• James Yeo, born 26 October 1816 in Bydown, Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1883 in Dubbo, NSW,Australia.
• Elizabeth Yeo, born 1818 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1902.  She married Alfred East.
• Hannah Shapland Yeo, born 1820; died 5 September 1897 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.
• Mary Shapland Yeo, born 11 February 1823 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1909 in Ottawa, Illinois, USA
• John Yeo, born 22 March 1825 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 25 May 1880 in Stonehouse, Gloucester.
• Thomas Yeo, born 13 April 1827 in Swymbridge; died 4 August 1886 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.
• Christopher Yeo, born 17 April 1829; died 20 August 1829 in Tawstock, Devonshire, England.  
• Eleanor Yeo, born 8 August 1830; died 23 February 1832 in Tawstock, Devonshire, England.
• George Shapland Yeo, born 26 May 1833; died 23 May 1891 in Mulgrave, New South Wales, Australia.
•  Ellen Margaret Yeo, born 1835 in Tawstock, Devonshire, England; died 1850 in Tawstock, Devonshire, England.

James Yeo eldest son of James and Elizabeth Shapland,, was born 26 October 1816 in Bydown, Swimbridge, Devonshire, England, and died 1883 in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.  He married Elizabeth Yeo 24 February 1838 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England, daughter of John Yeo and Jane Yeo Philpot.  She was born 19 March 1812 in Yarnacott, Swimbridge, Devonshire, England, and died 11 November 1879 in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. In 1841 James and Elizabeth were living at Millicott, Swymbridge and James was a miller. In 1851 he was farming at Bydown. He arrived in Melbourne, Australia per "James Baines 1885 then "Hellesport" 17.2.1855 to Sydney then sailed to Morpeth NSW. James & Elizabeth and children settled at Morpeth, where over the years they would be host to the various Yeo's who called at the port to pick up supplies. This changed when the railway came to Dunedoo. Both James and Elizabeth were large people. James rode a light draught horse and had a special saddle designed to hold his stomach.

  DEATH NOTICE DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT:  We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. James Yeo, Senior, of Elong Elong. Mr. Yeo was a resident of the district for years and early obtained and retained till his death the reputation of being a good neighbour, and a typical honest Englishman.  He was a native of North Devon and brother of Mr. G.S. Yeo late Stock Inspector of Sydney.  Mr Yeo was at the time of his death 67 years of age

  Children of James Yeo and Elizabeth Yeo are

• Mary Ann Yeo, born 17 March 1837 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 26 April 1893 in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia.  She married John Russell. As Mary Ann was illegitimate she may or may not have been the child
  of James Yeo!
  Descendant: Shirley Peterson, 21 Eastern Rd Tarro 2322  049 662080
• John Yeo, born 4 March 1839 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 29 March 1876 in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.  He married Ellen Walters 1 July 1862 in C of E, Lochinvar, New South Wales, Australia; born 3 January 1845 in Jerry Plains, N.S.W; died 9 September 1922.
• James Yeo, born 17 February 1841 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.  He married Mary Alice Whitton 1871 in Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia.
• Thomas Yeo, born 13 August 1844 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 28 May 1922 in Wellington, New South Wales, Australia.  He married Margaret Jackson 1866 in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia
• Henry Yeo, born 5 January 1846 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1867 in New South Wales, Australia.
• George Yeo, born 14 September 1847 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1908 in Dubbo, NSW.  He married Lydia Whitton 1872 in Gulgong, New South Wales, Australia.
• William Yeo, born 6 June 1849 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.  He married Emily Kirby.
• Michael Yeo, born 23 August 1851 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.

  Michael Yeo, born 23 August 1851 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.

Mary Shapland Yeo , daughter of James and Elizabeth Shapland, was born 11 February 1823 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England, and died 1909 in Ottawa, Illinois, United States of America.  She married Joseph Watts 12 March 1850 in Goodleigh, Devonshire, England.  He was born 2 April 1821 in Bratten Fleming, Devonshire, England, and died 1901 in South Ottawa, Illinois, United States of America. They went to the United States of America on 23 April 1850 from Liverpool, England.  They arrived on 16 May 1850 on the "New World". and settled in Lasalle Co. Illinois, S. Ottawa Twsp. Section 33.  He converted his land from the wild prairie to a well cultivated farm.  He began life in USA in limited  circumstances but by his persevering industry together with his good management, he became one of the well t o do farmers in that township and owned 185 acres of well cultivated land. For 25 years he w as an auctioneer in LaSalle Co., through which he became extensively know and universally respected.  He has held several local offices in the township.   He and his wife belonged to the Episcopal Church for many years. On  13 June 1874 Joseph and Mary sailed from New Jersey City on steamship Algairla to visit friends and family in England after an absence of 24 years and to celebrate his Father's 86 th birthday on 18 July 1874.  Mary Watts was then in her 85th years.   Returned home and landed 13 Sept 1874 in New Jersey. There are no death certificates in La Salle Co. Illinois for Joseph or Mary

Photograph of Mary Shapland (YEO) & Joseph Watts

 The clothes of the family suggest that this photograph was taken in the 1860s  to early 1870s and the style differs a little to the usual seen in Australia.

Children of Mary Shapland Yeo & Joseph Watts are :- John Baker Watts, born 28 July 1851 in South Ottawa, Illinois, United States of America; died in Illinois, United States of America.  He married Ida Belle Mosher 10 January 1877 in Illinois, United States of America; born in Broughton, Livingstone County, Illinois, United States of America. James Yeo Watts, born 28 July 1852 in South Ottawa, La Salle Co. Illinois, United States of America.  He married Emma Vanderslip 27 March 1882 in United States of America Ellen Yeo Watts, born 25 April 1854 in South Ottawa, Illinois, United States of America.  She married Isaac Hodgson 2 January 1872 in South Ottawa, Illinois, United States of America William Henry Watts, born 6 October 1855 in South Ottawa, Illinois, United States of America.  He married (1) Laura Hodgson 2 January 1883 in Illinois, United States of America; died 26 July 1884 in Illinois, United States of America.  He married (2) Jane (or Rosa) Brown 6 October 1886 in Illinois, United States of America. Joseph Archer Watts, born 13 July 1857 in South Ottawa, La Salle Co. Illinois, United States of America.  He married Alice Marvin 8 October 1884 in Illinois, United States of America. Georgianna May Watts, born 24 March 1859 in Ottawa, LaSalle Co. Illinois, United States of America; died 15 March 1889 in LaSalle Co., IllinoisUnited States of America.  She married Thomas Marion Miller 30 January 1879 in S. Ottawa Twap, LaSalle Co. Illinois, United States of America; born 3 September 1853 in Ottawa Twsp Ohio, United States of America; died 30 November 1935 in Anoka, Minnisota, United States of America. Phillipp Challacombe Watts, born 24 August 1860 in South Ottawa, La Salle Co. Illinois, United States of America.  He married May Smith 17 September 1884 in Illinois, United States of America. Arthur George Watts, born 28 June 1865 in South Ottawa, La Salle Co. Illinois, United States of America.  He married Hattie Vanderslip.

       26.  John Yeo, second son of James and Elizabeth Shapland, was born 22 March 1825 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England, and died 25 May 1880 in Stonehouse, Gloucester.  He married Emma Matilda Spearing in England.  She was born in Stroud area, Glos, and died September 1909 in Stonehouse, Glos.  They had their own business as grocers and drapers. John died in 1880 and admin of his personal estate was granted to Emma Matilda Yeo widow and relict. John was late of Stonehouse in the county of Gloucester, Draper and Grocer and his estate was worth £1500 In 1901 Emma was living at High Street, Stonehouse, Stroud, Gloucester.  She was living on her own means. Living with her was son Frank Gardiner Yeo, a woollen Cloth Manufacturer.  He was still single.They also had a servant,Elizabeth Lewis. Children of John Yeo and Emma Spearing are:

• George Christopher Yeo, born 1852 in Clifton, Bristol; died December 1940 in Cheltenham area.  He married September 1884 in Chorlton area.
• Elizabeth Anne Yeo, born 1856.
• Florence Fanny Yeo, born 1858.  She married x March 1890 in Stroud area.
• John Shapland Yeo, born 1860 in England; died 24 November 1904 in Edinburgh.
• Sydney James Yeo, born 1862 in England; died in Black Range, W Australia.  He married Eliza Donley 1897 in Albany,  Australia.
• Edwin William Yeo, born 1864 in England; died 10 September 1918 in Cheltenham, England.  He married Frances Mary; died December 1953 in Cheltenham, England.
• Frank Gardner Yeo, born 1868 in <, England>; died March 1962 in Gloucester area, England.

More about John Shapland Yeo born 1860

 

  Thomas Yeo, the third son of James and Elizabeth Shapland,, was born 13 April 1827 in Swymbridge, and died 4 August 1886 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.  He married Elizabeth Richards 9 March 1852 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.  She was born 1829 in Swymbridge, and died 20 April 1898 in Swymbridge. Thomas had a sad family life in that five of his children predeceased him.  Elizabeth Shapland and Mary Margaret the surviving daughters did not have any children and James, the surviving son migrated to Australia where he married Mary Ellen Shapland Yeo (Polly) daughter of George Shapland Yeo, however  that was only 3 months before Thomas died. Thomas exported stud cattle and other stock to Australia and on account of his business appeared in the North Devon Journal in 1878.   His principal farm was Dunnington Barton.  He used to travel to and from Australia with livestock for his brother George. In later life Thomas renovated Yeoland House and lived there for a few years before he died, probably from 1881. Thomas left a will, he was then of Swymbridge, gentleman. He left:-to his wife Elizabeth all his estate called Yarnacott in Swymbridge for her use absolutely and an annuity of £10 so long as she may reside at Yolland in Swymbridge.to son Thomas Yeo, in consequence of the very delicate state of his health an annuity of £20 and I direct that so long as any of my family shall be residing at Yolland aforesaid  my son Thomas shall have a bedroom properly performed for his use there and be otherwise cared for so long as any of my family shall be resident there.to daughters Mary Margaret Yeo, Grace Yeo and Eliza Yeo a legacy of £600 each on attaining the age of twenty one years or on marriage prior to this.to son William a legacy of £1,000 to my son James my estate of Yolland given to me by the late Miss Grace Yeo and upon his death to his first and other sons successively in tail male as they shall be in seniority of age and priority of birth and the several and respective heirs male of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sons the elder of such sons and the heirs male of his body to be preferred to and to take before the younger of such sons and the heirs male of his body.all the pictures and drawing room furniture given to me by said Grace Yeo I leave to my executors upon trust to hold same as heirlooms to go along with my estate devised to son James Yeo, I also give my gold watch bearing the Yeo crest for my son Thomas during his life and then to James and heirs. I give and bequeath all the china given to me by Grace Yeo unto my three daughters to be divided equally between them Elizabeth also left a will and left Yarnacott to her daughters Mary Margaret and Eliza Shapland Yeo and her dwellinghouse in Newport, Bishop Tawton then in the occupation of her sister Margaret Richards to her son Thomas Yeo.

Children of Thomas Yeo and Elizabeth Richards are:

• Ellen Elizabeth Yeo, born 1853 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1866 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England Entry in Shapland Family Bible says that she died on the 7th August, 1866 aged 14 years - only a few days illness.
• Thomas George Yeo, born 1855 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1913 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.
• James Yeo, born 29 December 1857 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1939 in Moss Vale, New South Wales, Australia.  He married Mary Ellen Shapland Yeo 5 May 1886 in Windsor, New South Wales, Australia; born 1860 in Mossvale, New South Wales, Australia. James was a Stock & Station Agent at Ivanhoe NS
• Mary Margaret Yeo, born 1859 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1942 in Devonshire, England.
• Hannah Yeo, born 1861 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1870 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England. She was just 8 years old
• William Yeo, born 1862 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1885 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.
• Grace Yeo, born 1865 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1885 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.
• Elizabeth Shapland Yeo, born 1867 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1947 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England.

  The above was taken at Yeolands Swimbridge 1884 - L-R reat William 1863-1885, Mary Margaret 1859-1942 Thomas 1856-1913, Grace 1865-1885, James who came to Australia and married Mary Ellen Shapland Yeo (Polly) daughter of George Shapland Yeo and Elizabeth (Pender) Ye. Front - L-R Thomas Yeo Sn 1827-1886, Elisabeth (nee Richards) 1829-1898, Eliza Shapland Yeo 1867-1947 - md George Henry Hoile.

George Shapland Yeo, the fifth son of James and Elizabeth Shapland, was born 26 May 1833, and died 23 May 1891 in Mulgrave, New South Wales, Australia.  He married Elizabeth Pender 10 November 1857 in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia.  George emigrated to Australia on the James Baine in Feb 1855and rrived Sydney from Melbourne on Hellesport 17.2.1855. The Windsor Richmond Gazette has some information about George Shapland Yeo. Family stories suggest that George and his cousin James, Son of John and Alice Stribling, had much in common regarding character. They were both known as quiet men and gentlemen. This Newspaper Article from the Windsor Richmond Gazette gives his biography.

Mr. G.S. Yeo, youngest son of the late Mr. James Yeo, was born on his father's estate, Bydown, North Devon in 1833 and is descended from a very old Devonshire family.  In 1854 he left home for New South Wales, but before leaving he held some very important positions in his native parish of Swimbridge, being superintendant of highways and overseer of the parish; on resigning which he received a special vote of thanks for the manner in which he had fulfilled his duties.  On his arrival here, Mr. Yeo entered into some contracts for the shipping of coal at Newcastle; but his love of agricultural pursuits soon induced him to apply his energy in another direction.  He leased the Luskintyre estate, near Maitland, where he commenced wheat-growing on a large scale, using the double furrow plough and wheat stripper machines then very little known in the colony.   A few years of success were followed by seasons of rust, which compelled Mr.Yeo to abandon  wheatgrowing.  He then turned his attention to the cultivation of artificial grasses for fattening lambs for Sydney market.  The success of feeding on English grasses was shown by the first crop of lambs averaging 25s. each, some of them going as high as 32s.  So well had Mr. Yeo studied the cultivation of grasses, that in 1868, when Mr. W.J. Dangar offered at 10 guinea cup for the "best essay on grasses most suitable to the soil and climate of his country, detailing mode of culture &c." Mr. Yeo competed, and was awarded the prize, his essay being lightly spoken of by the press of this and adjoining colonies.  When the scab broke out in the Hunter in 1862, Mr. Yeo was successful in eradicating the disease from several of his Neighbours flocks and was afterwards selected to fill the office of stock inspector for the Merriwa district, the only district then in the colony infected with scab; and it is much to his credit that in six months he had the district free of the disease.  After the appointment of Mr. P.R. Gordon to the chief inspectorship of Queensland  Mr. Yeo was chosen by the authorities to fill his place a metropolitan inspector, and it is pretty well known with what success he guarded our ports during the many years he held that office.  It is also worthy of note that notwithstanding over 200 head of imported cattle passed through his hands in quarantine, not a death or mishap occurred to a single beast.  It is, perhaps, as an importer of purebred stock that Mr. Yeo has rendered the colony most serve, he having imported more animals than anyone at present in the colony, all of which have been noted for their good quality. Within the last 12 years Mr. Yeo has been the means of bringing here no fewer than 5 thoroughbred entires, 4 blood fillies, 12 draught entires, 6 draught mares, 1 coaching horse and two Exmoor ponies.  Cattle- 7 Devon bulls, 2 Hereford bulls, 8 Devon cows and 26 Berkshire pigs.  Mr. Yeo is now located at Mulgrave on the Hawkesbury where he has got together a very fine herd of Devons, consisting of about 100 stud breeding cows, all descended from imported and selected local cows.  The bulls now at the stud are gold medal Tempter (imp.) and young Tempter, a son of Duchess of Dennington (imp.) and Tempter.  Mr. Yeo is also paying particular attention to the breeding of coach and draught stock and ponies and is using the grand imported stallion Perfection, and Everton Tom and the beautiful pony, Uncle Tom, as sires  In Berkshire pigs Mr. Yeo stands pre-eminent having one of the best herds of swine in the colony, all descendants from selections from the best piggeries in England.  He has for many years taken a leading part in connection with the principal agricultural society of this colony and is at present a member of our metropolitan society's council.  His services as a judge of stock have been freely rendered to many of the agricultural associations of this colony; and stockbreeders of Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand have on several occasions evinced their appreciation of his knowledge.....

 

His Obituary (Sat May 30 1891)  "By the death of Mr. G.S. Yeo, which took place last Saturday morning, the Hawkesbury District has lost a good resident and an honourable and consistent man.  Mr. Yeo had not long been ill, and his death came as a surprise, even upon many of his most intimate friends. The funeral took place on Sunday last, and was conducted by Mr. T Primrose. The cortege The cortege left the deceased's late residence at Mulgrave at 3 o'clock and added to its numbers until when it reached town it presented a most imposing appearance.    The members of the Richard Coley Masonic Lodge,  to the numbers of about 40 in full regalia, marched at the head of the hearse, and after the Mouring coach came the last Mr. Yeo's favour horse, riderless. A large number of vehicles bearing friends, and after these horsemen & pedestrians represent- in all parts of the district. When St. Matthews Church of England was reached, the coffin (which was covered with beautiful wreaths), was taken inside the building, and a very impressive service was conducted by the Rev G D'Arcy Irvine.  The Church was absolutely crowded, as also were the grounds when the remains of the deceased were lowered into the grave.  The burial service was ready by the incumbant, and the impressive Masonic service by Bro John Jackson Paine,   W. M., after which those who could do so had one last look at the shell which contained the remains of a man to know whom was to like him and respect him.  Mr. George Yeo, took a deep and fervent interest in the farming industry, and was no mean authority on all questions appertaining to it/.   As a stockbreeder he made his mark, and in all the colonies the Mulgrave Stud farm is as well-known as any other kindred establishment of the kind. Mr. Yeo was president of the N.S.W. Agricultural Society  Was an active worker for and a member of the Council of the Hawkesbury Agricultural Association, besides being a Magistrate and taking an active part in any and every local movement calculated to benefit the district.  Altogether he was one of those men who, being scarce, are an acquisition to any locality; one who was in touch with all classes, and whose removal will be sorely felt.  Mrs. Yeo and family have the sympathy of young and old and rich and poor, in the loss  they have sustained by the death of one who being a good friend, was also a good husband and father." His wife, Betsey, daughter of John and Mary Pender, sailed on "British King" from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland on the 23rd October, 1838 and arrived in Sydney on the 28th February, 1839.  The family settled in Maitland, N.S.W 

Children of George Yeo and Elizabeth Pender are:

• Alfred J Yeo, born 1858 in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia; died 1859 in Maitland West, New South Wales, Australia.
• Mary Ellen Shapland Yeo, born 1860 in Mossvale, New South Wales, Australia.  She married James Yeo 5 May 1886 in Windsor, New South Wales, Australia; born 29 December 1857 in Swimbridge, Devonshire, England; died 1939 in Moss Vale, New South Wales, Australia
• George Charles Yeo, born 1861 in Singleton, New South Wales, Australia; died 1939 in New South Wales, Australia.  He married Alison Baird 1890 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
• Florence Matilda Yeo, born 30 November 1864 in Patricks Plains, New South Wales, Australia.
• Hannah Caroline Yeo, born 7 November 1866 in Scone, New South Wales, Australia.  She married William Hunt.
• Herbert Ernest Alfred Yeo, born 10 February 1869 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; died 18 August 1950 in Meckering, Western Australia.  He married Edith Maude Hawkes; born 1873 in South Australia; died 1914 in Meckering, Western Australia. All this tree was compiled by Norma Biggs with information given by Pat Burges.Herbert left NSW and went to Broad Arrow in the goldfields of Western Australia around 1898. Edith was the daughter of James and Louisa Hawke
• Albert Frederick Thomas Yeo, born 4 March 1871 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; died 1881 in Mulgrave, New South Wales, Australia.
• Claude Septimus M Yeo, born 29 December 1872 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; died 20 July 1916 in Killed in Action, World War 1. Claude's name appears on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site. In memory of Claude Yeo, Private 795, 30th Bn., Australian Infantry, A.I.F. who died on Thursday, 20th July, 1916 Son of George and Elizabeth, Native of Randwick, New South Wales. Memorial V.C. Corner Australian Cemetry Memorial, Fromelles, Nord, France.
• Edith Frances Yeo, born 18 November 1874 in Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
• Minnie Ongiene Yeo, born 1878 in Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
• Frederick Yeo, born 1881 in Windsor, New South Wales, Australia.

  The Yeo Boys of Elong Elong

  The Yeo family at the Elong Elong Tennis Club

I will attach a number of Yeo photographs that I just screened. They are not my line and I have copies of quite a few more of them. They are I think from the Elong Elong Yeo lot - James Yeo, cousin of my James Yeo (son of Alice Stribling and John Yeo). On the back of the photograph of the man in the sulky it has "From the Photo Studieo of F Howe." Frederick Howe worked in Forbes 1886-1902 and before that at Howe & King Forbes 1884-1885. The group of two photographs obviously is of the same girl - before marriage (hair in ringlets) and after with husband - same dress and looks as though she is expecting. Ann

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