The Witts

(From Ships Records)

   Alfred Dyts Witts arrived in N.S.W on board the “Orontes”

This ship sailed from London on 23^rd November, Gravesend on 26^th November and the downs on 3^rd December 1837. with Capt. Short as master the 452 ton schooner sailed vie the Cape of Good Hope, which they passed on 17 march and arrived in Port Jackson on 18^th may, 1837

 On board were four cabin passengers (Mrs Morris, Mrs Short, Dr Brock RN Surgeon and Mrs Brook) 212 emigrants and a very large mail. Among the emigrants were the Witts: Edward Witts married male Immigrant, native of England, Co. Surry, Parish of Rotherhithe (diocese of Winchester) son of Edward Witts, porter and gatekeeper to Mssrs. Harris and Co, Hatters of Southwark, Elizabeth his wife. Occupation: Hatter and feltmaker. Age 41 years on 11^th April 1838.

 Religion: Protestant Episcopalian. Education: reads and writes.

 References were produced signed by K Nicholson, master hatter, William Tickle, Friar Street , black friars Road and from Charles Byer, hat manufacturer of Surry Road             Also-

   Eliza Witts Wife of Edward Witts, native of England, county.. Essex, Parrish of Saffron Walden, Daughter of John White, baker there and Esther his wife. Occupation: Lived with parents- now works at her husband’s business: age 35 years old on 30^th June 1837: Religion: Protestant Episcopalian. Education: reads and writes.                   No Children                Also.

  Alfred Dyts Witts brother of Edward Witts, native of England cohabitant.. Kent, Parish of Plumstead (with East Wickham) diocese of Rochester ) son of Edward Witts, as see his brother.

Occupation: Silk Hatter; References signed by E. Barr Blackman Street, London and Mr Bickwill, Superintend (of) Police London; age: 29 years on 29^th November, 1837; Religion: Protestant Episcopalian. Education: reads and writes.

 A memo against Alfred’s name in the ‘List’ reads as follows:

Character – was 5 years in Metropolitan Police by whom he is described as an active and intelligent man – Porter lately at Silk Hatters branch of the trade.                       Also

   Rebecca Witts, wife of Alfred Witts, native of England , county .. Kent , Parish of St. Margarets, ( diocese of Rochester ) , daughter of Richard Myles, shoemaker, there, and Mary, his wife.

Occupation: Servant of all work: age: 28 years old on 6^th march 1838; Religion; Religion: Protestant Episcopalian. Education: reads and writes.

Children

Alfred Edward 1 year on 22 may, instance instant, 1838,

Rebecca Elizabeth; 5 years on 11 August, 1837,

Eliza Clara; 4 years on19^th January, 1838,

Elizabeth Rose died on voyage, 6^th March last,

would have been 2 years old on 13 April last.

  The “ Orontes ” had on board 48 families, 48 married adults male, 45 married adults female, 18 unmarried adults. 41 children over 7, 45 from1 –7, and 17 under 1, a total of 212, with 4 cabin passengers made a grand total 216.

Henry Gordon Brock, MD. Was the Surgeon Superintendent.

The extreme length of deck occupied by the emigrants was 88 feet with an average width 26½. 15 died on the voyage: age and sex: 4 year old female, 2m, 15m, 20f, 1m, 23f, 1½m, 1½m, 1f, 25f, 1f, 6weeks f, 8f, 12m, 1½f, Seven babies were born on the voyage but two died at birth.

These Witts were not the first to land in N.S.W. George and Sarah Witts arrived on the “Layton”.

  This 513 ton schooner sailed from Bristol on 8^th September 1837 with John Austin as master and arrived in Sydney town on 19^th January 1838. On board were three cabin passengers (Rev. Mr Rogers and Mrs. Rogers and William Rogers RN surgeon) 122 emigrants and at first 110 children. In a note to the Colonial Secretary we read that  “70 children and two of the crew have died during the voyage but all have been well since 1^st December. The Surgeon will wait on you to explain in the course of an hour – Thos Jeffrey, Tide Surveyor”.

       On Board the “ Layton ” was

  George Witts, native Bisley, Gloucestershire; references from Mr. S. Wyatt of Stroud, Gloucestershire; Age: 27 years old; Religion: Church of England, Education: reads and writes a little.

Sarah Witts, married female immigrant, native of Rainswick, Gloustershire, daughter. of Joseph share of Sturbridge. Worcestershire, occupation: needlewoman, Age: 26 years old, religion: Church of England , Education; reads and writes.

Children:

   Caroline  4 years old
   Anne       2 years old      Both died on voyage

..ooOOoo..

   An Interesting Marriage I Noticed in the SAG library was: Edw WITTS of Tenterden, attorney at law, bachelor, (431) and Mary TURK of the same, widow, 22^nd November, 1797. Wm KNIGHT of same, grazer, as bondsman.

See—“ Canterbury Marriage Licences, 1781 – 1809”

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Compiled by A. J. Willis

Passed on to John Witts

Then Retyped To restore to document file by Paul Jones