Akers, Henry

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NameAkers, HenryDate of Birth21/12/1826Date of Death7/2/1898OccupationFarmerBiographyHenry was the 3rd son of Thomas Akers and Lucia/ Lucy Day, born in 1826 at Mulgrave Place which was part of the Hawksberry District.

Henry married Elizabeth Mary Quinell (various spellings) and had 13 children some of whom were born in Shellharbour.

Henry's father Thomas was the grandson of Thomas Acres and Ann Guy who were both convicts and part of the First Fleet. (They were on different ships.)

At some stage, the spelling of the name changed from Acres to Akers.

Henry and Elizabeth lived on the Peterborough Estate (Shellharbour). There is no indication of why they moved to the area however Henry's sisters Charlotte, Sophia, and Catherine were also living in the area. Whether or not they came together is unknown.

Sophia married William Higgins Ryan at Kiama, Charlotte married Christopher Dillon at Goulburn, and as did Catherine to Henry Metcalf.

The earliest mention of Henry in the Illawarra is in 1856 when he was godparent to Catherine and Henry Metcalf's son. The N.S.W. Historical Electoral Rolls 1855-1856 record him as a leaseholder on the Peterborough Estate he is also listed on a request to Robert Wilson to nominate for council.

In 1861 he was part of a jury in the inquest of the death of Joseph Dunster.

Henry continues to act as godparent for a number of residents in Shellharbour showing he was involved with other residents in the town.

Henry and one of his sons are mentioned in the Aitken Petition which was taken in 1871 and describes Henry as a leaseholder on the Peterborough Estate. An entry in the Greville's Postal register and in George Mc Donald's storekeeping book dated 1872-3 state he was a farmer.

In letters written to Ray Carmody, Agnes Akers (a descendant) tells of Elizabeth making frocks by hand for people for 2 shillings and 6 pence. Henry was employed to manage a farm for 6 pounds per annum.

Henry and Elizabeth eventually moved to East Kangaloon.

Elizabeth and Henry's children were:

William bn.1854 married Edith Simpson in 1876 at Berrima.

Henry Thomas bn.1851 married Agnes Sparrow in Roma Queensland. Died in 1924 in Bangalow N.S.W.

Bridget bn.1856 married Frederick Simpson in Sydney

Joseph bn 1858 married Catherine Mannie in Berrima and died in Byron Bay in 1924.

Thomas William bn.1860 married Ellen Hayes in 1899 in Sydney.

John bn. 1849 married Edith Sparrow in Bourke and died in Bourke 1915.

George Stephen bn.1862 married Sarah A Kuhn 1883 in Berrima N.S.W.and died in Murwillumbah N.S.W.in 1922.

Lucy A bn. 1865 died in Shellharbour 1870 N.S.W.

Mary A E bn.1867 married Edward Harold Harrigan and died in Murwillumbah N.S.W. 1946.

James C bn. 1869 married Margaret Magdalin Mocary in 1897 in Bunbury. died in W.A.1930

Francis E bn.1871 married Ida Annie Morrisby in 1900 Moss Vale N.S.W. died 1924 Burrawang N.S.W.

Alfred Sylvester bn. 1874 married Mary Holmes 1899 in Sydney died in Bondi N.S.W. in 1954.

Stanley E bn.1877 married Elizabeth N Firman in Newtown N.S.W. died in Gosford N.S.W. in 1954.

In 1869 Henry bought land at East Kangaloon and on the 1891 census Henry is living with some of the family on a farm.

Henry died on 7th February 1896.

Elizabeth died in October 1925.Sources:

Shellharbour's Forgotten Cemetery and Selected Pioneers - W & T Nunan

B.D.M. Register.

Tongarra Heritage Files.

Illawarra Pioneers Pre 1920's.
Last edited by: June Hockey

External LinkHenry Akers ObituaryHenry Akers jury Inquest Last edited by: June Hockey

Nomination of Robert Wilson Last edited by: June Hockey

Elizabeth Death Notice Last edited by: June Hockey

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Akers, Henry