My family came to Port Elizabeth in South Africa in 1820 as part of the 1820 Settlers on the ship "Nautilus". Father was Thomas, aged 43, wife Dorothy (nee Carter) aged 36, and children Thomas 15, Dorothy 20, Edward 14, Adelaide 18, Tindal 12, Agusta 16, William 8, Julia 10, Charles 2, Helen 7, Harriet 5, Lavinia 1. They were part of Owen's party. I am keen to hear from others who are related to these. I understand that they originated from Kent. One of the sons, Thomas, is registered as having been born in 1802 at Eastham Hall, Essex

Further to my previous message, I believe our family who came to South Africa as part of the 1820 Settlers originated from Cuton Park in Kent, England. I would be interested in hearing from anyone related to these Pullens

My family come from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. I have some names and dates between 1691 to 1915 although the information is vague. I don't have records of any of the names you mention although it's highly likely that we're the same family. My Grandfather was Walter James Pullen b.1877 at Preston, Kent. He married Ethel Gearing and died in 1953 leaving two sons. My father Maxwell Roland b. 1923 and my uncle Wilfred James b.1919. My Great Grandfather was Richard b. 1846 m.Alice Victoria.

Hi Gregory
Nice to hear from you. I don't know if I mentioned it previously, but I believe our family came from Cuton Hall/Park in Kent - back in 1820. I have a photo somewhere - all that's left is an outbuilding of some kind on the old property. I believe they also had property in London and on the coast somewhere. (I'll try and find out exactly where). Family legend is that they used to smuggle goods from France and were also horse breeders! I've also seen some of the family silverware with the pelican crest on it. Do you have any idea where the family motto on the crest "Nulla Pallescare Culpa" originated from? It would be interesting to learn more about your family to see if we are related in some way! I'll try and dig out some more info and get back to you. In the meantime, you can contact me at G.Pullen@freemail.absa.co.za
Regards
Gail

Hi Gail...reading your message, the 'Motto' means "to turn pale from no crime".
I also am a Pullen, originally from London. My grandfather was Nathaniel Pullen, I think from London, my father was William Charles Pullen also from London. Any relation?
Am trying very hard to find someone but not having much luck.
Regards,
Sue.

Hi Susan
Good to hear from you. Why don't you respond to Greg Pullen's message re Pullen's of Kent. He has quite a bit of info you might be interested in. Thanks for the info re the crest motto. The translation is rather mysterious and I'm wondering at the significance of this! If you like, you can contact me on my email at G.Pullen@freemail.absa.co.za
Kind regards
Gail

Hi Greg......Gail said I should contact you as you have quite a few names of Pullens. My father was William Charles Pullen from London, he died in April 2001. Grandfather Nathaniel Pullen think also from London although he was a Gypsy. Think there was also a brother of his Samuel possibly a James and a Mark. Can you help? Think my grandfather died in the early 80's.
Seems it is harder than I thought to trace this family!!!!!!
Regards,
Susan.

Hi Susan

I saw your message and trawled through the list of names that I have. It seems that that there are at least two strands of Pullens around London/Kent area. Where and if they connect I have no clues so far. It seems unlikely that my particular strand could lay any claim to a crest and latin motto! However, common family names in my line are Walter, James, Wilfred, Roland. If you know of any of those we may be able to trace a connection. Any information would be most welcome. I am at greg@gspullen.freeserve.co.uk
The story about gypsies may have two possible sources.
1) My family were from the Isle of Sheppey which was apparently very popular for smugglers. The most famous smuggling family in Sheppey was 'Gold' however and I can't establish a link there.
2) The name Pullen has some connection with horses. I have been told this but I have no idea what the connection is. Any ideas?

My family line that I have is fairly direct. All of the work was done by my sister and for the most part the family tree follows the paternal line back to 1691 which is when Peter Pullen married a Sarah Sturf (Possibly a Dutch name?) Presuming he was at least 20 this would put his birth date at around 1670 which I believe to have been the time when the Dutch navy came and made a serious nuisance of themselves off Sheppey for about 10 days. Apparently most of the islanders and crew of the one English ship defected to the Dutch side! Could Peter Pullen's parents have been amongst them and could he have returned to Sheppey to marry Sarah?
Not a clue. Any thoughts?

regards Greg Pullen

Hi again Sarah

I missed it first time but I see you've got a James in your list. Any guesses on dates of birth. I think James was a recurring name in our family. I'll have another look

Cheers Greg

As far as I can gather my grandfather had a brother James. Assuming my grandfather was born around the early 1900s, it would be safe to say his brother was around that decade. Not sure if older or younger. It seems Nathaniel wasn't a very savoury character hence the reluctance in our family to discuss him!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish I could find out more.
Regards,
Sue.