Horsham, Victoria 1888 - Biographical sketches of the Prominent Residents of the Town

Main Street of Horsham 1886

The following are short biographical notes of a number of the most prominent residents of the town of Horsham, Victoria: - 

Alexander, Alfred, Horsham, was born in Sydney, N.S.W., whence he came with his parents to Victoria, and attended the National-school, Ballarat. At an early age he commenced work, and tried nearly every goldfield in Victoria, although with but indifferent success. He took to brick-making, first at Ararat for two years, then at Stawell, and then at the Glenisla station, on the Gleneig River, near Balmoral, and finally landed in Horsharn with his family, and one shilling in his pocket. He commenced life there as a wood-carter, and afterwards bought a share in a brickyard, working as a partner four years. He then sold out, and bought in with Messrs. Willoughby and Trew. Since that he has bought them out, now employs several hands, and turns out about 20,000 bricks per annum.

Ayrton, Robert, Horsham, a native of Lancashire, England, served his time to the trade of butcher, and came to Victoria in 1863. He first went to Eldorado, near Beechworth, and got £7 per week as slaughterman for two years. He then proceeded to Horsham, and was engaged on the South Brighton station for twelve months, after which he worked in the township as journeyman butcher, and began on his own account in a short time. He also commenced fellmongering, and carried on both businesses for seven years, when he sold the butchering branch, and now conducts the fell mongery, in which he employs several men in the busy season.

Bernhardt, Traugott, Horsham, was born in Prussia, and was engaged throughout the Franco-German war of 1870. He went to New Zealand in 1874, and soon afterwards came to Melbourne, whence he proceeded to Horsham, and selected, first 30 acres, and two years afterwards 250 acres. He has also bought 80 acres additional, and crops about 80 acres. He has recently established an apiary.

The following information was supplied by Traugott Bernhardt's great great grandson, John Bernhardt (19 December 2017):

Traugott Leberecht Bernhardt was born in 1848 in Zullichau, Posen, Germany (now Sulechow, Poznan, Poland). He served for The Royal Prussian Army/The Imperial German Army in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870/1871 in which he was awarded a bronze cross.  

On the 3rd October 1872, Traugott Bernhardt married Ernestine Emilie (Annatina Schultz) Schulz at Kuhn's House, Zullichau, Posen, Germany or Karge, Bomst, Posen, Germany. Ernestine Emilie (Annatina Schultz) Schulz was born 16th June 1846 in Neuoberau, Posen, Germany. Their son, Carl Ernst Bernhardt, was born 2nd November 1872 in Zullichau, Posen, Germany and died 22nd April 1930 in Footscray, Victoria, Australia. 

Traugott, Ernestine and baby Carl left Germany from Hamburg by passenger ship 'Fritz Reuter' on the 25th November 1874 arriving in Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand on 18th March 1875. They then left Wellington, New Zealand and arrived in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia via passenger ship 'Alhambra' or 'Lombard' on 3rd July 1875.

Traugott was naturalised as an Australian citizen on the 3rd February 1885.

Traugott Bernhardt died on the 24th March 1896 when a horse kicked him and he is buried at the Rosebery cemetery in Victoria, Australia along with Ernestine who died on 29th March 1914.

Bodey, George, butcher, Horsham, was born in 1855 at Woodside, South Australia. At twelve years of age he went to Mount Gambier, and staid there six years, proceeding thence to Horsham, where he selected 100 acres of land, and the following year another 100 acres, and farmed the whole for three or four years. He then purchased 250 acres at Jung Jung, and sold the 200 acres of selected land at a satisfactory price. Soon after wards he purchased 280 acres more, and cropped nearly the whole of it. Two years later he bought 210 acres, and after another two years 223 acres more, near Horsham, and the following year added still another 100 acres. Mr. Bodey combines grazing with farming, and does a large butchering business as well.

Bolwell, Albert Alfred Alexander, Horsham, was born in South Wales, at Garndiffiath, and came to Melbourne in 1868. He went thence to Port Macdonnell and Penola, where he farmed, and afterwards engaged with Dr. Dickson as bullock-driver on Maroopi station. He was then farming and contracting for a few years, after which he returned to Victoria, and worked for Mr. Newnham, ham and bacon curer, at Camberwell. He next went farming and contracting at Nunawading, and then went into the grocery business, first in Upper and then in Lower Hawthorn, but was compelled to relinquish that business from failing health, and deciding to try farming once more, he selected 320 acres of land in the Wimmera district, and after twelve months’ contracting was able to purchase a team of horses, plough, harrows, &c., and commenced farming, at which he was successful for a time, till rabbits and poor seasons obliged him to sell out and return to contracting. He has built a house in Horsham, where he resides with his family.

Bowden, John Searle, Horsham. This gentleman, known locally as Captain Bowden, traded to Western Port and Portland Bay as chief mate of the schooner Elizabeth in 1835, where they shipped 200 tons of wattle bark at the former, and whale oil at the latter port. He went to England as captain of the Tamar in October, 1836, and returned to Sydney, N.S.W., in 1837, and traded thence to Hobartown and Launceston. In January, 1838, he brought over 3000 sheep from Tasmania to Victoria for the Messrs. Austin Bros., of Colac, and shortly afterwards another shipment of 2000 sheep for Captain Bacchus. He followed the sea until 1852, trading to India, China, California, and all the Australasian colonies, and was the first shipmaster to carry the news to California of the discovery of gold in New South Wales. After three trips to California he caught the gold fever in Sydney. He, however, first proceeded to Hobartown, where he loaded £4000. He has been asked to stand for municipal honours, but declined. (See FRASER, JOHN.)

Drummond, William, Horsham, came to Victoria in October, 1853, followed his trade of joiner for a short time, and then proceeded to the Bendigo, Maldon, Maryborough, and Ballarat diggings. He was in the Ballarat riots of 1854, and met with but moderate success at mining, for although money was easily earned it was freely spent. He went to the Pleasant Creek and Ararat goldfields, and marrying about that time, worked at the building trade in Ballarat and the neighbourhood for several years.  He was also contracting in Stawell, and accepted the contract from Messrs. Reed and Barnes, architects, of Melbourne, for the erection of the Presbyterian Church, the only church then in Horsham, to be built of stone taken from the Mackenzie quarries, about seven miles from the township, and to which a tramway is now laid down. At this time (1872) he saw a favourable opportunity of commencing business in the timber and ironmongery trade, and embraced it. The town, which was progressing rapidly, was formed into a borough, and Mr. Drummond was the first mayor elected, and has held a seat at the council table ever since. He took a prominent part in the founding of the local hospital, has been chairman of the water trust since its inception, has recently been appointed on the committee for the International Exhibition of Victoria, and is, in short, one of Horsham’s most conspicuous citizens. In addition to his original business in timber and ironmongery, Mr. Drummond has also extended his trade to that of wine and spirit merchant and general storekeeper.

Fraser, John, Horsham, of Doyle and Fraser, was born at Ballarat in 1855, and when old enough worked as a clerk, but was in a little time apprenticed to Messrs. Taylor and Ellis, builders, and served six years with them. He then got an appointment in India for a London firm, and was there two years, doing well. He returned to Ballarat, and afterwards went to New South Wales, where he worked in the Bathurst railway shops for a year, and then proceeded to Horsham and joined Mr. Henry Doyle in his business as a contractor, &c. Since then the progress of the firm has been rapid, and they have secured all the leading contracts in the locality. They employ from 30 to 40 hands, and do a business of about £13,000 a year. They own valuable town property, and, as well as contracting have opened also in ironmongery and building materials. (See DOYLE, HENRY.)

Fechler, Joseph, Horsham, was born in Prussia in 1845, and served in the German army during the war between that country and Austria in 1866. He arrived at Adelaide, S.A., in 1869, and shortly after established himself as bootmaker at Kapunda and at Mount Gambier, being for two years or more pretty successful. He then proceeded to Horsham, where he built the Commercial Hotel, and carried on the boot business for two years after, when he sold the latter, but retained the hotel business. He owns over 1600 acres of land in the borough, and carries on, as well as the hotel, a timber and iron business. Mr. Fechler has been a shire and borough councillor, and is a life governor and one of the founders of the hospital. He has been member of different institutions, and takes a warm interest in local public affairs.

Freedman, Abraham, Horsham, was born in Poland, Russia, in 1858, and learned the trade of a draper there. After travelling all over Russia he went to London in 1878, and after nine months’ stay there came to Melbourne and started hawking, carrying this on for eighteen months, but with out much success. In 1880 he left Melbourne for Sydney, and after a stay of nine months there, and saving up a little money, he returned to Victoria, and arrived in Horsham in 1881 in the possession of £30, with which he started the drapery business in a small way. His progress since then has been rapid, and he now owns three houses, well-let, employs about six hands, and is doing a business of from £5000 to £6000 a year.

French, Edward William Linnell, Horsham, was born at Malmsbury, Victoria. After a brief trial at the carpentry trade in Melbourne, he was articled to dentistry for four years, and for two years following worked as assistant in his profession. He then commenced practice at St. Arnaud, establishing a business there, and also visiting several country towns in the locality. He remained in St. Arnaud four years, and then removed to Castlemaine, and was appointed to the honorary position of surgeon-dentist to the Maldon and Castlemaine hospitals. He commenced practice in Horsham in May, 1886, and visits all the centres of population in the Wimmera district. Mr. French is connected with the various local institutions.

Horsham, Looking South, c1900s

Fulton, Andrew, Horsham, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1841. He served his apprenticeship in London to engine fitting, and was for two years running the blockade during the American war, and was taken prisoner. Gaining his freedom he came out to Australia, landed in Sydney, N.S.W., in 1864, and went to Brisbane, Queensland, where he fitted up the engines of the Emma. Thence he proceeded to Roma, and put up the court-house clock, and in 1866 came to Victoria, and shortly afterwards went to New Zealand, but not succeeding there returned to Victoria and proceeded to Stawell, where he worked at engine driving on the claims for fifteen years, and eventually was appointed engineer to the Horsham borough water trust, which office he still retains.

Glenister, George, Horsham, is a native of Cheltenham, Gloucester shire, England, born in 1830. He was apprenticed to coach-smithing in England, and came to Melbourne in 1853. He started life in Victoria as a journeyman blacksmith in Geelong at £9 per week, and worked there nine months, proceeding then to the Ballarat goldfields, where he mined with tolerable success for two and a-half years. After a short stay at Buninyong, he returned to Geelong to coach building, and in a few years commenced on his own account, and took the bronze medal for excellence in crank axletrees, mail patent, and for solid flange axletrees, mail patent, at the Intercolonial Exhibition held in Melbourne in 1875. Soon afterwards he suffered a total loss by fire, being uninsured. He, however, started again, and sold out in a little while, and with his brother purchased an axle tree factory in Prahran, near Melbourne, but colonial-made axletrees not being in favour with the public, the enterprise proved a losing one, and after twelve months’ hard work, Mr. Glenister retired from it. He worked at his trade in Melbourne for two years, and then established his present business of coachbuilder in Horsham. Mr. Glenister has been a very successful exhibitor, having taken all the first prizes in the Wimmera of late years, and out of forty-three entries, took the second prize in Melbourne at the last National Agricultural Society’s Show. He does not confine his business to the making of buggies, but is a successful maker of strippers, ploughs, harrows, &c.

Godfrey, Henry, Horsham, was born in Tasmania in 1847, and went to England at nine years of age with his father, remaining there five years. On his return he was apprenticed to the trade of wheelwright, in Hagley, Tasmania, but owing to his employer’s insolvency remained with him only two years; removed to Melbourne, and worked there as an improver for three years, and at Ballarat as a journeyman three years, after which, about fourteen years since, he went to Horsham and commenced business as a blacksmith and wheelwright. Leaving Horsham, he selected 300 acres at Wonwondah, and was very successful in farming. He also leased an additional 310 acres. After a profitable sale of part of his land, he returned to Horsham and recommenced his business as blacksmith and wheelwright.

Hocking, Arthur A., Horsham, who was one of a family of eight children, was born in Adelaide, S.A., in 1857, and was at school until he was eleven years of age. But his father, a farrier by trade, becoming involved in difficulties, young Arthur was compelled to seek his own living, which he did by driving bullocks, and occasionally riding at race meetings, though not as a jockey. During the years 1870 and 1871 he was engaged on a station near what is now called Serviceton, and stayed there two years. He then came to Victoria, and learned the trade of blacksmith from his father, who settled in Horsham in 1872, and died in 1880. Mr. A. Hocking then carried on the business, the forge consisting of a small bark hut, an anvil, and a pair of bellows. He started to make agricultural implements on a small scale with one or two assistants, and soon added a small foundry to his establishment. After that his progress was rapid, he having secured all the prizes at the shows of 1881-1882. About the latter year he stood for municipal honors, and gained the fourth position on the poll. He was returned on a second occasion, and, refusing the mayorship in 1885, was elected to that honour in 1886, and received Sir Henry and Lady Loch when they visited the town. His business is now an extensive and flourishing one, and keeps thirty-five hands employed.

Hoffmann, Gottfried, Horsham, was born in Germany, and came out to Adelaide, S.A., in 1849. He commenced farming for himself in the Tanunda district, remaining there seven years, after which he came to Hamilton, Victoria; bought 142 acres of land, and afterwards another 100 acres, farmed it until he went to the Wimmera and selected 210 acres on the main Horsham and Natimuk road. He afterwards selected another 110 acres, making up his complement of 320 acres, and also bought 59 acres. He crops about 100 acres annually, and carries on dairy farming as well. His sons also hold selections.

Ireland, De Courcy, Horsham, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and landed in Melbourne 25th January, 1853. He was articled to Mr. H. F. Gurner, the first Crown Solicitor of the colony of Victoria, and was also for a short time with Messrs. Bennett and Taylor, solicitors. He then commenced practice in partnership with Mr. Charles Chapman Green, at Bairnsdale, Gippsland, and in 1867 returned to Melbourne and established a partner ship with Mr. Miller, in Elizabeth-street; but dissolving partnership after twelve months, he set up on his own account in Chancery-lane. Remaining there until August, 1870, he proceeded to Fiji, and purchased a property on the Bau coast, on which he cultivated the cotton plant, and was appointed delegate for the Bau district to attend the House of Delegates at Levuka. He assisted in framing the first constitution of the Fiji Government, and was subsequently elected member for the Bau district, which he represented until the time of annexation. In 1873 a dispute arose between the natives and the Government, the planters taking sides with the natives, and ultimately taking up arms against the Government. Mr. Ireland, with Colonel White, was arrested, and detained on a man of war vessel for a month, when he was discharged, and returned to his plantation. Cotton becoming almost valueless, he started maize growing, and in 1875 returned to Victoria with the object of forming a Company to plant the land with sugar cane, but, owing to the disturbed state of Fiji, failed in his purpose, whereupon he sold his plantation, and settled in Horsham to the practice of his profession as solicitor in October, 1875, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Ireland is consulting counsel to the Wimmera shire council, the Shire of Wimmera Waterworks Trust, the Wimmera United Waterworks Trust and the Dimboola shire council.

Jaffery, Joseph, Horsham, is a native of Victoria, born at Malvern. He was apprenticed to carpentering for seven years, and then worked at his trade as a journeyman in Dandenong, whence he went to Buninyong, and from there to Kapunda, S.A. He next selected 320 acres of land at South Wonwondah, Wimmera district, Victoria, and commenced farming. Giving that up he took the Victoria Hotel, Horsham, but sold out and took charge of the Coorong run at Meningie for a year, when he again started farming. This he carried on for two years, after which he bought a piece of land at Horsham, on which he built a store and dwelling-house, and carried on business as a fruiterer. He next sold the goodwill of this, and again purchased the business of the Victoria Hotel, which he now conducts.

Kershaw, George, Horsham, is a native of Yorkshire, England, born in 1856. He landed at Portland, Victoria, when two or three years of age, and went to South Australia, whence, after staying about twelve years, he returned to Victoria, and worked at Stawell for three years. He then went back to South Australia, and apprenticed himself to carpentering for five years. He worked as a journeyman for fifteen months, and then leaving the trade, engaged as a barman at Millicent, remaining there seven years. After that he came once more to Victoria, and opened the Crown Hotel, Horsham, which house he now keeps. Mr. Kershaw owns property in Millicent, S.A.

Laing, George, Horsham, was born in Melbourne in 1848, and started active life at cattle droving for two years, after which he spent three years learning the boot trade. Leaving that occupation, he went to Dimboola, and there opened a billiard room, and eventually settled in Horsham, were he carries on a tobacconist’s business, combined with a billiard saloon. Mr. Laing owns town property in Horsham.

Lane, Charles, Horsham, is a native of Wiltshire, England, who came out to Adelaide, S.A., in 1840, at eight years of age. He worked at farming and teaming on the roads for some time, and afterwards carried on farming at Mount Torrens for seven years, going thence to Mount Gambier, and purchasing 100 acres of land, which he devoted to agriculture and dairy farming. After remaining at Mount Gambier for seven years, he, in 1874, removed to the Horsham district, selected 320 acres, and has since bought 160 acres additional. He crops about 150 acres yearly, and has an average yield of ten bushels of wheat.

May, Samuel, J.P., Horsham, was born in England in 1847. His parents came out to the colonies in 1848. His father followed the occupation of miner, worked at the Burra mines, Ballarat, Bendigo, Forest Creek, and was the first man buried in the Ballarat cemetery. Mr. May was apprenticed in 1863 to the Hon. J. G. Ramsay as blacksmith; worked as a journeyman until 1874, when he commenced business with Mr. James Millar in Horsham, under the style of May and Millar, ironfounders and agricultural implement makers, which business they now carry on, and is the largest establishment of its kind in the district, employing fifty hands, and turning out all kinds of farming implements. Mr. May has been a councillor of the borough of Horsham since its formation, was mayor in 1886, and is a justice of the peace for the western bailiwick. He is a member of the agricultural society and hospital committee, and has a family of six children. The firm of May and Millar own 100 acres of land.

Millar, James, Horsham, is a native of Arbroath, Scotland, who with his parents landed in South Australia in 1849, and settled down at Mount Barker, where he learned the trade of moulder under the Hon. J. G. Ramsay. After spending about twenty-four years there and at Mount Gambier in various pursuits, he came to Victoria, and commenced his present business in 1874 in Horsham with Mr. May, under the style of May and Millar, Wimmera Foundry, one of the largest establishments of its kind on that side of Ballarat. The foundry is noted for the excellence of the work turned out, consisting of strippers, winnowers, horserakes, ploughs, harrows, drays, waggons, and all other kinds of farming implements, iron and brass castings, &c. Mr. Millar is a member of the agricultural and pastoral and horticultural societies, and owns jointly with Mr. May 1500 acres of land in the Wimmera district.

Moore, Robert, Horsham, is a native of Norfolk, England, and came to V ictoria in 1856, settling in Horsham the same year. He was engaged in Cutting timber and sawing for four years, and afterwards took to contracting, being one of the first contractors for the Wimmera shire. After twenty years at that business, he selected 320 acres near Horsham, which he devoted principally to grazing. Mr. Moore has been caretaker of the Horsham cemetery for a number of years.

Rissmann, Ferdinand, Horsham, was born in Prussia in 1828, joined the German Army in 1848, and fought under General Falkenstein in the Polish insurrectionary war. He afterwards worked at his trade of blacksmith until 1855, and then sailed for Hobart Town, Tasmania, where he commenced business for himself, and stayed there thirteen months. Thence he proceeded to Sydney, N.S.W., and worked on the Rocky River diggings, where he was fairly successful, and then came to Melbourne, travelled through all the mining districts round Maryborough, and went thence to Ararat and Stawell, digging at both places successfully. In 1858 he spent eight months in New Zealand, after which he returned to Victoria, and established himself as a blacksmith at Creswick, at the same time doing a little mining. There he remained two years, and in 1860 went to Germanton, near Geelong, afterwards purchasing seventeen acres of land at Freshwater Creek, in the same locality, and putting up a shop, where he worked five years. After numerous changes he selected 320 acres near Donald, and farmed for five years, then sold out, and in 1879 went to Horsham, where he rented the Railway Hotel, which he has since purchased for £3000, and which he now conducts. He has expended a considerable amount of money on the property since buying it, and has some excellent house property in the main street, now called Firebrace-street.

Rochester, Charles, Horsham, is a native of Sawbridgeworth, Hertford shire, England, where he learned the trade of butcher. He landed in Melbourne in October, 1853, from India, and went to the Bendigo diggings, where, after two months’ fossicking, he started in business as a butcher, and did well. He then sold out, and went first to Melbourne and afterwards to the Rocky Water Holes, where he worked for 37s. 6d. per day. He was next at the Goulburn diggings, and at Bendigo, Buckland, and Gippsland, with little success. At Castlemaine he was more fortunate. After being fairly successful at Blackwood and Ballarat for the following few years, he gave up mining and opened a fruiterer’s shop and general produce store, which he kept ten years. He removed to Stawell in April, 1873, and, about three years later, to Horsham, where he now carries on the same business, having a livery stable as well. Mr. Rochester is a member of the agricultural and pastoral society, and takes a lively interest in all local affairs.

Rogers, Nehemiah, Horsham, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1845, and landed in Adelaide, S.A., in 1852. When old enough he went sheep herding and bullock-driving. He next rented land and farmed it six years, but as it did not pay he left it, and came to Victoria, went to the Wimmera, and selected 320 acres of land at Pimpineo, and has since purchased 127 acres. A little time since he sold 320 acres, and opened a butchering establishment in Horsham, where he is now doing a very considerable business. He rents land for grazing purposes.

Rudolph, Wilhelm, Horsham, is a native of Germany, who landed at Adelaide, S.A., in 1856, and went with his parents to the Hamilton (Victoria) district, where he was one of the early settlers, following farming pursuits until 1873, when he proceeded to the Wimmera, and selected 240 acres in the parish of Vectis east, afterwards buying 405 acres additional. He crops from 170 to 200 acres, and has an average yield of twelve bushels to the acre. Since Mr. Rudolph has been in the district his crops have never failed.

Commercial Bank Horsham

Sawyer, William, Horsham, was born in Buckinghamshire, England, and came out to Australia in 1842, landing in Tasmania, where he went to work as a journeyman brickmaker. Two years afterwards he came to Victoria, and proceeded to the Heart station, Gippsland, under engagement with Mr. Foster to make bricks there. Two years later he went to Geelong and opened a brickyard at Newtown at the end of 1846, where he with his two sons were engaged in brickmaking fourteen years. He next went to the Ballarat and Castlemaine diggings, doing very well, and returning to Geelong, commenced building, but on account of dull times this enterprise proved disastrous, and Mr. Sawyer sold out and went back to Ballarat, where he recommenced brickmaking, and also tried the goldfields again at Simpson’s diggings, with moderate success. Eleven years later, he conducted a brickyard at Sandhurst for eighteen months, and then went to Horsham, which was just beginning its era of prosperity, and there, after six months’ residence, he opened another brickyard, which he now carries on under the style of William Sawyer and Sons. This business has proved very successful, the bricks being in great favour with all classes, including the Government inspectors, and the trade is flourishing. At present they employ six hands, and have the largest brickyard in the Wimmera district.

Seeliger, Ernest, Horsham, was born in Germany in 1836, and arrived in South Australia in 1862, where he carried on the brewing business at Lobethal, Penola, and Mount Gambier, about eleven years in all. He then came to this colony, and lived in Dimboola for nine years, owning about 320 acres of land there. Four or five years since he sold out and purchased his present property in Horsham, where he carries on the brewing business.

Sexton, James, Horsham, was born in London, and served his time there to the blacksmithing business. He first came out to Adelaide, S.A., but crossed over in the same year, 1852, to Victoria, and visited Bendigo, Avoca, Fiery Creek, and Stawell, following his trade up till 1862, when he selected 200 acres of land at Mount Dryden, near Stawell, and farmed until 1879. He then let his farm, and commenced business in the Stawell district with a sawmill, with which he travelled to wherever new lines of railway were being constructed, until 1885, when, having done well, he settled down in Horsham, and purchased the Green Park Hotel and store, and now carries on both.

Sievewright, William, Horsham, is a Victorian, born in 1863 at Castlemaine, where he was first engaged in the drapery trade with his uncle. He was also with King, King and Co., of Melbourne for four years, and was in Dunolly for a short time, after which he went to Horsham, and purchased the drapery business of Messrs T. and F. Harcourt, which he now carries on.

Smith, Alexander, Horsham, came to Port Phillip in 1837, when the population numbered only 365 persons, and was at the laying out of the city of Melbourne by Messrs. Hoddle and Darke, and in 1844 engaged himself and wife with Brodie and Cruickshank at a year to work on their station in the Wimmera district, and afterwards with Spratt and Pincott, who purchased the Wonwondah station. Not long afterwards he purchased bullocks and waggons, and started in business for himself as a general carrier between various stations on the Wimmera and Geelong and Melbourne until 1875. He was on the roads when there was not a house between Horsham and Buninyong. Horsham was so named by Mr. Darlot, a squatter, in 1848, after a town in Sussex, England. In 1843 he purchased a dray for £14, and afterwards paid £60 for another dray exactly similar. He has bought bullocks at £6 or £7 per team, and sold them for as high as £100; has received as high as £140 and as low as £3 15s. per ton for cartage to Horsham. He selected over 200 acres of land close to the town of Horsham, and eleven years since was appointed poundkeeper. Mr. Smith is the oldest resident in Horsham, and his wife was the first white woman  who went to live in the district.

Smith, Charles, Horsham, is a native of Melbourne, born in 1841. When he was old enough he started carting on his own account to the Ballarat goldfields, and carried it on for fifteen years. In September, 1874, he opened the National Hotel, Horsham, and after remaining there two years sold out to Mr. Gillies. He then, with his brother-in-law, bought a brewery, and after three years of bad luck sold out to Mr. Seeliger, and went back to carting again, remaining at it one year. He next commenced a bakery, but shortly after a serious accident befel him. He was out at Green’s Creek races, and in the Welter Race was riding a horse called Eric the Red, which fell and broke his thigh. After nearly a year’s suffering a complete cure was finally effected under Dr. Cross’s treatment. He then sold out of the bakery, and took the Club Hotel, where he is now doing well. Mr. Smith is a well-known sporting man, and takes great interest in all kinds of sport. He is said to have been the first white child the blacks saw.

Treacy, Michael, Horsham, was born on the Plenty River, near Melbourne, on Captain Harrison’s station, in 1845. From the age of fifteen he worked with his father for about six years, and then went to Longerenong station, owned by Sir Samuel Wilson, and was there three or four years. He next worked with his brother Alexander on the Vectis station for fifteen months, and then started carrying from Horsham to Ballarat, which he kept on two years. He then sold his teams, and after by turns contracting and carrying for the space of six years, he opened a butchering business in Wilson-street, Horsham, carried this on for six years, and then sold it to Mr. John Forrest. Following this, he with his brother started a brewery, but the enterprise did not prove profitable. Mr Treacy was next engaged in stock-buying for four years, for Mr. Thomas Young, and after that in grazing pursuits with Mr. Forrest for eighteen months. Selling out of that, he bought the bakery business owned by Mr. Smith, and is now doing a good trade.

Warne, Alfred, Horsham, was born in Cornwall, England, and landed in Adelaide, S.A., in 1846. He came to Victoria in 1853, and went to the Fryers Creek diggings for three months, and afterwards to Campbell’s Creek, doing well in both places. He then proceeded to Tarrengower, now Maldon. Unsuccessful here, he proceeded to Avoca, and did well for six or seven years. Next he went to the Lachlan (Forbes), New South Wales, and there with a partner commenced the butchering business. They remained there eighteen months, losing the money in mining they made in their business. Mr. Warne purchased fifty horses at £2 a head, took them to Avoca, and sold them at a good profit. He then started business with his brother at the Springs, Mount Bolton, and did fairly well for four years. In 1865 he selected 613 acres, under Grant’s Land Act, at Kiorai, on the Hopkins River, and farmed there for about eight years, when he sold out and removed to Horsham, where in 1874 he opened business as a cordial manufacturer, which he still carries on, doing an excellent trade. He owns town property, and some time since started branches at Dimboola and Nhill, but sold out of both at satisfactory prices.

Williams, Frank, Horsham, was born in 1859 in George-street, Sydney, N.S.W., and came to Victoria when a year old. In his youth he was employed on station work, and afterwards became manager for Messrs. Carter Bros., squatters, and remained with them seventeen years. About ten years ago he started in the butchering business for Carter Bros., and after two years bought them out. He now carries on butchering in Horsham on his own account. A little time since he purchased 302 acres of land within half a mile of the township at £5 10s. and £6 per acre, which land he still holds. In 1885 he was returned member of the borough council, running second on the poll. He is a member of the M.U.I.O. Oddfellows, the Australian Natives’ Association, and is on the committees of the hospital and the pastoral and agricultural society.

Wilson, William, Horsham, was born in Kent, England, and came out to Geelong in 1857 when a boy. After leaving school he was put to coach-painting, but had to leave that trade on account of ill health. He then engaged as assistant grocer, and afterwards with a soap manufacturer at Geelong, with whom he remained twelve years. In 1879 he settled down in Horsham, where he started a soap-making establishment, producing all kinds of household and many fancy soaps.

Wood, John Benjamin, Horsham, was born in England in 1833, and came to Victoria June 1st, 1851, and with three others ran away from his ship to the Forest Creek diggings, all the money they had among them being 4s. 6d. They stayed there a short time, and were tolerably successful, and returned to Melbourne. He then joined the Geological Survey under Mr. A. R. C. Selwyn, and remained with him for a while, after which he went into mercantile pursuits as manager for Mr. J. N. Alexander, Queen-street, Melbourne, and was with him about one year, afterwards going as wharf manager for Messrs. Cole, Bruce and Norton, shipping agents, for three years. He then devoted himself to station life, being manager, buyer, &c., on different occasions for Messrs. R. Goldsbrough and Co.; Hastings Cuningham and Co.; Armytage Bros., and others. He finally settled down in Horsham, where he carries on business as accountant and commission agent, and does surveying work as well.

Wright, Walter Charles, Horsham, is a native of London, born in 1847. He came to Melbourne in 1867, and a fortnight after went to Adelaide, and Yorke’s Peninsula, S.A., and after twelve months returned to Melbourne, and walked thence to Ledcourt station, a distance of 200 miles, where he was employed as knock-about hand until 1870. He then went to Longerenong station, and was about two years there. In 1872 he was employed by Messrs. Mantell and Kroeft, at Stawell, and travelled the Wimmera for them, being afterwards in the service of Mr. Warne in his cordial manufactory for three years. He then purchased his present business of cordial manufacturer, which he has greatly enlarged, and has an extensive connection. He is the possessor of town property. He was one of the orginators of the borough council, in which he sat four years, and then retired, being re-elected without opposition. He has been captain of the fire brigade seven years, is president of the cricket club, and has been president and vice-president of all the local clubs.

Young, John, Horsham, is a native of London, who come to this colony in 1851, and started business at Portland as painter and house decorator, his first contract being for the decoration of Mr. Henry Henty’s residence at that place. Soon afterwards he removed to Ballarat, where he remained in business several years, taking much interest in mining speculations. He also carried on business in Clunes for sixteen years. He settled in Horsham in 1874 as painter and house decorator, and has done well there. Mr. Young has a family of four children who are also doing well for them selves, and have been successful on the diggings.

Sources:

1. Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present. [Vol. 1 by A. Sutherland; vol. 2 by various authors. Illustrated.][electronic resource] (Melbourne: 1888)
2. Main Street of Horsham 1886 - Courtesy State Library of Victoria
3. Horsham, Looking South, c1900s - Courtesy State Library of Victoria
4. Commercial Bank Horsham - Courtesy State Library of Victoria