great-great grandad John Lawrence Johns.

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"It is family folklore that Johnny was about 17 when he came to Australia as a groom, with a consignment of horses for a Dr Ramsay who lived in Sydney at Fivedock.  His neightbour was Robert Johnston, son of Major George Johnston of the infamous 'Rum Corps', living at nearby Annandale. Robert Johnston held Jier Station at Yass to where the horses went and Johnny with them, jumping ship. He also apparently changed his name then from Jones to Johns.  He eventually became overseer on Jier Station; was a top hand with horses.  He later managed the Royal Hotel in Yass.  He and Sarah, daughter of convicts Mary Ann Whalan (7 yrs) and George Potter (14yrs), did not get on too well.  Sarah was pretty fiery. "

-  from cousin Jacqui