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Monday, February 18, 2008

HANNELL, John (Walton) - Addendum 1




Continued from: John (Walton) HANNELL

Searching through my archives, an assortment of paper clippings and photocopies left to me by ancestors, I found a booklet of stories, excerpts from the 'Newcastle Chronicles', published in a Newcastle and Hunter District Historical Society pamphlet. It was named 'The Waterfront', by W. J. GOOLD, and, once again, offers an insight into the life of John Hannell, which we haven't often seen.







John was, apparently, a very adept River Pilot, as well as a champion yachtsman. He often piloted river craft and small ships of varying sizes, down to Newcastle. It must be remembered, too, that the Hexham area, namely Ash Island, was, by 1840, populated by around 300 people, and Primary Produce, such as Wool, was loaded onto vessels bound for International ports, such as London! The 1871 Census recorded the population at 9000, and the 1881 Census, at 15000!

Life in Hexham, during the 1850's - 60's, must have been relatively busy for John and his family. Not only did he have the 'Wheat Sheaf Inn' to manage, but he was the Postmaster, Manager of the 'Halfway House' or 'Relay Station' for most horse-driven coaches travelling the road - North and South, Punt Operator, and, as we just read, a very competent 'River Pilot'. I don't think for one minute, that John actually did all these things himself, daily, but they were his responsibilities.

His interest in the life of a Publican started many years before, with his step-father, John Butler Hewson's move into the 'Union Inn', and grew when brother James showed remarkable success with the 'Ship Inn'. So, around the 1842 era...




The 'Wheat Sheaf Inn' was an imposing building, in its heyday, but tragedy struck and it burned to the ground, in 1853. John replaced it with a beautiful structure, which incorporated his house, as well. It looked rather grand.


Impressionistic painting by 'unknown' artist...

By 1855, John's eldest (it's not known if she was legally adopted) daughter, Elizabeth Ellen (née NORTON),, was at marriageable age, and soon did wed Joseph TURTON. The ceremony took place on John's Hannell's birthday, 27th August, 1855. They presented John and Mary with a grandson, William John TURTON, on 20th July, 1856.

It was around 8 years later, that Martin James CARROLL, an Irishman of apparent note, came upon the scene. Cloaked in some mystery, as he never really discussed his past, Martin soon swept Jane Elizabeth, John and Mary's remaining daughter, off her feet, and they married on 28th February, 1866. They had seven children, though tragedy once again loomed near.
see: HANNELL, John (Walton) - Addendum 2

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