Richard Paynter (of Calstock)

Born: c.1816 — Calstock, Cornwall, England
Died: 17 December 1855 — Ward Farm, Chain of Ponds, South Australia, aged 39
Spouse: Mary Pearce — m. 26 June 1836, Calstock parish church

Family

• Wife: Mary Pearce (b. c.1815, Calstock) — m. 26 June 1836, Calstock parish church. Banns read 5, 12 and 19 June 1836; witnesses Richard Gribbell Wade and Joseph Johns.
• Children: Richard Paynter (1838–1869); Elizabeth Paynter (m. John Ash Osborn, 14 May 1866, Wesleyan Chapel Kersbrook); John Paynter (m. Annie Horwood Kentish, 30 December 1884)

Life Summary

Richard Paynter was born about 1816 at Calstock, Cornwall, and married Mary Pearce at Calstock parish church on 26 June 1836. He brought his wife and family to South Australia — arriving sometime between 30 March 1851 (when he is recorded in the Calstock census) and 17 December 1855 — and settled at Ward Farm, Chain of Ponds, in the Adelaide Hills. He died there on 17 December 1855, aged 39, after a protracted illness. His son Richard (1838–1869) emigrated on to marry Jean Telfer, and it is through that line that this family connects to the Telfer tree.

Sources

• Source: Stirring the Bones — "Richard Paynter & Mary Pearce(?)" — independent researched compilation citing SAGHS/SA records and Trove-era press notices: "18/12/1815 to 17/12/1816 - Richard Paynter (who died at Ward Farm, Chain of Ponds in Dec 1855) born in Calstock"; "30/3/1851 - In Calstock Town census"; "17/12/1855 - Richard died at Chain of Ponds, aged 39"; "2/1/1856 - 'At Ward Farm, Chain of Ponds, on the 17th instant, aged 39, Mr Richard Paynter (late of Calstock Cornwall) after a protracted illness.'"; "5th, 12th, 19th June 1836 - Banns read at Calstock parish church for the mar of Richard Painter (sojourner o.t.p.) and Mary Pearce (otp)"; "26/6/1836 - A Richard Painter married Mary Pearce by banns in Calstock parish church. Witns Richard Gribbell Wade and Joseph Johns" — accessed 17 September 2026
• Source: From the Borders to the Bush — Chapter on Jean/Jane Telfer (the family's own account of the Calstock origin)