Branson Family

BRANSON HISTORY

The Branson branch of the family can be traced back as far as 11th October 1792, with the marriage of William Branson to Susannah Day at the Parish Church Leighton Bromswold, Huntingdonshire. William was born at Leighton Bromswold. It is not known where Susannah was born, but she was probably born there also.

THE BRANSON FAMILY IN ENGLAND

The Branson branch of the family can be traced back as far as 11th October 1792, with the marriage of William Branson to Susannah Day at the parish Church in Leughton Bromswold, Huntingdonshire, England. William was born at Leighton Bromswold. It is not known where Susannah was born, but she was probably born there too.

Nothing is known of the lives of William and Susannah, except that shortly after their marriage they moved to Titchmarsh in Northamptonshire, probably because William was a farm labourer and they moved there so that he could find work. William and Susannah had five children all born in Titchmarsh.

1. Thomas born 18th August 1793. Died 30th September 1793.

2. William born 25th January 1795. Died 16th July 1881 in Greenock, South Australia.

3. James born 12th February 1797. Died 5th April 1872 in Greenock, South Australia.

4. Mary born 1st December 1799.

5. Jane born 3rd October 1802.

Of these five children it has been possible to trace the history of two of them.

JAMES BRANSON 1797-1872

James was born at Titchmarsh on 12th February 1797. He married Sarah Hankins in the Parish Church at Old Weston, Huntingdonshire on 7th January 1822. Sarah was born at Old Weston 10th February 1800, the daughter of Charles and Rebecca Hankins.

James was a farm labourer and moved about a fair bit getting work wherever it was available. He and Sarah were living at Leighton Bromswold when their first child, William was born in 1823. They later moved to Titchmarsh where the rest of their eight children were born, two died in infancy, these two were Jeremiah (1) born and died in 1835 and John Hankins born in 1841, died on 3rd September 1856. The rest of their children are covered in more detail later in this history.

In 1858, James then aged sixty and his wife aged fifty-seven, together with their youngest surviving son Jeremiah (2), aged twenty migrated to South Australia, aboard the "Frenchman". They departed from Liverpool on 1st June 1858, Arriving at Adelaide on 20th September 1858.

According to family legend, the reason that James and Sarah were the last of the family to emigrate, was that they could not do so until after the death of John. As he was a mute it meant that he was ineligible to migrate due to his affliction. Also according to family legend he was also an epileptic.

This meant that in a matter of ten years the whole Branson family had migrated to South Australia, as all their other children had migrated before them.

James and Sarah settle in a home in Greenock township. James grew vegetables at the back of the house and Sarah made butter from the cows they milked. James would take his produce into Tanunda to sell it.

James died at Greenock on 5th April 1872. Sarah lived to the ripe old age of ninety-two, dying of senile decay on 14th March 1892. Both James and Sarah are buried in the Greenock Cemetery.

THE BRANSON FAMILY IN AUSTRALIA

The later part of the 19th century was a time of great hardship in England, particularly among the farming community. This was caused by the high taxes imposed to try and recoup some of the massive amount of money spent the Napoleonic wars and the potato blight, which started in Ireland and swiftly moved across England and parts of the continent. Because of this a great number of people were receptive to the idea of emigrating to a new country and a fresh start.

In 1836 the "South Australia Company", a private joint stock venture, was formed to encourage investment in the new British colony of South Australia. Land was purchased, sight unseen by wealthy Englishmen, some who planned to move to South Australia, but most planned to sell or lease their land to others at a profit.

The records show that William Branson and his brother James, booth sons of James and Sarah Branson of Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire, arranged leases of land with the right to purchase from Mr. Robert Bevan Esq. Having done this James and his only sister Rebecca, married in a double wedding at Titchmarsh Parish Church on 27th March 1848. James Married Eliza Goss. Eliza was born at Titchmarsh on 14th September 1824, the names of her parents is unknown. Rebecca married John Webb. John was born at Titchmarsh on 28th June 1828, the names of his parents are unknown.

James and William Branson and John Webb then applied to come to South Australia as immigrants. They were all accepted and sailed for Australia aboard the "Pioctiers", arriving at Adelaide on 13th November 1848.

All the members of the Branson family that migrated to South Australia, were all involved in farming in England and that generation involved themselves in farming in varying degrees soon after their arrival in Australia and all the working lives.

Whereas their descendants who live in many parts of Australia and overseas, are involved in all walks of life and professions.

WILLIAM BRANSON 1823-1881

William was born at Leighton Bromswold in 1923. He gave his occupation as farm labourer when he applied to emigrate to South Australia along with his Brother James and sister Rebecca, now Mrs. Webb..

Soon after his arrival, William took up the lease he had arranged before he left England. His land was partly at Greenock Creek in the County of Light and partly in the County of Nuriootpa. William worked hard and eventually purchased his land and some nearby land to expand his property.

It is not known when or where William married Lois Walker, as no record of their marriage has been found, it is thought that it was probably about 1856, as Lois died on 29th October 1857 leaving no issue. On 17th July 1858, ten months after Lois's death William married Jerusha Tonkin at the home of Mr. John Batten in Kapunda, South Australia. Jerusha was almost ten years older than William, being born at St. Agnes, Cornwall, England in 1814. There were no children from this marriage.

William was active in the founding of the first Methodist Church in Greenock. He was also very active in church affairs and was a trustee of the Church.

William died at his residence at Greenock on Saturday 5th February 1881, after an illness of about four months. He was buried in the Greenock Cemetery two days later. Jerusha died at her home at George Street, Moonta, South Australia on 17th December 1899.

Branson Memorial Church Greenock

THOMAS BRANSON 1825-1854

Thomas was born at Titchmarsh on 13th February 1825. He married Mary Smithers at the Titchmarsh Parish Church in 1848. Mary was born at Titchmarsh on 27th May 1829, the daughter of John And Charlotte Smithers.

In 1853, probably at the urging of his two brothers, Thomas, his wife Mary and two young children, emigrated to South Australia aboard the "William Stewart", departing Southampton on 17th April 1853. After a very bad and stormy voyage, they arrived at Adelaide on 14th July 1853. Mary gave birth to their third child in September 1853, two months after their arrival in South Australia.

Thomas died at Greenock on 24th May 1854, only ten months after their arrival in Australia, leaving Mary with three children under five years old to raise on her own. This burden was made easier with the help of the other members of the Branson family.

Mary died at Port Elliot, South Australia on 29th April 1915.

THE CHILDREN OF THOMAS & MARY BRANSON

Charles 1849-1943

Charles was born at Titchmarsh on 6th March 1849. As a young child he emigrated to South Australia with his parents in 1853. As a young man Charles worked as a farm labourer around the Greenock and Nuriootpa area. Later he was a mail coach driver in the Rhine, Truro area. It was probably whilst driving the mail coach that he met Emma Jacobs, whom he married at north Rhine, South Australia on 3rd November 1868. Emma was born in Dorchester, England on 11 January 1840, the daughter of Joseph Francis and Sarah Jacobs.

Emma died at Clare, South Australia on 20th February 1930. Charles also died at Clare on 1st December 1943. Charles and Emma had seven children.

1. Anne Elizabeth born at Flaxman's Valley, South Australia on 19th May 1869. She married Thomas William Coward about 1891. Thomas was born at Truro, South Australia on 23rd December 1870, the son of Wesley Coward and Susanna nee Philps. William died at Clare on 17th April 1952. Anne died at Mount Gambia, South Australia on 23rd January 1955. They had five children.

2. Thomas Francis born at Greenock on 21st April 1871. He married Emma Maud Fegan about 1896. Emma died at Brunswick, Victoria in 1928. Thomas died at Brighton, Victoria on 30th June 1942. He was buried at Mitcham, Victoria on 2nd July 1942. They had three children.

3. Albert James born at Greenock on 23rd April 1873. He married Mary Ann Kelly at Kapunda, South Australia on 21st October 1902. Mary Ann was born at Yankalilla, South Australia on 20th September 1870, the daughter of John Kelly and Ellen nee Dowhall. Albert died at Myrtle bank, South Australia on 10th October 1963. Mary also died at Myrtle bank, three months later on 25th December 1963. They are both buried in the Nuriootpa Cemetery. They had two children.

4. Alice Mary born at Greenock on 8th July 1875. She married Bernard Anton Wiltshire. They had Three children.

5. Gertrude Emily born at Penrice, South Australia on 24th March 1878. She married Walter Charles Philps in 1902. Walter was born at Kilkerran, South Australia, the son of Richard Charles Philps and Mary nee Moody. Gertrude died at Clare South Australia on 13th December 1979.

6. Horace Charles born at Truro, South Australia on 5th April 1880. He married Ellen Beatrice Craigie at Truro on 14th October 1908. Ellen was born at Truro on 26th October 1888, the daughter of James Craigie and Elizabeth nee Russell. Horace and Ellen had four children.

7. Archibald Edward born at Truro on 8th April 1883. Died at Dalby, Queensland on 7th February 1915. Nothing further is known.

Sarah Ann 1851-?

Sarah Ann was born at Titchmarsh in 1851. Nothing further is known.

John James 1853-1913

John James was born at Greenock, South Australia on 12th September 1853. John was a cartage contractor, working as far afield as the Flinders Ranges. John married Johanne Eleonore (Ellen Jane) Munchenberg at Stone hut Flat, near Angerston, South Australia on 5th April 1874. Johanne was born at Langmeil, Germany on 28th November 1854, the daughter of Johan Friedrich Wilhelm Munchenberg and Dorothea nee Maruschke.

Johanne died at Greenock on 11th October 1888, two weeks aftyer the birth of their eight child. Shortly after the death of his wife John went to Western Australia. It is not known if John took his family with him or he left them in the care of relatives, as all his children married and had families in South Australia. John apparently never returned to South Australia, as he died at Lenora, Western Australia on 20th June 1913. John and Johanne had eight children.

1. Emily Jane born at Greenock on 15th October 1874. She married Spencer William Wray at Swandale, South Australia on 9th February 1898. Spencer was born at Callington, South Australia on 24th March 1874. Emily died at Meadows, South Australia on 18th December 1933. Spencer also died at Meadows on 9th July 1938. They had four children.

2. Ellen May born at Greenock on 11th May 1876. She died at Kapunda on 26th January 1906, having never married.

3. Walter Charles born at Penrice, South Australia on 9th February 1879. He married Mary Ellen Locking in 1901. Mary was born at Truro on 26th December 1879. Walter died at Willunga, South Australia on 16th March 1944. Mary died on 19th September 1959. They had eight children.

4. Arthur Norman born in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia on 19th August 1880. He married Violet Priscilla Jane Matthews about 1906. Violet was born at Grenfell, New South Wales on 20th July 1889, the daughter of Edward and Mary Matthews. Arthur died at Guildford, Western Australia on 25th January 1961. Violet also died at Guildford on 21st September 1968. They had five children

5. Howard Henry born at Kanyaka, South Australia on 10th December 1881. He married Ethel May Garrett about 1908. Ethel May was born on 1st September 1889. Howard died on 9th November 1960. Ethel died on 25th October 1963. They had six children.

6. Olive Edith born at Gordon, South Australia on 25th February 1884. She married Walter Frederick Zanker about 1907. Walter was born at Greenock on 20th June 1882, the son of Friedrich Zanker and Maria Elizabeth nee Khune. Olive died on 16th April 1914, she is buried in the Old Meadows Cemetery, South Australia. Walter died at Quorn, South Australia on 10th August 1950. They had three children.

7. Hubert Clair born at Greenock on 25th May 1886. He married Ida Matilda Linke in 1904. Ida was born at Nairne, South Australia on 25th March 1887. Ida died at Kapunda South Australia on 6th December 1961. Hubert also died at Kapunda on the 17th December 1967, both are buried in the Kapunda Cemetery. They had four children.

8. Laura Blanche born at Greenock on 28th September 1888. She married James Campbell. Nothing further is known.

JAMES BRANSON 1827-1906

James Branson (left) was born at Titchmarsh on 10th November 1827. He married Eliza Goss at the Parish Church, Titchmarsh on 27th March 1848. Eliza was born at Titchmarsh on 14th September 1824. Shortly after their marriage James applied to emigrate to South Australia, his application was accepted. James and Eliza sailed from London aboard the "Poictiers", along with his broth William and his sister Rebecca (Webb). They arrived at Port Adelaide on 13th November 1848.

James and Eliza live just outside the city of Adelaide for about a year, before James could take up the pre-arranged lease of his land. As with his brother William's land, part of his land was at Greenock Creek and some in the district of Nuriootpa. James worked hard clearing and fencing his land and getting in successful crops. His hard worked paid off and he soon had this property paid for. He named his farm "Pilton". On 18th December 1879, James bought more land in the township of Greenock.

James is known to have twice gone to the Victorian goldfields. According to family legend that the first time he walked all the way there and back.

James along with his brother William was active in the founding and building of the first Wesleyan Methodist Church at Greenock in 1855. He and William being the only resident trustees of the Church. James was also a Justice of the Peace and for many years a member of the Nuriootpa District Council and as a Councilor in the Greenock Ward. In 1883 he was elected chairman of the Council. He was also a trustee of the Greenock Cemetery trust.

Eliza died at Greenock on 27th December 1897. James died at Greenock on 30th November 1906. They are both buried in the Greenock Cemetery. An obituary for James was printed in the Adelaide Chronicle on 8th December 1906.

GREENOCK, December 1. Last night Mr. James Branson, another old colonist, passed to his rest at the age of 79 years. He is the only male survivor of a family of eight sons and one daughter. The daughter (Mrs. Webb) is still alive, and resides here. Mr. Branson came out to South Australia from Northamptonshire in 1848, a year after his marriage, in the ship Poictiers, and after a year near the city took up land here and farmed very successfully until 19 years ago, when his son Mr. George Branson, took up the property and the deceased came to live in the township, accompanied by his wife (now deceased) and daughter. Mr. Branson was J.P. and his name was associated with every local public movement of importance. One his latest gift was a donation to the funds of the new institute. For many years he sat as Chairman and Councillor for Greenock Ward in the Nuriootpa District Council. His family were prime movers in erecting the Methodist Chapel, and the old gentleman remained a member of the Church until his death. Of his family of six children, three survive, viz., Mr. G Branson of "Pilton" farm, miss Ellen Branson, and Mrs. James Miller, all of Greenock.

CHILDREN OF JAMES & ELIZA BRANSON

William 1850-1887

William was born at Greenock on 13th August 1850. He married Sarah Ann Stribling at Stockport, South Australia on 19th September 1877. Sarah was born at Morphett Vale, South Australia on 26th November 1851, the daughter of George and Ann Stribling.

William farmed a property at Stockport not far from Greenock William died of inflammation of the lungs at Stockport on 3rd June 1887, when he was only thirty-six years of age. Sarah died at Brighton, South Australia on 14th August 1929. They had four children.

1. Edward James born at Stockport on 2nd July 1878. He married Ida Eveline Roberts in 1914. Edward died at Hamley Bridge, South Australia on 12th October 1936. Ida died at Hamley Bridge on 28th April 1974. They had three children.

2. Florence Elizabeth Jane born at Tarlee, South Australia on 3rd July 1883. Nothing further is known.

3. Amy Isabel Maude born at on 20th August 1884. Died 10th August 1965. Nothing further is known.

4. William George born at Tarlee on 18th May 1886. He married Maude Elizabeth Windsor at Tarlee on 12th March 1912. Maude Was born at Tarlee on 23rd July 1886, the daughter of William Windsor and Mary Ann nee Williams. Maude died at Adelaide on 21st June 1970. William died at Adelaide on 6th September 1970. They had six children.

Alfred Thomas 1853-1899

Alfred Thomas was born at Greenock on 10th May 1853. He died at Greenock on 16th July 1866. Nothing further is known.

Ellen 1856-1937

Ellen was born at Greenock on 3rd April 1856. She died at Payneham, South Australia on 2nd November 1937. She never married.

Sarah Eliza 1861-1861

Sarah Eliza was born at Greenock on 4th May 1861. She died at Greenock on 23rd July 1861 aged a little over two months.

George 1863-1936

George (left) was born at Greenock on 11th September 1863. He received his education at Whinham College. When he left college he took up farming. In 1887 he took over "Pilton" when his father retired and moved into Greenock township. He was so successful that it was soon one of the biggest operation in the district.

George married Hannah Maria Webb at the Wesleyan Church, Greenock on 28th February 1888. Anna Maria was born at Gawler, South Australia on 20th February 1863, the daughter of William Laurence Webb and Anna Maria nee Brown.

In 1902 George went into partnership with Mr. J. Kleinig, establishing, The Emu Chaff Mill at Freeling, this venture was so successful that they opened another branch at Rosworthy. The mills were the most up to date in the state, employing over fifty people. The bulk of the output being for export, some 15,000 tons of chaff being exported in 1906.

George also occupied a seat on the Nuriootpa District Council for five years. He was also appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1899.

George retired in 1907 and he and Hannah Moved to Adelaide. George died at Dartford Private Hospital, Adelaide on 6th October 1936. He is buried in Adelaide's Mitcham Cemetery. Hannah died at Adelaide on 28th September 1944. They had four children.

1. Ruby Olivia born at Greenock on 27th December 1888. She married Cord Henry Joseph Udy at Rose Park, South Australia on 24th December 1921. Cord Henry was born at Horsham, Victoria on 5th April 1892, the son of Joseph Udy and Lillian nee Murphy. Cord Henry was a widower with two young children. Cord died at Adelaide on 28th April 1950. Ruby died at Adelaide on 8th November 1972. Ruby had four children to Cord.

2. Harrold Randolph born at Greenock on 13th December 1893. He married Ivy Inez Clark at Kent Town, South Australia on 21st March 1923. Ivy was born at Unley, South Australia on 2nd April 1893, the daughter of Thomas Henry Clark and Alice Susannah nee Martin. Ivy died at Adelaide on 7th August 1974. Harrold died at Adelaide on 14th July 1979. They had two children.

3. Laurence James born at Greenock on 6th May 1896. Laurence received his education at Prince Alfred College, Adelaide. While at school he served in the Cadet Corps and after leaving school he joined the Citizens military Force. He was employed as a bank clerk, when he enlisted in the 1st A.I.F in 1915. Laurence was killed in action at Geuedecourt, France on 5th November 1916 and is buried in the British War Cemetery at Villers-Bretonneux.

4. Vernon Moyston born at Adelaide on 5th April 1908. He married Mary Bath at Rose Park, South Australia on 15th March 1933. Mary was born at Adelaide on 1st January 1910. They had one child.

Sarah 1868-1952

Sarah was born at Greenock on 2nd April 1868. She Married James Miller at the Wesleyan Church, Greenock on her 23rd birthday, 2nd April 1891. James was born at Willaston, South Australia on 2nd July 1867, the eldest son of Caleb Miller and Anne nee Gwynne. James died at Adelaide on 30th October 1944. Sarah died at Adelaide on 21st February 1952. They had seven children.

1. Ellen Annie Bernice born at Freeling, South Australia on 23rd January 1893. She Married Gustav Adolph Pfeiffer at Adelaide on 27th June 1923. Gustav was born on 4th February 1892. Ellen died at Adelaide on 20th February 1968. They had two children.

2. Gladys Effie born at Freeling on 30th June 1895. She died at Adelaide on 26th May 1983. Nothing further is known.

3. Doreen Eliza born at Freeling on 10th April 1898. She died at Adelaide on 16th September 1979. Nothing further is known.

4. Marjorie Beatrice Grace born at Freeling on 23rd December 1900. Died at Adelaide on 18th December 1977. Nothing further is known.

5. Gwendolen Merle born at Greenock on 19th December 1903. Died at Adelaide on 24th February 1959. Nothing further is known.

6. Archibald Hilary James born at Greenock on 12th October 1906. Nothing further is known.

7. Edgar Lloyd born at Adelaide on 6th September 1908. Married Marjorie Pickering. Edgar died at Adelaide on 14th November 1977. Nothing further is known.

REBECCA BRANSON 1830-1930

Rebecca Branson (left) was born at Titchmarsh on 28th February 1830, the only daughter of James and Sarah Branson. She married John Webb at St. Mary's the Virgin Church, Titchmarsh on 27th March 1848, in a double ceremony with her brother James. John was born at Titchmarsh on 28th June 1828, the son of Henry and Hannah Webb. Soon after their wedding John and Rebecca applied to emigrate to South Australia. The application was accepted and in mid July, along with two of Rebecca's newly wed brothers and their wives, sailed from London aboard the "Poictiers". They arrived at port Adelaide on 13th November 1848.

After a short stay in the city John and Rebecca took up land at Norton Summit. They farmed this land for about two years. In 1851 they moved to Greenock. In 1854 John went to the Victorian goldfields. After he returned from Victoria they went to Burton near Salisbury, South Australia. By 1858 they had returned to Greenock.

As a young girl Rebecca was employed as a lace maker and been taught knitting by her mother. Up until her sight failed she did very fine work. In her old age she treasured some of the appliances she used as well as a piece of unfinished work she had begun in the days her eyesight got to bad for her to see the work properly.

John died at Greenock on 17th March 1883. Rebecca died at Greenock on 15th September 1922. They had six children.

CHILDREN OF JOHN & REBECCA WEBB

Charles 1849-1930

Charles was born at Norton Summit, South Australia on 28th January 1849. He married Isabella Jane Henderson at Stone Hut, South Australia on 25th December 1874. Isabella was born at Magill, South Australia on 5th September 1855, the daughter of Peter Henderson and Hannah nee Gibson. Charles died at Wagin, Western Australia on 8th November 1930. Isabella died at Wagin on 17th August 1931.

They had twelve children.

1. John Albert born at Stone Hut on 28th September 1875. He married May Elizabeth Nourse Brinkworth at Appila, South Australia on 14th August 1900. May was born at Gulnare, South Australia on 17th June 1877, the daughter of William Brinkworth and Mary Ann nee Nourse. May died at Norton Summit on 20th August 1942. Charles died at Stone Hut on 25th February 1961. They had six children.

2. William Peter born at Stone Hut on 24th October 1876. He died at Stone Hut on 10th October, two weeks before his fifteenth birthday.

3. Charles James born at Stone Hut on 21st February 1878. He married Ada May Gates at Glenelg, South Australia in 1921. Ada was born at Glenelg on 14th August 1885, the daughter of George Gates and Mary Jane nee Cox. Charles died at Stone Hut on 1st October 1942. Ada died on 10th August 1968. They had two children.

4. Allan Peter born at Stone Hut in 1879. Nothing further is known.

5. Robert Henry born at Stone Hut on 18th December 1800. He married Emma Louise Brown. Robert died on 6th November 1946.

6. Alexander Gilbert born at Stone Hut on 28th November 1882. He died in 1958. Nothing further is known.

7. Ivy Rebecca Hettie born at Stone Hut on 24th September 1884. She married John Sturges in 1905. Ivy died on 19th February 1962. They had six children.

8. David George Harold born at Stone Hut on 26th November 1886. He married Alice King. They had thirteen children.

9. Daisy Hannah born at Stone Hut on 13th July 1889. She married William John Kays. They had two children.

10. Arthur Franklin born at Stone Hut on 16th February 1892. He married Elizabeth Johnstone on 21st July 1913. Elizabeth was born on 24th July 1890 Arthur died on 23rd March 1951. They had nine children.

11. Wilfred Peter born at Stone Hut on 24th March 1893. He was killed in action in France on 3rd May 1917.

12. Allan George Henderson born at Stone Hut on 27th May 1897. He married Alice McCauley. They has seven children.

Henry James 1850-1931

Henry was born at Norton Summit on 13th May 1950. He married Sarah Chappel Bailey nee Pullin at Mons Hill South Australia on 19th March 1970. Sarah was born at Salisbury, South Australia on 11th September 1850. Sarah died at Brighton , South Australia on 22nd December 1927. Henry at Brighton on 19th June 1931. They had thirteen children.

1. James Thomas born in South Australia on 18th December 1870. He died at Greenock on 25th April 1971. Nothing further is known.

2. Arthur John born at Templars on 25th March 1872. He married Elizabeth Alice Harding on 26th September 1900. Elizabeth was born at Kapunda South Australia on 10th April 1876, the daughter of Aaron Harding and Margaret nee Brown. Elizabeth died on 9th October 1956. Arthur died 1st December 1956. They had two children.

3. Mary Edith born at Templars on 16th May 1874. She married John Thomas Jamieson 29th March 1898. John was born at Meadows, South Australia on 12th May 1869, the son of John Jamieson and Johanna nee Scown. Mary died at Barunga, South Australia on 12th March 1900. John died on 4th January 1954. They had one child.

4. Lois Rebecca born at Parnaroo, South Australia on 2nd June 1876. She married William James Harding on 1st September 1897. James was born at Point Pass, South Australia on 8th M ay 1872. William died on 24th May 1950. Lois died at Adelaide in 1970. They had five children.

5. Sarah Serena born at Templars 30th May 1878. She married Dougal Sargent on 15th February 1906. Dougal was born at Coghill's Creek. South Australia on 6th March 1876. Sarah died at Glenelg on 13th December 1941. Dougal died at Glenelg on 5th April 1945. They are both buried at the North Brighton Cemetery. They had five children.

6. Walter George born at Kangaroo Flat near Gawler, South Australia on 3rd September 1880. He married his first cousin, Esther Clara Fielding on 28th February 1924. Esther was born at Gawler on 1st August 1882, the daughter of Daniel Fielding and Mary Ann nee Webb.

Walter died on 30th September 1959. Esther died on 18th December 1959. They are both buried at Willaston. South Australia.

7. Ernest Henry born 13th May 1882. Died 14th September 1883.

8. Annie may born 24th May 1884. Died 17th June 1884.

9. Clarence Percival born 4th June 1885. Died 2nd January 1886.

10. Bertram Oliver born 23rd November 1886. He married Jessie Cook on 27th July 1915. Jessie was born at Caltowie, South Australia on 17th January 1888, the daughter of James Cook and Mary nee Flavel. Jessie died at Sandalwood, South Australia on 4th July 1942. Bertram died on 27th February 1965. They are both buried in the Sandalwood Cemetery. They had ten children.

11. Eunice Gertrude born on 4th October 1889. Died 20th August 1913. Nothing further is known.

12. Myrtle Venetta born at Parnaroo, South Australia on 6th October 1891. She married Percy Harold Metcalf on 25th February 1914. Percy was born at Mount Bryan Flat, South Australia on 8th March 1889. Percy died on 29th December 1953. Myrtle died on 24th February 1965. They are both buried at the Cheltenham Cemetery. They had Two children.

13. Alfred Herbert Branson born at Parnaroo on 29th October 1895. He married Hazel May Mitchell on 13th November 1915. Hazel was born at Rosebery, Victoria on 1st June 1894. Alfred died at Nhill, Victoria on 20th May 1968. Hazel died at Portland, Victoria on 10th September 1976. They had eleven children.

Sarah Hannah 1855-1856

Sarah was born at Adelaide on 24th May 1955. She lived less than a year dying at Adelaide on 2nd February 1856.

Mary Ann 1857-1923

Mary was born at Gawler on 24th July 1857. She married Daniel Fielding about 1878. Mary died at Black Hill, South Australia on 25th September 1933. They had three children.

1. Sarah Rebecca born at Black Hill, South Australia on 16th March 1879. She married Henry Batten at Black Hill in 1898. Henry was born at Oakbank, South Australia on 27th October 1861, the son of James Batten and Sophia nee Rogers. Henry died at Black Hill on 7th July 1943. Sarah died at Black Hill on 20th August 1968. They had six children.

2. William Charles Daniel born at Black hill on 27th October 1880. Died at Black Hill on 10th December 1895 aged fifteen years.

3. Esther Clara born at Black hill on 29th July 1882. She married her 1st cousin Walter George Webb on 28th February 1924. Walter was born on 3rd September 1880, the son of Henry James Webb and Sarah nee Pullin. Walter died on 30th September 1959. Ester died on 18th December 1859.

Rebecca Jane 1861-1899

Rebecca was born at Greenock on 6th October 1861. She married Thomas Nelson at Greenock on 7th October 1880. Thomas was born at Glenelg, South Australia on 6th May 1888. Rebecca died at Broken Hill, New South Wales on 13th January 1899. Thomas died at Gladstone, South Australia on 21st May 1936. They had eight children.

1. William Henry 30th August 1881. He married Rosetta Warburton. William died at Broken Hill in 1949. they had four children.

2. Olive Elisa Rebecca born on 24th March 1883. She married Samuel Townsend at Broken Hill on 7th January 1903. Samuel was born at Princess Town, South Australia on 28th October 1868, the son of George Townsend and Margaret nee Blackburn. Samuel died at Sydney, New South Wales on 4th October 1952. Olive died at Sydney on 15th September 1964. They had six children.

3. Mabel Hilda born on 30th August 1884. She married Malcolm Roderick McLeod at Broken Hill on 4th March 1908. Malcolm was born at Menindie, New South Wales on 10th October 1878 Malcolm died at Broken Hill on 12th April 1964. Mabel died at Broken Hill on 14th May 1982. They had three children.

4. Horatio John born at Greenock on 3rd September 1889. He married Eveline Moore at Black Rock, South Australia on 5th October 1911. Eveline was born at Broken Hill on 23rd January 1890. Horatio died at Broken Hill on 12th February 1841. Eveline died at Adelaide on 10th April 1959. They had six children.

5. Florence born in 1892. She married John Buscombe. They had three children. Nothing further is known.

6. David Norman born 1894. Nothing further is known.

7. Emily Victoria born on 24th May 1896. Nothing further is known.

8. Annie Ruby born at Broken Hill on 22nd November 1898. She married Norman James Haire about 1919. Norman was born at Goodwood, South Australia on 4th January 1898, the son of Leopold Francis Haire and Catherine Mary nee Murnane. Norman died in 1955. Annie died at Daw Park, South Australia on 17th November 1980. They had four children.

William 1865-1951

William was born at Greenock on 2nd March 1865. He died at Linden Park, South Australia on 24th November 1951. Nothing further is known.

CHARLES BRANSON 1832-1887

Charles Branson (left) was born at Titchmarsh on 22nd March 1832. He gave his occupation as agricultural labourer when he applied to emigrate to South Australia in 1851. He was accepted and sailed from, Plymouth on 26th November 1851 aboard the "Amazon", arriving at Adelaide on Thursday 19th February 1852.

On 19th May 1854, Charles leased ninety acres of land at Greenock from Mr. Robert Bevan, for £17-2-6, payable half yearly, on 10th December and 10th May. On 29th September 1854 he leased a further eighty acres of land at Nuriootpa from Thomas Margary for seven years, payment being half yearly at £20-3-0, on 5th March and 5th September.

Charles married Frances Phoebe (Fanny) Donelly at the home of his brother William, at Greenock on 31st August 1855. Frances was born at Brampton, Huntingdonshire, England on 9th August 1837, the daughter of James Donelly and Ann nee Ray.

On 4th November 1862, Charles bought the eighty acres of land he had been leasing from Thomas Margary.

Sometime in 1873 Charles and his family left Greenock and moved to Stockport, where he farmed until 1883, when he took his family to Melbourne, Victoria, where he applied for a grant of 229 acres of land at Warburton in the Parish of Yuonga, County of Evelyn. Once he had applied for the grant, he and Fanny commenced making improvements to their land, by clearing about two acres and putting in crops and putting a fence around it. They lived on an adjoining block of nine acres, which was separated from the larger block by the Yarra River, across which they built a bridge. His grant was ratified on 1st July 1884. By this time Charles had built a house on the smaller block, which they named "Brampton Park", after Fanny's birthplace. Family legend has it that this house was to become the first Warburton Chalet that was burnt down in the disastrous 1939 bush fires, but there is no official proof of this.

Charles died at "Brampton Park", Warburton on 1st April 1887, although his death was not officially recorded. He was buried at the Lilydale Cemetery two days later on 3rd April 1887. Charles and Fanny had twelve children.

CHILDREN OF CHARLES & FANNY BRANSON

Frederick 1856-1884

Frederick was born at Greenock in 1856. He died at Warburton, Victoria on 14th October 1884. Nothing further is known.

John 1858-1938

John was born at Greenock on 13th March 1858. He Caroline English at Dalkey, South Australia on 5th November 1885. Caroline was born about 1862. John died at Gawler on 31st August 1938. Caroline died on 8th June 1950. They had seven children.

1. Lily May born at Dalkey on 23rd August 1886. She married Shadrack Alfred Ash. Shadrack was born at Adelaide on 12th September 1870, the son of James Ash and Ruth nee Wills. Lily died at Gawler on 27th January 1949. They had three children.

2. Charles Henry born at Warburton, Victoria on 4th April 1888. He married Margaret Elizabeth Sheridan at Clarence Park, South Australia on 13 July 1917. Margaret was born at Colonel Light Gardens on 4th December 1886, the daughter of James and Alice Sheridan. Margaret died on 17th September 1954. Charles died on 18th October 1960. They are both buried in the Dudley Park Cemetery. They had three children.

3. Olive Ada born at Warburton in 1890. She married Leslie James Hall at Adelaide on 29th November 1923. Leslie was born at Springbank, South Australia on 31st October 1894, the son of James Hall and Lydia nee Loachel. Olive died at Adelaide on 19th November 1955. They had two children.

4. Percival Warburton born at Warburton in 1892. He married Dorothy Irene Harriet Trembath in 1914, just before he enlisted in the A.I.F.. Their first child was born two days before the landing at Gallipoli. The next was born in 1918, after he returned from France. Dorothy died at Oodnadatta, South Australia in 1923. Percival died at Alice Springs, Central Australia on 17th December 1963. They had four children.

5. Annie Beatrice born at Riverton, South Australia. She married Ernest Reid. Nothing further is known.

6. Stanley Gilbert born at Riverton on 21st November 1900. He died at Riverton on 20th July 1902, aged eighteen months.

7. Gertrude Ursula Doreen born at Riverton on 29th January 1904. She married Julius Conrad Reschke in 1920. Julius was born at Blumberg, South Australia on 10th September 1899, the son of Edward Julius Reschke and Augusta Pauline nee Mueller. Gertrude died on 31st August 1968. They had two children.

William Charles 1860-1947

William Charles was born at Greenock on 6th December 1860. He married his 2nd cousin , Fanny Eliza Holding at Warburton on 20th February 1890. Fanny was born at North Melbourne, Victoria in 1873, the daughter of William Holding and Louisa Donelly. William died at Mooroopna, Victoria in 1947. Fanny died at Sunbury, Victoria in 1930. They had five children.

1. Myrtle May born at Warburton in 1891. She married Henry Bernard Crowley in 1916. Henry was born in 1890, the son of William Crowley and Fanny nee Holden. Myrtle died at Fitzroy, Victoria in 1953. Henry died at Fityzroy in 1970. They had seven children.