John is my 2nd great-grandfather. He was the father of Isabella Herbert (my great-grandmother – paternal side). His parents were John Herbert (1799 to 1865) who was a publican and ? (unknown)
He was born on 23 November 1826 in Cardiff, Wales.
John married Margaret James in Tabernacle, Cardiff, Wales on 28 April, 1854. He was 27 years old.
Margaret is my 2nd great-grandmother. She was born on 11 April, 1828 in Cardiff, Wales. Her parents were John James and Elizabeth. Dates and details are unknown.
Somewhere between 1854 and 1858, John and Margaret emigrated to South Australia, living their lives in Wallaroo.
All John and Margaret’s children were born in South Australia, with their first child, Margaret born on 10 September, 1858. They had four further children including Isabella in 1866 and John Frederick who was a mayor and councillor in Wallaroo, and also a state parliamentarian between 1912 and 1917.
John was a Master Stonemason and built the first stone house in Wallaroo. He was also a foreman on the mines at Wallaroo.
Margaret was described as a “…quick tempered, strong character, well loved because she was always helping people and they would always run to Margaret if in trouble or sickness.” She was also a ” …beautiful singer and sang before the governor in Adelaide.” Her love of singing was passed onto her daughter Isabella who was described as an “outstanding singer” (Source: Letter to Doug Curran from Sylvie Jordan, in November 1985).
John died at 62 years of age on 9 September, 1887. Margaret died at 75 years of age on 24 September, 1903. Both died and were buried in Wallaroo.
