The descendants of Frederick and more significantly his daughter Charlotte Meredith Stewart Farrell with gather on October 13 and 14 to celebrate as part of the John Oxley Bicentenary celebrations.

Charlotte became an early settler in Port Macquarie. 

She led a busy life and raised a large family, according to Marilyn Ayres, a member of the Frederick Meredith Descendants Group.

"It is the descendants of these children who will gather at The Westport Club on October 13 and share stories, family history and memorabilia," she said.

Charlotte was born on April 26, 1794 and was baptised at St. Phillip’s on June 11, 1794.  It is believed she grew up on the Hawkesbury with her mother, Mary Inch. 

"Charlotte married twice, firstly to William Stewart, master mariner, and secondly to Charles Farrell, an emigrant from Ireland. 

"William died in a shipping accident near Twofold Bay in 1821, leaving Charlotte with no income and five children to raise - Jane, Robert, John, Samuel and William. 

"Charles Farrell arrived in the colony in 1824 from Mullingan, County Westmeath, Ireland. He was accompanied by his son, Edward, who was about 18 years old. 

"Charles’ wife, Mary Cuffe and one child died on the voyage.  Charles was a prodigious letter writer and about 148 letters survive and detail his life and opinions from January 1820 until his death in 1842. 

"He gained employment in the colony as Surveyor of Distilleries, Inspector of Linen and Yarn, and as tide waiter."

The Farrell family moved to Port Macquarie soon after it was opened to free settlers. They lived in a cottage upon arrival but eventually settled on a land grant at Limeburners Creek. 

His business enterprises began with a House of Intertainment in 1830; this allowed him to sell wines, malt and spiritous liquors.

"Three more children were added to the family in Port Macquarie,  Charlotte Rowena, Charles Frederick and William Thomas," Ms Ayres said.

Charles Farrell concentrated on breeding horses and cattle on his property.  He died in 1842 and is buried in the Historical cemetery. 

Charlotte died in 1852 aged 57 years. She had lived through a half-century of exceptional change, challenge, hardship and adventure. She had raised eleven children, three with William Stewart, five with Charles Farrell and three step-children.

Family names connected with Charlotte’s descendants include Warlters,  Blair, Gustafson, Furnifull, Lackey, Smith, McInherney and Farrell.

On the Macleay River many would remember Charles Warlters Farrell, better known as ‘Beau’.

One of the features of Saturday’s gathering will be a report on the historical connections established by the FMDG’s DNA testing results.

Further information from Marilyn Ayres 0437822477, Isabel Browne 65626303 or just turn up at the Westport Club from 9am.