George Good was born 15th December, 1785 at Bursledon, Hampshire, and was a cordwainer or shoemaker, who married Elizabeth Hebditch on 24th March 1808 at Holyrood Church, Southampton. Elizabeth was also born circa 1785 at Southampton. These were the parents of my great grandfather George Good, born 1822 Stubbington, and was baptised on 16 March, 1823, at Titchfield, Hampshire. He was a labourer and he married Maria Faithful on 17 July 1843 at St.Marys, Portsea, Hampshire. Maria was born 29 October, 1815 also at Titchfield. She was the daughter of Thomas Faithful and Rachel Bevis who had a family of five sons and four daughters. Thomas was a gardener and his family had lived at Titchfield for several generations. George Good and his wife Maria emigrated on the "Sea Queen", which sailed from London, Plymouth and finally on 11 January, 1844 from Cork, Ireland on a voyage of 102 days arriving on 15th April 1844 at Port Phillip. While at sea on 18 February 1844 a daughter Elizabeth was born. George, Maria and baby Elizabeth stayed for a brief period in a tent in Bourke Street, Melbourne. George apparently worked with the then New South Wales Police Force, and was stationed at Wellington, Donnybrook or Kalkallo (depending which certificate you look at). Three children were born in this area of Port Phillip, Maria, George and Catherine. The four children were baptised on 9th March, 1849 by A.C.Thomson of St. James Old Church when the family returned to Melbourne. Amelia Good was born 4th September, 1850 and was baptised in 1852 at St. Stephens Church, Richmond. The father George was at this time no longer in the police force. Frederick Good and Thomas Good, twin sons were born 20th August, 1852 at Richmond. George Good was drowned in a lagoon beside the Yarra Yarra River on 29th November 1853 aged 31 years. At the inquest, it was found that after lunch his friend thought he was "larking about" as he always did when he was waving his arms about, then disappeared. His friend being unable to swim ran for help, but it was too late. Maria was left with seven children, the twins were only 15 months old, and Maria was pregnant again. My grandfather David Good was born 22 June 1854 at Richmond. He and the twins were baptised on 21 September 1854 at St. Stephens Church. The mother Maria Good died 16 March 1890, aged 74 years at Richmond, and is buried at Kew, Boroondara Cemetery, with her twin sons. |
