Volume 5 – Kent and Beyond by Steve Green

Part 6 – Other Alchin Families of Interest

6d. The Alchins of Hadlow, Kent and Springsure, Queensland

The Springsure branch of the family is descended from George Alchin and Hannah Marsh of England whose two sons settled at Springsure in Queensland. Springsure is the oldest settlement in the Queensland Central Highlands. The first settlements were made in 1854 and a massacre of 19 whites occurred at nearby ‘Cullin-la-Ringo’ station in 1861. Retaliatory massacres took place and an adobe and basalt fort was built at Springsure where the white settlers could take shelter in case of further attacks.

1  ~~  John Alchin

John was born in Kent in about 1775. He is however the right age to be the son of William Alchin and Elizabeth Butler who was baptised at St Mary’s church, West Malling on 21st August 1774. John married Sarah in the early 1800’s; she was born outside of Kent in about 1772. John and Sarah had at least seven children – Susannah (1803), John (1805), Stephen (1808), Maria (1811), Thomas (1813), William (1816) and George (1819).

The 1841 census records that John was an agricultural labourer and he and his wife, their unmarried son George, daughter in law (Elizabeth aged about 35 years and probably the wife of Thomas) and their 2 year old grandson Thomas were living at Carpenter’s Lane, Hadlow.

John died in 1842 aged 67 years (Tonbridge 1842 September qtr Volume 5 Page 358) and he was buried at Hadlow on 15th August 1842. Sarah died in Tonbridge Workhouse in 1847 aged about 75 years and she was buried at Hadlow on 22nd November 1847.

1.1  ~~  Susannah Alchin

Susannah was baptised at Hadlow on 20th February 1803. Susannah died in 1832 and she was buried at Hadlow on 26th February 1832.

1.2  ~~  John Alchin

John was baptised at Hadlow on 17th February 1805. John died at Tonbridge in 1828 aged only 23 years and he was buried at Hadlow on 27th April 1828.

1.3  ~~  Stephen Alchin

Stephen was baptised at Hadlow on 7th July 1808. He may have married Sarah (Standen). Stephen and Sarah may have had at least one child – Sarah (1841). The 1841 census records that Stephen was a servant and he and his wife and daughter were living at 12 Bryanstown Mews, Marylebone.

Stephen may have died from inflammation of the lungs on 18th October 1844 aged ’39’ years (Marylebone 1844 December qtr Volume 1 Page 191).  His death certificate describes him as a coachman of Bryanstown Mews, Marylebone.

1.3.1  ~~  Sarah Alchin

Sarah was born at Marylebone in 1841. She was orphaned in the 1840’s. The 1851 census records that the young girl was living with her uncle and aunt (Thomas and Elizabeth Alchin) at 9 Mill wall, Poplar.

1.4  ~~  Maria Alchin

Maria was baptised at Hadlow on 6th September 1811. Maria probably married in London.

1.5  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was baptised at Hadlow on 31st October 1813. Thomas probably moved to London in the 1830s in search of his fortune. He married Elizabeth; she was born at Cromhall, Gloucestershire in 1805. Thomas and Elizabeth had at least three children – John Thomas (1838), George (1840) and William (1843). Thomas was a tin plate manufacturer.

The 1841 census records that Elizabeth and her eldest son were staying with her parents in law (John and Sarah Alchin) at Hadlow. The 1851 census records that Thomas was a supervisor of a galvanised iron company and he and his wife, their three sons and his niece Sarah Alchin (probably the daughter of his brother Stephen) were living at 9 Mill Wall, Poplar.

Thomas died in 1855 aged 42 years (Poplar 1855 March qtr Volume 1c Page 306). At the time of his death Thomas was a tin plate manufacturer and he and his family were living at 2 Sheppards Place, Devons Road, Bromley. His will (which was witnessed by his younger brother George Alchin) was proved at London on 5th March 1855. His wife was the sole beneficiary and one of three Executors of his will which reads as follows:

“In the name of God Amen the 23rd day of January in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five I Thomas Alchin of 2 Sheppards Place Devons Road in the parish of Bromley St Leonard in the County of Middlesex Tradesman being through the blessing of God in a sound state of mind and memory but calling to mind the frail tenure of this life and that it is appointed to all men sure to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say principally and first of all I surrender my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it ……. And the disposal of my body I leave to the entire discretion of my friends with respect to my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose of in the manner here following I give and bequeath to my deeply beloved wife Elizabeth Alchin and children All my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever of which I shall be possessed at the time of my decease including all my household furniture pictures glasses jewels (?) plate otherwise all monies the proceeds of Insurance Companys or from any other source or property whatsoever And I appoint the aforesaid Elizabeth Alchin John Curtis (?) of No 30 Chester Terrace Regebnts park London and henry Stephens of No 3 Canterbury Terrace near Brunswick Street Diver Road Southwark London joint Executor of this my last will Finally at the decease of my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth aforesaid I recommend to the most special notice of John Curtis (?) and Henry Stephens my two sons William Alchin and Thomas Alchin that the residue of all properties be made use of by them the aforesaid John Curtis (?) and Hy Stephens to the best of their abilities for the benefit of the aforesaid William and Thomas Alchin my lawful children and I do hereby disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former will by me in ay way before named ratifying and reconfirming this and no other to be by my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have thereunto set my hand the 23rd day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five signed published and declared by the above named Thomas Alchin Alchin the Testator as and for his last Will in the presence of us present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses Richard Brody Victoria Lane Devons Road Bromley County of Middlesex George Alchin No 3 Burntons Place Commercial Road County of Middlesex William Cressy Kittle 7 Blenheim Cottages South Hackney

In the County of Middlesex in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury in the goods of Thomas Alchin deceased

Appeared personally George Alchin of No 9 Copenhagen Wharf Copenhagen Place Limehouse in the County of Middlesex carman and made oath that he is one of the subscribed witnesses to the last Will and Testament of Thomas Alchin late of Sheppards Place Devons Road in the parish of Bromley St Leonard in the county of Middlesex manufacturer of galvanised iron deceased the said Will being now hereunto annexed and bearing date the twenty third day of January 1855 and having now carefully inspected the said will and observed and observed the surname of the said deceased appearing twice subscribed at the end of the said will he the Appearer further made oath that the said deceased duly executed the said Will on the aforesaid day of the date thereof by subscribing his name at the end thereof as now appears but having through the difficulty of writing while in bed made the surname in his own signature in a very imperfect manner the said deceased not being satisfied therewith then and there wrote his second surname to the said Will as the same now appears thereon in the presence of him the Appearer of Richard Brody and William Cressy Kittle the other subscribed thereto all of whom were present at the same time and thereupon subscribed their name to and attested such the execution of the said Will in the presence of each other and of the said deceased George Alchin on the first day of March 1855 the said George Alchin was duly sworn to the truth of this affidavit before me J Spinks

Proved at London the 5th March 1855 before the Worshipful John Haggart Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oaths of Elizabeth Alchin widow the relict John Curtis in the Will written (………?) and Henry Stephens the executors to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer”

The 1861 census records that Elizabeth was a widowed lodging house keeper and she and her 20 year old niece Sarah Alchin (born in London in 1841) were living at 12 Canton Street, Poplar. Elizabeth Alchin was still alive at the time of the 1871 census when she is recorded as a monthly nurse living at 3 Hind Street, Poplar. Her niece Sarah Alchin was still living with her.

Elizabeth probably died in 1880 at a reputed age of 79 years (Poplar 1880 March qtr Volume 1c Page 535). She probably outlived all of her children.

1.5.1  ~~  John Thomas Alchin

John, who seems to have been known as Thomas, was born at St Pancras in London in 1838. The 1841 census records that he and his mother were staying with his paternal grandparents at Hadlow. The 1851 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 9 Mill Wall, Poplar.

Thomas was still alive in 1855 but he may have died in 1864 when he would have been 26 years of age (Barnet 1864 March qtr Volume 3a Page 109).

1.5.2  ~~  George Alchin

George was born at St Pancras in 1840 (St Pancras 1840 March qtr Volume 1 Page 309). The 1851 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 9 Mill Wall, Poplar. George probably died before 1855 as he is not mentioned in his father’s will. It is likely that he in fact died in 1852 when he would have been 12 years of age (Poplar 1852 December qtr Volume 1c Page 406).

1.5.3  ~~  William Alchin

William was born at Marylebone in 1843. The 1851 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 9 Mill Wall, Poplar. William was still alive in 1855 but he does not appear in any subsequent English census.

1.6  ~~  William Alchin

William was baptised at Hadlow on 20th July 1816. William died in 1840 aged 24 years and he was buried at Hadlow on 30th September 1840. It is possible that William died in London as the only death registration for a William Alchin in that time was at Marylebone (Marylebone 1840 September qtr Volume 1 Page 140) which of course was where his elder brother was also living at the time.

1.7  ~~  George Alchin

George was born at Hadlow in 1819 and he was baptised at Hadlow on 9th May 1819. The 1841 census that George was an agricultural labourer and he was living with his parents at Carpenter’s Lane, Hadlow. George married Hannah Marsh in 1843 (Tonbridge 1843 December qtr Volume 5 Page 703). she was born at Goudhurst in about 1815.

George and Hannah had at least five children – George (1844), Mary (1846), twins Hannah and Susannah (1847) and John (1849). At the time of the 1851 census Hannah and four of her children were living at East Peckham. There is no sign of her husband (who may have been working away from home – possibly in London) but she is recorded as married but not widowed.

The 1861 census records that George was a carman and he and his wife and their four surviving children were living at 9 Copenhagen Place, Limehouse. Hannah probably died in 1862 aged 47 years (Stepney 1862 March qtr Volume 1c Page 378). George probably died in 1867 aged 49 years (Poplar 1867June qtr Volume 1c Page 399).

1.7.1  ~~  George Alchin

George was born at Hadlow on 1st October 1844 (Tonbridge 1844 December qtr Volume 5 Page 492) and he was baptised at Hadlow on 20th October 1844. At the time of the 1851 census the school boy was living with his mother at East Peckham. The 1861 census records that George was a saddler and he was living with his parents at 9 Copenhagen Place, Limehouse.

At the age of 22 years George left England on the migrant vessel “Star of England” from London on 4th March 1866 (QLD IMM/112 Page 289). He travelled as a single man and he disembarked at Brisbane on 11th June 1866. Not much is known of George over the next 10 years and he was probably working and saving money so he could start out on his own account.

George married Anna Elizabeth Reeve at Brisbane on 27th December 1876 (QLD 1876/B005444); she was born in 1855 and she was the daughter of Henry Martin Reeve and Mary Ann Barker. After their marriage George and Anna moved to Springsure near Emerald where George pioneered a grazing property.

George and Anna had at least eight children – Mary (1877), Henry (1879), George (1881), William (1884), Jessie (1885), Stewart (1887), Bessie (1890) and Dorothy (1892). George died on 1st May 1923 aged about 78 years (QLD 1923/002020). Anna died at Springsure on 21st February 1951 aged 96 years (QLD 1951/961).

1.7.1.1  ~~  Mary Hannah Alchin

Mary was born at Denison, Queensland on 19th December 1877 (QLD 1877/004832). She married Alexander James Milliken on 9th January 1902; he was born in Queensland on 28th September 1870. Mary died at Springsure on 11th November 1913 aged only 35 years.

1.7.1.2  ~~  Henry Reeve Alchin

Henry was born at Springsure on 24th October 1879 (QLD 1879/005303). Henry died at Brisbane on 4th September 1884 aged almost 5 years (QLD 1884/B017067).

1.7.1.3  ~~  George Reeve Alchin

George was born at Springsure on 17th October 1881 (QLD 1881/005879). He married Mabel Harriett Biddulph at Springsure on 20th September 1910; she was born in Queensland on 6th May 1889, the daughter of Frederick Walter (1856 – 1948) and Ellen Caroline (1856 – 1917) Biddulph.

George and Mabel had at least seven children – Kenneth (1911), Audrey (1912), Cyril (1915), Edith (1917), Jean (1919), William (1922) and Joan (1924). George inherited his father’s property at Springsure in 1923. He died at Springsure on 11th March 1952 aged 70 years (QLD 1952/001008).

1.7.1.3.1  ~~  Kenneth Henry Alchin

Kenneth was born at Springsure on 28th January 1911 (QLD 1911/010810).

1.7.1.3.2  ~~  Audrey Ellen Alchin

Audrey was born at Springsure on 19th October 1912 (QLD 1912/011916). Audrey never married and she died on 30th January 1952 aged 39 years (QLD 1952/001005).

1.7.1.3.3  ~~  Cyril Frederick Alchin

Cyril was born at Springsure on 29th May 1915 (QLD 1915/007230). Cyril enlisted in the Army at Rockhampton on 21st August 1941 (Q89856). He was discharged with the rank of Lance Corporal from a Transport Company on 27th December 1943.

1.7.1.3.4  ~~  Edith Mary Alchin

Edith was born at Springsure on 21st March 1917 (QLD 1917/007153).

1.7.1.3.5  ~~  Jean Iris Alchin

Jean was born at Springsure on 17th May 1919 (QLD 1919/010685). Jean died at Springsure on 22nd April 1922 aged almost 3 years (QLD 1922/002060).

1.7.1.3.6  ~~  William Reginald Alchin

William was born at Springsure on 8th January 1922. He enlisted in the Army at Springsure on 30th May 1944 (QX58745). William was discharged with the rank of Private from the 9th Port Operating Company on 21st January 1946.

1.7.1.3.7  ~~  Joan Gwendolyn Alchin

Joan was born at Springsure on 11th August 1924. She enlisted in the RAAF at Brisbane on 30th March 1943 (# 101360). Joan was discharged with the rank of Aircraftwoman from Amberley Air Base on 12th March 1946.

1.7.1.4  ~~  William Herbert Alchin

William was born at Springsure on 30th January 1884 (QLD 1884/007589). He married Margaret Ellen Hyde in Queensland on 23rd September 1902; she was born in Queensland on 16th November 1882. William migrated to New Zealand where he and Margaret had six children including Vernon, Lulu, Mavis and Eve.

1.7.1.5  ~~  Jessie Edith Alchin

Jessie was born at Springsure on 1st November 1885 (QLD 1885/008373). Jessie did not marry and she died at Brisbane on 27th May 1957 aged 71 years (QLD 1957/B019736).

1.7.1.6  ~~  Stewart Reeve Alchin

Stewart was born at Springsure on 2nd December 1887 (QLD 1888/0110447). After leaving school Stewart was employed as a well borer. He enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. at Rockhampton on 1st April 1915. He was assigned to the 4th Light Horse Field Ambulance with the rank of Driver and regimental number 2648.

Stewart’s attestation sheet gives his physical description: Height – 5’11”; weight – 168 lbs; fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was a member of the Methodist church. After completion of his training Stewart embarked at Sydney on the transport vessel A30 “Borda” on 17th June 1915.

After arriving in Egypt Stewart spent some time with his unit but it seems that he wanted to get to France and he transferred to the 15th Field Company and then to the 15th Field Ambulance (both units were part of the 15th Brigade of the 5th Australian Division). Stewart had a number of bouts of illness which necessitated his hospitalisation both in Egypt and in France.

Just before the armistice was signed Stewart was promoted to Lance Corporal. At the end of the war he embarked for Australia aboard the transport vessel “Port Napier” on 12th May 1919. Stewart arrived back in Australia on 29th June 1919 and he was discharged from the Army on 5th September 1919.

Stewart re-enlisted in the Army during World War II. He enlisted at Springsure on 17th May 1942 (Q214631) and he served in the Militia. Stewart was discharged with the rank of Private from the 14th Volunteer Defence Corps on 21st October 1945. His next of kin was recorded as Emily Alchin.

1.7.1.7  ~~  Bessie Mildred Alchin

Bessie was born at Springsure on 20th March 1890 (QLD 1890/011270).

1.7.1.8  ~~  Dorothy Hilda Alchin

Dorothy was born at Springsure on 24th November 1892 (QLD 1892/010927).

1.7.2  ~~  Mary Ann Alchin

Mary was born at Hadlow in 1846 (Tonbridge 1846 June qtr Volume 5 Page 533). At the time of the 1851 census she was living with her mother at East Peckham. The 1861 census records that Mary was a needleworker and she was living with her parents at 9 Copenhagen Place, Limehouse.

1.7.3  ~~  Susannah Alchin

Susannah and her twin sister Hannah were born at Hadlow in 1847 (Tonbridge 1847 June qtr Volume 5 Page 490). They were baptised at Hadlow on 24th June 1847. At the time of the 1851 census she was living with her mother at East Peckham. The 1861 census records that Susannah was living with her family at 9 Copenhagen Place, Limehouse.

1.7.4  ~~  Hannah Alchin

Hannah and her twin sister Susannah were born at Hadlow in 1847 (Tonbridge 1847 June qtr Volume 5 Page 490). They were baptised at Hadlow on 24th June 1847. Hannah died in 1847 aged 5 months and she was buried at Hadlow on 22nd November 1847. There is no death registration for her.

1.7.5  ~~  John Alchin

John was born at Hadlow in 1849. At the time of the 1851 census he was living with his mother at East Peckham in Kent. The 1861 census records that John was a wire rope maker and he was living with his family at 9 Copenhagen Place, Limehouse. We know nothing more about John other than he died at Brisbane on 3rd October 1929 aged 80 years (QLD 1929/B009170).

2  ~~  William Alchin

William was probably born in the 1780’s. He married Jane. William and Jane had at least two children – Stephen (1809) and James (1811).

2.1  ~~  Stephen Alchin

Stephen was baptised at Hadlow on 20th July 1809.

2.2  ~~  James Alchin

James was baptised at Hadlow on 10th February 1811.

3  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was probably born in the 1790’s. He was a brickmaker according to the parish registers. Henry married Mary. Henry and Mary had at least two children – Henry (1819) and Jane (1820).

3.1  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was baptised at Hadlow on 11th August 1819. He died almost straightaway. Henry was buried at Hadlow on 15th August 1819.

3.2  ~~  Jane Alchin

Jane was baptised at Hadlow on 20th September 1820.

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