John Marris
| First name | John |
|---|---|
| Last name | Marris |
| Country of Origin | England |
| Date of Birth | 1/30/1804 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1840 |
| Submitted by | Frank Marris |
Story
John Marris was born in Kirton in Lindsey, a market town 18 miles north of Lincoln, England. His wife, Susanna, was born in Nottingham, England.
John and Susanna emigrated to Australia from Nottingham in 1839 with their 6 children, sailing on the “John Bull” and arriving in Hobson’s Bay, Melbourne, on 23 January 1840. The journey took about 4 months.
The “John Bull” carried the first shipment of “bounty emigrants” – 89 males, 99 females and 31 children. The bounty was £38 for each married man and his wife under 40 years, £5 for each child under 5 years, £10 for each child 7-15 years and £15 for each child between 15-30 years. Preference was given to those who had trades and John, being a joiner, probably came to Australia on that basis.
The Marris family arrived only about 4 years after the settlement of Port Phillip (Melbourne). At the end of 1838, Melbourne’s population was only about 4,000 and the number of houses was estimated at only 700-800. The first edition of “The Herald” was published on 3 January 1840, just before the family arrived. Local mail delivery commenced on 2 March 1840, costing 1 penny per item.
John and Susanna had 3 more children after arriving in Melbourne. Records indicate that the Marrises were living in a dwelling house in Bourke Street, Melbourne, in 1851. A directory of 1857 refers to Marris & Sons (John, James and William), Timber Merchants, 105 Bourke St East, Melbourne.
John’s portrait is held at the Latrobe Library, Melbourne, as an early pioneer (no 171). In 1867, John signed the “Loyal Address to Duke of Edinburgh” (signed 16th page from beginning of address).