Sarah Griggs

• General Notes
  • Sarah Griggs was born on NBorfolk Island 30 May 1793. Her mother aslo Sarah Griggs, had arrived as a convict aboard the Neptune in 1790.  Her father was Lieutenant John Townson of the New South Corps.
    In Sydney on 13 April 1810 Sarah gave birth to a daughter, Ann Jane Griggs , Fathered by Nathaniel Collins of the New South Corps.
    Sarah Griggs married Joseph Wright atr St. Phillips Church of England in Sydney in 1811.  Joseph was the oldest son of first fleet convict Joseph Wright and his wife Ellen Gott who had arrived aboard the " Neptune " in 1790
    Another daughter Sarah was born to this couple before they moved to Van Dieman's Land.
    
    Joseph took up land at York Plains (Mt Seymour) in1815 and in 1817 was granted 50 acreas.  Hebuilt the first substantial dwelling in the district, a stone and rubble dwelling which for a time was used as an inn.   The Inn accomodated a corporal and seven soldiers who inspected loaded carts proceeding through the country.  When Governor Sorell ordered the soldiers to Jerico the Inn became a rendezvous for sheep and cattle thieves where many a good fat steer was melted down.The Inn comonly known as Joe Wright's became " Meadowbank " at the suggestion of govneror Macquarie who spent the night on 2 June 1821within the walls on his second and last visit to Van Dieman's land.
    
    
    By 1822 Joseph Wright owned 230 acres.   Wheat was sown in 5 acres,  175 acres were in pasture and the balance was uncleared.  His stock consisted of 2 horses , 130 cattle and 1200 sheep.  He imployed 2 assigned servants and a tutor for his children. 
    
    Sarah Wright   nee Greegs gave birth to another seven children in Tasmania .  Her death has not been found in Tasmanian records but she preceeded her father, John Townson, who died in Sydney in 1835. 
    
    Joseph
    wright died at his daughters residence , "Wilot Arms" on the 6 April 1862 aged 74 years old.