Thomas and Barbara's Children
Over a period of twenty years Robert and Mary Sutherland produced thirteen children, a pretty good innings by any standard! Taking into account the era and the conditions, there was probably a number of miscarraiges, which surely puts the batting average up yet again. The harsh environment and the itinerant lifestyle of the agricultural labourers would have suppressed many today, but despite this they managed to bring up a large family.
Having suffered four losses, the family kept strong, with the older children either helping on the farm or carrying out the domestic duties. A hard childhood, and lack of space meant that almost of all the Sutherland siblings left the area in search of better living standards elsewhere. Two were to join police forces further south and another two of the boys followed military careers whilst two remained in the farming industries locally.
Timeline
