Edward Willis

There were six woman aboard the "Hillsborough", one of them being Edward's wife Sarah with their infant daughter. Edward became ill from the voyage but was lucky to become a ward of his wife Sarah who had "arrived free". 1803 June 4th - conditionally pardoned by Governor King. 1805 September 15th, the "Gazette" mentioned RABY and WILLS as being involved in the seal-skin business. In 1806 the 66 ton "Mary and Sally" was built by Thomas REIBIE and Edward WILLS In the same year these two partners are recorded as owning a sloop named "Raven". He also owned the 22.5 ton sloop "Eliza" When Edward WILLS died after three months of painful illness his assets were valued at more than £15,000. Edward Wills's Headstone was destroyed in removal from Old Botany Bay Cemetery but says Mr. Edward WILLS died 14th May 1811 aged 32 years.

Edward was sentenced to be hanged but had the sentence commuted to transportation for life. Arriving at Botany bay 26th July 1799 with wife Sarah and daughter. He died at age 32 leaving 5 children and his wife Sarah pregnant with a son, Horatio. Horatio was the father of Tom Wills the famous Victorian cricketer and the creator of the Australian Rules football game.