Susannah was born on 11 October 1820 in Cowpasture, Camden NSW to Sarah Chivers and Charles Raven.
Sarah, the mother, was born in 1785 Letcombe Bassett, Berkshire England. She arrived in Australia as a convict on the Elizabeth in Aug 1806 in Port Jackson. Sarah married William Jenkins (convict) on 19 Nov 1807 in St Phillips Sydney.
William Jenkins was born c1776 in County Wiltshire England. His brother, James Jenkins was about 23 when they were convicted of stealing four ewe sheep, value ten pounds, and three wether sheep, value nine pounds, the property of Edward Smith, at Parish of Cricklade in northern Wiltshire. They appeared at the Wiltshire Assizes, Salisbury, on 11th March 1797. The original death sentences were commuted to transportation to the Colony of New South Wales for seven years. The brothers spent over four years of their seven year sentences imprisoned on the Hulk Fortunee, anchored in Langstone Harbour near Portsmith, before embarking on the convict transport, Coromandel, bound for New South Wales. The Coromandel sailed from Portsmouth on 12th February 1802 and arrived at Port Jackson four months later, on 13th June. The story goes that their father and a friend of the father were all convicted of the crime and that the older men were hanged but there is no firm evidence of it. The father might not have been involved at all.
On completion of their sentences the Jenkins brothers soon entered into the commercial life of Sydney, as farmers, boat builders and property developers. James Jenkins described himself as a stonemason, probably a trade he learnt while working on construction sites around Portsmouth during his years on the Fortunee.
Unfortunately the brother's commercial partnership was cut short when William Jenkins was shot and killed when he went to the aid of the keeper of the Parramatta Toll Gate who was being attacked by armed robbers, on 28th May 1814. William was murdered 3 weeks after the launching of the vessel the John Palmer. William's widow, formerly Sarah Chivers, was pregnant with their third child at the time of his death. James continued to support his late brother's family until Sarah's remarriage in 1821, and by then, he had married Elizabeth Saunders.
At the time of his death James Jenkins had extensive property interests in and around Sydney, including 1310 acres in the Dee Why - Collaroy - Long Reef area of Sydney's northern beaches. His daughter left their land to Salvation Army.
Susannah’s mother, Sarah, remarried at the age of 36 to Charles Raven in Liverpool NSW. Charles was born in Essex in 1783 and had a Colonial conviction. He arrived on board the Admiral Gambier in 1811. He was sent to Port Macquarie soon after they were married in 1821. Sarah petitioned the governor to go to Port Macquarie and was approved. The three children she had with Jenkins, however, were sent to Orphans School, Parramatta as they were not able to accompany her. Elizabeth and her sisters were later assigned to James (William's brother) from the orphanage school at Parramatta.
The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, who married William Golsby in 1827, wrote to her mother after her mother had been remarried to Charles Raven. She refers to her sister Elisabeth (Betsy) who was a nursemaid at the residence of Rev T Hassall. Susanah, the daughter of Charles and Sarah Raven, lived with the Golsbys.
"Bathurst, September the 29th 1832
My Dear Mother
This come with my kind love to you hoping this will find you and your husband in good health as it leaves me at present thank God for it my dear mother I received your last letter and I am very happy for to hear that you have Got your husband assigned off to you. And I hope with the helping of God I shall see you both at Bathurst before long but I hope my uncle will DO his utmost but I am rather inclined to think he will be backward but I hope he will not. Susanah is growing a fine girl and she behaves herself very well and she enjoys good health and she sends her kind love to her father. And you my children enjoy good health and Betsy sends her Grandfather and you a kiss. My husband was down in Sydney about six weeks ago and he seen my sister Sarah and she says she likes her place and is doing very well, my husband sends his kind respects to you and Charles and my kind love to you both.
I now conclude and remain with all respect your ever loving and affectionate daughter.
Until Death
Elizabeth Golsby."
After that Charles and Sarah moved to Bathurst with Elizabeth and her husband William Golsby.
Susannah was aged 17 when she married George Blackman on 9th October 1837 in the Church of England Abercrombie District Bathurst. They were married by Rev John Espey Keane and the witnesses were Charles Raven and William Goldsby.
On 8th October 1839 Sarah and Charles accompanied Elizabeth and William Golsby to Bathurst on their way to the residence of their son in law Mr G Blackman. Both Sarah and Charles accidently drowned in the Vale Creek near Gorman’s Hill when attempting to cross during a storm. They were both aged in their mid 50s.
Susannah died 30 October 1905 in Darley Oak, Rylstone NSW.
Susannah died 30 October 1905 in Darley Oak, Rylstone NSW.
George Blackman was born in Richmond in 1809 and died at Clear Creek NSW, 7 May 1875 aged 66. He is buried at HOLY TRINITY Kelso. There is no headstone.
Read more about George Blackman
Read more about George Blackman
