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William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton

Posted by John Clarke on 23/4/2023, 7:14 am

William Ellis (1815-1896) and his nephew Nathaniel (1851-1930) are both descendants of Richard Ellis (1783-1864) and his wife Mary Ann (nee Langworthy, 1783-1864). William left Blackawton, Devon abt 1846 to emigrate to Melbourne, Australia. His nephew joined him in 1870 and they became very successful farmers.
A further 8 descendants of Richard & Mary Ellis (plus their wives) emigrated to Melbourne, Australia until 1922, all having a connection to the South Hams district of Devon...and particularly around Blackawton.
Nathaniel returned to Devon in 1908, thought to assist with the distribution of his uncles estate.
William had bequeathed part of his estate to his elder brothers: Robert Langworthy Ellis & Thomas Ellis. Nathaniel returned to visit family in 1912 with his two youngest unmarried daughters shortly after the death of his wife.
I have written a family history book that covers the the two families of my maternal grandmother: Ellis's from Devon & Price from Shropshire. The Ellis section starts in Ashburton, Devon in 1665.
Despite my research, I have not been able to establish why William left working at 'West Hartley Farm" outside Blackawton to emigrate to Australia?
I also have no idea if Nathaniel's two visits created any 'lasting memories' with his extended family?
Any descendants of Richard & Mary Ellis who are looking to extend a number of branches of their Ellis family tree, and in particular anyone who has mementos from either of Nathaniel visits: he did visit his brothers Robert (1861-?), Samuel (1853-1932) and Richard Langworthy (1851-1928) in 1912, as I have a photo of the occasion.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Regards, John

Re: William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton

Posted by Judith on 24/4/2023, 10:49 am, in reply to "William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton"

You can google West Hartley farm, now holiday cottages.

William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton

Posted by John Clarke on 25/4/2023, 2:06 am, in reply to "Re: William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton"

Thanks Judith, I was aware that West Hartley was 'more' than an operating farm these days and have previously visited the web page. I appreciate your continuing interest.
Regards John

Re: William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton

Posted by Maureen Kenchington on 24/4/2023, 6:20 am, in reply to "William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton"

FindMyPast has a newspaper article from the Western Times 07 August 1847, reporting "Richard Ellis, late of the Commercial Inn. Blackawton ; also partner with James Ellis and Samuel Ellis, as Farmers" as being an insolvent debtor who was 'declared entitled to the benefit of the Act and discharged forthwith'. So it sounds as if times were hard there and Australia could offer a new start.

William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton

Posted by John Clarke on 24/4/2023, 7:36 am, in reply to "Re: William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton"

How delighted and grateful I was to receive the three responses, and in such a short timeframe. THANK YOU to Judith, Joan & Maureen.
I was aware of some early advertisements being placed in some UK newspapers, but hadn't given it due consideration, esp in conjunction with financial and climatic conditions prevailing at the time in Devon. I had also thought the weather in South Hames district was more mild than places further north...regardless, a summer in Melbourne would have been a huge shock to first-time arrivals from the UK.
The names Richard, James & Samuel are inter-generational Ellis names (making identification difficult of which one?) and I am aware of Ellis connections between a Richard and a James and local hotels in the area, particular the former Commercial Inn in Blackawton and the Dartmouth Inn.
You have all given me some basis for some further research...your efforts are recognised and very much appreciated.
I am still very interested in any further assistance/comments that may lead to a connection with descendants of James, Richard, Samuel or Nathaniel.
Thanks again
John

Re: William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton

Posted by Joan Smith on 23/4/2023, 7:07 pm, in reply to "William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton"

The lure of a better life was enough to make people want to emigrate. On a cold wet day spent working outside during hours of daylight with little reward many people decided that emigration was extremely attrasctive.

Re: William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton

Posted by Judith on 23/4/2023, 3:45 pm, in reply to "William Ellis & his nephew Nathaniel Ellis - from Blackawton"

Look at old newspapers, it would seem that from 1840 there was the offer of free passage to those with the necessary skills, farming etc.
He would have been poorly paid here, got board and lodging perhaps, and not much extra money to spend. Old newspapers at the time full of opportunities.
He must have kept in touch for his nephew to join him, perhaps paid for him to go and join him.

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