Shep's Place Family Tree

In 1835 John Knight sold the Almericlose Mansion, houses, brewery and property in James Street, Almericlose, in four lots. John was David's son and had continued on from his father's death. The purchaser of the house was George Gibson who named it "Maulebank" and in due course James Street became Maule Street. John then opened a new brewery in Heller Street and lived at Maule Cottage until the family emigrated to South Australia in 1851. In 1973, the then owner of "Maulebank" mansion rescued a number of old records of the Knight brewery. This was George Smith, since deceased, with whom Hector Knight of S.A. stayed. Mr. Smith gave Hector copies of the old records now held by E.M.S. They are too extensive to include here. Hector reported that "Maulebank" is a lovely spacious house restored to perfection by the Smiths.

John Knight was a respected member of the Brewer's Guild at Arbroath and held office within it until 1850. He attended for the last time on 18 Oct 1850 and sold all his property at Arbroath to emigrate to South Australia.

He brought his wife Hannah and surviving children to S.A. with the exception of sons Charles and George who were already at Strathalbyn and William who came out later. The family travelled by the "Hydaspes", leaving London on 21 Aug 1851 and reached Port Adelaide on 27 Nov 1851. They joined Charles and George who had been in the Colony for nine years. John built at North Terrace, Strathalbyn, and was thenceforth "gentleman", indicating his retirement, though still styling himself "brewer" on official papers.