He married his first wife, Amelia Vincent (12/10/1845-10/02/1871), in Fremantle on 29/04/1864. She died at sea. Daughter of Henry and Louisa, she died at sea in childbirth. Her body was put in a zinc case with rum and then slung from the cabin roof and brought to the harbour for burial, married 2nd 12/08/1885 (Melbourne) Alexandra Belgrave of South Australia. Children were John Frederick (1869-1870), Andrew. Fremantle, master mariner 1865-77. Commander Sea Ripple, Spinaway (Spinaway sold in 1876, wife died onboard). He was the owner of Cingalee, bought in 1880 when wrecked at Bunbury on 18/06/1887.