Framed Photograph of Thomas II & Emma Abbey with Mary Ann Abbey

In 1841 Thomas Abbey I arrived in the Vasse District from Newtown, Ireland, with his wife Mary Ann (nee Minion). During the labour shortages of the 1840s Thomas Abbey first worked for John Bussell before leasing land in Wonnerup. In 1847 land became available west of Busselton. Thomas Purchased Sussex Location 24, naming his property New Town Farm. Circa 1851, construction began of the family homestead, Newtown House, possibly with the aid of convict labourers, who had recently arrived in the district. Thomas and Mary Ann had 4 children David, Nathaniel , John (Nathaniel and John were twins) and Thomas II .

Thomas Abbey II, the youngest son of Thomas Abbey I , was born on 28 December 1847 at Coomidup, Western Australia. On 29 March 1876 he married Emma Baskerville in Bunbury, they had three children and farmed at the family property at Newtown. Thomas II was active in church work and was one of the first members of the Agricultural Hall committee at Newtown. Thomas II died, aged 65, on the 1st May 1912 at home in Newtown. The following was reported in his obituary in South-Western News, Friday 3 May 1912, page 3

"Mr. J. J. Abbey, deceased's eldest son, stated that his father and he were engaged during the morning in a paddock about two miles from their home. Mr. Abbey, sen., was burning off while the son was ploughing. At about 11.30 his father was noticed to put his hands up to his head, and staggering, to fall. When picked up he was unconscious While an half caste woman named Chloe, who saw the incident, attended to his father, he ran home, and after despatching his mother to the scene, hurried to Busselton as stated above. Meanwhile Mrs Abbey and Chloe procured a cart, and lifting the stricken man into it drove him home. Without recovering his faculties he lingered until about 8.15 when he passed quietly away."