My English ancestors who emigrated to Australia appear to have been,most inconsiderately, either only children or people who cut all ties with their relatives back home, leaving me brick walls in my genealogical research. Can you help?
Charles Cornell, son of William, was born 1793 in Devonport, Devon. He was a cordwainer like his father, William, dealing in boots and shoes, and left his home town of Devonport to establish a number of shops in south-east England.
His first marriage produced no issue, his wife dying six months into the marriage. In 1830 he married Eliza Osborn d. before 1838, with whom he produced five sons:
1. Charles bapt.15/1/1832 Bethel Wesleyan, Rochester d.1849 (buried Rochester, England)
2. Henry b.1833 d. Melbourne Em.1858 & 1862
3. Frederick b.1834 d. Melbourne Em.1854 & 1859
4. Edward b.11/5/1835 d.9/3/1896 Melbourne Em.1856 m.1 23/4/1863 Carlton to Catherine McCUTCHEON bc.1835 d.2/2/1877
5. James 1836-37.
The children were baptised in the Bethel Wesleyan chapel in Rochester.
Charles, who was living at 96 Eastgate, Rochester was married again at the Parish church of St Margaret, Rochester, Kent to the childless widow, of George Stronghill, namely Sarah Stonghill (nee Ballard) on 15/2/1838. The marriage was witnessed by Maria Ballard, Sarah's sister, and Richard Winch. (Parish Register no.13. Marriage Cert from Reg. District of Medway No.MX 691279)
Sarah (b.1803) was one of 17 children of a Cranbrook innkeeper. Her parents, Isaac Ballard (b.1758, son of Joseph BALLARD and Ann) and Mary Pearce (b.1786, widowed daughter of Richard EVERNDEN and Mary) married 5/12/1786.
charles and Sarah's marriage produced 4 more sons:
6. Albert b.1839 d.11/4/1908 Melb. Em.1862 who m.1872 to Jane COBURN b.11/6/1854 Belfast
7. Walter b.1840 Em.1860
8.Frank b.1841 m.?_____ Em.1858
9. George b.11/7/1843 d.? Ballarat Em.1860 m.Sarah _____
10. Henry Ballard d.21/7/1888 aged 18mths
