Nicholas HOCKING was born c.1794 at Helston, Cornwall. He married Grace Hawk (1799-1835) at Helston, Cornwall, and they had six children. Grace passed away and Nicholas HOCKING remarried to Charlotte HARROP. The family emigrated to South Australia in 1839 with the exception of the eldest daughter Elizabeth. They left Falmouth 17th June 1839 on 'Cleveland' for Plymouth. The ship departed Plymouth 8th August 1839 and arrived in South Australian waters on 19th December 1839. Reports were that some of the passengers left the ship at Holdfast Bay while some stayed on board, coming ashore at Port Adelaide on 26th Dec 1839.

On 'Cleveland' were:
Nicolas Hocking and his wife Charlotte (second wife) and their children William (18yrs) wheelwright, Lucinda (16yrs) milliner, Nicholas, Richard Williams and George Henry.

Also on 'Cleveland' was Harriet JAMES (22yrs) single female. William HOCKING married Harriet JAMES on 2nd January 1843 at St. Johns Church, Adelaide. William had been living in Sturt Street at the time and worked as a parchment maker. Harriet had been living at Kensington and had worked as a servant.

According to the 1841 South Australian Census, the family was living in Leigh Street, Adelaide (although the surname listed was HUCKING). At the address was Nicholas 47yrs, Charlotte 44yrs and 3 children, Lucinda 16yrs, Richard Williams 10yrs and George Henry 3yrs. William and Nicholas jnr. were not listed at the address and were presumed to be working away.

Children of Nicholas HOCKING & Grace HAWKE

1. Elizabeth Williams HOCKING b. 1820 (d. Dec 1847 Helston, Cornwall)
2. William HOCKING b. 1823 (d. 26th Apr 1868 Adelaide) - This is the MATTNER family connection
3. Lucinda HOCKING b. 1825 (d. 5 Apr 1897 Wallaroo) m. Henry Edward Pettitt 3rd Apr 1844 Adelaide
4. Nicholas HOCKING b. 1828 (d. 7th Aug 1880 Horsham, Vic)
5. Richard Williams HOCKING 1831-?
6. George Henry HOCKING