WALTER Ambrose Edward

Other Events:

• Occupation: Farmer
• _UID: 1BDF325D02C840C085ADE1917E49C733B8B8
• Baptism: 17 Aug 1870, At home, Barrabool Hills VIC

Ambrose married MCCALLUM Mary Helen 17 Mar 1898, At the home of the bride's mother, Noradjuha VIC. Mary was born 1871, Mount Elgin VIC; died 19 Oct 1944, Wembley Private Hospital, Horsham VIC; was buried Oct 1944, Noradjuha Cemetery, Noradjuha VIC. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:
Married at the home of the mother of the bride according to the rites of the Bible Christian Church by Rev. Charles Fowler.

1. WALTER Leo Claude was born 1902, Noradjuha VIC; died 1902, Natimuk VIC.
2. WALTER Horace was born 27 Jun 1903, Horsham VIC; died 13 Oct 1988, Nhill VIC; was buried 15 Oct 1988, Goroke Cemetery, Goroke VIC.
3. WALTER Gordon was born 1 Apr 1907, Natimuk VIC; died 15 Oct 2007, Natimuk VIC; was buried 18 Oct 2007, Goroke Cemetery, Goroke VIC.

Other Events:

• Occupation: Butcher/Farmer/Grazier
• _UID: 57A89F883965408BA748F80BA987F70FB7B5
• Baptism: 7 Aug 1833, Bradworthy DEV
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, North Blatchborough, Bradworthy DEV; : 8y
• Emigration: 30 Apr 1853, Plymouth DEV; : 20y

Notes:

Barrabool Hills Book at GHRC

1861 AWW as tenant on 8 acres of the Strathlachlan Estate in section 15.

1862 AWW named as trust member of the Blue Ribbon Society, Ceres Temperance Hall erection.
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Hamilton Spectator, Advertisement ? 1862

Important to Farmers in the vicinity of Hamilton

We, the Undersigned, beg to inform the Farmers of Hamilton, that we shall be in attendance during the threshing season, with Tuxford & Son's latest improved patent Threshing, Winnowing and Dressing Machine with Tuxford and Son's 8-horse Engine, to thresh and clean, fit for market, all kinds of grain, at a moderate price. Parties concerned will please send their orders to Mr. T. BROMELL, Hamilton.

N.B. The same machine took first prize at the Geelong Exhibition last year.

SMALE & WALTERS Barrabool Hills, Geelong.
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The Barrabool Shire Council's Jubilee, compiled by Cr. W. Ham. [RHSV]

AWW listed as councillor for one year only - 1870. [sic]
____
Geelong Advertiser, 5 Aug 1870, Town Talk column.

Mr. Piper could not be prevailed upon to offer himself for re-election as councillor for the Ceres riding in the Shire of Barrabool, and Mr. A.W. Walters was then asked to come forward, and was elected without opposition.
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Geelong Advertiser, 19 Feb 1873, Advertisement.

PRELIMINARY NOTICE

On the Premises, Barrabool Hills, Early in March.

W.S. HOWELL has received instructions from Mr. A.W. Walters (in consequence of his leaving the district) to sell by auction as above.

The whole of his stock consisting of- Fat Cattle, superior Dairy Cows and young cattle, good Farm and Heavy Draught Horses, Sheep, Pigs, Farming Implements, Grain, Hay, Straw, Dairy Utensils, &c., &c.

For full particulars, see future advertisements
____
Geelong Advertiser, 4 Mar 1873, Advertisement.

WEDNESDAY, 12th. MARCH,

At 11 o'clock sharp.

On the premises of Mr. A.W. Walters,

Barrabool Hills.

Positive and Unreserved Clearing Sale

OF

CATTLE, HORSES, SHEEP, PIGS, HAY, STRAW, GRAIN, FARMING IMPLEMENTS, &c., &c.

W.S. HOWELL has received instructions from Mr. A.W. Walters (who is leaving the district) to sell by auction as above,

The whole of his valuable stock, &c.,

Comprising -

65 head of superior well-bred cattle,
Consisting of -
Fat cattle, milch cows, springers, steers, and heifers.

8 head of first-class draught horses, broken-in.
3 good saddle and harness horses.
2 two-year old draught colts.
1 do. do. filly.
2 well-bred ponies, broken-in to saddle and harness.
200 fat wethers.
300 good store wethers.
35 fat pigs, 20 store pigs.
2 sows and suckers.
6 tons of hay, stack of straw- about 30 tons.
800 bushels of wheat.
500 do. peas.
300 do. barley.
Double-seated buggy.
Spring waggon, with shafts, pole, and tilt.
2 first-class farm waggons.
3 horse drays.
Corn-crusher (by Richmond and Chandler), for steam or horse power.
Henderson's back delivery reaping-machine.
Robinson's mowing-machine.
Weighing-machine (Avery's).
6 sets of harrows, 1 dray harrow.
Scarifier, 4 ploughs, 2 rollers.
Mangold pulper, 2 horse hay rakes.
2 corn trucks, 2 tarpaulins.
2 400-gallon iron tanks.
Quantity of other farming implements.
Harness of all descriptions.
Lot of cornsacks.
Dairy utensils, and
A large lot of sundries.
____
Geelong Advertiser, 11 Mar 1873, Advertisement.

The above Clearing Sale advertisement was repeated with the addition of a extra final line:

Luncheon provided.
____
Geelong Advertiser, 1873

Article stating that Ambrose Willcock WALTER's term of office as a councillor for the Ceres Riding, Barrabool Shire Council terminated 14 Aug 1873.

[Supposed to be in W.J. Morrow Index, cannot find!]
____
Geelong Advertiser, 19 Nov 1873

Mr. Walters, of the Barrabool Hills, who has just returned from a visit to the Wimmera district, relates that a very large tract of country has been taken up in that part of the colony by selectors. Most of these hail from South Australia, where the land is generally of inferior quality, and rapidly getting worked out. Not a few are farmers from Mount Gambier, where the soil originally of first-class quality, has also been thoroughly impoverished by continuous cropping. He states that a large area of new soil has been turned up this season and placed under wheat, which is at present, as a rule, looking most promising. The soil is generally a blueish clay, mixed with sand and well adapted for wheat growing. Timber is plentiful and fencing cheap. A large amount of dummying is carried on, the selectors finding that the limit allowed of half a section, or 320 acres, is altogether inadequate to enable them to combine grazing with agriculture and make their holdings renumerative in the face of the disadvantage from which they suffer in consequence of their distance from market and the seaboard.
____
Geelong Advertiser, 4 May 1874

LAND SELECTING IN THE WIMMERA DISTRICT

A well known farmer from the Barrabool Hills who has just returned from a visit to the Wimmera District, gives a very interesting account of the way in which settlement is progressing in that neighborhood. He states that the town of Horsham is the centre of the new territory, from whence the homes of the selectors radiate in every direction for distances of 15 to 20 miles. The town itself is progressing rapidly. Buildings are going up in every direction, and there is a great scarcity of tradesmen, particularly bricklayers, who he believes, would be able to earn as much as 20s. per day. The buildings already constructed and in process of erection are of timber, brick and stone, the former largely predominating. The town is situated on the banks of the Wimmera river, where good clay is obtained in abundance for brickmaking. A hard, white freestone, suitable for building, is obtained from the Mackenzie Creek, a short distance away. As a proof of the way in which the value of property is improving, it is stated that recently an offer was made on behalf of the Bank of Victoria of £2000, for an allotment which two years ago was offered for sale at £100. On the Natimuk Creek, about twenty miles distant, a new township has just been surveyed. In this locality the population is a mixed one, but the Teutonic race preponderates. Most of them hail from the sister colony of South Australia, and every week there are fresh arrivals, principally from Mount Gambier, where the farms are getting worked out. The German residents, as a rule, content themselves with areas of 50 to 100 acres, which they are now busily engaged cultivating and otherwise improving. As a sign of what they are doing, our informant states that a few days ago a tea meeting was held to celebrate the opening of a new church which they had constructed at a cost of £220. Of this amount £150 was contributed by the time the structure was finished. Two hundred persons sat down to tea, and Mr. J. Smale [sic] - a gentleman well known in Geelong- presided, and delivered an address which was well received. The minister of the church gave an address in German. The Rev. J. Hilliard, of the Wesleyan denomination; Rev. J. Warren of the Bible Christian Society at Camperdown; and Mr. Clarke, J.P., of Horsham, took part in the proceedings. In this very neighborhood, which is becoming so well populated as the meeting indicates, only about eighteen months ago a person might ride for a whole day without encountering house or resident. The country around consists of extensive plains intersected with what are termed blind creeks, that contain an abundance of water in winter but get dried up in the course of a dry summer. There are belts of timber, principally a kind of box, which splits readily and is well adapted for fencing. Bull-oak, which grows as straight as a rush, is employed to construct very neat and comfortable cottages. During the past season a large quantity of wheat has been grown. The quality is excellent, and at present it realises 4s. 6d. per bushel in the local market. There is an abundance of fine wiry grass admirably adapted for thatching and the roofs of some of the residences are finished in such a style as to give the whole building a decidedly pretty as well as comfortable appearance. The country is what is known as "Crab-hole Plains." In winter, and even till an advanced period in summer, the holes are filled with water. The higher ridges are composed of a vegetable mould, which mixed with the lighter subsoil makes a compound sufficiently fertile for the cultivation of cereals or English grasses. A remarkable feature at present is the absence of grass at the tops of the hillocks, where the soil seems peculiarly rich, while the basins are covered with herbage. As a rule grazing and agriculture is being combined. Where the quality of the land is tolerably good half sections of 320 acres have been taken up; where the land is inferior the members of families have clubbed together and erected ring fences around more extensive areas, which are intended simply to be used for grazing purposes. The soil is susceptible of being greatly improved by drainage, the subsoil is impervious or nearly so, and by constructing dams of moderate size the settlers are able to secure a permanent supply of water. Just now those who have got their land under tillage are busily engaged sowing wheat. It is important to get the seed in the ground as early as possible before the winter rain sets in. A ploughing match is at present on the tapis. It is to come off on the 28th. inst. at Natimuk, and £50 has already been collected for prizes. Among the intending competitors are some of the champion ploughmen of the Barrabool Hills - Treadwell, Macurdie and others. Some of the best ploughmakers of Melbourne and Geelong have signified their intention of introducing their implements, which, it is believed will, when once witnessed and tried, supersede the oldfashioned ploughs now in use.
____
Geelong Advertiser, 22 Jan 1877

THE WIMMERA DISTRICT

We take the following from the second of the papers on the subject, contributed to the Australasian by its travelling reporter:- "A short distance to the eastward of St. Mary's Lake homestead is one of the best farms around Tooan, belonging to Messrs J.T.C. Heard and Brothers, who hail from the Barrabool Hills, and have established themselves on their selections for three years. This season they have had 100 acres under wheat, which has done better than the previous crop, which gave a return of 25 bushels to the acre. The present season's crop suffered more from the effects of frost than from the dry weather, but even with that drawback it was second to no other in the Wimmera District, and is expected to yield over 30 bushels per acre. About six acres were sown with Cape barley, which has also done very well, and a small quantity of the English was also tried, with very fair results. A small crop of potatoes looks promising, but is scarcely equal to the previous one, when the return was about six tons to the acre. Maize is being grown upon a small scale as an experiment, and if it succeeds, as it promises to do at present, its cultivation will be extended. The farm is well fenced and subdivided into convenient-sized paddocks, and it is the intention of the Messrs Heard to sow down several of them with English grasses during the coming season. About 1000 sheep are kept at present, merino ewes and Lincoln rams, the latter being of a rather superior quality from the flock of the Hon. T. Bromell. The Messrs Heard are paying some attention to the breeding of horses, and are the owners of Young Colonel, a powerful, handsome, dark chestnut, three-year-old, heavy draught stallion, by Ploughboy (imported), bred by Mr. J. Baker, of Larpent, Colac. Among the other animals the most noticeable are two fine mares by the Marquis of Lorne and Young Thumper, a pair of handsome well-matched buggy ponies by Dr. Lardner, and a promising blood yearling filly by Alarm out of a Sotterly mare. The Messrs Heard are fully alive to the advantages of using labour-saving implements, and having last season used one of T. Robinson & Co.'s gang ploughs with great success, they were induced this harvest to try a side-delivery reaper, made by that firm, which has given great satisfaction. They are also the owners of a very compact threshing plant, which travels the district during the season. To the south and eastward of Heard's farm, nearly all the available land has been selected during the last three years, in many cases by families, who have secured contiguous blocks, and work them together. Taking a course nearly due east from Heard's farm, I travel for several miles through rather poor country, the greater part moderately timbered, coming across an isolated selection occasionally. There is nothing along this route calling for special comment until the farm of Mr. A.W. Walters is reached, about six miles south of Natimuk. Mr. Walters, who is the President of the Wimmera Shire, was formerly farming at the Barrabool Hills, and has been located four years in the Wimmera district. The various members of his family hold about 2000 acres, the greater portion being heavily-timbered land, and the soil for the most part a sandy loam. But a comparatively small area is under cultivation for grain crops, it being Mr. Walters' intention to devote his energies chiefly to the breeding of live stock. Experiments are being made with various grasses and other forage plants, in order to ascertain which are the kinds adapted for the climate, as it is intended to improve the pasture as much as possible. So far, rib grass and cocksfoot have done better than any other grasses, the plants stooling out well, and covering the ground, while the rye grass grows too thin. Lucerne has been tried, but it has not done so well as expected, though it will probably do better as the plants get older. A large plot of maize has been sown for cutting green, and it has done so well that Mr. Walters intends to try to get a crop to ripen next season. There are about 1800 sheep, merinos, which are considered to be better adapted to the locality than any other class. Superior rams are used, from the well-known flock of Mr. Dennis, of Carr's Plains. The property is subdivided by good substantial fences into several paddocks, and a great deal of labour has been expended in clearing the land of dead timber. Each paddock is provided with a dam or water-hole, and as the sub-soil is very retentive, they are expected to hold at least 12 months' supply. This season, however, has been too dry for them to get filled, and as a consequence the supply of water is rather short."
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Geelong Advertiser, Advertisement, 14 Jan 1879

BY DENNYS, LASCELLES & CO.

FRIDAY, 31st. JANUARY

VALUABLE FARM

ON THE

BARRABOOL HILLS

DENNYS, LASCELLES & CO. (under instructions from Mr. A.W. Walters) will offer for sale by auction, at their warehouse, on the above date, at 12 o'clock, His valuable farm, now in the occupation of Mr. T. Smale, situated three miles from Ceres and nine miles from Geelong. The area of land is 285 acres, 0 rods and 0 perches.

Solenoidly improved. The buildings are all most substantially built of stone, with slate roofs, and comprise eight-roomed house, 12-stalled stable, barn, etc.

There is an orchard of two acres, stocked with the choicest fruit trees.

The land is fenced with post, rail and wire, and subdivided into eight paddocks, each being abundantly watered by a never-failing creek running through the centre of the property, besides tanks and springs.

185 acres is laid down in English grass, the remainder being under cultivation.

It is needless to call the attention of buyers to the character of the soil. It is one of the best farms on the far-famed Barrabool Hills, which speaks for itself.

Terms-Half Cash, balance at one and two years, bearing 8 per cent. interest.

Title perfect, to be seen at Messrs. W. and J. Higgins, solicitors.

Further particulars and letters of inspection on application to the agents.

[This 285 acre property is "Stanbury", probably named by AWW after the birthplace (Stanbury near Kilkhampton, CON) of his mother Grace VINSON (1796-1867)]
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Geelong Advertiser, 1 Feb 1879, Town Talk column

An attempt was made yesterday to sell a farm of 285 acres, situated three miles from Ceres, and on the Barrabool Hills, belonging to Mr. A.W. Walters, and at present occupied by Mr. T. Smale. The highest bid was £9-10-0 per acre, but the property was withdrawn for £10-0-0 per acre. Messrs. Dennys, Lascelles and Co. were the auctioneers.
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Geelong Advertiser, 10 Mar 1881

Messrs. Dennys, Lascelles & Co. report the sale, for Messrs Skene Bros., of the Heathfield run, in the Portland Bay district, with 640 acres freehold land, with sheep, cattle, and horses, to Mr. A.W. Walters.
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Geelong Advertiser, 21 Jan 1882

284 acre property of AWW now occupied by Amos HEAL said to be let from 1 April 1882.
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Geelong Advertiser, 24 Jan 1885

284 acre property belonging to AWW on the Barrabool Hills now in occupation of Ed. Brown, part of portion 3, let for 4 years from 1 April 1885
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Land grants made to Ambrose Willcock WALTER

AWW was a prominent user of the Closer Settlement Scheme particularly after he settled at Noradjuha. Set out below is a brief summary of his purchases showing the parish and the acreage purchased. Details collected from parish maps and Section 19.20 records.

Nangeela 577, Follet 1065, Kaladboro 414, Nagwarry 1196, Drajurk 958, Lowan 1224.

AWW was granted the lease on Allotment 40, Parish of Lowan, County Lowan on 19 Feb 1884. The rent paid was £149-8-00 payable half-yearly. Applied for grant on 1 Mar 1884 and appears to have been successful as the grant is dated 10 Mar 1884, purchase price £166-0-0. Extent of other holdings 400 acres, 200 acres cultivated, where situated, about 220 miles at the Barrabool Hills. Also appears to have applied for selection at 8 a.m. on 26 Oct 1872 at Horsham.

Reference Box 576, VPRS 625, 35530/19.20, PRO Laverton.

Emigration:
Aboard the 'Marchioness of Londonderry' arriving at Port Phillip VIC on 4 Aug 1853.
Into Place: Port Phillip VIC

Died:
The West Wimmera Mail and Natimuk and Goroke Advertiser, 23 Jul 1915

Obituary

Mr. A.W. WALTER

The hand of time has removed from the district one of its oldest and most highly respected pioneers in the person of Mr. Ambrose Wilcox Walter. Not only as a pioneer was the late Mr. Walter respected, but as one to whom all in the district could go for advice at all times. This district has lost a friend and champion, in one who fought for the interest of the Wimmera in the early days of settlement. All honor to the heart that is still.

The late Mr. A.W. Walters was born in Devonshire, England, on the 11th. April 1833. He came out to Victoria in the 'Marchioness of Londonderry' in 1853 with his uncle, his parents following a few years later. For a time he worked on the Barrabool Hills, Geelong. A little later he, like many others, tried his fortune on the goldfields, but met with little success [?]. He could relate in detail many incidents of the Ballarat riot. On one occasion, when he and his mates were returning to their camp, they found that two of their party had been bound and robbed of their belongings by Melville, the bushranger. Not being successful on the goldfields, he returned to the Geelong district, with his youngest brother, starting a butchering business on the Barrabool Hills. This venture proved very successful. In 1862 Mr. Walter sold his interest in the business to his brother, and entered into farming pursuits. It was in the same year that he married Mary Ann Smale, the only daughter [?] of Mr. Thos. Smale, of Barrabool Hills. He continued to work the farm for 11 years. Being now anxious to secure more land, and make provision for a family that was growing, he was attracted to the Wimmera. He selected land about the year 1872, and shifted the family, which consisted of his wife and five sons, in the beginning of 1874. From that time up to the time of his death he practically lived on the land which he first selected. For about four years he lived in the Casterton district, where he had purchased a property, but returned again to the Wimmera and continued to work his property for a number of years. About seven years ago he decided to retire from active life, and settled in Geelong, having leased his property to two of his sons, but was a regular visitor to the Noradjuha district, with which he kept in close touch.

Mr. Walter took a keen interest in all public matters. In the Geelong district he occupied the position of councillor in the Barrabool Shire, and very soon after his arrival in the Wimmera he was elected as one of the councillors to the Wimmera Shire. From that time until his retirement seven years ago he held important positions in the Wimmera and Arapiles Shire Councils, and also the Western Wimmera Irrigation and Water Supply Trust, his term as a representative of various municipalities extending over 41 years. He continued to be a member of the Western Wimmera Trust right up to the time of its abolition in 1908, and his photograph appears in the group that was taken when the functions of that body were handed over to the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. Amongst his colleagues at the time who have since gone the way of the flesh were Messrs. John Bushby and John Cunningham, both of whom were prominently identified with the fortunes of the Wimmera Shire Council.

Mr. Walter saw, and participated in, the fight between selector and squatter. Writing in the Horsham "Times" of November 20, 1914, Mrs. M. Bodey mentions this phase of early life. "Time" she wrote, "evens up all things, and the people who are enjoying prosperous times now are apt to forget that they owe much to those who first blazed the track. No doubt the squatters who saw that which through long use they regarded as their own wrested from them, felt rather injured, and while some bowed with good grace to the inevitable, others displayed their resentment in a childish fashion. For example, when Mr. Matthew Bodey, the first selector to be elected as a councillor of the Wimmera Shire took his seat at the Council table, the two squatters remaining on the Council resigned their seats rather than sit with a selector. One of the vacancies thus created was filled by another selector, Mr. Ambrose Walter of Noradjuha." The deceased also assisted in most local institutions, the Horsham A and P Society, Mechanics Institute, the Noradjuha Cemetery Trust, and the Noradjuha to Horsham Railway League all received his support. In connection with the last named he spared neither time nor trouble, and was one of a deputation from Noradjuha and Natimuk that got the final promise from the Minister of Railways that the line would be constructed, his colleagues on that occasion being Messrs. A.E. Beard, J. Kuse, and James Keyte (representing Natimuk), and A. Sinclair, H. Kruger, and himself (representing Noradjuha). Many years ago he was appointed a justice of the peace, which position he held to the time of his death. He was an ardent supporter of the Methodist Church, and held the position of trustee to the Bible Christian Church at Horsham before the union took place. He was also a trustee of the church at Noradjuha and at the annual conference often represented the Noradjuha circuit. His hospitality was well known. His home was always open to any minister, irrespective of denomination, and in the early days the services of the Bible Christian Church were conducted in his house until, in later years, the State school was utilised as a place of worship.

His remains were taken from the old home "Oakleigh Park" on Friday July 16th., and laid at rest in the Noradjuha cemetery. The cortege was followed by a fairly large number of representatives from all parts of the district. The Rev. E.E. Shakell of Noradjuha, conducted the burial service. The seven sons of the late Mr. Walter acted as pallbearers namely, Albert, Thomas, Ellis, Ambrose, Frederick, Sydney and Norman. In addition to the widow whose three daughters - Mrs. H.M. Fowler, Mrs. G. Nitschke, and Mrs. L.W. Cranage. A sister of the deceased, Mrs. Bromell widow of the late Hon. T. Bromell, of Hensley Park, Hamilton, survives him.

Ambrose married SMALE Mary Ann 6 Mar 1862, Bible Christian Chapel, Barrabool Hills VIC. Mary (daughter of SMALE Thomas, JP and SAMELLS Eliza) was born 3 Mar 1845, Brownlowe Street, East Stonehouse DEV; died 29 Oct 1918, 44 Buckland Avenue, Newtown VIC; was buried 2 Nov 1918, Noradjuha Cemetery, Noradjuha VIC. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Ann WALTER
• Occupation: Home Duties
• _UID: FDBEE1C0EDFC4E599595F82B0FFB4BB947FB
• Census: 1851, 12 Mill Pleasant, Devonport DEV
• Emigration: 19 Aug 1854, Plymouth DEV; : 9y

Notes:

Census:
Thomas SMALE, his wife Eliza, daughter Mary Ann and his brother Isaac shown as residing at 12 Mill Pleasant, Devonport DEV. Interestingly, Isaac is described as a Mason Apprentice.

PRO Ref: HO/107/1882, Folio: 361, Page: 18, FHL Film: 0221031

Emigration:
Aboard 'Clara' arriving in Portland on 19 Nov 1854.
Into Place: Portland VIC

Notes:

Married:
The marriage service was conducted by the Rev. James Rome.

Other Events:

• Occupation: Yeoman Farmer
• _UID: 61D7666C68E54F5982318F6B74CBC98034C2
• Baptism: 21 Jan 1791, Bradworthy DEV
• Residence: 1841, Bradworthy DEV
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, North Blatchborough, Bradworthy DEV; : 50y
• Residence: 1851, Bradworthy DEV
• Emigration: 23 Dec 1854, Plymouth DEV; : 64y

Notes:

Emigration:
Aboard the 'George Marshall' arriving at Port Phillip VIC on 9 May 1855.
Into Place: Port Phillip VIC

Buried:
EAS-METH-OLD-X-825-X
A former sexton at the Eastern Cemetery informed me many years ago that he believed that the headstone was wooden and that a grass fire had swept the cemetery and wooden headstones were destoyed. At the time of the first burial in this family group, during the 1850s gold rush, substantial material for building anything were in short supply and very expensive and wood was a cheaper alternative.

William married VINSON Grace 30 Jan 1817, Kilkhampton CON. Grace (daughter of VINSON Joseph and ASHTON Elizabeth) was born Abt 1796, 'Stanbury', Morwenstow CON; died 6 May 1867, 'Lake Bank', Modewarre VIC; was buried 10 May 1867, Eastern Cemetery, Geelong VIC. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Grace WALTER
• _UID: B4D3AA8ADD744C079300055031BF25C11DCC
• Baptism: 16 May 1796, Kilkhampton CON
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, North Blatchborough, Bradworthy DEV; : 45y
• Residence: 1851, Bradworthy DEV
• Emigration: 23 Dec 1854, Plymouth DEV

Notes:

Emigration:
Aboard the 'George Marshall' arriving at Port Phillip VIC on 9 Apr 1855.
Into Place: Port Phillip VIC

Buried:
EAS-METH-OLD-X-825-X
A former sexton at the Eastern Cemetery informed me many years ago that he believed that the headstone was wooden and that a grass fire had swept the cemetery and wooden headstones were destoyed. At the time of the first burial in this family group, during the 1850s gold rush, substantial material for building anything were in short supply and very expensive and wood was a cheaper alternative.

Other Events:

• _UID: 577C4855513F4F489423B5BDB90B5407DF4C
• Baptism: 1 Jun 1823, North Tamerton CON
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, North Tamerton CON; : 15y
• Occupation: 1851, 12 Mill Pleasant, Devonport DEV; Stonemason/Farmer/Contracter
• Census: 30 Mar 1851, 12 Mill Pleasant, Devonport DEV
• Emigration: 19 Aug 1854, Plymouth DEV
• Probate: 28 Jun 1883, Melbourne VIC

Notes:

Barrabool Hills Book, GHRC

1861 Thomas SMALE shown as occupier of Allotments 24(a) and 24(b) of Section 3. Known as Basset's farm and owned by John CLINNICK.
____
Geelong and Western District Directory, 1861

Thomas SMALE, committee member, Barrabool Farmers' Association.
____
The Barrabool Shire Council's Jubilee, 1865-1915, compiled by Cr. W. Ham. [RHSV]

Proclaimed a shire on 13 Jun 1865. First shire meeting held 26 Jun 1865. Members present include Cr. T. SMALE. Thomas SMALE listed as being a councillor for two years 1865-1867. [Presumably for one term only]
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Geelong Advertiser, 17 Feb 1870

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT CERES

It is with extreme regret that we have to record a most destructive and calamitous fire which occurred at the farm of Mr. T. Smale, J.P., at Ceres, on Tuesday, about 1 p.m. Mr. Smale has had a most bountiful harvest, and had never gathered in more grain, hay, and other agricultural produce than he had this season. He was looking forward to a considerable return this year to make up for the losses sustained in previous bad seasons, but this fire has upset all his hopes, and not being insured at all, he has lost not only all his year's labor and expenditure as well as all expected profits but nearly the whole of what he was possessed of. This is to be the more regretted as the catastrophe is undoubtedly the result of gross carelessness on the part of a man who has been employed by Mr. Smale for some six or seven years, and there can be no accounting for his foolhardy conduct in this affair, as he has hitherto borne a good character, as an excellent farm hand. It appears that Mr. Smale, on Monday, left instructions that the stubble was to be burnt off some of the paddocks if the day were suitable, but at the same time he impressed on the man that if the day should turn out hot, or if a hot wind prevailed, he was not on any account to think of setting fire to any of the stubble. In the face of this the man, whose name is Samuel Berryman, went deliberately after dinner, in the hottest part of the day, with the thermometer standing at over a hundred in the shade, and a regular "brickfielder" blowing, and fired the stubble in a small paddock not far removed from the homestead. The wind was blowing direct from where the stubble was lighted to the homestead and the stack-yard. The fire was no sooner ignited than it spread with lightning-like rapidity across the paddock into one from which rye grass has not long been mowed, and across this with equal rapidity to the hay stacks. In less time than it takes to write it, these were one mass of flames. The unfortunate man seems to have been utterly prostrated at the sight of the damage he had done, and rushed about without attempting to save anything, although he would have had time to liberate over twenty pigs which were confined in the piggery, and to have removed some drays, buggy, and agricultural implements. Unfortunately Mr. Smale was absent at the Mount Moriac Police Court, and Mrs. Smale had left only shortly before the catastrophe, leaving only Berryman and the servant girl on the premises. The neighbours however rushed to the scene, and bursting into the house succeed in rescuing a chest of drawers and a seer taire containing Mr. Smale's papers and documents. With the exception of a few minor articles of furniture, this was all that was saved out of a smiling homestead which half an hour previously had been surrounded by the results of a bountiful harvest, and was furnished with every necessary for a large and properly conducted farm. The fire having laid hold of the stacks, almost immediately extended to the barn, the threshing machine shed, the piggeries, and a long row of sheds used for various purposes. The blaze and heat were terrific, melting spare brasses belonging to Mr. Smale's threshing machine as effectually as if they had been reduced in a furnace. The poor pigs were literally roasted alive, and some splendid drays and implements standing in the yard were totally destroyed. The house dog was also burnt to death, being chained up, and all that now remains of him is a charred skeleton. The fowls shared the same fate, but fortunately the entire [sic] horse "Reformer" was released before the fire reached his stable. The heat was so intense that in a very few minutes the fire was communicated to the house, and so rapidly did the work of destruction proceed that the neighbors were only able to rescue the few articles we have mentioned. The property destroyed included 50 tons of magnificent hay, a stack of unthreshed wheat, estimated to contain about 100 bags, another stack of oats, containing about an equal quantity of grain; a small stack of barley, estimated as likely to yield 30 or 40 bags; 60 bags of peas, a stack of rye grass, containing about 100 bushels of seed; three cwt. of butter, twenty-one fine pigs, the barn, stables, piggeries, sheds and dwelling house, waggon, drays, buggy, implements, harness, and the household furniture; the whole valued by Mr. Smale at about £1200. The unfortunate gentleman, it appears, has never been in the habit of insuring, and hence his loss is not covered to the value of a penny by insurance policies. The servant girl has also suffered, having lost everything but the clothes she had on at the time. Her wardrobe may appear a slight loss, but to her it is no doubt a very serious one. The greatest sympathy is expressed for Mr. Smale by all his neighbors. He has worked hard for fifteen years on his farm, and had just got it into excellent order when this catastrophe comes and throws him back for years. The farmers around seeing the smoke rode with all haste to the spot, but were only enabled to render very slight service, although they worked with a will. Mr. Smale desires to thank them most heartily for their assistance. The fire and the misfortune of the loser does not seem to have been sufficient to repress the purloining proclivities of some person. In the chest of drawers which were saved there was a considerable sum in gold and notes, the gold consisting of five sovereigns placed in one of the drawers by Mrs. Smale just before she left. Some unprincipled individual undeserving of the name of a man, took advantage of the bustle and excitement to steal three of these. It is stated that the thief is known, and in the interest of justice and all right feeling it is hoped that he will not be allowed to go scatheless. The man Berryman, who was the innocent but blundering cause of this great misfortune to Mr. Smale, has been arrested on a charge of carelessly using fire. He was brought up at the Central police court yesterday and was remanded until Friday.
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In the next column:

CARELESS USE OF FIRE - Samuel Berryman was charged with carelessly using fire at Mr. Smale's farm, Ceres on the previous day. On the application of the police, the prisoner was remanded until Friday for the production of evidence.
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Geelong Advertiser, 19 Feb 1870, Current Topics column

The circumstances connected with the disastrous fire at Mr. Smale's farm, Ceres, as reported by us on Thursday, were elicited at the Central Police Court yesterday, on the hearing of the charge of careless use of fire preferred against Samuel Berryman, the man who caused the conflagration. The evidence showed gross carelessness, and although Mr. Smale pleaded for a lenient sentence, the bench felt called upon to impose a penalty of 10 pounds, or in default, one month's imprisonment, in order that the case may prove a warning to others similarly situated. The unfortunate man appeared in court much burnt about the arms, face, and body, and no doubt his punishment bodily, mentally, and pecuniarily is heavy, but it is to be hoped the case will have its effect in preventing carelessness in future. That some such example is needed, is shown by the fact that an exactly similar case is reported from Whorooly [sic], near Beechworth, where on the same day as this fire at Mr. Smale's occurred, two brothers named McWalters were burnt out, losing all the crops they had just harvested and all their improvements.
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Geelong Advertiser, 25 May 1883

SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. SMALE, J.P.

The residents of this town and district will regret to learn of the very sudden death of Mr. Thomas Smale, J.P., of Edgecombe Farm, Barrabool Hills, which occurred about ten o'clock yesterday morning. The gentleman named proceeded to the Bible Christian Church at Mount Moriac on Wednesday evening, at which place he occupied the chair at a public gathering. During the proceedings he was taken suddenly ill with spasms, and was compelled to retire to the parsonage in connection with the church, and a messenger was despatched to Geelong for Dr. Carstairs. The doctor proceeded to Mount Moriac with all despatch, and prescribed for Mr. Smale. The medicine appeared to give relief to the patient, and the doctor remained with him throughout the night. At seven o'clock yesterday morning Mr. Smale was apparently so far recovered that Dr. Carstairs did not consider that his presence was any longer required, and he left for town. A couple of hours afterwards, Mr. Smale had a second attack to which he succumbed about ten o'clock in the morning. The news of Mr. Smale's death was conveyed to Dr. Carstairs later in the day, but he refused to give a certificate as to the cause of death until the police and the coroner were acquainted with the case. Mr. Heron, the police magistrate, did not consider that it was a case for any magisterial inquiry, and directed the medical gentleman who had seen the deceased to give the relatives a certificate as to the cause of death. The deceased gentleman was a native of North Tamerton, Devon, [sic] England, and died at the age of 60 years. He came to the colony at an early period, and was a resident of the Barrabool Hills district for fully 30 years. As a farmer he was most successful on the old Barrabool Hills, where he held a leading position for many years. In his social life he was extremely well liked, and for a considerable period occupied the position of a member of the Barrabool Shire Council, both at the time the district was under the old road board system, and since the Shires Act came into force. He was a staunch teetotaller, and a leading member of the Bible Christian Church. In all political movements he took a great interest, and he was one of the most energetic agitators for a better system of immigration, which he thought would be of vast benefit to the farmers of the colony.
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The Will of Thomas SMALE, 1823-1883

This is the last Will and testament of Thomas Smale, Farmer, in the Parish of Barrabool, County of Grant, in the Colony of Victoria - dated this Eighth day of May - One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty.

I, Thomas Smale hereby give to my Wife "Eliza" the proceeds of the whole of my estate, for her own personal use and benefit as long as she lives (less what is hereinafter mentioned) including my life policy for Five Hundred pounds in the Australian Mutual Provident Society. I also direct that as long as my wife lives, that my estate shall not be sold. But that my Wife may either live in it, or let it as she may think fit.

I also direct that my daughter "Mary Ann" shall receive out of my estate, One Hundred Pounds for her own personal use, and that after the death of her Mother she shall have my estate for her own personal use and benefit, and after her death, my estate shall be sold, and be equally divided among her Children. I also direct that Twenty Pounds Sterling, shall be giv'n to the "Bible Christian Missionary cause in Victoria".

Signed by the Testator in the presence of us whose signature is attached hereto-

Thomas Smale
May 8, 1880

John Daniel
Robert James Andrews
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Stood for the Legislative Assembly of the Victorian State Parliament in 1871 in the seat of South Grant. Source: Argus Newspaper (Melbourne) Index, 1870-1879.
____

Baptism:
Residence: Ash Hill

Census:
Mason Apprentice residing with the TRENOUTH family.

Census:
Thomas SMALE, his wife Eliza, daughter Mary Ann and his brother Isaac shown as residing at 12 Mill Pleasant, Devonport DEV. Interestingly, Isaac is described as a Mason Apprentice.

PRO Ref: HO/107/1882, Folio: 361, Page: 18, FHL Film: 0221031

Emigration:
Aboard 'Clara' arriving in Portland on 19 Nov 1854.
Into Place: Portland VIC

Buried:
HGH-MET-02-807-028

Thomas married SAMELLS Eliza 29 Feb 1844, North Tamerton CON. Eliza (daughter of SAMELLS Richard and WARREN Ann) was born Abt 1825, Boyton CON; died 18 Nov 1898, 27 Little Myers Street, Geelong VIC; was buried 20 Nov 1898, Barrabool Hills Cemetery, Highton VIC. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Eliza SMALE
• Occupation: Servant/home duties
• _UID: C60E461A0839495CA1AF747EE8B689FD8011
• Baptism: 24 Apr 1825, Boyton CON
• Residence: 1841, CON
• Census: 1851, 12 Mill Pleasant, Devonport DEV
• Emigration: 19 Aug 1854, Plymouth DEV

Notes:

Census:
Thomas SMALE, his wife Eliza, daughter Mary Ann and his brother Isaac shown as residing at 12 Mill Pleasant, Devonport DEV. Interestingly, Isaac is described as a Mason Apprentice.

PRO Ref: HO/107/1882, Folio: 361, Page: 18, FHL Film: 0221031

Emigration:
Aboard 'Clara' arriving in Portland on 19 Nov 1854.
Into Place: Portland VIC

Buried:
HGH-MET-02-807-029

Other Events:

• Occupation: Yeoman Farmer of West Blatchborough, Bradworthy DEV.
• _UID: E94F7B48631B44939084E454BA8FA19B21BD
• Baptism: 26 Jun 1757, Bradworthy DEV

William married BRIMACOMBE Ann 9 Apr 1787, Bradworthy DEV. Ann (daughter of BRIMACOMBE Richard and JEWELL Susanna) was born 24 Feb 1765, Sutcombe DEV; died 1 Jun 1837, 'South Blatchborough', Bradworthy DEV; was buried 4 Jun 1837, Bradworthy Churchyard, Bradworthy DEV. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ann WALTER
• _UID: 42C049170FEA4DA792403954E545A5B734DA
• Baptism: 4 May 1766, Sutcombe DEV

Other Events:

• _UID: BBFB0DB67C094A498F3A4A9E240206960419
• Baptism: 23 Oct 1743, Morwenstow CON
• Will: 7 Aug 1829
• Probate: 31 May 1831, Exeter DEV

Notes:

Will:
Transcript of the will of Joseph VINSON

This is the last Will and Testament of me Joseph Vinson in the parish of Kilkhampton in the County of Cornwall who seriously considering the uncertainty of Human Life do intend to give and dispose of all my Worldly property in manner hereinafter mentioned. But first I recommend my Soul to the extensive ........ of that Almighty Supreme Being who gave it to me.

I hereby confirm the settlement made by me on my dear Wife on our Marriage and declare the same together with the Provision hereby made for her to be in lieu of all Dower and thirds which she might otherwise claim out of my Estates and Effects.

I give and bequeath unto my said Wife the sum of Twenty pounds of lawful Money current in Great Britain to be paid to her by my Executrix hereinafter named at the expiration of six months after my decease.

Also I give and bequeath unto my said Wife during her Widowhood only the use of House and Garden which I now occupy and also the use of as much of the Household Furniture as she may have occasion for.

Also I give and devise unto my Daughter Sophia Willcocks all that tenement or parcel of land commonly called or known by the name of Newhey now in occupation of Thomas Hocking situate in the parish of Kilkhampton aforesaid with all appurtenances thereto belonging to hold the same unto and to the use of my Daughter Sophia her Heirs and assigns for ever.

Also I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Sophia Willcocks the sum of One hundred pounds of lawful Money current in Great Britain to be paid to her by my Executrix hereinafter named at the expiration of twelve Months after my decease.

Also I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Grace Walter the sum of one hundred Pounds of lawful money as aforesaid to be paid to her by my executrix hereinafter named at the expiration of Twelve months after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my nephew Joseph Vinson Walter the son of William and Grace Walter the sum of Twenty Pounds of lawful money as aforesaid to be paid to him twelve months after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto each of my two Granddaughters Elizabeth Ann Walter and Charlotte Walter the sum of Ten Pounds of lawful money as aforesaid to be paid to each of them by my Executrix hereinafter named at the expiration of twelve Months after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my Niece Jane Hopgood the sum of Five Pounds to be paid to her immediately after my decease to buy her a suit of mourning.

I give and bequeath unto the four Daughters of my late Nephew Thomas Vinson the sum of Five pounds to be paid to them immediately to buy them suits of mourning.

And all the rest and residue of my Lands, Leasehold property and effects whatsoever and Wheresoever subject to my Debts, Legacies and all other expenses ........ I give and bequeath unto my daughter Betsey Adams whom I hereby constitute and appoint my whole and sole Executrix of this my last will ........

Will made 7 August 1829. Witnessed by L. Ashton, Grace Yeo and S. Walkey.

Probate:
Effects under 600 pounds.

Buried:
Of Churchtown, late of Stanbury.

Joseph married ASHTON Elizabeth 28 May 1795, Kilkhampton CON. Elizabeth (daughter of ASHTON Francis and BOUNDY Grace) was born Abt 1766, Bradworthy DEV; died Nov 1850, Kilkhampton CON; was buried 29 Nov 1850, Kilkhampton Churchyard, Kilkhampton CON. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth VINSON
• _UID: 1B7AC89F6E6444EFAD87B4755C10FC985E26
• Baptism: 7 Aug 1766, Bradworthy DEV

Notes:

Buried:
Residence: Blackburrow, Bradworthy DEVON.

Other Events:

• _UID: 881FCFDF631A400BB9A99852B4AF165E4093
• Baptism: 1 Mar 1795, Whitstone CON
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, Inclined Plane, North Tamerton CON
• Census: 30 Mar 1851, Jameston Plane, Holsworthy DEV
• Occupation: 30 Mar 1851, Jameston Plane, Holsworthy DEV; Canal Labourer; : 52y
• Census: 7 Apr 1861, Inclined Plane, North Tamerton CON; : 64y
• Occupation: 7 Apr 1861, Inclined Plane, North Tamerton CON; Labourer on the Bude Canal; : 64y
• Census: 2 Apr 1871, Canal Cottage, North Tamerton CON; : 73y
• Occupation: 2 Apr 1871, Canal Cottage, North Tamerton CON; Canal Engineer; : 73y

Notes:

Census:
Ref. HO151/106-6

Census:
Thomas SMALE (Canal labourer), his wife Grace (Canal labourers wife), Elizabeth (Daughter/dressmaker), Noah (Son/scholar) and Ann (Grand-daughter/scholar).

PRO Ref: HO/107/1896 Folio: 448 Page: 1 FHL Film: 0221047

Died:
Death Certificate - age= 77 years.

Thomas married SHAPLIN Grace 14 Feb 1819, North Tamerton CON. Grace was born Abt 1802, Calstock CON; died Between Jul 1890 and Sep 1890, Okehampton DEV; was buried , Northlew DEV. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Grace SMALE
• _UID: E9621054BDCB4294876D443840540D55731D
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, Inclined Plane, North Tamerton CON
• Census: 30 Mar 1851, Jameston Plane, Holsworthy DEV
• Occupation: 30 Mar 1851, Jameston Plane, Holsworthy DEV; Canal Labourer's wife
• Census: 7 Apr 1861, North Tamerton CON
• Census: 7 Apr 1861, Inclined Plane, North Tamerton CON; : 60y
• Occupation: 7 Apr 1861, Inclined Plane, North Tamerton CON; Agricultural Labourer; : 60y
• Census: 2 Apr 1871, North Tamerton CON
• Occupation: 2 Apr 1871, Canal Cottage, North Tamerton CON; Housekeeper; : 69y

Notes:

Census:
Thomas SMALE (Canal labourer), his wife Grace (Canal labourers wife), Elizabeth (Daughter/dressmaker), Noah (Son/scholar) and Ann (Grand-daughter/scholar).

PRO Ref: HO/107/1896 Folio: 448 Page: 1 FHL Film: 0221047

Other Events:

• Occupation: Labourer/Sand Trader
• _UID: 5715B6EE9F884B49AD232F2323950DED9FF8
• Baptism: 22 Jan 1792, Boyton CON

Notes:

Buried:
Residence: Stratton

Died:
Residence at death: Stratton CON

Richard married WARREN Ann 3 May 1814, Boyton CON. Ann (daughter of WERREN Edward and VOWDEN Susanna) was born Abt 1786, Boyton CON; died Oct 1838, Boyton CON; was buried 10 Oct 1838, Boyton CON. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ann SAMELLS
• _UID: 8B47D0014991415FBF768132BFE5CDC93F0E
• Baptism: 25 Dec 1786, Boyton CON