James Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper, Descendants of John Burgess

• James Hooper was born on 18 November 1908 in Queensland.
• James was buried on 19 November 1908 in Coulston Cemetery, Queensland, Australia.
• James Hooper died on 18 November 1908 in Queensland. He was one hour old.
• He was the son of Oliver Hooper and Caroline Bergmann.

James Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• James Hooper was baptized on 21 May 1798 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• He was the son of Thomas Hooper and Ann Farr.
• At the age of 23 years, 2 months and 19 days, James Hooper married Mary Morris on 9 August 1821 in East Coker, Somerset.
• James Hooper and Mary Morris appeared on the census of 7 June 1841 in East Coker, Somerset. James was 40 years old, living with his wife Mary also 40, and children Thomas and Robert 15, Rachel and Jane 10, George 8, Jesse 6 and Elizabeth 3. A James Morris aged 70 was living with them.
  
  
• James Hooper and Mary Morris appeared on the census of 30 March 1851 in East Coker. James is shown as a 53 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver, born in Merriott. He is living with his wife Mary 52, born in Stofford and their children Robert 25 a hand loom sail cloth weave born East Coker; Jane a 22 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver born East Coker; George an ag labourer born East Coker; Jesse 15 Worcestershire ? born East Coker; Elizabeth 12 a scholar born East Coker; Emila 8, a scholar and John 4 both born East Coker.
  
  
• James Hooper and Mary Morris appeared on the census of 7 April 1861 in 8 Coker Marsh Cottages, East Coker. James is shown as a 66 year old farm labourer born Merriott, living with his wife Mary 65, also a farm labourer born Stofford, their unmarried daughter Jane aged 28, a sacking weaver born East Coker and their grandson John Hooper, 14 a farm labourer born East Coker.
  
  

James Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• James Hooper was born circa 1819 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of Samuel Hooper and Mary Pearce.
• James Hooper was baptized on 18 March 1821 in Merriott, Somerset. The church record shows James was 2 years old.

James Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper (#1), Descendants of Stephen Hooper (#2)

• James Hooper was baptized on 11 August 1872 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of George Hooper and Rachel Hooper.
• At the time of the 3 April 1881 census, James Hooper was living in the household of George Hooper and Rachel Hooper in Niddons Lane, Merriott, Somerset. George snr is shown as 44 year old farm labourer born Crewkerne living with his wife Rachel 43, born East Coker, a farm labourers wife,(their ages are incorrect, should be 54 and 53) and their five children:- George 22 a farm labourer born Merriott; Mary Elizabeth 20 born Merriott, work at sailcloth works; Emily 17 born Lopen, work at sailcloth works; Henry 12 a scholar born Merriott and James 8 a scholar born Merriott. A Robert Hooper a retired widower aged 80 born Merriott is boarding with the family.
  
  
• At the time of the 5 April 1891 census, James Hooper was living in the household of George Hooper and Rachel Hooper in Eggwood Lane, Merriott, Somerset. George is shown as the 62 year old head, an agricultural labourer born Merriott living with his wife Rachael 62 born East Coker and their two children Emily 25 a factory hand born Merriott and James aged 19 an agricultural labourer born Merriott.
  
  

James Allison Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• James Allison Hooper was born on 19 October 1897 in Boonah, Queensland.
• He was the son of James Thomas Hooper and Catherine Agnes (Kate) Hayes.
• At the age of 38 years and 11 months, James Allison Hooper married Jean Alice McGrath, daughter of Charles McGrath and Isabella Matthews, in October 1936 in Queensland.
• James Allison Hooper died on 28 March 1976 at age 78.

James Edwin Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• James Edwin Hooper was baptized on 24 February 1892 in Whitewell, Hampshire.
• He was the son of Samuel Hooper and Elizabeth Greenham.
• His death was recorded with the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Registration District in the March 1892 Quarter. He was one month old.
• James Edwin Hooper's birth was registered in the Isle of Wight, Hampshire Registration District in the March 1892 Quarter.

James Thomas Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• James Thomas Hooper was born on 1 February 1845 in Crewkerne, Somerset, England. ( His marriage and death certificates show he was born in Crookhall - which does not exist in Somerset. Perhaps it was Crewkerne.)
  
• He was the son of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey.
• James Thomas Hooper was baptized on 6 April 1845 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, James Thomas Hooper was living in the household of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey in 8 Snailshill Street, West Chinnock, Somerset, England. Thomas is shown as a 38 year old labourer born Merriott living with his wife Elizabeth 26? (should be 36) born Middle Chinnock and their six children:- John 15, a labourer Yarn Barton born Merriott; Jesse 12, a labourer Yarn Barton born Merriott; Mary 8 born Norton; James 6 born Chard; William 3 born Merriott and Samuel 1 week born West or Middle (not clear) Chinnock.
  
  
• At the time of the 7 April 1861 census, James Thomas Hooper was living in the household of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey in Thorley, Isle of Wight, Somerset. Thomas is shown as a 50 year old agricultural labourer, living with his wife Elizabeth 46, and children: Jesse 22 and agricultural labourer, Emma 20, James 16 an agricultural labourer, William 15 an agricultural labourer, Samuel 11, George 7 and Edwin 2. All were born in Donyatts, Somerset COMPILERS NOTE: Donyatts is near Ilminster, Somerset.
  
  
• James Thomas Hooper immigrated to Moreton Bay, Queensland, on 1 December 1862. The "Conway" had left Southhampton on 17 August 1862. James joined his brother at Maroon Station.
  
• In 1868, according to family hearsay, James Thomas returned to England for a time. His mother didn't recognise him until he took his hat off. "Oh my curly-haired Jimmie" she exclaimed. Two of his brothers had followed him to the house and had not recognised him either. He had grown from a lad of 17 to a 16 stone young man.
  
• At the age of 25 years, 10 months and 19 days, James Thomas Hooper married Ellen Allison, daughter of William Allison and Catherine McLean, on 20 December 1870 in the Manse of the Presbyterian Church, Brisbane, Queensland. James was a 25 year old station hand of Maroon Logan District, born Crookhall (this place does not exist today - it may have been Crewkerne). Ellen was a 23 year old spinster born in Paisley, Scotland, of Brisbane. His parents were given as Thomas Hooper, a farmer and Elizabeth Hocking and hers as William Allison, a farmer and Catherine McLean. Withnesses to the marriage were Michael Weir and Mary Allison. The ceremony was conducted by Charles Ogg.
  
• James Thomas Hooper was the informant on the birth certificate of James Thomas Hooper on 30 November 1873 in Dugandan, Ipswich, Queensland, (the township of Boonah had not been established in 1873). His father James Thomas senior stated he was a 29 year old stockman, born Somersetshire, England. His mother was Ellen formerly Allison, was 26 years old, born Scotland. There was a living child, William aged 1 3/4 years. There was no medical attendant at the birth, but a Mrs Johnson was the attendant nurse.
  
• 
  On the 7th June 1900, James wrote the following letter to his nephew Reginald Edmonds in the Isle of Wight.
  "Waterview Farm
  Dugandan
  June 7th 1900
  My Dear Nephew
  I am writing you these lines hoping it will find you all well as it leave us at present, I received your kind letter on the 28th of May, I was very sorry to hear of your mothers death and my sister. I am very glad you wrote and told me of her death. I have left my old farm where I was for some many years. I have sold it to my two 2nd and 3rd oldest sons for 1800.00 pound and I bought this one, but I never came to live on it not till two years ago, this land is joining the township of Dugandan, my two farms were two of the best in the District, they were the first two that was taken up, when the land was thrown open for selection. My three eldest sons are married. William, James, and George and my oldest daughter Kate. My daughter Nellie has a dressmakers shop in Boonah just one mile from where we are living. I hope Maurice will get back from South Africa alright, he was a nice boy that time when I was at home, 32 years ago. I got a letter from brother George last week, I wrote him a long letter about 2 years & a half ago, but I never got any answer, I hope he got it because I had a lot of news in it, I think the war will soon be over now. I see Kruger has cleared out from Pretoria with 1.000.000 of soverigns to Lydenburg the last place of stand. It is be hoped they will colar him and the money before he gets out of the country with it. The invalided men of South Africa went through our town the other night on their route to Brisbane, & they were warmly accepted the governor gave them a special acceptance at the Government House in Brisbane. Brisbane is only 60 miles from where we live. The terminace of our branch railway is a half a mile from where we live. There is a great chance in the District where I am living, since I came to Australia first. It was all open bush, no fences anywhere except here and there, every 30 or 40 mile where the stations was, they had a small paddock to keep a few horses in so as they could get them easy, there was any amount of wild cattle and pigs, The last wild bullock that was on my farm good many years ago. I raced him one night and shot him and I have got his horns polished and hanging up in the room & they are a very large pair, now the country all around here is thickly populated with settlers with well improved fertile farms. I have five grandsons and a granddaughter. From your affectionate Uncle
  James Thomas Hooper
  Waterview Farm, Fassifern Line
  Boonah, Brisbane Queensland Australia"
  COMPILERS NOTE: It is not know if this letter was a copy of one sent, or if it was never sent.
  
• James Thomas Hooper and Ellen Allison appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1903 living at Boonah. James Thomas' occupation at the time was a farmer. Their two daughters Elizabeth Ellen and Emma most likely lived with them on the farm.
  
• James Thomas Hooper died on 20 March 1910 at age 65. James Thomas died at"Mountain View" Dugandan, Fassifern. His death certificate shows he was a retired farmer, almost 65 years old. He died from chronic neppectus ? (crptic kidney). He had been in a coma from exhaustion for 7 days. His mother's name was given, by his wife Ellen, as Elizabeth Hockins and his place of birth was given as Crookball, Somerset, England. He had been in Queensland for 48 years.
• James was buried on 21 March 1910 in Teviotville (Coulston) Cemetery.
  

  Grave of James Thomas Hooper snr & Ellen Allison- Coulston Cemetery

James Thomas Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

Grave of James Thomas Hooper 1873-1920 - Coulston Cemetery

• James Thomas Hooper was born on 30 November 1873 in Dugandan, Ipswich, Queensland. (the township of Boonah had not been established in 1873). His father James Thomas senior stated he was a 29 year old stockman, born Somersetshire, England. His mother was Ellen formerly Allison, was 26 years old, born Scotland. There was a living child, William aged 1 3/4 years. There was no medical attendant at the birth, but a Mrs Johnson was the attendant nurse.
  
• He was the son of James Thomas Hooper and Ellen Allison.
• At the age of 23 years, James Thomas Hooper married Catherine Agnes (Kate) Hayes, daughter of Patrick Hayes and Ellen Maher, in 1897 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• James Thomas Hooper died on 11 February 1920 in Queensland at age 46. James was thrown from a horse and died instantly.
  
• James was buried on 12 February 1920 in Coulston Cemetery.

James Thomas Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• James Thomas Hooper was born in 1911 in Queensland. James never married.
• He was the son of George Hooper and Ellen Mary Hayes.

James Thomas Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• James Thomas Hooper was born on 22 May 1927.
• He was the son of George Stanley Hooper and Eva Zoe Noller.
• James Thomas Hooper died on 11 July 2006 at age 79.

Jane Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Jane Hooper was baptized on 15 May 1831 in East Coker, Somerset.
• She was the daughter of James Hooper and Mary Morris.
• At the time of the 7 June 1841 census, Jane Hooper was living in the household of James Hooper and Mary Morris in East Coker, Somerset. James was 40 years old, living with his wife Mary also 40, and children Thomas and Robert 15, Rachel and Jane 10, George 8, Jesse 6 and Elizabeth 3. A James Morris aged 70 was living with them.
  
  
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, Jane Hooper was living in the household of James Hooper and Mary Morris in East Coker. James is shown as a 53 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver, born in Merriott. He is living with his wife Mary 52, born in Stofford and their children Robert 25 a hand loom sail cloth weave born East Coker; Jane a 22 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver born East Coker; George an ag labourer born East Coker; Jesse 15 Worcestershire ? born East Coker; Elizabeth 12 a scholar born East Coker; Emila 8, a scholar and John 4 both born East Coker.
  
  
• At the time of the 7 April 1861 census, Jane Hooper was living in the household of James Hooper and Mary Morris in 8 Coker Marsh Cottages, East Coker. James is shown as a 66 year old farm labourer born Merriott, living with his wife Mary 65, also a farm labourer born Stofford, their unmarried daughter Jane aged 28, a sacking weaver born East Coker and their grandson John Hooper, 14 a farm labourer born East Coker.
  
  

Jane Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Jane Hooper was baptized on 14 February 1836 in East Coker, Somerset.
• She was the daughter of Joseph Hooper.
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, Jane Hooper was living in the household of Joseph Hooper in Up Coker, East Coker, Somerset. Joseph is shown as a 58 year old sail cloth maker born Merriott, living with his 15 year old daughter Jane born East Coker.
  
  

Jane Hooper

• Jane Hooper was baptized on 22 March 1822 in Holy Trinity Church, Frome, Somerset.
• She was the daughter of Henry Hooper and Elizabeth Unknown.
• Her marriage, at 22 years and 5 months, to Robert Norman Webb was registered in the September 1844 Quarter, Somerset Registration District.
• Jane Hooper and Robert Norman Webb appeared on the census of 3 April 1881 in New Street, The Wharf, Henley on Thames. Robert is shown as a 68 year old timber merchant, born Henley living with his wife Jane 58, born Frome, Somerset and their children: Mary 35, a bookkeeper; Henry R 33, a timber merchant; Elizabeth F 30; Fred 24, a timber merchant; Kate S 23, an artist (painter) and a servant Fanny Dearlove 24 born Henley. All the children were born in Henley also.
  
  

Jane Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Jane Hooper was born in 1798.
• She was the daughter of Samuel Hooper and Sarah Rogers.
• Jane Hooper married Charles Clothier circa 1820.
• Jane Hooper died in 1848.

Janet Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Janet Hooper was born on 23 November 1886 in Coulsen, Queensland.
• She was the daughter of James Thomas Hooper and Ellen Allison.
• At the age of 28 years, 6 months and 30 days, Janet Hooper married Alfred John Cook on 22 June 1915 in Queensland.
• On 24 November 1949,her husband, Alfred John Cook died in Manly, Sydney, New South Wales, at age 62.
• Janet Hooper died on 8 February 1964 in Manly, Sydney, at age 77.

Jean Thelma Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Jean Thelma Hooper was born on 6 February 1903 in Boonah, Queensland.
• She was the daughter of James Thomas Hooper and Catherine Agnes (Kate) Hayes.
• At the age of 21 years, Jean Thelma Hooper married John Booker Maudsley, son of John Booker Maudesley and Elizabeth Tilbrook Wright, in 1925 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• On 20 January 1965,her husband, John Booker Maudsley died at age 71.
• Jean Thelma Hooper died on 30 March 1993 in Toowoomba, Queensland, at age 90.
• Jean was buried on 2 April 1993 in Toowoomba & Drayton Cemetery. The undertaker was T S Burstow and minister Sheppard. Plot CE 6A 2 26 , next to her husband John.

Jesse Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Jesse Hooper was baptized on 3 February 1839 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• He was the son of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey.
• At the time of the 7 June 1841 census, Jesse Hooper was living in the household of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey in Norton Under Hamdon, Somerset. Thomas is shown as a 25 year old labourer, living with his wife Elizabeth also 25 and children John 5, Tesse 2 (Jesse) and Emma 5 months.
  
  
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, Jesse Hooper was living in the household of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey in 8 Snailshill Street, West Chinnock, Somerset, England. Thomas is shown as a 38 year old labourer born Merriott living with his wife Elizabeth 26? (should be 36) born Middle Chinnock and their six children:- John 15, a labourer Yarn Barton born Merriott; Jesse 12, a labourer Yarn Barton born Merriott; Mary 8 born Norton; James 6 born Chard; William 3 born Merriott and Samuel 1 week born West or Middle (not clear) Chinnock.
  
  
• At the time of the 7 April 1861 census, Jesse Hooper was living in the household of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey in Thorley, Isle of Wight, Somerset. Thomas is shown as a 50 year old agricultural labourer, living with his wife Elizabeth 46, and children: Jesse 22 and agricultural labourer, Emma 20, James 16 an agricultural labourer, William 15 an agricultural labourer, Samuel 11, George 7 and Edwin 2. All were born in Donyatts, Somerset COMPILERS NOTE: Donyatts is near Ilminster, Somerset.
  
  
• At the age of 25 years, 2 months and 16 days, Jesse Hooper married Rebecca Cooper on 19 April 1864 in I, Isle of Wight, Hampshire. Jesse was shown as 24 years old, born 1839, father Thomas Hooper. Rebecca was 23, born 1840, father William Cooper.
  
• Jesse Hooper and Rebecca Cooper appeared on the census of 3 April 1881 in Compton Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, Hampshire. Jessie is shown as a 42 year old agricultural labourer, born Merrett (Merriott), living with his wife Rebecca, 41, born Freshwater Isle of Wight, a dressmaker.
  
  
• Jesse Hooper and Rebecca Cooper appeared on the census of 2 April, 1911 in Rose Cottege, Sheepwash, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, Hampshire. Jesse was shown as a 72 year old farm labourer, still working, born Norton, Somerset living with his wife Rebecca aged 71 born Freshwater, Isle of Wight. They had never had children.
  
  
• Jesse Hooper died on 7 February 1916 at age 77. He was living at Rose Cottage, Middleton, Freshwater at the time of his death.
• Jesse was buried on 10 February 1916 in All Saints, Freshwater.

Jesse Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Jesse Hooper was baptized on 4 June 1810 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of Thomas Hooper and Ann Farr.
• Jesse was buried on 11 September 1835 in Merriott, Somerset. He was 25 years old.
• Jesse Hooper died on 11 September 1835 at age 25.

Jesse Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Jesse Hooper was baptized on 24 December 1837 in East Coker, Somerset.
• He was the son of James Hooper and Mary Morris.
• At the time of the 7 June 1841 census, Jesse Hooper was living in the household of James Hooper and Mary Morris in East Coker, Somerset. James was 40 years old, living with his wife Mary also 40, and children Thomas and Robert 15, Rachel and Jane 10, George 8, Jesse 6 and Elizabeth 3. A James Morris aged 70 was living with them.
  
  
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, Jesse Hooper was living in the household of James Hooper and Mary Morris in East Coker. James is shown as a 53 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver, born in Merriott. He is living with his wife Mary 52, born in Stofford and their children Robert 25 a hand loom sail cloth weave born East Coker; Jane a 22 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver born East Coker; George an ag labourer born East Coker; Jesse 15 Worcestershire ? born East Coker; Elizabeth 12 a scholar born East Coker; Emila 8, a scholar and John 4 both born East Coker.
  
  
• His death was recorded with the Yeovil, Somerset, Registration District in the March 1854 Quarter. He was 18 years old.

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper, Descendants of John Burgess

Four Generations of Hoopers - Standing George Alfred Hooper born 1883, Sitting from left John Thomas born 1860, Horace Hilton born 1908 and John Hooper born 1835.

• John Hooper was born on 15 November 1835 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• He was the son of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey.
• At the time of the 7 June 1841 census, John Hooper was living in the household of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey in Norton Under Hamdon, Somerset. Thomas is shown as a 25 year old labourer, living with his wife Elizabeth also 25 and children John 5, Tesse 2 (Jesse) and Emma 5 months.
  
  
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, John Hooper was living in the household of Thomas Hooper and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hockey in 8 Snailshill Street, West Chinnock, Somerset, England. Thomas is shown as a 38 year old labourer born Merriott living with his wife Elizabeth 26? (should be 36) born Middle Chinnock and their six children:- John 15, a labourer Yarn Barton born Merriott; Jesse 12, a labourer Yarn Barton born Merriott; Mary 8 born Norton; James 6 born Chard; William 3 born Merriott and Samuel 1 week born West or Middle (not clear) Chinnock.
  
  
• In 1855 he was a labourer.
  
• At the age of 19 years, 6 months and 20 days, John Hooper married Ann Burgess, daughter of Samuel Burgess and Ann Crocker, on 4 June 1855 in Chiselborough, Somerset, England.
• The following is an extract from the book "Hoopers".
  "Shortly after John and Ann arrived in Queensland late in 1855 they went to Maroon Station. It was a leasehold station held by James Carden Collins who at that time was the only white man on the station. The station buildings consisted of only a hut or two.
  The aborigines were greatly concerned about he arrival a o white woman. On the morning following their arrival at Maroon Station, Ann set about making a fire to cook breakfast. Looking up, after bending over the fire, she was confronted by about a dozen aborigines in all their pristine nudity. They stood as though affixed to the earth and gazed at her with the curious bewilderment of startled cattle. It was the first time she had seen a group of aborigines at close view. Naturally, she was terror stricken and the aborigines were apparently just as frightened. Not a word was spoken on either side, The natives turned and bolted for the bush. Then Mrs Collins, wife of the station owner, arrived at the station, and the natives took a curious interest in the movements of the women.
  John's job was to transport provisions and equipment by bullock dray from Ipswich to Maroon and also to Unumbar Station at the head of the Richmond River. A few of the aboriginal women became friendly with Ann and would stay with her for company as John was very often awy for long periods at a time.
  In those days bullock drays had no breaks and when John would come to a steep part on the rough and privative track that had been cut through the scrubs and mountains, he would have to hitch a tree on the back of the dray to serve as a brake. Peak Mountain Station, Dugandan Station and Coochin-Coochin Station were then the only settled places on the Ipswich- Maroon journey. Transportation of supplies was a slow and hazardous undertaking, but it was regularly done by John during the nine years he was employed at Maroon. He would be accompanied on the journey's by two aborigines, named Johnnie and Joey, who would help him to chain the bullocks to trees overnight, otherwise the animals would have taken to the bush. Johnnie was later taken by the police to be a tracker in Roma, but he escaped and died as an old man in New South Wales. Joey lived to an old age too and died at Beaudesert.
  John and Ann's daughters, Elizabeth Ann and Eliza (“Liza) were born at Maroon in June 1857 and August 1858.
  In 1858, John took up 36 acres of land at Purga, called “Nine Mile”, but he continued to work for Collins at Maroon Station.
  Their first son, John Thomas (“Johnny”) was born at Maroon in August 1860 and another daughter Ellen, in September 1861.
  In 1862 John was joined in Australia by his younger brother, James Thomas, who also began working for Collins at Maroon.
  During the time aborigines were giving trouble at Maroon, Ann was taken to Coochin-Coochin Station (the lease of which had been taken up by Carden Collins and a partner, Saunders in 1861. The homestead was then at Bunjurgen where there was another woman, Mrs Lister. During this time at Coochin-Coochin Mary (“Polly”) war born in January 1864.
  After nine years at Maroon, in 1864, John and Ann moved onto their block at Nine Mile, Purga and he began to grow cotton, maize and potatoes. He was also doing extra work as a bullock driver, as well, because at that time of the birth of George James (“Jimmy”) in May 1865, he noted his occupation as bullock driver and signed with his X mark. Other children were born at Purga: William in May 1869 and Oliver in November 1871 and the last, a daughter, Sarah Jane (“Janey”) at Ipswich in 1876.
  In 1877 James stepped out a block of land at and persuaded John to apply for it. He was successful and under the Crown Lands alienation Act of 1875, application for Lease No 7623 was granted at 2.30 pm on May 1st 1877 to John Hooper, to lease before survey, 330 acres @ 6d per acre for 5 years, for which a down payment of £16.10.0, plus £7 survey fee was paid. The land was described as “undulating forest land”. The records show that the land was occupied from June 1877. The Act provided that to ensure ultimate title to the land, the occupant had to make required improvements. The block took in the area from what is now Boonah Hill to McCourt's hill ie from Dugandan Hotel to the cemetery. The area down from the cemetery became known locally as Hooper's flat.
  John began to clear and cultivate the alluvial flats but mobs of marsupials would come down from the surrounding scrub and ridges at dusk and forage in his crops. Paling fences were erected to keep out the wallabies. John was on the verge of despair when the Government proclaimed a scalping fee for each marsupial destroyed.
  The bailiff's report of his inspection of John Hooper's selection , dated October 7th 1881 gives some indication of how the site was improved by hand (and hard) labour in four years. “A dwelling of two rooms, slab walls and floors, wooden shingle roof, occupied by the applicant, valued at £15; 14 acres cleared @ £1.10.0 per acre; cultivation 40 acres ring barked @ 3/- per acre; 2½ miles split paling and wired fence valued at £44 per mile; 48 rods of tenoned and mortised and split rail fence @ 4/6 per rod. Crops – cotton, corn, and pumpkins”
  With no sawmill all the timber for the cottages had been split by hand – an probably the only outlay of money was the cost of the nails. John brought Ann and the family to this slab building – the first home in Boonah, which he had built on the higher ground at Boonah Hill, preferring it to the former town area of Dugandan, which was very wet.
  The lease hold tenure of the land was later convertible to freehold on payment of 10/- per acre. For this expense John my have had some financial assistance from relatives in America.
  On the flats John continued to grow cotton, a little maize (corn) and potatoes. From 1866 John's son, William, worked for him on and off at Boonah until Willie went back to droving. John also employed three aboriginal labourers to assist him.
  John continued to use his bullock team for ploughing and with his bullock dray he used to carry farmer's maize to Ipswich and later Peak Crossing, after the railway was built to Harrisville. When the line was built to Boonah, then Dugandan he didn't use the bullock team. Willie then used the team for clearing timber off his block at Allen Creek. With the coming of the railway to Dugandan in 1887, the country opened up and Boonah grew rapidly.
  John Hooper could be call the “Father of Boonah” as the site of his land became a thriving township, to his good fortune. When the sons, Jimmy and Willie came back to Boonah from Christmas Creek, the balance of John's land ws cut up into building blocks. The streets of Boonah bear the names of the Hooper family. Some of the land became the Boonah Show Grounds and much later in the 1980's a Golf course was developed.
  John Hooper built his home at 20 Church Street, as their circumstances improved. The furniture for the house was made from cedar taken off the block.
  John Hooper gave land for the Anglican Church in 1890. and was himself a Church Warden of the Boonah area of the Harrisville-Boonah parish. The family enjoyed the company of John and Ann and visiting children were always given half a crown – later 2/6. They were looked back on as very happy days. Strict rules applied in the home however and never a pack of cards was allowed in the house.
  After Ann and John's death Willie moved back to Boonah again, after 19 years absence, as he was trustee of the Estate, having attended to John's financial affairs since leaving school at the age of 11, because John was illiterate. At Willies insistence th home in Church Street was left to Eliza because she had cared for John and Ann. The house was subsequently sold by her husband, John Bosako. Also mentioned in John's Will was Jane, wife of Percy Arthy, and daughter of their eldest child, Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) who had died in childbirth in 1889”.
  
• John Hooper and Ann Burgess immigrated to Moreton Bay, Australia, on the "Conrad" which set sail from Plymouth on August 4, 1855,with her Ann and John as assisted passengers. Ann was on her way to Australia at last, but her life was far from that imagined by her mother who saw an as "making a good maid". Also on board the "Conrad" was Ann's brother John Burgess, his wife Susan and their four children.
  
• John and Ann's first four children - Elizabeth, Eliza, John Thomas and Ellen was born between 1857 and 1861 at Maroon Station.
• At the time his daughter Ellen's birth (23 September 1861) was registered on 5 October 1861, John was working at Logan River (Maroon Station was on a tributary of the river) as a bullock driver. He is listed as the informant of her birth and signed with a cross.
  
• In the book "CENTENARY 1878-1978" the following information is found with regard to the history of Boonah Retirement Village. It reads " The village is situated on the first selection of land on which the Town of Boonah has been built. The original manuscripts and documents at the Government Archives in Brisbane, show that under the Crown Lands Alienation Act of 1875, application for Lease No 7623 was granted at 2.30pm on May 1st, 1877, to John Hooper to lease before survey , 330 acres at 5 pence per acre for 5 years; for which a down payment of 33 pound, plus 14 pound survey fee was paid. The land was described as "undulating forest land". The records show that the land was occupied from June 1877. The act provided that to ensure ultimate title of land, the occupant had to make the required improvements.
  The baliff's inspection of Mr Hooper's selection, as shown on his report dated, October 7th 1881, gives some indication of how the site had been improved by hand labour, in the four years. We quote from the official record: " A dwelling of two rooms, slab walls and floors, wooden shingle roof, occupied by the applicant, valued at 30 pound; 14 acres cleared at 3 pound per acre; cultivation 40 acres ringbarked at 30 pence and acre; 2 1/2 miles of split pailing and wired fence valued at 88 pound per mile; 48 rods of teneted morticed and spli rail fence at 45 pence per rod. Crops of cotton, corn, and pumpkins."
  
• John Hooper and Ann Burgess appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1903 living at Church Street, Boonah. John's occupation was given as farmer. Their son Oliver was also farming in the district while son John Thomas was a timber getter.
  
• John Hooper died on 22 March 1917 in Church Street, Boonah, Queensland, at age 81. His occupation given on his death certificate, by his son Oliver, was a freeholder. He died from senile atheroma, apoplexy paralysis and exhaustion. His mothers name was given as Elizabeth Hockley and father Thomas Hooper, a farmer and his place of birth was given as Merriott Somersetshire. He had been in Queensland about 62 years. At the time of his death he had 8 living children and one female (Elizabeth Ann who died in childbirth) and two males (William born 1867, and Edwin) had predeceased him.
  His funeral notice appeared in the Ipswich paper on Friday March 23 1917. It read "FUNERAL-The Friends of Mr JOHN HOOPER, sen., deceased, of Boonah, are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, to leave his late residence, Church Street, for the Boonah Cemetery, at 2 o'clock TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON. W H Abell Undertaker."
• John was buried on 24 March 1917 in Boonah General Cemetery, Queensland.
  The inscription reads:
  IN MEMORY OF ANN HOOPER WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 4TH SEPTEMBER 1915
  ALSO OF JOHN HOOPER WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 22ND MARCH 1917.
  THEY ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
  NEVER SHALL THEIR MEMORY FADE
  SWEETEST THOUGHTS SHALL EVER LINGER
  ROUND THE "SPOT" WHERE THEY ARE LAID.
  
  

  Gravestone of John and Ann Hooper. Boonah General Cemetery. The small stone to the right of the grave belongs to their son George James Hooper.
  
  
• "John could read, but Ann could neither read or write, making contact with their family difficult. John certified the birth of his son George James with his X mark. For many years Jack Hooper had a rubber stamp which his grandfather had used to sign papers, because he was unable to write. The rubber stamp finally fell apart with the letters coming off."
  

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was baptized on 1 August 1784 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• He was the son of Thomas Hooper and Ann Farr.
• On 29 November 1837John Hooper was named as a beneficiary of Ann Farr's will. "The last will and testament of Ann Hooper, widow of Thomas Hooper deceased, of Eggwood Lane in the Parish of Merriott.
  I give my soul to God who gave it in humble faith and hope that for the sake and merits of my dear Redeemer he will in Mercy receive it back to himself.
  I give my body to the dust from which ist was made to be buried in Merriott Church yard in the grave with my beloved son Jesse by the side of my dear husband ___
  I give the cottage in which I live with the garden around it to my son Robert Hooper who resides with me.
  I give my goods and chattels to the same Robert Hooper with the proviso that if Thomas Hooper my son should return that Robert Hooper shall give him proportion of my best bed on which I have lain with the bedstead and bedding.
  I give my wearing apparel between my daughter Susan and my daughter in law Mary the wife of Samuel Hooper.
  Signed this 29th day of November 1837
  Ann (her mark) Hooper. In the presence of Ann Crop (vicar's wife), Samuel Garret?, Elizabeth Farr"
  It was appended on 5 December 1837.
  "I also give to my son Roger Hooper one moiety or half of the piece of plot of garden called Thomas's garden, and I give the other moiety or half of the said garden to my son Thomas Hooper now abroad but in case of his death to the sole use and benefit of my daughter Susan and her children and if _____ Thomas Hooper should not return home I desire that the half garden bequeathed to him be occupied and held by my daughter Susan for her use.
  Signed this fifth day of December 1837.
  Ann (Her mark) Hooper
  In the presence of Joseph Crop, Samuel ____ , Thomas Bayley"
  The will was read on 3 January 1838.
  "The appended will of the late Ann Hooper (who died Dec 24, 1837 and was buried according to her will on Saturday Dec 30th, 1837) was read in the presence of Roger Hooper, Robert Hooper, Mary wife of Samuel Hooper and Susan wife of William Forster, the daughter named in the said will, on January the 3rd 1838 who gave their consent to its contents and determined to abide by it and act accordingly.
  In the presence of Joseph Crop, Vicar of Merriott."
  It appears that none of her other children were living at the time.
  

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was baptized on 7 September 1731 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• He was the son of John Hooper and Mary Unknown.
• At the age of 21 years, 11 months and 15 days, John Hooper married Jane Ireland, daughter of Jane Ireland, on 22 August 1753 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• On 13 January 1769,his wife, Jane Ireland died at age 41.
• At the age of 38 years, 3 months and 18 days, John Hooper married Mary Lawrence on 25 December 1769 in Merriott, Somerset, England.

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was baptized on 8 July 1764 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• He was the son of John Hooper and Jane Ireland.

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was born on 24 December 1697 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of John Hooper alias Cooper and Mary Unknown.
• John Hooper was baptized on 6 January 1697/98 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
• John Hooper married Mary Unknown circa 1721.
• John Hooper died on 3 May 1772 in Merriott, Somerset, England, at age 74.

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was born circa 1817 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of Samuel Hooper and Mary Pearce.
• John Hooper was baptized on 18 March 1821 in Merriott, Somerset. The church record shows John was 4 years old.

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was baptized on 25 December 1817 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of Roger Hooper and Elizabeth Trask.
• At the age of 25 years, 11 months and 10 days, John Hooper married Martha Eason on 5 December 1843 in Crewkerne, Somerset.
• John Hooper witnessed the marriage of Robert Hooper and Ann Mitchell on 23 December 1849 in Merriott, Somerset; The marriage record shows: Ann Mitchell, 24, spinster, Church Street, glove sewer, father John Mitchell a gardener. Witness Harriet Mitchell. Robert Hooper, 26, bachelor, abode Broadway, labourer, father Roger Hooper cattle doctor, witness, John Hooper.
  
• John Hooper and Martha Eason appeared on the census of 30 March 1851 in Sherrimore Hill, Merriott. John is shown as a 33 year old agricultural labourer born Crewkerne, living with his wife Martha a 31 year old agricultural labouer born in Merriott.
  
  
• John Hooper and Martha Eason appeared on the census of 7 April 1861 in Great Field, Crewkerne. John is shown as a 43 year old farrier born Merriott, living with his 41 year old wife Martha also born Merriott.
  
  
• John Hooper died before 28 February 1888.
• John was buried on 28 February 1888 in Merriott, Somerset. John's burial record showed he was 70 years old.

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was baptized on 20 May 1849 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of Charles Hooper and Eliza Lawrence.
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, John Hooper was living in the household of Charles Hooper and Eliza Lawrence in Broadway, Merriott. Charles snr is shown as a 40 year old field labourer living with his 40 year old wife Eliza and their four children:- Emma, 10 works at the factory; Samuel 8; Chalres 4; and John 3; and living with them is Jane Lawrence (not related), unmarried 45 and living on Parish relief. All the household was born in Merriott.
  
  

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was baptized on 12 June 1859 in Merriott, Somerset.
• He was the son of Charles Hooper and Maryann Eason.
• At the time of the 7 April 1861 census, John Hooper was living in the household of Maryann Eason and Charles Hooper in Broadway, Merriott. The census record shows Charles as a 32 year old Inkeeper, born Merriott, living with his wife Maryann 30, born Merriott, and children George aged 9, a scholar, William aged 6, Emma aged 4 and John aged 2. All the children were born in Merriott.
  
  
• At the time of the 2 April 1871 census, John Hooper was living in the household of Charles Hooper and Maryann Eason in Broadway, Merriott. The census details show Charles as a 42 year old landlord and gardener born Merriott, Mary Ann aged 40, farmer of 40 acres employing 2 boys, born Merriott, and their children George 19, an agricultural labourer, William 15, also a labourer, John 12 a scholar, Samuel 8, a scholar, Emma 7, Bessie aged 2. All the children were born in Merriott.
  
  
• At the time of the 3 April 1881 census, John Hooper was living in the household of William Charles Hooper and Mary Hutchins in Broadway Street, Merriott, Somerset. William is shown as a 24 year old market gardener, living with his wife Mary also 24, and their children Susan Ann aged 3, Walter aged 1 and Minnie aged 1 month. All the family were born in Merriott. John Hooper, Williams brother aged 20, a market gardener, also lived with the family.
  
  
• At the age of 25 years, 6 months and 3 days, John Hooper married Ann Trask, daughter of Isaiah Trask, on 15 December 1884 in Merriott, Somerset. The marriage record shows John Hooper, 24, bachelor, living Broadway, a bachelor, a labourer, father Charles Hooper a market gardener. Witness William Osborne. Ann Trask, 22 Spinster, Broadway, father Isaiah Trask a market gardener, witness Emma Osborne.
  
• John Hooper and Ann Trask appeared on the census of 5 April 1891 in Church Street, Merriott, Somerset. John is shown as a 31 year old market gardener living with his wfe Ann aged 30, and children John jnr aged 9, Henry 6, Ethel 5, Bessie 4 and George 1. The four eldest children are scholars and all of the household were born in Merriott.
  
• John Hooper and Ann Trask appeared on the census of 31 March 1901 in Broadway, Merriott, Somerset. John is shown as a 40 year old general dealer own account, living with his wife Ann aged 38 and 10 children:- John jnr 19, helper at home; Henry 16 helper at home; Ethel 15 shirt machinist at home; Bessie 13; George 10; William 9; Emma 7; Minnie 6; Thomas 3 and Francis 4 months. All of the household was born in Merriott.
  
  

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was baptized on 14 February 1847 in East Coker, Somerset.
• He was the son of Rachel Hooper.
• At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, John Hooper was living in the household of James Hooper and Mary Morris in East Coker. James is shown as a 53 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver, born in Merriott. He is living with his wife Mary 52, born in Stofford and their children Robert 25 a hand loom sail cloth weave born East Coker; Jane a 22 year old hand loom sail cloth weaver born East Coker; George an ag labourer born East Coker; Jesse 15 Worcestershire ? born East Coker; Elizabeth 12 a scholar born East Coker; Emila 8, a scholar and John 4 both born East Coker.
  
  
• At the time of the 7 April 1861 census, John Hooper was living in the household of James Hooper and Mary Morris in 8 Coker Marsh Cottages, East Coker. James is shown as a 66 year old farm labourer born Merriott, living with his wife Mary 65, also a farm labourer born Stofford, their unmarried daughter Jane aged 28, a sacking weaver born East Coker and their grandson John Hooper, 14 a farm labourer born East Coker.
  
  

John Hooper

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• John Hooper was born circa 1858 in Lopen, Somerset.
• He was the son of Robert Hooper and Miriam Cable.
• At the time of the 7 April 1861 census, John Hooper was living in the household of Robert Hooper and Miriam Cable in Lopen, Somerset. Robert is shown as a 29 year old agricultural labourer born Merriott, living with Miriam aged 30, born Lopen and children William 5, John 3, and Charles 9 months, all born in Lopen.
  
  
• At the time of the 2 April 1871 census, John Hooper was living in the household of Robert Hooper and Miriam Cable in Hollaway Street, Lopen. Robert is shown as a 40 year old agricultural labourer, born Merriott. He is living with his 40 year old wife Mariam, a cap maker, and their children:- William 15, an agricultural labourer, John 13, a blacksmiths apprentice, Charles 10 an ag. labourer, Mary 7 a scholar, Robert 6 a scholar and Hannah and Alice both 4. All of the chidlren and Mariam were born in Lopen.
  
  
• His marriage to Martha Hine was registered in the December 1880 Quarter in Yeovil, Somerset Registration District.
• John Hooper and Martha Hine appeared on the census of 3 April 1881 in Stratton, South Petherton. John is shown as a 23 year old agricultural labourer, born Lopen. He is living with his wife Martha, 25, born Over Stratton, Somerset and thier son William aged 3 months also born Over Stratton, Somerset.