Hi there from a new member in New Zealand. I am hoping someone here can help me. I am at odds with my ancestors. My GG Grandfather John Dixie was born July 1817 in Perth. His parents William Dixie and Barbara Wedderspoon ( dau of William Wedderspoon, labourer in Perth), married 11 Jun 1794in Perth ( as per Parish records). William was a ferrier as part of the Queens Regiment of Dragoons at the time of his wedding. I can find no births for any siblings of Johns. Although possible Wm and Barbara had no children that I can trace until 1817, 23 years seems a long time.
It would appear that John did have an older sister Mary. We have a small family bible that was given to John ( it seems) when he joined the army in 1837. It basically said to follow God in all you do, love your loving sister Mary.
I do have the 1841 census for Perth. It shows one Barbara Dixey living S Mithven Street, aged 70.She said she was born in Perth. Also living with her was one William Kennedy aged 20, occ blacksmith app.( which his grandfather Wm Dixie was). Well I am assuming Barbara is his grandmother, and that Mary above married a Mr Kennedy. I cant find anything for either Mary Dixie/Dixey nor Mary Kennedy.
What I am looking for is anything for these families. I can find nothing of Barbara’s family, nor do I know of Johns siblings if he had any ( I am assuming Mary is his sister though). John joined the army in 1837 and came down under in the 1840s with the regiments. He eventually married Rachel Vincent ( another untraceable family) in Victoria Australia in May 1858. From there on through my Dixey line I can follow.
I was in Perth Christmas 2009 and was hoping to go to the church in his parish, which I was told was on Methven Street. Alas it is no longer in use and in quite a state, it needs lenty of repairs.
Anything would be great to help me
Thanks
Mark, Auckland New Zealand
