Back to main Bunt page[1] Grace was the 10th child to Robert GRIGG and Ann COAD.Grace was mentioned in her father's will as receiving one sixth share in Restorick Downs China Clayworks and one of her father's seven shares in Pegualla Trucks. Died 09-Jul-1888 buried 11-Jul-1888. The church bells only toll when the person was a member of the Church of England and not a Methodist. This would only take place as the funeral was entering the church green. This was most unusal as it neverwas known to happen before or since. The rector of the church at that time had great respect for her with the church work she did for the Methodist.
James and Grace lived at St Dennis all their lives and had 12 children - 2 girls and 10 boys, the eldest being Elijah who was 22 when the last child was born. Grace married at 17 and died at 57. James was manager of the Goonvean clayworks and had a team of horses and wagons. Waggonettes for carrying people too for weekly shopping and pleasure trips. They were known as buses and were sixpence each way into St Austell from St Dennis. This was the only means of transport and it took 2 and a half hours for the 7 mile mile trip to St Austell which was the nearest market town. The vehicles carried 12-14 people at a time.
The sons drove the waggonettes and also worked at the claworks. Some emigrated to America and Australia and at one time there were 5 brothers in Sydney, Australia.
Grace was a devoted Christian and lead weekely prayer meetings at Carne Hill Chapel and held family prayer.
James would read the weekly paper to the workmen at the clayworks. He would be seen riding a white horse to work , his upright figure and flowing white beard giving him dignity.
This Bunt family were shareholders in the Goonvean Clayworks.
Unfortunately (financially) LOrd Falmouth the landlord, decided
not to renew the lease but to work the pit himself. This meant
that the Bunt shares were taken over by the landlord after
receiving a share of the profits for a number of years. This
became their misfortune.
[2]
- Cornish Guardian 6 July 1917 page 5:
" It is with regret we record the death on Tuesday of Mr. Elijah Bunt, Trelavour Sq., St Dennis at the age of 86 years. He was a very familiar figure in the locality and was held in general esteem. The deceased had ben in failing health for some years, but latterly the state of his health became grave. After about spending 30 years in Australia, he returned to St. Dennis some years ago and started business in the village. Mr. Bunt had taken an active interest in church life and public affairs. He had been a consistant member of Carne Hill United Methodist Church, a Parish Councillor and Sunday school Superintendent and for some years had acted as choir conductor. He was one of the managers of the St.Dennis Council School and the treasurer of the Belgian Relief Fund. He was one of the first members of teh VTC in St Dennis and one of the range officers, a good shot and on the miniature range had many prizes. The deceased was also on the committee of the VTC. His wife predeceased him just over three years ago. He leaves two daughters and two sons. The sons are in Australia."
[3] Notes for JAMES BUNT James was with his brother on the "St. Lawrence" arriving on 8/6/1877. He was 21 at the time. James lived most of his life in Lithgow . Died at St. Leonards Sydney 10/11/192 where he was staying with his daughter Eliza Burgess). Aged 66 and is buried at Lithgow with his first wife Mary Jane Truscott. Also buried with them are his 2 infant children. Harold Bunt age 2 ye ars 13/1/1890: James charles Bunt age 2 years & 9 months 16/6/1891 James became an underground coal mines manager at the Lithgow Pottery Estate Mine. A relative commented that he had to go work even when the mine workers were on strike or they couldn't work . His role was to check the mine each day to ensure it was safe for the men. He used to take down the canary and the dog to check the air in the mine.
The family lived in Bent Street Lithgow near the pottery Estate Mine. There is an old house in Bent Street which has been called "Cornwell" & is believed to be their old home. He was a band leader in Lithgow beleived to be the Lithgow Miners Band. All his children were in couraged to play variety of musical instruments. The favourite family entertainment at night was to sing & play their instruments around the piano. He was activly involved in the local church,Sunday school and choir. He married Mary Jane Truscott the sister of Amanda wife of Elijah. Mary arrived on the "Samuel Plimsoll" in 1882
Notes for MARY JANE TRUSCOTT: Mary Jane Truscott was the daughter of James and Eliza Truscott (nee Knight) born 1/4/1858 at St. dennis Cornwall. She was the fifth child born and had 5 sisters & 5 brothers. All the children were born in Cornwall. Mary arrived on"Samue l Plimsoll" in 1882. Her sister Amanda married Elijah Bunt. Seven of her brothers & sister came to Australi at different times. Mary died 7/1/1895 a month after the birth of her second child Illma Grace.
[4] Notes for DAVID BUNT: Arrived in Australia 23 Dec 1884 ; Occupation: COAL MINER. David was 18 years old when he arrived & worked in the Lithgow Valley Mine in the pottery Estate died at the age of 39 from lung complications from working in the mines. His wife remarried after his death. The four brothers all had bushy type beards.