Susannah Ballard

71

Robin Sharkey on 7th March 2015

Convicted 6th August 1791 at Worcester General Sessions Gaol Delivery Crime: Grand Larceny. She was aged about 14 years when she arrived in Australia. SHe could not sign her name as at an 1816 inquest where she gave evidence. Susannah Ballard never officially married but spent her childbearing prime from ages 19 to 30 as the common law wife of James Aickin, until he died in 1807. Known as “Mrs Ballard” she was left comfortably off by Aickin and her social standing would have improved further by the marriage of heir daughter Elizabeth to gentleman, George Woodhouse. 1794, 8 March - Aged 17, gave birth to a son called David. The father was John Asksmith. Baby baptised 28 April 1794 at St Phillip’s Anglican Church Sydney. 1796 - Gave birth to a daughter, called Elizabeth, to John Aickin, Master’s Mate on the Supply on its return voyage to NSW. LIVED WITH AICKIN who continued on the “Supply” working around NSW coast until 1804 when he went into partnership with Simeon Lord. Opened up trade in sandalwood and beche de mer between NSW and Fiji, and NSW and China. Became reasonably wealthy from this activity. 1801 - recorded that her term transpired. Off stores 1806 - listed as concubine of Mr Aicken, residing with him, with one male and one female child. 1807 - James Aickin died from scurvy and hepatitis, aged 47 years. Susannah was still only aged about 30 with 13 year old David and 11 year old Elizabeth 1811, 20 December, Marriage of daughter Elizabeth Aickin (aged 15, signed her name) to George Woodhouse of “Schuldman Farm” Appin. George Woodhouse had arrived on “Dromedary” free with Governor Macquarie so therefore knew him personally. He had a child in 1812 to Mary Ann Talmidge but apparently a happy marriage to Elizabeth. In 1816 George got an Appin land grant. In 1828 Census Elizabeth was recorded as a widow aged 32. It was from George Woodhouse’s farm at Appin that the punitive expedition against the aborigines led by Capt James Wallis set out on 10 April 1816. This expedition had a moonlight attack near Broughton’s farm at Appin on the local tribes including women and children where many (official estimate at 14) plunged over precipices to their death, and others were taken prisoner. 1814 - Susannah Ballard Free. Mustered at Sydney. Single. PUBLICAN in SYDNEY: Known as Susan: 1815 - Probably attempting to lease a premises in O’Connell Street so that she could have a publican’s licence on those premises. Her son-in-law, George Woodhouse interceded on her behalf with Gov Macquarie to have her granted a lease of premises at 17 O’Connell Street, but it turned out that someone else had a fair and legitimate claim over them so Macquarie would take it no further until that was sorted out. Letter from Secretary Campbell to Woodhouse referred to this and to the Governor having conversing with Woodhouse and Mrs Ballard on the soliciting of the lease. 1816 - 6 April Sydney Gazette - List of publican’s licences granted includes Susannah Ballard, George Street premises Sydney Gazette 30 March 1816: "Mrs S Ballard, 61 George Street, respectfully informs the Ladies of the Colony, that she has for Sale, a variety of Crapes and Artificial Flowers, at very reasonable prices.” 1816 - Daniel Toner per “Archduke Charles” employed occasionally by Susan Ballard as her laboring gardener. Was also sinking a well for her. Died in April 1816 at her public house, suffocated while asleep, intoxicated. Inquest 12th April 1816 Susan Ballard gave evidence into death of Daniel Toner. Made her mark on the written record of evidence, ie could not sign her name. Other employees at Susan Ballard’s licensed premise, George Streets who gave evidence: Mary Rider (per Wanstead 1814) Thomas Vicary/Vickery per Somersetshire 1814?Mary Lewis (unclear which of the several Mary Lewises this is) Sydney Gazette 28 Sept 1816 Sales by Auction through provost Marshal’s Office: Edward Eager & Others Vs Ballard: by public auction at the market place Sydney on Fri 4th october 1816 a dwelling house and premises situate 61, George Street, Sydney. Apparently Susan was not a good businesswoman and Eager and others had a court declared order for debt against her which she evidently could not or did not pay and there fore execution was being taken against her property. 1817 - 4 Oct and 29 Nov, Letter lying for delivery at Post Office - including for Mrs Ballard 1826 SUAANNAH BALLARD married 1826 Robert WHENMAN 1828 Susannah Ballard aged 50 Protestant, per Royal Admiral 1791, 7 yrs Fby S His housekeeper in Phillip Street to Robert Whenman. 1828 - Robert Whenman per “Dick”: in 1821 AGED 54 - Born about 1774, 14 years TL Protestant, Bricklayer lives Phillip Street) DEATHS: Susan WHENMAN “aged 56” in 1834 Robert Whenman “aged 75” in 1847

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Roslyn Finch on 17th June 2012

She married James Aiken,ship's captain and had a daughter Elizabeth ,who became quite wealthy when she inherited her father's estate

Report of James Eyre on Susannah Ballard, public house servant, indicted at the Worcestershire Assizes, for a burglary and stealing 5 guineas, a crown piece, 3 Worcester Banknotes, value 5 guineas each, a 'parcel of Half pence' and other small items, property of Edward Waldron. Acquitted of the burglary but convicted of stealing and thought of as being 'attended with very aggravating circumstances'. Initial sentence: transportation.

Report of James Eyre on Susannah Ballard, public house servant, indicted at the Worcestershire Assizes, for a burglary and stealing 5 guineas, a crown piece, 3 Worcester Banknotes, value 5 guineas each, a 'parcel of Half pence' and other small items, property of Edward Waldron. Acquitted of the burglary but convicted of stealing and thought of as being 'attended with very aggravating circumstances'. Initial sentence: transportation.