This site is © 2001 - 2003
Material and images on this site may not be used with out written consent.

THE SHIP “HANNAH MORE”

by Fitzroy 1920

The ship Hannah More, 1120 tons, Captain William Brown, with Dr. Roberts as Surgeon Superintendent, sailed from Liverpool, about the 6th January; 1863 for Rockhampton direct. This wins the second vessel consigned to Rockhampton direct, or rather Keppel Bay, the Eutopia being the first.

Quite naturally those intending to emigrate to Queensland kept the movement of these vessels in mind as closely as possible, and before the Beejapore left her, would-be passengers had learned that the Hannah More had met with disaster. Soon after getting clear of the Mersey River she struck heavy weather in the Irish Sea, which became worse in St. George’s Channel. That winter the weather was more than usually squally, with sudden blows of considerable violence. So fierce was the wind that some of the ship’s spars were carried away, and the Hannah More had to put into Bristol to refit.

She spent two or three weeks in the famous old port, and a few of her passengers took the opportunity to leave her, whether to follow in a later ship or to give up the voyage altogether the writer does not know. The Hannah More having been refitted, once more made a start for Keppel Bay, the date of her departure being February 9th. Consequently when the Beejapore passengers loaded at Rockhampton on June 28th, some of those with friends on the Hannah More made inquiries as to when she arrived in Queensland, or what had become of her. There were no telegraphs or railways in those days, and all the information obtainable was that the Hannah More had not arrived, and nothing had been heard of her. This was very bad news as she bad been apparently five months from Bristol and would have been in Keppel Bay six weeks before the Beejapore, and fears were entertained that she was either lost or had put in somewhere for assistance.

However folks were not kept very long in doubt, for news reached Rockhampton about July 1st that the Hannah More had put into Moreton on June 23, having run short of provisions, and infectious sickness on board. The ship was accordingly ordered into quarantine. She had been out 130 days from Bristol, and there had been thirty eight deaths on board, chiefly children.

The vessel having undergone the necessary period of durance was granted parlous, and the Rockhampton portion of her immigrants were dispatched to their destination by the steamer Clarence. There were 240 of these, more than half of those the vessel had brought out.

It appeared the Hannah More had experienced a good deal of unfavourable weather, and typhus fever, scarlet fever, and whooping cough had attacked a section of the passengers. Like other ships it was found the Hannah More was not sufficiently equipped with medical comforts to contend effectually with such outbreaks, and it was considered fortunate, under the circumstances that the mortality was not even greater.

Cape Capricaorn

The passengers landed in Rockhampton just eleven days subsequent to the arrival of the Beejapore contingent, and they were at once taken to the depot. The larger portion of those by the Beejapore had found engagements either in the town or the bush, and had left their temporary abiding place, but some of the married folk with small children were still in residence, as were also a few who were not eager to depart from passably comfortable quarters. They were all given a hint to take the first employment offering and so room was made for the new comers

Needless to say the new arrivals were delighted to once more get on terra firma after such a distressing experience that extended over six months.

Among the most notable migrants by the Hannah More, none are better known and respected than the Sharples family, who have so long been in business as general merchants in Upper Bolsover-Street. Mr. and Mrs Sharples had not long been married, and they were accompanied by Mr. Sharples’s two sister-Miss Jane and Miss Hannah, Mr. Sharples, who has been dead some years, left two sons and five daughters, all of whom are still living in the city. Miss Jane Sharples, his sister married Mr. Peter Murray and died a few years since. Miss Hannah Sharples, the second sister married Mr. James Radcliffe, one time a well-known engine driver on the Central Railways, but who has been dead some years. His widow is still living at Windsor, a suburb of Brisbane, and when the writer saw her recently, looked particularly well and hearty after a residence in the State of more than sixty-two years. The Sharples Sisters (daughters) still carry on the old business, which has been in existence-through not quite the present bulk for over sixty years. Mr. Sharples was for several years alderman of the City Council and was Mayor of the town in 1882. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sharples lived to a fairly old age, but have been dead some years.

Another fairly well-known family by the Hannah More was Mr. and Mrs Burton from Stockport, Cheshire. The father soon died but the old lady and her three sons and one daughter resided for many years in Murray-street. The oldest son, William was for some years managing accountant at the Morning Bulletin office. He was wonderfully enamoured of the Rifle Volunteers, in which he held the position of Sergeant-major. He used to wear a most gorgeous uniform, and trailed a massive sword. He was a rather volatile, but a good fellow, and many old acquaintances will remember him with pleasure. James Burton was assistant for many years with the late Mr. William Hopkins, brother of Frank. Another brother John Burton, was a carpenter and builder. They all died comparatively young Miss Mary Burton being the last to go.

Mr. and Mrs. Kearney, road contractors also come by this ship, and one of the sons, P. J. Kearney was railway stationmaster, and a fine Rugby Union footballer.

Mr. and Mrs Lomas and family, well known for many years, and who all married and extended the name of Lomas in all directions.

Eli Barker, a well known identity in the district for a long period, also came from Lancashire by the Hannah More

THE SHIP “SALDANHA”

by Fitzroy 1920

This ship was sent direct to Keppel Bay, and she sailed from Greenock Scotland, on May 23, 1863. The Saldanha was a large vessel, being of 1862 tons register. Her master was Captain Dawson and Dr. Barry was the Surgeon-superintendent. She was onsigned to Messrs. Headrick and Livermore, and she made a fair passage, which occupied 106 days. She anchored in Kepel Bay on September 8.

Unfortunately, there was a good deal of sickness on board nearly all the voyage, scarlet fever and measles being rife, in addition to the customary ailments. The vessel brought 620 immigrants, and there had been a good many deaths during the voyage.

Dr. Callaghan, the Health Officer, placed the Saldanha in quarantine, but as no fresh water could be obtained conveniently on Curtis Island, it was decided that the passengers should be quarantined on the north bank of the River Fitzroy, near Brown’s Crossing. A fine lagoon of fresh water was at hand in that locality, and tents were soon erected to accommodate the new comers, and the schooner Policeman brought the voyagers to their temporary destination. This was an experience that by no means reached expectations but a plentiful supply off fresh provisions gave things a more cheering aspect.

This all fresco camp last fourteen days, at the end of which period probation was granted and the travellers were brought to town, nd glad enough they were to be once more near civilisation. They were soon lodged in the depot, the passengers by the Beejanore and Hannah More being pretty well cleared out.

A few days before the period of quarantine had expired an incident occurred that might have had a more distressing ending. Two Welshmen, both unable to speak English, took a little trip on their own, just strolling over a not very distant hill to see what was on the other side. When they tried to retrace their footsteps they quickly lost their bearings, and soon become hopelessly bushed. Information of the loss of these poor fellows was sent to town and the police ultimately found them after they had been lost three days, without food. They were placed in the Rockhampton lockup for security and probably no one was ever so pleased to be in the lockup as they were.

Perhaps none of the ships that came to Rockhampton from Britain left so many people in that town who became widely known in the community as the Saldanha, and this will be recognised when some of the families and individuals are named. Most of these have passed away, but there are still a few alive.

Mr. and Mrs. Boreham, with a large family of good-looking sons and daughters of a very English type. The parents after a few years stay in Rockhampton migrated to Bundaberg, where they died the mother being over eighty years of age. One of the daughters married Mr. E. R. Row, the well-known chemist and she is probably living in Bundaberg at the present time. One of the younger sons was Harold J. Boreham, chemist, who carried on the business of E. R. Row and Co, for himself and sister. He became a city alderman, and was of course quite a celebrity in town. Later he had a business in a northern town, still later was the Government chemist at Dunwich. The writer believes he is still living. There are many grandchildren and great grandchildren, descendant of the old couple.

The Thomasson family, who had big family, all of whom were well known in the town and include Samuel Thomasson who was Mayor of the Rockhampton in 1902; Thomas Thomasson, who is and has been for some years, a member of the Livingstone Shire ouncil; James Thomasson, the eldest son, a selector near Mount Hedlow, who in 1872 put the writer on to a short road to Cawarral. Other sons and daughter still living and grandchildren and great grandchildren are like the relatives of Sir Joseph Porter, K. O. B, can be reckoned up by dozens. The original Mrs. Thomasson, a virile and vigorous little lady, lived to a great age, possibly ninety.

W. G. K, and M. Cusack; brothers, the former first town clerk of Clermont and after wards Gold Warden and Police Magistrate at Ravenswood. Michael Cusack married Miss Canning and kept the Saleyards Hotel for some years. He died and his widow became Mrs. Dolan, and proprietor of the Boardmount Hotel. Mr. Dolan and daughter now live in Brisbane.

Mr. and Mrs M’Mullen and family. Their son Hugh amassed a considerable competency as a tinsmith. He was well known in musical circles. He has been dead some years. Another tinsmith by the Saldanha, James Cochrane, also acquired wealth. He was a great advocate of Emu Park in its early days, and daily discovered new beauties in the scenery when viewed from a different aspect.

George and Mrs. Bletcher, who reared a large family. For many years he kept in boot shop in East-street, and his happy smile and long beard will be remembered by many old residents. He gravitated to Brisbane and from there to Mackay, but never ceased to regret his good times in “Rocky,”. He had a large family.

Immigrant Ship Life

Hugh and Mrs. Marqees who married shortly before leaving Ireland, and remained in Rockhampton till old age and death claimed them both. A fine old fellow who kept “the Melbourne” boarding house for many years and who’s chief worries were grumbling and desalting guests.

Thomas and Mrs. Marshall sad family, the parents best remembered as proprietors of the Commercial Hotel corner Quay and William streets, in the seventies. They afterwards built and kept the Calliungal Hotel, Mount Morgan. Both are dead, but a daughter is married to W. H. Jeffriess, a valued member of the “Morning Bulletin” mechanical staff.

The Holt-family, including the parents. There were several sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. William the oldest son, kept the Rockhampton Hotel for many years, and died in the west at Longreach.

Abraham and Mrs. Yates and family. The father will be best remembered as a master painter and contractor. Both reached a ripe old age, and their eldest son James died recently, aged sixty seven years. Richards, Peter, and Edward still live.

The Rankin family. The sons will be still remembered as bookmakers, with a shop in East-street, for a number of years. John, with wife and numerous family, migrated to New Zealand, but the old people and most of the other children are dead.

Patrick and Mrs. Waters. Patrick was a stonemason, bricklayer, and builder and his sons followed in his footsteps and achieved considerable success in that direction. The old people have passed away many years ago and some of the children, but there are some still alive.

Other families were the Woods who settled on Stoney Creek, near Mount Chalmers; the Hogans, father, mother and family who took up land at Mount Hedlow; the M’Gladderys, who settled at Westwood, but their descendants or some of them moved into town and else where; John and Mrs. Hatton, who lived in town and afterwards on a selection near Yaamba; John M’lean, of North Rockhampton.

THE SHIP “ROCKHAMPTON”

by Fitroy 1920

There is little doubt that Premier Herbert, to whom Rockhampton people complained because the Persia had been sent to Gladstone Harbour instead of Keppel Bay, must have laughed up his sleeves at the speed with which the Emigration Agent in London was pouring immigrants into Rockhampton. The Utopia arrived in Keppel Bay on November 6, 1862, and on October 12, 1863 – in little more than eleven months – no fewer than five vessels had brought their living cargoes to the Central city, then very much in its infancy. The five ships were the Utopia, Beejapore, Hannah More (or her passengers), Saldanha, and the Rockhampton. The last four being from June 28, to October 17 inclusive – less than four months.

The ship Rockhampton, 1065 tons, Captain Joseph Brough, with Dr. A. Bouthron, as Surgeon Superintendent, sailed for Keppel Bay on June 18th, 1863, and cast anchor off Seaview Hill on October 12, a voyage that lasted 116 days, by no means a quick passage. There were about twenty deaths during the voyage of whom five died from diphtheria. Measles also occurred during the voyage but no case of contagious sickness having occurred for some time prior to her arrival. Dr. Callaghan did not place the vessel in quarantine.

This was just as well for many of the immigrants were in a dissatisfied, not to say rebellious, state of mind. As the writer has endeavoured to show, though passengers had plenty of annoyances, and almost invariably a shortage of proper food to complain of, once they were in sight of their new homes, they cast their sufferings behind them, and made up their minds to make the best of things. There was the proper spirit, of course though such cheerfulness by no means exonerated the authorities from their responsibilities.

The passengers of the Rockhampton complained bitterly of both the captain and the purser, attaching the blame for the poor supply of food and medical comforts to them, or to at least the latter. Possibly neither was to blame but those in authority in the London office. The accommodation in all parts of the vessel was very bad, and the ventilation quite inadequate.

The passengers left the ship on October 17 and were safely landed in Rockhampton. Before leaving the vessel they found a way of showing their resentment to the captain by calling for cheers for the chief officer, Mr. Christeaseu, and other officers, whom they cheered to the echo. As for the purser they groaned and hooted when cheers were called for him. Poor fellows no doubt it relieved their feelings a little and they will not be blamed by the many who suffered similarly.

“A good class of immigrants” was the general opinion of those who arrived by the Rockhampton. There were 134 English, 134 Scottish and 186 Irish, and in spite of the large number who had previously landed in Rockhampton, the new arrivals went off apace, though no doubt the current wages offered was less than the immigrants had been led to expect. Single girls, except in special cases were offered and accepted from 8s. to 10s. per week, whilst the single men were glad to receive £50 per year for station work, or £1 per week at other avocations.

The five vessels the writer has enumerated had distributed in excess of 2000 immigrants in Rockhampton and Central Queensland, and with the addition of those who had come to the district from vessels that had arrived at Brisbane and elsewhere, it will be clear that by Christmas Day 1863, the whole town and district was richly peopled with new chums from the old countries.

Passengers by the Rockhampton include some who are well known and a good number of those who were young are still living. The chief families that came within the cognisance of the writer by this ship were as follow:-

Peter and Mrs. Sellars and a young family, all of whom became well known in the town. The eldest son, Harry Sellars, has been stationmaster for many years at Melbourne-street, South Brisbane, and prior to that at Clermont and other towns. Mrs. W. Bennett was the eldest daughter, now of Sydney. R. R. Sellars, well known in connection with the Brisbane markets is another son, while George, William, and Arthur are dead. A daughter, Mrs. J. W. Jones still resides in Rockhampton.

A and Mrs. M’Celland and family consisting of several sons and two daughters. The sons included Ringan M’Clelland, as well known in the town and district as an alderman and member of the Livingstone Shire Council. He like most of the family have been dead some years, mainly through being heedless in preserving their health. The eldest daughter, Mrs. James Howe, was living when the writer last heard of her. Just the woman for pioneering and the last of her family – a good wife and estimable mother.

William and Mrs. Charlton and family. Their son William has been alderman of Rockhampton for many years and has occupied the Mayoral chair.

Robert Warnock, who married a shipmate, led a happy life, and left a numerous family.

Samuel and Mrs. M’Cullough and family.

Andrew and Mrs. Graham, a worthy couple who will be remembered as being the custodian of the Fire Brigade Station.

Mrs. Alexander Anderson; James and Mrs Nixon; William and Mrs Mill, long residents at Lake’s Creek. John and Mrs Banks and family, John lived to a great age, as did also James Nixon.

Previous Page