Hi all, I have been researching my known Deacon family connections for some years, and have been researching other Deacon families in Australia and New Zealand that may be connected. In doing so I have found several related Deacon families. I am seeking contact with any relatives or researchers of this Deacon family. Arthur Jesse Deacon was born in New Zealand in 1887, mother Laura Ann Deacon, father's name not recorded. It appears that Laura Ann Deacon subsequently married James Thurston Hunter in 1890 in New Zealand. A James Thurston Hunter appears in Victorian electoral rolls from 1936 to 1949, but may or may not be the same person. I have ordered copies of the entries for Arthur's birth and Laura Ann's marriage from New Zealand. Arthur Jesse Deacon married Daisy Hooper in Queensland in 1912, and the couple had 9 children, the first 8 in Queensland and the last Lois Ruth possibly in Victoria. They are recorded in Victorian electoral rolls from 1931. I found reference to the family on a Watkins Family History Society web site, no longer maintained and a message to the the email link "bounced". That site shows Laura Ann Deacon's parents as Ruben Deacon and Louise Matilda Paull. From FreeBMD and Ancestry, that couple appear to be; Marriages September Quarter 1853, Volume 5a, Page 184, Melksham Reuben Deacon to Louisa Matilda POLE Reuben and Louisa / Matilda at Trowbridge in 1861 to 1891 census records. Daughter Laura A Deacon, 1, born Trowbridge in 1861. In 1871 census at Trowbridge, Laura appears to be listed as Sarah A. A Sarah Ann Deacon birth was registered March Quarter 1860 in Melksham, Volume 5a, Page 122. In 1881 census at Trowbridge, Laura A Deacon, Head, Unmarried, 21, Clothworker, born Trowbridge, with son Frederick L, 4 months, born Trowbridge. Births December Quarter 1880, Volume 5a, Page 119, Melksham Frederick Lewis Deacon Some known members of my Deacon family lived at Trowbridge in the early 1800s, so if Laura Ann's parents were Reuben and Louisa Matilda, she may well be related. Thank you in advance for any help. Ray Hayes Hobart, Tasmania