Joseph was discharged one day before his 14th birthday, having been at the Orphan School for 6 1/2 years, it is believed he stayed on longer to continue schooling at the orphan school. He applied to be a teacher in August 1863. He had now been in the colony for 9 years and employed at the Upper Huon School, he was recommended by the parents of the children entrusted in his care. Joseph began teaching at Port Cygnet, he married Maria Stevens in Jan 1866. (my G/Grandparents).

Maria’s godmother was a niece of Sir John Franklin, before leaving England in 1853 they visited Lady Jane Franklin. Maria’s father Joseph Stevens was also a school teacher and became Master of Trinity School in Church St. Hobart.

Joseph & Maria, who had now been given permission to teach lived at Glaziers Bay Port Cygnet in the school house. He was also appointed Postmaster of Long Bay. Five children were born while in that area, in 1874 they moved to Hobart where a further 6 children were born. One daughter Adeline Jane married Claude Wade Midwood, (my Grandparents) from the family of early settlers (1822).

Joseph & Maria purchased a Grocer and drapery business in Liverpool St. Joseph was appointed an Exhibitioner under the Board of the Hutchins School, and they conducted a private school in their home. All the children did well, one son Walter, educated at a private school joined the Mercury Newspaper and became an accountant, then Secretary, in 1921 was appointed general manager. He later went to Brisbane to the “Telegraph”.

Joseph died in 1905 and Maria 1908, both are buried in the family vault at Queenborough Cemetery Sandy Bay, which is now closed.