Blackman Family

1801 - The Blackman Family left England on the ship "Canada" and on 14 Dec 1801 arrived at Sydney and were greeted by Governor King and stayed as his guests. In 1800 James Blackman had been ill and his doctors recommended a sea voyage. He was able to obtain a high recommendation from the Colonial Office, who were encouraging skilled people to migrate to the Colony of New South Wales. 

James had sent a letter of introduction to Governor King, who sent his own private boat to take him and his family off, and gave him one of his family cottages attached to Government House to live in until he could secure a home for himself. The Governor assigned Blackman twelve servants and made arrangements for him to draw provisions, etc from the Government store. 

James Blackman was christened on 25 May 1760, Deptford, Kent, England. 

In 1776 he worked as an Artillery man at Woolwich in the Royal Arsenal. He was well-educated, although not trained for any particular profession ending his education before 1779.

Elizabeth Blackman (nee Harley) - Elizabeth's great-grand father was Baron, Robert Harley of Wigmore, the first Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, Lord Treasurer and Knight of the Garter in the Reign of Queen Anne.

His son, Elizabeth's grand-father, was an Alderman of the city of London. Her father, George, owned a 100 room mansion, "Hazelwood House" at Shooter's Hill, London. After her father's death in 1814, Elizabeth was sole beneficiary of the estate, but, owing to ill health ... she was never able to return to England to claim her inheritance ... which later went to the Chancery.

Elizabeth was baptised in 1771 at the Baptist Church, Woolich, Kent, England. She was a small, fair-frail lady, extremely well-educated & insisted on a good education for all her children.

Before her marriage to James Blackman, Miss Harley was a member of the well-known Harley Family who bequeathed the famous Harlein Collection of Literature to the English Nation. She possessed a sound knowledge of medicine & endeared herself to the people in the area by caring for the sick. She made remedies from wild herbs, which when added to her own medicines, brought relief to many suffering people.  

Her work with the sick became so well known in England that the Colonial Secretary had a chest sent to Elizabeth from England for her to use amongst the people in the Bathurst area.  it should be noted that, for a young lady brought up in a spacious, English home, with every luxury, she made a remarkable adjustment to the harsh pioneering times of the new colony.

On their arrival to Sydney, Governor King offered James Blackman any land he might choose to take up, but Blackman only accepted 100 acres, which annoyed the Governor. King also offered Blackman a position at the Commissariat – a high position in the Government service in those days – which he refused, as he did not like the colony, and said he intended to return to England. 

James was employed in 1802 as the Superintendent of Agriculture in Mulgrave Place, New South Wales. Eventually he became an owner of land on 31 Mar 1802 in Mulgrave Place (now North Richmond), where he was three times flooded out, also burnt out by bush fires.

He is on a government document for received produce from the Hawkesbury Stores. (Government record of Apr 1809 to Aug 1809, Hawkesbury, New South Wales — now in the north-western part of Greater Sydney.) 

He was a juror at the inquest on George Rouse, 24 Sep 1809, at Richmond, and again at the inquest on James Steadman, 6 Apr 1810 at Richmond.

He was a signatory to:

•  Welcome address from the settlers of the Hawkesbury to Governor Macquarie;

•  Macquarie's reply, 1 Dec 1810 to 5 Dec 1810, Hawkesbury.

He owned land on 12 Jun 1811 in Mulgoa, Cumberland County, New South Wales. He is on a government list of persons to receive grants of land in different parts of the Colony as soon as they can be measured. He is listed as being permitted to draw cattle from Government herds on credit, 12 Sep 1812, New South Wales. 

James is listed on government correspondence in relation to his appointment as a Principal Overseer of Government Stock, 13 May 1813, New South Wales. He was employed between 23 Oct 1813 and 10 Feb 1816 in New South Wales. His salary paid from the Police Fund.

In 1818 James wrote certifying to the character of Eli Birmingham in support of Birmingham's petition for a ticket of leave.

The Richmond land grant was of 100 acres at Mulgrave Place. He owned this land until 1817. It was constructed from brick nog, a common construction technique at the time. Due to the multiple floods, he was unable to pay his debts and forced to sell 40 acres of the 100-acre property. The modern day address of this property is 370 Windsor Street, Richmond, NSW 2753. 

In 1818 William Cox foreclosed on the property and it was sold to George Bowman. The hut built by James Blackman on this property is now managed by the Australian National Parks Service. It is called Bowman's Hut.

Following the sale, James Blackman held a number of government positions, most notably at the Parramatta Goal as the Chief Constable of Parramatta (4 Jul 1822 to 22 Aug 1822 ). Following that he was in charge of the Parramatta Womens Factory (22 Aug 1822 to 28 Nov 1825)

He is on a list of provisions issued at Mulgoa, and to be in a party in pursuit of bushrangers, 24 Apr 1819. He worked as a District Constable and Poundkeeper in the high-lands of the Richmond district from 24 Aug 1819 to 3 Jul 1822. He was paid from the Police Fund for services after bushrangers.

To be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT, 

Part of a valuable Farm at Richmond, comprising sixty acres, 25 of which are clear, and known to rank with the most productive in that fertile district, being the property of James Blackman. In addition to its great fertility it possesses the advantage of an excellent re- course to pure water, is situate immediately contiguous to the Township of Richmond, and has a carriage road connected with it. If required, the above will be sold in two allotments, each of which will possess equal advantages, which may be relied on as considerable. For particulars application to the proprietor James Blackman senior, on the premises. 

SYDNEY: PRINTED BY G. HOWE.

Sources - The Sydney Gazette and NSW Advertiser, 5 July 1817, Page 4 - See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2177311?searchTerm=%22part%20of%20a%20valuable%20farm%20at%20Richmond%22

-Attraction Homepage (2007). "Bowman House". 

-Kingston, Daphne (1990). Early Colonial Homes of the Sydney Region 1788 - 1838. 

-Baker, Helen (1967). Historic Buildings, Windsor and Richmond. 

-Nichols, Michelle, Local Studies Librarian (2010). Macquarie and the Hawkesbury District (calendar). 

-Ron Mason, Deputy Manager, Heritage Conservation Branch (1988). Bowman Cottage - Richmond (Draft for Heritage Conservation News).

In 1823 James was appointed to act as Chief Constable of Bathurst, and received grants of land in Bathurst and acreage outside of town which he called 'Kelso'. Stephen's Lane in Kelso runs down middle of this block of land.

He later moved on to the Mudgee district and together with several members of the family began to acquire considerable land holdings in and around the township.

He spent his last years in Mudgee, where he occupied 'Dewhurst' to the south of the town near the road to the waterworks.

James was involved in a court case from 20 Feb 1828 to 21 Feb 1828 in Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Supreme Court of New South Wales

Stephen J., 20 and 21 February 1828

Source: Australian, 22 February 1828

Mr. CHARLES SUTTER examined on the side of the prosecution Is a settler living at Bathurst. In the month of September, 1827, the mounted police searched his flock for some sheep, on suspicion that some of them were Mr Terry's. 

Blackman, the Chief Constable, accompanied by one of the mounted police, and an overseer of the name of Gardner, then in Mr Terry's employ, after examining the sheep, collected, and took away with them about eighteen head. These sheep witness got from the prisoners Adkins and Coates, with whom he exchanged the said sheep for a mare. Adkins and Coates drove a flock of sheep, which belonged to them, into a washing-yard, and selected from among the number, the sheep in question, which witness purchased, and afterwards drove away to his own station. 

There were several of witness's servants present at the time of this purchase. During the time of sale witness made some enquiries about the quality and breed of the sheep. Adkins said he had purchased them from Mr Jones, a settler in the neighbourhood, and who is an extensive stock holder in that district. Coates, who was present at this conversation, confirmed the statement made by Adkins, and said he had then a receipt in his possession for the purchase of the sheep. 

He further undertook to be answerable for Adkins buying the sheep from Jones. Witness knows that the prisoners Adkins and Coates run their sheep in flocks together. Examined the brands of the sheep at the time of purchase. The brand was a cross. There was a sort of welt on the face of the sheep, but no one could distinctly say what was intended by it. They were lambs, with he exception of one or two. Recollects one ewe, which was thrown into the bargain that one had a large welt, and appeared to have been once branded with a round brand, but was badly burnt.

Cross-examined Coates's sheep are marked J C. From the knowledge which witness has of sheep and branding them, there was nothing uncommon about the sheep he bought. Thinks it would not be strange if people, whose christian names happened to be John William, and the surname to be Coates, to brand J C. only as the brand of John Coates, leaving the christian name of William entirely out. Witness bought the sheep in question as Adkins's sheep. The only interest which Coates appeared to have in the disposal of these sheep, was in assuring witness that Adkins had bought them off Jones, a settler, who had a farm in the neighbourhood. Jones (the individual alluded to) has since spoken to witness on the subject of those sheep, and told him that the prisoner Adkins had on one occasion made a purchase of sheep from him. Witness has spoken of a conversation he had with the prisoner Coates. On that occasion Coates said it was agreed between him and Adkins, that he should have the wool the sheep produced, by way of remuneration for the sheep belonging to Adkins grazing on his (Coates's) farm. Cannot tell what were the brands of the sheep bought by witness of Adkins. He bought eighteen on the whole.

Re-examined The marks on the sheep might have been one close brand. It however, was so imperfectly made, that no person could distinguish a letter in it.

Mr. JAMES BLACKMAN searched the flock of Mr Sutter, in the district of Bathurst, and took thereout seventeen sheep they resembled the prosecutor's sheep, with the difference of a cross, which appeared not to be a natural mark.

This was the case for the prosecution.

For the defence the following witnesses were called:

RUGG, a deputy overseer of Mr Terry's stated that some sheep of Mr Terry's were lost from the flock of a shepherd named West, and that he went to the prisoner Coates´s station, being the adjoining run, to look for them, but found none. If they had been there, he must have seen them. The prisoners Walker, Cuff, and Keefe, were shepherds in Mr Terry's employ at this time. If any sheep had been missing at this period from either of those men's flocks, he must have known it, from having to muster them at stated periods. The sheep that were lost belonged to West's flock. Witness cannot be mistaken in his master's brand. He examined very carefully the prisoner Coates's flock of sheep, but found none of Mr Terry's among them.

Wm. CHAMBERS. Has also been in Mr Terry's employ as overseer. Has frequently assisted in branding sheep; Mr Terry's sheep; has had frequent opportunities of noticing the prisoner Coates's flock, both in the pens and on the run, whilst grazing. After the loss of Mr Terry's sheep was discovered, he was called upon by the Magistrates at Bathurst to inspect some sheep which were there in charge of the mounted police. Understood those sheep to have been sold by Coates and Adkins to Mr Sutter, from whom they were taken. Witness, on being examined before the Bathurst Magistrates respecting the identity of the sheep in question, and for which the prisoners now arraigned were accused with being complicated in stealing. Made a deposition that they were none of Mr Terry's property. The prisoner Coates was in close confinement at the time. Witness is enabled to swear most positively that the sheep, the subject of present enquiry, so far from belonging to any of the blocks of Mr Terry, does not even bear a resemblance to any sheep Mr Terry has. Prisoner Coates's sheep are of a superior breed, and generally speaking, more adapted for the cultivation of wool than for the purposes of slaughter.

Counsel for the prisoners Coates and Adkins here closed their case.

The learned Judge recapitulated the evidence to the Jury at great length, after which the Jury retired to their room, where they remained in consultation for nearly an hour, and then returning into Court, found the prisoners Walker, Cuff, and Keefe, Guilty of the capital part of the charge, viz sheep stealing; Adkins Guilty of receiving the sheep laid in the indictment, knowing the same to have been feloniously stolen; and William Coates, the remaining prisoner, Not Guilty, who was accordingly discharged by proclamation.

The prisoners who were found guilty were then remanded to custody, to be brought up on a future day for judgment.

James Blackman's station was robbed on the night of 26 December 1826. John Hossel stood trial for this crime on 30 May 1826, was sentenced and hanged for the crime. 

James was involved in a court case on 16 May 1827 in Burragarang, New South Wales. 

Supreme Court of New South Wales

Stephen J., 16 May 1827

Source: Sydney Gazette, 18 May 1827

In the general body of the text...

Henry Preston (the man who was supposed to have been murdered), stated, that he went, according to custom, to the prisoner's at Greenwich Park, for the rations, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the 23d of December last; Greenwich Park is about five miles from the out-station where witness is employed; on his return back, witness quitted the regular path, for the purpose of seeing an acquaintance, a shepherd, whom he expected to find; and went astray in the woods, nor could he discover any station till he got to Mr. Blackman 's at Burragarang, on the 2d or 3d of January, about 40 miles from the main road, and nearly 80 miles from the place to which he was proceeding.

JURISPRUDENTIAL ANOMALY.

To the Editor of The Australian.

Had the lion been the sculptor, he would have been represented standing over the man.

SIR, - I was present yesterday in the Supreme Court, at the trial of a cause, Williams versus Keane, before Mr Justice Dowling, and a special Jury. I will briefly state the facts, as they came out in evidence, and then offer a few comments on the result.

The plaintiff, Williams, is a sawyer, holding a ticket of leave, in the employment of Thomas Rayne, Esq. of Sidmouth Valley. In the evening of the 22d June last, in the vicinity of Bathurst, on his return to his master's residence, he lost his way, and made up to the nearest house he could discover, to request directions. This happened to be the residence of the Reverend E. Keane, the chaplain at Bathurst. Williams leaped the fence separating Mr Keane's premises from the main road, and entered the backyard, calling aloud to attract the attention of the inmates. This latter fact renders absurd the imputation of any felonious design. A servant opened the door, and sallied out, and while in conference with Williams, who was unarmed, and totally defenceless, he was followed by Mr Keane, armed with sword and pistol, and who, with a random blow of the former, nearly wounded his own servant, and before any explanation could be offered, repeated his blow, and inflicted three wounds on the left arm of Williams, whom he then commanded to march before him to a small gate, opening from his premises into the road. Here he inflicted another severe wound on the right shoulder of Williams, and applying a pistol to his ear, ordered him to decamp, without looking to the right hand or to the left, or he would blow his brains out, and send his soul to the Devil! The wounded man proceeded to another house, which proved to be that of MR BLACKMAN, the Chief Constable, who, like the Good Samaritan, bound up his wounds, and conveyed him, covered with blood, and in an exhausted state, to the district hospital. It was proved by Mr Rayne's overseer, that Williams is a man of very good character, which he established during nine years confidential employment, in the service of Mr Lowe, the Magistrate at Bringelly. The overseer also deposed, that Williams's wounds disabled him for several weeks from his usual work. Such were briefly the facts in proof. 

The Jury, under direction of the learned Judge (whom I was sorry to hear, in the slightest degree, palliate Mr Keane's language or conduct) returned a verdict for the plaintiff, with the paltry and inadequate damages of £10. Admitting the former wounds to have been inflicted in a moment of agitation and alarm, the last and most severe wound was palpably given with .... .... .... .... .... .... Williams, at worst, committed only a trespass, an involuntary trespass, or rather a compulsory one, from his peculiar situation, and for it, was severely cut and maimed by a Reverend Member of the Church Militant. Captain Moir shot at and wounded a voluntary and contumacious trespasser, not mortally, but the man subsequently died of a locked jaw! Captain Moir, a military man, was hanged; Mr Keane, a minister of the gospel of peace, is fined £10. Such is the difference of estimation, .. .. .. .. .. .. in offences. What offences have the chaplains, Wilkinson and Middleton committed, (I would ask our Venerable Archdeacon), at all comparable ....................to this ........ exhibition of sanguinary ferocity by Mr Keane? THEMIS.

Source: Australian, 4 February 1831 - Correspondence: 1 Feb 1831, Bathurst, Bathurst County, New South Wales. 

James Blackman (1792-1868), farmer and explorer, was born in Kent, England, the second son of James Blackman (1762-1842) and his wife Elizabeth, née Harley (1765-1842), who had been married at St Margaret's, London, in 1785. 

James Blackman senior was one of a group of free settlers 'strongly recommended and … described to be of various handicraft and Agricultural Occupations' sponsored by the Colonial Office in June 1801. Blackman with his wife and four sons, Samuel, James, John and William, arrived at Sydney in the Canada in December. Two sons and four daughters were born in Australia. In 1802 he was granted 100 acres (40 ha) at Mulgrave Place and from 1813 held various small government appointments, including chief constable at Bathurst from 1825. He died on 6 May 1842 at Mudgee when living with his son William.

James Blackman junior was one of ten farmers settled by Governor Lachlan Macquarie at Bathurst in March 1818, the others being his brother John, William Lee, George Cheshire, Thomas Kite, Richard Mills, John Abbott, John Nevill, Thomas Swanbrooke and John Godden. Each was allowed fifty acres (20 ha) on the river flats and a town allotment of two acres (.8 ha). In September 1819 James Blackman became superintendent of convicts at Bathurst at a salary of £50 and held that office until 1821.

In 1820 he marked out a road from Bathurst to Wallerawang and in 1821 with three companions explored a route from Bathurst to the Cudgegong River. He crossed the Turon River, went north-east to the Crudene and reached the Cudgegong about fifty miles (80 km) from Bathurst. He then went through Aaron's Pass, named after his Aboriginal servant, followed the Cudgegong for about twenty-six miles (42 km) and came to the Burrundulla Swamps, but did not reach the Aboriginal camp at Mudgee. William Lawson followed Blackman's route later in the year and is considered by some the discoverer of Mudgee. In 1822 Blackman and Lawson traced out a route from Wallerawang to Dabee, near Rylstone.

Blackman also played a leading part in opening up the Orange district and the Wellington valley. John Oxley had passed through this country on his way to the Lachlan in 1817. Probably Blackman was with Oxley on his journey in 1818 to Port Macquarie where his map shows 'Blackman's Point'. In 1823 Lieutenant Percy Simpson was appointed to establish and command a convict station at Wellington, and with James Blackman he drove to the new area; the place named Orange in 1846 had hitherto been called Blackman's Swamp.

By 1828 James Blackman held 1148 acres (465 ha) at Bathurst of which 83 (33 ha) were cleared and 56 (23 ha) cultivated; he also had 170 cattle and 850 sheep. In 1840 he received 640 acres (259 ha) at Cooyal near Mudgee and lived there for twenty years. He died at Mudgee on 22 March 1868. He had married in July 1815 Mary, daughter of John William John, farmer, of Richmond who had arrived in the Albemarle in 1791 and Mary, née Jenkins, who had arrived in 1792; they had five sons, the eldest being named James, and three daughters.

James Blackman died at the home of his Son, William, at Bleak House, Mudgee on 6 May 1842. Elizabeth died on 2 July 1842 and they are buried in the Blackman Vault at Blackman's Park. This was the original cemetery in Mudgee. When the graves were moved to the new cemetery, the only one to be left in place was Blackman's Vault. The Notice of Death of James and Elizabeth Blackman was published in The Sydney Herald on Friday, 8 July, 1842.

Today, Bleak House, in the thriving tourist destination of Mudgee, is an outstanding symbol of the elegant grandeur of yesteryear. This beautiful two storey residence sits on a huge 2,605 square metre block of land on the fringe of the CBD. One of the oldest and grandest houses in regional Australia.

Citation Details:

Bernard Greaves, 'Blackman, James (1792–1868)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/blackman-james-1790/text2021, published first in hardcopy 1966, accessed online 21 January 2022.

Source - The Death of James and Elizabeth Blackman .The Sydney Herald Friday, 8 July, 1842

See article regarding Governor King and James Blackman - click here

Josephus Henry Barsden married Mary Ann Blackman in 1822. It seems that they would have met as children, as both J.H. Barsden and the Blackman Family were given homes at Government House by Governor King. Both were highly educated for their time and probably attended similar instruction. 

Marriage Notes for James Blackman & Elizabeth Harley :

Elizabeth Harley was previously engaged to George Davies, son of General Davies, & the young man, noted for his extreme irascibility, contracted smallpox.  Upon seeing him & the unsightly blotches, his fiancé couldn't suppress a smile & her untimely mirth so angered the short tempered invalid, he grabbed hold of a nearby musket & shot her through the side of the face.  This put an end to the engagement !!  Later, against her father's wishes, she married James.

As George Harley disapproved of the marriage, he forbid his family to attend the wedding.  It was at the last minute that he relented & attended the wedding with Elizabeth's brother, Samuel. No other members were allowed to attend.

It was only after the birth of their first child, Samuel, that George forgave Elizabeth. He sent a set of silver & despatched five cows to a farm in the vicinity of Woolich, the milk intended for the child.  He also requested that they live at the farm so as to be near him, & they agreed to this .... residing here for some years .... during which three more sons were born.

As we know, the Blackman's departed England for Australia in 1801.

Then in 1817 -

A Mr Stoddard, Superintendent of Police of the Queen's Highway ( the Constabulary was known to all Englishmen in those days )  visited the family in Bathurst one stormy afternoon .. & questioned Mrs Blackman as to her name & place of birth, uttering a great shout of triumph learning that her name was Harley, exclaiming, " I have found you at last , Mrs Blackman.  Go home and ride in your carriage, for your father is dead & your brother, Samuel, too.  The estate is now yours.".  

The superintendent was a guest of the family that night & it was arranged that James Blackman should return to England & take possession of the estate in his wife's name.  He went to Sydney & booked passage to England, but as he was boarding ship, his solicitor asked him if he had his wife's Power of Attorney.  Becoming annoyed at this contingency, James replied, "If I  have to get that, the estate & money can stay there." He then returned to Bathurst.

As it happened Elizabeth was in ill health & unable to make the trip herself, the voyage occupying about six months in those days, aside from the fact she did not like the idea of leaving her children, some of whom were married & had families, she didn't go.  From then on until the present day the estate has remained unclaimed, & the money accruing from it, still in the Bank of England.  

Many documents in relationship to the estate have been lost through the years that have lapsed since penned, some, it is alleged have been stolen. However, a number have been recovered, & the present claimants believe it may be possible in the near future to prove their rights to the fortune. They assert that they are the true lineal descendants of the first Earl of Oxford, the father of Thomas Harley, the father of George Harley, the father of Elizabeth Blackman ( Nee Harley ) . Up until the time of her death, Elizabeth urged her children to lay claim to her estate.

1931 - HARLEY-BLACKMAN-CARLYLE ESTATE. In an article regarding the Carlyle estate, published in the 'Gazette' of July 31 last an error inadvertently appeared. It was stated that Mr. A. J. C. McGrath was the only living person interested in both the supposed Everingham and Carlyle estates. This was wrong, as the following will show George Harley's daughter, Elizabeth, married James Blackman, who was said to be at one time in charge of the convict settlement at Bathurst. It is understood that she was invited to go to England about 1821 to claim the estate, but for some reason she  was unable to go. However, she made a will, and this will is now available, and a copy of same will be printed in this journal, at a later date.  The only daughter of James and Elizabeth Blackman (nee Harley) married John Carlyle, and on the death of her husband she married John Roberts. Their daughter (Maria) married Johnathan Everingham (son of James Everingham I.) and therefore their descendants will be interested in both the Everingham and Carlyle estates. The only daughter of John Carlyle and his wife (nee Blackman), Henrietta Carlyle, married Michael McGrath, who were Mr. A. J. C. McGrath's grandmother and grandfather.  Whilst Matthew James Everingham is sleeping, his last long sleep in St. John's cemetery at Wilberforce, and James and Elizabeth Blackman in Mudgee cemetery, their descendants are about to unravel the tangled threads that have so long defied them.

Source - Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 14 August 1931, Page 6. See - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/85886041?searchTerm=HARLEY-BLACKMAN-CARLYLE%20ESTATE

ANOTHER FORTUNE?  HARLEY-BLACKMAN ESTATE  

Supposed Wills of Thomas Hill, George Harley and Elizabeth Blackman.  

IN the 'Gazette' recently we stated that we would publish in a future issue, copies of Wills in connection with the above estate. These have now been forwarded to us for publication, together with other information connected therewith.  

COPY OF THOMAS HILL'S WILL  

Extracted from the Principal Registry of the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice. In the Prerogative Court of Chancery. Folio - H.R.W. - :

In the name of God, Amen. I, Thomas Hill, of Shooter's Hill, in the Parish of Eltham, in the- County of Kent, being of good, sound, and disposing mind, memory and understanding, Praise be Almighty God, and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, to prevent all manner of controversies, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say), I will and direct that all my just debts be fully paid and satisfied by my executors hereinafter named, and after payment thereof and of the legacies given to my said Executors, I give, devise, and bequeath all the rest and residue of all and every of my real and personal Estate of what nature or kind soever (except my wearing apparel, both linen and woollen) to John Tew, of Eltham, as aforesaid, wheeler, and William Barrat, of Charlton, in the County of Kent, baker, upon this Trust that they the said John Tew and William Barrat, and the survivor of them, do permit and suffer my beloved wife Dennis (Denice) Hill to have, hold, take and enjoy my Estates and receive and take to her own use the rents and profits of all other my estates and effects, and the use and enjoyment of all my household furniture, plate, linen, and woollen during her life, and after her death upon this further Trust, that they, the said John Tew and William Barrat and the survivor of them, shall and do after the death of my said wife pay into the hands of my sister, Elizabeth Holmes (if she shall be then still living), the sum of one hundred pounds for her own use and benefit, and not to be subject to the debts or control of her present husband or any after taken, husband, and her receipt alone to be a sufficient discharge for the same; and also that they, the said John Tew and William Barrat, and the survivor of them, shall and will within one year after the death of my said wife pay the several sums of money to the several persons names as following (that is to say), to Richard Allan, of Bennett's Hill, London, basket maker, the sum of twenty pounds, and in the case of his death then to his children, and also further that they, the said John Tew and William Barrat and the survivor of them, within two years after the decease of my said wife lay out and invest the sum of one hundred pounds in Government or upon other good sufficient security, and shall and will pay, and apply the interest thereof during the minority of my Godson, Robert Hill Harley, son of George Harley, for and towards his maintenance and education, and that they, the said John Tew and William Barratt and the survivor of them, shall and will at his attaining his age of one and twenty years, pay to the said Robert Hill Harley the sum of one hundred pounds, and after the payment of the sums of money beforementioned, I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate and effects, except what is hereinafter given to my said wife, unto the said George Harley, and to his brother, Thomas Harley, and their sisters, Ann and Mary Harley, to be divided between them share and share alike, and in case of the death of either of them in my lifetime, or in the lifetime of my said wife, leaving a child or children, my Will is that the share of him or her or them so dying shall go and be received and be enjoyed, by such child or children and to and for his, her, and their only use and benefit, and that the share of him, her or them dying shall not be deemed a lapsed legacy; and further, I hereby will and devise to and consent unto that my said loving wife, Dennis, shall and may , at any time before her death (be it in my lifetime) by will or any instrument in writing made have full power and free liberty to give away and dispose of the sum of forty pounds as aforesaid, and her apparel in general, as likewise her watch, to whom she shall see fit. 

I give to the said George Harley all my wearing apparel (both linen and woollen) and I do constitute and appoint the said John Tew and William Barrat executors of this my Will, and I do give to them for their trouble in acting in the Trust herein the sum of ten pounds apiece and for the good and sure payment of all and every of the moneys herein before given I charge all my Estate on Shooter's Hill for the payment of the same, and I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me at any time heretobefore made.  

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal to each side of paper containing four this Third day of January One thousand seven hundred and sixty seven.  THOS. HILL. Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared by Testator Thos. Hill as and for his Last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses in the presence of said Testator and in the pre sence of each other— WILLIAM LOGGON, JOHN BRADLEY, WILLIAM ABBURY, of Eltham.  

George Harley's only known surviving relative his only daughter, Elizabeth Harley, married James Blackman, and sailed for Sydney, N.S.W., Australia, in the ship 'Canada', on or about 20th December, 1800, and arrived in Sydney on June 17th, 1801.  

Appended is copy of the Marriage Certificate of James Blackman and Elizabeth Harley: —   Marriage solemnised at the Parish Church of St. Margaret Lee, in the County of London, on the Third day of December, in the year One thousand seven hundred and eighty -five, James Blackman, of this Parish, Bachelor, and Elizabeth Harley, of this Parish, Spinster, were married in this Church by Banns this Third day of December, in the year One thousand seven hundred and eighty five by me — J. GRIFFITH, (officiating Minister). This marriage was solemnised between us JAMES BLACKMAN ELIZABETH HARLEY In the presence of George Harley, Samuel Harley.  

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF ELIZABETH BLACKMAN: 

Elizabeth Blackman was the daughter of George Harley, of Shooter's Hill, Kent. Her mother's maiden name was Miss Love, one of a family of six children. George Harley was said to have been the brother of the then Earl of Oxford, whose son, Lord Harley, was a first cousin. He was some years afterwards lost at sea. George Harley and the Earl were sons of Sir Thomas Harley, alderman of the City of London, and nephew of the preceding Earl. There were other brothers as well.  Elizabeth Blackman lost her mother early in life, and her father, George Harley, afterwards married a Mrs. Dr. Seymour, an elderly lady, by whom he had no children. She had an only daughter when she married George Harley. Comfort Seymour was her name.  Elizabeth Harley married James Blackman against her father's wish at Lee Church.  The old gentleman went to the church and witnessed their marriage, and parted with the couple in anger. He was only reconciled when their first child — Samuel — was born. As a token of his reconciliation, he sent them a set of silver utensils for his grandson's use. He also sent down to a farm at Woolwich some cows, so as to ensure that the child should have pure milk, and asked the parents to go and live there in order to be near him.   

Here they lived for a number of years, and several children were born. James Blackman's health began to fail and the doctors recommended him to go for a long sea voyage. This recommendation he carried out by booking his and his family's passage by the 'Canada' to Australia. At that time the Government was offering large inducements to encourage free people to come and settle -here, and even offered an acre of land for every guinea any person could show on arrival. James Blackman was a highly cultured gentleman of means, and he could have what he liked. He received a grant from the Government.  

Four of the Harley boys died before their sister ( Mrs. Blackman), left England, leaving only her brother, Robert, whose health was not very robust. On the day she sailed from England her father, George Harley, had a Will read to her in which she, with her brother (Robert) were joint heirs the large estate called 'Shooter's Hill, upon which the old gentleman lived and where she was born and lived up to the time of her marriage. Failing her brother, Robert, she was the sole heiress to the estate, upon which was a fine old mansion, said to have more than 100 rooms in it, together with 375 acres of land. It is related that Elizabeth got lost in the maze of rooms on one occasion, and she often spoke of this to her granddaughter, Henrietta Carlyle, and others. There were several leasehold properties as well.  

George Harley left his estate in Shropshire, where he was born, to pay a visit to his aunts, Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Holmes, and they were so impressed with his personality and general demeanour, and being widows and childless, they told him that if he would stay with them they would leave him all they had (they were reputed to be very wealthy). Thomas Hill, the late husband of one of them, had already left him a share of a large estate on which they then lived.  He consented to this and they built a house in Woolwich, and, as he had already met Miss Love at that time, he married her and settled down. He used to make a practice of taking his family away during part of the year for a change of air to his other estate in Shropshire. The old lady often used to speak of this to her grandchildren.  After the death of his aunts, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Holmes, George Harley went to live on the estate at 'Shooter's Hill; the other mentioned in Thos. Hill's will having no children, it now belonged to him and his children.  

ANNOYED GOVERNOR KING  - Upon the arrival of the ship 'Canada', in Sydney, James Blackman sent a letter of introduction to Governor King, who sent his own private boat to take him and his family off, and gave him one of the cottages attached to Government House to live in until he could secure a home for himself.  

The Governor, assigned Blackman twelve servants and made arrangements for him to draw provisions, etc., from the Government store. He also offered him any land he might choose to take up, but Blackman only accepted 100 acres, which annoyed the Governor. King also offered Blackman a position at the Commissariat — a high position in the Government service in those days, — which he refused, as he did not like the colony, and said he intended to return to England.   

Eventually he settled on the Hunter River and afterwards at Richmond, N.S.Wales, where he was three times flooded out, also being burnt out by bush fires. After various vicissitudes, Blackman accepted the position of Superintendent of Government Stock, and he had some of the first sheep in the colony.   

He had ten children when he went to reside at Bathurst, viz., Samuel, William, John, James, Robert, George, Mesdames Carlyle, Merrich (or Merritt), Barsden and Ainsworth, four of whom were born in England. While settled at Bathurst, a gentleman named Stoddart called one afternoon at their place. The visitor had just arrived from England and had evidently held a high social position. As soon as he saw Mrs. Blackman, he inquired from whence she came, and on being informed that she, was the daughter of George Harley he evinced great surprise, and informed her that she should immediately go home to England, as her father was dead, and so was her brother, Robert, and therefore she was the sole heiress — the estate was hers.  It was arranged that her husband should go Home, and, in his wife's name, take possession.   

He went to Sydney, and booked his passage. At the last moment, however, the solicitors asked him if he had power of attorney from his wife, to claim the estate. At that he became annoyed, and said if he had to get power of attorney from his wife "the estate could stop where it was,"' and declined to go to England. Mrs. Blackman was then in delicate health and was unable to undertake the long and arduous voyage; also she did not relish the idea of leaving her children, some of whom were married and had families, but she made her Will, in which she allotted the sum of £10,000 to her son, William, of Mudgee, to go Home and get it for them. This Will was alleged to have been drawn up by a firm of solicitors in Bathurst.  Mr. and Mrs. Blackman died at Mudgee within a few weeks of each other, and are buried with their son, William, and his wife in the family vault in St. John's cemetery.  

Many attempts have been made to unearth the Will of Elizabeth Blackman, but up to a week or two ago without success. Mr. George Blackman, before his death, made extensive inquiries, but could find no trace of it. He had been warned anonymously that something was going to be done with it, and a further anonymous letter was received informing him that it was in the possession of a certain person, and that he would never locate the Will or secure the property.  A number of the descendants are now centrating, on a search for the missing Will, with every prospect of success.  

COPY OF THE WILL? 

The Will is believed to have been made at Bathurst on February 3rd., 1840, and the following said to be a copy of same, although not authentic so far: — ''I desire and wish that as soon as a return from England of money from my estate that £10,000 be paid to my son, William Blackman, in case he gets it, and £100 to his wife, Sarah Blackman;  £200 to my daughter, Henrietta Merrick, £200 to my daughter, Martha Daveson, £200 to my daughter, Elizabeth Carlyle;  £200 to my son, George Blackman, £200 to my son, Robert Blackman; £200 to my son, James Blackman;  £200 to my son, John Blackman;  £200 to my son, Samuel Blackman; £100 to be given for mourning;   then the rest to be equally divided between my sons and daughters; but all debts and laws to be paid first, and if any of my sons and daughters should happen to die, for their children to receive their shares.  

(Signed) ELIZABETH BLACKMAN. (Witness) John Semple. 

The following Will, although very hard to follow, is evidently the Will of George Harley, son of George Harley, who inherited Thos. Hill's property in Shooter's Hill, and brother of Elizabeth Blackman: —  ''Extracted from the Principal Registry of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice. In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.  

In the Name of God. I, George Harley, of Woolwich Parish, in the County of Kent, being of good, sound land disposing mind and memory, praised be Almighty God, and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, to prevent all manner of controversies do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say)— 

First, I will that all my just debts, and general charges be paid and discharged by my Executor hereinafter named;  

Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my father, George Harley, the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of Great- Britain;  

Thirdly, in consideration of my senior sister; Elizabeth Harley, being a widow, I give and bequeath unto her the sum of forty pounds sterling of lawful money of great Britain, which shall be paid unto her immediately after my decease. But in case my senior sister, Elizabeth Harley, should die before she receives the said legacy herein bequeathed her, then my will is that the said sum here in bequeathed shall become jointly due unto her two children, Elizabeth and Lucy Harley.  I do also give and bequeath unto my younger sister, Elizabeth Harley, and likewise to my brother, Samuel Harley, the sum of twenty-five pounds sterling money each, five pounds to be paid them or each of them out of the sums herein bequeathed immediately after my decease, and the residue to be paid unto themn or each of them as soon as, they or each of them arrives at the age of 21 years.   

And if anything remains after each of their legacies abovementioned are paid, it shall be divided equally amongst my legatees.   Lastly, I do make and constitute William Hallick, Farmer, in Plumstead Parish, in the County of Kent, Executor of this my last Will and Testament.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred and eighty one.- GEORGE HARLEY,  

Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared by the Testator, George Harley, as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witness hereto, in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each other. — JOHN FERGUSON, JOHN PRICE, SAMUEL FLOAT. Proved 25th November, 1782.   

Folio H.S..S. 

As Elizabeth Blackman (nee Harley) was not a widow, she is evidently the younger sister Elizabeth referred to. As the senior sister, Elizabeth, had two daughters, Elizabeth and Lucy Harley, she was evidently a sister-in-law, though this is only conjecture.  

The matter will be sifted forthwith. Extracts from the family vault in old St. John's C. of E. cemetery, in Mudgee: —  Elizabeth Blackman , (nee Harley), died 22nd July, 1842.  James Blackman, husband of above, died 6th May, 1842, aged 83 years.  William Blackman, son, died 12th February 1854.  Sarah Blackman (wife of William) died 19th July, 1872, aged 72 years 10 months.  

James Blackman was looked upon as the pioneer of Mudgee, where a number of descendants still reside. In addition to the list of claimants already published, there are 3 families of Swords, Robinsons, Lamberts and others.  

The estate on Shooter's Hill, Kent, which was left to George Harley by Thomas Hill was never claimed by Elizabeth Blackman, although she urged her children before her death to leave no stone unturned to secure the property. 

There was also a large sum of money in the Bank of England at that time. The property consisted of hopfields, but coal seams have since been discovered, which make the property more valuable. There are a large number of descendants both here and in New Zealand, and we understand that a united effort is to be made shortly to prove their claim. 

There are a number of claimants in this estate who are also interested in the Everingham Estate, of which so much has been heard of late. Let us hope both sides are successful in their efforts, and that ere long these fortunes will reach these shores.  

Source – Richmond and Windsor Gazette, Friday 6 Nov 1931, Page 5.   

See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/85886182?searchTerm=HARLEY-BLACKMAN-CARLYLE%20ESTATE  

See the Sharpe Family Tree here

London - James Blackman b 1759 married Elizabeth Harley and they sailed to Sydney.      

Sydney - Their daughter Mary Ann Blackman b 1803 married Josephus Henry Barsden      

Bathurst - Their daughter Mary Ann Barsden b 1824 married William Richard Smith      

Essington - Their son William Henry Smith b 1840 married Emma Humphries     

Oberon - Their daughter Sara Rose Mary Smith b 1865 married George Bailey      

Sydney - Their son Victor Ernest Bailey b 1898 married Sylvia Olds      

Sydney - Their daughter Merle Winifred Bailey married Douglas Woodhouse Sharpe.     

Gosford - Their son Ronald Douglas Sharpe b 1950 married Caroline Curby      

Gosford - Their son Michael Douglas Sharpe married Elizabeth French and they have three children and two grandchildren.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.