PART TWO

Jessie Brown Dougall

1921

Very little is known of Jessie’s early childhood and adolescence, which appears to have been mostly spent in South Australia, with her auntie. Therefore, much of her story is background information, based around her aunt and uncle.

William Dougall returned to Victoria briefly in 1866, but again went to South Australia in 1867, to Mt Barker, near Adelaide, where he married his first wife, Caroline Waddell on the 30th August 1867. The wedding took place at the residence of Caroline’s parents, John and Isabella Waddell. Caroline had immigrated to South Australia from Scotland, with her parents and siblings in 1839. William and Caroline returned to Victoria immediately following their wedding, on the steamship Penola and settled on the Mount Franklin Estate to begin their lives together and start their family

Caroline’s sister Janet (Jessie’s auntie), and also known as Jessie, was the eldest of her siblings, (Caroline being the youngest). She had married Robert Craigie in 1841. Both were aged just 15 years at the time. Robert took a position with the British Commissary in Victoria, Hong Kong, China, but before Jessie could join him, he contracted dysentery, which unfortunately claimed his life. Jessie married again, in 1857, a man named James Brown, a very well to do grazier from the Naracoorte region of south eastern South Australia, so becoming Mrs. Jessie Brown. Caroline and William’s first surviving daughter, born on 9 January 1870 in Shepparton, Victoria, was named after her – Jessie Brown Dougall, and would spend a great deal of time with her. It seems that Jessie Dougall may have become estranged from her father), or probably sent to be cared for by her Auntie at a relatively early age, (her mother having died in 1878). There is a photo of William Dougall (below) with his two boys aged about 10 and 12 years. There is a girl in the photo who is obviously younger, and would be his daughter Caroline. There is no older daughter – Jessie - who would have been about 14 or 15 years old.at that time.

At later times, in notices of family events, Jessie is always referred to as “niece of Jessie Brown”, not daughter of William and Caroline Dougall, and is referred to as Jessie Brown’s constant companion, and did indeed accompany her to San Francisco. She also benefitted from Jessie Brown’s will, but not from William’s will. Other members of the family, her brothers Thomas and Frank, and niece Nell, do refer to her at different times.

CHAPTER 1

(Janet Waddell & Robert Craigie) William and Caroline’s first child, Isabella, (named after Caroline’s mother, Isabella Brydon Waddell), lived for only a short time and is buried at the Coghills Creek cemetery in John and Jane Dougall’s family plot. Their second child, also a daughter, Jessie Brown Dougall, born in 1870, was named after Caroline’s sister, Janet (Jessie) Brown. Janet Waddell, was the eldest of the children of John and Isabella Waddell, (John Waddell was born about 1805 in Scotland. He married Isabella Brydon. She was born in 1805 in Scotland) John and Isabella Waddell had six children, four girls and two boys. The sisters were (1). Janet (Jessie) – Mrs Robert Craigie/James Brown, (2). Margaret – Mrs Phillip Ingerson, - (3). Mary – Mrs Paterson and (4). Caroline – Mrs William Dougall, and the brothers were John Jnr., and James. Janet (Jessie), was born on Feb 16, 1826 in Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire, and married, rather romantically, on Christmas Day, 25th December 1841, at the tender age of 15 years, a young man named Robert Craigie, who was also just 15 years old. It’s possible that Robert and Jessie bought a property at a place called Meadows, not far from Mount Barker where the Waddells had settled after arriving in the colony in 1839, and possibly planned to live and farm there. By the 6th March 1844, Robert and Jessie had three children, Augustus, William and Napoleon, as indicated in a letter of that date, written by Robert to Jessie. This letter was written from China (Victoria in Hong Kong), where Robert had journeyed to, to take up a clerical position with the British Commissariat.

Below are the transcripts of three letters written by Robert Craigie to Jessie, between November 1841 and October 1844, when he succumbed to repeated bouts of dysentery and prematurely died at the age of just eighteen. (Provided by Ray Kelly).

Craigie Letter 1 - Robert’s proposal of marriage to Jessie Waddell

Adelaide 26th Nov. 1841 Miss Jessie, Circumstanced as I have been, and the way I am at present, will be a sufficient reason for my having recourse to writing in advance drafting you – in order to arrive speedily at a true knowledge of my position, and that I may chase away all doubt for the future. The object of this communication, is, with a view to learn, in direct terms, whether I have not been burdening you with my company, encroaching on your time, as well as spending my own, (shall I hope not ) fruitlessly. I have not left you ignorant of the intention of my visits, tho, I do confess, comparatively only a short time have we been acquainted. But short as the period may have been, I dare say, you can form an opinion of me, as I do of you – And according thereto you will be enabled to judge whether you could think of meeting my views in a change of life. Without flattery or equivocation, I prefer you, for a wife, to any others. And believe, most sincerely, I could live happy, and comfortable, with such am amiable young person as your dear self, in whom, I am sure, all those virtues necessary to make me happy in the marriage state are centred. If your sentiments bear any similitude, in reference to me, or should they not, I trust earnestly, you will have the kindness, unhesitatingly, to let me know forthwith. Whatever objection you may have to my person, yet I hope there can be none to my character. As business requires, in a short time, my absence – hence to Sydney, for a period, from this place, is a reason why I feel the more anxious to understand whether or not I have any confident hope of attaining your hand in marriage. I need scarcely repeat that if I am so fortunate as to receive the much desired answer my constant study shall be to the degree I love you, ever to aspire to make your life agreeable, happy and comfortable – and under the endearing character of husband, endeavour to supply more than the care and solicitude of the best of parents. I shall expect your answer as soon as possible, for I wait for it with the utmost impatience. I am your affectionate lover. Rob Craigie PS - If you have no opportunity to hand me your answer before, you may arrange to come to church on Sunday when I can receive it, and have the pleasure of your company to dinner in my house. R.C.

Craigie Letter 2 – Robert’s arrival in China

China Victoria, 6th March 1844 My Dearly beloved Wife, Just in the degree you love me, will you be impatient to hear of my safe arrival in China, and to receive a letter from me, and if the reception of it rejoiced your heart, as I long to receive your communication, I can assure myself that we do indeed love one another. I last had the pleasure of addressing you on the evening of the 6th January when I embarked for China. I sailed from Sydney on the following morning at 6 o’clock; and landed here on the 26th February in the most perfect health – after a most delightful passage of 50 days. We could have easily made the passage in 30 days but for the light winds and calms which we experienced at various times – altogether we had not less than three weeks of such fine weather that we scarcely made one days good sailing. We took the middle passage to China – direct north. And after we made Lord Howe Island, which we did the 3rd day after we sailed –we at different times passed through four large groups of islands, (the Caladonia, Caroline, Phillipine and Ladrone), in the South and North pacific oceans – which was very pleasant. We enjoyed ourselves extremely well on board ship, by catching birds, sharks and otherwise. I caught birds flying about the ship, several times in my hand; and one of them I kept for three days and afterwards gave it its liberty and it continued to fly in and out of the vessel for many days about the deck and rigging. Augustus is also well and has behaved himself remarkably well on board. He has been generally liked by the passengers, and has been most attentive to his lessons during the voyage. He divided his time in three equal parts, reading, writing and counting. He has thrashed one of the passengers in arithmetic. Victoria Harbour is as like to Sydney as may be – and equally as good and safe. We have a large Naval Force – the Admiral and six or seven large Men of War lying within two gun shots of the city. The city is about 5 miles long with a beautiful street the whole length. But it is not very wide in consequence of the abrupt rise of the hill behind. The island is about 25 miles round – and a little more than a mile from the mainland. The European Buildings are many and superb. The Chinese, which are up, are not so good, but those now in progress of building will be respectable. There is great difficulty to get a house immediately as a person arrives. But the Buildings are going up like corn shooting up from the ground. I travelled two days about the city, and neither could get a house, nor private lodgings, and in the end was obliged to take up quarters in a Hotel. On Thursday last I took Augustus on shore, and placed him in a merchant’s establishment, the same day, for a year, at 30 Pounds and found. I trust that he will conduct himself well, and I have no doubt he will succeed. My letters would have procured me a good situation in a Mercantile establishment had I chose to direct my attention that way. From the suggestion of the Captain of a Man of War who was intimate with me at Rio, and who has served in the China Expedition, I preferred to address myself to the Commissariat department – and succeeded forthwith. I entered the Commissary General’s office on Friday last at a salary beyond my expectations payable monthly; and since have been officially intimated that it will be increased first next month. If nothing other than I am aware of at present happens, I think that it

is not at all unlikely that I shall succeed to little short of 200 dollars a month in a short time. I am prepared to embrace the first opening.

Living in a hotel is most expensive, though all kinds of provisions are cheap. I pay for myself 10 Spanish dollars a week, and the landlord says I am highly favoured. The dollar is worth 4/4 each. I can keep house for my whole family and three Chinese servants most respectably for 30 dollars a month including House Rent, wages provisions etc., etc. But for a few months while I am alone I shall form no establishment. There is an excellent market here – abundance of all kinds of fish, vegetables, fowls, eggs and meat – as cheap as in Edinburgh, and every description of fruit, green and preserved. A dozen of prime oranges for two pence and other sorts in like proportion. The Chinese are the best gardeners in the world. No duty on spirits and wine. There are I am told about 60000 souls on the island, But I think less considerably. The Chinese do the most of all the work – and tradesman wages does not regulate above 2 shillings per day. It is a splendid climate at this season of the year. We go clothed just as at home – but I dare say the summer will be tolerably warm. If you saw me you would almost not know me. I am as rosy and round faced, and full in the flesh, as when I went to the Brazil. I say myself that I have renewed my appearance many years – but yesterday at a party when speaking of ages, and effects of climates on appearance, I was set down by the whole company without dissent, not to exceed twenty six. You see what it is to flee from botherations, and have a head, and mind at ease. I can most positively affirm that I feel myself a new creature – every way – more so in spirit, and disposition, than in body – however flattering my appearance may be – and God willing, I trust I shall never place myself in the way of experiencing trouble and disquietude like that I experienced the last two years in Adelaide. It was enough to have soured and killed a better man than me. I have been as cheerful as any man living since I left Sydney, and nothing has interrupted my tranquil thoughts but only your three dear selves; I cannot forgive myself for leaving behind me, though I did it prudently. Night and day you have all been present with me since I bade you severally goodbye – and now I have not an article to think about, nor a care upon my mind but yourselves. But time will soon pass and let us console ourselves for the time being with the joyful thought of meeting in a few months – God grant that we may all meet speedily in good health, and affectionately, is the sincere prayer of your loving husband. I shall make three copies of this letter and I shall send one by a vessel direct to Sydney; one by a vessel to Singapore to go from thence by the first conveyance whether to Sydney or South Australia; and one by the overland mail, from this to England, to be forwarded from the General Post Office, London, by first vessel for Adelaide: and immediately as you receive either one of them you will take your passage by the very first vessel from Adelaide to Sydney – and you will take William along with you. And the first opportunity, after you arrive at Sydney, for Victoria, Hong Kong, which offers, you will secure passages for you all three. No charge will be made for the baby, but one third, perhaps one half, your own passage money will be exacted for William. William will be very handy and better than a servant to you on board ship. I leave it to your own discretion whether you take a cabin passage from Sydney or a steerage. If you take the former, William must have a steerage, and if you take the latter cause a room to be put up for your own accommodation with two beds one above the other – the lower one for William, as in the upper

you and baby will be less exposed to the air at night when the quarter decks hatch is open – and which is almost always so during the passage. I write Dr Lang today; and on your arrival at Sydney you will find in his hands about 40 pounds which I remit from China for your use. Call on him when you reach Sydney and you will find a friend. He will render you any assistance you may require, and will procure your passage with much pleasure. Be directed by him, and I daresay he will study your circumstances and comfort. You will land very near his house, College St. You will take your Iron Bed with you. Let it be taken down and tied together and then strong sacking sewed around it. Make a small package of the screws, both small and big, and then pack it inside the other – and the mattress and pillows will serve you and William on the passages. I took only a feather pillow with me, so I would have you to take all the pillows together. There are three long ones – besides the feather ones. Take your chest of drawers with you. It will be a most convenient thing for your use on board ship. Get locks to all the drawers but the upper left hand drawer of which I have the key – and be particularly sure on the voyage never to leave anything unlocked, let it be never so short a time, evening your own berth. There is neither passenger nor sailor to be trusted. Get a lock on the white trunk, and take the red one with you also. If my sister has not sold the leather trunk, that was shut, take it instead of your tin case – I found the key of it here. But for all that you require a new lock and key. You should take your chest of drawers in your berth and keep your other trunks at your hand, and not permit them to be stowed in the hold. I write Mr Peter by this conveyance – directing him to sell the boys cattle, and to give you the proceeds. And I shall annex thereto a few lines to Mr. Flett which you will cut off and give him. He will arrange for your passages to Sydney and you will pay him the amount he agrees for. He understands to go about it, in case of difficulty, better than your father. Ask your father to be kind enough to see you settled comfortably on board at the port. Pay my sister any expense of postages that may be owing. And if you have time, and can make it convenient, pay Mr Anthony, something about a pound, expenses incurred to the Advocate General about the Meadows, which I forgot to settle with him when I went away – if not, I mean to send him something shortly that will clear the score. Tell him I will write him when I have seen a little more about me. Do not forget the Articles left with Mr Anthony. After you arrive at Sydney get a glass to each of the watches, but be sure to whom you give them. The Sydney Coves are a bad lot. Should you not put up at Dr Lang’s (which I trust you will) be very jealous of any proffered acquaintance. The fewer of any kind you make in Sydney the better. Buy what you stand in need of in Sydney for you all. You will require, at least, six or seven print dresses to change yourself on the voyage and some shifts. You are better to get all dresses you purchase made in Sydney. Bill will require two pairs of dark trousers to wear on board ship and a middling warm jacket. Have a sufficiency of napkins and frocks for baby. You cannot err by taking a piece of useful calico with you for yourself and baby, nor by getting a few Regatta shirts for Bill and Augustus. If you go in the steerage get a dozen of good Port wine, and a good Yorkshire Ham for yourself; and 4 lbs Sago, 4 lbs Tapioca, 4 lbs Arrowroot, and a few pounds sugar for the baby, each packed in Tin Canisters; and keep it all in your Berth. You will do well to take a small pan to boil the child’s meal in. (Do not forget to provide yourself with that little article you place under your bed and a basin. Take a box of good ‘Saidletz Powders’ and a half pound of ‘Epsom Salts’ with you. Take some opening medicine during the week before you embark. You will find this

advice a good one in as much as you will feel sea-sickness the less, You must be careful not to allow yourself to be costive on board ship – the moment you know yourself to be the least so you ought to take some medicine in the morning – and lastly, guard against exposing yourself on deck after the sun goes down. If the weather is warm or close you will be sure to catch cold. On board ship demand civilly everything you are entitled to, and nothing as a favour. Keep your distance and never allow yourself to be addressed familiarly, and you will command respect. Never make to free yourself, and check the least approach at freedom with you. A ship is a strange thing to travel in, and it requires to treat everyone as strangers, from the beginning to the end, to ensure due respect. Lay yourself under obligation to no one which you can help. Have a useful book or two to amuse you, on board ship. Any money that you may be over your passage money, and purchases, you must get Mr Lang to change into dollars. English money is not current here but at a loss. In all things, my dear, cut your coat according to your cloth. All the hints, or directions, which I have given you, are with the best feeling, and I beg you will take them as such, being from your most sincere friend in the world. I do not mention all of them under the idea that your own good sense would not suggest a good many of them to yourself, but as an old, and, I may say now, experienced traveller. May the Lord be with you, in all your travels, and conduct you all safely to your true home. You must lose no time the moment you receive this letter. You can prepare yourself in Sydney as I did. See that the cattle is sold immediately. If Messrs Flett and Lucklater has any balance in my favour, get it from them. You will find here with a letter of introduction to Mr Lang. I forgot it in one of my copies. Adieu! My dear and beloved wife, Your ever affectionate husband Rob Craigie PS. You will remember me very kindly to your mother – and tell her by and by I hope to be able to remember her myself. My prospects are fair – if health is spared – and tell your father to write me occasionally. By the time you are fairly landed here I daresay I shall have a few dollars gathered together which will enable me to help him on a little. I purpose, as I advance, to raise a herd in South Australia yet – and to redeem the old meadows through hook or crook, if that beggar Phillips, does not sell it too soon. I have a liking to the old place. My determination is firm if I succeed as I expect. If Mr Peter requires any assistance to get the stock sold ask your father to do me the favour to render him any he can in order that you may not be pinched for money. Present respectfully my compliments to your father. Let him address to me Commissariat Office, Victoria, China.

Craigie Letter 3 – Robert’s dying letter.

Victoria 19th October 1844.

My Beloved Wife and dear Children, For you I have sacrificed my health contrary the earnest wish of the Physician attending on me, I have laboured for four Months under repeated severe attacks of dysentery and for the last two months tho’ being recommended to leave the place immediately for a change of Air and Climate yet being in daily expectations of your Arrival I could not make up my mind to go away and leave you to arrive under very difficult circumstances. Though I have been employed since I landed at a good Salary in the Commissariat as Mentioned in my letters to you up to the 30th September, and on to the 1st October received the appointment of Chief Clerk in the Treasury at the rate of 450(pounds) per annum where I have been enabled to attend Office till yesterday I was forced to enter myself on to the Sick List. The trifle of money I have saved you will find in my tin Cash Box in Doctor Eatrvell’s hands and by applying to the Treasury you will get the arrears of salary owing to me at the rate of 37/10/0 (pounds) a month. I have authorized all my Trunks to be sealed and locked and in Doctor Eatrvell’s charge with the keys which as soon as you arrive here you will make Application for and examine it is customary for Government to sell the effects of any deceased parties here but I have requested that as you are daily expected my things should not be disposed of by Government under the impression that you will require all that can be derived from it under your own best superintendence to enable you to return back with all possible Speed to your Father again and to assist you to take your three dear children with you who I recommend most strongly to your Care and attention. I hope that you will not fail to administer pious Council and instruction in the ways of holiness. On examining my trunks I request that you will carefully burn all my papers and Books Contained in the Black and Yellow Trunks accepting my Letter Books which when the boys grow up may be of some service and instruction to them. Now my Dear Wife take the following Council from your loving and Affectionate Husband to make speedy arrangements to quit Hong Kong, and during your stay in whatever habitation you put up receive no company there is none good of any description and a bad name is easily obtained. If you find unlanding and difficulty to obtain a dwelling till you should be again ready to embark address yourself to Mr Shuck a Baptist Minister here who will assist you. I am not able to continue and therefore shall conclude by a recommending you and you all to Almighty God for Protection and keeping Grace while sojourners here on earth and that at last you may have a place in His Bosom in His Kingdom and Glory. Amen For Rob Craigie

Victoria, Hong Kong

By the early 19th century, the British Empire trade was heavily dependent upon the importation of tea from China. While the British exported to China luxury items like clocks and watches, there remained an overwhelming imbalance in trade. China developed a strong demand for silver, which was a difficult commodity for the British to come by in large quantities. The

counterbalance of trade came with exports of opium to China, opium being legal in Britain and grown in significant quantities in the UK and later in far greater quantities in India.

A Chinese commissioner Lin Zexu voiced to Queen Victoria the Qing state's opposition to the opium trade. The First Opium War which ensued lasted from 1839 to 1842. Britain occupied the island of Hong Kong on 25 January 1841 and used it as a military staging point. China was defeated and was forced to cede Hong Kong to Britain in the Treaty of Nanking signed on 29 August 1842. Hong Kong became a Crown Colony of the British Empire.

Victoria Town, 1850

The City of Victoria, often called Victoria City or simply Victoria, was the de facto capital of Hong Kong during the British colonial period. It was initially named Queenstown but was soon known as Victoria. It was one of the first urban settlements in Hong Kong and almost all government departments still have their head offices located within its limit. The city is centred in present-day Central, and was named after Queen Victoria in 1843

In Robert’s second letter, he mentions ‘the meadows’ on two occasions. Firstly that he’d sold it, and secondly how he hoped to buy it back again in the future, and stock it with cattle. He may have been referring to the area named The Meadows, where he owned property, and which is close to where Janet’s parents lived at Mt. Barker. Robert may have envisaged a farming life together with his wife and children.

MEADOWS The following is an edited extract from a discussion paper produced by historian and Meadows 150 committee member, Sally Stephenson. The township of Meadows was not drawn up from the outset; it evolved over a few decades. The name "The Meadows" was first used in 1839 to describe the 4000 acre parcel of land otherwise known as the Seventh Special Survey. The survey was completed by 23 December, 1839 and the first land sold in 1840. However, there was no town of Meadows at this time. Settlers gradually took up land in this region from 1840, but one would not have described it as a township, merely a scattering of farms. The land that now forms much of the township of Meadows was not originally surveyed as township allotments. There were four large sections of land. :Sections 3486 and 3491 immediately north of Mill Street and Sections 3487 and 3490 to the south. Mill Street was at that stage the main street. The current pattern of township allotments

resulted mainly from the subdivision of the sections north of Mill Street. Subdivision of Section 3491 occurred from 1859. Section 3486 was sub-divided from 1866. Subdivision of these Sections provided the land for a number of important public buildings in Meadows including St George's Church, the District Council of Kondoparinga chambers (behind the former institute building, now Gas-light Antiques), the Oddfellows Hall (now the Gateway Gallery), the Wesleyan Church (since replaced by the Uniting Church), the school house (now Meadows Bakery), the Kondoparinga Butter Factory (replaced by the South Australian Farmer's Union factory, now the Meadows Memorial Hall) and the Post Office.

BECOMING A PROPER TOWN Would one describe Meadows as a proper town if there was no road leading to it? Before 1864, there was only a bush track. The main road from Happy Valley and Clarendon reached Meadows in 1864. At this time, the main street was re-routed and what is now Mawson Road became the main through-road. One could argue that a locality is not a proper town until it has a Post Office. Although a postmaster was appointed in 1850, there wasn't a separate Post Office until the 1860s. Prior to that, the Post Office was part of the general store which also accommodated the privately-run school). By 1866, Meadows was clearly a township. In R. P. Whitworth's "South Australian Gazetteer" of 1866 Meadows was described as follows: The district is an agricultural and pastoral one, both cattle and sheep being grazed, and wheat, potatoes, and grapes cultivated. Meadows has a steam silk-dressing flour mill and a tannery, a post office, a store, a literary institute and licensed school, and a public pound. There is one hotel – the Meadows Inn… There is communication with Kangarilla by weekly coach, and with Kangarilla, Echunga, and Macclesfield by horse and dray only. With Adelaide the communication is by Goble's weekly conveyance, via Kangarilla, Clarendon, Coromandel Valley, and Unley… There is a carrying office in the township for the conveyance of goods per horse wagon to Adelaide…. Timber is abundant… There is plenty of stone to be had, suitable either for building purposes or for road metal. Gold has been found in small quantities in the neighbourhood. The population is small and scattered.

CHAPTER 2

(Janet Waddell & James Brown)

About 13 years after the death of Robert Craigie, Jessie married again, to a very well to do grazier from the Naracoorte region of south east South Australia. (On April 2nd 1857, at the residence of the Reverend R. Haining, Adelaide, James Brown married Jessie Craigie widow, daughter of John and Isabella Brydon Waddell of Mount Barker). James was aged 38 years, and Jessie, 31 years. The fate of the Craigie children, Augustus, William and Napoleon is unknown. I can find no further record of them in Australia, and can only speculate that they may have been returned to Scotland, to be raised by other family

members, or perhaps been cared for by Robert’s sister, who he mentioned in letter two.. There is no mention of them as beneficiaries in the will of Jessie Brown.

The Naracoorte Herald (S.A.) Thursday 4th November 1948 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

PASTORAL PIONEERS—JAMES BROWN (Extracted from "The Adelaide Stock and Station Journal" of 19th May, 1926).

Considering that those two great charitable institutions—the Kalyra Consumption Sanitorium at Belair and Estcourt House, near the Grange, were founded in his memory, and out of the proceeds of his estate, surprisingly little publicity has been devoted to the career of James Brown, a pioneer of the South Eastern district. The task of putting on record, something tangible about his useful life demanded the exercise of patience and research. Enlarged photographs of himself and his wife are hanging in the two institutions mentioned above, but the one reproduced on this page, was kindly furnished by Mr. A, B. Lawson of Lake Roy Station near Naracoorte, whose father was a great friend of the Browns, and died in their house at Glen Osmond. James Brown was born in East Fife, Scotland, and in company with his brother, Archibald, arrived in South Australia on May 4th, 1839 by the barque "Fairfield," 434 tons (Captain Abbott) which left Liverpool with 46 passengers on November 1, 1838. It was a wearisome voyage of 185 days. The brothers lost no time in settling on the land. In 1840 they were installed at a place called Allendale in the valley of the Hindmarsh River, Encounter Bay District, and were the owners of 640 sheep. This fact is revealed by a stocktaking return, prepared in compliance with the earliest Scab in Sheep Act, showing that the total number of sheep then grazing in South Australia was 204,000. The document concludes—"It is accordingly gratifying to think that in the present season at least six vessels will be required to convey the wool and oil of South Australia to England." In 1844 the Brown brothers were the owners of 1,290 ewes, 14 cattle, 6 pigs and 14 acres of wheat. In 1849 James removed to the South East where he founded the Avenue Range Station consisting of 69 square miles of country, which was secured for a rental of 10/ per square mile.

The area was subsequently enlarged to 83 miles. This run lay 50 miles north-east of Guichen Bay where the wool was shipped. The greater portion of it was covered with water during the winter, and the stock suffered from footrot and coast disease. Mr. Brown built a fine 10 roomed stone house with a verandah. The sheep were shepherded until June 1864, when Avenue Range and other leases were fenced around and subdivided at a cost of £6,000. They were supporting 24,000 sheep besides cattle and horses. Another name for the Avenue Range run was Kalyra, a native word meaning "hop hush." About 1864 a portion of the property was transferred to Messrs. Tilley and Ormerod. The old rent and assessment amounted to £162 7/6 per annum, and Goyder's valuation, deducting improvements was £270 10/ per annum. A drawback was the volume of public traffic passing over the run. It lay on the overland route to Melbourne and. Mount Gambier, and about 60,000 sheep crossed the best part of the station during the first three months of every year. The roads were bad at all times, and after some years of occupation, the station was officially declared to have been over assessed.

FOUNDER OF TILLEY'S SWAMP H.. C. Talbot's pamphlet on the South East, credits James Brown with also being the founder of Tilley's Swamp run, having an area of 60 square miles, which was also first taken out at 10/ per mile, The story goes that a well-known South Easterner, named Thomas Tilley, was bogged at the head of this swamp when on his way to the Victorian gold diggings, and was pulled out by William Gall of Cantara. Mr. Brown's portion of this country, which is situated 15 miles north of Lacepede Bay was capable of grazing 4,500 sheep, and Goyder put down its valuation at £138 per annum, deducting improvements worth £410. Other occupiers of the swamp country in James Brown's time were Messrs. R. P. Boucaut, J. Foot, D. McCallum, A. S. and J. H. Clark and E. Stark. Mr. Brown's total holdings in the South East covered 183 square miles, and he prospered exceedingly. Very early in his career he received a severe setback by becoming involved in a charge of poisoning a black fellow, but emerged from the trial with a clean escutcheon and a jury of his fellow countrymen finding him "Not Guilty." He was not the only pioneer pastoralist who had to undergo a similar ordeal, but it was probably this incident which accounted for the meagre publicity associated with his name both before and after his death. However, no one can delve into the history of the pastoral path finders without realizing what they suffered at the hands of untamed blacks, who not only menaced the white men, even to the point of murder, but speared and scattered their flocks at will, to the great detriment of the industry. James Brown led his life according to the circumstances and conditions of his day and there are hundreds of people today who can hold his name in grateful memory because of the benefactions ever flowing from the charitable purposes to which a large portion of his estate was devoted.

AID TO HUMANITY Referring to the institutions founded in his name, the Inscription on his ornate tombstone concludes with the declaration—"A great boon to suffering humanity," And the claim is not a false one. He knew how to stand to a fellow man in his time of need, and we find him in common with other South Eastern squatters, signing a memorial to the Government, expressing every confidence in Mr. C. J. Valentine, Chief Inspector of Stock, when a Parliamentary Select Committee was appointed to investigate the question of scab in sheep.

Mr. Brown has been described as a real rough diamond by one who, as a youth, came into contact with him occasionally. He said to the writer "I remember him asking my mother abruptly whether she recollected a certain incident in the life of King William IV. When she explained that she was only a young girl at the time, he replied 'Oh were you. Well here's a bag of lollies for you.'" He was a great man in the saddle, and is credited with having ridden a horse from Naracoorte to Adelaide in a little over a day. Reverting to the nuisance of public traffic over the Avenue Range run, it may be mentioned that the bullock teams passing from Victoria and the Tatiara district were continually breaking gates, and pulling over the posts. Accordingly, Mr. Brown had posts at one gate put eight fleet into the ground, and then concealed himself to await the arrival of the next delinquent. Before long a teamster appeared, and carelessly ran a wheel against one of these deeply embedded posts. It would not budge, and much to Brown's delight, the "bullocky" had to take out his team and pull the wagon back. Retribution followed, and the lessee had the mortification of finding later that his stout posts had been burnt to the ground. He had a strong suspicion as regards the identity of the offender, but was unable to produce the evidence necessary to bring him to book.

COLONIST OF 51 YEARS Mr. Brown died at Glen Osmond on February 7, 1890, in his 72nd year. He had been a colonist of 51 years, and his residence in South Australia had been broken only by one short visit to San Francisco, where he acquired property interests. His wife, Jessie, followed him to grave in 1892, dying at Niagara Falls, which she was visiting in company with a niece, Miss Dougall. They left no family. The remains of both rest in West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide. Prior to leaving Adelaide Mrs. Brown had called upon a close friend, Mr. Adam Adamson Jun., and indicated her desire to found a charitable institution in memory of her late husband, and Mr. Adamson suggested a home for crippled children, together with a convalescent home for the poor. When the news of her death came through, it was announced in the press that between £60,000 and £100,000 was available for the purposes mentioned. The outcome was the formation of the James Brown Memorial Trust, to which the Executor Trustee and Agency Co. of South Australia, Ltd., acts as secretary. Incorporation by Act of Parliament resulted in December, 1894. The- published "Letters of Adam Adamson" throw little light upon the genesis of Kalyra Sanatorium and Estcourt House,' although the gentleman named was the first chairman of the trust. Estcourt House, near the Grange, it has been learned from other sources, was secured as a home for aged, blind and children who are crippled, for £3,000, although its original cost was £12,000. It was built and named in 1882 by a wealthy colonist, whose well-appointed yacht used to lie within pistol shot of his mansion, where great hospitality was dispensed. The first cost of Kalyra at Belair was £4,000, and the Goode and McBride wings were added subsequently. There was a singular absence of trumpet flourish when these two fine institutions were opened. The old minute book simply records that on February 6, 1895, it was reported that the Kalyra building had been completed, and on February 20 that the chairman had arranged for the matron to take up permanent residence on the 9th of the following month. A 13-year-old girl was the first patient. It was soon found that Jessie Brown's heart had been bigger than the estate purse, and that it was impossible to carry on the institutions entirely upon a charitable basis, the necessity for the charging of certain fees being apparent; indeed for a short period Kalyra had to be closed on that account. Then Sir Charles Goode, that grand old man of philanthropy, who was one of the trustees, took the matter in hand, and helped to place the movement on its present satisfactory

basis, so that Kalyra and Estcourt House continue through the years to stand and serve as a beneflcent memorial to two eminently worthy figures in pioneer pastoral history—James and Jessie Brown. Printed and published by James Laidlaw Thomson for the Proprietors of "Naracoorte Herald," Smith Street, Naracoorte, South Australia.

Estcourt House, Grange, 1900, courtesy of State Library of South Australia.

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, Jessie Brown Dougall was considered to be Jessie Brown’s constant companion, and this may be borne out by the following observation. James Brown and Janet (Jessie) Waddell were amongst the early colonists of South Australia. Both having arrived in 1839. When the 50 year anniversary of colonization came to pass, the current Governor (Robinson), held a reception to celebrate the event, and the early settlers themselves. Both Jessie Brown and Jessie Brown Dougall’s names appear on the guest list. Jessie Brown Dougall would have been just 16 years of age at the time and would have attended as Jessie Brown’s companion. James Brown, although it seems certain that he would have been invited, doesn’t appear as a guest, and may have been ill at the time. It’s interesting to note, that both Boyle Travis Finniss and Patrick Auld who had been on the Northern Expedition in 1864 – 1865, with Jessie Dougall’s father William, were in attendance.

Adelaide Advertiser 28 Dec 1886 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

THE JUBILEE OF THE COLONY - RECEPTION OF OLD COLONISTS.

His Excellency the Governor (Sir W. C. F. Robinson) held an official reception of old colonists at Government House on Monday afternoon, Decembers 27. The time set apart for the ceremony was from 3.30 to 5.30, and there was a large muster of colonists of many years' standing, who were received by his Excellency in the hall, and afterwards passed through on to the lawn, where

refreshments were served. All classes were represented among the visitors to Government House, although it was naturally the successful colonists who were most numerous. The Mayor of Adelaide (Mr. E. T. Smith) and some other gentlemen were received in the dining-room by his Excellency, who proposed the health of the popular chief magistrate of the city, to which Mr. Smith replied in a few appropriate words. The Police band was in attendance on the lawn, and played several airs during the afternoon. Subjoined are the names of those who paid their respects to the Governor, and the list is itself an interesting record of old colonists surviving in 1886: —

The list of guests included Sir Henry Ayers, P. Auld, Hon. B. T. Finniss, Mrs. J. Brown and Miss Jessie B. Dougall, to name but a few.

CHAPTER 3 (San Francisco)

The Death of Jessie Brown

Jessie Brown Dougall accompanied her aunt on the trip that Jessie Brown undertook, to San Francisco,to finalise her late husband’s business interests in that city. Two letters written by Jessie Brown Dougall to her cousin Hugh Dougall of Wallan Wallan, are reproduced below.

The letters above were provided by Ray Kelly.

Unfortunately, Jessie Brown died whilst the two were touring at Niagara Falls, and Jessie Dougall was burdened with the onerous task of arranging the return of her body to Australia.

The Pictorial Australian (Adelaide) 1st December 1892 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

THE LATE MRS.JESSIE BROWN.

A cable message published in The Advertiser on Wednesday morning, November 16th, announced that Mrs. Jessie Brown, widow of the late Mr. James Brown, formerly of Avenue station in the south-east, and latterly of Waverley, Glen Osmond, died suddenly on Monday while visiting the Niagara Falls. The manager of the Executor Trustee and Agency Company has received a cablegram from Niagara from her niece, Miss Dougall, with whom the deceased lady was travelling confirming the intelligence. It is understood that the bulk of Mrs. Brown's property, amounting to about £40,000, will be devoted to the foundation of a charitable institution in memory of the late Mr. Brown, Early last year she consulted Mr. A. Adamson, jun., on the matter, and he suggested the establishment of a home for crippled children, with a convalescent hospital for the infant poor. Mrs. Brown agreed with this proposal, and a will bequeathing most of her property for this purpose was drafted by Messrs. Homburg & Melrose, solicitors, and signed. Ministers of various religious denominations being appointed to act as trustees. The deceased lady was well known and greatly respected by a large circle of friends in the colony, who will be extremely sorry to hear of her sudden demise.

South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide) Saturday 14th January 1893 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

By the steamer Innamincka, which arrived at Port Adelaide from Melbourne on Thursday, Jan. 12, Miss Dougall was a passenger. She had under her charge the coffin containing the remains of Mrs. Brown, late of Glen Osmond, whose sudden death while on a visit to Niagara Falls was recorded in our cable columns some weeks ago.

South Australian Register (Adelaide) Saturday 21st January 1893 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

THE WILL OF THE LATE MRS JESSIE BROWN.

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, granted probate of the will of the late Mrs. Jessie Brown, the personality being sworn at £70,009. Particulars of the will are appended—This is the last will and testament of me, Jessie Brown, of Glen Osmond, in the province of South Australia, widow. I appoint the Exesutor, Trustee, and Agency Company of South Australia, Limited, to be executors and trustees of this my will. I bequeath to my niece, Jessie Brown Patterson, daughter of my sister, Mary Patterson, of Croydon, in the said province, a legacy of five hundred pounds ; to each of my nieces, daughters of my brother John Waddell, five hundred

pounds; to my friend Martha Lipsett, of Parkside, spinster, three hundred pounds ; to Jessie Brown Hedrick, Annie Hedrick, and Amy Hedrick, the daughters of John Hedrick, of Melbourne, auditor, three hundred pounds each; to Annie Clarke, domestic servant, if she shall be in mv service at the time of my decease, three hundred pounds. I bequeath to each of the following persons, namely, to my .sister Margaret Brydon lngerson, lately of Adelaide, to Wilhelmina Dunmore Lang, of Sydney, widow of the late Reverend John Dunmore Lang, and to Sarah Elizabeth Hull, daughter of Margaret Hull, of Edinburgh, Scotland, an annuity of one hundred pounds each during their respective lives. I give and bequeath all my jewellery, wardrobe, plate, books, linen, and household furniture, utensils, and effects of whatsoever description unto my niece. Jessie Brown Dougall, of Glen Osmond aforesaid, spinster, absolutely. I desire and direct my said trustees to pay to Margaret Hull, of Edinburgh, widow, the annuity of one hundred pounds bequeathed to her by the will of mv late husband during her life. I direct mv said trustees to lay out and expend so long is the trusts of this my will shall continue, and so often as need shall be a sum sufficient to keep in good order the graves of my father and mother at Mount Barker in the said province, and the grave of my late husband in the West Terrace Cemetery at Adelaide. I direct m said trustees to set apart out of my personal estate, or if my personal estate shall be insufficient for the purpose, then out of my real estate, a turn sufficient by means of interest and income thereof to pay and satisfy all the annuities given by this my will, and the sum or sums required for keeping in good order the graves of my father and mother and husband as aforesaid, and to lay out and invest such principal sum in manner herein after mentioned. I give and bequeath to my said trustees the sum of twenty thousand pounds upon trust to lay out and invest the same in manner hereinafter mentioned, and to pay the annual income arising therefrom to my niece the said Jessie Brown Dougall during her life, free from all deductions, for her sole and separate use; and I declare that upon the death of the said Jessie Brown Dougall, and upon the death of every other person entitled to an annuity under this my will, the said principal sum of twenty thousand pounds, and the principal sum respectively required for the payment of each and every other annuity given by this my will, shall fall into and form part of my residuary estate. 1 declare that it shall be lawful for my said trustees to sell and convert into money such part of my real and personal estate (except my section of land No. 4453, containing eighty-eight acres, and portion of the section No. 4402, in the Hundred of Macclesfield), as shall be required for the payment of the legacies, annuities, and sums of money as aforesaid, at such time or times and generally in such planner in all respects as my said trustees shall in their absolute discretion think fit. I give, devise, and bequeath all the residue and remainder, of my real and personal estate whatsoever and where so ever unto the following persons or so many of them as shall be living and willing to accept the trusts hereinafter declared : — George Wyndham Kennion, Anglican Bishop of Adelaide; Adam Adamson the elder, gentleman; Adam Adamson the younger, accountant ; Charles Henry Goode, merchant; the Reverend Abraham Tobias.Boas, Hebrew Minister; the Reverend Dean Nevin, Roman Catholic clergyman; and Catherine Helen Spence, spinster; all of Adelaide aforesaid, upon trust to found, build, and endow, when and so often and in each manner as they shall think fit, an institution or institutions or provide and create a fund or funds as a memorial to my late husband (James Brown), and bearing his name for the benefit, care, relief, or maintenance of such of the destitute or the aged, blind, deaf, dumb, insane, or physically or mentally afflicted, or deserving poor of

any class as the trustees of the said institution or institutions, fund or funds, may in their absolute discretion deem proper and expedient*. To the intent that the annual income from the endowment or endowments of the said institution or institutions, and the income from the said fund or funds, shall be a perpetual fund for the relief, benefit, or maintenance of the persons aforesaid. And I direct and declare that the conduct, management, and control of the said institution or institutions, and the management and manner of investment of the endowment or endowments thereof, and of the said fund or funds, shall in nil respects be vested in the trustees thereof solely. And that it shall be lawful for such trustees at any time by any deed in writing to appoint any of their number, not being less than three, to be the trustees of any particular institution or institutions, fund or funds, created under the trusts hereinbefore declared, and every such appointment so made at pleasure to revoke and appoint other persons in lieu of the trustees whose appointment shall be so revoked; and upon every such appointment or new appointment, the persons so appointed to be trustees shall, (as regards the particular institution or institutions, or fund or funds, of which they shall be so appointed the trustees, as aforesaid), have and exercise all the powers, authorities, and discretions of the persons so appointing them, except the power of appointing new trustees. And I declare that it will be lawful for the persons hereinbefore appointed by me as trustees of the said institution or institutions, fund or funds, or such of them as shall be living and willing to accept ,the said trusts or other, the trustees for the time being of the said institution or institutions, fund or funds, by any deed in writing, to add to the number of such trustees, and that upon the execution of every such deed the trust premises shall be transferred and assigned, so that the same may become vested in the person or persons so appointed as trustee or trustees and the original trustees so appointing him or them. And I further declare that upon the death, resignation, incapacity, or unwillingness to act of any of such trustees, it shall be lawful for the trustee by dying, resigning, or becoming unwilling to act by any deed in writing to nominate and appoint another trustee to act in his place and stead, or in default of such appointment for the surviving or continuing trustees of the said institution or institutions, fund or funds, to nominate and appoint another person to act as trustee in the place and stead of the trustee so dying, resigning, or becoming incapable or unwilling to act as aforesaid, and upon every such appointment, all the trusts premises shall be transferred and assigned so that the same may become vested in the person or persons so appointed jointly with the surviving or continuing trustees. And I further declare that the receipt of the treasurer or secretary for the time being of such institution or institutions, fund or funds, or the receipt of any three or the trustees thereof for the time being, shall be a sufficient discharge to the trustees of this my will for any moneys or other real or personal estate which ought to be paid, delivered, or transferred to the said institution or institutions, fund or funds or the trustees thereof, I direct and declare that ail moneys to be invested by the trustees of this my will, may be invested in or upon Government securities of the United Kingdom or any of the Australian colonies, or in or within freehold securities in England or the Australian colonies, or in the stock or securities of any Municipal Corporation in South Australia, or upon fixed deposit with any incorporated Banking Company. I declare that my said trustees shall be at liberty to deduct from the moneys coming to their hands and to the foregoing trusts. Each percentage or commission as remuneration for their services in acting as such trustees, as shall be authorized by the scale of charges which shall from time to time be fixed by the Directors of the said Executor, Trustee, and Agency Company of

South Australia Limited. In respect of such matters I direct that all the legacies and annuities given by this my will shall be paid to the persons entitled thereto free of all legacy, succession, or other duty whatsoever, and I declare that every legacy, annuity, or other sum of money whatsoever which may be payable to any female shall be paid to her for her sole and separate use, free and clear of the debts, control, or engagements of any present or future husband with whom any of them may have intermarried, or may hereafter intermarry, and revoking all wills by me at any time heretofore made, I declare this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name to this and the four preceding sheets of paper, the eighteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and ninety one. — Jessie Brown.

Signed by the said testatrix and acknowledged by her to be her last will and testament, in the presence of us present at the same –time, who in her presence, and in the presence of each other, have to this and the four preceding pages of paper subscribed our names as witnesses. — Richard Smith, Alexander Melrose solicitor, Adelaide.'

Evening Journal (Adelaide) Thursday 17th November 1892 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

THE LATE MRS. BROWN AND HER BEQUEST.

There are some sympathetic circumstances associated with the death of Mrs. Jessie Brown, widow of the late Mr. James Brown, formerly of the Avenue Station, in the South-Eastern district, latterly of Glen Osmond. She spent many years in South Australia, .and had rendered very efficient help to her husband in amassing the fortune he had at his death that he left in her hands. A few months ago, having completed the of the property—dispositions which have made the colony as a whole, and certain classes of the poor and suffering in particular, her debtors for life. She set out with Miss Dougall, her niece and constant companion, on a trip round the world. They had reached Niagara, when the fatal illness to which Mrs. Brown has fallen a victim seized her. The position of Miss Dougall thus suddenly cast upon her own resources and burdened with the sad duty of seeing to the burial of her relative in a strange land is one entitling her to general sympathy. We have said that Mrs. Brown before her departure made arrangements whereby in the event of her decease, a very large sum of money was to be applied to charitable purposes. Fortunately in Adelaide there is no dearth of benevolent establishments. But numerous and largely efficacious as are our agencies for helping the poverty stricken and alleviating the sufferings of the afflicted, they do not completely cover the ground. Anyway, an institution providing at once for the necessities of crippled children and a convalescent home for the infant poor will be a welcome addition to the many noble charitable and philanthropic organizations we have in existence. We can conceive that there may be difficulties in the way, but it has occurred to us that it would be an excellent arrangement if Mrs. Brown's bequest were used in founding a charity of the kind specified by her in association with the Children's Hospital. To carry out this idea would be to concentrate effort, the thing we most need in the conduct of our means for dealing with the indigent and the distressed. The terms upon which the bequest is made, including the very important consideration of trust conditions, are, however, so vitally bound up with this issue that it is impossible to say much about it yet. The one thing pretty certain that Mrs. Brown has made a most handsome provision for the foundation of a charitable institution,

although it may turn out that the sum is not so great as that already stated. In any ease it will go far towards accomplishing the purpose designed, and, as we have said, for this magnificence, Mrs. Brown's name is likely to be held in perpetual remembrance. Evil that men do, we are told, lives after them: the good is oft ta with their bones." There is truth enough in the remark to give it but the impulse which prompted Brown to apply so much of her to so worthy a purpose, should not be forgotten. Jessie Brown Dougall also did rather well from Jessie Brown’s will, receiving a bequest that included the yearly income on the investment of twenty thousand pounds, for the rest of her life. A substantial amount of money in 1893, and beyond.

Chapter 4

(Mrs. Jessie Brown Addison-Williamson)

Just where and when Jessie met Commander Charles Addison Williamson is uncertain, but she did seem to have a penchant for Naval officers, as indicated in the letter she wrote to her cousin Hugh Dougall in August 1892, when on her ship voyage to the USA and Europe, with her auntie Jessie Brown. She mentions her “mash”, as being the ship’s doctor, Dr. Casey. The only single officer on board! Two years later, she married her Commander.

Extract from Jessie’s letter to Hugh.

“But as you are no doubt dying to know who my mash was I won’t keep you in anxiety. It was the Doctor, the only single officer – his name Casey, and Irish (of course, you’ll say). Yes, an Irish American. In looks, very much like Riley the actor so you needn’t ask if he was handsome. Many a jolly deck walk with talks in cosy corners we’ve had with only the moon and sun of the tropics looking on. As I perceive I am getting mixed I pass on to the next”.

South Australian Register (Adelaide) Tuesday 9th October 1894 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

ADDISON – WILLIAMSON — DOUGALL. – On the 21st August, at St. Cuthbert's, South Kensington, London, by the Vicar, the Rev. Henry Westall, C. A. Addison – Williamson of Scarborough, England, son of the late Commander Williamson R.N., to Jessie Brown Dougall, niece of the late Mrs. James Brown, of Waverley, Glen Osmond, South Australia.

Charles Addison-Williamson was born. 30th October 1864 in Bantry, Cork Ireland, the son of Charles Thomas Williamson and Mary Elizabeth Addison. Jessie and Charles had two sons, The first was Osmond Addison-Williamson, born on the.9th November 1895 in Yarmouth. He died in. December 1975 in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire, England, and had married Gwendoline Winifred E Day, in 1923 in Nottinghamshire. She was born on 15th November 1895, the daughter of John Thomas Day and Winifred Jessie Day and. died in 1970. Their second son was born Glenwyn Charles Addison-Wiliamson on 25th March 1897 in Yarmouth, Norfolk, England and died on January 4th 1960 in Kew, Victoria, Australia. He married Ceridwen Parry Kelly, after 1924 in Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean. She was born in 1901 in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales, daughter of Edward E. Kelly and Catherine Parry. She died on 22nd July 1960 in Melbourne, Victoria. It’s interesting to note, that Jessie grew up with her aunt and uncle in Glen Osmond, South Australia and it would appear that this place provided inspiration for the names of her sons, Glenwyn and Osmond. Glen Osmond is a suburb of Adelaide, South Australia in the City of Burnside which is in the foothills of the Adelaide Hills. It is well known for the road intersection on the western side of the suburb, where the South Eastern Freeway (National Route M1) from the Adelaide Hills and the main route from Melbourne splits into National Route A17 Portrush Road (north, the main route towards Port Adelaide), Glen Osmond Road, Adelaide (northwest towards Adelaide city centre) and state route A3 Cross Road west towards the coast and southern suburbs.

Charles Addison-Williamson at age 15 was a pupil (mathematical scholar) at Christ’s Hospital School when visited by Queen Victoria. The queen selected a drawing of HMS Eurydice by Charles and he was later presented with a gold pencil in recognition. It bears the inscription “C.Williamson, from Victoria R, 11 March 1880”

Later in life, as Commander Charles Addison-Williamson he patented a design for a collapsible lifeboat (below).

Jessie and Charles made their home in the coastal town of Gorleston in Great Yarmouth,

Norfolk, England. Jessie lived there until she died in 1948

What Jessie and Charles’ relationship was like, can perhaps be presumed to be cool at

the least, if the following is any indication. It was written by Glen to his brother Osmond,whilst Glen and his wife Cerri were visiting Jessie and Charles at Yarmouth.

From the Ray Kelly collection. In correspondence between Glen and his brother Osmond are comments that give indications of family relationships – “Dad must have squandered no end of his liquid cash on cars, yachts, Engine and Collapsible boats at Olympia, as well as Conservative Cause at Yarmouth” - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“My Mater was not at all communicative”. And “the atmosphere at home was as a rule just dreadful. One or two people were good enough to ask us out sometimes, but whenever possible my Mother butted in and refused for us. A retired ships’ Captain and his wife - - whom we met and liked very much, asked us for a day’s sailing, but we were staggered to hear that my Mater had refused that for us also. - - we both strove to keep the peace, as it seemed, but it was against fearful odds. Dad did what he could to make things more pleasant but I’m afraid it was beyond him”

Charles had a rather unfortunate end. In 1935, he was lopping a branch from a tree in the garden of the family home, when he accidently fell, and unfortunately died as a consequence, leaving Jessie a widow at the age of sixty five. Jessie lived alone for another thirteen years and passed away herself, in1948 at the age of seventy eight.

The Argus (Melbourne) Saturday 6th July 1935. Courtesy Trove (NLA).

ADDISON—WILLIAMSON. — On the 11th May, at Gorleston, England, Commander Charles Addison – Williamson loved brother-in-law of Carolyn M. P. Dougall.

The Argus (Melbourne) Saturday 15th May 1948 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

ADDISON – WILLIAMSON – On February 23, at Great Yarmouth, England, Jessie B. Addison-Williamson relict of the late Commander Addison – Williamson Royal Navy, and loved sister of Frank Dougall, late of Mount Franklin Estate, Victoria.

The house Jessie and Charles lived in was an impressive home inherited by Charles from the second wife of John Granham, (who was the daughter of his ancestor Commander George Williamson). Granham who died in 1872, had also been a Royal Navy Commander, and had played a role in the Napoleonic Wars. He had the house built to his specifications in 1826. It was originally called Hill House, but Charles changed its name to Koolunga.

Koolunga House, Gorleston.

During World War 2 it became a land “ship” – HMS Koolunga and was used for training. It later became Training Ship Wishbone used by the Sea Cadets.

Koolunga House, Gorleston, Norfolk The house was built in 1824 or 1826 and was originally called Hill House. It was built for Captain John Garnham, RN. The title Captain was never officially bestowed upon him and he was actually a Commander of the Royal Navy. He died in 1872 aged 84 and the house was left to his second wife, Caroline Phoebe Garnham. Caroline died in 1898, aged 81, and the house was sold to a relative, Charles Addison Williamson. It was Charles Addison Williamson who changed the name of the house to Koolunga. Koolunga is a place in Australia. It is not known what his connection with Koolunga was. Charles was in the Navy and visited many places, including Australia. In addition, his wife Jessie was born in Victoria, Australia so perhaps here is the link. Charles auctioned off 29 Acres of the estate in 1898. It was divided into 49 sale lots and is the area now occupied by Garnham Road and Addison Road. In 1903 a strip of land in front of Koolunga House was sold to the Council to enable the High Street/High Road to be widened. Until 1937 the cliff to the High Road from the river belonged to the Koolunga estate. When Charles died in 1937 his wife gave this land to the Great Yarmouth Corporation to be kept as a public garden. Anyone visiting the area today would find a neglected area of grassland. It is,

however, still a pleasant area in which to sit on a warm summers day and it would be nice if the Council would invest some money into landscaping the area for all to enjoy. After Jessie died the house was left empty. During the 1940’s the house became HMS Koolunga and in the 1950’s the house was used by the local Sea Cadets as their headquarters and became Training Ship Wishbone. In the early 1970’s the house was being used by the Gorleston and District Disabled Club and the Red Cross. The house was then bought by a local optician, Eric Parkinson. Behind the high walls of Koolunga House Eric grew exotic shrubs, orchids and other rare plants in over three acres of grounds. Eric Parkinson died in 1981 and the Borough of Yarmouth was given Koolunga House and gardens. They were planning to open the gardens up to public use but they decided that the cost of maintaining the estate was too high. In 1983 the house was sold for £48,595 and converted into eight individual flats which were ready for sale in 1984.

From Claire’s webpages homepage.ntlworld.com/cparfrey/Koolunga.htm

RN Executive Officers

Surname: Garnham, First Names : John Birth Date : 14 Feb 1789 Awarded Medal (m) : m

Date promoted : Lieutenant: 18/02/1815

Rank & Seniority on Retired Lists as: Commander: 20/04/1861

Another account of the history of the house appears below, and is accompanied by a photograph of a plaque recognizing Jessie’s donation (1936) of the piece of land in front of the house, to the Great Yarmouth Corporation, in memory of her late husband. The land to be always used as a public garden.

The History of the House In 1826 construction of Koolunga House, formerly known as Hill House, was complete. It was built for a Naval Officer, Lieutenant John Garnham who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. The adjacent cottage was built for William IV when he was the Duke of Clarence and it later became HMS Wishbone. Koolunga House was passed down through generations until 1936. Mr Williamson instructed that Addison Road running behind the house grounds be named after the maiden name of his wife. The architecture is of Georgian design even though the construction dated during the reign of William IV.

The Garden

This unique place has a secret garden full of mystery and rarity. Lieutenant Williamson, for whom the house was built, introduced many exotic plants from his voyages around the world and some are thriving today.

The plaque above can be found on Williamson's lookout point in the garden on the banks of the Yare.

Williamson’s Lookout "Tall Ships Passing Koolunga House" by Norfolk's Brian Lewis.

Koolunga House 2018

Koolunga Larch is a unique one bedroom luxury apartment with 5 star status on the ground floor of this stunning Georgian building. An amazing place for a couple to stay – you’ll have all the amenities and privacy you need. Koolunga House is divided into seven flats.

In 1913, Jessie had a minor and brief brush with fame, as is reported below.

The Register (Adelaide) Monday 29th September 1913 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

GREAT SEA FLIGHT. An Australian's Attempt - Failure after Covering 1,043 Miles.

Mr. H. G. Hawker has achieved a glorious failure in his second attempt to win The Daily Mail £5.000 prize for a flight round Britain in an all-British water plane within 72 hours (states the overseas edition of that paper dated August 20). Mr. Hawker spent about an hour at Yarmouth. He did not come ashore, risking no return of the ill-luck that befell him when last he touched ground there. He took his seat in a motor boat sent by a Gorleston resident, Mr.-Addison Williamson, for the use of the control officials. This boat brought a happy augury, for Mrs. Williamson is an Australian lady, and had brought from her garden a spray of Australian

eucalyptus leaves for the Australian's comfort and encouragement.

From Wikipedia Harry George Hawker MBE AFC (22 January 1889 – 12 July 1921 was an Australian aviation pioneer. He was the chief test pilot for Sopwith and was also involved in the design of many of their aircraft. After World War One he co-founded Hawker Aircraft, the firm that would later be responsible for a long series of successful military aircraft. He died on 12 July 1921 when the aircraft he was to fly in the Aerial Derby crashed in a park at Burnt Oak, Edgware, not far from Hendon Aerodrome

.

H.G. Hawker 1919

Chapter 5

(Glenwyn & Ceridwen Addison-Williamson)

The Dougall – Kelly Connection

From Ray Kelly

“My half- sister Ceridwen (aka Kerry) married Glenwyn Addison-Williamson on Ascension Island (mid Atlantic Ocean). Glenwyn was the younger son of Charles Addison-Williamson and Jessie Brown Dougall. I had always assumed that as Glen was from England and had family that relates back to the Dean of Litchfield etc that his mother was also English. I have just recently found that she was born in Victoria at Mount Franklin or Shepherds Flat, between Castlemaine and Daylesford in 1870. Through my early life I remember that we received visits from an “Aunt” Caroline who appeared generally when Cerrie and Glen were visiting from Ascension Island. I now find that the Aunt relationship was that she was Jessie Brown Addison-Williamson’s sister”.

Caroline Mary Paterson Dougall

The Herald (Melbourne) Wednesday 14th October 1931 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

TO MARRY IN ENGLAND

News of Melbourne Girl

INTO a short young life Miss Kerrie Kelly has crammed a variety of interests. Adopting acting as a hobby soon after leaving school, she drifted onto the amateur stage, making her first

appearance with the Repertory Theatre Players in "Abraham Lincoln" at The Playhouse. She was cast for the part of an aged gentlewoman. Her lines were few, but such was her sympathetic appeal that she made something out of nothing. Her natural talent was recognized. Soon after this she was given the role of a vivacious ingenue in "The Sport of Kings," by Mr Alfred Cunningham, who ran a season at the Athaeneum Theatre. This was her first professional engagement. Full of life and fun, she was able to extract plenty of colour from her first part and scored a distinct success. Prior to this she had won considerable praise for her interpretation of the Dream Child in a Repertory production of "Dear Brutus" at this theatre. Miss Kelly left here about three years ago for London, with the idea of gaining further theatrical experience, but a well-paid and congenial business appointment induced her to abandon the stage for a commercial career. Miss Kelly is the daughter of Mr. E. E. Kelly, of Bryn Awel, Surrey Hills. On entering the theatrical profession, she took the name of "Kerrie" because it was easier to pronounce than her baptismal one, Ceridwen, taken from the Welsh.

MISS CERIDWEN (KERRIE) KELLY, whose marriage to Mr Glenwyn Addison Williamson, son of Commander Williamson, R.N, (retired), of Surrey, England, will be celebrated in England at an early date.

The Herald (Melbourne) Tuesday 13th October 1931 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

LONDON ROMANCE

Miss Kerrie Kelly To Be Married Miss Ceridwen (Kerrie) Kelly, daughter of Mr E. E. Kelly, of "Bryn Awel” Surrey Hills, will be married .in England shortly to -Mr Glcnwyn Addison Williamson, son of Commander Williamson, R.N.,(retired;, of surrey, England. Miss Kelly played in many Repertory Theatre productions in Melbourne, and also appeared on the professional stage with Moscovitch, ln "The Fake" and also with Margaret Bannerman. She left last year for London, to take up a stage career there. She abandoned that idea, however. In favour of beauty culture as a profession. Miss Kelly holds an important post with Harrod's (London), where she is responsible for the buying of all beauty preparations for the firm.

Table Talk (Melbourne) Thursday 15th October 1931. Courtesy Trove (NLA).

So, another charming daughter of Australia has decided to preside over the heart and home of an Englishman. It is Cerrie Kelly, whom we all remember for her delightful impersonation of the "Dream Child" in "Dear Brutus," when given at the opening of the Athenaeum Theatre, and who, after joining up with the legitimate stage, left for England under the wing of Margaret Bannerman. Her wedding will be a most romantic one, as the ceremony of knot-tying by the Bishop of St. Helena will be on board R.M.S. Chantilly Castle en route to Ascension Island, where her home will be for the next 18 months, which time her husband will be stationed there as an officer of the Imperial and International Communications Ltd. My goodness. Rosalind, I almost forgot to mention the name of the man, in the case—Glenwyn Addison Williamson, who is the son of Commander Williamson, R.N., and Mrs Williamson, of Sheerness.

The Argus (Melbourne) Wednesday 9th December 1931.Courtesy Trove (NLA).

A wedding of interest in Melbourne will be celebrated today at Ascension Island, which lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 750 miles north west of St Helena, when Miss Ceridwen Parry Kelly, only daughter of Mr. E. E. Kelly, Boundary Road Surrey Hills, will be married to Mr. Glenwyn Addison Williamson, a son of Commander Addison Willamson, Koolunga, Gorleston, Surrey, England. Miss Kelly was well known in repertory plays here and she also toured with Moscovitch and Margaret Bannerman. Mr. Williamson is an officer of the Imperial and International Communications Limited at Ascension Island.

Table Talk (Melbourne) Thursday 17th December 1931 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

London’s Latest.

AUSTRALIAN GIRL TO MARRY AT ASCENSION; LONDON, November 12.

The end of the month will see Kerry Kelly, one-time of Melbourne, and for the last few years resident in London, waving good-bye to the white cliffs of England. She is going out to Ascension Island, that tiny speck of rock set in the middle of the South Atlantic, to be married to Mr. Glenwyn Addison Williamson, elder son of Commander and Mrs Addison Williamson, of Norfolk, England. (His mother, by the way, was an Australian). Mr Williamson is an official of the Eastern Telegraph Company, and will be stationed at Ascension for another year or so. Kerry, of course, is the popular daughter of Mr E. E. Kelly, a prominent Melbourne business man, and is known to Australians in all States through her clever stage work, both in Repertory and with The Firm. The story of her romance is itself worthy to have a stage setting. She met her fiance at a cocktail party at the flat of mutual friends, within a few weeks of his sailing for Ascension at the beginning of this year. It was a case of love at first sight, and (in spite of the sceptics) they became engaged after a very few meetings. Just now, she is busy stowing away the last of her trousseau and household effects, to be placed aboard the Grantully Castle.

Ascension, from what I hear, is a most romantically primitive place, ideally suited for a honeymoon. The wedding ceremony will be performed by the island’s doctor (in the absence of the Bishop of St. Helena, who usually officiates on such occasions) directly the ship arrives, and the honeymoon is to be spent in Ascension’s one and only holiday resort—a bungalow high up in the mountains. The bride to-be is taking out with her some delectable Bond Street tropical frillies, including an informal wedding frock of white embroidered georgette.

The Age (Melbourne) Thursday 17th March 1938 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

H.M.S. Ascension.

The only unit of the British navy which has never put in to port or never left her anchorage in mid- South Atlantic is H.M.S. Ascension, or as It has been known since 1922, Ascension Island. According to Mr. Addison-Williamson the Island maintenance officer, who yesterday arrived in Melbourne in the liner Templar, the Island was known as H.M.S. Ascension for many years, when it was in use as a mother station For ships patrolling the African coast. English men-o’-war operating against slave traders and pirates off the Gold and Ivory coasts used the little Island, which is to the north of St. Helena, as a base; and English tars suffering from fever recovered their health in the cool climate. To-day, there is a total population of 134 men, women and children on the island; and of these 100 arc St, Helenian servants; The whites are solely concerned with the servicing’ of the submarine cables which cross the Atlantic. There are no natural inhabitants of the island, which, although only 34 square .miles in diameter, has numerous extinct volcanoes,- the highest of which reaches to the height of 2800 feet.

The Age (Melbourne) Friday 18th March 1938 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

ON AN ATLANTIC ISLAND

Life Is Pleasant On Ascension

For all its isolation, Ascension Island is a very pleasant place to live, according to Mrs. G. C. Addison Williamson, who has made it her home for the last six years and a half. Her husband is attached to, the Eastern Telegraph Company, whose, cable station has given the tiny rocky island its chief cause- for existence since it was taken over from the British Admiralty in 1922. Prior to that Ascension was regarded officially as a war ship, not as an island. With the nearest land 800 miles away —and then only the sparsely settled Island of St. Helena — and with boats calling In only once a month, the little community at 'Ascension Is amongst the most isolated In the Empire. But none of the thirty British folk who live there complain of loneliness! For life flows smoothly and pleasantly on the island, and there is plenty to All the days. To compensate for its isolation and Its barrenness — Ascension Is volcanic and climbs to a mountain peak some 2000 feet high — the Island has a kindly climate that both Mr. and Mrs. Williamson, who are spending their six months' furlough visiting Mrs. Williamson's father, Mr. E. E. Kelly, in Melbourne, pronounce almost ideal. For though it is only seven degrees south of the Equator, It is never unpleasantly hot; the south-east trade winds see to that. Certainly in the middle of the day no one attempts anything more strenuous than a siesta, but the heat is never oppressive. Housekeeping is

easy there! All the English community on the Island' are attached to the cable station, and the one hundred St. Helenans who make up the rest of the population are engaged on the upkeep of the roads, buildings and the .like,- and the working of the little farm on the top of Green Mountain that keeps the island supplied with meat, eggs and dairy produce, fresh vegetables and fruit— though the latter is limited to guavas, and an occasional pawpaw. Despite, the fact that there is not a single shop on the Island, and that everything that cannot be grown there has to be brought from England on the monthly journeys of the provision boat, housekeeping is pleasantly simple in Ascension. For the St. Helenans make such excellent cooks and house boys that the housewife can, if she feels like it, leave the entire management of the home to their competent care. Living is expensive on the Island, for food on the whole is dear. But then drinks are cheap. There are only twelve women in the little English community, but theirs is a busy social life, for there are always dinner and before-dinner parties and dances to which everyone goes, but which everyone enjoys just the same. And there is golf on a nine-hole course of clinker, with sand greens, tennis, badminton and swimming in the Island's fine pool, built because it was Impossible to swim in the shark-Infested waters off the coast. There is fishing, too, such fishing as makes the Island a paradise for the fisherman. "We go fishing practically every week end," Mrs. Williamson said. "Out In the launch after tunney fish, or off the rocks for the cod or crayfish that you can catch by the sackful in half an hour. Shooting, with rabbits, partridges and wild goats for game, also helps to keep boredom at bay, while just recently the English residents purchased a talkie machine, and now picture shows have a regular place in the social programme. The films are brought from Capetown, and come often enough to have showings twice a month. The Turtles' Invasion. Though no one is allowed to visit Ascension without a permit, every year there is a regular Invasion of the island — by the thousands of turtles who come there to lay their eggs in the sandy beaches. They make a thorough Job of it, too, each female laying from 100 to 150 eggs. Fortunately for the human inhabitants, the baby turtles make for the sea just as soon as they are hatched, returning when they are fully grown. "The average turtle weighs about 600 pounds, and when every now and then one fa killed there is turtle soup for the whole Island," Mrs. Williamson said. Ascension fa a sanctuary for the sooty tern, or wide awake, and one of the sights of the island 1s to see them in their thousands on the plain that has been their home for generations. Though the little community boasts Its own church — the men officiate as lay readers and every now and then the Bishop of St. Helena pays the island a visit — and has Its own doctor and a tiny hospital, there 1s no dentist on the Island. Nor, even more serious from the feminine point of view, is there a dressmaker. Consequently the women make all, or nearly all, their own frocks. Which are not many, incidentally, since they live most of the time in shirts and shorts. But dress making is not.so cosy when one has to send at least 800 miles for every reel of cotton and every press stud. Before her marriage, Mrs. Williamson was well known in theatrical circles in Australia as Miss Kerry Kelly. She is revisiting Melbourne now, after a nine years' absence, and her husband is seeing Australia for the first time.

The West Australian (Perth) Thursday 30th June 1938 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

AN OUTPOST OF EMPIRE.

Life on Ascension Island, an important cable centre in the South Atlantic Ocean north of St. Helena, was described at Fremantle yesterday by Mr. G. Addison Williamson, maintenance officer on the island, who is a passenger by the motor ship Titania. He is accompanied by his

wife, who was formerly well bnown on the Australian stage as - Miss Kerry Kelly, having appeared in a number of plays, Including "The Fake," with Maurice Moscovitch, and "Our Betters," with Margaret Bannerman. They have been in Australia during six months' leave, and are now on their way back to the island. Ascension Island was now controlled by the Eastern Telegraph Company, Mr. Addison-Williamson said, and had a total population of 154, of which 30 were Europeans. In the event of war it would have great strategic importance, as it was on the main cable routes between Europe and the Cape of Good Hope and South America, and was also connected to the west coast of Africa. The increasing use of wireless had, however, to some extent lessened its Importance in peace time. Although ships call at Ascension Island twice a month, it is not well known to tourists, as a special permit is necessary before they are allowed to land. Even if they have a permit, however, landing Is often difficult, as the rugged coastline and frequent high seas make it necessary for them to be unshipped into a small boat in a huge basket normally used for unloading cattle. The Island could be a tourist's paradise, it is claimed, as there is good big game fishing, while the Green Mountain, the most prominent feature, abounds in rabbits, wild goats and wild donkeys. Every year thousands of turtles visit the island to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches, and some are of such size that when one is killed there is turtle soup for the whole community. Ascenton Island has no shops and no money is used, a chit on the stores or the canteen being all that is necessary. "We have a nice church," Mrs. Addison-Williamson said, "a clubhouse, tennis and badminton courts, a nine-hole golf course, a well-equipped hospital that is nearly always empty, and a doctor who is always complaining that there is not enough for him to do."

The Australian Women’s Weekly Saturday 16th April 1938 Courtesy Trove (NLA).

Glen and Kerry did return to Australia, and lived out their lives in Pakington Street in Kew, an eastern suburb of Melbourne.