Settlers of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales

hunter valley settlers 1837

Select from the maps on the left for more settlers

Newcastle - Ash Island - Hunter River - Iron Bark Creek - Map 1

Australian Agricultural Company Adam Beveridge William Bradridge George Brooks William Brooks John Eales John Field George Thomas Graham Vicars Jacob James Thomas Lamb John MacLean Francis Moran William Peppercorn John Laurio Platt Henry Rae Alexander W. Scott Francis Shortt Richards Siddons William Sparke Jonathon Warner Joseph Weller George Weller Richard Windeyer

John Laurio Platt - was born in 1782 in Nottingham, England. He joined the Navy when he was nineteen and sailed to Australia with his wife Rosanne Dutton - and children Frederick William, Robert and Jane - on the Providence in 1822. Son Robert was just three years old. After bringing with him letters of introduction Platt was officially granted 2000 acres in the County of Northumberland on 21 August 1822. He had already settled on the grant by this time, arriving in Newcastle on the Elizabeth Henrietta in February 1822.9 It was here, on his land opposite Ash Island, with the use of convict labour he built a homestead, windmill and farm on a rise east of Iron Bark Creek.19 A daughter Mary was born to John and Rosanne in 1823 and Louisa followed in 1825. 13 Some convicts assigned to him in the early years were Edward Chapman who arrived on the Morley and by May 1822 had been assigned to Platt; Samuel Chapman who arrived in the Neptune in 1818 and was to die in Newcastle in 1836, William Vallance who arrived on the Adamant in 1821 and was assigned to Platt in 1825 after first being assigned to Alexander Livingstone; and wheelwright James Gilroy who arrived on the Mangles in 18229. Overseer at Iron Bark Creek in the 1830's was William Vitnell.

In 1824 fire destroyed Platt's crop and he had difficulties with his workers as well as with the mill he had built. He attempted to mine coal from his land, taking the coal to the harbour in a barge. By 1826 circumstances may have improved for him as his land was sown with wheat down to the river19 and he had been issued with 20 cows from the Government Store in 1825. He was also in possession of a town allotment in Newcastle. In 1829 when John was 47 and Rosanne 35 their last daughter Ann was born. A son William was born in 1831.

In 1831 tragedy struck when two sons Robert aged 13 and and John aged 4 were killed in a fire. Their bodies were buried in the Christ Church burial ground, the Church of which could perhaps be seen in the distance from Platt’s farm. John and Rosanne both passed away in the late 1830's leaving the remaining children orphaned. They were adopted by E.C. Close of Morpeth.11 Eleven years later in 1847 Louisa aged 22 married Edward Close junior in Morpeth and there were great festivities on the occasion with firing of guns and ringing of bells. That evening a huge bonfire was set alight and a procession with tar barrels made round the town.18

Eldest son Frederick William Platt remained in Newcastle. In 1837 he was employed by James Reid at his Stores and an overseer, Mr. Godfrey was employed at the family property. The land that had been granted to Platt was sold to the Australian Agricultural Company in 1839 for Ł6000, however Frederick remained in the district. His house, nine miles from Raymond Terrace, was robbed by four bushrangers who were believed to have escaped from Newcastle in 1842. By 1843 Frederick was residing in Morpeth.

Some of the convicts assigned to Platt at Iron Bark Hill - John Benson per Recovery; James Browne per Prince Regent; Thomas Butler per Neptune; Edward Chapman per Morley; Samuel Chapman per Neptune; Thomas Collins per Almorah; James Curtis per Prince of Orange; Joseph Garratt; James Gilroy per Mangles; Thomas Glenny per Brampton; Thomas Harriott per Minerva; Mary Hart per Woodman; John Kelly per Morley; John Lewis per Marquis of Hastings; James Limeburner per Sesostris; John Penton per 'Prince Regent; John Savage per England; Lydea Smith per Louisa; James Whittle per Nithsdale; James Witney per Hercules; Eli Wooton per Greyhound

Joseph Weller and his wife and daughters Fanny and Ann and son George arrived in Australian on the ship Nancy in June 1830. Their passage out was trouble free and on arrival they publicly thanked the Captain H. Pryce for his attention and skill on the voyage.22 The family was was granted 1200 acres of land on 20 October 1824 by Sir Thomas Brisbane,9 the land being between East Maitland and Newcastle and adjoining John Platt's land at Iron Bark Creek. They used some of their capital to build a large sandstone brick house ('The Oaks') - about 200 yards from the Wallis Creek Bridge. John Baxter who had arrived on the Phoenix in 1828 was assigned to Joseph at Iron Bark Creek in 1828.2 The Wellers were also granted 1360 acres in 1828 at Falbrook not far from James Glennie's Dulwich and a farm belonging to William Powditch. 20 They purchased a Government cottage about 1 ˝ miles from Newcastle in 1832. This was situated on the road leading to Maitland 21

The family had whaling interests in New Zealand after Edward and Joseph junior established a whaling station at Otago. Joseph junior died from tuberculosis in New Zealand in 1834 and his body was shipped to Sydney for burial. Edward continued to run the successful business until 1840 when he returned to Australia due to ill health. He lived until 1893 when he was drowned in rising flood waters.7

George Weller immigrated from England with his parents and sisters Fanny and Anne in June 1830. Brothers Joseph and Edward had arrived earlier. He travelled to Otago in New Zealand in the family barque Lucy Anne in 1832 to assist his brothers in re-establishing their whaling station after it had been destroyed in a fire.22

Later when he returned to New South Wales, he took up his grant of 2560 acres at Argenton ('Hampton'). This had been granted by Governor Darling on 29th June 1830. In 1841 part of the Hampton Estate was divided into 25 village allotments and 30 farms on the banks of Cockle Creek 10 miles from Newcastle. There was a Reserve for a wharf and market and two acres for a Church and Parsonage. The proposed township adjoined the lands of W. Brooks, J. Warner and J.B. Weller.

This venture was unsuccessful and in February of 1842 land belonging to the Messrs. Weller Consisting of Lot 1 2560 acres at Lake Macquarie, Lot 2 1200 acres at Hexham as well as 320 acres at Hexham and Lot 3, 2560 acres near Lake Macquarie bounded in part by David Mazier's land were advertised to be auctioned by order of the mortgagee Mrs. Louiza Stevens.23

In 1844 notice was given by the proprietor of 'Weller's Grants' that sawyers, splitters and others were not to cut timber on the grants at Ironbark Creek and Cockle Creek. Persons offending would be prosecuted with the utmost rigour. Steps were being taken for recovery of damages from the sawyers at work on the land.

George and his wife Eliza had two sons and two daughters in the 1830's - George b 1830, Edward b. 1840, Ellen b. 1835 and Fanny b. in 1838. George was involved in public life, serving on committees and raising funds, although he was fined 40/- when he failed to show for jury duty in 1847.24 He worked to raise funds for the relief of the Irish famine victims and contributed to other fund raising efforts such as a community fund raising for a testimonial for Reverend Stack. He requested that a public meeting be called for repairs to the Wallis Creek Bridge (near the family home 'The Oaks') in August 1847 and also in that month made a donation towards the building of a Presbyterian Church at Maitland.10 It was in the burial ground of this Church that he was interred 28 years later after dying suddenly in 1875.

George Brooks was appointed assistant surgeon by Principal surgeon James Bowman in 1819 and was resident in Newcastle as assistant surgeon in 1822. In these early years he and his convict servant were supplied from the stores in Newcastle and probably lived in the quarters at the Hospital. In 1824 he had the burden of running the hospital with untrained, inadequate female assistants and convicts and possibly inadequate supplies.9 He had the usual problems with recalcitrant convict servants – assigned servants George Harwood and Samuel Roe were both sentenced to 50 lashes in 1833 for misconduct. 25 He took on extra duties when appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1825 and was called on when a prisoner was stabbed with a bayonet at a riot that occurred on Christmas Day 1825.5 He was called on as witness in a well reported Court case involving Captain Gillman, Magistrate at the settlement and settler Vicars Jacob.

George Brooks was held in high regard by James Reid who recommended that Brooks accompany William Carter who was sent by Governor Darling to enquire into troubles with native at Hunter River in 1826. Reid wrote that 'during his residence of several years at Newcastle, Dr. Brooks had taken great pains to civilize some of the natives, and to some extent had made himself acquainted with their language.'52 Although he was a respected member in the young township Brooks often came under criticism from the editors of the Australian newspaper because of his government positions.

In 1825 he applied for and received a warrant to purchase Crown land. He married Mary Stephena Cowper, daughter of William and Hannah (Horner) Cowper in 1828. Mary brought with her 1280 acres of land. They built their family home on land he had purchased nearby. By 1829 George and Mary had a daughter Hannah. John was born in 1833 and Mary in 1837. 13

George participated in town life in the Hunter Valley. He may have attended social functions such as Balls and Race Days. In the summer of 1834 George and Mary accompanied Sir Edward Parry, riding from Newcastle to Maitland. They called on Captain Aubyn, Mr. Bloomfield and Mr. And Mrs. Wood where they dined in the Wood’s new log hut. They stayed the night at Mr. Bloomfield's property and heard the news of the latest devastating floods, Maitland being in ‘broad sheets of water’ at the time.6 On a stormy day in 1836 he accompanied traveller James Backhouse around the settlement, acquainting him with the Christ Church burial ground where convicts could be seen toiling as well as other sights around the town. 19

In the 1840’s he was Vice President of the Newcastle Mechanics Institute and a committee member working to ensure Newcastle became a free port. 10

By 1847 George Brooks was unwell and resigned from his position as Surgeon of the hospital. He died in 1854 aged 57 and is buried in Christ Church burial ground where Mary who died in 1859 was also laid to rest.

William Brooks- Lochend was the name given by William Brooks to his estate situated on the eastern bank of Cockle Creek, land he selected in December 1828. The area was also known as Milloba and Biddabee and encompassed the present day towns of Boolaroo and Speers Point. A son was born the Brooks in December 1837 at Lochend. Brooks cleared and farmed the land and in September 1843, having receiving deeds to his grant in 1839, opened the Lochend Colliery.26 He had discovered a seam of coal on his land and after the monopoly the Australian Agricultural Company held on coal had been challenged by Rev. Threlkeld, Brooks also appealed to open a mine. In 1843 in the Maitland Mercury, Brooks advertised that excellent coal had been satisfactorily experimented on at Newcastle and the Stockton Manufactories, and that a Cargo had left his wharf for Sydney where it could be viewed at Crofts Wharf in Sussex Street. The coal was extracted from the foothills of the Boolaroo area and transported by trolley down to a jetty at Speers Point. He could provide a regular supply at the Pit or inside the heads of Lake Macquarie. He charged 7/6- per ton at the pit and 9/- at the heads. Vessels drawing 3' 6" when laden could take their cargo at the wharf beside the pit. Vessels drawing 4’6” could receive their cargo inside the heads from barges. The difficulties for buyers of transporting his coal to Newcastle together with the cost involved proved unprofitable and the mine closed.

By 1848 Brooks was advertising in the Maitland Mercury that he had left Lake Macquarie and had begun a business from the Commercial Wharf in Sydney as a Commission Agent. He had convenient and ample offices and Stores and offered to dispose of produce and purchase supplies for Settlers on the Hunter and Paterson Rivers.27

William Speer purchased 1280 acres of the grant in 1870.

Jonathon Warner - Born in Lymington, Hampshire, Lieutenant Jonathon Warner arrived in Australia on 12 September 1826 on the ship 'Orpheus' with other members of the Royal New South Wales Veterans including Lieutenant Colonel Henry Dumaresq and Captain Robinson. Warner was posted to the Newcastle district.

Later after retiring from military service, Warner worked as an assistant surveyor of roads and bridges. In 1828 he examined a line of road recommended by Percy Simpson, causing him to travel through the Lake Macquarie area.3 It was here in July 1829, that he selected 1280 acres at the northern end of the lake. Warner had settled on the land by 1831 and established a farm with an orchard and a house overlooking the bay. From his farm a track led over the hills to Newcastle . His property, 'Biddaba', adjoined that of William Brooks and George Weller. Warner was appointed Magistrate for Brisbane Waters in 1833 and he travelled to Brisbane Water from the lake each fortnight by horse. 3

In 1840 a portion of land possibly from Warner's estate was laid out for a township in 1/4 acres lots and advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald. It was called 'Lymington' and was described as being on the north eastern side of Lake Macquarie with a gradual ascent from the lake and an abundance of grape vines.3 There were no sales made and the lots were re advertised once again in 1855 however again failed to sell.

Alexander Walker Scott brother of Hunter Valley settlers Robert and Helenus, was granted 2560 acres of land at Ash Island (Glanville) in 1829. A visitor to his homestead in 1834, after crossing by boat found a pretty house with a fine black swan, newly shot by the overseer, hanging above the entrance to the house. The house was surrounded by dense bush and tropical vegetation.29 Scott was visited here by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt in 1842 and offered clear 10 acres in the district, construct a cottage and establish a vineyard for Leichhardt. He had a keen interest in natural sciences and was a supporter of the Australian Museum.28 Later his daughters, Harriett and Helena, apparently sharing his interest, would prepare outstanding drawings of the flora and fauna on Ash Island.

Their life on Ash Island was not without excitement. In 1834 Lieutenant Zouch from Newcastle township was required to visit the area to quell natives who had gathered after one of their tribe had been shot by a constable.29 In 1842 settlers in the vicinity of Newcastle were warned to be prepared for a nocturnal attack after four prisoners and a soldier absconded from Newcastle, stealing a boat belonging to Mr. Scott at Ash Island. The men were said to be desperate and a 'strong party of gentlemen with some soldiery' were in pursuit of them 30

In 1834 Scott purchased 50 acres on Stockton Peninsular. It was very sandy and unable to be used for agricultural purposes. In partnership with his brother in law, James Mitchell, he began a salt making industry on the peninsular and later an iron foundry which in 1842 provided castings for the Australian Agricultural Company's pit engine. Pots were made for the boiling down of sheep and a boiler for the Hunter Brewery was being made by 1843.28 However this was a time of great economic downturn and Scott's iron foundry business did not survive. He continued his salt making venture and was advertising 70 tons of Stockton Salt for sale in 1847.50 In 1848 James Mitchell bought out Scott for Ł8320.

Alexander Scott was instrumental in establishing a copper smelter, firebrick works and textile factory in the area. Early in 1843 artisans and labourers had arrived at Stockton to begin constructing the textile works. He canvassed to represent in the Legislative Council in 1843 and stated then that he was 'an employer to a large extent of free labour - and had a constant desire for the advancement of the district and discouragement of foreign imports. At his own expense a line had been already surveyed and accurate levels taken for a railroad between Newcastle and Maitland'. 10 He had foreseen the advantages of steam and attempted to purchase a steam vessel for the Hunter before the first steamer 'Sophia Jane' arrived. This did not eventuate although later he was to contribute to the building of the steamer 'Ceres'. In 1847 he was offering for sale from Ash Island 100 tons of prime Lucerne hay (hydraulic pressed and bound with iron or lashing), as well as 8000 large well flavoured oranges and 10 tons of pumpkins. 50 During these years Scott played an active part in Newcastle life. In 1836 he was treasurer of the newly formed Mechanics institute. In the 1840's he attended meetings at Christ Church and, raced his boat at the Newcastle Regatta 10

In 1848 he advertised 'Deega Estate' and his Pacific Street, Newcastle property for sale. Deega estate was 2560 acres within two miles of Lake Macquarie. Abundantly watered with several flats of rich land suitable for agricultural purposes with an unlimited back run; The city property consisted of almost a quarter of an acre with a five roomed cottage.31

By the 1860's he was again experiencing financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt in 1866 at which time he left Ash Island.

Adam Beveridge and Richard Windeyer - Tomago House - A grant of eight hundred and fifty acres was made to A.M. Beveridge in 1824.11 The land adjoined that of MacLean and Peppercorn. Adam Beveridge who arrived free on the Amity in 1824 and probably resided in Tasmania, sold this land to Richard Windeyer between 1836 and 1838. Here Windeyer and his wife Maria built Tomago House, a sandstone villa with cellars, vineyards and servants huts.11 In 1844 the Maitland Mercury reported - Raymond Terrace is a very prettily situated town, and one which has made rapid strides in improvement. It is finely situated as regards frontage, being at the junction of the Hunter and Williams Rivers, but the great drawback is the want of back country. This, however is likely in a year or two to be obviated, for the swamp at the back, which covers an immense tract, is in course of being drained by the spirited proprietor, R. Windeyer Esq. and I am credibly informed this will be accomplished effectually. When the undertaking is completed Raymond Terrace must go ahead'.32

Richard Windeyer became ill in 1848 and while visiting relatives in Launceston to recover his health, died aged 42. 33 The estate, already in financial difficulty, was auctioned however Maria Windeyer continued in residence. Windeyer's estates were auctioned in 12 lots on Monday 28th August. At this time Tomago House was described as a substantially built stone mansion, with slated roof and spacious cellars. The out buildings consisted of superintendent's house, brick built and shingled, containing two rooms, laundry, and kitchen; brick built store and storekeeper's residence, a stone built Gothic Cottage in the vineyard, a double weather boarded cottage, gardener's cottage and eight huts and stabling; as well as stockyards.10

John MacLean - The MacLeans were visited by Sir Edward Parry in 1831 when he was on his way to Newcastle and attempting to cross the River to avoid the swamp. On this occasion, Parry narrowly escaped bogging all of his horses on MacLean's property.

Parry states 'Mr. Maclean lives in a worse hut than Mr. Graham. His wife is a sister of Colonel Snodgrass, a woman, accustomed in Scotland I understand, to all the elegancies and comforts of life'.6

Colonel Snodgrass' sister Jessie (MacLean) died in 1839 at Kilray, Raymond Terrace. 34

William Sparke

William was the son of Edward Sparke and Mary (nee Hosking). He travelled to Australia with his family on the 'Aguilar' in 1824. William's grant of land was finalised in 1838 and adjoined his father's estate. 35 The road from Newcastle to Maitland passed through the estate. William married Mary Ann Holt ( a granddaughter of 'General' Joseph Holt) and they called their estate at Hexham, Webland Park after the Sparke family's former estate in Devon. Later, in Newcastle, William's son William Andrew Sparke named his two story house in Blane Street (Hunter Street), Webland. In the 1832 Directory, Barrahinebin (swamp land) was part of this estate. William was licensee of the 'Wheatsheaf Arms' in the 1830's.

April 1843 part of the Estate comprising house, outbuildings and stable was put up for sale and in July Thomas Prentice advertised that he was taking over premises (Webland Park) formerly occupied by William Sparke. To be known as the Hexham Hotel. 36

Assigned servants in 1833:

Robert Hamilton

William Archer

Samuel Edward

William Kay

William Bradridge and his wife arrived on the 'Aguilar' in 1824. He was promised 500 acres by Governor Brisbane on 26 August 1824 and he and his family and convict servants were 'on the Stores' at Newcastle. William Carlisle who arrived on the Ann & Amelia in 1825 was assigned to Bradridge at this time. This property was later acquired by John Sparke who had also arrived on the 'Aguilar'.

William H. Peppercorn

L'Amende Honorable

To the Editor of The Australian.

Sir, As you constantly avow yourself an advocate for truth I beg to rectify a false statement respecting myself in your paper of Febr 3, 1830.

Your correspondent in his article headed "The River Hunter," and subscribed "An Old Hand", writes thus: - "Bye the bye, the very hospitable Mr. Peppercorn has a most remarkable crop of wheat". This is false, inasmuch as it was not at all remarkable, for it was almost invisible in a week after it came up, being eaten off every day by sheep and cattle. Secondly - He says - "The wheats are transplanted out in wide ditches, like celery on a new plains". Profoundly false; as I never transplanted "wheats" (a miserable expression) in my life - I never made ditches for wheat - and I never made wheat look like celery on a new plain. - quere - Can your correspondent tell me what a new plain is? I believe all the plains in this Colony are upwards of a thousand years old. "The wheats are very easily reaped - one active man will cut down seventy to thirty acres in a day." Execrably false; for it was totally impossible for ten thousand active men to cut down one ear of the said wheats. Bye the bye I did sow wheat in drills which could not have come up better than it did. With respect to "the very hospitable," I must own I am not fond of sitting over the steam of the tea pot (although tea is so cheap), talking scandal, and endeavouring to foment discord in a colony; but if your correspondent is in want of a week's rations, he can have the same by calling on me,

Your obedient servant. W.H. Peppercorn. Eyeball Reach, Hunter's River, 26 February 1830

Patrick Mulouney and Patrick Hegarty who both arrived on the City of Edinburgh in 1832 were assigned servants to William Peppercorn in 1832.

Richards Siddons arrived in Australia in 1804 aboard the English whaler Alexander. He had an adventurous life and captained ships in the sealing and sandalwood trade.

He became master of the King George at the end of 1807 and brought cargoes of sandalwood, seal oil and seal furs to Port Jackson. 37

In Sydney, Siddons was employed as Captain of the Campbell Macquarie by ship owner Joseph Underwood. Underwood had purchased the Campbell Macquarie in Calcutta In 1811 and in 1812 Siddons returned to India on the Campbell Macquarie and later in that year arrived in Port Jackson with prisoners and a cargo of spirits. Also on board a soldier of the Dragoons, Captain Locjyer.

Soon after he again set out on the Campbell Macquarie on a sealing voyage to the South seas. They called at Kangaroo Island and collected seal skins and salt and then headed for Macquarie Island. The area was treacherous, and the seas wild when on a foggy night in June 1812 the first mate James Kelly failed to notice how dangerously close the ship was to the shoreline. When the alarm was finally raised, Captain Siddons called all hands to deck, however attempts to set sails failed and the ship struck rocks.

Siddons tried to anchor the ship but the anchors dragged and the ship began taking water. That night they launched their lifeboats in gale force winds and luckily made it to shore where the next day they began salvaging efforts, rowing through the dangerous surf again and again. They continued to toil or a fortnight and built a hut for storage during this time. Some of their efforts were doomed however as high tides washed some of the precious water supplies and seal skins out to sea where they were destroyed. While they awaited rescue the crew foraged for food, killed more seals and dried the skins. They probably made shelters and clothes for themselves but conditions were harsh and at least four of the castaways died. Twelve of them were rescued by the Perseverance, a ship that had arrived at Macquarie Island to collect a gang of sealers in October of 1812. Underwood sent the ship Elizabeth and Mary to the Island to rescue the remaining crew. 37

In 1816 he married Jane Powell at St. Phillips in Sydney. The couple set sail in the Campbell Macquarie soon after.

In 1823 he applied for the position of harbour pilot in Sydney. The couple's son Joseph was born the following year.

In 1824 Richard Siddons received a 640 acre grant of land at the Hunter river, The boundary commenced at the South West corner of Graham's Farm. Across the river in 1837 was the holding of J.T. Lamb. The area was known as Motto Farm and Heatherbrae.

Two of his convict servants in 1828 were Jeremiah Burnes and Darby Burnes (Byrnes) who had arrived on the Ann and Amelia in 1825. Darby married Mary Duffy in Maitland in 1837. They were described as living at 'Hollow Tree' Newcastle and Hunter River.

However the Siddons family did not reside at the Hunter River property as he continued his position as harbour pilot in Sydney. In 1830 as a Mr. Furneraux (or Furner) was renting his lands. Furneraux and Oliver Graham (cousin of George) assisted Sir Edward Parry as he travelled from George Graham's property to Newcastle. They had to swim across the river with their horses to a landing spot just below Sparks farm, 'a heavy swim' that they would have been unable to manage without the assistance of Graham and Furneraux. 6

In 1830 while working as Pilot (Sydney) his boat was upset forcing him to swim for over 1/2 an hour to reach shore. He was luckier than his crew however, one of whom drowned.

In 1832 he resigned from this position due to ill health. He was then employed as Superintendent of the Light House at South Head a position he retained for several years.

Richard became unwell and sold his property at Hunter River. He died in Sydney in 1846. His son Joseph took over his duties as Light House keeper at the Macquarie Lighthouse and remained there until 1897. Joseph married Frances Hannah, the fifth daughter of Rev. L.E. Threlkeld on 6th October 1847, in Bathurst Street, Sydney.

George Thomas Graham was twenty four years old when he arrived in 1827 on board the Marquis of Anglesea. He was granted 640 acres of land by Governor Darling on 14 December 1827. Known by Aborigines as 'Warraburreen',(49) it was situated about 12 miles from Newcastle. In 1830 Sir Edward Parry on a trip from Tahlee to Newcastle writes there was a good marked path all the way which could not be mistaken and the distance was about 21 miles from Tahlee which took them three hours. They were most kindly received by Mr. George Graham and his Cousin Oliver however the Graham's boat was not available for Parry to cross the river and he was obliged to accept the Graham's hospitality for the night. He then writes of Graham's farm:

'Everybody who complains of their lot in this colony ought to visit those who are established as settlers. For nothing in the shape of description can possibly convey an adequate idea of the state of dirty wretchedness and want of comfort in which they live for several of their first years. Mr. Graham's father kept his hunters in England. They now live in a miserable slab hut of their own building open to admit the wind and rain in most parts badly thatched with reeds, of which the color is not to be seen within for smoke and dirt with which it is covered - no floor - the fireplace a recess made of slabs - their beds a sort of cot slung with bullock's hide to the rough rafters, and everything giving the idea of filth and wretchedness. They wait entirely on themselves chop their wood, boil their kettle, wash their cups. and pannikins - plough, reap - and everything else, themselves. They slept under their cart for three weeks, keeping watch with a loaded gun alternately. Mr. Graham has about 80 acres under cultivation, all good alluvial land close to the river, with a bank forming a natural wharf which will admit of a vessel drawing 8ft. of water. The grant of 640 acres is certainly an excellent one - probably 540 acre of excellent land. A good creek runs up from the river close to the house, with a good depth of water in it. The ground still requires draining in some parts but is easily drainable; a rising bank , which has evidently been once the bank of the river affords an excellent position for building, Graham rents also from the Government a few hundred acres of grazing land at the bank of his own. His average crops have been the last year , from 14 to 40 bushels per acres of maize ( average about 30) and 7 to 10 bushels of wheat.'6

Despite this description, George Thomas Graham did have convict servants assigned to him in 1828 - William Abrahams, William Daniel, James Coombs and John Horton who arrived on the Hooghley and Thomas Clifton who arrived on Earl St. Vincent 2

Settlers like the Grahams not only had to battle fires and floods but also had to contend with escaping convicts who turned to bushranging to sustain themselves. Convicts who had absconded from Vicars Jacob's farm and formed a gang 'Jacob's Mob' were active in the area in these years, terrorising settlers and travellers alike. The Graham's were robbed by John Callaghan and their convict servant John Horton who were indicted for the theft in 1831. 39

In September 1833 George Graham married Miss Janet Carmichael a sister of Rev. Henry Carmichael 40 and then in December 1835 the Rev. Henry Carmichael married Mrs. Nancy McClymout at the residence of G.T. Graham of Newtown, Sydney. Perhaps by 1835 the Grahams had already left their property at the Hunter River.

In October 1839 Archibald Windeyer purchased Kinross from Graham. Windeyer enlarged Kinross purchasing two parcels of land adjoining in 1841.

Knock Finn and Millers Forest

Lieutenant Vickers Jacob was a Sydney merchant, his business being in George Street, Sydney in 1822. He had resigned from the army in India in order to begin his business and was granted land on the Hunter River. His estates were named Knock Finn and Millers Forest. Catherine Bryan who arrived on the 'Mary' was assigned to Jacob in 1822.9

In 1823 the following appeared in the Sydney Gazette:

'Vickers Frederick Jacob, son of Vickers Jacob of George Street died on 9th instant. He was the third child of the Jacobs to die within 4yrs. All had died from fever due to teething. The loss of the two former children was ascribed to the influence of the Indian climate. Mr. Jacob had retired from the service of the East Indian Company and settled in New South Wales under the hope of being here spared a similar trial but this last infliction has shewn the deceitfulness of such hopes and the inefficiency of human precautions."

By 1824 he was resident in the Hunter Valley area and was involved in a dispute with the military at Newcastle when Magistrate Captain Gillman entered Jacob's property and was sued by Jacob for misuse of a search warrant.9

Jacob also had difficulties with his convict servants. He had 20 assigned to him in 1824 and complained of their poor attitude in a letter to the Sydney Gazette. His assigned servant Patrick Riley absconded in 1825 after being sentenced to 50 lashes for losing sheep. Riley was soon joined by other convicts from Jacob's Estate as well as two more from the nearby estates of Dr. Moran and John McDonnell. They formed a bushranging gang known as 'Mr. Jacob's Irish Brigade' or 'Jacob's Mob' and terrorised the Hunter Valley for months.

In 1832 his assigned servants included John Booth, John Hines, Thomas Brennan and Samuel Herring 14

In 1847 2000 acres of land situated in the Parish of Wolfingham in the county of Durham that had been granted to the late Vickers Jacob (bounded on the north by land granted to Pritchett; on the south by land granted to McLeod; and on the east and west by the river Hunter) was advertised to be let for two years. It had been rented by William Charles Wentworth. This land is on Map 4.

Francis Shortt

William and Martha Bucknell were living on the property belonging to Francis Short in 1829

In 1831 Bucknell's Estate known as Elmshall bounded by Adair and Townsend was advertised to be sold by the sheriff. Afterwards Bucknell's lease of a farm on the Hunter River known as Short's Farm was to be auctioned.41

Francis Moran arrived on the Mary Anne in 1822 and travelled to Newcastle later that year where he accepted a medical appointment replacing Dr. Evans11 and became an early land owner at Hunter's River.

He was a member of the 48th Regiment and was appointed assistant surgeon at Port Macquarie after Abraham Fenton in 1824.

One of Dr. Moran's assigned servants at Hunter River absconded in 1825 and with others who had absconded from the farm of Vicars Jacob, formed a gang of bushrangers - Mr. Jacob's Irish Brigade (Jacob's Mob) - who terrorized the vicinity for months.

In June 1827, Moran announced he was retiring from his position in the Public Service Medical Department at Port Macquarie. At this time he had not determined whether to enter his profession in Sydney or retire to his estate at Hunter River however by February 1828, he was living in Pitt Street Sydney while his estate was leased out.

The farm called Duck River Farm he leased to William Bucknell in June 1828 for Ł100 per annum. The property consisted of a dwelling house and out offices and a large farm; the ground, cultivated with corn and potato crops, was fenced in and surrounded the dwelling house. Moran and the Bucknells were in conflict over a wheat crop and Moran evicted the family from the property when William's daughter and young son were present, William having left the farm to attend Court.5 The Bucknells then moved to Elmshall at Vacy. John Eales marriage to Jane Lavers took place at their residence at this time. Later the Bucknells moved to the nearby property belonging to Dr. Short.

Dr. Moran owned a house in Pitt Street Sydney and was robbed there in 1828 by three men, one of whom, James Williams was his servant. Williams together with Dennis Sullivan and Thomas Kirby stole clothing and a watch from Dr. Moran and were convicted of the crime in February 1828.

An overseer was employed to run Moran's estate in his absence. In 1828 Brian Spolin who had arrived on the Brittannia in 1797 was overseer. His wife Mary was employed as a dairywoman. Servants assigned to Dr. Moran who worked under Spolin in 1828 were John Skycroft, John Buckley and William Bullingham.2

In 1832 he travelled to India where he remained for some years before returning Australia. When he returned he was already unwell, having been plagued with rheumatism for years and under the effects of an intemperate lifestyle. He took lodging in Pitt Street Sydney at the house of Mr. Quinn. Within a few months of his return he was in trouble with the authorities and was imprisoned for 'an impropriety of conduct in the Police Office'. Although he was released the next day, from that time he complained of pains in his limbs and became confined to his bed for several weeks, attended by an elderly man Miles MacDonald. As his end neared he became delirious, requesting MacDonald to remove his boots, although his feet were bare, and taking excessive doses of laudanum. After his death an inquest into his death by Dr. Hosking at Wood's Hotel in Pitt Street, found that he had died of disease induced by intemperate habits. Mr. Quinn was to apply to the Commander of the Military Forces to establish whether Dr. Moran was to be buried with Military Honours.51

Francis Moran sold his 1000 acres to H. Osborne who later sold it to John Eales. Duckenfield House was then built on this property by John Eales.11

John Eales

This estate belonged to John Eales who was born in Devonshire in 1799. He emigrated to Australian in 1822 with his servant 'Jim the Londoner' on the Francis arriving in Hobart in 1823. On board the 'Francis' was John Cobb and his young wife, also future Hunter river settlers. Eales was granted 2100 acres on the Hunter River 4 miles east of Morpeth and six convicts were assigned to him. Here he cleared the land for crops and built a slab hut. 9 In 1828 he married Jane Lavers at the residence of William and Martha Bucknell of Elmshall. 44

Eales added to his estate by purchasing land nearby that had been granted to Dr. Moran in 1822. Here he built Duckenfield House, a 45 room two story house made of stone, complete with ballroom, billiard room, gymnasium, drawing room dining room breakfast room, servant and store rooms.

Eales worked hard and prospered. He was wealthy enough to survive the devastating depression, constructing his own boiling down works at Berry Park.43 He also owned land on the Liverpool Plains. - Walhollow and Quipolli. Charles Humphrey was superintendent at Walhollow in 1846.45 In addition he was the first director of the Hunter River Steam Navigation Company and constructed a dry dock 2 miles below Morpeth to service the Company's steamers.42

In 1838 Eales offered a portion of his estate for Scottish immigrants from the Midlothian to settle on. They were to be given 2 months rations and transport to his estate by the Government. Eales offered to allow them undisturbed possession of the land for 5 years at a moderate rent and at the expiration of 5 years they were to pay a higher rent in proportion with the increased land value; in the mean time he was to supply them with 12 months provisions, the cost of which would be defrayed by them from the produce of their farms. Included in the offer was land for the erection of a Church and school. However after representatives of the immigrants travelled to Eales estate to view the location they declined the offer stating that the land was flood prone. They later settled on Lang's land.46

Eales life was not without hardship. Tragedy struck the family in 1844 when his 13 years old son Walter was dragged Ľ mile after his pony shied. He was badly injured and never regained consciousness. His father was away from home at the time.47

Eales also had to deal with absconding, dishonest or incompetent servants - assigned servants John Kirkton and George Shapton absconded in 1846. In 1845 James Burns was sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing 300 sheep and in 1848 Eales was offering 30 pounds reward for the conviction of persons who destroyed a hut, sheep yards and well at his station Dumble on the Liverpool plains.10 1848 was a bad year for him as he had a serious fall in Argyle Street, Sydney while leaving a party. He fractured his leg and dislocated his ankle and must have been laid up for some time.48

Some of Eales' employees:

Wiliam Armstrong - Superintendent

Thomas Kelly 1847

Joseph Goodwin employed as watchman in 1847

Charles Humphrey - Superintendent at Breeza 1847

Edward O'Neile employed at Breeza 1847

Edward Walker 1828

George Barton employed as overseer in1828

Henry Rae

Henry Rae, a saddler of Sydney was granted 560 acres in two portions in the (Parish of Hexham) on 27 May 1825 and 12 November 1825. He sold this land in 1827 to Edward Spark. Adjoining land originally given to Kerry Lyne, James Cracknell and William Mayberry was purchased by Edward Spark's son John the whole of which later became the farm known as Wybah. Henry Rae moved to Maitland where he was an active member of the community

Australian Agricultural Company

John Field

Simeon Lord

Iron Bark Creek

Nobbys Island

Ash Island

Sources

1. Backhouse, James., A Narrative of a visit to the Australian Colonies in 1843

2.Census of New South Wales. 1828

3.Clouten, Keith H., Reid's Mistake; the story of Lake Macquarie from its discovery until 1890. Boolaroo NSW; Lake Macquarie Shire Council, 1967

4.Convict Indents

5. Decision of the Superior Courts of New South Wales 1788 - 1899