Robert Saunders 1797 - 1888

Robert Saunders was born on the 5th of November 1797 in Cheddington, Dorsetshire, England to Robert and Elizabeth Saunders. Robert was one of sixteen children. Robert married Joan Haynes in St Peters church Long Bredy, Dorsetshire, England on the 20th of December 1818. Their first child  John was born in October 1819 followed by another son  Robert Hann born in September 1820 whilst Robert was incarcerated awaiting deportation. Robert Saunders was caught stealing chickens in Yeovil and appeared in court on the 10th of July 1820. This was his third time to appear before the courts. He received a seven year sentence for his crime and was transported to Van Diemans land. Robert departed from Portsmouth, England aboard the Countess of Harcourt on the 19th Of April 1821 and arrived in Hobart Town, Van Diemens land on the 27th July 1821. Robert was assigned to a Mr J Fletcher where he served out his remaining sentence. On the 24th Of April 1828 Robert Saunders was released as a free man. On the 28th of March 1836 Robert re-married in Longford, Tasmania to Ann Clancy. Robert and his new wife Ann moved to Evandale, Tasmania around 1840 before spending a short period at Campbell Town. Robert and Ann went on to have thirteen children. Their first daughter  Maria was born on the 28th of December 1836 in Longford, Tasmania.   Ann was born in 1838 in Longford Robert was born on the 27th of November 1839 in Campbell Town, Tasmania.  Elizabeth Martha 8th of October 1841, Evandale Helen or Ellen 17th of October 1843, Evandale Sarah 14th of February 1846, Evandale Jane 21st January 1848, Evandale George 7th of August 1850, Evandale Un named male 17th May 1852, Evandale Un named Male 10th of December 1853, Evandale Francis 9th of December 1854, Evandale Henry James 10th of April 1857, Evandale Thirteenth child un known (possibly Thomas). Robert was the sexton at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Evandale for over 50 years and was a well known identity in the town. Robert died on the 15th of October 1888 in Evandale, Tasmania. He is buried at St Andrews Presbyterian Church Evandale. Ann died on the 23rd of February 1897. She was 83 years old. Both are buried in an unmarked grave in the front of the church on the left.