Hi,
have still been following all the posts here, it has become a bit addictive, especially when the odd reference to the Cummings family gets thrown in, but have become interested in your Catherine as well!
I can confirm that Captain John's brother William also married an Ann who died in 1811. Also the 1819 muster of Land Holders at Port Dalrymple shows that John Cummings had 200 acres and had a wife and three children. It lists the children as George aged 14, James aged 12 and Ellen aged 10.
No mention of Phillip who was born in 1818- but I have Phillip's marriage certificate in which he names John Cummings and Ann Boyton as his parents.
I am still waiting on my distant cousin who has a lot of information about the Cummings family in Australia from 1800 onwards, as soon as I hear I will post anything that may help.
Found a newspaper article in the Sydney Gazette 1817 stating that John Cummings, by an early opportunity, was returning to VDL with Henry Rio his servant.
Something I did find confusing was another newspaper item in 1820 about Ann Cummings just after her death:
George Town 10th August, 1820 public notice –
Whereas Lieutenant SKELTON of His majesty’s 46th Regiment, did by his Power of Attorney, and duly executed, bearing Date the 29th Day of April, 1818, nominate and appoint Mrs. Ann Cummings his true and lawful Attorney, for him and in his Name and in his Behalf, and at the same time put into her charge 800 Head of Sheep, and a Number of Horned Cattle, the Property of the said Lieutenant Skelton.
Whereas said Power of Attorney contained a clause authorizing and empowering said Ann Cummings to nominate, constitute and appoint any Person she might think proper to act for him, the said Lieut. Skelton, in the Care and Management of said 800 Sheep and said Horned Cattle
Whereas in Pursuance and by Virtue of said Clause, the said Ann Cumming did, under her Hand and Seal, bearing Date the 5th of April, 1819, nominate constitute, and appoint me, JACOB MOUNTGARRETT, of Port Dalrymple aforesaid, Surgeon, a just and lawful Attorney, in the premises, for and on Behalf of the said Lieut. Skelton, concerning 800 Head of Sheep and said Horned Cattle.
And whereas the said Ann Cummings suddenly met her Death, without revoking said last mentioned Power of Attorney.
Now this is to caution the Public in general against bargaining dealing, or bartering for the Whole or any Part of said 800 Head of Sheep or Horned Cattle, with any Person or Persons whatever, as the same are the sole and bona-fide Property of the said Lieut. Skelton; and any Person or Persons found doing so, after this Notice, will be prosecuted as the Law directs JACOB MOUNTGARRETT.
Agent for the said
Lieutenant SKILTON
Not sure how this fits in with any separation from her husband?
Cathy
