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George (aged 31) and Elizabeth arrived in 1829 with four of their children. The family became pioneer settlers in the new harsh environment of the Swan Colony (Avon Valley). Tragedy struck in 1831 when George lost his wife and daughters Ruth and baby Elizabeth. In 1838 the family set out for Northam and George (Senior) found employment with J. Fleay in Beverley. By the late 1860's, George leased some of the best agricultural land and he established Fern Valley Farm via Grass Valley. Today's Shamrock Hotel was bought by George in 1871 and he lived there until his death in 1879, a month before his 82nd birthday. During his later years he suffered from blindness. The family name Christmass remains in the area.

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