Eliza and her husband, Charles Colwill, came to Australia, landing in Sydney, NSW on 31 August 1837 on the "City of Edinburgh" and I am one of their many descendants.
They were married on 29 May 1833 in Barnstaple and a copy of their marriage certificate is held in the Devon Records Office, Barnstaple. Charles could sign his name, but Eliza signed hers with a cross.
In Australia, the surname changed to Colwell but there are a number of variations on this in the early registrations.
Charles and Eliza had a daughter, Fanny, born Barnstaple (from memory) in Nov 1834. She died in Barnstaple on Nov 11, 1835, the same day as the 2nd child, William, was born. I have often wondered if the 2 events were connected. The 2nd son, Charles, was born at sea on 15 Aug 1837 (about 2 weeks before they landed in Sydney). Eliza would have got on the ship knowing that she would probably give birth on the way out. Those women were brave women.
Charles was the son of John and Elizabeth Colwill (both buried in Abbotsham Devon cemetery) as also are his grandparents, Charles and Frances (nee Byrch) Colwill. Elizabeth was born Elizabeth Hawkins in Kilkhampton, Cornwall.
I also have been trying to find information on Eliza's family. Does anyone have anything more?
Should Eliza or Charles be in your family line, I would appreciate hearing from you.
