Preface

WITH THANKS.

    A book such as this depends upon the help of many people to enable it to reach its completed form.
    We wish to thank the staff of the Archives Authority of NSW, the Mitchell Library Sydney, Crown Lands Office, Land Titles Office, the Genealogical Library of the Latter Day Saints at North Parramatta, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Campbelltown Library and the Saint James Church Archives.
    For help with the profiles on the children of Thomas Clarkson, we thank Coral Searle, Marie Atkins, Pamela Fulton, Kath Stokes, Sylvia Hamblyn and Ian Ramage to whom we are very grateful, for their contributions and help.
    A special thank you to Mr Len Fox for his help with the Stone Mill at Darlinghurst; also to Margaret and Arthur Townsend of Eschol Park for their support and patience with us as we invaded their house a number of times.
    Most importantly, we three extend our heartfelt thanks to our husbands and children who have endured many long months of "The Book" and who in return encouraged, supported, suggested, laughed and cried with us over our efforts.
    Much time, effort and expense has been spent in ensuring the facts included in this book are accurate but we welcome any constructive correspondence on the contents, or on any additional information.
    This book has been privately printed in a limited edition, and is for family distribution.
    Further copies may be obtained by contacting the authors;
        Christine Woodhead         Marlene Willcocks         Margaret Aitken
            Address; 6 Finch Avenue Rydalmere 2116 N.S.W.

DEDICATION

    This book has been the result of the combined research of Christine Woodhead, Marlene Willcocks and Margaret Aitken.
    Christine and Marlene are direct descendants of Thomas Clarkson, as is Brian Aitken, husband of Margaret.
    Thomas Clarkson is our G.G.G.G, grandfather.
    Our line descends through his daughter Sarah, whose son, Mountford Cook, married Jane Gavenlock.
    Through Thomas Clarkson our children are sixth generation Australians and it is to these children that we dedicate our enormous efforts in producing this story.

                To you,     Scott, Nicole, Belinda
                                Justin and Natalie
                                Christopher and Daniel,
                                here is part of your heritage_

IF ONLY

    As our research progressed, the role Thomas Clarkson assumed during his life unfolded and offered us an insight into the talents and energy this extraordinary man possessed.
    His enormous drive and industry should have been sufficient to provide him and his family with all the wealth and assets he desired.
    However he lacked the one trait that those of his time possessed and used to gain lasting recognition ... that of foresight.

IF ONLY he'd been a little more cautious...
IF ONLY he'd not borrowed as often...
IF ONLY the debts had been cleared...
IF ONLY he'd been content with fewer investments...
IF ONLY,,,
IF ONLY,,,
IF ONLY,..

Page last updated - 7 July 2006