Thomas Hoskin (1849-1933) was born in Lemelgate, St Neot Cornwall. He emigrated as a boy with his mother in 1865 on the Donald McKay. He fell in love with and married Mary Ann Mills (1861-1919), who was a maid in his mother's household. The wedding which caused a furore as Mary Ann was only 14, took place at Gerrans Farm, Jamieson on 5/11/1875. Thomas and Mary Ann had fifteen children, the fourth of whom, Matilda (1882-1966) was my grandmother.

Matilda was born at Jamieson, and was sent to Melbourne to work when she was about 10 years old. She learned to cook during this time which stood her in good stead in later life. She returned to Jamieson and worked as a domestic in 1900, and in 1905 married Frederick James Mitchell.

A book called "The Hoskin Album" edited by Bruce Bennett, traces Thomas Hoskin's ancestors from Cornwall back to about 1600.