User:TwinkleToowoomba/John Foreman Staff

John Foreman STAFF was a pioneer school teacher in Parramatta. He started the first school in Parramatta, New South Wales. He was born at Greater Yarmouth, England about 1802. He immigrated to Australia about 1823. He arrived on the ship the "Denmark Hill" as a free person. His maternal uncle John FOREMAN was the captain. He had several sources of employment which included that of constable, farmer and school teacher. He also held the position of clerk at St John's church< Parramata. During services he occupied the lower deck of the famous triple decker pulpit. The Rev Samuel Marsden, the "flogging parson" started St John's church. John STAFF also was the choir master and organ master. His son James Samuel turned the handle of the organ.

John STAFF married Mary SANDLE who was a former convict. John and Mary had several children. One of whom was Arthur Australia STAFF who was a carpenter, wheelwright and small business owner. His daughter Eliza also a teacher continued his work at the school.

John died on the 8th August 1876 aged 75. His wife Mary survived him.