Inspiration
Histories, memoirs, and accounts from the past are all too often focused on grand events or prominent figures. The voices and stories of ordinary Australians and their overseas ancestors have long been unheard or overlooked.
From convicts transported to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries to free settlers who made the perilous journey from distant shores, each blog post aims to unearth the narratives that have shaped Modern Australia and my family’s heritage.
I hope you will join me in uncovering and reflecting on the legacies of the Anthony, Mazlin, and Poulton families as we trace their histories.
Dedication
To My Mother, Victoria Dell (nee Mazlin, formally Anthony) Poulton
To my mother, Victoria Dell Mazlin, who always inspired me to follow my passions. A remarkable storyteller, she had a way of weaving tales that captivated everyone around her. Throughout her life, she cherished her family deeply, nurturing us with love, wisdom, and unforgettable stories. Her strength and kindness continue to guide me every day.
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Kurt Strobach, who set me on this journey of researching my family history. My gratitude also goes to the extended Anthony, Mazlin and Poulton families for providing invaluable resources to tell these stories. Special thanks to Timothy Poulton for his guidance and advice on setting up this website. Lastly, I am deeply grateful to my partner, I Made Suranata, for his unwavering support throughout this journey.
This post reflects on two ancestors, Catherine Mazlin and Robert Anthony. Catherine, who married young and raised eight children in colonial bushland, and Robert, who made a teenage voyage from Ireland to Queensland in 1859. During this perilous journey, he cared for his younger sister. I have found a deeper connection to my past in understanding their lives through family research.