Hi All,
I am valiantly trying to keep my Page 19 summaries up to date (they help me, at least, to keep track of this incredible family).
So, earlier today, I did add Ebenezer's tragic fate. And poor little Walter's dc with young Aunt Rachel as informant.
Both so very kindly supplied by Annie.
Hey Lu - what about another of my scenarios?
I hate to suggest this but perhaps it was Jane who was the naughty one and the influence which led Ebenezer astray initially ...

And perhaps she was the reason why he returned to Sydney (from Melbourne where he had presumably been with Jane). And note that what he stole was a prayer book! OK, perhaps he'd left the UK for Aus only because he had mental problems. But, on the other hand, perhaps they developed after he arrived and because of his experiences?
Perhaps Jane was even the 'bad egg' who led William HEASMAN astray

Surely not

But remember that Annie said that Jane was a witness for the
defence at the trial.
I mean, it couldn't have been - could it? - that Ebenezer docked at Woolloomooloo and booked into the Palmer St pub just at the wrong time? And immediately (barely with time to catch his breath) and unintentionally, got caught up in the plot by one or both of William & Jane to get their gear out of the pub before the bailiffs arrived? Who knows, perhaps he felt sorry for them. Or perhaps he quickly took a shine to Jane. Or perhaps William/Jane promised to waive his board & lodgings if he helped. Or ...
I think that you probably can't have it both ways; one or other or both of the forebears - Walter and/or Jane - must have been a bit suss ...

JAP