary Wright Dunshea (nee Wisbey).

(i) Mary Wright (1877-1932) was born 26 June 1877, and married Charles Dunshea on 14 November 1898, at St John’s Church of England in Araluen¹⁷ and died February 1932. ¹⁸ The Braidwood Review ¹⁹ published a notice in February 1932 reporting the ‘death of Mrs. Dunshea, wife of Mr. Charles Dunshea, of Araluen, which occurred in Lewisham Hospital on Sunday morning … [of] appendicitis… She was a sister of the late Mr. Wm Wisbey, of Araluen, and was 53 years of age.’

A picture taken upon enlistment in June 1940 of Francis Raymond Wisbey — Francis Raymond Wisbey (1914-1983), (Service number NX28668) Dated June 1940.

(ii) John Robert (1880-1964) was born 18 March 1880, and married Sussanah Wallace (1884-1933)²⁰ on 27 December 1906 in Araluen.²¹ John and Sussanah had eight children. William Joseph Wisbey (1908-1967), Gordon J. Wisbey (1909-1910), Allan J. Wisbey (1911-1915), Arthur John Wisbey (1913-1962), Francis Raymond Wisbey (1914-1983), Kevin James Wisbey (1917-1960), Constance Mary Wisbey (1919-1975). [Constance married Clement Gabriel Naughton on 6 February 1937] and Eric Clement Wisbey (1922-1982). John Robert died July 1964.

A picture taken upon enlistment in April 1943 of Eric Clement Wisbey, — Eric Clement Wisbey (1921 – 1982)(Service number 133311) Dated April 1943.

The Braidwood Review²² published a notice in July 1933 stating ‘The death occurred at Araluen on Tuesday last, of one of Araluen’s most respected residents in the person of Mrs. J. Wisbey [Sussanah Wallace] … Born at Araluen, she was only 41 years of age when death claimed her. She leaves a husband and family of five boys and one girl to mourn her loss … Mr. Wisbey, it will be remembered, conducted a butcher’s shop at Araluen some few years ago, before selling out to Mr. A. Keys.’
In August 1941, the Braidwood Dispatch²³ detailed ‘Messrs. Kevin, Arthur and Ray Wisbey, who spent the winter months in Araluen, returned to Wollongong recently. They will be greatly missed at all functions, which they freely supported.’
Four of John and Sussanah’s sons, namely Arthur (Service No: NX176792), Francis (Ray) (Service No: NX28668), Kevin (Service No: NX123254) and Eric (Service No: 133311), served in WWII.

(iii) William Jennings (17 December 1884-15 October 1927)²⁴William was a twin with his sister Daisy Wright and married Mary Ellen Hoskings (1875-1957)²⁵ in 1916. William and Mary Ellen had two children. John William (Jack)(1916-2004) and Edward (Ned) Jennings (1918-2000). William died aged 42 and is at rest in the Araluen Church of England Cemetery.

Edward Jennings Wisbey served in WWII. Edward (Ned) (Service number N378784) enlisted 2 September 1941, a farmer aged 23, who was single. Private Edward Wisbey served in the 14th (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) Goulburn, and was discharged 20 September 1945.

The Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal²⁶ reported in 1951 ‘ Wisbey Bros, were the first to secure a tractor and gear after the closing up of the [Farm Mechanisation Scheme] co-operative society, and then followed Syl. Byrne and others. The Wisbey boys (Ned and Jack) have since bought a second truck and gear. In addition they have built modern homes for themselves costing well over one thousand pounds each, besides sheds and other improvements to their farms … The Wisbey boys and their two admirable wives deserve special mention for they have put up a most meritorious achievement. Starting from scratch, they have valiantly struggled on till now one can say with a great deal of satisfaction that they have made themselves secure in every way. The difficulties which they have had to overcome would have stopped most people. Not being able to secure sufficient area from which to make a decent living, these men and their wives have spread themselves over the landscape, farming bits here, there and anywhere, sometimes miles from their homes, but the crops, although grown under great difficulties, and added expense, were successfully harvested and marketed. They fully deserve all they have got and more. And success has not spoiled them; they are still the same modest, useful citizens as of yore. Now, with the introduction of electric power into the Valley, this ought to give an added impetus to agriculture and vegetable growing. The soil is right and the climate is right, and it has already been demonstrated what can be done here. The markets are handy and waiting. Many people have lately left Araluen but with the making available of small areas suitable for vegetable and fruit-growing, or general farming for that matter, there would soon be an influx of people and an increased population, which would all be for the benefit of this State and Araluen.’

In January 1981 the Canberra Times²⁷ reported with a headline ‘The mellow surface of a town in peach fever’ that ‘Prominent on the local scene are two families who carry on the harvesting from the roots laid down by their fathers. The Wisbey brothers, Rod and Noel, have their wives Sandra and Beverley to aid them and carry on from their father Ned and his wife Bess, who still take a share in the business they began years ago. They have an immense new packing shed for the varieties of peaches, nectarines and plums that spread over 11 or 12 weeks and employ about 25 seasonal workers. Their 65 hectares or so with about 15,000 trees are in Araluen north.’

(iv) Daisy Dasey Wright (17 December 1884-1957)²⁸ Daisy was a twin with her brother William, married George Fleming (1880-1947) in November 1904 in Araluen²⁹ and moved to Bright in Victoria. Daisy and George had three children. Daphne (1908-1961), Gordon (1910-1996) and Gladys (1912-1989).

(v) Ruby (1888-1957) was born in Araluen on 18 July 1888, a twin with her sister Esther. Ruby married William Smythe (1877-1956) in 1914 in Tamworth. Ruby and William had two children Conney Constance and Ruby Mary.³⁰

(vi) Esther (1888-1954) was born in Araluen on the 18 July 1888. Esther was a twin with her sister Ruby. Her son Frederick Jennings Wisby (1909-1962) was born on 8 January 1909 and lived in Araluen with his grandparents William and Mary Ellen. Esther then married Charles Edward Church (-1951) on 24 April 1912 in Tamworth. Esther and Charles’ children³¹include Isabel (1914-1930), Arthur (1916-1993), Unnamed twins (1918-1918), Charles (1919-1972) and Geoffrey (1922-1930).

3. Eliza Elizabeth Wisbey (1842-1920)

Eliza Elizabeth Wisbey was born 26 January 1842.³² and married Edward Jennings in 1862. Edward’s parents were Robert Jennings (1814-1885) and Eliza Wright (1818-30 November 1889) who is at rest in the Araluen Church of England Cemetery.

The Braidwood Observer³³ reported on the marriage ‘At the Upper Araluen, by the Rev. C. K. Rich, on Wednesday 9th July [1862], by special license, [of] Edward, eldest son of Mr. Robert Jennings, of the Upper Araluen, to Eliza, eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Wisby [Wisbey], of Reidsdale, in this district.’

In January 1919, theTingha Advocate³⁴ published a notice advising that ‘At the age of 79 years an old resident of Tingha passed away on Saturday last, from bronchitis, in the person of Edward Jennings. The deceased, who had resided in Tingha for the last fourteen years, was born in Manchester, England, and came to Australia when only two years of age. He had followed mining all his life — latterly being interested in dredging — and started active operations when only nine years of age, in the Araluen gold rush. He is survived by a widow and seven children; four daughters — Mrs. Graw (Wyalong), Mrs. Morris (Tilba), Mrs. Sibbins (Mogo), Mrs. Woodger (Ashfield) — and three sons — Albert, Edward and Austin, of Tingha.’

4. Johannah Johanna Wisbey (1843-1934)

Johannah Wisbey³⁵married John Higgins (1843 – 1926) on 2 July 1866 in Braidwood. He was a teamster whose parents were Thomas and Harriet Coles. Her sister Esther married John Higgins (1853-1913) on 1 June 1875 at Goulburn. His parents were Henry (a convict) and Catherine Barry. Thomas and Henry Higgins were brothers living at Reidsdale, the children of Henry Higgins and Mary Mecock. ³⁶ Johanna and John’s children include Esther, Joseph, Thomas, Rowena, John, Charles and Aloysius.³⁷

5. Sarah Wisbey (1845-1929)

Sarah Wisbey was born 23 October 1845³⁸and married William Oldrey Couch (1843-1930) in 1866. Sarah and William’s children include William (1869-1869), Mary (1870-1942), Francis (Frank) (1872-1945), Esther (1875-1941 nee Elworthy), Nerida (1879 –1919 nee Smith) and Gertrude (1885-1957 nee Hisshion).

In December 1866, the New South Wales Government Gazette³⁹ reported that William Oldrey Couch was approved to purchase Land Portion 208, which in July 1868 was described as ‘situated on the right side of Dirty Butter Creek, on the road from Braidwood to Moruya, about ¾ of a mile westerly from Araluen’.⁴⁰

In May 1903 the Braidwood and Araluen Express⁴¹ noted ‘Messrs. Wisbey and Couch have taken up a quartz mining area at the head of Harrison’s Gully, Upper Araluen. It is a micaceous reef about four feet wide. They have about 4 tons at grass and some of it showing gold freely.’

The Sydney Morning Herald⁴² published a notice advising the death on ‘September 19, [1929] at Araluen. [of] Sarah, beloved wife of William Couch and loving mother of Mary, Frank, Esther, Nevada [Nerida](deceased), and Gertie, aged 84 years. R.I.P.’⁴³

In June 1930 the Braidwood Review⁴⁴ published a notice advising the death of ‘Mr. William Couch, of Araluen, … he was 86 years of age. The deceased was an old identity of the Valley. He was engaged in mining, as all the old hands were, when Araluen was producing its thousands of ounces of the precious metal every year. Deceased’s wife died less than a year ago. He leaves a grown-up family, of three daughters and one son to mourn his loss.’

The Braidwood Dispatch⁴⁵ published a notice in October 1942 recording ‘the death [which] occurred at Woollahra on October 18 of Miss Mary Couch … Born at North Araluen 72 years ago, she was the daughter of a fine old pioneering couple, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Couch. Until she removed to Woollahra about three years ago the deceased lived at North Araluen the whole of her life’.

6. John Wisbey (1848-1923)

John Wisbey was born 1 February 1848 in Reidsdale NSW.⁴⁶ John died 14 October 1923 in Araluen NSW. His probate notice detailed John as a bachelor residing in Araluen.⁴⁷

7. Esther Ester Wisbey (1849-1876)

Esther Ester Wisbey was born 24 March 1849.⁴⁸ Esther married John Higgins (1853-1913) on 1 June 1875 at Goulburn. His parents were Henry (a convict) and Catherine Barry. Her sister Johanna married John Higgins (1843 – 1926) on 2 July 1866 in Braidwood. He was a teamster whose parents were Thomas and Harriet Coles. Henry and Thomas Higgins were brothers living at Reidsdale, the children of Henry Higgins and Mary Mecock.⁴⁹

Esther and John had a daughter Esther M Higgins, who was born in February 1876, and died in April 1876.⁵⁰ Esther died in February 1876 aged 27.⁵¹

References

Some of the photos used have been sourced from The Wisbey family of Araluen and the St. Vincent County 1830-1989: a history and family tree by Stephen John Wisby, 1989 and can be found on pages 24, 32 and 40 of that book. Our thanks to the family.

1
ttps://convictrecords.com.au/convicts/wisbey/john/92168 Accessed 6 October 2025.
2
https://convictrecords.com.au/convicts/wisbey/alfred/97783, and https://convictrecords.com.au/convicts/wisbey/allen/86069. Accessed 6 October 2025.
3
Internet History resources https://www.ihr.com.au/secure/docimages/braidwood78gif/00253.gif 1878 – 1879 Electoral roll Braidwood p 23. Accessed 25 October 2025.
4
Historical Maps NSW Land Registry Service, Parish and Historical Maps. Historical Land Records Viewer, https://www.nswlrs.com.au/Parish-and-Historical-Maps. Accessed 6 October 2025.
5
Greville’s Official Post Office Directory, listed on Araluen History in Photo’s Facebook page, posted 2 July 2014, and accessed 9 September 2023.
6
Greville’s Official Post Office directory for 1875-1876 https://www.ihr.com.au/secure/html/greville75.html. Accessed 18 February 2023, p 21.
7
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Frederick’s death certificate 7645/1886, Registered at Braidwood. familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 6 October 2025.
8
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182554074/mary-a-wisbey. Parents Thomas. Accessed 6 October 2025.
9
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176719172/john-wisbey. Accessed 6 October 2025.
10
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176719175/mary-wisbey. Accessed 6 October 2025.
11
Stephen John Wisby. The Wisbey family of Araluen and the St. Vincent County 1830-989 : a history and family tree by, 1989. p 26.
12
Historical Maps NSW Land Registry Service, Parish and Historical Maps. Historical Land Records Viewer, https://www.nswlrs.com.au/Parish-and-Historical-Maps. Accessed 6 October 2025.
13
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Elizabeth’s birth registration 1401/1840 V18401401 24A or 1861/1840 V18401861 69 familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 11 October 2025.
14
Braidwood Review and District Advocate (NSW : 1914-1954), Tuesday 3 November 1925, p 2.
15
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/189887280/mary_ann_ellen-wisbey Accessed 6 October 2025.
16
Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888-1889; 1895; 1897-1954), Friday 19 January 1917, p 2.
17
Stephen John Wisby. The Wisbey family of Araluen p 40.
18
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188667623/mary_wright-dunshea Accessed 6 October 2025
19
Braidwood Review and District Advocate (NSW : 1914-1954), Tuesday 23 February 1932, p 2.
20
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182554078/susannah-wisbey. Aged 41 yrs. Parents: William & Susannah. b. Araluen. d. Araluen. Accessed 6 October 2025.
21
Stephen John Wisby. The Wisbey family of Araluen p 46.
22
Braidwood Review and District Advocate (NSW : 1914-1954), Tuesday 18 July 1933, p 2.
23
Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888-1889; 1895; 1897-1954), Friday 15 August 1941, p 2.
24
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182554080/william-jennings-wisbey Accessed 6 October 2025.
25
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182554075/mary-ellen-wisbey Accessed 6 October 2025.
26
Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888-1889; 1895; 1897-1954), Friday 21 December 1951, p 1.
27
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926-1995), Friday 2 January 1981, p 4.
28
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/239039888/daisy-wright-fleming Accessed 6 October 2025.
29
Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888-1889; 1895; 1897-1954), Wednesday 23 November 1904, p 2.
30
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/175118489/ruby-smythe. Accessed 6 October 2025 and NSW Birth Death Marriages, Ruby M and Constance E birth registration 38167/1916 and 38440/1918 familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 30 November 2025.
31
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188434407/esther-church Accessed 6 October 2025 and Stephen John Wisby. The Wisbey family of Araluen p 65.
32
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Elizabeth’s birth registration 2346/1842 V18422346 61 familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 11 October 2025.
33
Braidwood Observer and Miner’s Advocate (NSW : 1859-1862), Saturday 12 July 1862, p 2.
34
Tingha Advocate and North-Western Journal (NSW : 1916-1932), Friday 10 January 1919, p 2.
35
Shoalhaven News and South Coast Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1891-1937), Saturday 24 March 1934, p 2.
36
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Johanna’s marriage certificate July 1866, 1658/1866, Registered at Braidwood. familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 6 October 2025.
37
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Johanna’s children’s birth certificates 1873 to 1888, Esther 8156/1873, Joseph G 9131/1876, Thomas 10745/1879, Rowena 14973/1881, Charles 20214/1886 and Aloysius 21198/1888 and death certificate John 9622/1885 Registered at Braidwood, Broulee and Moruya. familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 30 November 2025.
38
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Sarah’s birth registration 846/1845 V1845846 63 familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 11 October 2025.
39
New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832-1900), Monday 24 December 1866 (No.251), p 3193.
40
New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832-1900) Wednesday 27 May 1868 [Issue No.127 (SUPPLEMENT)] p 1541.
41
Braidwood and Araluen Express and People’s Advocate (NSW : 1899-1904), Friday 8 May 1903, p 2.
42
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), Saturday 21 September 1929, p 16.
43
FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/175879812 /sarah-couch Accessed 6 October 2025.
44
Braidwood Review and District Advocate (NSW : 1914-1954), Tuesday 10 June 1930, p 2.
45
Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888-1889; 1895; 1897-1954), Friday 30 October 1942, p 2.
46
NSW Birth Death Marriages, John’s birth registration 1267/1848 V18481267 65 familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 11 October 2025.
47
Braidwood Review and District Advocate (NSW : 1914-1954), Tuesday 30 October 1923, p 7.
48
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Esther’s birth registration 751/1849 V1849751 67 familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 11 October 2025.
49
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Esther’s marriage certificate June 1875, 2558/1875, Registered at Goulburn. familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 6 October 2025.
50
NSW Birth Death Marriages, Esther M death certificate April 1876, 5175/1876, Parents John & Esther Registered at Braidwood. familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 6 October 2025 and FindaGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/175540097/esther-m-higgins Accessed 6 October 2025. Esther M Higgins, b 1876, d 1876. Parents John & Esther Wisbey.
51
NSW Birth Death Marriages Esther death certificate February 1876, 6184/1876, Parents John & Mary Registered at Goulburn. familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au Accessed 6 October 2025.