Benjamin Grainger

Benjamin Galley Grainger (b 1791 or 1798; d. Jan 8,1871) and his wife Mary Ann Stiff or Steff ( born April 4 1799 in Great Bradley, Suffolk England). were my great great great grandparents, through their son George who migrated to South Australia. They also migrated to Australia, but to New South Wales (Assisted Immigrants). I'm not aware of any contact between parents and George.

In 1841 the UK census has the family living at Linnet Hall where they were employed. All the children were present except eldest Ann (employed elsewhere or married?) and youngest, Daniel. George Granger was 15-19 years. Both parents were aged 40-44. Father Benjamin was born between 1797 and 1801 so 1798 birth date looks most likely. Benjamin, George and David were listed as agricultural labourers. (Scan of census record sighted on MYHeritage: 1841 England & Wales Census - Benjamin Grainger

County: CambridgeshirePage: 13Family: 921Line: 3Image: 21
© Crown Copyright Images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England.)

In 1851 Benjamin, Mary Ann and younger children were still at Linnet Hall. The children's ages on this census look very confused, with the youngest now the oldest.

According to these Censuses and various online family trees, the children of Benjamin Grainger and his wife Mary Ann were:

• Ann Barton (born Granger)
• George Granger - my great great grandfather, migrated to Adelaide
• David Grainger
• Eliza Clifton (born Granger) - Lake Macquarie, Coorumbung ?
• James Granger - died soon after arrival in Adelaide
• Jonas Granger - def different person from James, though James was buried in West Tce Cemetery as Jonas. Leased land in Gunning, Dec 1861, Yass, 1870. m. Maria, died 1873
• Stephen Granger,
• Charles Granger
• Daniel Granger 

Immigration: From NSW State Archives: 14th March 1857 GRANGER Benjamin, aged 57, arrived on the Beejapore to Sydney and/or Newcastle with family Reel 2138, [4/4793]; Reel 2475, [4/4966]

Benjamin Granger, age 57, farm labourer, orig from Cambridge, able to read, Methodist
Mary Ann, age 57, wife, Suffolk (think it says "No" under literacy)
Eliza 24, Cook, could both read and write
Jonas, 22, shepherd, could both read and write
Stephen 18 no occupation, able to read
Charles 16 no occupation, able to read

They arrived to join married son David, already in NS, free passengers, arr. Tantivy 1854:

David Grainger, Age 25 years Arrived per Tantivy 1854 at Sydney and/or Newcastle; Original Remarks: and family [Biog Item No. 101562370]

James Grainger, Age 6 years Arrived per Tantivy 1854 at Sydney and/or Newcastle; Original Remarks: and family [Biog Item No. 101562371]

Sarah Grainger, Age 25 years Arrived per Tantivy 1854 at Sydney and/or Newcastle; Original Remarks: and family [Biog Item No. 101562372]

 Source ABD

Biography:
GRANGER, Benjamin (c1797-1871), farm labourer, of Gunning NSW; formerly of Weston Colville CAM ENG; born c1797 SFK ENG; son of Joseph Granger, and Mary; education read; arrived 14 March 1857 Sydney NSW per Beejapore as immigrant; land conditional purchase lease 400 acres 1860 Gunning NSW; spouse (1) Mary Ann Stiff (1798-1874) dau of Abraham Stiff of Great Bradley SFK ENG and Anne (Dover); married 1822 ENG; issue by (1) David (1829-1871), Eliza (1832-) (m Clifton), Jonas (1834-1873), Stephen (1839-1895), Charles (1841-1873). Benjamin and Mary Ann Granger with four of their children joined their married son David, already at Camden, and the complete family settled in the Gunning district. The original land purchased is still occupied by a Granger family. Benjamin died in Gunning on 08 Jan 1871. [This published biography was submitted in the 1980s by L K Evans]. [2296/001] [Biog Item No. 910114629]

Source
Book: Australian Biographical & Genealogical Record - Series 2 - 1842-1899