Hi there Everyone,
As far as I can tell, I have no connection to the Claridge family mentioned in the Sydney Gazette of 13 December 1817 at page 4 of 4, but I am fascinated with the BIRTH announcement: Here’s the link to the newspaper announcement
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/2177629 It reads
BIRTHS. Prolific family. July 4, Mrs. Claridge, wife of Mr. Claridge, who keeps the sign of the Red Lion at Paddington, was brought to bed of three children; about the same hour his cow calved two calves; and his sow littered 14 pigs (one of which has two heads). The whole are well, and likely to thrive. – This is Mrs. C’s first accouchement, although they have been married 20 years !Can anyone find any details online for Mr or Mrs Claridge, or the Red Lion at Paddington, or their triplets who were born 4 July 1817? I presume Mr or Mrs C were so busy with their farmyard animals as well as their patrons at the Red Lion and of course in caring for their triplets that they took nearly six months to get from Paddington (Sydney) to the Gazette Offices to report their news!
From the announcement, Mr and Mrs C had been married 20 years, and they were first time parents ! Some questions that occur to me:
When and where the couple married
What were the names they gave to their triplets
Did the triplets continue to thrive and perhaps marry ... (good cornstalks/currency lads and lasses)...
Did Mr C continue as innkeeper at the Red Lion in Paddington
What happened to Mr and Mrs C after 1817
How did Mr and/or Mrs C get to Sydney ... were they transported or did they come free, or perhaps born in the colony?
There's probably lots of other questions, so please feel free to add any
Cheers, JM