Rebecca Orchard

Rebecca Johnson, Formally Currell nee Orchard

Rebecca married Thomas Johnson, both being widowed on the 25^th June 1871 in Swanbourne. Thomas and Rebecca with their 11 children between them embarked on the journey of a life time to relocate to Australia and for Rebecca to rejoin her parents Jonathan and Martha Orchard.

‘The Ramsey’ was a rather unusual ship of 893 ton register. Built of iron in the Isle of Man in 1863, she started life as a bulk oil carrier, but was soon converted into a passenger vessel for the emigrant trade.

“‘The Ramsey’ embarked at East India dock London on Wednesday 26^th March 1873, Crossed equator on the 28^th April. Passed Meridian off Cape of Good Hope 29^th May. Thence brisk westerly rounded south Tasmania 24^th June, strong southerlies and fine weather to round Cape Moreton on 28^th June. The voyage was made in 91 days; it was an exceptionally good trip. After rounding the Cape of Good Hope she made 230miles per day.

The passengers enjoyed good health, being free from contagious diseases, four children under 2 years of age died and there were four births, with Rebecca giving birth to one of them. Steven Abbott Ramsey was born at 38°21’south-11°35’ West, Registered 28^th May 1873, 44°20’ south-2°50’ east. (Cape of Good Hope)

Three church services were held on Sundays and entertainment consisting of reading, recitations, music etc. The journey was hot, the sea like glass and tarps had to be erected to cover the passengers.

This voyage of immigrants to Australia are chiefly of the agricultural class from Buckinghamshire and appear to be a very healthy and superior class of labourers.

After dropping anchor in Moreton Bay, a little steamer brought them plenty of beef, bread and potatoes for their last night on board. Next morning a larger steamer came and took off to Brisbane, 20 miles up the river from the sea.

“We bade farewell to our old ship and the crew, who shouted in return”

They landed along side the “Depot” and had to cross a road to reach the accommodation provided for them by the Queensland Government while they were looking for work.

Several families from Buckinghamshire were welcomed on their arrival by old friends and families who had preceded them.

Thomas and Rebecca remained in Brisbane until January 1874, when they moved to Black Springs, Barraba NSW. And this is where they were to live out their lives.

Rebecca Johnson formally Currell at about 9 o’clock on Monday evening of the 15^th June 1902 passed away at the age of 67 years. Rebecca had been in good health for years up to the last few days, when her health had seemed to be indifferent, and her family perceived that her end was approaching. She lived the life of one who was ever worthy of emulation. The interment took place in the Church of England portion of the Barraba Cemetery and it was a very largely attended.

Ever since Thomas’s arrival at Black Springs he had followed farming and grazing pursuits, with a fair amount of success. He was a man of undaunted courage and high moral character and a general favourite with everyone who come into contact or had any dealings with him. Up till a month or two before his death was as jolly and hearty a person as one would wish to meet. Thomas passed away at his residence in South Barraba on Friday 5^th October 1906 aged 80years. His funeral took place on a Saturday afternoon and was one of the largest the locals had seen. The Courtage was preceded by the Salvation Army band, of which religious body deceased has been a member of for a number of years. The procession wended its way from Thomas’s residence to the Salvation Army Barracks, thence to the cemetery. The service was feelingly and impressively read by Captain Annetts. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr. J.F. Myers.

“ Thus has one of our pioneers, one who reared a large family and done his share towards opening up our country and one who has successfully fulfilled his every mission in life, crossed the Great Divide and joined the great and the silent majority.”


Acknowledgements to : http://www.hulks.org/dennis/Ramsey.htm

Thomas & Rebecca Johnson