Tombstone – Richard Cox #52ancestors

Professional genealogist and podcaster Amy Johnson Crow has put out the challenge to genealogists and family historians, to write stories about 52 of their ancestors in 52 weeks. I am happily taking up the challenge, and look forward to writing stories, that will collate many years of research results. In most cases, the research for my ancestors is not complete, and possibly never will be complete, but I’m hoping to build a story of the lives they lived with the information I have to hand. I’m hoping to publish these stories in a book at the end of 2020. Each week a prompt will be given as the theme for the week.

Week 21: Tombstone

RICHARD COX was my great great great Grandfather. He was born in 1817 in  Ashton, Wiltshire, England. In 1838 Richard married MARY DAVIS in Bath, Somersetshire, England. They had 4 children:

MARY ANN COX born 1837

EDWIN COX born 1839

DAVID COX born 1842

ANN DAVIS COX born 1843

In 1845, when the youngest child was two years old, Mary passed away at Bath, and was buried in the Bath cemetery.

In 1847, Richard married MARY JANE EDGECOMBE SULLY at Bath. Their first two children, were born in Bath:

EMILY JANE born 1847

SARAH JANE born 1851

On 12 March 1852, Richard and his family sailed from Plymouth, England on the ship Chowringhee, to start a new life in Australia. After 114 days at sea, they arrived at Hobson’s Bay, on 5 July 1852.

They settled into life on the land, just outside Heathcote, Victoria. Richard became a successful farmer, who was very well respected in the area.

Five more children were born after their arrival in Australia:

ALFRED born 1855

ELLEN ADA born 1855

RICHARD born 1856

GEORGINA MARIA ANNETTA born 1857

LOUISA FRANCES born 1860

Richard passed away at Heathcote in 1892, and is buried in the Heathcote cemetery.  

from: McIvor Times, 01 August, 1892 “DEATH OF MR. RICHARD COX;

A very old resident of McIvor, Mr. Richard Cox, died at his residence She Oak, on Thursday last after a serious illness of a little over a week previous to his decease, seriously affecting use of his kidneys. He had, however, been ailing for some years and at times suffered greatly from the internal complaint.

The deceased, who carried his years well, was aged 78. He was one of the very old residents of McIvor, having come here with his family in 1853, and resided for many years on his property, opposite the turn off at the Kyneton Road.

He afterwards took up land at She-Oak, and followed farming pursuits, combining sheep farming and agriculture. Being a good farmer and careful manager, he got on well. Of late years, however , he confined his attention principally to sheep farming, and in addition to his own property, rented a portion of what was the old Moorabbee Run from the Government for that purpose”.

He was noted for his kindly nature, and was a great favourite with the children about him. He leaves a wife and grown up family. Being one of the oldest residents here, his familiar face will be missed from amongst us.

The funeral took place on Saturday, and notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather, was largely attended, there being about 26 buggies in the procession, besides horsemen and people on foot as the procession came into the town, relatives from a distance being present.

The remains were interred in the Heathcote Cemetery, the burial service being read by Rev. Mr. Dredge, who also gave an excellent and earnest address.

This post was written by fellow family researcher, Graham Sleeth, with slight editing for blog format. Permission was given to publish this story.

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