Isaac Gomes Silva (1831 - 1894)

Born 12 Jul 1831 in Kingston, Jamaica

Husband of Kate (Moses) Silva — married 20 Jun 1855 in St Luke, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom

Died 1894 at about age 62 in Newtown, New South Wales, Australia

Biography

John was born Kingston, Jamaica in 1831.

Parents -
Moses Gomes Silva 1786 - 1858^[1] Elizabeth (Bathsheba) Gomes Silva (born Mesquitta) 1805 - 1875

Siblings -
Esther Moses Marsden (born Gomes Silva) 1825 - 1908
David Gomes Silva 1826 - 1872
Julia Gomes White (born Silva) 1835 - 1871

Family settled in England by 1840.

1841 Census: 2 King Street, St Leonard Shoreditch, Middlesex, England.^[2]

John Silva, 19yrs travelled from London to Port Phillip, Australia, arriving 1 Oct 1852 on the 'Ferozepore',^[3] arriving 1 Oct 1852. On board his future brother-in-law Morris (Maurice) Moses, 21yrs^[4] His future wife left in London to wait his return.

Quickly into business in Melbourne, Bendigo^[5], and later Castlemaine, Victoria, and by 1856 a member of the Chamber of Commerce.^[6]

John Asher Gomes Silva married Kate Moses 20 June 1855 at the home of her father, Isaac Moses (36 Gloucester Square) and was conducted by the Chief Rabbi.^{[7] [8]} on 20 June 1855 at St. Luke, London, England.

Kate Moses father Isaac Moses second wife was John's sister Esther Gomes Silva.

John G Silva 26 yrs and Kate Silva 24 yrs travelled first class on the 'Sussex'^[9] leaving Plymouth 10 Aug 1855, arrived 30 Oct 1855 at Port Phillip, however, due to an outbreak of smallpox on board, the ship was placed in quarantine^[10], then sailed from the Quarantine Station, Point Nepean to Hobson’s Bay, Melbourne 12 Nov 1855.^[11]

In 1853, the 12 acres (4.85 hectares) of Dalgety’s Paddock, St Kilda, was subdivided and auctioned- The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 23 Mar 1853 Page 5 Advertising. Subsequently John Silva acquired five of these allotments and began building a house Etloe Hall . Unfortunately the house finished but never furnished and lived in by the Silvas.

Henry ‘Money’ Miller, MLC (1809-88), financier and opportunist, who died leaving an estate of over £1.6 million, is said to have advanced £4,000 to merchant John Gomez Silva to finance construction of his house, Etloe Hall, in 1856; an amount so fabulous that the house is said to have been known as Silva’s Folly.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Tue 12 Feb 1856 Page 7 Advertising.
NOTICE - Retiring from Business. Messrs. E. MOSES and SON, before retiring from the Australian import trade, desire to convey their warmest thanks to their numerous friends and the public for the very kind and highly flattering patronage which has attended their mercantile career in these colonies, and for the complete success which has crowned their humble efforts. Appreciating the importance of an augmented commercial reputation, they established a wholesale branch in the metropolis of the Southern Hemisphere, and they are truly and deeply sensible of the liberal support which has accompanied their exertions. Their Melbourne establishment will be wound up with all convenient despatch, but they regret extremely that circumstances of a private character should require the discontinuance of so lucrative a business. Messrs. E. Moses and Son venture to express the hope that the same favor which has been lavished on them will be extended to Mr. J. G. Silva, to whom this business has been disposed of, and who will establish himself here under the style of J. G. Silva and Co. ; they likewise beg to solicit for their London house a continuance of the support of importers here, who may depend on all commands (especially for every description of Boots, and Shoes, and Clothing) being promptly executed ; having gained considerable experience during their four years immediate connection with the Australian markets, they feel competent to complete all orders with perfect satisfaction to their constituents. (Signed) E. MOSES and SON. Lonsdale-street west, 11th February, 1856
NOTICE - Mr. J. G. SILVA, in introducing himself to the public, under the style of J. G. SILVA and CO., begs to tender his thanks for the benefit he has derived from their handsome support to the firm of E. Moses and Son, and he avails himself of this opportunity to announce his intention of conducting his business on those principles, so widely known and approved, which have ever characterised the commercial transactions of the distinguished house with which he has had the honor of being connected. Mr. J. G. Silva would, in giving this assurance, at the some time mention that his business will consist of a general import trade, for which he respectfully solicits a share of public patronage. In anticipation of establishing himself in this business, Mr. J. G. Silva did, on his visit to England last year, make arrangements for shipments to him of general merchandise per Mermaid, Earl of Sefton, and other early vessels. The offices of Messrs. J. G. Silva and Co. are, pro. tem., at the stores of Messrs. E. Moses and Son. (Signed) J. G. SILVA and CO. Lonsdale-street west, 11th February, 1856

But appears to have extended his finances a bit too far!

Mid 1857 arguing his case for the second time in the Insolvent Court, loosing all his possessions and the house he had built near St Kilda.^[12] His business having been supported by his brother-in-law Mr Moses.^[13]

Children -
Angelina Rachael 1856 - 1919 Melbourne^[14]
Jos(eph)ine Beersheba 1857 - 1882 Melbourne
Reginald Moses 1858 Collingwood
E(s)telle Georgina 1860 Richmond
Zillah 1862 - 1950 Kensington, London^[15]
Maud Augusta1863 Kensington, London
Harold Isaac Comes1865 St Pancras, England
Frederick 1866 England^[16]
Horace 1867 England
Mortimer 1869 England
Myra 1870 England

Travelled back to England, and returning with Maurice Moses (also Lewis Adolphus) travelling from Southampton to Melbourne arriving on the 20 Mar 1857 on the 'Columbian'.^[17]

Leaves Victoria to Europe on the 'Red Jacket', 10 Jul 1860.^[18] J G Silva 28yrs, Mrs Silva 26, Angelina 4, Josephine 3, Reginald 2, Estelle 1.^[19]

Going by the name "John James Libia".
- 1861 English Census: St Mary Paddington, Middlesex, London, 29 (born approx 1832 Kingston), Kate G 30 wife, Angelina 5, Josephine 4, Reginald 3, Estille J 10mths, (Marget Gliver 26, Charlott Smitt 16, Mary Autin 27 - servants).^[20]

What John Gomes Silva was doing in London from 1861 is not known, but significantly Kate’s father Isaac Marsden had indentures drawn up in 1865 and 1867, appointing Kate’s brothers Montague and Maurice as her trustees to protect Kate from her husband. Kate’s will (dated 1886) states that the indentures cover “plates, linen, china and household effects” which were held for her by Montague and Maurice Marsden “in trust for myself and my executors, administrators and assigns for my sole and separate use independently of the said John Gomes Silva and of his debts, control and engagements.”

Divorced 23 Aug 1871(Silva/Templeton).^[21]

1871 census all their eleven children (aged from 14 years to one year old) were living at the Jewish boarding-school in Kew, Surrey, run by Leopold Neumegen. The children were known by the surname Templeton^[22] At the same census their father was recorded as “John S. Templeton”, age 40, “Retired merchant”, a visitor at a house in Lambeth, South London.^[23] John then returned to Melbourne, Australia.

May 1875 living 'Glcnda Ida', South Yarra, Victoria. , supporting coal mining shares.^[24]

June 1875 a fraud summons.^[25]

New South Wales Police Gazette, 3 Mar 1880 - Warrant for arrest, fraudulently obtaining goods & money, Parramatta, New South Wales.^[26]

Later thar year involving his son, Reginald, in in his escapades, this time diamonds the heist.^[27]

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)Sat 12 Jul 1890 Page 11 POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
At the Carlton Court yesterday, an elderly man named John Asher Silva, who is at present undergoing a sentence of four years for passing a valueless cheque, was charged with obtaining money by false pretences.

In and out of Melbourne jail through 1880 to 1890.^[28]

6 Dec 1888 death of Kate Silva, Middlesex, England. Probate.^[29]

1893 ?East Maitland, NSW.

He passed away in 1894.^[30]

Research

Alfred S Lazarus, at the office of Martin Daly and Co, 25 Little Bourke st, was looking for John Silva on 10 Mar 1853.^[31]

Sources

1. ↑ "England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2NJN-FJR : 31 December 2014), Moses Gomes Silva, 1858; from "England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Kensington, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
2. ↑ "England and Wales Census, 1841", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MQV8-832 : Tue Dec 05 07:03:12 UTC 2023), Entry for Julia Silva and Elizabeth Silva, 1841.
3. ↑ Public Record Office Victoria
   https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/33FE03C7-F96C-11E9-AE98-C7AC77C28B87?image=201
4. ↑ The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Sat 2 Oct 1852 Page 6
   https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4787438?searchTerm=j%20silva
5. ↑ 1855 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 12 February, p. 8. , viewed 24 Dec 2023, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4804293?searchTerm=silva
6. ↑ 1856 'CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 29 May, p. 4. , viewed 24 Dec 2023, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4839010?searchTerm=silva
7. ↑ "England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2D3H-HWX : 13 December 2014), John Asher Gomes Silva, 1855; from "England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1855, quarter 2, vol. 1B, p. 712, St. Luke, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
8. ↑ England & Wales, Marriage Index, 1837-2005
   Volume 1B Page 712
9. ↑ Public Record Office Victoria
   https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/3AFC5433-F96C-11E9-AE98-217934D1FC21?image=193
10. ↑ https://poi-australia.com.au/blackwall-clipper-sussex/
11. ↑ The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Tue 13 Nov 1855 Page 4 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154861951
12. ↑ The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thu 4 Jun 1857 Page 1 Advertising
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7132971?searchTerm=morris%20moses%20silva
13. ↑ The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Tue 18 Aug 1857 Page 6 INSOLVENT COURT.
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154835794
    Mount Alexander Mail (Vic. : 1854 - 1917) Fri 21 Aug 1857 Page 5 INSOLVENT COURT.
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197086970
14. ↑ The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Sat 12 Apr 1856 Page 2 Family Notices
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154868157
15. ↑ England & Wales, Birth Index, 1837-2005
    Volume 1A Page 20
16. ↑ "England and Wales Census, 1881," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q273-MPW3 : 10 December 2017), Freddy Silva in household of Kate Silva, Kensington, London,Middlesex, England; from "1881 England, Scotland and Wales Census," database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 21, Piece/Folio 36/46, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 101,774,321.
17. ↑ The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Fri 20 Mar 1857 Page 4 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7146541?searchTerm=maurice%20moses
18. ↑ Victoria Government Gazette
    http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1860&class=general&page_num=1210&state=V&classNum=G78&searchCode=6353787
19. ↑ Public Record Office Victoria, Outwards passenger lists (1852-1923)
    https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-collection/explore-topic/passenger-records-and-immigration/outwards-passenger-lists
20. ↑ "England and Wales Census, 1861," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7V6-T9B : 12 September 2020), Marget Gliver in household of John James Libia, Paddington, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom; from "1861 England, Scotland and Wales census," database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
21. ↑ .England & Wales, Civil Divorce Records, 1858-1918
    The National Archives; Kew, Surrey, England; Court for Divorce and Matrimonial Causes, later Supreme Court of Judicature: Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Files, J 77; Reference Number: J 77/109/1814
22. ↑ "England and Wales Census, 1871", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VRNJ-YXK : 27 June 2022), Reginald Templeton in entry for Leopold Neumegen, 1871.
23. ↑ "England and Wales Census, 1871", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VRF2-VF4 : 28 June 2022), John S Templeton in entry for Charles N Riper, 1871.
24. ↑ 1875 'NEW SOUTH WALES COAL MINES.', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 15 May, p. 7. , viewed 19 Jan 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202134065
25. ↑ 1875 'POLICE', The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (Vic. : 1864 - 1888), 19 June, p. 3. , viewed 19 Jan 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109630100
26. ↑ https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-50492-100129/new-south-wales-police-gazette-1880-in-new-south-wales-police-gazette?snippet=e51c81353848d82ca735f612232c115a
27. ↑ 1880 'CITY AND SUBURBS.', Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954), 25 December, p. 17. , viewed 30 Dec 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172859221
28. ↑ Public Record Office Victoria
    https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/1C891864-F3A9-11E9-AE98-1906D9C708FD?image=152&check_logged_in=1
29. ↑ https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-10691-978802-R1/john-gomes-silva-in-england-wales-index-of-wills-probates
30. ↑ NSW BDM Death 9698/1894
    Isaac A(sher) G(omes) Silva, father - Moses G, mother - Elizabeth
31. ↑ The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thu 10 Mar 1853 Page 1 Advertising
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4790548?searchTerm=silva

https://tonyseymour.com/pages/gomes-silva/