Family History Through The Alphabet Challenge: The Letter D
The lovely folk at Gould Genealogy have issued a challenge to genealogists and family historians. Their idea is The ‘Family History Through the Alphabet’ Challenge We will work our way through the alphabet, using one letter each week and discuss anything relating to our family history starting with that letter. This week, being Week 4 is the letter D.
D is for Diamond Creek: My great great grandparents JOHN TAYLOR and MARTHA LLOYD arrived in Melbourne from Pembrokeshire, Wales in 1842 and promptly settled at Diamond Creek in Victoria, where John found employment as a shepherd. Their oldest two sons, James and John were born in Wales, and their third son William was born in 1842 shortly after their arrival. Mary was born in 1844, Ann in 1846 and Thomas in 1848.
In March 1850, William, Mary, Ann and Thomas were all baptised on the same day at Diamond Creek by the parish priest from St. James Parish in Melbourne. Parish priests would periodically visit the outlying areas of Melbourne and perform baptisms and marriages.
As yet, I know little of the life the family lived in Diamond Creek. Later in 1850, the family moved down the road to Whittlesea where my great great grandfather lived until his death. The children all stayed in the area until they were adults, when they eventually moved away to take up land selections and become successful farmers. After the death of her husband, Martha moved to Yarrawonga to be closer to her family
</a
Tracking Down The Family 
“Diamond Creek”…what a fascinating name. Wonder if they ever found diamonds there 🙂 Seem that your Martha was one of those women I admire so much…making that long sea journey whilst heavily pregnant. Thanks for sharing
Lovely story and interesting to read of the family’s movements around Melbourne. I’m always delighted to read of something happening in Melbourne before Victoria was a colony. Our ancestors wouldn’t recognise these places today.
Thanks Fi. I often what would our ancestors think if they were looking down at us now. I have a feeling they would think we’ve gone a bit mad.
Thanks Catherine. I agree Diamond Creek is a beautiful name. But no diamonds, only gold. I often wonder how it must have been for Martha on that ship with a toddler and being pregnant. Definitely not easy.
I have to agree with Catherine and Fiona – Diamond Creek is a beautiful place name, and you’ve written a wonderful story of the family’s life as you know it so far.
Jennifer I may have some details on (Dorthy Thomas) Martha Lloyds mother
Regards
Nc
Thanks for making contact Neville. I will email you tonight.