WA: Alfred CORBETT, Born 1828, Worcester, UK

[maddys52]

So this Alfred CORBETT likely baptised 26 July 1823 at Coventry, son of William (weaver) and Sarah,

[maddys52]

For interest - when Alfred Halkanah CORBETT's daughter Ethel married (in Sydney 1925) this is what she says her father's occupation was - can't quite make it out, something owner.

[sparrett]

I think he had some experience on the goldfields where he was both a miner and a store-owner and postmaster round Spring Creek .

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/87919003
Child Alice Kate was born there. Reg 11807 / 1869

This is possibly him involved in mining the goldfields in 1869.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188574306


He was in Melbourne by 1883 where he was employed as a bank messenger/caretaker at the Commercial Bank Collins Street.  There was a huge robbery and there were many accounts in the paper.

His wife and 7 children lived close by
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/202605323

He was aged about 55 
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/202605323

His son was  Richard Henry was responsible
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70744517

Sue
 
 
 

[sparrett]

I am thinking that in view of the huge kerfuffle over the bank robbery with Alfred's son the offender, the family in the future chose not to mention the role of the bank's caretaker/messenger being held by Alfred.

This might explain why it looks like Mine owner on the daughter's marriage certificate.

So, to the point, does it look as if Alfred H CORBETT, of Worcester came across -by land or by sea-from WA to the Victorian goldfields where he met and married Catherine?

Sue


 

[BAC3]

Thank you for all the information.   I am extremely grateful as it helps to consolidate my research and am happy that the "Alfred Best CORBETT" as he was christened is the same "Alfred Alkenneth CORBETT" who died in Victoria in 1906.

Sadly, however, the question of his "migration" to Victoria remains unanswered, although I am leaning towards the possibility he returned to England and then relocated to Victoria.  Money was seemingly no object in funding his passage to England as there is evidence from WA records stating in 1849: "His friends in England have latterly sent him out £40".   I have examined the 1851 England Census but there is no reference!!

His exploits in Victoria initially centred on mining as confirmed by his children's birthplaces and TROVE carries quite a few articles, including the bank robbery.

For now and thank you once again for all your help,

BAC3

[maddys52]

I didn't check yesterday, however there is a public photo on Ancestry assinged to  "Alfred Best Alkenneth Corbett" titled "Corbett, Alfred Corbett at home after his stroke, and wife, Catherine". And a couple of portraits of Alfred and Catherine.

 Also a copy of Alfred and Catherine's marriage certificate, which states his parents as Richard CORBETT and Sarah STERLING. Again, can't quite read Richard's occupation.