Married 7 January1829. John Septimus Roe and his wife Matilda arrived at the Swan River Colony on board the 'Parmelia' in 1829. John was the first Surveyor General of the new colony. Although he had an assistant, the man was often sick which left a load on John's shoulder especially with the large amount of surveying required within a short time and the many ships arriving with new settlers wanting land. To this was the added burden of may extra duties that he was given by the Governor. On Roe's recommendation the sites of Perth, Fremantle Port, parks and gardens were selected. Planning was carried out with meticulous care. An outstanding bushman Roe was a sound explorer and, as well as may minor explorations he carried out eight major explorations and was held in high esteem and the colonists considered any reports written by Roe was ten times greater than by others. Roe was also a member of the first Council, Director of the first bank; Fellow of the Geographical Society, J.P., and chairman and member of many other organisations. Altogether he served as Surveyor General for 42 years with distinction. Matilda Roe was well liked for her lovely, sweet nature and was a moral support and great comfort for her overworked husband. Their city home was in Adelaide Terrace and their farm 'Sanford' was in the Swan district. They also owned a number of other properties as they received land for payment of work. Matilda died 22 July 1870 and John died 28 May 1878 at Perth.