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Archiver > AUS-NSW-Hunter-Valley > 2001-06 > 0991917469


From: "Donna Williams" <>
Subject: Muirhead/Murdoch
Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2001 22:47:35 +1000


Hi List,

I am new to the list & am trying to make contacts with others researching the same family groups. I also hope to interact with those who have "local knowledge" that may help me in my searching.

My Muirhead family arrived in Newcastle in 1857 on the "John Bunyan". Robert Purdie Muirhead (born 1810 West Calder, Scotland) & his second wife Danney (Dinah) Riddle (born 1814 Stobbs Mills, Goregridge, Scotland) brought their 5 younger children with them. Robert already had a nephew Hugh Muirhead in the colony. The eldest daughter, Agnes (born 1831), did not accompany them on the John Bunyan, but is referred to in letters I have, so I am confident she did end up in Australia. The younger 5 children were: Hugh (b. 1831), Isabella (b. 1836), Elizabeth Cranston (b. 1845), James Riddle (b. 1847) & Robert Purdie (b. 1850). Robert Purdie Muirhead junior was my great grandfather.

I believe Agnes may have married James Padmore. My Grandfather referred to Sir Padmore & Agnes in some letters. Hugh married Jane (Jeannie) Porteous in 1863, Wickham. Isabella married a mariner named James Burns in 1861, Sydney. Elizabeth & James remained single. Robert married Catherine Murdoch (of Onebygamba, Newcastle) in 1882.

The Muirheads lived in Denison St, Onebygamba, Newcastle. I believe this was the old name for Carrington. Robert Purdie senior was listed as a farmer on his death certificate. This seemed a little odd to me considering he lived in Carrington! Robert Purdie junior was a shipwright & house builder. He built his ships near Clarence Town. Muirheads from that area are linked to my Muirheads. I would be inerested in finding any evidence of his work. I have copies of business letters to a variety of people. The owner of the Tarragon Hotel seems to be very involved. Does anyone know where the Tarragon Hotel was?

Are there any accessable school records from 1857 on that may help my investigations. There was a rumour that Robert junior was expelled from school when he was 12 for an altecation with his teacher over an incident one of his sisters were blamed for. It would be nice to know what school they attended & for how long etc.

I would like to make contact with any descendants of the MUIRHEAD, MURDOCH, PADMORE or BURNS families. I have much more information, photos, letters etc to share.

Cheers,
Donna.

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