WILLIAM JOHN DARK (1830-1918)
Was born 9 March 1830 in NSW, Australia to William Dark (1800-1868) shipwright, & Elizabeth Cooper (1813-1866)
He was one of the troops serving with the 57th of Foot who arrived in Auckland 25 Jan 1861 on the 'Star Queen'. A detachment of the regiment left Manukau, arriving at Waitara, Taranaki on the H.M.S. Cordelia three days later. He was later in Thames and discharged in Wanganui in 1863 (see notes at end)
photo the HMS Cordelia which transported more than 3,500 imperial troops for the NZ wars

This is the life & times of the colourful character, William John Dark. Of his 3 wives (1 bigamously) and his 6 daughters (from 2 wives), in Australia and New Zealand, as found in family stories and local newspapers.
* To save confusion, some details like name spelling, is written as I know it to be, as opposed to how it was written in reports
* Anything in italics is my addition

18 Feb 1864, Wellington aged 33
MARRIAGE #1
William John Dark married the widow, Hannah Remnant (nee Hankins 1827-1871)
* 15 year old Hannah arrived into Nelson on the George Fyfe 12 Dec 1842, with her 19 year old husband James Remnant (1823-1863). James was a son of William Remnant & Sarah Edwards. His brother, George Remnant married Jane Neasham Sherman and they lived in Tasman District with 16 children
The known children of Hannah & James
1846 - Emily Remnant
1849 - 1915 James Remnant
1851 - 1935 Sarah Remnant (+ Drake)
1853 - 1899 Hannah 'Annie' Remnant (+ Campbell)
1858 - Elizabeth Remnant (+ Smith)
James Remnant died 16 May 1863 and is buried St Paul's, Thorndon

photo Willis Street in 1864

Wellington Independent, 20 Feb 1864 DARK-REMNANT
At Willis-street, on the 18th inst, by the Rev J. Aldred, Mr Wm Dark, late of the 57th Regt. Wanganui, to Mrs Remnant, widow.
they had 2 daughters
. 1 1865 - 1948 Margaret Annie Dark (+ Crocombe)
. 2 1867 - 1869 Emily Jane Dark

9 Aug 1866, NSW aged 36
His mother Elizabeth dies Elizabeth Dark (nee Cooper) died aged 53 and is buried in Camperdown Cemetery.
Elizabeth was the daughter of John Tindall (1778-1856), convict to Australia on the 'Indefatigable in 1815 aged 37 & of Lucy Cooper (1792-1848), convict on the 'Broxbournebury in 1814 aged 22. Elizabeth was adopted by her mother's brother, John Cooper (1783-). She married William Dark on 29 May 1829 at St Phillip's, NSW.
Their known children:
1828 - 1901 Elizabeth Dark (+ Northcott, died England)
1830 - 1918 William John Dark
1833 - 1908 Hannah Eliza Dark (+ Coleston)
1835 - 1900 Leonard James Dark
1838 - 1885 George Henry Dark
1843 - 1887 Thomas Joseph Dark
1846 - 1935 Mary Maria Dark (+ Ward)

20 June 1868, NSW aged 38
His father William dies William Dark was born 9 March 1798 in Sydney to Leonard James Darke (-1807) who was sent to Sydney as a convict on the 'The Pitt' in 1792 & Elizabeth Jackson (1768-1837) from Ireland, sent as convict on the 'Sugar Cane' in 1793 aged 23.
William died aged 70 and is buried Grave 234, Zone B, Old Common Ground at Rookwood Cemetery (see wife Elizabeth above for children)

16 Feb 1869, Wellington aged 38
Death of his 2nd daughter Emily Jane Dark. Emily was born 29 July 1867. Her mother was Hannah Hankins/Remnant/Dark.
DARK - On February 13, at Moore street, Emily Jane, daughter of Mr W. J. Dark, aged 18 months.
The Friends of Mr William J. Dark are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his late daughter, Emily Jane, which will leave his residence, Moore street, Pipitea Point, This Day, at 4 o'clock p.m.
P.S. - The Brethren of the M.U.I.O.O.F. are respectfully invited to attend.

23 Sep 1871, Wellington aged 41
Death of wife #1 HANNAH DARK (Hankins/Remnant)
DARK - On September 22, at Moore street, Pipitea (Wellington) Hannah, wife of Mr William John Dark, aged 44 years. Deceased was an old colonist, having come to the colony in the ship George Fyfe, in 1842 and leaves a numerous circle of friends.
She is buried Plot 70 R at Bolton Street Cemetery

Inscription reads: In loving memory of Annie, the beloved wife of Duncan Campbell (daughter Hannah Remnant), who died 4 February 1899, aged 45. At rest. Also Hannah, wife of James Remnant and mother of above, who died 22 September 1871, aged 45, "Sorrow vanquished, Labour ended, Jordan passed". In loving memory of Daniel Drake, died 28 December 1924, aged 83 (Daniel Pearce Drake, husband of daughter Sarah), "Pioneer. Until the day break and the shadows flee away". In fond memory of dear mother, wife of the above, died 5 November 1935, aged 84, Ever remembered. Amy, younger daughter of the above (Amy Sarah Drake (1879-), daughter of Sarah Remnant & Daniel Drake), died 23 February 1938.
NOTE That her headstone inscribed is Remnant. Wife of James Remnant.
photo credit Terry Love

1 June 1872, Wellington aged 42
MARRIAGE #2
William John Dark married Elizabeth 'Eliza' Hastings (nee White) in the Wesleyan Church, Manners St., Wellington. Elizabeth was a widow. She first married John Hastings in 1859
John & Elizabeth's known children
1859 - 1937 James White Hastings
1862 - Agnes Hastings (+ Brown)
1864 - Elizabeth Hastings (+ Weaver)
1867 - Mary Hastings
1870 - John Hastings
Elizabeth's husband, John was killed 17 Dec 1870, in an accident on the Wanganui River while he was second engineer on the steamer 'Storm Bird'

photo Wesleyan Church on Manners St. Burnt down June 1879

William & Elizabeth had 4 daughters
. 3 1873 - 1954 Emily Jane Dark (+ Simmons)
. 4 1875 - 1951 Williemena Dark (+ Bowden)
. 5 1878 - 1954 Alice Maude Dark (+ Corby)
. 6 1881 - 1884 Mabel Dark

6 Sep 1872, Wellington aged 42
NOTICE (3 months after marriage)
I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that on and after this date I will not be responsible for any debts contracted by my wife, Elizabeth Dark. William John Dark, Wellington 6th September

20 Oct 1873, Wellington aged 43
PROTECTION ORDER
At the Resident Magistrate's Court on Saturday, Elizabeth Dark, who had applied to the Court for a protection order against her husband, William John Dark, did not appear when called upon and the case was struck out.

16 Sep 1874, Blenheim aged 44
ALLEGED CRUELTY
W. J. Dark was charged upon an information laid by his wife, Elizabeth Dark, upon the ground that she was subjected to cruelty by him. The defendant complained against a lawyer being engaged by his wife, but the Court ruled that the occasion was one in which the informant was justified in engaging the service of a legal gentleman.
. . Defendant said he was willing to leave the whole matter to be decided by the bench, he urged that his wife was in the habit of drinking and demanded to know whether he was bound to keep another man's family, at which point he was shut up by the constable.
. . Mr Rogers appeared for the informant, who deposed that they had been living in Blenheim during the last six months in the same house as her sister and her husband. On being asked to state some of the occasions when her husband had ill-used her, she entered upon a narrative which was to the following effect. The husband was engaged in building a house for Mr Symons (spelt throughout as Simmonds), who was her sister's husband and in the meantime both families resided together. The arrangement did not prove a happy one and there had been a deal of grumbling about it. The sister wished them to find fresh quarters and defendant refused and became so annoyed that he took her head and knocked it against the wall twice in one week. He wished that they should continue to live together at one table and joint cost as before, but her sister objected and wanted them to have separate bills. Defendant refused to open any accounts in Blenheim and her sister said he had the same reason to do so that she had. This state of things culminated on the 1st instant, when she again told him and he said he would be d--d before he would provide anything. He got on a box and hit her with his fist on the face and head repeatedly, blacked her eyes, kicked her person, of which she still bore the marks. He used his boots to her at the same time, remarking that he did not now wear fine ones as he did in Wellington, but hob-nailed ones. After that he went away and never returned to the house till Sunday last, when he came early, 6a.m. and again twice afterwards till her brother turned him out; he wanted her things, but she refused to give them till this case was heard, but he took them. He showed fight and told her brother he would take it out of him. During the week before Sept 1st he locked up his bedroom door, telling her sister not to give her or the children anything to eat, as he would not pay for it. She had four children by her former husband beside one by the present husband, all under ten years old. He is doing nothing for their maintenance, nor has done since Sept 1st; prior to that he has to pay his share to Mrs Symons. She did not want to ask for a separate maintenance if she could get him to support them without.
. . A considerable argument took place between the Bench and Mr Rogers, as to whether the information should charge him with wife desertion before she could claim separate maintenance. Ultimately the charge was amended to show that plaintiff desired a judicial separation, with protection and maintenance for the children.
. . The defendant who stated that he was deaf, took up a deal of time in trying to make statements out of place. After the examination was concluded and had been read over to him, he proceeded on a course of cross-examination in the course of which he elicited that he had told his wife to do what she could to raise money for their support, saying that he would leave Blenheim. He fetched a man up to buy her sewing-machine and when she refused to let it go he took it out and broke it into a million pieces. One of the pieces flew up and struck him on the nose cutting it, he also fetched out a large looking glass and smashed it as well as everything he could lay his hands on. He told her he would raise money by selling his watch, but she knew he had plenty as she saw him with a lot of notes. He brought Lawrence to buy her machine whild he had plenty of money in his pocket. He gave her seven shillings on 1st September, he also gave her eight shillings to pay for a book he had bought, called "Leisure Hour" also bought some oil and brandy to apply as a lotion to his nose. In the night she fetched a bottle of the brandy to allay his nervousness. He had bought four loaves and some jam, also some bacon which he said some man had given him. She was sure she did not take any of the brandy herself. The reason she got a whole bottle was because it was too late to get a small quantity. He drank a portion and the rest was left in his room. He gave her a drop with some water, he also gave her some marks which still remained on her face. Her mother and sister did not have brandy, nor did she and her mother fight. She told him to come away till his face ws better. While in Wellington he fetched her home in a wheelbarrow when he had cut her head, but she was not drunk, she had on one occasion jumped from a window 10 feet high because he had threatened to cut her throat.
. . Agnes Symons was called in support of the charge. She deposed that she was the wife of the captain of the Osprey and the plaintiff was her sister. They lived in the one house. On September 1st, witness's husband and herself did all they could to keep him off her - he flung both cups and egg-cups at her, using very violent language and would have done her some harm but for witness's husband. They had always been fighting, ever since they were married and she had many times come to her covered with bruises. On September 1st witness told her she had better get separate bills for their support, but defendant said he would not run up bills to keep another man's family; told him that he knew she had the children when he married her sister and he had a right to keep them. Nearly every day he said he would not keep another man's family. On that day heard the fighting going on and went to the Ferry for her husband, ash she could not put up with it any longer. On returning she found her sister was in her own room and did not see her again till next day. Did not see defendant till Saturday night when he fetched some things and on Sunday he returned, making a disturbance. Heard him saying "What have I done to yo," and heard blows and struggling; next day her sister had scars on her face and black eyes. He had not contributed towards their maintenance; they were always quarrelling and had lived with her since 1st May. She never saw defendant strike her sister. He drinks occasionally but have not seen him drunk but twice, except on the previous night. Have not seen my sister drunk and whatever drinking there has been on her part was in their own room between themselves on the night they quarrelled. She could not see her sister had had a drop then. He had often said he would not keep her or another man's children.
. . By defendant: I went for my husband because of the row. You were the occasion of my getting a black eye. You beat her in my own house, you old villain.
. . Mr Rogers said these were all the witnesses he should call, whereupon the Court dismissed the case with 11s 6d costs.
NOTE Elizabeth's sister, Agnes White (1841-1895) married Captain John Symons (1826-1892) in 1859 and had 11 children. She died in Wellington of TB aged 53

22 Dec 1874, Blenheim aged 44
NOTICE I hereby give notice that I will not be responsible for any debts contracted in my name after this date without my authority. William Dark.

photo Blenheim wharf 1870s


6 Jan 1877, Blenheim aged 46
A WITNESS IN COURT James Henry Roberts was brought up under remand charged with having obtained money under false pretences from Mr A. Chasey, by inducing him to cash a cheque, he having no account at the Bank .. was present on the Saturday evening when he purchased a horse from W. J. Dark of Blenheim. He was to give 20 for it; he offered a cheque for £20 to Dark in payment, but Dark refused to take it, saying he was a stranger to him and it was after Bank hours

27 Jan 1877, Blenheim aged 46
IN BUSINESS W. J. DARK, Carpenter & Builder, corner of main and Redwood Streets. The above is prepared to execute all Skeleton Buildings at 1s per foot, supplying all materials. Doors and Sashes always on hand.

21 Feb 1877, Blenheim aged 46
BLENHEIM COURT
DARK v HOMES. This was a action to recover £1 4s 6d, value of a door alleged to have been short delivered. William John Dark sworn: I am a builder living in Blenheim. I produce a bill with two doors charged in it on the 22nd December, 1876. The bill has been paid. I dispute the delivery of one of the doors charged on that date. Plaintiff then called Thomas Webster and Benjamin Hill, who knew nothing of the delivery of the doors in question.
William Newman sworn said: I am a carpenter; I was working for plaintiff at Carter's store all through the job. I saw two glass doors and one wooden door come from defendant's; saw one wooden door come in a dray
. . By Defendant: I do not recollect seeing any other doors delivered. James Lowe carted the wooden door.
James Lowe sworn said: I am a labourer; I was working for defendant in December last all through the month; I delivered two doors at Carter's store in December. I do not recollect if they were wooden or glass doors. I am positive I delivered two doors.
. . By Plaintiff: I delivered the doors in December. I did not work for defendant in January.
Judgment was given for defendant, who was further allowed 14s cost.

12 May 1877, Blenheim aged 47
IN BANKRUPTCY
In the matter of "The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876" and in the matter of William John Dark, of Blenheim, Builder, a Debtor. This is to notify that at the meeting of the Creditors of the above named debtor, held this day, Mr Alfred George Fell, of Blenheim, merchant, was elected Trustee. Dated this 8th day of May 1877. Alfred Rogers, Solicitor for the Trustee.

6 June 1877, Nelson aged 47
APPLYING FOR DISCHARGE
In the Supreme Court of New Zealand, Nelson District. In the matter of "The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876" and of the Bankruptcy of William John Dark, Blenheim, in the Provincial District of Marlborough and Colony of New Zealand, builder and contractor.
To Mr Alfred George Fell, Trustee in the Bankrupt Estate of the said William John Dark. I hereby give you notice that I desire to apply to the said Court for my discharge under the said Act and request you to call a Meeting of my Creditors for the purpose of taking into consideration such application and passing a resolution relative thereto. William John Dark.
A meeting of the Creditors in the above Estate will be held at my office on Friday, 8th June 1877, at 11 a.m. .. A. G. Fell, Trustee.

photo Nelson waterfront 1870s/80s


16 June 1877, Marlborough aged 47
SITTING IN BANCO re W. J. DARK A Bankrupt
excerpts from link
.. Mr Conolly moved for an order for the prosecution of the bankrupt, under the Fraudulent Debtors Acts, he having made a fraudulent assignment withing the meaning of the subsection and said he hardly knew whether the proceedings should be in Bankruptcy or in Banco.
.. that on the 13th April the Bankrupt assigned his interest in the contract as appears by the assignment with intent to defraud creditors and that the assignment was made with the knowledge of an intention by the Bankrupt to file his petition. The assignment was as follows:- I, William John Dark, hereby transfer to David Wemyss of Blenheim, builder, the within contract and my interest therein in consideration of his paying the liabilities ..

27 June 1877, Blenheim aged 47
BANKRUPT SALE Mr C. J. W. Griffiths has been favoured with instructions from the Trustee in W. J. Dark's Estate, to Sell by Public Auction, on Saturday next, the 30th instant, The whole of the household furniture. A quantity of Doors, Sashes, Mouldings, &c. The Right, Title and Interest of the Bankrupt in Allotment 45 of Section 46, upon which is erected a substantially built House containing 9 rooms. Also - Section No.8 of 45 Opawa, containing 5 acres 1 perch, subject to existing mortgage.

10 Sep 1877, Blenheim aged 47
FRAUD
William John Dark, builder, charged in the Resident Magistrate's Court with assigning his property, with intent to defraud this creditors, was remanded for a week on bail.

3 Oct 1877, Blenheim aged 47
BLENHEIM COURT
William John Dark was charged on remand
... His Worship then committed the accused for trial, bail being accepted, himself in £100 and two sureties of of £50 each or one of £100

9 Oct 1878, Blenheim aged 48
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Sir - I wish to correct an error in the name of the street mentioned in your Saturday's issue as stated by me in my letter to the Borough Council concerning the bad state of the culverts. The name mentioned in my letter was not Wellington-street, as I was not aware that our town authorities paid so much respect to the great warrior as to call a street by his name; but, Sir, I certainly thought the name was Wall-street as mentioned in my letter .. I live three yards out of the Borough and pay no Borough Rates .. this same Weld-street, as I am told is the proper name, although it is the main street from the Borough to the Township of Redwood .. I am, &c., W. J. DARK

14 Dec 1878, Blenheim aged 48
WHEELS OF JUSTICE MOVE SLOWLY
.. William John Dark was called but did mot answer to his name.

18 Dec 1878, Marlborough aged 48
CASE CONTINUES
.. at ten past midnight the jury came into court and the foreman intimated that they could not agree even to the extent of three-fourths .. The jury, James Sinclair (foreman), William Cullen, Alex S. Duncan, John H. Dalton, Frederick Beauchamp, Thomas Redwood, William Welford, Charles Elliott, Thomas Williams, James Green, James Mackintosh, James Galloway, were then discharged and the Court rose.

20 Dec 1878, Wellington aged 48
WILLIAM & ELIZABETH IN COURT
William John Dark was summoned by his wife to show cause why a married woman's protection order should not be granted to her.
Complainant said that defendant had repeatedly beaten her with a stick, She had three children, ranging from ten months to five years old.The order was granted and the defendant was ordered to pay 25s a week towards the support of the children.
Defendant then informed the Magistrate that he had been married to the complainant for seven years. She was addicted to drinking, On once occasion he had to cut her down, she having attempted to hang herself; while another time she attempted to drown herself. Once, having got a three-gallon keg of brandy on credit from a store at which he dealt, she drunk herself mad and set fire to the house. On another occasion she beat him about the head with a pair of boots and threatened to rip out his heart. This occurred while he was living at Blenheim. He came to Wellington in the hope of earning a maintenance for his children, but his wife still continued her dissolute habits. Every night during the last fortnight on coming home he found her the worse for liquor. When her first married her he had property in Wellington, but now he had none On Wednesday evening there was nothing for him to eat when he came hone and on Thursday morning he had to go away having had only bread and butter and water for breakfast. On Thursday night he found a silk dress, which he bought for her at a cost of 10 guineas, covered with mud and on his remonstrating with her for leaving her hone she struck him several blows on the face. He then took away a stick from her with which she assaulted him and gave her a blow across her shoulders, asking her how she liked it herself. He should be very glad to separate from his wife, bu he could not afford to pay so much as 25s a week, as he had other children by his first wife to support.
Mr Mansford, after hearing this statement, reduced the amount to 20s per week and fixed the 10th January for the hearing of further evidence, when the order might be reversed. He warned the complainant that, unless she brought evidence to disprove the statement of her husband, it would be the worse for her.

19 March 1879, Wanganui aged 49
IN COURT The charge against J. Danaghy, of stealing bank notes from the dwelling of William John Dark, was next heard. Sub-Inspector Goodall having stated the case, called William John Dark, builder, who deposed that on Sunday, the 9th inst, he had £18 in his possession (2019 equivalent of $3,150), three £5 notes and three £1 notes also and thirteen shillings in silver; at half past 7 o'clock in the morning, met prisoner on the river bank; shook hands with him; prisoner told him he had been unable to get a bed the previous night and had spent the night on some shaving and felt cold and miserable. Witness asked him to go home with him and have some breakfast; he went and witness put victuals and gin before him and he ate and drank as long as he wished. When they went into the house, witness took off his coat and hung it on a nail behind the bedroom door. The notes were in the breast pocket of the coat. The silver was in the trousers pocket. had occasion to leave the house for about ten minutes. Left prisoner at the kitchen table, There was no one else in the house. Went together afterwards for a walk up Liverpool Street. Met Mr Peapell and while speaking to him missed the money and at once accused the prisoner of having robbed him of £18. Prisoner said that he had not got it. Witness insisted on his producing it. Prisoner then walked down the street. Witness then walked down the street. Witness then told Mr J. Young who said he would get the other pound and they Mr Young, witness and two other young fellows followed prisoner down the street. They searched him but could not find the money. They then went into St John's Hotel and asked the landlord if prisoner had changed a note. The landlord said he had, having got a drink and further said the man had asked him not to mention his having changed it. Prisoner then said he would pay the money back out of his pension.

30 March 1878, Wanganui aged 48th birthday
CALLING FOR TENDERS Tenders will be received by the undersigned up till 4p.m., Saturday, April 5th, for cartage of 20,000 feet of timber from Kai Iwi Station to Waverley. Tenders to be addressed W. J. Dark, care of J. W. Armstrong, Ridgway Street.

16 Sep 1879, Wanganui aged 49
IN COURT
In the R.M. Court, before Thomas Bamber, Esq., Mayor and John Duthie, Esq., J.P. on Monday Sept 15.
William John Dark, was charged with assaulting his stepson, James Hastings (aged 29). From the evidence of Constable Tregoning it appeared that he was called to defendant's house, outside which he found defendant's children naked and crying. He was told that defendant had been beating his wife. Cautioned him in usual way and was moving off when he began an assault on his stepson. Prisoner was fined 10s or 48 hours imprisonment. He paid the fine.

photo Wanganui 1870s


21 Nov 1879, Wanganui aged 49
IN COURT
Notice is hereby given that William John Dark, of Wanganui, carpenter, has this day filed a statement that he is unable to meet his engagements with his creditors. The first meeting of creditors will be held at the Court House, Wanganui, on Monday the 1st Dec 1879 at 2.30p.m.
.. At that hearing John James Crawford was duly elected creditors Trustee of the estate of William John Dark.

16 March 1880, Wellington aged 49
COURT DECISION The parties referred to in the following paragraph taken from a Wellington paper are not unknown in Wanganui:- At the Resident magistrate's Court on Thursday morning, his Worship gave his decision in the case of Mr W. J. Dark, who was sued by his wife yesterday, under the Destitute Persons Act. In the examination which took place yesterday, husband and wife made serious counter charges and the Magistrate deferred his decision until to-day in order that the police authorities might inquire into the matter. The result was, that the husband's statements were proved substantially true, inasmuch as it was found that the wife was of intemperate habits, had on one occasion remained out of her house all night and by her quarreling propensities had annoyed several of her neighbors. Under the circumstances, his Worship granted the separation and allowed the husband to make arrangements for the custody and bringing up of the children. The case will again occupy the attention of the Court, as a complication arose as to the capability of Mr Dark to provide adequate funds for the support of himself, his wife and family under the painful circumstances. But as the case of the children has been referred to Mrs Waters, who is a member of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, no doubt that difficulty will be overcome.

10 Aug 1880, Wellington aged 50
RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT
William John Dark was charged with failing to adequately support his wife, Elizabeth Dark and three children. Prosecutrix said she had been obliged to leave her husband owing to his ill-treatment. What she wanted was, that the defendant should be made to assist her to keep the children; she could work for her own living. The case was adjourned till to-morrow.
THE ALLEGED ASSAULT - James Hastings (aged 21) was charged on the same day with having assaulted his stepfather, W. J. Dark with a cutlass, but the information was withdrawn.
* Next day William was charge, on remand with failing to adequately provide for the support of his wife and family and was ordered to contribute 7s 6d per week.

26 Oct 1880, Wellington aged 50
RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT
Frances Mary Barnette was charge with assaulting William John Dark, but there being no appearance of either party the case was struck out.
amendment ..
William John Dark was charged at yesterdays sitting, with having assaulted Frances Mary Barnette. In our previous report these names were accidentally transposed.

12 April 1882, Wellington aged 52
ASSAULT ON SON-IN-LAW
ASSAULT & THREATENING LANGUAGE - Wm. Dark, an elderly man, was charged with having assaulted Henry Weaver (husband of Elizabeth's daughter, Elizabeth Hastings) on the 6th inst., and also with having threatened to knock his brains out. Mr Fitzgerald appeared for the complainant, who asked that the defendant might be bound over to keep the peace. Henry Weaver deposed that he was a tram car driver and was married to the defendant's step-daughter. On the 6th inst., the defendant came to his house and struck him without any provocation. He picked up a billet of wood and "went for" the defendant in self-defence, striking him on the arm. He had previously cautioned the defendant in self-defence, striking him on the arm. He had previously cautioned the defendant not to come near his house. After the assault the defendant threatened to knock his brains out. The defendant, who asked to be sworn, deposed that he merely went to Weaver's house to ask his wife where her mother was. Weaver ordered him off the premises and threatened him with a spade. Mrs Weaver interfered and then the complainant struck him with a piece of firewood. The magistrate ordered the defendant to enter into his own recognizance of £10 and find one surety of £20 or two in £10, to keep the peace for three months. The defendant said he could not find any sureties and was removed into custody.

15 April 1882, Wellington aged 52
THE SON-IN-LAW (same case as above, different paper)
A charge of assault and threatening language arising out of a family feud occupied the attention of the Resident Magistrate Tuesday morning. From the evidence given it appeared that a young man, named Henry Weaver, some time ago entered the holy state of matrimony, the young lady of his choice having an elderly step-father, named Wm. J. Dark, who strongly, but unsuccessfully, opposed the match. Having secured his wife, the bridegroom cautioned the old man never to come near his premises. This caution was disregarded by Mr Dark, who, on the evening of the 6th instant, went to Weaver's house and there committed certain acts and used language which induced the Resident magistrate to bind him over to keep the peace for three months. He informed the court that he could not find sureties and asked Sergeant Anderson to send to his little children, who had no one to look after them. Before he was removed he said he would speak and, addressing Mr Hardcastle, called out, "This is the third time you have done the same thing to me. It was the same at Wanganui." Dark was hurried out of the Court by the police, but as he passed another door he roared out, "You are a mean, spiteful, wretch." The Resident magistrate took no notice of the prisoner's remarks.

4 May 1882, Wellington aged 52
IN SUPREME COURT
Of the Bankruptcy of William John Dark, a debtor. This is to notify that William John Dark, of the city of Wellington and formerly of Wanganui, Carpenter, has this day filed a statement that he is unable to meet his engagements with his creditors.

8 May 1882, Marlborough aged 52
BANKRUPTCY we find that William John Dark, a resident in this place not long since, has again filed a declaration of his insolvency.

13 May 1882, Wellington aged 52
NOT IN COURT
William John Dark convened a meeting of his creditors Tuesday at noon, but as no one put in an appearance, the same stands adjourned.

20 May 1882, Wellington aged 52
SUPREME COURT Notice is hereby given that in consequence of the non-attendance of a sufficient number of creditors at the first and the adjourned meeting, of William John Dark, I have appointed Henry John Louis Augarde, of Wellington, a Certified Accountant in bankruptcy, to be Creditors Trustee.

9 Jan 1883, Wellington aged 52
CHILD SUPPORT
An order was made against William John Dark for the payment of 5s per week towards the support of his four children and the protection of his wife.

17 July 1884, Wellington aged 54
Death of his 6th daughter Mabel Dark. Mabel was born 1 Sep 1881. Her mother was Elizabeth White/Hastings/Dark. Mable died 17 July 1884 aged 2.10
* She is buried Plot 65 S at Bolton St cemetery

1 Jan 1885, N.S.W. aged 54
Death of his brother George Henry Dark
DARK - January 1, at Prince Alfred Hospital, Mr George Henry Dark, third son of the late William Dark, shipwright, of this city, aged 47 years.
* William remains in N.S.W.

8 March 1887, Penrith, NSW aged 57
MARRIAGE #3 William married Ann Emma Parkin (nee Elliott 1836-1920) in her home in High Street, Penrith, NSW
NOTE This was a bigamous marriage. William was still married to Elizabeth in New Zealand (read on)
photo High St., Penrith 1880s

Ann was born in Mulgoa, Penrith, NSW in May 1836. She first married Christopher Parkin (1818-1885) of Bolton, Westmoreland in Castlereagh NSW. Christopher died in Camperdown, Newtown
the known children of Christopher & Ann
All born in Penrith
? - 1874 Christopher Parkin
? - 1932 Jonathan
1859 - 1859 George Parkin
1860 - 1946 Harriett Parkin (Duff)
1862 - 1945 George Henry Parkin
1866 - 1882 Jane Parkin
1870 - 1884 Christopher Parkin
1873 - 1937 William Henry Parkin

8 July 1887, NSW aged 57
Death of his brother Thomas Joseph Dark died aged 44 and is buried Grave 475, Anglican Section DD at Rookwood Cemetery

31 Jan 1895, Penrith aged 64
USING ALIAS DOUGLAS An old man named William Robert John Douglas, a carpenter, was yesterday, at the Water Police Court, committed for trial at the next Criminal Court for obtaining a silver watch, valued at £2 7s 6d, which purported to be signed by W. J. Dark. One being presented for payment the cheque was marked 'no account.' Bail £60 in self and one surety of £60 was allowed.

18 May 1895, Penrith aged 65
PENRITH POLICE COURT Before the P.M. William John Dark, alias Douglas, charged with stealing one black mackintosh coat, value 30s, the property of William Henry Parkin (Ann's son), at Penrith, on the 14th February 1895, was sentenced to seven days lock-up.

15 June 1895, Penrith aged 65
CHARGED WITH BIGAMY
William John Dark, who was some nine or ten years ago a large contractor in Penrith and during which time he married Mrs Ann Emma Parkin, was charged with bigamy. He had married a widow, Elizabeth Hastings (spelt Hastens) at Wellington (NZ) in 1872 and Mrs Parkin in 1887. Both wives gave evidence, the first having come from New Zealand to give evidence.
. . Sergeant Thorndike, sworn, deposed: On the 17th of last month, on accused being discharged from Pentrith lock-up for another offence; I arrested him by virtue of the warrant now produced, wherein he is charged that he, having on the 1st day of June 1872, in the district of Wellington, NZ, did marry one Elizabeth Hastings and he did, while so married, on the 8th day of March 1887, at Penrith, in the Colony of New South Wales, marry Ann Emma Parkin, the said Elizabeth Hastings being then alive; I read the warrant to him and gave it to him to read; he said "how many witnesses have you got? Is the woman her?" I said, "No, I'll send for her"; I showed accused a copy of the register of marriage (produced), which is a certificate of marriage of William John Dark to Elizabeth Hastings on the first day of June 1872, at the Wesleyan Church, Manners street, District of Wellington, New Zealand; accused read it and pointing to the letter S in front of the name Symonds, one of the witnesses said "is that S?" I said "Yes" he then said. "I think you'll have a job to find a woman named S. Symonds" (read Elizabeth's statement below): I produced a copy of the register of the marriage of William John Dark to Emma Ann Elliott, also a declaration made by Ann Emma Parkin in connection with the marriage certificate now produced, which I have shown accused; accused told me that Ann Emma Parkin is his lawful wife and the only wife he ever had.
. . Elizabeth Dark, sworn, deposed: I reside at Wellington, New Zealand; I know the accused, William John Dark; he is my husband; I was married to him on 1st June 1872, in the Wesleyan Church, Manners-street, Wellington, New Zealand; the name of the officiating minister was Mr Buddie; Robert Reid (cooper), of Wellington and Susan Agnes Symonds were witnesses; (Elizabeth's sister was Agnes Symons which is interesting after William's statement that "you'll have a job finding a woman named S. Symonds"), neither of these witnesses are now alive; my name was Elizabeth Hastings (a widow) when I married accused; recognise the names of all the parties on the certificate of my marriage (produced); I lived with accused as man and wife for eleven years; at the end of eleven years I had to take out a protection order against him for cruelty and afterwards lived with my daughter, Mrs Weaver; I had four children, girls (his), which I took with me by order of the Bench; I saw him once after I went to live with my daughter, about six weeks after I left him, in Wellington, but I did not speak to him; I never saw him afterwards till this morning; there was an order made on the protection order for a pound a week for one month, when I was to report; I received 1 on that order; I received 3 in all; I next heard of him from Penrith, N.S.W., received a letter from him; this was about twelve months after I left him; he wrote asking for his children's likenesses; I heard from him again about six months after by letter from Penrith, NSW; never heard from him afterwards; I returned the letter, with the photograph; I got the protection order in January 1888; the officiating minister left Wellington for Fiji and I have heard he is dead; when I married accused he was a widower and had one girl; she has received letters from accused, which I read; I am quite positive he is the man I married - he was deaf then; I never had possession of the marriage lines, he got them from the minister.
. . By accused: I left you and went to Blenheim first, you did not go back to me at my solicitation, I went back with you to Wellington; I never threatened to stab you with a carving knife; I knew you went to stay at --- Hotel, when you were put out of the house after you were insolvent; I went to the hotel, no one was sent for to put me out through making a disturbance; received two letters from you, but I did not reply to them; I knew of no one writing through Mr Johnson, to the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths, he was the Secretary of the benevolent Society at Wellington and I was receiving help through him and had any one written I would have heard.
. . Ann Emma Parkin, Penrith, sworn, deposed: Know accused, first saw him about 9 years ago, in Penrith; he came to my house and introduced himself as a widower and he came from New Zealand; he told me his wife had died in New Zealand; was acquainted with him about 14 months when he proposed marriage; I was at that time a widow, my maiden name was Ann Emma Elliott; I was married to him on the 3rd March 1887, at my own house by the Rev W. E. Bourne, Wesleyan Minister here at the time; my son, J. Parkin and daughter-in-law, Eliza S. Parkin and Mrs Voyce were present; at the time of marrying accused. I could not write, I made my mark; my daughter-in-law put the name down, I did not discern there was a mistake till about a month ago; the signature to the declaration is mine; I lived with him about 12-14 months; I received information from New Zealand that he was a married man; the first letter was destroyed and he told me not to interfere with them, he would tell me all about the contents; I told him I believed he was a married man, I felt unhappy and asked him if it was really true or not; he said someone was trying to make a disturbance between us and if I was not satisfied he would go to New Zealand and find out whether she was really dead or alive; he went away and in about a month came back and said his wife was dead and he went to the place where she was buried; a little while after that some more letters came, I found on of these and had it read; I told him that his wife must be living, the way the letter came she was asking for maintenance for herself and children; the name to the letter was Monaghan; I left him then and went to service in Sydney; I was apart from him about 7 years, mean time I came back to Penrith to live; about 4 months ago he came back, he said everything was all correct, he was a rich man and wanted me to go back and live with him; he told me his wife had been poisoned, she had the horrors, the doctor gave her a draught which was divided into three parts to induce sleep, but the lot had been given; his daughter was implicated in it; accused ordered a lot of furniture and he said it was coming up and X consented to live with him again; I lived with him three days; he went to Sydney to settle some business and said he would be back in three days; I did not see him after till I saw him in the Police Court.
. . By accused: While I lived with you, as a wife you treated me very well.
. . William England Bourne, Wesleyan Minister, residing at present at Rookdale, sworn, deposed: Some eight or nine years ago I resided in Penrith, I was residing here in 1887; remember celebrating the marriage between W. J. Dark and Ann Emma Elliott at a private house - I think in High street; believe accused is the same party; he was deaf; the witnesses names were Parkin and were relations of the bride; certificate produced is a copy of registration of the marriage between W. J. Dark and A. E. Elliott, which I celebrated.
. . Jonathan Parkin (1857-1932), saddler, St Marys sworn, deposed: Know witness, A. E. Parkin, she is my mother; know the accused; remember accused and my mother being married in a cottage in High-street, Penrith, on 2nd March 1887; Rev W. E. Bourne was the officiating minister; my mother's maiden name was Ann Emma Elliott; I was a witness to the marriage; did not notice the name on the register at time of marriage, my mother was a widow at the time and her widowed name was Parkin.
. . The charge was then read over to accused and in reply to the question whether he had anything to say said, "I have nothing to say." Accused was then committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions, Sydney, on Friday June 4th, or at such other place as the Attorney General may decide.
Bail was not applied for. On Thursday the old man was formally brought before Judge Docker at the Quarter Sessions in Sydney and pleaded guilty. He was remanded for sentence.

19 June 1895, Penrith, aged 65
SENTENCED William John Dark, an elderly man, who pleaded guilty to a charge of bigamy, was sentenced to three months imprisonment in Darlinghurst Gaol with hard labor.

photo Darlinghurst Gaol, Burton St 1870

photo Darlinghurst Gaol 1891


3 April 1897, Sydney aged 67
AN OLD SOLDIER'S STORY
* Fought in the Crimea aged 23
* Witnessed the Charge of the Light Brigade aged 24-26
* Went through the Indian Mutiny aged 27
* NZ war, Invasion of the Waikato aged 29-33
. . A man slightly over the middle height, bronzed and bearded, with the top of his head shining like a billiard ball and bullet wounds plainly visible thereon - this is William John Dark, who has active service in the Crimea, the Indian muting, and the New Zealand war of 1863. Just at present William Dark - "I was plain William Dark in the army," he explains - is in Sydney seeking to obtain campaign pension. Like many other veterans who have served the Empire well, although only privates, he is homeless and penniless. Age has told upon him. He stands no longer upright and deafness is creeping on him.
. . 'Other side, please' he said to a Daily Telegraph reporter, who asks him a question or two regarding his active service. And when you get to the other side, you find it is little better. A man cannot endure the hardship of three campaigns and then work hard for a number of years afterwards, with feeling that his physical powers are decaying.
. . But, despite all this, Dark tells an interesting story. It is no romance carefully gathered up after the retailer is dead, "It is no dead man's story," he says, with emphasis, "but what I saw with my own eyes." And what did he see? Was he not toiling up the slopes of Alma when the wounded were being brought down after the fine engagement where British pluck beat Russian endurance? Did he not assist in the work of pursuit? All this he did and more. When the Russians were in headlong retreat from Alma, the regiment in which Dark served re-embarked and landed in time to view the disaster of Balaklava - to see the light cavalry rush to certain death. But this is by the way.
. . Dark enlisted in the 57th Regiment of Foot in 1851. Shortly after he was drafted off to Kilkenny and served there until 1852. Then he volunteered for foreign service in a detachment necessary to make up the strength of the 49th and 47th Regiments. Two years later he was serving in the Ionian Isles, his regiment being stationed at Corfu. Thence they sailed for the seat of war in the Crimea. The arrived too late for Alma. When they landed the battle was over and the wounded were being brought down to the shore. Had not the engines of the troopship in which they were travelling broken down in the Dardanelles, Dark and his comrades would have charged up the slopes of the valley of the Alma with the same courage and enthusiasm as that displayed by the troops who took part in this, the first great engagement of the Crimean war. However, Sir George Cathcart used the new arrivals to pursue enemy right into Sebastopol. They chased them on to the face of the hill that surrounds the city. There they halted. The general had come up by this time and the Russians were sullenly firing a few shots from the citadel. One shell dropped near where Sir George Cathcart and his staff were standing. It did not burst. Some of the men in the vicinity made as if to run. "Don't Run" says the General coolly, "If you do it will give the enemy an idea of their range."
painting Men of the 57th. General George Cathcart (1795-1854) was killed 5 Nov 1854, during the Battle of Inkerman

. . Subsequently the troops retired to the Greenhill, afterwards named Cathcart's Hill and some time afterwards found themselves in the vicinity of the Valley of Balaklava.
. . Was he an eye-witness of the famous charge? His eyes light up at the bare mention of it. Yes, he saw it and then for the first time in his life regretted having bought out of the Light Dragoons, in which he first enlisted. "But for that," he says, with great enthusiasm, "I should have been in the charge." He, too, though only one of the rank and file, has an opinion as to the blunder occurred. "It was like this," says he. "General Airey was in command that day. Lord Raglan was ill. General Airey, according to the talk in the ranks afterwards, gave young Nolan (that was what we called Captain Nolan in those days) an order for the Light Brigade to advance closer to the enemy. Captain Nolan delivered that order to Lord Lucan. Lord Lucan, turning to the Earl of Cardigan, said, "The order we have just received tells us to advance closer to the enemy, but where are we to go." Lord Lucan turned again to Lord Cardigan and a moment after the bugles sounded the charge and the whole brigade was galloping towards the Russian guns and to certain death. There is nothing new in all this. It has been served up to British readers over and over again. But it never loses any of its fascination, particularly when re-related by an eye witness.
. . Then Dark become retrospective, "Poor Nolan," he says, "he was the first to go down. When the charge was sounded he put himself at the head of the brigade. A spent shell struck him in the chest, he uttered a weird cry and his charger, turning round, galloped to the rear and the captain quite dead, but with his hand still gripping his sword, fell within 20 yards of where I was standing."
note which conflicts with William's 'eye witness report' .. Captain Godfrey Morgan, later 1st Viscount Tredegar recalled .. The first shell burst in the air about 100 yards in front of us. The next one dropped in front of Nolan's horse and exploded on touching the ground. He uttered a wild yell as his horse turned round and, with his arms extended, the reins dropped on the animal's neck, he trotted towards us, but in a few yards dropped dead off his horse. I do not imagine that anybody except those in the front line of the 17th Lancers (13th Light Dragoons) saw what had happened.
. . From Balaklava to Inkerman, where the severest and most hotly contested battle of the whole campaign took place, was an easy transition. Dark fought at Inkerman. This is how he tells the story. "On the morning of the 4th of November, the day before the battle, my regiment was detailed for covering duty. We went out about 9 o'clock, carrying our blankets with us. The night was bitterly cold. We lighted a great fire and we had to carry men to restore animation and prevent their being frozen to death in the trenches. About 5 o'clock in the morning we were relieved and returned to our camp on the Green-hill. There was a drizzling rain which had been falling for hours. We were wet through and cold; we had had nothing to eat for hours. Sir George Cathcart and his staff were standing on the knoll gazing through the gloom anxiously to the right. There was the rattle of musketry in that direction. We knew then that the Russians, taking advantage of the rain and fog, had crept up and were attacking our right wing. "Good morning, Inglis" says the General, addressing our major, "you are just in time; go and give those poor fellows on the right a hand; I fear they need it." "I am quite ready, sir," replied the major,"and so are my men" and thereupon we were faced about, cold, tired and hungry as we were, threw aside our blankets and went over to the right and were soon in the thick of the fighting. Three times the major formed us up and three times we charged the advancing Russians/ "Look her," he adds, bending down his head, "a bullet struck me there and ploughed its way in nearly to the skull, but I had the wound bandaged and fought on. We lost all our officers in that engagement and had it not been for the French Zouaves coming to to support, we should have been cut to pieces. When we marched back to camp we numbered 75 all told."
. . The veteran was also in the assault on the Redan - that desperate but wholly unsuccessful affair which caused a great loss of life and ruined one or two military reputations. After this he saw the bombardment of Odessa and about the middle of June 1856, found himself at Malta. Two hundred men were ordered to Aden overland. He was one of them. The Indian Mutiny broke out and the regiment in which Dark served were asked for volunteers. He stepped out of the ranks on the instant and a little later found himself at Bombay. Thence his regiment proceeded up country and joined the flying division. When matters became quiet in India the regiment in which Dark served was sent to New Zealand. *He landed there at the latter end of 1859 and in 1860 was at Taranaki, where war had just broken out.
* 350+ men of the 57th West Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own), the 'Die Hards,' left Poona & Bombay in Nov 1860, landing in Auckland 25 Jan 1861 on the 'Star Queen.' A detachment of the regiment left Manukau, arriving at Waitara, Taranaki on the H.M.S. Cordelia three days later
He fought throughout the whole campaign and in 1863 was discharged at his own request, whilst the regiment was lying at Wanganui. His commanding officer advised him to stick to the army. But he was obdurate. Being a carpenter by trade, he thought he could do better as a civilian. He joined the Volunteer forces of the colony and served the requisite two years.
. . And now, after such a fighting record and an honest attempt to earn a livelihood, he is in Sydney practically destitute. He is 73 years of age(sic 67) and can still do a good day's work; but he finds it difficult to obtain it. He has made an application for a campaign pension and the military authorities have taken the matter up for him and sent the application to the War Office.

28 May 1898, Parramatta aged 68
ASSAULT William John Dark was charged with assaulting one Frederick Thompson and pleaded not guilty. Both men were Asylum inmates and the assault occurred in the Asylum yard. Prosecutor stated that accused was giving him a bad character and on going towards him to tell him not to speak untruths accused struck him with his closed fist, inflicting a black eye. Accused, who was very deaf, admitted striking prosecutor, but in self-defence. He could not hear a word of the evidence.
Albert Nightingale, another inmate, said he witnessed the assault. Prosecutor went towards defendant, but being weak in the legs fell against defendant who struck prosecutor in the face.
One of the warders said the accused, owing to his deafness, was very troublesome in the Asylum. Accused was awarded seven days in Parramatta Gaol.
NOTE The Convict, Lunatic and Invalid Establishment at Parramatta was established in the buildings of the Female Factory. In 1847 the need for this factory ceased to exist and it was closed down by granting the women convicts who were remaining either discharge or tickets of leave. It was thus cleared except for those women who were invalids and lunatics. When it was converted to an asylum, it was for the purpose of housing chronic or deteriorated patients, all of whom were paupers .. Read story here. In 1983 the name was changed to Cumberland Hospital.
photo Parramatta Asylum Dining Yard 1875-1895


20 Nov 1898, Wellington aged 68
Death of wife #2 ELIZABETH DARK (White/Hastings)
Evening Post, 30 Nov 1898
DARK - On 30th November, at the residence of her daughter, Holland-street (Te Aro), Elizabeth Dark; aged 65 years. Her end was peace.
Elizabeth is buried Plot 21 K at Karori Cemetery


7 Feb 1900, NSW aged 69
His brother Leonard dies Leonard James Dark died aged 65 and is buried Grave 474, Zone B, Section DD at Rookwood Cemetery

28 Feb 1900, Sydney aged 69
JUSTICE IN A QUANDARY The authorities of the Central Police Court were in something of a quandary yesterday and, although in most cased the fertile brains of either the deposition clerk or the sergeant-in-charge bridge the difficulties that daily beset their paths, their genius had to retire temporarily beaten at last. The circumstances arose out of a charge against an old man named William John Dark, 76, described as a carpenter, to which the old fellow pleaded not guilty. Dark claims to be an old soldier and wears sundry ribbons on his chest, while his right sleeve lacks a portion of the arm. Constable Ball, who arrested Dark, a powerful man, despite his age and the loss of his limb, stated that at 10:40 on Monday night the man was drunk and used the bad language. On the way to the station Dark played up and kicked constable on the legs. Finding that his was speedily stopped, he then expectorated in the officer's face. This evidence having been given the trouble began. According to the custom, the deposition clerk proceeded to read over the evidence for the benefit of the accused, but Dark could not hear. He was then brought from the dock to a position in close proximity to the clerk, but still he could not hear. Sergeant Davis, whose voice is the admiration of the police and the terror of the reporters, then took a hand."Which is the best ear?" said he and having selected one proceeded to yell into it. "It's no good," remarked Dark. "My ears are mo more use to me than sightless eyes to a blind man." "Well," said the sergeant, "read it." "Read it?" responded Dark as he peered over the paper. "Read it? I can't. My eyes are too dim." This was the last straw and although the deposition clerk facetiously suggested sending for an interpreter, the court sergeant was completely staggered and put Dark's case back to consider some plan of overcoming the difficulty.

12 March 1908, NSW aged 77
His sister Hannah dies and is buried Grave 473, Zone B, Section Dd at Rookwood Cemetery
COLESTON (12 March 1912) - In loving memory of our dear sister, Hannah Eliza Coleston, who departed this life March 12 1908 aged 74 years. Inserted by her only brother William John Dark and sister Mary Maria Ward; also her loving nieces, Ada Empson and Violet May Ward (later Mrs Oliver Clafton). Never forgotten.

WILLIAM JOHN DARK died 21 Nov 1918 in Paddington.
22 Nov 1918 aged 88
DEATH DARK - November 21 1918 at his niece's residence, 178 Boundary street, Paddington, William John Dark, eldest son of the late William Dark, shipwright, of Kent street, Miller's Point (native of this colony) in his 89th year. At rest.
FUNERAL DARK - The relatives and friends of the late Mr William John Dark are invited to attend his Funeral, to leave his late residence, 178 Boundary street, Paddington, this afternoon as 1 o'clock, for Church of England Cemetery, Rookwood.
He is buried Grave, 476, Section DD, Zone B at Rookwood Cemetery

photo William is buried with siblings:
1833-1908 Hannah Eliza Coleston
1835-1900 Leonard James Dark
1838-1885 George Henry Dark
1843-1887 Thomas Joseph Dark


Photo credit Kaz Bee 31-5-2019

photo Paddington c1870, looking over the cemetery before the bodies were relocated in 1917. The area now underneath Lang Park/Suncorp Stadium


7 Dec 1918, Sydney
THANKS The relatives of the late William John Dark wish to return thanks to all relatives and friends for their floral tributes and expressions of sympathy and especially Canon Beck, in their bereavement.

21 Nov 1919, Sydney MEMORIAM
DARK - In loving memory of my dear brother and our uncle, William John, who departed this life November 21 1918. Inserted by his loving sister Mary Ward and nieces Ada Empson and Viola Clafton.
DARK - In loving memory of our dear uncle, William John Dark, who died November 21 1918 aged 88 years. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. Inserted by his loving nieces, Lizzie and Ada

7 Aug 1920
Death of wife #3 ANN EMMA PARKIN (nee Elliott)
Mrs Ann Parkin, relict of the late Mr Christopher Parkin, died at her residence, Victoria-street, St Marys on Friday evening, 30th July, at the age of 84 years and three months. Deceased, who usually enjoyed robust health for a lady of her years, recently took ill with the prevailing influenza and owing to her age did not have the strength to recover. She passed away peacefully in the presence of her children.
The late Mrs Parkin was a native of Mulgoa and was the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Elliott. Her father was a captain in the navy and had some stirring experiences in old engagements. He came to Australia in the early days and took up a grant of land at Kurrajong. The family later resided at Mulgoa and Castlereagh. Deceased was married at Penrith to the late Mr Christopher Parkin, who pre-deceased her about 36 years ago, He was employed as a rivetter on the first railway bridge across the Nepean River and was a teamster in the early days of the district.
The late Mrs Parkin lived in the Nepean district all her life with the exception of a couple of years she spent at Lithgow, whence she moved about 30 years ago. She moved to St Marys 18 years ago and resided there until the time of her death. She lived in dwellings further west in Victoria-street than her latest home, which was built for her by her son, Mr W. H. Parkin, adjoining his shop and in which she took up her residence four years ago,
Deceased is survived by one daughter and three sons, viz., Mrs Duff (Lithgow), Mr Jonathan Parkin (Penrith), Mr George Parkin (South Granville) and Mr William Henry Parkin (St Marys). There are also 23 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
The late Mr George Elliott (father of Mr W. J. Elliott, Penrith's inspector of nuisances), who died at Regentville many years ago, was a brother of the late Mrs Parkin. Another brother, Mr John Elliott, and a sister, Mrs Jones, Sydney also pre-deceased her.
The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, the remains being laid to rest in the Methodist portion of the general cemetery, St Marys, alongside those of the late Mr George Shadlow (1831-1920), who died recently and with whom, of late years, deceased had often conversed, in that reminiscent style in which old people will converse. Rev J. B. Penman conducted the service and Mrs John Price and Son carried out the undertaking arrangements.

20 Feb 1935
His sister Mary dies Mary Maria Ward died aged 89 in Paddington and is buried at Waverley Cemetery
Sydney Morning Herald, 21 Feb 1935
WARD - The Relatives and Friends of the late Mrs Mary Ward, of Paddington, are kindly invited to attend her Funeral; to leave our Parlour 262 Oxford-street, Wollahra, (Thursday) at 3:30, for Waverley Cemetery
WARD - The relatives and firends of Mrs Ada Empson and daughter Iris and of Mr and Mrs Oliver Clafton and family, of Northbridge, are kindly invited to attend the funeral of their dearly loved mother and grandmother

29 March 1948
Death of his 1st daughter Margaret Annie Dark. Margaret was born 16 May 1865. Her mother was Hannah Hankins/Remnant/Dark. She married Charles Edwin Crocombe (1865-1923) in 1887
They had 9 children
1888 - 1954 John Edward Crocombe (+Learmouth +Pachnatz)
1890 - 1907 Charles Cyril Crocombe
1892 - 1974 Mabel Winifred Crocombe (+Roberts)
1894 - 1969 Alfred Bernard Crocombe (+Watson)
1897 - 1982 George William Crocombe (+McLeod)
1898 - 1927 Alice Myrtle Crocombe (+Forrest)
1901 - 1972 Walter Ronald Crocombe (+Hibbert)
1902 - 1977 Elsie Wilhelmina Crocombe (+Burrett)
1904 - 1994 Victor Stephen Crocombe (+Purdy)
* Charles died 6 May 1923 aged 58
* Margaret died 29 March 1948 in Auckland aged 82
They are buried Plot 7B, Row 2, Division B at Waikumete

21 Jan 1951
Death of his 4th daughter Williemena Dark. Williemena was born 8 Oct 1875. Her mother was Elizabeth White/Hastings/Dark. Williemena married Alfred Edward Bowden (1877-1957) in 1902.
No children found.
* Williemena died 21 Jan 1951 aged 75 and was cremated at Karori
* Alfred was the 4th of 14 children of William John Bowden & Emma Gruitt. He died 17 Dec 1957 aged 80 and is buried Plot 80 C at Karori with one of his brothers, Albert Victor Bowden (1894-1959)

3 April 1954
Death of his 3rd daughter Emily Jane Dark. Emily was born 22 June 1873. Her mother was Elizabeth White/Hastings/Dark. Emily married Herbert Hamilton Simmons on 16 May 1892 at St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Napier.
They had a daughter:
1893 - 1976 Violette Maud 'Lettie' Simmons (+ Goss)
* Herbert died 24 Jan 1940 aged 70 & cremated at Karori
* Emily died 3 April 1954 aged 80

29 Sep 1954
Death of his 5th daughter Alice Maude Dark.
Alice was born 9 Jan 1878. Her mother was Elizabeth White/Hastings/Dark. Alice married Master Mariner, Captain George Benjamin Corby (1877-1949) in 1902. George was born in Nelson, the 6th of 8 children of Duncan Corby & Sarah Oram Bartlett. He joined the Union Steam Ship Co in 1915 and retired in 1940.
Alice & George had a daughter
1904 - Eleanor Maude 'Ella' Corby (+ Byrne + Rice)
They then all moved to New South Wales, where they are buried.
* George died 11 Nov 1949 at Potts Pointe, Sydney aged 72
* Alice died 29 Sep 1954 in Potts Point, Sydney aged 76
* They were cremated at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, NSW

FOOTNOTE the 'Die Hards'
The 57th Regiment of Foot, NZ 1861-1867
In 1866, after campaigning in Taranaki, the 57th was transferred to Waikato. Regimental headquarters was at Te Awamutu, with companies stationed at Ngāruawāhia and Te Rore. William was discharged in 1863. The 57th returned to England in early 1867 after a 13-year absence. Before they left New Zealand, this obelisk memorial was supplied by a London mason and erected by members of the regiment in New Plymouth’s Te Henui Cemetery. It is dedicated to the memory of the officers and men who had been killed in action or died of disease during the New Zealand Wars.


photo credit Memorial at Te Henui