1788 AD

Magazine of the Fellowship of First Fleeters ACN 003 223 425

PATRON: Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO

Volume 48, Issue 1 49th Year of Publication February/March 2017 To live on in the hearts and minds of descendants is never to die EDWARD BECKFORD PLAQUE DEDICATED AT CAMPERDOWN

Sydney Town’s third cemetery, privately set up in 1848 Proceedings began under the huge historic Moreton in an English style of some class, is to be found at New- Bay fig that is as old as the cemetery itself. Some com- town in the city's inner west. The area was called Cam- ments were made about its being the featured tree in perdown by who as governor named his the ABC’s children’s story series My Place. Tour leader land grant there after a famous battle in which he had Marcelle Rodgers began as she apparently always does taken part. by talking about the , its leaders including As its establishment took place some sixty years after Chaplain Richard Johnson, and the eventual need for the arrival of the First Fleet it was long thought that First Sydney’s first two cemeteries. Fleeters would not have been The group then moved to interred there. the nearby wall, where the However, as a result of thor- Beckford plaque had been ough research by member installed, for the dedication #7348 Marilyn Long it is now itself. This began with known that Edward Smith aka some introductory com- Beckford, whose long working ments by Fellowship Presi- life in the colony and much of dent Jon Fearon. He paid it as a mariner for the Kable- tribute to Ray Keating’s Underwood seafaring ven- work as plaques convenor tures, lived into his nineties and gave special thanks to and after dying at Balmain Jenna Weston, the chair of was buried in Camperdown the Cemetery Trust who cemetery in 1851. was present with her hus- band Evan and young son In 2015, after a strong rec- Alec, both of them descen- ommendation from the then dants of First Fleeter Major convenor Ray Keating, the George Johnston and his Fellowship approved the in- Marilyn Long wife . stallation of a plaque honour- ing Beckford, whose unmarked common grave was lo- Jon then handed over to cated not far from where the new plaque has been Marilyn Long who gave the eulogy, part of which in- placed, on the wall that now encloses all the remaining cluded an outline of her research that led to her identify- headstones collected together from the previously ex- ing and then locating Edward Beckford’s burial site, well tensive cemetery. documented in the parish records of St Stephen’s Church, the curators and care keepers of the cemetery As the Camperdown Cemetery Trust conducts regular since its consecration. tours of this historic cemetery it was decided to link the dedication of the plaque to one such tour. This happened Marilyn pointed out that she knows of no descendants on Sunday 6 November 2016 when six First Fleet descen- of Beckford in Australia, but indicated that there may dants joined the tour group and together with them re- well be some in Calcutta, which she visited in the course membered Edward Beckford and his contribution to the of her research, and also in England. She is descended colony. (continued on page 3)

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. 100002063 PRICE $2.50 Phone 02 9360 3788 LookingFounders available back Fellowship of First Fleeters, 105 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Email:[email protected] Fiftynow onYears: e-mail. First Fleeters on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstFleeters Details on page 12 Membership Enquiries:[email protected] WEBSITE: www.fellowshipfirstfleeters.org.au Page 2 Founders February/March 2017 PRESIDENT’S PEN FOUNDERS The magazine of the Jon Fearon Fellowship of First Fleeters Editor , Layout and Artwork Those of you with a keen sense of history Jon & Karys Fearon will have noted that Founders has now moved into its Ph. 02 4311 6254 49th year of publication. Not quite as old as the Fellow- E-mail: [email protected] ship itself, the first newsletter, designated as from the ‘Fleet Committee’ appeared on 1 March 1970. Before that, DIRECTORS 2015-2016 however, the Fellowship produced several quarterly jour- President/Chapter Development nals entitled First-Fleeters. Jon FEARON, BA. Dip Ed. Stud (TESOL), The first of these, Vol 1, No 1, appeared in January 1969, ten months after the Vice-President/Events/ establishment of the Fellowship. Some of our members may still have a copy in Maintenance their possession with its blue and black cover drawn by Arthur Mendel and fea- Denis SMITH OAM turing two Eora men looking down on a long boat being rowed ashore by a Treasurer crew from one of the first fleet sailing ships anchored nearby. Kevin THOMAS, FCA,FCPA,FCIS That journal contained a foreword by the Prime Minister John Gorton, articles Office Manager/Secretary/ by well-known writers such as Manning Clark, Isadore Brodsky and Frank Facebook Clune, the Aims and Objects of the Fellowship and a list of Office Bearers that Therese LUCK included no less than eleven separate committees, each one named for the Research/Web Site Co-ordinator ships of the fleet. John BOYD JP. As we count down to the Fellowship’s 50th Anniversary in March 2018, each Chapter Liaison issue of Founders from now until then will feature items of interest culled from Karys FEARON, BN our published archive. To set the scene we have reproduced the Editorial as it Archives appeared in that first journal. Robert LAMB. Mech Eng. Cert. & Machinist Cert. Archivist/Events EDITORIAL (Vol 1, No 1, January 1969 Sharon LAMB. Assoc. Dip Land & eng THE DATE: 26th January, 1788. Survey Drafting THE SCENE: A beach of a small stream running into what is known as . Minute Secretary The Union flag has just been broken from a pole set among tall gum trees. In cocked Karen LOVETT, BA. Dip Ed hat, blue tunic and satin vest and breeches of a captain of the Royal Navy stands Cap- Family Trees/Database/Computer tain , a guard of Marine and some convicts. Nearby is a group of aborigi- Management nes, bewildered, wondering, solemn. Tony HOLDEN That was how Australia began. Plaques/Maintenance We are now a proud and important Nation, because from that lowly and inauspicious Chris COUNTER beginning the pioneers of our country did not remain content. They felled trees, tilled the fields, found ways over the mountains and explored the coastline. They made Membership roads, erected buildings, towns and cities, knowing that the ultimate benefit of their Val COUNTER efforts was not for them, but for those who would come after. Life was hard for our forebears. They suffered and made great sacrifices and food was only to be had for the hunting and growing. They were compelled to get on with CONTENTS the job, or they did not survive. 1. Edward Beckford Plaque Dedication Remembrance, however, like this is not enough. We, of this generation, must equally work for our country. No phase of life, public or private, can be free of this duty. For the 2. Directors; President’s Pen; Editorial privileges we now enjoy, Australians (old and new) owe the community a duty and debt from 1969 of gratitude. We have an obligation to behave in a special way and to render a special 3. Edward Beckford Eulogy service to our country and our fellow citizens. It cannot be a question of take all and 4. Christmas Cruise on the Manning; give nothing in return. What citizens give to the community is a potent factor in keep- Chapter Secretaries ing the self-same community healthy, prosperous, sound and fit to build for the future. 5. Three Chapters gather; Thanks Lois Many millions of acts of selflessness have gone into building our Nation. Men, and 6-7. Owen Cavanaugh and Margaret women, have made the supreme sacrifice for it; moral strength, faith and courage have Darnell, Part 1 been expended in the National effort. So, as we approach the 181st anniversary of the 8. Sent to the Mountain landing of the original First Fleeters, let us thankfully remember those whose labours opened this land to the uses of mankind, those who bore and reared the children of a 9. Book Review: Precious Cargo new Nation, those who later died in battle for us, bringing splendor and glory to Aus- 10. Edward Humphries; All at Sea tralian arms, those who worked with mind and muscle for the heritage which, may it 11. Chapters in Action please God, we shall hold and enlarge for our children and their children. 12. New Members; Run Descendants ADVANCE AUSTRALIA, FAIR! Run; At the Helm;

2 February/March 2017 Founders

(continued from page 1) from Edward’s common law wife sailed. She died at sea between Rio and Cape Town - a 70 First Fleeter Catherine Johnson and her partner Tristram year old woman from dropsy. Could this be the Elizabeth Moore so it was quite fitting that she kindly agreed to do Beckford from Wiltshire born in 1719? Could she have de- the eulogy itself. Marilyn then unveiled the plaque with liberately stolen to be able to go with her son? due ceremony by removing the Queen Anne flag. Nothing further is known of Edward's life in England. In Proceedings concluded with director Karys Fearon giving the Colony it was full of adventure sailing to Otaheite a prayer of thanksgiving for Arthur Phillip, Richard John- (Tahiti) and New Zealand, being on Macquarie Island look- son, the resilience of the First Fleeters, Beckford included ing after seal skins for Kable and Underwood, and being in among them, and for our country and its successful settle- the employ of Kable, sailing on the Hawkesbury, up the ment. Photos were taken of those in attendance before NSW coast, to Port Dalrymple and sailing to other exotic the public tour continued. places, mainly as crew but occasionally as master, and pos- EDWARD SMITH/BECKFORD, the EULOGY. sibly also doing some whaling. My interest in Edward Beckford arose when I saw that His age was probably overstated at 28 when he came to the daughter of my ancestor, Catherine Johnson, from the the Colony which would make him 92 when he died in June First Fleet was calling herself Beckford and not Johnson. 1851. Michael Flynn estimates he was likely a few years (on Catherine Johnson’s 1810 Memorial to Macquarie). younger. Still he survived to a very old age considering the I looked up Beckford in the Colonial Secretary's Correspon- life he had. He is possibly the longest surviving male con- dence and found an Edward Beckford equated with Ed- vict of the First Fleet - other non convict males survived ward Smith from the Scarborough 1788. longer than he did. And he was buried in a pauper's grave at Camperdown. His abode was Balmain where there was Edward Smith was on at the same time as possibly a home or refuge for old men from the sea who Catherine Johnson. She returned to the Colony shortly be- needed it. fore him but there are no mentions indicating they were together back in Sydney. There are many mentions in the His daughter, Elizabeth Beckford, born on Norfolk Island Sydney Gazette 1802-1831 of Edward Beckford at sea. probably 1790-1791 and before July 1791 was in the Col- Edward Smith is mentioned until then. Some Col Sec docs ony in 1851 and likely a wealthy woman. She kept the mention Edward Smith otherwise Beckford and v.v. name Beckford as part of her name till her death which seems to indicate she had some attachment to him though Eventually I found a document which proved to FFF they likely not growing up with him, so it seems strange he was- were the same person and hence we are here today. n't given a proper burial. I like finding the stories of the small people of history and seeing them remembered if possible. The books are full of There was also a son William Johnson born on Norfolk the famous, wealthy and powerful. Island 1792 but nothing is known of him. There is a William Johnson who was also at sea but the name is too common Edward Beckford was tried and convicted at the Old Bai- to positively identify him. Historian Cathy Dunn has in- ley in 1784 as Edward Smith and was on the Ceres hulk in cluded Edward Smith to Catherine Johnson amongst the the Thames for two years before being included in the First unrecorded marriages performed on Norfolk Island by Rev Fleet. He was meant to be to Africa which was Johnson. It might explain why Catherine Johnson didn't quickly accepted as unsuitable. The exact reason for being marry Tristram Moore the father of 3 of her children and tried and transported under the name Smith is not known. whom she was with from 1802 till death in 1838. His crime was to steal a cambric handkerchief. (continued on page 5) I have also explored British newspapers and other sources and believe Edward was the son of an Elizabeth Beckford who was tried at the Old Bailey in 1779 and 1784 and seems to have been an habitual criminal. Newspaper reports of her trials refer to "the boy.....E Beckford" also on trial and to her going to meet her son when "he came from the sea" - fits with Edward Beckford's life at sea in the Col- ony, and Blackburn choosing him to go to Norfolk Island on the Golden Grove in Oct 1788 as one of four young men used to the sea. Beckford is not a common name and other mentions were ruled out as a different family. An Elizabeth Beckford was christened at Downton in Wiltshire in 1719. No subse- quent marriage or death has been found for her. In the First Fleet on Lady Penrhyn was an Elizabeth Beck- ford tried at the Old Bailey not long before the First Fleet

3 Founders February/March 2017 CHRISTMAS CRUISE ON THE MANNING

An outing for Mid North Coast Chapter all the presents. A little swapping went on until everyone went away with something they were happy with. Fair weather greeted us on Tuesday morning 22 Novem- Thanks to Lorraine Ryan for donating some gifts which ber as 32 descendants, family and friends boarded the were later auctioned. Manning Valley River Cruise Boat, Island Explorer. Marie and crew greeted us with morning tea and homemade Returning to Taree we were served cheese cake and biscuits as we cruised up to Croki. pavlova for a perfect ending to a memorable day of local history, hearty tucker, great company and delightful cruis- Our Skipper was very informative with commentary on ing weather. Cheers and applause went out for the skipper the Manning River history and some of the old iconic and crew for their hard work to make it such a wonderful buildings such as the Old Butter Factory on Scotts Creek. day. Beautiful homesteads, both old and new dotted the wa- ters edge on Manning and Mitchell Islands.

Mid North Coast Chapter members beside their Cruise Liner

Arriving at Croki we were greeted by Darren who had We learnt about Christmas Day 1787 when a few original been creating a hearty camp oven lunch of either chicken diary transcripts from the First Fleet voyage were read or lamb & vegetables. We stretched our legs and then on out. These reminded us that we have a lot to be thankful our return journey sat down to a Christmas lunch for in our modern world with so many choices and options in food, travel and family connections in our lives. A bit of fun was ours to enjoy with a Kris Kringle game between main and dessert course. As we boarded the ves- Our ancestors, on the other hand, were just trying to sel we swapped our present for a raffle ticket and as the survive with little knowledge or control over their futures latter was drawn out we could choose a present on the or even destination not knowing whether they would ever table. We could keep it or swap it with a previously chosen see their loved ones again. present. Of course the lucky last person had the pick of all #8480 Heather Bath the already opened gifts and they could take their pick of

CHAPTER SECRETARIES ALBURY-WODONGA DIST. DERWENT Judy Dwyer 02 6365 8234 NORTH WEST Mary Chalmers-Borella Marilla Lowe 03 6243 7726 MID NORTH COAST Diana Harband 02 6765 2122 02 6025 3283 EASTERN FARMS Heather Bath 0458 572 644 SOUTH COAST ARTHUR PHILLIP Jennifer Follers 02 9799 1161 MORETON Kevin McGregor 02 4271 3762 Jane Ann Tainsh 02 9488 5453 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN Gloria Wallace 07 3371 2551 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS CANBERRA William Hempel 0410 950 101 NORTH COAST Wendy Selman 02 4862 4849 Brian Mattick 02 6231 8880 HUNTER VALLEY Christine Ingram 0431 406 312 SWAN RIVER CENTRAL COAST Kerry Neinert 02 4961 5083 NORTHERN RIVERS Toni Mahony 08 9271 7630 Jon Fearon 02 4311 6254 Margaret Soward 02 6686 3597

4 February/March 2017 Founders THREE CHAPTERS GET TOGETHER AT KIAMA

A short account of a successful three-day adven- history. We all responded with an enthusiastic vote of ture by Arthur Phillip Chapter to Kiama on the thanks by acclamation. South Coast of New South Wales. Our group then adjourned for luncheon at the Bistro, Many of our group enjoyed travelling south along the Kiama Leagues Club, where we were able to further Grand Pacific Drive - Stanwell Park to Thirroul, the spec- friendships amongst Chapter members. Gillian Doyle wel- tacular lookout at Bald Hill, and continuing along the road comed everyone. President Jon Fearon, who with his wife that hangs above the ocean to the 665 metre long Sea Cliff Karys joined us for lunch, said a few words to the group, Bridge - a highlight. The drive continues through amazing and then Robyn Ford encouraged several members to de- scenery, quaint coastal villages and uninterrupted views of scribe their First Fleeter, and comments and information the ocean. was exchanged. All agreed that it was a very successful The Arthur Phillip Chapter members arrived in Kiama on event. Monday 7th November and filled the afternoon seeing the On Wednesday morning, the Arthur Phillip group visited local sights – the historic terrace houses, originally built for a local artist, Paula Gowans, to view her studio and learn the local quarry workers in 1886; the Pilot’s Cottage for about her theories and perspectives in relation to her local information and of course the famous Blowhole, first painting methods. That afternoon many of us visited the sighted by George Bass when he anchored his whale boat Farmers' Markets at Black Beach before meeting up for a in the sheltered bay, now known as Kiama harbour, in De- farewell dinner at the Bowling Club, before returning cember 1797. Alongside is the Kiama Lighthouse on Blow- home the following morning. Gillian Doyle hole Point which was established in 1887. On Tuesday 8 November - South Coast & Southern High- lands Chapters joined with the Arthur Phillip Chapter at the Kiama Family History Centre. We were met by Sue Lark who led us into the Centre’s collection and Ray Thor- burn gave us an outline of their aims, objectives and suc- cesses in research and recording family history from across Australia. We then gathered in the Auditorium to hear Ray present his talk called Family History in School Education. This was a most interesting and enthusiastic presentation, firstly on the early history of the region, and the growth of the cen- tre over time, and how its members developed an innova- tive, interactive program to engage students in the wider Bistro lunch at Kiama Leagues Club aspects of family and its importance in history and social

THANK YOU, LOIS )(continued from page 3 EDWARD BECKFORD EULOGY) His daughter, Elizabeth, had two children in Sydney in Our long-serving and much loved membership conve- 1808 and 1809 to a James Ceronio who was an Italian nor, Lois Cook, was farewelled at the recent Volunteers’ American sea merchant from Philadelphia. In 1812 she Lunch in her took the children to Calcutta where Ceronio was based. honour at For a reason unknown the two children stayed in Calcutta Cafe Pranzi. and Elizabeth by the early 1820s was back in the Hawkes- Lois is pic- bury (having married a Patrick Gibb Kelly in Calcutta and tured here of whom there is no further record discovered). r e c e i v i n g Edward’s grandson, James, had a son, also James, and her Certifi- this line died out in 1883. His granddaughter, Adeline, was cate of Ap- renamed Adelaide in Calcutta, married at 15 and had at preciation least 11 children. Through the 19th century and the gen- and a spe- erations some stayed in India and others went to England. cial Quilting I tracked one line to a 1922 marriage in Calcutta. There are gift voucher likely descendants of Edward Beckford in India and Eng- from the land who don’t know their heritage. It is good to com- Fellowship. memorate and remember Edward Beckford today and see him acknowledged by the Fellowship. Marilyn Long 5 Founders February/March 2017 OWEN CAVANOUGH AND MARGARET DARNELL - Part 1

Owen Cavanough joined HMS Sirius on 23 March 1787 in nails. Margaret took flight, the shop assistant in pursuit. Gosport, Hampshire, England as an able seaman. Born in Margaret’s cloak was pulled off to reveal the stolen goods. Gosport in June of 1762 to parents Owen and Grace Margaret was found guilty of stealing but not privily and Cavender Owen was now aged 25 and had recently been sentenced to transportation for seven years. discharged from the Portsmouth guard ship Ganges. Sir- Margaret embarked at Portsmouth on the 30th of April ius, formerly HMS Berwick, had been converted to a sixth 1787, along with 100 other female and one male convict, rater at the cost estimated by Deptford Yard surveyors at on the Prince of Wales. The convicts were to be confined £ 7,072. below decks for quite some time before the fleet was vict- Before sailing from the Motherbank the condition of the ualled and ready for sea. John Mason was master of the convicts aboard Alexander gave some cause for concern. Prince of Wales, a vessel of 333 tons. By 13 May the laden The ship had begun to embark convicts in early January ship was at anchor in the Thames her convicts having been and by the 11th of the month 184 men were on board, initially assembled at Spithead on 17 March. some so ill they were “unable to help themselves.” Com- The previous day the Hyaena under Captain Michael de mander Phillip protested to Under Secretary Evan Nepean Courcey RN had sailed down the Thames to anchor but his entreaty fell on deaf ears. Nothing was done. Two nearby. The Hyaena was to provide protection from Span- lighters from Portsmouth dockyards were engaged by Phil- ish marauders until the Fleet was clear of the Scilly Isles. lip to convey the Alexander’s prisoners to the hulk Essex while the ship was “cleaned, So it was that two diverse lives, those of Owen and Mar- white washed, smoked and garet, were to be brought to- gether in a distant land. As day- sponged with Oil of Tar.” break tinted the Thames fog a Some of the seamen had now light rose, Sirius and Prince of been in employ for more than Wales passed through The Nee- seven months, during which dles bound for Teneriffe. A time they had only received straggling fleet of decrepit ves- lesser River Pay and one sels, all owned by separate com- month’s advance. More money mercial interests, was undertak- was needed to fit themselves ing a journey that few thought out for such a long voyage but had any chance of success. it was in the Masters’ interests The Fleet with Hyaena, 13 May 1787, - Wm Bradley to withhold pay, obliging the men to purchase necessaries The actual voyage of the Fleet during the voyage at an exorbitant rate. Phillip backed the is well documented elsewhere so will not be included in Masters. The men walked off the ships. Those who did not this shortened account. On arrival at Sydney Cove marines wish to lose their pay and employ were soon obliged to and convicts set up tents, built huts and unloaded their return. The Masters held the upper hand. On the evening two years provisions. Margaret and the other female con- of 12 May Sirius made signal to weigh anchor in an at- victs remained on board. tempt to get down channel to St Helens. The wind shifted It has been said that Owen was the first to step ashore and for some reason several vessels were not getting un- but this seems unlikely. In June of 1827 the Supreme Court der way. Sirius abandoned the attempt. Lieutenant King of NSW heard the testimony of First Fleeter rowed out to the recalcitrant vessels to discuss their prob- who disputed Colonel Johnston’s claim to be the first lems. The delay was found to be due to the crews’ intoxi- ashore. Ruse had carried Johnston on his back from boat cated state rather than nautical causes. to shore hence was the first to set foot in the colony. The Aboard convict transport Prince of Wales sat a female Court upheld Ruse’s claim (Sydney Gazette 20 June 1827). convict whose life would later become entwined with Margaret stood among the women as they disembarked Owen’s. Margaret Darnell, born in Dublin, Ireland about on a stormy Wednesday 6 February 1788. It was a day of 1767, was tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr frequent thunder squalls, the wind was from the west- Baron Hotham at Justice Hall in the Old Bailey at the ses- north-west, the temperature was 70 degrees F, and the sions commencing Wednesday 18 April 1787. Margaret barometer 29.48. A good description of the women’s dis- was indicted for “stealing, on the 30th day of March last, embarkation may be read in the journal of Bowes Smyth. one dozen of dessert knives and forks, value six shillings Lt Clark's account of the day was of a more material na- the property of James White.” Mr White, owner of the ture. "All the officers dined with him on a cold collation; ironmonger and cutler shop in Holborn near Chancery but the mutton which had been killed yesterday morning Lane, had become suspicious “that she does not want any- was full of maggots. Nothing will keep 24 hours in this thing” although Margaret was there ostensibly to buy country, I find."

6 February/March 2017 Founders

Before long Margaret came to the attention of Marine lashed black rocks. Settlers and convicts from Sydney Bay Private Charles Green and a liaison in March of 1788 re- helped the passengers scale the steep walking path to the sulted in a pregnancy. Owen and the other seamen from top of the cliffs from whence they walked along the dirt Sirius were given Garden Island on which to grow vegeta- track, winding through dense forest, to the main settle- bles. Food supplies were critically low, crops planted with- ment. When Sirius finally sailed around to Kingston the ered and died in the salt air. A second supply vessel from seas were still high and she was wrecked on the reef. England did not arrive. Governor Philip knew his colonists There was no loss of life for the crew and those still on would surely starve if he did not procure outside aid. board but some essential supplies could not be saved. On 2 October 1788 Owen sailed with Sirius to the Cape On Norfolk Island Margaret’s weekly rations of 4 ½ lbs of Good Hope via Cape Horn to get flour and other sup- flour, 2 ¼ lbs beef, 1 ½ lbs pork, 4 ounces of butter and 2 plies. The voyage took seven months and six days. pints peas (dried or pease meal) were halved, as were eve- At Port Jackson Margaret ryone’s rations. Starvation in the Sirius and Supply at Sydney Bay, Norfolk settlement was averted by the bore an illegitimate son, Island, 19 March 1790 Charles, on 22 December 1788. seasonal arrival of the Birds of Baby Charles took his mother’s Providence, a brown shear- surname of Darling. Private water, which nested at sunset Green, of Captain-Lieutenant each day on Mt Pitt. Owen along Watkin Tench’s Company, was with the other marines, seamen court-martialled in Sydney on and convicts collected eggs and 20 February 1789 for consort- slaughtered 2,000 -3,000 birds ing with female convicts and each night to provision the sentenced to 100 lashes. Sirius stores. arrived back in Sydney Cove on Crew members of Sirius were 6 May 1789, Captain John sent to Cascade Bay to start a Hunter experiencing great difficulty obtaining supplies new settlement, later called Phillipsburg, and remained from the Boers. The food crisis was not at an end. stranded until the 12th of February 1791 when the Dutch Lt James Cook had passed and named Norfolk Island on chartered vessel Waaksamheid gave them an opportunity the 10th of October 1774, reporting “spruce pines which to return to England. grow in abundance and to a vast size.” Captain Arthur Cascade Bay became the centre of the flax industry and Philip was instructed by letter to “send a small establish- also produced grapes, bananas, citrus fruit and sugar cane. ment thither (Norfolk Island) to secure the same to us and Owen chose to stay, was discharged, and had settled on prevent it being occupied by subjects of any other Euro- 60 acres (Lot 42) at Cascade Stream, Phillipsburg by 16 pean Power.” The settlement of Norfolk Island com- May 1791. Cavanough’s Farm was situated on the west menced with the departure of HMS Supply, under the side of the great cascade stream and bounded on the command of Lt Lidgebird Ball, from Port Jackson on the south side by Stanley Farm. th 15 of February 1788. Twenty three persons were aboard Owen and Margaret mar- including Commandant Lt. , eight free ried on Norfolk Island by Rev. men, nine male convicts and six females. A second party Richard Johnson, Chaplain to was soon to follow. Starvation was stalking the mainland the Colony, on Saturday 5 settlers and it was hoped Norfolk would provide better November 1791 Johnson was opportunities for agriculture and hence survival of both on his way home to England settlements. from Sydney on board Atlan- Margaret clutched baby Charles, now fourteen months tic, and was under orders old, as they boarded Sirius on 4 March 1790, part of a from Governor Phillip to call complement of 101 convict men, 65 women and 23 chil- at Norfolk Island to marry dren bound for Norfolk Island. Lt Governor Major Robert those wishing to do so and to Reverend Richard Johnson Ross and a Company of 31 Marines, four wives and one baptise the children. child were also aboard, travelling to take over command Surpliced and gowned, in front of the whole community from Governor King. Owen Cavanough was among the of about one thousand persons, including convicts, set- ship’s crew, the expedition being bound eventually for tlers, marines and officers Reverend Richard Johnson con- China to take on urgent supplies. ducted a massed marrying and christening service. About Contrary winds prevented unloading at Sydney Bay 100 children stood staring at the bright display, colours (King’s Town/ Kingston) so Sirius disembarked most of the brilliant with parrot feathers, listening to words they passengers at the Cascade landing place on the north-east couldn’t understand. coast. Few supplies could be unloaded over the great surf- (continued on page 12)

7 Founders February/March 2017 SENT TO THE MOUNTAIN - ‘A MOMENT IN TIME’ Most of us, growing through adolescent years, would original size, has this century been administered by the have become aware of the juvenile justice systems operat- Central Coast Regional Development Corporation and it is ing in our communities. Our parents may even have this group’s Mount Penang Gardens Event Park and Park- threatened to ‘send us to a home’ to deal with any misbe- lands, with its concern for heritage, that conducts guided haviour. Boys in particular always reckoned they knew tours over the property called A Moment in Time. what they could get away with, out of the eagle eyes of Twelve members of Central Coast Chapter took a walk- the local police. ing tour on a very warm November day and were amazed Superintendent’s Cottage under construction, 1912. to hear about and see evidence of what had taken place over nearly a century of juvenile jus- tice. We met our guides Colin and Dianne at the Waterfall Cafe just below the big dam that the boys had built in the 1980s and now the starting point of the Botanic Gardens that have been estab- lished on site this century. Our focus was not the gardens, beautiful as they are, but rather Well, there were indeed homes for wayward boys and in a walk up the road to the top of New South Wales, the most well known and well patron- the hill, the site of the dairy and piggery, admiring the ised was the Gosford Farm Home for Boys. This was es- heritage buildings and associated grounds reflecting the tablished in 1912 in the wilderness of Penang Mountain on daily lives of those assigned to the home, both staff and the plateau above Gosford. The teenage boys who were young residents. the pioneers in those early years were formed into work There was so much to take in, and listening to the stories parties and lived in tents while they built their own place recounted by Colin, who served on the staff for over a dec- of detention. ade, we gained a good sense of what life was like for those living there. An excellent tour innovation was to issue us The government at the time felt that in order to train ‘wayward lads’ to become upright and useful citizens, it with copies of Valerie Rubie’s history of the place and as would be best to move them from the detention ship Sa- we paused at each building or ground feature, we were broan on Sydney Harbour and put them on the land so directed to a particular page and the relevant picture of they could become well-trained and productive farmers. what was going on right there ‘back then’. For most of the twentieth century, until it closed in 1999, Pictured below: Tour guide Colin (at right, in cap) directs the institution underwent constant change. Reflecting Central Coast Chapter members to the relevant historic state juvenile justice policies based photograph of what was once a staff room. on correctional and educational theory operating at the time at gov- ernment level, from a farm home it developed into a training school, a detention centre and finally Mt Penang Juvenile Justice Centre. One constant at Mt Penang was that it was never fenced in all its years of operation. Escapes were quite common over the life of the place but the internal and commu- nity systems were usually efficient enough to find the escapees, bring them back and have their time ex- tended. After Mt Penang closed, the site, now considerably reduced from its 8 February/March 2017 Founders

We glimpsed pictures of boys living in circular tents, dig- mitories were named and used for over the years. It ging dams, drains and swimming pools, pouring concrete seems change was constant and even today the Mt walls for the now heritage buildings, taking lessons more Penang site and its buildings are in full use by current ten- practical than academic and everywhere marching, march- ants, with at least four different schools currently in op- ing, to and fro, a practice that took many years to die out. eration. Colin’s tales were wonderful. In his time he said once Yes, wayward boys are long gone but we with historical the escapee siren had gone off, he and the more loyal sen- interest were encouraged to do our own exploring and ior boys would go down the hill to the edge of Gosford particularly to borrow a library copy of Valerie Rubie’s ex- and wait at KFC for the errant miscreants to emerge from cellent book Sent to the Mountain and read the full story the bush before they could get as far as the railway station of nearly a century of service in juvenile justice. and supposed freedom. While we sat in what was once Our chapter members gave hearty thanks to our guides the parade ground (now a leafy enclosure), Colin referred after an excellent morning of history and those not need- to the nearby ablution block and the staff’s daily after- ing to rush off to other appointments were able to enjoy noon duty to get 100 boys showered in 10 minutes!! lunch at the Waterfall Cafe. We tourists had many questions to ask and Colin and An excellent outing indeed! WJF Dianne were mines of information on what the many dor-

BOOK REVIEW: PRECIOUS CARGO by CARLENE WINCH-DUMMETT It is always good to know that our members continue to the women allowed to shore Bowes Smyth has nothing exercise their writing skills and are adding to the collection kind to say. Our author puts this final peevishness down to of First Fleeter stories. the surgeon’s not being invited to the official reception. A new book, Precious Cargo, by historian #8433 Carlene Mary’s story on Norfolk Island and back in Sydney is Winch-Dummett, and based solely on primary sources, eventually told in some detail, especially the interesting tells the story of her ancestor Mary anecdote when Mary, possibly unaware Turner who arrived at Sydney Cove with of the danger she was in, is caught up in 103 other women convicts on the Lady administrative legal politics raging in Penrhyn. The author’s literary style is March 1789 and threatened with execu- pleasant to read, and her text is inter- tion by Marine Captain James Campbell. spersed with informative anecdotes and Reading history afresh can always re- back stories about many of Mary veal incidents we have not come across Turner’s fellow convicts. before. Of note was the fact that ‘all The book is divided into two parts - children born at sea would be accepted first Mary Turner, and then her third as belonging to the Parish of Stepney’ (P fleet husband David Batty. As a fascinat- 36). Again, in chapter 4, we learn that ing teaser to what is to follow, we meet while exploring the Botany Bay fore- the mysterious David Batty in the chal- shore with John Palmer Bowes Smyth lenging introduction. Several contrasting became hopelessly lost ‘in the woods’ trials, with which he is involved from when confronted by some aborigines. 1784 in London to 1810 Sydney, book- Your reviewer enjoyed this book and end in an intriguing fashion the rest of recommends it for those who would the story. appreciate a somewhat fresh approach Mary Turner was one of the seven Worcestershire to Lady Penrhyn convicts. Over 70 of them are mentioned women who have featured in other recent publications, in the text, but alas, there is no index, either to them or to but in Precious Cargo she takes the main stage. Many of some of the men of the First Fleet as well. Those who like the women are featured in the second chapter where the to refer to end notes as they read may also be rather frus- reader is given an outline of their crimes and court cases, trated with some significant errors linking some super- and where the author-historian comments on the well- scripts with their relevant chapters. known range of punishments meted out. In summary, thank you Carlene for a most rewarding The third chapter gives us Surgeon Arthur Bowes and informative book, a worthy addition to First Fleet li- Smyth’s account of the voyage. This comes across as an in- braries. WJF depth study of the man himself and his changing attitude Note: Contact the author on [email protected] about toward the women in his care. Supportive and positive at obtaining a printed copy. Otherwise the book may be

first, his opinions gradually alter and eventually become downloaded from her website: www.seaspirit.weebly.com .Her quite vindictive. By the time Sydney Cove is reached and phone number, at Tuross Heads NSW, is (02) 4473 9601.

9 Founders February/March 2017 EDWARD HUMPHRIES - DUSTMAN of KENT Edward Humphreys was born in 1765 at Deptford Kent 1787. Newspapers of the day recorded that as convicts England and baptised on 6 January 1766. His father was travelled through many villages on their journey to the William Humphrey/Humphries and mother Elizabeth hulks they endured abuse on the way. Finally, he was em- Holmes. He was indicted at the Old Bailey as Edward Hum- barked on the Scarborough on 27 February 1787 which phreys on 11 May 1785. His crime, committed on 8 No- left with the First Fleet on 13 May 1787 arriving in Port vember 1784, was feloniously stealing, one cloth coat Jackson (Sydney) on 26 January, 1788. value 30s, one pair of leather boots value 10s, all the prop- On 14 February 1791 Edward married Mary Williams. erty of Henry Martin Bird Esquire. At this time his occupa- Some indecision as to which Mary Williams this was exists. tion was given as a dustman. A Mary Williams is reported arriving on the First Fleet as The details of the crime stated, that he was stopped by a well as on the . Other records state that Mary man named Nathan Nathans who was in possession of a Williams, the 2nd Fleeter, did not arrive in the colony at all great coat and boots and he asked Edward to carry the but died in England before departure. Whichever is the items for him. Sarah Biggs the house servant, deposed case Edward and Mary had six children, with Edward and that on 8 November, she let the prisoner into her master's Mary's second son (also called Edward) dying on 13 March house, as a dustman, but did not miss any things till they 1796 at Sydney, aged 2 years and 4 months. All other chil- were brought back. In his defence Edward stated, that a dren reached maturity. gentleman asked him to carry the items and that he had a Edward is mentioned in colonial records as having a “sack on his head.” He called three witnesses who gave pumpkin stolen from him by William Parr on 12 April 1790 him a good character reference. with William Parr receiving 100 lashes for his crime as the The judiciary however, decided to make an example of theft of food was a serious crime as the supply of food was him, stating to him that it was a second such instance that scarce in the colony and this type of theft was a serious had occurred in the Sessions, of dustmen robbing houses, offence. It was further indicated to the court that it was an offence At a later date Edward became a Constable in The Rocks that was particularly dangerous, because the credulity of area on the western side of Sydney Harbour which sug- servants was challenged as they allowed people into the gests that prior to becoming a Constable he had worked as house under a trust. Found guilty he was sentenced for an Overseer of convicts. He is recorded on the list of Con- seven years to Africa. stables taking their oath on 8 February 1800 - Masculine From the time of his arrest on 8 November 1784 until District (Dawes Point), The Rocks, Sydney. He is also on the time of his trial on 11 May 1785 Edward was held in record as being eligible for victualling as a Constable ap- Newgate Prison. He was transferred to the Censor hulk on pointed on the day of 15 December 1798. 23 May 1785 and following a decision to gather up a group Edward died on 4 November 1804 and his wife Mary of convicts for transportation to he was died on 24 December 1805 leaving their four surviving transferred from the Hulk to Portsmouth on 24 February children as orphans. #7976 Jan Halson -structs from the lego-like pieces show the inventiveness of the ALL AT SEA later generations in rebuilding from the shaky and humble be- ginnings to create a new future, one that has pride in the devel- In October last year the incomparable Sculptures by the Sea opment of new land and new cities. At the same time the insa- on Bondi Bay celebrated its 20th Anniversary. For a goodly pro- tiable quest for progress says that humanity has spilled over the portion of that time it has been a tradition for one of the exhib- boundaries: the ship of state looks unstable and is again threat- its to be chosen as displaying a relevance to the mystique of ened with destruction. (to page 11) First Fleet, and being pictured in Founders.

This time the choice fell on the sculpture of New Zealander, Infrastructure 5 Oliver Stretton-Pow, entitled Infrastructure 5. This is a robust . depiction of a wrecked timber sailing ship, constructed from redwood, marine ply and bronze. Unfortunately the work was sited on the grassy tops of Marks Park, instead of most appropriately on the sandy beach. How- ever this apparent lack of judgment had two offsetting virtues: on the one hand it was not destroyed, as were other sculptures by an unusual rampaging 2016 spring tide, and on the other hand, the work became interactive for youngsters visiting the exhibition. Our FFF concept of the work is that it comments on the mode of arrival of our First Fleeters by wooden ships, some not very seaworthy and as in the case of HMS Sirius and later arrivals, subsequently finding a grave in the southern waters. The con- 10 February/March 2017 Founders Our Seventeen Chapters in Action

ALBURY-WODONGA DISTRICT – Both sides of the Murray River. Maitland & Beyond Family History, Historical mapping project; 24 Venue: Albury Library/Museum, Kiewa St. Albury, monthly 24 April: Ed Tonks: Newcastle War Memorials. Next Event: 20 meetings, third Saturday at 11am for 10:15 Next Meetings: 18 March: Tour of Marthaville House and then lunch at Drayton’s February Speaker TBA; 18 March: Speaker TBA; Next Event: TBA. Winery Cafe. Contact: Kerry Neinert 49615083 Contact: Mary Chalmers-Borella 6025 3283 LACHLAN MACQUARIE – Orange, Bathurst, Parkes, Dubbo, White ARTHUR PHILLIP – Milsons Point to Brooklyn and across to all Rock, Cowra, Kelso. northern beaches. Venue: Usually Kinross-Wolaroi Library, Orange; quarterly. Next Venue: Meeting Room, Old Gordon Public School. 799 Pacific Meeting: 25 February: to be confirmed, Tour of the new Orange Highway, Gordon – monthly meetings, third Friday at 10.30 . Next Museum, then afternoon tea. Contact Judy Dwyer 63658234 or Meetings: 17 February: Dick Whittaker, A History of Darlinghurst 0428 173213 or [email protected] Gaol; 17 March: Patrick Dodd, John Macarthur, Visionary or Villain? MID NORTH COAST -- Taree and Surrounds, Bulahdelah to 21 April: Carol Roberts, Historic Sites in the Hawkesbury Valley; Kempsey. Next Events: 2 March: Outing to . Contact: Jane Venue: Presbyterian Church, 76 Albert Street, Taree, Bi-monthly on Ann Tainsh 94885453 4th Tuesday at 2pm.. Next Meeting: 28 March: Rosemary Roberts, CANBERRA – ACT, Queanbeyan and surrounds. Convict Clothing, plus Glenda Smith, First Fleeters Olivia Gascoigne Venue: Various locations in Canberra. No Meetings or Events until and Nathaniel Lucas. Next Event: Contact: Heather Bath 0458 572 mid year. Contact: Geoff Cameron 62514095 644 CENTRAL COAST – From Lake Macquarie to Broken Bay, highlands MORETON – South East Queensland. to coast. Venue: St. Augustine’s Anglican Church Hall, Hamilton – bi-monthly Venue: Point Clare Community Hall – meet monthly, second meetings, at 10 am on an available 2nd Saturday. Next Meetings: Saturday at 10 am for 10.30. Next Meetings: 11 February: Carl 11 February: Julie Webb and Don Cornford, UTAS Family History Bliim, History of NRMA; 11 March: TBA; 8 April: Speaker, Radio 50 Studies; 1 April: Speaker TBA. Next Event: 4-11 March: Members plus. Next Event: 25 February: Hawkesbury ‘Governor Phillip’ Foundation Day Tour of Norfolk Island. Contact: Gloria Wallace 07 Cruise from Spencer to Wiseman’s Ferry, with DLH Historical 3371 2551 Society. Contact: Jon Fearon 43116254 NORTH COAST – Boambee, Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo to Maclean DERWENT - Southern Venue: Either at Mylestom Hall or at members’ homes, Bi-monthly , Venue: Bi-monthly, 11am, first Saturday at Royal Yacht Club of usually first Sunday at 10.30am. Next Meetings: 5 February at Tasmania, Sandy Bay. Next Meetings: 4 February: Graeme Broxam, Mylestom Hall: Members, Show and Tell; 2 April at Coramba Hall: Norfolk Island Evacuations to Van Diemen’s Land; 1 April: Simon Christine Ingram and Carole Tunks, Baby Picture Gallery - Guess Cocker, William Cuffay, A Chartist transportee 1849. Next Event: Who. Next Event: 4 March: Outing to Eungai Creek Buffalo Farm. Contact: Marilla Lowe 0362437726 Contact: Robyn Condliffe 66533615 EASTERN FARMS – Ryde, Eastwood, , Kings Langley, NORTHERN RIVERS – Lismore and surrounds. Pennant Hills and surrounds. Venue: Various locations - bi-monthly meetings, fourth Sunday at Venue: The Hall at Brush Farm House, 19 Lawson St. Eastwood – 11.30am; Next Meeting: 26 March: At Alstonville Bowls Club, monthly meetings, first Saturday from 10am Next Meetings: 4 Roddy Jordan, Our family ancestor William Whiting. Next Event: February: Jon Simpson, Restoring the James Craig: 4 March: Don Contact: Margaret Soward 66863597 Napper, James Barnett Colonial Architect; 1 April: Carol Liston, NORTH WEST – Tamworth and surrounds. Women Convicts 1810-1836. Contact: Jennifer Follers 97991161 Venue: Various locations – bi-monthly meetings, usually first HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN --Western Sydney, Penrith to Windsor, Blue Saturday at 1.30pm Next Meetings: both at Tamworth Family Mountains. History Rooms, 4 February. Betsy Broughton and her NZ Travels; 1 Venue: Mainly Tebbutt Room, Public Library, 300 George St, April: TBA. Next Event: Contact: Diana Harband 67652122 Windsor , but occasionally in Penrith and elsewhere-- monthly, SOUTH COAST – Engadine to Burrill Lake. second Saturday, 11 am. Next Meeting: 11 February at Springwood Venue: Laurel Room, Ribbonwood Centre, 93-109 Princes Highway, Presbyterian Church; Tim Cox, The Road to Bathurst; 11 March, at Dapto – monthly except. Jan, May and Dec. – first Tuesday at Ebenezer Chapel, Ted Brill, Church and Locals; 6 April: Gwen 10am - 1pm. Next Meetings: 7 February: Members, Show and Tell; Shackell, Sydney’s St James King St. Next Event: Contact: William 7 March: Lorraine Neate, Scandals and Gossip in 19th Century Hempel 0410950101 Illawarra; 4 April: Graham Wilcox, Federation of Australia. Next HUNTER VALLEY – Hunter Region, Newcastle and surrounds. Event: Contact: Kevin McGregor 42713762 Venue: Adamstown Senior Citizens’ Hall, 153A Brunker Road, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS – Mittagong, Moss Vale and surrounds. Adamstown – bi-monthly meetings, usually third Monday from Venue: Mittagong Community Centre – bi-monthly – second 10am — 12.30pm. Next Meetings: 20 February: Diane Blishen, Wednesday at 10.30am $5 Admission. Next Meetings: 8 February: Lyn Fergusson, FitzRoy - Beyond the Rumours; 12 April: Graeme (from page Wilcox, Federation of Australia Next Event: 22 February: Convict

10) This sec- Bonnet Workshop, free. Contact: Wendy Selman 48624849 ond photo SWAN RIVER – Perth, Fremantle and surrounds. shows the Venue: 256 Stirling St Perth, bi-monthly, first Saturday, at 2pm. sculpture in Next Meetings: 4 February: Toni Mahony, TBA; 1 April: Julie its more fa- Aitken, TBA. Next Event: March, no date yet: Rottnest Island vourable lo- Convict tour, to be confirmed. Contact: Toni Mahony 0892717630 c a t i o n , probably on C o t t e s l o e Karys Fearon, Chapter Liaison Officer Beach in W A. #5527 Ron EDITOR’S NOTE: Closing date for this page Withington for the next issue is 20 March 2017

11 Founders February/March 2017 WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS RUN, DESCENDANTS, RUN Ordinary and Pensioner Members Ordinary and Pensioner Members continued Did you know there is an Annual Running MICHAEL MURPHY JAMES SHIERS/MARY SMITH Festival held in Tasmania each year to honour #8713 Bryce Alexander Wilson #8720 Kerry James Slavin the Founders of Australia, our ancestors. PATRICK BURN/ANN SMITH Junior Members It is held at Greens Beach at the mouth of the #8714 Stephen Arthur Bennett JAMES RUSE Tamar River and is on Sunday 17 March. EDWARD JONES/MARTHA EATON/ #8715 Kate Maree Merkel Dicky knees and metal hips notwithstanding, BEDDINGFIELD #8716 Hailey Lorraine Merkel WILLIAM BUTLER it is always good to go for outdoor activity. See #8717 Bernard Raymond Toohey #8721 Benjamin Mark Pearce www.convictsandwenchesmarathon.com and #8718 Elizabeth Gai Martin Friends sign up your grandchildren, if not yourself. THOMAS ACRES Friend179 David Pye This year’s special offer: descendants of First #8719 Antony Marcus Mason Fleeters have free entry. What a bargain!

SCULPTURE BY THE SEA - 2016 Many thanks to #6740.1 William Hempel who kindly submitted his choice for a First Fleet themed exhibit in November’s display. You may remember Founders was unable to see the most recent show on the Bondi to Tamarama, New South Wales, coastal walk and invited mem- bers to contribute their thoughts. William says: ‘In looking over my photos from the day, this one seems to possibly have a remote connection although the artist might not think so. It is titled Celestial rings I by Inge King. My first thought in viewing it was that it looked like part of an astrolabe or other naviga- tional equipment one may have used on a ship from First Fleet times. Anyway, my opinion is most of the sculptures have little relation- ship but someone else might have a good alternative suggestion.’ Inge King, the pioneer of contemporary sculpture did not live to see her 6 metre high work installed at Bondi. She died, aged 100, last April in Melbourne, where her sculpture had a permanent place in her out- door garden. King always maintained that sculpture should be ‘large- Celestial Rings 1 scale, exuding strength, movement, light and power, yet simple’.

AT THE HELM (from page 7) A son, named Owen for his father and pa- ternal grandfather, was born on 28 May 1792. Sadly this child died on 2 May 1794, just short of his second birth-

day, and is buried on Norfolk Island. It is unknown

whether little Owen was buried on the Cascades farm or Donations received for upkeep of First Fleet in the cemetery at Kingston where many of the early House will be but to good use this month when gravestones have been lost to the inroads of the waves. some major structural repairs to the back verandah At the time of little Owen’s death Margaret was again five will be undertaken. months pregnant with her third child, conceived with The Board thanks all those chapters and individu- Owen in December of 1793. als who donated funds for the Arthur Phillip Me- Owen had cultivated 15 of his 50 ploughable acres by 15 morial seat at Lyndhurst UK. We understand the October 1793. On 10 March 1794 Owen penned his name dedication was to take place on 29 January. Pic- to a memorial beseeching tures and story next issue. Lt Francis Grose to recon- Next year the Fellowship celebrates its 50th Anni- sider his edict that no arms versary. A major luncheon is planned possibly to be borne in the Colony. Set- coincide with the anniversary of the inauguration tlers on Norfolk Island had date in March 1968. Ideas to the Board please to been set upon and robbed. make the event truly memorable. Fearing for their safety and Amazing news! We believe we have found a de- property the settlers scendant of both the First Fleet and the Mayflower. wished to have their guns All will be revealed once we have confirmation restored to them for the from the Mayflower Society in USA. protection of themselves and their families. Lt Governor Francis Grose 12