Hi Listers. I am seeking information on John Taylor, Johann & Juliana Wenz and the 'Cross Keys Hotel', connected with Lochinvar in the 1840's & 1850's. My ancestor, John/Johann Wenz, was a vinedresser (one of the first bounty workers, brought out by the Macarthur brothers of Camden Park.) He and his family arrived on the 'Kinnear' in April 1838. After his 5 yr contract expired he moved to Lochinvar. At the time of his death in Lochinvar in Feb1853 he was an 'Innkeeper". He was also a bricklayer and on a daughter's death certificate stated to be a 'distiller'. Records show that his wife, Julia Wince [sic] (Julia/Juliana Wenz) held the licence for 'Cross Keys' in May, 1853. Her son-in-law, John Coleman (m Anne M Wenz in 1850 in Maitland) held the Publicans General Liccence in 1854 to 1857. In 1858 John Coleman applied for a licences for a new house and was granted after being opposed by Mr Mullen. " Johann Wenz worked for John Taylor of Lochinvar in the Hunter Valley, where he laid out a vineyard of twenty-eight acres and worked until he won a house in a lottery in Sydney about 1849." (from Greetings from the Land where Milk and Honey flows: the German Emigration to NSW 1838-1858, ed by Patricia Cloos and Jurgen Tampke. See pp 11, 22, 27, 97, 116, 193-4.) I believe the area planted was near the existing B & B 'Lochinvar House' off the New England Highway but would like to confirm this. Lindsay Wood in his book "Lochinvar: a history of the township and local district",2005 p.80 states that John Taylor is mentioned on conveyancing deeds 1843-44 for Lots 1-12. Cynthia Hunter cites a reference in 'Maitland Mercury' on 29-5-1847 to Mr Taylor as being a representative for the Scotch company (Aberdeen Investment Company). I would like to confirm: a) the location of the planting of vines in the 1840's; b) identity of John Taylor (eg bmd) and any other info; c) location of 'Cross Keys Hotel', Lochinvar and any other relevant info, eg owner (maybe Mr Mullen); d) burial place of John/Johann Wenz (1794-1853) and Julia/Juliana Wenz (1792-1855). Both were RC. Any information or leads will be greatly appreciated, Fay Lawrence, [email protected]