M’Arthur, Peter, J.P., Camperdown, was born in the Island of Islay Argyleshire, Scotland, and came to Australia in May, 1839, landing in Sydney, N.S.W., and then coming over to Victoria, or, as it was called, Port Phillip. The same year he proceeded to the Camperdown district, and took up Meningoort, the station on which he now resides, in company with the late Mr. Nicholas Cole, remaining in partnership until 1843, when they divided the station. At the time Mr. M’Arthur settled in the district there were but three or four persons within a radius of thirty or forty miles; the country was in its natural state, there being neither fences, roads, nor bridges.
M’Crae, James, Camperdown, was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland, and arrived in Melbourne in December, 1852. He went to Camperdown about 1862, and, after following various pursuits for some five years, commenced the building trade, which he still carries on. Mr. M’Crae was appointed a justice of the peace for the southern bailiwick about four years since, which position he retains.
M’Donald, Ewen, Terang, was born in Rossshire, Scotland, and came with his parents to Australia in 1848. They settled near Geelong, and carried on agricultural pursuits for about ten years, when they sold out and removed to Mortlake, where they selected land in various parts of the district. In 1861 Mr. Ewen M’Donald purchased 160 acres on Lake Keilambete, settled on it in 1868, and still resides there, carrying on grazing. His father, the late Mr. John M’Donald, died in 1859, and was buried at Mortlake.
Macdonald, Farquhar, Terang, born in Rossshire, Scotland, came to Australia in 1848 by the ship Aurora, of London, landing at Geelong. Thence he went to Ararat, spending four years in that district, and thence to Lake Modewarre, a salt-water lake, with an area of about three square miles, lying near the main western road, west of Geelong (Modewarre is a native word meaning musk duck), and was eight or nine years in that locality. Eventually he removed to the parish of Glenormiston, where he selected under the occupation clause, and where he has lived ever since, carrying on grazing. His brother Simon came out at the same time, and settled in the same district, dying there in 1884, and being buried in the Terang cemetery.
M’Donald, James, sen., was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1807, and came to Australia in 1839, by the ship Palmyra, landing at Hobson’s Bay, and finding what is now the magnificent city of Melbourne then nearly all bush. Early in 1840 he went to the Camperdown district, and was there with the late Mr. Neil Black for two years and a-half. He then engaged in various pursuits until 1854, when he purchased, at £5 per acre, the farm where he now resides. He also spent £10 per acre in clearing, fencing, and subdividing it. He was married in Scotland in 1839, and has a family of three sons and three daughters.
Macdonald, Murdo, Terang, was born in the parish of Glensheil, Ross-shire, Scotland, and arrived in Australia in December, 1848, landing at Point Henry, near Geelong, and hiring with Mr. Horatio S. Wills, with whom he remained a year, and for the following three years lived about the Wimmera and the head of the Hopkins River. He then went to the gold diggings for a year. (In 1852 his first employer, Mr. Wills, sold his station at Mount William, in the Ararat district, and went to live at Point Henry, and in 1859 visited Europe, leaving some of his children behind at a German university. He then returned to Australia, and purchased three blocks of grazing country in Queensland from Mr. Peter Macdonald, who had been superintendent for Mr. G. Armitage, and started for the new country with a splendid lot of stock and material. Shortly after taking possession Mr. Wills, and all employés, except one man who died in the bush, were murdered by the blacks.) Mr. M. Macdonald went to Mortlake in 1858, and settled at Noorat in 1862, having carried on grazing and agriculture there ever since.
M'Garvie, William, Pomborneit, was born in the North of Ireland, and arrived in Melbourne in 1844, going thence to the Barrabool Hills, near Geelong, and remaining there a year. He then went to the Plenty for a time, and was after that for three years at the Stony Rises, and followed various avocations until 1865, when he selected the property on which he now resides, and carries on grazing.
M’Kay, Hugh, Pirron Yalloak, was born in Scotland, and landed in Geelong from the ship Horult in October, 1854. He followed mining for five or six years, and settled in Pirron Yalloak nineteen years since, commencing and carrying on to the present time a general storekeeper’s business, and adding to it that of a grazier. Mr. M‘Kay was married in 1859. The first church in Pirron Yalloak was opened about twelve years ago.
M’Kenzie, Donald, Terang, was born in Scotland, and arrived in Australia in 1851, landing at Geelong. About 1863 he purchased land in the parish of Kolora, where he took up his abode, and has since remained, carrying on the avocation of a grazier. He recently paid a visit to Scotland. His son, Mr. Norman M’Kenzie, was born in Scotland, and came to Australia with his parents. He is now in possession of the property. Mr. N. M’Kenzie was married in 1877, and has a family of three sons and three daughters.
M‘Kinnon, Archibald, Mortlake, is a native of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, who came to Australia and landed at Geelong in 1852, going thence to Hexham, where he lived four years, carrying on farming. He then removed to Mortlake, and purchased the land on which he now resides, conducting the business of a grazier and farmer. Mr. M’Kinnon was married in Scotland, and has a family of three sons and two daughters.
Mackinnon, Daniel, Terang, was born in the island of Arran, Scotland, and arrived in Melbourne in September, 1839, by the ship Caledonia, the first vessel to sail direct from Scotland to that port. He took up a station at Mordialloc, in conjunction with the late Major Fraser, and, after remaining there nine months, proceeded to the Camperdown district in 1840, and entered into partnership with Dr. Curdie, that partnership existing for about three years, when he purchased the Jancourt Station, some few miles south of Camperdown. In 1852 he purchased the Manda Yalloak Station, near Terang, where he now resides, and carries on grazing.
M’Mahon, John, Kariah, was born in the county Clare, Ireland, and came to Australia with his parents in 1851, landing in Melbourne. The family removed to Perracoutta Station, near Moama, N.S.W., and, after remaining there one year, returned to Victoria, and settled in Geelong for seven years. His father, the late Mr. James M’Mahon, purchased some land near Winchelsea, and remained there four years. He then sold the property and removed to Birregurra, where he carried on farming for a few years. In 1865 he came to the Camperdown district, and selected land in the parish of Kariah, where he remained until his death, in October, 1883, leaving a widow and four sons and a daughter. Mr. John M’Mahon married in 1867, and has a family of six sons and one daughter.
M’Nicol, Donald, Camperdown, is a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, who arrived in Victoria in November, 1839, and landed at Williamstown with the late Mr. Neil Black. He first went to Ballarat for about three months, and in February, 1840, proceeded to the Western District, and remained there with Mr. Black for about ten years. At the expiration of that time he purchased the Woorong Station, and carried on grazing until 1874, when he sold the property to Mr. Thomas Shaw. Mr. M’Nicol now resides on a part of the estate. Mr. M’Nicol’s son, William, was the first white child born in the district, 8th February, 1841.
M’Nicol, Duncan, Camperdown, is an early pioneer of the district, who arrived per ship Ariadne, at Williamstown, in October, 1839, from whence he went to Glenormiston with the late Hon. Neil Black, and remained five years in his employ, after which he went into partnership with his brother Donald, and purchased a station at Timboon from Mr. Lloyd, on a portion of which he still resides. The first store in the district was opened by Messrs. D. and D. M’Nicol about 1848, and they also kept the post-office.
M’William, David, Terang, was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, in 1814, and arrived in Melbourne in 1840, staying there about five years, after which he went to Port Fairy, and remained a few years. In 1856 he went to Terang, where he has been ever since engaged in grazing pursuits, and where he makes a speciality of breeding hack and trotting horse stock.
Manifold Bros., Camperdown (deceased). These gentlemen, three in number, were undoubtedly the pioneers of the now wealthy and important district of Camperdown. So far back as about the year 1838 they took up a vast area of land there for grazing purposes, and saw the growth of the district from a desert wilderness into — first, a magnificent pastoral territory, feeding countless flocks and herds; and later into a smiling tract of agricultural country, dotted with towns and villages, and with the homesteads of well-to-do farmers. The home station of the Manifold brothers is known as Purrumbete. It lies on the north shore of the splendid fresh-water lake of that name, about six miles east of Camperdown township, and is one of the finest estates in the Western District. Mr. Thomas Manifold died about 1871; Mr. John in January, 1877; and Mr. Peter on 31st July, 1885.
Manson, William, Mortlake, is a native of the colony, born in Richmond, near Melbourne, in 1853. In 1883 he went to Mortlake, and purchased the Mortlake Despatch, a newspaper established in 1869 by Mr. E. F. Hughes, and afterwards carried on by Mr. J. R. Baird, from whom Mr. Manson bought it. Mr. Manson is secretary to the Mortlake cemetery, which was established in April, 1866, and is also secretary to the local rifle club. The Mortlake Despatch is a bi-weekly newspaper, having a large circulation in that and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Matthews, William, Kolora, born in Redruth, Cornwall, England, arrived in Australia in 1848 with his parents, who first settled down in South Australia at the Burra Burra copper mines, and remained there three years, after which they came to Victoria in the beginning of 1852. Mr. Matthews then followed gold-digging at Bendigo for eighteen months, and in July, 1853, went to Creswick. In January, 1855, he commenced store-keeping, and kept an hotel. He purchased land at Coghill’s Creek in January, 1857, where he carried on business for eighteen years. In 1875 he removed to Glenormiston, where he has resided since, carrying on the business of a grazier.
Mawbey, Henry, Terang, was born in Surrey, England, and arrived in 1837, at Port Phillip, where he lived for two years. He then formed a station at Mount Macedon, and, returning to Melbourne, resided at Brighton. Mr. Mawbey started the first public conveyance in Port Phillip, running between Melbourne and Brighton. He also carried on a butcher’s business in Melbourne until after the gold diggings broke out. After a residence of some years in Warrnambool, Mr. Mawbey settled down in Terang, where he carries on the business of a commission agent, &c.
Moodie, Alexander, Camperdown, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and came to Australia in 1852, landing at Geelong, and proceeding the same year to the late Mr. J. G. Ware’s estate, where he remained twenty-four years, part of the time on the homestead, and the balance on the dairy station. In 1876 he married a daughter of Mr. Duncan M’Nicol.
Morris, James S., Camperdown, was born in London in 1832, and came to Australia, landing in Tasmania in 1842, and remaining there six years. He was apprenticed in Hobart, and after serving about three years and a half, he went with his master to New Zealand, and finished his apprentice ship of seven years in Wellington. He stayed there until 1852, when he came to Victoria, landing at Geelong, and proceeding to Camperdown about 1857. In 1862 he commenced business as a general blacksmith, in which capacity he is still engaged.
Mountjoy, Thomas, Lorne. This gentleman, one of the first and best-known residents of the fashionable watering-place, Lorne, is a native of Cornwall, England, who arrived in Melbourne in 1853, and settled at Geelong. After a year on the goldfields, he commenced farming, with his brother Caleb, on the Barrabool Hills, and carried it on for ten years. In 1864 they went to Loutitt Bay, now Lorne, and, in 1868, started a Temperance Hotel, which they have conducted successfully ever since, and in which they have ample accommodation foi- 150 visitors. The brothers Mountjoy erected the first house in the district. They run a daily mail coach in summer between Birregurra railway station and Lorne; thrice a week in winter. Besides conducting the hotel, Mountjoy Bros. own 4795 acres of land in the parish of Bambra, on which they carry on grazing, and 4000 acres near Echuca, parish of Turrumbury.
Murray, Andrew, Colac. This gentleman was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and, with his parents, emigrated to Tasmania in 1822, landing in Hobartown. He remained in Tasmania eighteen years, spending the first nine years in the country, and the remainder in Hobartown. In January, 1840, he came over to Victoria, going from Melbourne to Geelong overland. Thence he proceeded to Colac, and entered into partnership with his brother Hugh, which partnership lasted for seven or eight years. During this time they took up the Wool Wool Station, and in 1848 Mr. A. Murray settled there, and has carried on grazing ever since. Mr. Murray was the first settler in that part of the country, which consisted then, as now, mostly of open plains, only there were, of course, no buildings nor fences to be seen. About 1844 the first place of worship, a Presbyterian church, was opened in Colac, the Rev. Mr. Gow being the minister.
Murray, Hugh, Colac (deceased), was born in Scotland, and came out to Tasmania with his parents in 1832, landing at Hobartown. He reached Victoria in 1836, and settled down near Winchelsea, where he remained for six months. During this time a party was organised to go out in search of Gellibrand and Hesse, who had started on an exploring expedition; and, passing on in quest of the lost men, the party came in view of Lake Colac and the surrounding country. Seeing a large number of blacks carrying pieces of flesh on their spears, the party became alarmed, and retreated to Mr. Murray’s camp with all speed, informing him of the lovely country they had seen, the splendid lake, and the abundance of game of all kinds. On this he and his party started at once, found and took up the country, of which he may well be considered the pioneer; and he took up his abode there and remained until his death. Ten years after his settlement Colac was a favourite haunt of the blacks. At first they were hostile, and harried the flocks with their dogs; but the resolute stand made by Mr. Murray, who went among some hundreds of them camped near the sheepfold and shot a number of their yelping curs that had caused such devastation amongst the pure and high-priced ewes, taken with such trouble to Colac, made the blacks appreciate the situation and decamp. In a short time the natives became friendly, and some of the younger ones made useful servants; one, named Jim Crow, remaining with Mr. Murray until his death. Mr. Murray was the first justice of the peace in the district, and was president of the shire council until his decease. He died in July, 1869, deeply regretted by all classes of the community. In 1841 he married Miss Elizabeth Young, and left a large family of sons and two daughters. See MURRAY, ELIZABETH.
Murray, Mrs. Elizabeth, Colac. This lady is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, born 23rd March, 1823. She came out with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Young, to Tasmania at an early date. She married the late Mr. Hugh Murray, the pioneer of the Colac district, in 1841, and has resided in that district ever since. Mrs. Murray was only eighteen years of age when she first went to Colac. Her name, like that of her late husband, is intimately identified with the rise and progress of the place, and she has always evinced a great interest in all things tending to its advancement. Notably was she at the head of the movement for the establishment of the Colac library.
Murrell, Findon, Winchelsea, was born in England, and arrived in Australia in 1852. He went first to the Bendigo diggings, and followed gold-mining six years with varying success. In 1858 he went to Inverell, N.S.W., and remained there until 1861, when he settled in Winchelsea, opened a general store, and has carried it on ever since. In 1866 he was elected a member of the shire council of Winchelsea, and still holds the office. He occupied the president’s chair for two years, and was appointed a justice of the peace, which position he retained two years, but resigned on account of being in business.
Nelan, Rev. M., Colac, was born in 1840 in county Kerry, Ireland, and came to Victoria in November, 1863. He was first located in Gippsland for six months, after which he was appointed to assist the Rev. Father Fennelly at the Roman Catholic Mission of Carisbrook, and remained there six months. He was then, in November, 1864, appointed by the late Bishop Goold to the charge of the Colac Mission, which at that time included Mount Moriac and other places, and lived at Mount Moriac for nine years, for the reason that the presbytery was erected there. In 1873 he went to reside in Colac, having previously purchased ground from the Crown, and built a new presbytery at a cost of £2200. The handsome new church was erected about 1883, and cost £3613, and it is gratifying to know that both presbytery and church are out of debt. There is also a Catholic school in the Colac parish, the number of children on the roll being 120. There are other Catholic schools in other parts of the district. Several religious societies have been established by the pastor in this mission, and the attendance of the people at sacraments is remarkable. Father Nelan has two other brothers priests in Victoria, and two only sisters who are nuns at Geelong and Elsternwick respectively. The Rev. M. Nelan has also charge of Ondit, Birregurra, and Camperdown. At Ondit is a stone church which cost £1200; at the other places are wooden structures, and all free of debt.
Nicholas, William, Colac, was born in Bristol, England, in 1812, and emigrated to Tasmania in 1825, remaining there eight or nine years, when he came to Victoria, and engaged with the Henty family for six months. He then revisited Tasmania, but returned to Victoria, where he carried on brick-making and other pursuits. After a short engagement with Mr. Russell he went to the Colac district, where he was engaged with Mr. Hugh Murray and others, and has lived in the neighbourhood ever since, purchasing land and building himself a house on an allotment formerly owned by Mr. Moody. In April, 1845, he married Martha Davies, and has a family of four sons and two daughters.
O’Flaherty, Edward, Cobden, born in Meenafrafan county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1843, who was intended for a profession, arrived in Australia in 1860, landing at Adelaide, S.A. Thence he went to Ballarat, where he lived three years, being engaged on the goldfield there. He next visited New South Wales and New Zealand, remaining in those places twelve and eighteen months respectively. In 1871, having previously returned to Victoria, he went home, and spent eighteen months in Ireland, after which he came back to Victoria, and eventually settled in the Camperdown district, where he carries on a general store in conjunction with grazing.
Parker, George, Camperdown, is a native of Shottley Bridge, England, who served a seven years’ apprenticeship to the paper-making business with Mr. Peter Annaldole, of Shottley Grove, England. He came out to Australia in 1856, and landed at Williamstown, proceeding from Melbourne to Camperdown, where he has resided ever since. He kept a boarding-house and a bakery up to 1883, and in 1885 opened a boot and shoe store, where he now carries on business.
Prigg, Charles, Colac, is a native of England, who landed in Melbourne in 1848, went to Colac the same year, and engaged with Mr. William Robertson for three months. He then entered on farming pursuits, and met with heavy losses from what, in those days, were not uncommon — floods and fires. In 1859 he commenced contracting. He made the first metalled road in Colac, and took contracts from the Government prior to the establishment of the shire council. In 1862 he had contracts to the amount of over £4000. When Mr. Prigg went there, in 1848, the blacks were very numerous in the district, and not unfrequently troublesome; on one occasion there were about 350 of them assembled on Mr. Robertson’s station. Mr. Prigg commenced brick-making in 1870, and still carries on the business.
Prime, Isaac Hayden, J.P., Birregurra, is an old resident in the colonies, having come out to New Zealand so far back as 1848, and thence to New South Wales in 1851. He left that colony for the Ovens gold field, and after a time went to Bendigo. In 1853 he left Melbourne on a trip through North and South America to England, where he spent a few months, returning to Victoria in 1855. He then followed mining avocations, and also conducted a saw mill business for three or four years. In 1859 he settled in the Western District, in the parish of Murroon, about nine miles south of Birregurra, where he has resided since as a grazier. In 1864 he was elected a member of the Winchelsea shire council, and in 1870 occupied the presidential chair. He is a justice of the peace for the southern bailiwick. Mr. Prime is a native of Essex, England.
Quiney, Harry, Mortlake, is a native of England, born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, in 1847. He arrived in Victoria with his father in 1849, and stayed with him until 1863. In 1868 he visited New Zealand, returning to his father, in Victoria, the following year, and remaining with him until 1883, when he leased Mac’s Hotel at Mortlake, subsequently purchasing it in 1885, and now conducting it. This hotel was started by Mr. A. M’Donald in 1858, and afterwards passed successively into the hands of Mr. Jones, Mr. Andrew Fogarty, and Mr. J. Quiney, father of Mr. Harry Quiney, from whom the latter bought it in 1885. All the district coaches stop at and start from this hotel.
Robertson, William, sen., Colac (deceased), was born on a sheep farm at Alvey, Inverness, Scotland, in 1798, and was brought up there until he reached man’s estate, acquiring that practical knowledge which was of so much benefit to him in after years as a colonist, and which aided him in amassing a large fortune. In 1822 he emigrated to Tasmania with his brother John, and carried with him sufficient capital to enable him to select, as a freehold, 2500 acres of land near Campbelltown, in that colony, as well as to occupy a large area of Crown lands as a cattle run. The brothers remained there for ten years, steadily prospering in spite of the fluctuations of seasons and markets, of troubles with the blacks and the bushrangers, and of other adverse circumstances. In 1832 they settled, as merchants, in Hobartown, after selling the property at Campbelltown, which had, by their exertions, become so valuable. In 1842 Mr. Robertson came over to Victoria, and purchased the Colac property, and the now famous brand, from Captain Foster Fyans, since when, by his importations of pure bred stock, he so greatly improved and extended the herd, that, in the hands of himself and his sons, it has risen to the proud position of being one of the most celebrated, extensive, and valuable herds in Australia.
Robertson, Hon. William, jun. M.L.C., Colac. This gentleman was born in Tasmania in 1839, and was educated at the High school, Hobartown. He then took his degree at Oxford, in England, in 1862, and was called to the bar of the Middle Temple the following year. He rowed in the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, on the Thames, in 1861, and was in the winning crew of that year, being the first Australian youngster associated with the victors in those world-renowned struggles for supremacy between the two Universities. Mr. Robertson returned to Victoria in 1863, and practised at the bar for eight or nine years, after which he joined his father on the Colac property, where he now resides. He was president of the Colac shire council in 1877, and at present represents the South-Western Province in the Legislative Council. Mr. Robertson’s residence, which is shown on the opposite page, is very charmingly situated.
Robinson, John H., Camperdown, came to Australia in 1864, landing at Williamstown, and remaining about a year in Melbourne, after which he went to Camperdown, and purchased a general store, where he has conducted business ever since. At that time the goods had to be carted from Geelong, a distance of seventy-six miles, at a charge of £5 per ton for carriage, whereas at present the charge from Melbourne by rail is only £2 per ton. Amongst other matters, Mr. Robinson has taken a lively interest in the erection of the Mechanics’ Hall and Institute, which was built in 1871, at a cost of £1600o. When Mr. Robinson was first in Camperdown there were but two coaches passing through the township in a week, the postage on a letter was 4d., and the charge for a telegram of ten words 3s.
Rooke, John G., Lorne, is a native of Chester, England (and nephew of the late Alderman Thomas Griffith, sheriff of that city for a long period), born in 1821. As an engineer, he spent several years on the sugar estates in Brazil. Vent home from that country to visit the Hyde Park Exhibition in 1851. Left England for Sydney in the latter part of that year, and thence to Victoria early in 1852. Was mining on Bendigo and other goldfields until 1855, when he erected mining plants on that and Rushworth diggings, at which place he was hotel-keeping and had a quartz-crushing plant many years. In 1868 he went to Corop and built the Corop Hotel and an agricultural implement factory, and carried on business there until 1883, when he sold the property and became proprietor of the Lorne Hotel, a favourite place of residence for visitors to that well-known watering-place.
Scally, Patrick, Terang, was born in the county of West Meath, Ireland. He arrived in Melbourne in 1858, and was engaged in various pursuits until 1861, when he selected land under the Heales occupation license in the parish of Glenormiston, where he now resides, carrying on grazing and dairy-farming. He was married in 1864, and has a family of three sons and two daughters.
Scott, Thomas A., Pirron Yalloak, was born in Scotland, and came out to Australia with his parents in 1854. Archer and Henry were the first to introduce stage coaches from Geelong to Colac and Camperdown, and Mr. T. A. Scott’s father, the late Mr. John Scott, was connected with the coaching business for twenty years, and had the honour of driving H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh from Geelong to Colac, Camperdown, Mortlake, and other places in the Western District, during his visit to Victoria. He had a livery stable in Geelong, and kept some racehorses, amongst others the famous steeplechaser Chance, the winner of so many races. Mr. J. Scott died in 1882 at Colac, but his son, Mr. T. A. Scott, continued the coaching until that mode of conveyance was superseded by the railway. He then took to grazing at his present residence, which was formerly occupied by the late Mr. Angus Mackay, an old colonist, who died in 1872. In 1881 Mr. Scott married Miss J. Mackay, daughter of the gentleman just referred to.
Shaw, Thomas, J.P., Camperdown, was horn in Birstal, Yorkshire, England, and came out to Sydney, N.S.W., in 1843. In 1847 he travelled overland with cattle to Adelaide, S.A., and, coming to Victoria the same year, he arrived at Portland. The property held for grazing purposes by Mr. Shaw was originally taken up by the late J. G. Ware, who sold to Messrs. Oliphant and Robertson. In 1854 Mr. Shaw, in Conjunction with the late Thomas Anderson, purchased the property, which is known as Wooriwyrite. Mr. Shaw was twenty years in the Mortlake shire council, and is also a member of the shire council of Hampden. About 1860 he was appointed a justice of the peace for the southern bailiwick, which position he still occupies.
Silvester, Mrs. H., Cobden, widow of the late Mr. William Silvester, butcher, of Cobden, was born in Somersetshire, England, and came to Australia in 1855, landing at Geelong. She and her husband lived at Dr. Curdie’s station for eighteen months, and then went to Jancourt Station for a time, after which they removed to Cobden (then called Lovely Banks), where her husband built the second house in the place, and started as a butcher in 1870, a business he carried on until his death, 29th July, 1877. About 1870 a public school was erected, the chief promoters being Mr. William Silvester, Mr. C. Parrott, and others.
Stansmore, F. and N., Brothers, Camperdown, Warrnambool, and Terang. These gentlemen, who are proprietors of livery stables at the places around, originally established their business at Campberdown in 1872; in 1183 the Warrnambool branch was opened, and that was followed early in 1887 by the branch at Terang. This one of the largest businesses of its kind in the Western District, having from forty to fifty horses always in or ready for use, and being fully equipped with all the requirements of the business.
Stevenson, John, Camperdown, was born in Lochwinnoch, Scotland, and brought up in Greenock. He came to Australia in 1852, proceeding to Camperdown the same year, and being employed on Mr. R. D. Scott’s surveying party for about five years. He then took charge of a store in Terang for Mr Paton, and remained there two years, being also in that gentleman’s employ three years in Camperdown. About 1859 Mr. Stevenson and Mr. Douglas built the Leura Hotel, the first in Camperdown, and afterwards sold it to Mr. D. S. Walker. In 1865 Mr. Stevenson purchased Mr. Paton’s business, and in 1870, in conjunction with Mr. Vallace, he purchased the Cape Otway Station. Mr. Wallace selling out his interest to Mr. Walls, the firm was known as Stevenson and Walls for about nine years, when they sold the station to Mr. P. H. Fisher. Mr. Stevenson then returned to Camperdown, and purchased the general storekeeping business from Mr. J. B. Tait, which, with Mr. William Henderson, he is now carrying on.
Stirling, William, J.P., Winchelsea, is an old resident of the Southern and Western districts of Victoria, who came out from his native place, Scotland, with his parents in 1842, by the ship Robert Bruce, landing in Port Phillip. After a time he went to Geelong, and in 1846 commenced hawking, carrying it on till 1851, when, at the outbreak of the gold mines at Ballarat, he opened a store there, as also at Forest and Fryers Creeks. In 1853 he purchased the Barwon Hotel at Winchelsea from Elliott Bros.; also the general store, which he still conducts. Mr. Stirling took an active part in establishing the Winchelsea road board in 1860, and has been a member of that and of the shire council ever since. He has held the presidential chair several times, and in 1865 was appointed a justice of the peace for the southern bailiwick, a position he still retains.
Stocks, John, Terang, was born in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England, and arrived in Melbourne in January, 1861. He first proceeded to Warrnambool, and thence to Wangoom, where he remained for a time, and was then two years at Terang. He next visited New Zealand for about a year, and, returning to Victoria, purchased land in 1868, and selected in 1871 near Terang, where he has since resided as a grazier, and carried on dairy-farming until 1885.
Swan, Peter, Pomborneit, is a native of Sweden, born in 1832. He came out to Australia in 1856, landed at Geelong, and proceeded to the Camperdown district the same year, and has followed his trade of stone-cutter and builder ever since. In 1865 Messrs. Swan and Hallyburton took up 472 acres of land, and continued in partnership for two years. In 1869 Mr. Swan removed to Warrnambool, where he lived ten years, after which he returned to Pomborneit, and settled on the land referred to, where he now follows agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1858, and has a family of three sons and as many daughters.
Talbot, Samuel, Birregurra, was for nine years station-manager for Mr. J. Austin, having been most of the time located at the Yeo Station, near Colac. In October, 1863, he was married at Melbourne, and purchasing 1197 acres of land at Yeo Vale, near Birregurra, settled down to grazing pursuits. Mr. Talbot is a native of Somersetshire, England, and landed at Melbourne in 1853.
Taylor, Walter, Pirron Yalloak, was born in Scotland, and arrived in Melbourne in 1857. He went thence to Dr. Curdie’s at Camperdown, and remained there eleven years. About 1867 he selected, and afterwards purchased the farm where he now resides and carries on his business of grazier. At that time the land was covered with bush, but Mr. Taylor has cleared and fenced since a school was started in the district, of who was drowned in Lake Colac, was the first family of three sons and two daughters.
Tenanty, Patrick, Terang, is a son of the late Mr. Tenanty, who was born in the county Louth, Ireland, arrived in Australia in 1854, landing at Melbourne, and followed gold digging for about six months. He then engaged in his trade of general carpenter for two or three years, after which he purchased land near Geelong, also leased half a section, and carried on dairy-farming for five years, at the expiration of which time he purchased land on Lake Keilambete, near Terang, and resided on it until his death, in July, 1876. Mr. P. Tenanty now occupies the property, and carries on grazing.
Thomas, Daniel, Colac, was born in England in 1832, and came to Victoria in 1853, settling first in South Yarra, where he commenced the leather trade, after which he was engaged in a leather shop in Collins-street, Melbourne. In 1858 he removed to Geelong, and took charge of a business there, which business he afterwards purchased and carried on until 1864. During that period he bought a tannery at Colac, in 1862, sold his business in Geelong, and conducted that in Colac until 1872, when he sold it also, and purchased land in the latter place, on which he now carries on grazing. In 1864 he was elected a member of the local shire council, and remained in office for three years, when he resigned, being re-elected in 1877, and is still a member. He was president of the council for the years 1882-83, and again for 1885 Mr. Thomas has always taken a lively interest in matters affecting the public interest, and a prominent part in establishing the Oddfellows’ lodge, the local Hospital, and the Public Library. During his presidentship, in 1883, the shire council organised an expedition party to explore the Otway forest, with a view to bring the quality of the timber under the notice of the Government, and, through the report of that expedition, selection has extensively gone on in that part of the colony. Mr. Thomas has been twice married, and has a family of three sons and four daughters.
Thomson, John, J.P., Terang, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and arrived in Tasmania, then known as Van Diemen’s Land, in 1823. He crossed to Port Phillip in 1839, and squatted on Lake Keilambete in February, 1840. The country was then in its natural state, Mr. Thomson being the original settler on the land, and there being then only eight settlers in the neighbourhood. He has expended 40,000 in improvements on his station, his present residence being the first brick house built in the district. He was appointed a magistrate in 1840, and still holds that office. The first church in Terang was erected by the Bible Christian denomination, and was opened in the year 1863; and this denomination was followed in succession by the Presbyterians, who have lately built a manse costing £4500, and by the Roman Catholic and Wesleyan Churches. Terang also possesses a large Public Hall with a free library.
Troy, Michael, Ondit, was born in Ireland, and came out to Victoria, in 1852, with his parents. The family first went to Mr. Charles Beal's, at Mount Gellibrand, where they stayed twelve months, and then to Mr. John Calvert’s, near Colac, where they were nearly four years. They then rented land from Mr. Calvert, and carried on dairy-farming for three years, until the first Land Act came in force, when Mr. M. Troy’s father, the late John Troy, selected 160 acres, and farmed the land until his death in December, 1862, when the sons worked it in company for a time. Mr. M. Troy remained on the old homestead, where he still resides. He was married about 1874, and has a family consisting of four sons and five daughters.
Truemen, Timothy, Cobden, is a native of Birmingham, England, who arrived in Australia in 1847, landing at Geelong. He first removed to Colac, where he spent four years, and then followed the avocation of a gold-digger at Ballarat for three years, after which he lived for a similar length of time in Geelong. About 1859 he went to South Purrumbete, and in 1865 purchased his present property, where he carries on grazing and dairy-farming.
Tulloh, Thomas E., Colac, is a native of Scotland, who arrived in Tasmania in 1841. Thence he made his way to Portland, in the Western District of Victoria at the time when Mr. Henty and his family and servants were the only residents in that part of the country. Mr. Tulloh took sheep over from Tasmania, and, shortly after he arrived at Portland, took up country about sixty miles inland. He discovered the Wannon Falls, and afterwards took up the run which included those Falls, and remained there about fourteen years. He next went to the Goulburn Valley district and took up a station, remaining on it seven years. Eventually he settled in Colac as a general storekeeper, which business he still carries on.
Walker, Duncan Stewart, J.P., Terang, is a native of Cantyre, Argyleshire, Scotland, born in 1827, and the son of a farmer. His father died when he was a child, and with his mother and the rest of the family he came out to Port Phillip a few years after, being then in his thirteenth year, and landed at Geelong, or, as it was then called, Corio, in 1841. In those early days Geelong consisted of a few houses, scattered along the bay without much regard to order, there being no defined streets. Nevertheless, there were several places of business and three hotels, namely, Mack’s, the Commercial, and the Thistle. What is now known as the Market-square was then an extensive swamp, the haunt of wild ducks and other aquatic birds. Mr. Walker’s first employment was on the station of Dr. Alexander Thomson, at one time mayor of Geelong, and then a squatter. After remaining there until 1851, he became partner in a tanning and currier’s business on the banks of the Barwon River, and was doing well, when one of the heaviest floods ever known in the district came down and swept the entire concern away, leaving, as a matter of fact, only the tanpits, the dwelling-house, which stood on high ground, and a favourite horse, which was taken into the house, and, after demolishing the furniture, had to be released through the roof. Subsequent to this, Mr. Walker removed to Lismore, and, after a short residence at that place, became proprietor of the well-known Leura Hotel, at Camperdown, which he conducted successfully for some years, and which he established as one of the most popular houses in the Western District of Victoria. He next, in conjunction with another gentleman, purchased the "Dixie" Estate, near Terang, afterwards be coming sole proprietor. Here he resided several years, during which time, in deference to the wishes of his fellow ratepayers in the west riding of the shire of Hampden, he, in 1870, became their representative in the council, and has held his seat ever since. In 1886 he was elected to the honourable position of president, which position he still holds. Mr. Walker is one of the few pioneers of the colony still left. He was married in 1853 to a sister of his then partner in the tannery at Geelong, by the Rev. Andrew Love, the first minister in that part of the colony. Mr. Walker holds Her Majesty’s commission of the peace for the western bailiwick.
Walls, John, J.P., Camperdown, was born in Blairlogie, Clackmannan shire, Scotland, and came out to Australia in 1852, remaining in Melbourne twelve months, and commencing business in Camperdown, in 1853, as a blacksmith and wheelwright, which occupation he has carried on ever since. At the time he commenced there was but one house, owned by Mr. Fenton, in the township. Mr. Walls was elected a member of the first road board formed in Hampden, in 1857, and, with the exception of two years, has occupied office ever since in that body, and in the shire council, formed in 1853. He has twice filled the president’s chair, and is a justice of the peace for the southern bailiwick. He has also been vice-president and trustee of the Temperance Hall since it was started in 1854. Mr. Walls acted for eight years as postmaster in Camperdown.
Ware, J. G., Camperdown, is a native of Victoria, born in Camperdown, and is the proprietor of the Koort-Koort-Nong, or Cloven Hills Station, on Lake Bookar, about twelve miles north of Camperdown, where he carries on grazing. Mr. Ware has also a place in the Warrnambool district.
Wilmot, George, Colac, was born in Tasmania, and came to Victoria in 1869. He lived in Melbourne about a year, when he went to Colac, and commenced the cordial-manufacturing business about 1877, and has carried it on ever since. Mr. Wilmot was elected master of the Warrion lodge, No. 2010 E.C., in March, 1887.
Wilson, Alexander, Terang, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, and came to Melbourne in 1840 by the ship Isabella Watson, of Glasgow. He went to Timboon (now Camperdown) and, after a brief stay, took up a station for the Clyde Company, at Hopkins Hill near Chatsworth, which is now owned by Mr. Moffatt, remaining there about three years. He next spent about three years at Geelong, and about the same length of time in Melbourne, after which he lived on the Yalloak Station, at Westernport, for two years, and was after that on the diggings about eighteen months. In 1865 he purchased land at Terang, and has carried on the agricultural and grazing industry on it ever since. Mr. Wilson makes a specialty of breeding Clydesdale and blood horses.
Wilson, P.C., Colac. This gentleman was born in Scotland on the 21st June, 1831, finished his education at Glasgow University, and came out to Australia in 1854. He followed various pursuits up to 1872, but went to Colac in 1856, and married a daughter of the late Donald Cameron, whose widow still resides on the property. In 1864 he was appointed secretary of the shire council of Colac, and in 1872 was reappointed, and has held the position ever since. He is also secretary to the Hospital, and correspondent of the School Board of Advice. Mr. Wilson has always taken a lively interest in all matters tending to promote the interests of the district. His family consists of three sons and five daughters. The eldest son is in the Railway department, and the second in the office of Messrs. Dennys, Lascelles, Austin and Co., Geelong.
Wiltshire, George, Winchelsea. This gentleman is a very old resident of the neighbourhood, in which he still resides. He came to Australia in 1848 from Nova Scotia, British America, his native place, landing at Geelong, and lived for a time with Mr. Armytage, at Ingleby Station, near Winchelsea. In 1853 he purchased land at Winchelsea, erected buildings thereon, and has been engaged in grazing pursuits ever since. Mr. Wiltshire was one of the first to get the petition signed for the formation of a road board at Winchelsea, and has been connected with the shire council, more or less, since its establishment. He is at present a representative of the west riding in that body.
Woods, J., Colac. The father of this gentleman is one of the oldest colonists in the Colac district. He arrived in Victoria in 1840, and took up his residence on the Barrabool hills, near Geelong, where he carried on farming for a few years. Then he and his brother-in-law, Mr. John Trotter, bought a station in the Camperdown district, where, after a few years, Mr. Woods sen. sold his interest to Mr. Trotter, and in 1852 went to Colac and purchased the flour mill of Mr. Thomas Hill, which he worked for some time, and subsequently sold it to Mr. Hill. He then carried on farming for a number of years, and still resides in Colac, in his eighty-first year. In 1866 the Colac Observer newspaper, the first in the district, was established by Mr. T. Haslam, and in 1869 Mr. Woods jun. started the Colac Herald, and subsequently bought the Observer, and has carried on the enterprise ever since. Mr. J. Woods was the first to introduce a printing machine, and afterwards the first gas-engine worked in the district.
Wray, John, Colac, is a native of Geelong, who went to Colac when only six years of age, with his parents. At that time there was only a hotel and a small store in the township. In 1864 he went to Wool Wool Station as manager for Mr. Andrew Murray, and remained there sixteen years. During that time he purchased the property on which he now carries on his business of grazier, having cleared and fenced it. He was married in 1879, and has a family of two daughters.
Link to Part I - The South-Western (Camperdown) District in 1888 - Biographical sketches of the Prominent Residents
Source: Victoria and Its Metropolis, Past and Present - Vol II. - The Colony and It's People in 1888; Published by McCarron, Bird, & Co., Melbourne; Courtesy: The British Library
Link to Part I - The South-Western (Camperdown) District in 1888 - Biographical sketches of the Prominent Residents
Source: Victoria and Its Metropolis, Past and Present - Vol II. - The Colony and It's People in 1888; Published by McCarron, Bird, & Co., Melbourne; Courtesy: The British Library
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