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 Capricorn
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