Category Archives: Family History

Annotated Map: Looking Back in Time

Vale of Clywdd, Lithgow, New South Wales Australia Some years ago, I created this annotated map in memory of My Great Grandparents, David and Mary Ann Leake who settled here in 1880. The home that they built remained in the family until my Aunt Della passed away in the 1980’s. I have many happy memoriesContinue reading “Annotated Map: Looking Back in Time”

David Leake 1856 – 1933

I have several photos of my great grandfather, David Leake.  One in particular, taken towards the end of his life, draws me to him.  He looks thoughtful, possibly reflecting  over his life.   He was born in 1856, in Staffordshire, England, the second son of coal miner, John and Mary.[1]  It was a time of huge change, both socially and economically.Continue reading “David Leake 1856 – 1933”

The Clock – Gertrude Leake (Jones) my Grandmother

Gertie and her baby daughter, were home alone in their cottage in the Vale of Clywdd. Arthur was away working at the colliery down the Gap Road.   It was a welcome diversion from the young mother’s daily routine when the old Indian hawker Ali Khan called by in his horse drawn waggon. She was hopingContinue reading “The Clock – Gertrude Leake (Jones) my Grandmother”

Sarah Tomlinson (nee Lester) 4X Great Grandmother

Sarah’s Journey FROM THE SLUMS OF BRISTOL TO A NEW LIFE IN AUSTRALIA Sarah Lester was most likely born in the slums of Bristol, in 1779.  She became a young felon on the streets of London; detained and tried twice at the old Bailey. Her life changed dramatically following transportation from London to Port Jackson, aboardContinue reading “Sarah Tomlinson (nee Lester) 4X Great Grandmother”

Maryann Leake (nee Bampton)

This photo of my Great Grandmother, Mary Ann Leake (nee Bampton) must have been taken upon her marriage to my Great Grandfather, David Leake because I notice that she is wearing a shiny new wedding ring. I think that she and David must have lived near each other possibly in Shiffnal, Shropshire England, until DavidContinue reading “Maryann Leake (nee Bampton)”

Eliza’s Journey

Great Grandmother, Eliza Jane Griffiths-Aldridge (Nee Burns) Eliza leant against a tree beside the banks of Jack Hall’s Creek near Coonabarabran, the picture of misery and desperation.  Although she was only 40 years old, her thin, weary body looked like that of an old woman.  “There is nobody I can turn to.  Why did Ned steal thoseContinue reading “Eliza’s Journey”