LUCY & JOHN MELTON
Lucy Ann Bennett was born in 1829 in Reigate, Surrey, England. Her parents were Thomas Bennett and Maria Bennett nee Richbell.
She was baptised on the 11th day of February 1829, at St Mary's, Reigate, Surrey, England. (ancestry 2016)
She was baptised on the 11th day of February 1829, at St Mary's, Reigate, Surrey, England. (ancestry 2016)
Above: Lucy Ann Bennett's baptism. Image c/o ancestry.com.au
Lucy emigrated at age 19 to Australia aboard the Macedon, with her 22-year-old sister Jane. The ship departed Gravesend, London, on the 13th day of June 1849. They were among 222 passengers on board. They arrived on the 3rd day of October 1849, at Port Adelaide, South Australia. (ancestry 2016) (Bound for SA 2026)
Above: Item from the South Australian Gazette and Mining Journal, Thu 4 Oct 1849. Image c/o Trove
On the 26th day of July 1855, she married John William Melton at St John's Church in Adelaide, S.A.
In 1858, their first child Ernest Frederick Melton was born.
In 1860 their second child Edith Lucy Melton was born.
In 1862, their third child Harry Percy Melton was born. He died in 1862.
In 1863 their fourth child Harry Herbert Melton was born. He died in 1864.
In 1858, their first child Ernest Frederick Melton was born.
In 1860 their second child Edith Lucy Melton was born.
In 1862, their third child Harry Percy Melton was born. He died in 1862.
In 1863 their fourth child Harry Herbert Melton was born. He died in 1864.
In 1861, John Melton was granted a licence for the Robin Hood Hotel at Strathalbyn. (Licences Granted 2026)
In June 1864, John Melton was charged with stealing 50lbs sperm candles valued at 2 pounds 14s, the property of William Sandover at Strathalbyn on June 17th.
In August he appeared in the Supreme Court Adelaide before Mr Justice Gwynne. The jury after 'a long absence' found Melton guilty of Larceny but strongly recommended him to mercy on account of his former good character. Despite six witnesses being called to attest to his 'good character for honest, straightforward conduct and integrity', he was sentenced to 6 months' imprisonment. (Law & Criminal Courts 2026)
In August he appeared in the Supreme Court Adelaide before Mr Justice Gwynne. The jury after 'a long absence' found Melton guilty of Larceny but strongly recommended him to mercy on account of his former good character. Despite six witnesses being called to attest to his 'good character for honest, straightforward conduct and integrity', he was sentenced to 6 months' imprisonment. (Law & Criminal Courts 2026)
Above: article from the Adelaide Observer, 25 Jun 1864. Image c/o Trove
Just 2 months after her husband was sent to gaol, Lucy died in October 1864, aged 30, following a lengthy illness.
She left 3 young children and her husband. John was given 3 days' compassionate leave to say goodbye to his wife. (Alexandrina 2022)
She left 3 young children and her husband. John was given 3 days' compassionate leave to say goodbye to his wife. (Alexandrina 2022)
Upon being released from gaol, John Melton moved to New Zealand. He died there on the 16th day of June 1892, in Auckland, aged 71 years. (ancestry 2016)
Lucy's headstone can be found in the Common Ground section of the cemetery.
Above: Article from the Adelaide Observer, Sat 25 Jun 1864. Image c/o Trove
References.
- ancestry (2016) Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records, Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/ (Accessed: July 28, 2026).
- Alexandrina Council, 2022, Strathalbyn Cemetery Self-Guided Tour Division 1
- BOUND FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA - MACEDON 1849 by DIANE CUMMINGS (2026) Sa.gov.au. Available at: https://bound-for-south-australia.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/1849Macedon.htm (Accessed: July 28, 2026).
- Law and Criminal Courts (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/39116346?searchterm=john%20william%20melton [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]
- Licences Granted (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/92257490 [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]