ABSALOM PALMER was born 10 Feb 1852 in Okehampton, Devon, England, son of Absalom Palmer and Grace Ingerson. He died 01 Dec 1928 in Cabramatta, NSW, Australia. He married (1) MARY ELIZA SMALE SLEEMAN Jun 1873 in Bootle, Cumberland, England (10b, 1042). She was born 15 Apr 1855 in Gunnislake, Cornwall, England, and died Dec 1873 in Bootle, Cumberland, England. He married (2) BESSIE SLEMAN Jun 1876 in Bootle, Cumberland, England (10b, 1013). She was born 06 May 1857 in Gunnislake, Cornwall, England. He married (3) 29 Dec 1887 in Waverley, NSW, Sydney, daughter of Henry Worthy and Caroline Milgate. She was born 01 Jun 1865 in Sydney, NSW, Australia, and died 20 Feb 1951 in Cabramatta, NSW, Australia.
Children of ABSALOM PALMER and EMILY WORTHY are:
HENRY ABSALOM PALMER, b. 23 Jul 1888, Waverley, NSW, Australia; d. 1968, Katoomba, NSW, Australia.
MINNIE GRACE PALMER, b. 22 Jan 1890, Waverley, NSW, Australia; d. 11 May 1963, Punchbowl, NSW, Australia.
MAGGIE MAY PALMER, b. 07 Jan 1892, Leichhardt, NSW, Australia; d. 12 Jul 1975, Chatswood, Sydney, NSW, Australia;
LOUISA FLORENCE PALMER, b. 18 Jan 1900, Cabramatta, NSW, Australia; d. 03 Aug 1972, East Gosford, NSW, Australia.
ALMA EMILY PALMER, b. 14 Nov 1901, Cabramatta, NSW, Australia; d. 04 Feb 1983, Forbes, NSW, Australia.
BEATRICE ADIEL PALMER, b. 03 Apr 1905, Cabramatta, NSW, Australia; d. 14 Oct 1981, Cabramatta, NSW, Australia.
The following children are also registered as parents Absalom and Emily
WILLIAM JOHN PALMER, b. 1914; d. 11 Jul 1970, Leichhardt, NSW, Australia.
DOUGLAS PALMER, b. 1913; d. 18 Mar 1983, Blacktown, NSW, Australia.
Notes for Absalom Palmer
England 1871 Census
Parish of Gunnislake, Calstock, Cornwall
Address Hicks House
William SLOCOMBE, Head, M, Male, 36, Shoemaker, Hatherleigh, Devon
Mary SLOCOMBE, Wife, M, Female, 38, Okehampton, Devon
William SLOCOMBE, Son, , Male, 14, Scholar, Millbrook, Cornwall
James SLOCOMBE, Son, , Male, 12, Apprentice, Millbrook, Cornwall
John SLOCOMBE, Son, , Male, 10, Scholar, Millbrook, Cornwall
Ann SLOCOMBE, Daug, , Female, 9, Scholar, Gunnislake, Cornwall
Ellen SLOCOMBE, Daug, , Female, 7, Scholar, Gunnislake, Cornwall
Richard SLOCOMBE, Son, , Male, 5, Scholar, Gunnislake, Cornwall
Samuel SLOCOMBE, Son, , Male, 4, Scholar, Gunnislake, Cornwall
Mary SLOCOMBE, Daug, , Male, 2, Gunnislake, Cornwall
Harry PALMER, Lodger, U, Male, 28, Shoemaker, Chagford, Devon
Absalom PALMER, Lodger, U, Male, 19, Shoemaker, Okehampton, Devon
Lucy RICH, Visitor, , Female, 9, Scholar, Okehampton, Devon
Absalom Palmer 1871 Cornwall Calstock census.pdf
Absalom Palmer moves to the town of MIllion in the County of Cumberland and marries Mary Eliza S Sleeman, the daughter of John and Agnes Sleeman in the June Qtr, 1873, the marriage is registered within the Bootle Registration area. Mary originates from the parish of Calstock Cornwall, the 
same parish Absalom is found in 1871. Mary however dies around 3 months later, aged 18. (perhaps due to child birth? Would like more information on this - perhaps purchase death certificate?). Absalom then marries Bessie Sleman, also the daughter of John and Agnes Sleeman in the June Qtr, 1876. Although the surname is spelt differently on the registration, she is the sister of Mary Eliza Sleeman.
On the left is Absalom Palmer, Aged 21 which dates this photograph to approximately 1873
The marriage however is possibly is under question as to the legality.
Until the change to the Marriage Act in 1907, it was forbidden for a man to marry the sister of his deceased wife. This prohibition derived from a doctrine of Canon Law whereby those who were connected by marriage were regarded as being related to each other in a way which made marriage between them improper. Prohibition of marriage between certain degrees of kindred outlawed what is known as incest; prohibition between degrees of relationship by marriage (affinity) as opposed to blood (consanguinity) seems to have reflected an analogous taboo.
The Marriage Act 1835, hardened the law into an absolute prohibition (whilst, however, authorising any such marriages which had already taken place), so that such marriages could no longer take place in Great Britain at all. Such marriages from that date had to take place abroad.
Absalom and Bessie Palmer are found in Millom Cumberland in the 1881 England census. Absalom has progressed to be a Shoemaker Master. In the same house is also Bessie's mother and step-father, her mother having remarried John Gerry (Garry). Absalom and Bessie have no children present in the house. There is only one birth of a Palmer in the Bootle Registration district in the 1870's which may suggest that Bessie could not bear children
England 1881 Census
Parish of Millom, Cumberland
Address 69 Queen St
Absolom PALMER, Head, M, Male, 29, Shoemaker Master, Oakhampton, Devon
Bessie PALMER, Wife, M, Female, 23, Gunnislake, Cornwall
...
John GARRY, Head, M, Male, 48, Iron Miner, Marstow, Devon
Agnes GARRY, Wife, M, Female, 52, Thrustelton, Devon
Absalom Palmer 1881 Cumberland Millom census.pdf
Absalom moved to Australia around 1883/1884, given the detail provided on his death certificate. He does not appear on the assisted immigration lists, so he probably purchased a one way ticket and moved to the colony. Perhaps the decision to leave his wife in England is due to the possible illegality of his marriage, which potentially may have been discovered. There is also the possibility that the marriage was childless and divorce was not a permitted option. This may have meant an escape of this situation by literally moving to the other side of the world.
Absalom married Emily Harriet Worthy on the 29th of December, 1887 at 2 Springfield Terrace Grafton St Waverley by the rites of the Conregational Church the address where Absalom is living. Emily's address is 21 Gipp Street Balmain. Absalom's age is listed as 29, which is 6 years younger than his actual age. Emily is aged 22, now 7 years after having been released from the Randwick Destitute childrens home. Absalom also lists himself as a bachelor, obviously preferring not to reveal his previous marriages to his new bride or the authorities.
Absalom is still working as a bootmaker, and has moved Leichhardt by 1892, probably living with his father. By 1899, he has moved out to Cabramatta. Absalom remained in the Cabramatta area, living in Sussex St until his death in 1928. On his death certificate, his age is now correctly listed as 76 years. He was cremated at Rookwood cemetery and his ashes scattered in the Sunken Garden.
Reference to being an Alderman in 1906
Extracts from Sands Directory
1890 Palmer A, Bootmaker, 2 Grafton St, Woollahra
1891 Palmer Absalom, 50 Grafton St, Woollahra
1895 Palmer A, 176 Francis St, Leichhardt
1897 Palmer Absalom, 276 Francis St, Leichhardt
1897 Palmer A, Francis St, Leichhardt, Bootmaker (listed under trades)
1912 Palmer Absalom, Macquarie St, Liverpool
1916 Palmer A, Bootmaker, Cabramatta
1918 Palmer Absalom, Bootmaker, Cabramatta
1920 Palmer Absalom, Bootmaker, Cabramatta
1925 Palmer Absalom, Bootmaker, Cabramatta
1930 Palmer Absalom, Bootmaker, Cabramatta
Extracts from Electoral Rolls
1892 Palmer, Absalom, Freehold Carlton, Balmain, NSW,
1894 Palmer, Absalom, 176 Francis St, Balmain, NSW, Bootmaker
1899 Palmer, Absalom, Cabramatta, NSW, Bootmaker
1903 Palmer, Absalom, Cabramatta, NSW, Bootmaker
Palmer, Emily Harriett, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
1909 Palmer, Absalom, Cabramatta, NSW, Bootmaker
Palmer, Emily Harriett, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
1913 Palmer, Absalom, Cabramatta, NSW, Bootmaker
Palmer, Emily Harriett, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
1915 Palmer, Absalom, Cabramatta, NSW, Bootmaker
Palmer, Emily Harriett, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
1921 Palmer, Absalom, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Bootmaker
Palmer, Emily Harriett, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
Details from Death Notice SMH 3rd Dec 1928
Palmer - December 1, 1928 at his residence Sussex St Cabramatta. Absalom, dearly loved husband of Emily Harriet Palmer and loving mother of Harry, Minnie, Maggie, Louise, Alma and Adeil, in his 77th year. At rest. By request, no flowers.
Details from Funeral Notice SMH 3rd Dec 1928
Palmer - The relatives and friends of Mrs E. H. Palmer and family of Sussex St Cabramatta are kindly invited to attend the funeral of their late dearly loved husband and father, Absalom, which is appointed to take place this (Monday) afternoon at the crematorium Rookwood.
Absalom Palmer married in England:
Mary Eliza S Sleeman marriage in Bootle, county of Cumberland - registered Volume 10b, Page 1042 in June Quarter 1873
Bessie Sleman in Bootle, county of Cumberland - registered Volume 10b, Page 1013 in June Quarter 1876
Notes for Emily Harriett Worthy
Emily was born to Henry Worthy and Caroline Milgate (late Barrow) in 1865. With the disappearance of her father, Emily and sister Louisa Jane were entered into the Randwick Hospital for Destitute Children on the 25th of November 1868. The entry claims that her father was a gunner at Gibralter. She was released on the 14th of April 1871 to her stepfather Mr McNaughton. Emily was readmitted on the 20th of November 1873 with "Mother dead, Father suffering from accident about to enter infirmary". She was again released on March 24th 1880 to the Rev James Milne of Paddington. Emily was now aged 15 years.
Randwick Asylum for Destitute Children
Page No Entry No Surname First Name Alias Age Date Series Item Reel
190 1688 WORTHY Emily 4 25 Nov 1868 NRS 13362 2 1866
190 1687 WORTHY Louisa Jane 9 25 Nov 1868 NRS 13362 2 1866
489 2583 WORTH, Emily MCNAUGHTON, Emma 9 20 Nov 1873 NRS 13362 2 1866
About the Randwick Asylum for Destitute Children
The Asylum for Destitute Children relocated to Randwick in 1858. A building to accommodate 400 children was constructed on the site.
The completion of a new wing in 1863 provided accommodation for a further 400 children. Following the death of 77 children from whooping cough in 1867, funds donated by the Irish singer Catherine Hayes in 1855 were used to build a hospital named after her.
The children were normally between the ages of three and ten years and not eligible for admission to the Orphan Schools. Every child admitted (including voluntary admissions) was to remain the responsibility of the Institution until aged 19 or, in the case of a female marrying earlier, until her marriage.
The Randwick site included a farm where the boys learnt farming skills. Many of the boys and girls became apprenticed to the Institution when they reached 12. The children received a basic education. From 1877 they received a State education from teachers from the Council of Education.
Two hundred and sixteen children died while they were inmates of the Asylum. It appears that many were buried in the grounds. In the mid 1990’s a project was undertaken to identify the site of these burials and during construction at the Prince of Wales Hospital, archaeologists retrieved the remains of 174 children who died and were buried on the site. Seventy bodies were excavated and 35 children identified by name. A memorial garden and commemorative signage giving the history of the Asylum, the names of the children who died there, and the details of the children whose remains were identified is located near the main entrance to the Hospital in Barker Street, Randwick
Extracts from Electoral Roll
1930 Palmer, Emily Harriett, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
1935 Palmer, Emily Harriett, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
Palmer, John William, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Labourer
1938 Palmer, Emily Harriett, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
Palmer, John William, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Labourer
1941 Palmer, Emily Harriett, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
1946 Palmer, Emily Harriett, Sussex St, Cabramatta, NSW, Home Duties
Details from death notice SMH 21st Feb 1951
Palmer, Emily Harriet - February 20 1951 late of 9 Linden Ave Punchbowl, dearly loved mother of Harry, Minnie, Margaret, Louisa, Alma and Dellie aged 85 years. At rest.
Details from funeral notice SMH 22nd Feb 1951
Palmer - The relatives and friends of the late Mrs Emily Harriet Palmer are kindly invited to attend her funeral at the Crematorium Rookwood.
Emily's ashes were scattered in the Sunken Garden at the Crematorium.
Research Notes
Notes for MARY ELIZA SMALE SLEEMAN:
Free BDMS
Deaths Dec 1873
Palmer Mary Eliza S 18 Bootle 10b 461
SLEEMAN, Mary Eliza Smale baptised 15 Apr 1855, parents John & Agnes, Gunnislake. Father a miner.
SLEMAN, Bessie baptised 6 May 1857, parents John & Agnes, Gunnislake. Father a miner killed at Drakewalls 20 Sep 1856. Private Baptism.
Notes for BESSIE SLEMAN:
Bessie Sleeman 1861 Cornwall Calstock census.pdf
Bessie Sleeman 1871 Devon Coryton census.pdf
1861 Cornwall Census........
1. Parish Calstock Piece Number 1462 Enumeration District 18 Folio Number 71 Schedule Number 166 Living at Gunnislake Name Agness SLEMAN Relationship HD Age 30 Sex F Employment Housekeeper Born at Thrushelton, DEV Disability – Alternate Surname –
2. Parish Calstock Piece Number 1462 Enumeration District 18 Folio Number 71 Schedule Number 166 Living at Gunnislake Name Mary E SLEMAN Relationship DA Age 6 Sex F Employment Scholar Born at Calstock, CON Disability – Alternate Surname –
3. Parish Calstock Piece Number 1462 Enumeration District 18 Folio Number 71 Schedule Number 166 Living at Gunnislake Name Betsey SLEMAN Relationship DA Age 3 Sex F Employment Scholar Born at Calstock, CON Disability – Alternate Surname –
4. Parish Calstock Piece Number 1462 Enumeration District 18 Folio Number 71 Schedule Number 166 Living at Gunnislake Name John GERRY Relationship BD Age 27 Sex M Employment Copper Miner Born at Marystow, DEV Disability – Alternate Surname –
5. Parish Calstock Piece Number 1462 Enumeration District 18 Folio Number 71 Schedule Number 166 Living at Gunnislake Name William GILBERT Relationship BD Age 23 Sex M Employment Blacksmith Born at St Just, CON Disability – Alternate Surname –
Links: FrontPage, Palmer Family Tree, Henry John Worthy - Caroline Milgate, Absalom Palmer - Grace Ingerson
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