Hi Vall
In the family bible Sarah Leonard records that
“On Monday, 8th February 1858, John Williams, aged 25, and Sarah Leonard, aged 19, both of Ruabon, North Wales, were married in St. Paul’s Church, Liverpool, (without their parents’ knowledge or consent) and sailed to Australia.”
I imagine the marriage was not approved of.
They had the following children in Ballarat:
John Isaac Williams Born December 20 1858 on the Miners Rights nr Ballarat Australia. [added later in small writing] Chrisend St Johns Church about 1862 Melboune.
Emily Williams Born Nov 19 1860 Ballarat; later entry Emily Williams died 15 Fabery 1862 a girl 14 months interment North Old Cemetery Balarat Australia. There is no grave stone for her.
In Melborne the following children were born:
James Leonard Williams Born May 4th 1863 at Roslyn Street North Melburne
Herbert Henry Williams Born July 16 1866 North Melburne
Thomas Alfred Williams Born Fabry 14 1868 North Melburne
Their return home is recorded on the Great Britain in March 1868
the spelling of February was great!
They came back after John's father died.
Cheers Feathertail
PS I recon they probably went to find gold and it took 10 years t save enough to return!!
They probably went to Melborne because of Emily's death. It is extreamely cold in Ballarat in winter
F