Sophia Rayner gave birth to her sixth child and fifth daughter on 14 January 1830. Mary, now fifteen avoided the house while her mother was in labour. But this baby, Rebekah, was a beautiful healthy pink colour. She screamed as soon as she took her first breath, was plump and had a strong kick and grasp.
James Jr left New Norfolk the day after Rebekah’s birth. Eager to return to Hamilton to oversee construction of the Crooked Billet. Catherine had never seen him pack and leave in such a hurry.
Crooked BilletBlay Sr doubted his son would be a successful hotelier. He was too quick to rage, lazy, and always trying to get rich without working too hard. He treated those who worked for him, convict and free as if they were his slaves.
Keen to see his daughter-in-law comfortable in her home on
