Tag: family history

This is a brief narrative of the life of Elizabeth Comber, one of my maternal great-grandmothers. There is more to add…

 Early Life

Elizabeth Comber, born on 20 May 1853 in Mulgoa, New South Wales, was the daughter of Edward Comber and Elizabeth Mackey. Her baptism took place on 24 June 1853 at St Thomas Parish in Mulgoa. The family resided on the Fernhill estate, where Edward worked as a storekeeper. Her mother, Elizabeth Mackey, was born in 1831 in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, and had an eventful early life, being orphaned after her father, Sgt. Edward Mackey, passed away in India. She later emigrated to New South Wales in 1850 as part of the Irish Famine Orphan Scheme.

Elizabeth’s childhood coincided with pivotal moments in Australian colonial history, including the gold rush era. She spent part of her early life on the Turon goldfields, living with her aunt and uncle, Dr. Walker, a government medical officer. These experiences left Elizabeth with vivid memories of the bustling goldfields and the excitement of mounted gold escorts.

 First Marriage: A Tumultuous Start

At the young age of 13, Elizabeth married John Thomas Rowley on 2 January 1867 at the Coonamble Courthouse. This early marriage proved problematic. In 1882, John was arrested for bigamy after marrying another woman, Sarah Ann Richards, while still married to Elizabeth. This likely contributed to the end of their union.

 A Relationship with John Fitzsimmons

Elizabeth entered a de facto relationship with John Fitzsimmons between 1868 and 1872. Fitzsimmons, born in 1843 in Leicester, England, immigrated to Australia aboard the Ben Nevis in 1855. Together, they had two daughters:

1. Elizabeth Hannah Fitzsimmons (b. 1869, Quambone).

2. Matilda Lillas Fitzsimmons (b. 1871, Dungog).

This relationship was complicated by societal norms and legal constraints, as Elizabeth was still legally married to Rowley. Historical speculation suggests that Fitzsimmons may have been a controversial figure, described in police records as a labourer and boxer involved in various incidents. John was eventually convicted in 1886 of the manslaughter of another of his de factos, Sarah Jane Beckingham.

 Second Marriage: Building a Legacy with Robert Hardy

Elizabeth married Robert Hardy on 24 February 1887 in Dangar Village, Narrabri. Hardy, born in 1833 in Sydney, was a grazier and landowner. Together, they built a prosperous life, managing properties such as “Mollie View” and “Bell’s Mount.” They had seven children:

1. Arthur Ernest May HARDY (b. 1876, Gunnedah).

2. Alice Amelia Hardy (b. 1882, Narrabri).

3. Isabella Sarah Hardy (b. 1885, Narrabri).

4. Andrew Robert Hardy (b. 1887, Narrabri).

5. Percival James Hardy (b. 1889, Narrabri).

6. Jessie Teresa Hardy (b. 1891, Narrabri).

7. Olive Blanch Hardy (b. 1893, Narrabri).

Robert Hardy passed away in 1907, leaving Elizabeth to manage their properties and care for their children.

 Later Life and Legacy

Elizabeth spent her later years in “Rose Cottage” on Maitland Street, Narrabri, which she converted into a nursing home. She died on 21 May 1927 from heart disease and was buried in Narrabri Cemetery.

Elizabeth’s life story reflects the complexities of colonial Australia, marked by immigration, marriage controversies, and the challenges of pioneering life. Her descendants spread across New South Wales, contributing to the development of communities like Narrabri, Dungog, and Coonamble.

 Table of Individuals, Events, and Places

 Individuals                                                                                                                             

Elizabeth Comber	Born 20 May 1853, Mulgoa; married John Rowley (1867), de facto with John Fitzsimmons, married Robert Hardy.
Edward Comber	Father, born 1820, Spitalfields, England; storekeeper; died 1900, Armidale.
Elizabeth Mackey	Mother, born 1831, Tasmania; orphaned; emigrated to NSW (1850); died 1880, Bundella.
John Rowley	First husband; charged with bigamy (1882).
John Fitzsimmons	De facto partner; father of two daughters; controversial figure.
Robert Hardy	Second husband; grazier and landowner; died 1907, Narrabri.

 Events                                                                                                                                    

Birth and Baptism	Born and baptized in Mulgoa, 1853.
Gold Rush Era	Early life on Turon diggings, experiencing gold escorts.
First Marriage	Married John Rowley at 13 (1867); ended after bigamy charges.
De Facto Partner	Relationship with Fitzsimmons (1868–1872).
Second Marriage	Married Robert Hardy (1887); built a legacy in Narrabri.
Property Legacy	Managed properties: Mollie View, Bell’s Mount.
Later Life	Ran Rose Cottage as a nursing home; died in 1927.

Places                                                                                                                                      

Mulgoa	Birthplace and baptism site.
Turon Goldfields	Early residence during gold rush.
Coonamble	First marriage location (1867).
Narrabri	Long-term residence; properties and later life nursing home.
Dungog	Residence during relationship with Fitzsimmons.
Quambone	Birthplace of Elizabeth Hannah Fitzsimmons (1869).

This narrative ties together the rich tapestry of Elizabeth Comber’s life and legacy, clarifying confusing elements such as her multiple relationships and the socio-historical context of her experiences.