John Henty 1813-1868
from West Tarring, Sussex
Sandford House, near Casterton, Victoria

The last of the four Henty brothers to settle at Portland Bay was John, who had arrived in Western Australia in 1829. Many of John's movements are hard to trace, but accompanying his signature to the address of welcome to the Duke of Edinburgh he gives his date of arrival in Portland as September 1, 1836. Add to this the fact that he is not mentioned in Edward's diary until after that date (though the other brothers are), it then seems conclusive that reported earlier arrivals are incorrect. While in Van Diemen's land John married Eliza Whitfield and had issue two sons and three daughters. He resided in Portland for a short time before going to Merino Downs and then to Sandford. In 1847 he sold out and bought a farm near Warrnambool. This was not a success. His next move was to Bolwarra, near Portland, in 1853, where he lived quietly for many years. He died in 1868 in Perth, Western Australia.

Miss Susan Henty, a daughter of John Henty, and who was born at Sandford in May 1843, has left a few notes that help us to understand John's movements in opening up the Wannon. Miss Henty says: - "When Major Mitchell reported the discovery of this country Edward was on the eve of departure to Launceston. So Stephen and John struck off inland to see the wonderful country described by the Major. They took with them a dray and provisions and a man named Smead. They found the land just as described, and on their return to Portland John and Francis went back with a flock of sheep to take possession. They arrived at their selected spot, Merino Downs, on 3rd August, 1837. This station became the headquarters of the brothers until more stock was introduced. Edward then took up Muntham, John and Frank remaining at Merino Downs. In 1842 a new division was made. Stephen remained at Portland, Edward at Muntham, and Frank at Merino Downs. John moved to Sandford and built a home there."

From these details and Edward's invaluable diary we can approximately fix the date of the first Wannon trip. Edward's diary stops August 31, 1836. John arrives September 1, 1836. Edward leaves for Launceston by the same boat that brought John. Stephen and John then set out for the Wannon. Hence the break in the diary at Portland Bay. It all fits in wonderfully.

Source : "The Portland Bay Settlement",
By Noel Learmonth, 1834


JOHN HENTY
Born West Tarring, England, 1812. Arrived Swan River, 1829. Did very little exploring and led rather a quiet life. Married Elizabeth WHITFIELD. Arrived Victoria September 1st, 1836. John HENTY had what is called "Sandford House," property under Government lease from 1840-44, when he sold his rights to JACKSON Bros., whose nephew until recently had interest in property. Later sold to J. SOMERVILLE and now in possession of A. MATHESON. Portion of present "Sandford House" built by John HENTY. One daughter married Dr. WHITE, of Portland. In 1841 he resided in a hut on present site of Merino Downs.

"Sandford House" is famous locally owing to Major Mitchell passing through at a spot 200 yards from the present house. The ford over which he crossed the Wannon is on this property. Died 1868.

Source : "Historic Souvenir of the Back to Merino and Henty Centenary Celebrations",
November, 11th to 15th, 1937


JOHN HENTY
  • 1836 - Arrived at Portland Bay to live just after the departure of Major Mitchell's expedition from the Bay.
  • 1837 - Frank & his brother John HENTY brought the first flock of sheep to the Merino Plains area.
  • 1838 - On New Year's Day, John Henty, James Smead and three other men bagan the construction of "Merino Downs" homestead
  • 1839 - John & Eliza living at "Merino Downs"
  • 1842 - John HENTY starts with his own land (12,000 acres) which he named "Sandford" near the junction of the Wannon and Glenelg rivers.
  • External link to - Sandford Homestead c.1845 (painting)

Source : "The Hentys An Australian Colonial Tapestry" - Marnie Bassett, 1954