Frederick Octavius Neal (1833-1924) was born in Winslow, Buckinghamshire, England to Joseph and Rosetta Joan Neal (nee Flowers ). Joseph was an innkeeper who ran the Bell Hotel in Winslow. Rosetta, from Marstonfields Farm near North Marston, was the sister of Joseph's first wife Sarah who died shortly after the birth of her child. On February 6, 1853, Frederick and Mary Smith (1832-1883) were married at St Bride's Church in London. On August 4 of the next year Frederick and Mary, both aged 21, and their baby son Frederick (1853-1933) left England on the "Calcutta" , arriving in Melbourne, Australia on October 15, 1854.
The Neals had 8 children altogether:
After a short time living in Melbourne, Frederick Octavius Neal decided to move to the district of Romsey. Following in his father's footsteps he became a publican at the "Duckholes" hotel located in present-day Monegeeta North. During a period between the 1870's and 1890's he was a businessman in the town of Romsey, operating the general store and becoming very involved with the district in various public roles.
In 1881 Frederick and his wife were involved in a serious incident, which was reported in the local press. Frederick was returning from Hanging Rock "when he met with a severe accident, when the horse that he was driving bolted and as a result the buggy capsized, throwing out Mr and Mrs Neal. Mrs Neal fortunately escaped with a few bruises but her husband did not fare so well, the accident causing a serious injury to his head. A messenger was quickly dispatched for Dr Lateen. On arrival he attended the wound and stopped the haemorrhage. Mr Neal is gradually regaining his strength and the wound should rapidly heal" (Lancefield- Romsey Examiner, January 6, 1881)
After Mary's death in 1883, Frederick married Sarah Elizabeth Bennett (1837-1904). In 1924, Frederick, aged 91 years, died at his daughter's home in Auburn. He is buried with Sarah at Boroondara Cemetery in Kew, Victoria.
Neal page contents Copyright © 2000-2004 P. Neal, S. Williams and Contributors
Last updated: 30 January 2004
|
|