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Drowned in a well; servant blamed


The prolific use of wells in early colonial times meant they could often be a hazard for energetic, wandering young children. The difference with the death of three year old Samuel Barley at his parents property was, on the headstone, the blame was literally chiselled there for eternity and put squarely on the shoulders of 'a careless female servant'.

Samuel Barley Jr's final resting place. Photo Karen Smith
Samuel Barley Jr's final resting place. Photo Karen Smith

It can only be imagined how devastated the young woman must have been to be looking after her young charge and have him fall into the well because it had been left uncovered. Perhaps, she had made a trip there to get water for bathing, tea, washing of clothes, we don't know. In her rush, she may have forgotten to replace the lid and it caused the death of a 'beautiful and promising' child.


Samuel was born to Samuel Barley Sr and Mary Chester, in March, 1831. Mary would have been large with child at her wedding as the couple married in late 1830. Both had been convicts, although at the time of marriage, Mary was free and Samuel Sr was still a bond-servant. They were both working for William Rafter of Parramatta, who planned to keep them on until Samuel received his Ticket-of-Leave. The couple were noted as having a good character.


In 1833, when Samuel Jr would have been two years old, Samuel and Mary bought a parcel of land in Ross Street, Parramatta from George Cummings Flintoff. It had a 'weather boarded house' and measured 60 feet in the front and rear and 140 feet in depth, 'more or less'. They paid 35 pounds for the property.


Sadly, it would be hear that Samuel Jr breathed his last the day he fell and drowned in the well on the property. He was buried at St Patricks Catholic Church cemetery.


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