Grateful thanks to David Wilson and the Kangaroo Island Pioneer Association for assistance with information of passengers on this ship
State Library of South Australia B 2006
LIGHT'S LITTLE BRIG, THE RAPID By Ida M. Forsyth THE Rapid was built in 1826 at Yarmouth, and was originally a brig with a finely carved figure head representing a greyhound. Although only 161 tons, it was considered a good seaworthy boat and was bought by the board of commissioners of the South Australian Company as a suitable vessel to send out to Australia. The company remodelled it, added a deck for passenger purposes, but as the height between decks was only 4 ft. 1 in. it was hardly luxurious. On Sunday, May 1, 1836, the Rapid left the City Canal, Blackwall, and sailed down the English Channel under the command of Col. William Light (who had had naval as well as military experience), and reached Kangaroo Island on August 17, 1836. On board, in addition to Col. Light, was Lieut. G. M. Field, R.N. (first officer), Lieut. (subsequently Vice Admiral) W. S. Pullen (second officer), Lieut. R. Hill (third officer), Thomas Woodforde (surgeon), W. Clampson, William Jacob. George and Hiram Mildred, W. Bradley. W. Gandy, Marion Gandy, George Penton, William Fremantle, William Lawes. Alfred Parker, William Chatford, John Thorpe, G. Childs. William Tuckey, William Bell, John Duncan, Robert Bush, Robert Bush, jun., William Hodges, Thomas Gepp, James Lewis, Robert Goddard, J. Thorn, Edward Gandy, and Robert G. Thomas (subsequently Government Architect, who designed the Adelaide Post Office among other buildings). Surveyors Aboard There were several surveyors aboard the Rapid, as naturally there was much surveying to be done in this unmapped country. Col. Light was appointed Surveyor-General. Lieut. Pullen, too, joined the survey staff at a salary of £100 a year. A very interesting diary of this voyage kept by her husband has been presented to the Archives by Mrs. Pullen. In this diary Rear-Admiral Pullen writes very happily of their trip. It is difficult in these modern days to picture the little two-masted sailing ship, smaller than many modern yachts, holding much of comfort for the 41 people aboard it. As the ship battled its way round the Cape of Good Hope and on across that vast stretch of the Indian Ocean that divides Australia from Africa-even now a long and often stormy voyage they must often have wondered whether they would ever reach this unknown continent, and what they would find on arrival. Confined for months in so small a space along with their food supplies for a lengthy period, their surveying instruments, and all their personal possessions, they must have been hopelessly cramped. It says much for Col. William Light that harmony was preserved in this little craft. He was a most gifted man and had had a very varied life. In the British Navy he had risen to the rank of captain, and later in the army had served with great distinction under the Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular war. Apart from this, Light was at once artist, musician, and man of letters, and it was a very happy choice that sent him as Surveyor-General to the newly founded Province of South Australia. This State owes a great debt of gratitude to the man who was far-sighted enough to plan such a city as Adelaide, with streets as wide as they are, and the parklands that encircle it. What amazes us is the vision of the man who amidst the bush and gum trees, with a handful of settlers only round him, could prepare for a city such as Adelaide today. The Rapid will always be remembered as Col. Light's ship, and his painting of it is a treasured record preserved in the Port Adelaide Nautical Museum. The Rapid was used for survey work at Port Adelaide, and in 1837 was sent to England with G. S. Kingston on board to report to. the Colonisation Commissioners on the needs of the Survey Department here. In 1840 the Rapid was sold to Capt. Arthur Devlin, but unfortunately in the same year, or early in 1841, she was wrecked on a coral island. Mr. Roper, harbormaster at Second Valley, found many years ago an old anchor at Rapid Bay on the eastern side of the beach at very low tide. He felt sure that it was the anchor lost by the Rapid, as it was opposite, according to the sketch of Col. Light, where the Rapid anchored. It must have been there a very long time to have rusted away so much. No doubt it was carried inshore by the seaweed round the chain. Among the descendants in South Australia of the passengers in the Rapid are:-Mr. Alfred Barker, Mrs. Dean Berry, Mrs. Mary L. Brown, Mr. Malcolm Collins. Misses M. K. and R. Cussen, Mrs. F. Martin. Miss Florence Mildred, Mrs. L. Wray, Mrs. Percival Stow, Mrs. Annie Ross, Mrs. Willis, Dr. Helen Mayo, Miss Mayo, Mr. Hubert Mayo. K.C., Dr. John Mayo. Miss O'Halloran, Miss E. K. Barker. Miss Emily Penton, Mrs. F. M. Pratt, Mrs. M. Stenhouse, Mrs. F. J. Sweetapple, Mrs. H. W. Wunderley.
News Wednesday 05 August 1936 page 4
BARKER, Alfred 09 June 1813 - 24 January 1880 at St. John'sWood, SA Crew
Buried North Road Cemetery Resided 10 Alpha Street, St. John's Wood, SA
Another pioneer colonist has passed away in the person of Mr. Alfred Barker, who died suddenly at his residence, at Nailsworth, on the 24th January. The deceased gentleman arrived in the colony on the 21st August, 1833, by the surveying brig Rapid, of which vessel he was chief officer, under Captain Field. He afterwards settled at Yankalilla, where he was engaged in pastoral pursuits with his former commander. Subsequently he was a squatter in the North, and we believe was at one time part proprietor of the Baldina Station. For some time he had suffered from heart disease, and on Saturday evening he was in his garden, when his daughter brought him some refreshment. Observing that he looked very ill she induced him to come inside the house, and in ten minutes he expired. Mr. Barker was widely known, more especially among old colonists, and greatly respected. He leaves a widow, two daughters, one of whom is married, and three sons.
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail Saturday 31 January 1880 page 6
BELL, William Crew - Apprentice to Colonel LIght
BRADLEY, Charles, Sarah Boatswain on the Voyage
BRADLEY, William crew
BUCK Robert snr, Robert jnr. Crew
BUCK, Robert snr. Cook on the Voyage 1795 - 07 October 1872 at Lefevres Peninsula, SA Buried Alberton Cemetery
BUCK.—On the 7th October, at Lefevre's Peninsula, RobertBuck, master mariner, late of Port Adelaide, aged 84 years. A colonist of 36 years.
Evening Journal Tuesday 08 October 1872 page 2
BUCK, Robert jnr. 17 October 1819 - 12 July 1895 at Wallaroo, SA Born Deptford, Kent, England
Another old colonist, Mr. Robert Buck, died at the residence of his son, Mr. Thomas Buck, at Wallaroo, on Friday, July 12. The deceased gentleman, who was in his 80th year, arrived with his father in 1836 in the brig Rapid in command of Colonel Light. For a number of years he resided in the Port Adelaide district where he was well known. The strip of land on the Glanville side of the Jervois bridge, for years termed Buck's flat, took its name from his father. In years gone by when the present Way and Works Department at Glanville was known as the Government dockyard, the late gentleman was engaged there as a Government employee. His remains were interred in the Wallaroo Cemetery on Sunday, and the cortege was an exceedingly long one. His wife survives him, and he leaves four sons, three daughters, 50 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Messrs. H. Buck, of the Adelaide Stevedoring Company, W. Buck, of Birkenhead ward, Port Adelaide, and N. Buck, of the north, are brothers, and Mrs. J. Griffiths, of Walkerville, Mrs. W.Tait, of Glanville, and Mrs. S. Smith, of Exeter, are sisters.
The Express and Telegraph Wednesday 17 July 1895 page 3
CHATFIELD, Alfred William Crew
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, On Tuesday, July 2nd, 1840, at noon, on the premises of A. W. Chatfield, grocer, &c, situated between Bentham and Co's. auction rooms and Messrs Hack's store, Hindley Street — All the STOCK-IN-TRADE, consisting of the usual articles to be found in general stores. By order of the Sheriff, NEALES BENTHAM, Government Auctioneer. C. B. Newenhan, Sheriff. after which Several sundries under execution of Sheriff and Magistrate's Court.
South Australian Register Saturday 25 July 1840 page 3
CHILDS, Joseph/(George) Crew
CLAUGHTON, William Surveyor
DICKSON, John
DUNCAN, John 1813 - Crew
FIELD, William George 1807 - 30 November 1850
Crew Resided Yankalilla, SA Buried Willunga St. Stephen's Anglican Cemetery
FINCH, John 1815 -
FREEMANTLE, James 1812 - 14 June 1853 at Adelaide, SA Millwright
FREEMANTLE, William
GANDY, Miss C L Housekeeper to Colonel Light
GANDY, Edward 01 December 1825 - 28 July 1902 at Glenelg, SA
GANDY.— On the 28th July, at Rose street, Glenelg, Edward, beloved husband of Emma Gandy aged 83 years. Late of the Northern Hotel.
Buried West Terrace Cemetery Plan 3 Row 2 Site 30
Mr. EdwardGandy, one of the pioneers of South Australia, died on Monday at his residence, Rose-street, Glenelg, at the age of 83 years. The deceased gentleman arrived in the ship Rapid in 1836, and was present at the proclamation of the colony. He was engaged for some years in agricultural pursuits, but being imbued with an adventurous spirit he proceeded to the Californian gold diggings in 1851, and was fairly successful there. On returning to Australia he tried his luck on the Victorian goldfields, after which he returned to this State and entered the employment of Messrs. Dean & Laughton, being a faithful and trusted servant of the firm for 20 years. After leaving their service he became licensee of the Halfway Hotel, Bay-road, and the Northern Hotel, Enfield, retiring from business in November, 1891. He had been a resident of Glenelg since. Although in enfeebled health, Mr. Gandy was present at the reception of the Prince and Princess of Wales at Glenelg last year, and also attended the last Commemoration Day celebrations. He leaves a widow, one son, and two daughters.
Chronicle Saturday 02 August 1902 page 35
GANDY, Maria 23 November 1811 - 14 December 1847 in Adelaide, SA
Col. William LIGHT's small party included, among others, James Lewis, William and Edward Gandy and their sister Maria Gandy. She is officially listed as Colonel Light's housekeeper and companion [some researchers refer to her as Light's mistress or defacto wife]. ... At his death, Light appointed Maria Gandy his sole executrix and beneficiary. She inherited all his papers on his death.
GANDY, William February 1817 - 25 April 1862 at Melton, Vic. Steward
Born Twyford, Hampshire, England Son of William and Mary Ann GANDY Publican of Brickmakers' Arms
GEPP, Thomas 1809 - 17 November 1894 at Adelaide, SA
Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia
Born Hockley, Essex, England Son of William GEPP and Mary nee WARREN Veterinarian M.R.C.V.S. Buried West Terrace Cemetery Road 2 Path 24 W 12
An old and interesting identity has gone over to the great majority in the person of Mr. Thomas Gepp of Gilles-street east, at the ripe age of eighty, five. Mr. Gepp was a native of Essex, and came out to the colony in April, 1837. After a time he paid England a visit and returned to the colony with his wife. Being a veterinary surgeon and a coltbreaker and trainer he found plenty of scope for his abilities in the young colony. He was the first veterinary surgeon appointed for the South Australian Government. In 1852 he was attracted to the Victorian diggings, but be came back wiser and sadder to resume his work among horses. Mr. Gepp was highly trusted by our wealthy colonists, and did much co improve the horse stock of the colonies. He served as trainer for among others, the late Mr. W. H. Formby and Mr. H. B. Hughes. In 1851 be went to England for Mr. G. B. Fisher and other gentlemen, on whose behalf he returned with the famous thoroughbred entire Muscovado, the thoroughbred mares Henrietta and Omen, and two well-known cart horses. Young Britain and Red Lion. The deceased gentleman was most successful as a breaker and trainer of horses, and a generation ago was a very prominent figure in the spotting community. He experienced a most remarkable number of escapes, and was the victim of numerous severe accidents, some of his limbs and ribs having been broken over and over again. As recently as seven years ago he as knocked down by a horse in the Black Ball Yards, and one of his hips was badly broken. Since then the old gentleman had to refrain from rough work, although he continued to practise his profession as a veterinary surgeon. Apart from spending a few years at Jamestown, most of his life in the colony was poised in the neighbourhood of the city. During the' Duke of Edinburgh's visit be was in charge of the stables and stud specially provided by the Government for His Royal Highness. Mr. Gepp lost his wife in 1868, and did not marry again. He is survived by two sons (Mr. W. J. Gepp and Mr. T. Gepp,solicitor), two daughters (Mrs. C. M. Morrison, of Stoakyard Creek, and Mrs. Harry Ingham, of North Adelaide), and several grandchildren. He was a member of the Church of England, and was deservedly respected by a large number of friends and acquaintances. The funeral takes place to-day, the cortege leaving the deceased's late residence at 4 o'clock for West-terrace Cemetery.
Evening Journal Monday 19 November 1894 page 3
GODDARD / GODDART / COPPARD, George
GODDARD, Robert 1811 - 22 February 1904 at Windsor, SA Crew
GODDARD.—On the 22nd February, at "Eagle-hawk" Farm, Windsor, Robert Goddard, aged 91 years. Came out in Rapid, second voyage, in 1838. Buried Dublin Cemetery Chronicle Saturday 27 February 1904 page 25
HILL, Robert Keate Crew - Second Mate
HODGES, William 1821 - 06 July 1906 at Adelaide, SA
Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia
Crew - Apprentice to Colonel Light Aged 17 years
Mr. WilliamHodges, the last of the pioneers, who came to South Australia in the ship Rapid in 1836, has died at Norwood, at the age of 84 years. Prior to leaving the land he was articled to serve under Col. Light, who was a passenger by the same vessel, for three years. When the founder of Adelaide resigned, and the late Sir George Kingston, succeeded him as Surveyor-General, Mr. Hodges's indentures were cancelled, and he went with the latter. After a while he was transferred to Mr. Simmons, and subsequently to the Survey Department, under Mr. Camion, Mr. Hodges witnessed Col. Light's burial at Light square, and always retained a vivid recollection" of the sad occasion, for, as he was wont to say, "There was nobody who did not like Col, Light: but he had many difficulties to contend with, and he was worried to death." The longest period the deceased was ever absent from the State was 22 months, which he spent in California and at the Victorian gold diggings, On his return from the latter, where he had been fairly successful, he secured the Foundry Hotel. He then began farming at Tothill's Creek, but left that pursuit to take the Royal Oak Hotel, in the neighbourhood. Subsequently he conducted various houses in the city, he had resided at Norwood for a number of years.
Observer Saturday 14 July 1906 page 36
DEATH OF MR. WILLIAMHODGES. One of the most interesting personalities of the fast-diminishing band of pioneers was Mr. WilliamHodges, who died at the Adelaide Hospital on Friday at the age of 84 years. The deceased, who came to South Australia in the brig Rapid with Col. Light in 1836, was the last survivor of the gallant and sturdy colonists who arrived by that vessel, and was well versed in the history of the province from its foundation. In the course of an interesting interview three or four years ago, Mr. Hodges remarked: -- —The Arrival of the Rapid. -- 'Yes; we sailed from London on May 1, 1836, in the Rapid, the Commissioners' surveying vessel, to fix the site of the chief city in South Australia and, the best port in the vicinity. I was 14 years and eight months old when I left home, and I was articled to serve under Col. light for three years. My indentures were drawn up in the Commissioners' office, Adelphi terrace, London. We came direct to South Australia, not calling at any ports, and arrived at Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island, on August 20 of the same year. That was a Saturday night. On the Sunday Capt. Martin, of the John Pirie, which was anchored at Kingscote, came down in a whaleboat and boarded our vessel. On the Monday we set sail for Nepean Bay. There we found two other vessels, the names of which I forget, and a lot of people belonging to the South Australian Company, who had arrived some days before us. We lay there about a fortnight, during which time I had my fifteenth birthday. When we had made our ship snug for coasting we sailed over to the mainland. The first place we called at was Rapid Bay. We then came up the Gulf, landing wherever we could. During the time we were at Kangaroo Island we fell in with one of the islanders, and Col. Light engaged him and his two black women as interpreters, as Col. Light wanted to correspond with the blacks. One of the black women told us that there was a large river up the Gulf. She had not visited it herself, but had heard of it from the men belonging to her tribe, Encounter Bay. We found it after some difficulty, and it is the present Port. We took our boats up the river. There were numerous ducks and black swans on the water, and we knocked some of them over with the oars and boathooks, and brought them aboard. On the first occasion we couldn't find the proper channel. We buoyed the entrance to it with casks, and Col. light was so impressed with the place that he made up his mind that the settlement must be somewhere in the vicinity of where Adelaide now stands. —The First Surveyors.-- ''We sailed away to Kangaroo Island, and on our journey we saw a boat making for us somewhere off Noarlunga. Mr. George Kingston and Mr. John Morphett were in the boat, which belonged to one of the islanders. They told us that the Cygnet had arrived with the surveyors and the survey labourers. Among them was Capt. Finniss, as well as wives and children of some of the labourers. We brought them over to the mainland, and formed a temporary depot at Rapid Bay, under the charge of Mr. George Kingston. We left several men, together with their wives, there. It was there the first birth occurred. Mr. James Hoare being delivered of a son. The Cygnet was sent to Port Lincoln to await the arrival of the Buffalo, with Governor Hindmarsh on board. I often heard Col. Light say that Capt. Hindmarsh was strongly in favour of Port Lincoln being the place of settlement, and so it was expected that the Buffalo would make there. After we had brought our vessel up the Port. Col. Light finally decided that it should he the place of residence. There was no news of the Cygnet or of the Buffalo, so in the beginning of December we went to Port Lincoln. We found the Cygnet still lying there, but no Governor had arrived. On our journey back to Rapid Bay we sighted the Tam o' Shanter We placed one of our officers, Mr. Pullen; afterwards Admiral Pullen, on board in charge of the Tam o' Shanter, and conveyed her over to the present Port. We sailed ahead and they were to follow us. When we got as far as Schnapper Point we found that the Tam o' Shanter was not following. Col. Light ordered the gig to be lowered and manned. I pulled bow oar. We went to see what detained the Tam O' Shanter. When we got aboard Mr. Pullen reported that Capt. Freeman had taken the charge out of his hands, and run the vessel on to the bar. Our men were sent to lower her upper gear. Next morning Col. Light visited her. Capt. Freeman told Col Light that she floated during the night. Col. Light was very angry and said Capt. Freeman should have his vessel off the bar and that he was responsible for his vessel being on shore. We spent that Christmas in 1836 lying in Port Adelaide. —First Horses and Early Surveys.-- 'Then we were ordered to go to Sydney in the Rapid to fetch horses for the use of the Survey Department. There were no cattle here then of any sort. During the time we were away the surveyors were busy laying out the City of Adelaide. After we came back, the town being finished, they started to survey the preliminary sections that were purchased in England. The Rapid was sent home to report progress, and Mr. George Kingston was the one appointed to interview the Commissioners and to state how far things had gone on. I asked Col. Light to let me remain with him on shore instead of going home. During the time the vessel was away we were busy surveying the Port road and suburban sections between the city and the Port, and mapping out the harbour. That was the last work Col. Light did outside his office. — Resignation of Col. Light.-- 'We were camped on the Thebarton section when Mr. Kingston arrived back in the Rapid. Col. Light resigned office as surveyor-General, and Mr. Kingston superseded him. When we were in Sydney we chartered a vessel to bring cattle down here. By this time we were allowed fresh meat two days a week- We had to go to the Government butcher, Mr. Crisp, for it. We were camped on the Thebarton section, on the bank of the river, and the men said we had better go and get an order for our meat. The men went to Col. Light, and he told them he would give them an order, that it was due, but that they would have to see Mr. Kingston, as he had resigned. Two of the men saw Mr. Kingston, who said — 'Col. Light has resigned, so you boys had better join me.' He took the names of the men, and asked them if there was anybody else. They said— 'There is young Bill Hodges.' I was minding the tent. Mr. Kingston said— 'Oh, I must have him.' When they came home I told them that they had no business to put my name down.I think, as near as I can judge, a couple of days afterwards the men felt uneasy. and they prepared to go and see Col. Light as to what they were to do. I also went. I was the first one to go in to see him. He said he understood that my self and others had agreed to join Mr. Kingston. I made answer and said I had never seen Mr. Kingston, much less agreed to join his party. He told me that was false. I said if it was a lie I didn't tell it. He said if I wished my indentures cancelled I could have it done. I replied 'Thank you; when will you do it?' He said he would send over Mr. James Hurtle Fisher, and that it should be done at 2 o'clock that afternoon. I was summoned into their presence, and Mr. Fisher remarked— 'Light. I don't think I can cancel these indentures without the consent of the father.' I was only a lad, and felt indignant at being told that I had spoken a falsehood, and said my father was a long way off, and that I was able and willing to get my living for myself. Mr. Fisher said 'You are; then on that condition I will cancel them.' And so my indentures were cancelled. On the following morning Col. Light, finding that he had made a mistake, sent for me; but I was young and hot-headed, and took the silly advice of the oldest man among us, who growled out— 'I wouldn't go and see him again; he blamed you wrongly.' Col. Lght had said to me when we were in the field— 'Let me see, Hodges;you didn't get a town acre.' I answered that I was away at Sydney getting horses at the time. Col. Light replied— 'Well, we must see and get you one.' Most of the men had one town acre, and one of them had two. If I had gone and seen Col. Light instead of taking the old man's advice I should have got a town acre. When you look back over the past you can see where you have made mistakes. — Mr. Hodge's Career.-- 'Well. I went with Mr. Kingston, and served under him in the Survey Department. After a while I was transferred to Mr. Simmons, surveyor. Then I went to the Survey Department under Mr. Cannon It was about this time we had orders to go and survey Hack's special survey at Echunga. We had a tent pitched on the acre about where the Labour League Hall is now in Hindley street. I was ordered to take two men by Mr. Cannon, and find a peg at the corner of South and West terraces and chain down the Bay road — they used to call it the South road then — and relay out Dr. Everard's two sections. Dr. Everard and his son went with us. That was the last day's work I did for the Government. I could not get on with Mr. Cannon. We had two or three tiffs, and I thought it was better for me to sever my connection with the department. Some days after that I articled myself to Mr. Catchlove and some builders. They were building the old original clubhouse in Hindley street. I was working there with others, when Mrs. Williams, the proprietress, said to me, 'Dear me, William, what is that?' I said, 'Where?'looked out, and said it must be Buffalo row. A young man named Joseph Drew came from the workshop in Waymouth street, and told me that Col. Light's place was burned down, also Mr. Fisher's. We went to the fire and I found that everything belonging to me had been destroyed, including clothes and all the money I had saved. Col. Light's Grave.-- 'Yes; I saw Col. Lights coffin lowered into the grave in Light square, above which the old monument stands. 'There was a great procession of people at the funeral. There was nobody who did not like Col. Light; but he had many difficulties to contend with, and he was worried to death. You know Governor Hindmarsh thought the capital should have been at Port Lincoln.' — At the Diggings.-- 'The longest spell I have been away from South Australia is 22½ months; but I have always considered South Australia my home. The week after I got back from California we got news of the goldfield discovery in Victoria. I left my wife and family here, and went to Mount Alexander goldfield. I did fairly well. I had a party of six men and a boy besides myself. I was boss of the party. In Christmas week of 1851 I washed, cleaned, weighed, and shared with my mates 52 lb. 10 oz. of gold. I had too many mates though. I remember two men leaving for Fryer's Creek, and giving their hole to us. We had not gone in 18 inches before we got 2½ lb of gold. That is included in the 52 lb 10 oz. Well, when I came back I entered into public house business. The first house I kept was the Foundry Hotel. I went to Tothill's Creek farming, and I kept the Royal Oak up there. I have kept a number of houses in the city. — Willing to Work at Eighty-one.-- 'But most unfortunate of late, what with one thing and another. I have lost every thing I had. I am 81 years of age next birthday. I was independent 40 years ago, but I lost all in speculation and business. I have always worked hard for my living, but now I have no money to go into business. I could do light work behind a counter, but I am too old for manual labour. I thank God that my health is so good at my time of life. Of those who came out on the Rapid the only two left alive are William Jacob and myself.' (Mr. Jacob subsequently died). —The First Race Meeting.-- 'I was present at the first racing meeting at Thebarton, in January, 1838. An entire called Black Jack that we brought down from Sydney, ran there. Cox and Gepp came from Sydney with us, in charge of the horses. I remember Mr. James Hurtle Fisher coming out of the tent at the races and saying, 'Here you are Thorn (that was John Thorn) and Hodges: ask your friends to have a glass of wine with you.' During the last few years of his life Mr. Hodges resided at Norwood.
The Register Tuesday 10 July 1906 page 6
JACOBS, William 21 March 1815 - 14 July 1902 at Morooroo, SA Surveyor
Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia
Mr. WilliamJacob, of Moorooroo, a pioneer of South Australia and a link with the distant past, died on Monday at the age of 88. His death will be regretted, as he was a most estimable colonist, and one of the very few who remained of the sturdy band of pioneers of 1836. Mr. Jacob came to South Australia in the brig Rapid with Col. Light, as assistant surveyor. He was employed in connection with the original survey; of the City of Adelaide, and was subsequently appointed draftsman in Col. Light's office. He assisted to combat the fire which originated in Mr. J. H. Fisher's reed hut and spread to the Lands Office, which was demolished with, all its contents, including the whole of Col. Light's papers. After Col. Light resigned the position of Surveyor-General he invited Mr. Jacob to join him as a private surveyor, which he did. The late Hon. B. T. Finniss and Mr. Nixon were also taken into the partnership, and the firm, which carried on business under the name of Light, Finniss, & Co., conducted a number of important surveys in various parts of the colony. Recently one of our, representatives had an interview with Mr. Jacob, who made the following statement:— "I came out with Col. Light in the Rapid. We sailed on May 1, 1836, and anchored in Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island, on August 19 of the same year. Light had previously served in the navy. His mother was the daughter of the chief of the Prince of Wales Island in the Indian Archipelago. The Duke of Wellington became interested in him and gave him a place on his staff, which he held through the Peninsular war. Sir William Napier, in his story of this war, made special reference to Light, whose name had been omitted previously at his own request. Napier and Light were so attached to each other that they were almost like brothers. As an evidence of the good feeling which existed between them it need only do mentioned that after Light had left the public service in South Australia Napier called upon Col. Torrens, and asked for an explanation of the Commissioners' treatment of him — treatment to which I will refer directly. There were also on the Rapid William George Field; Mr. R. W. Pulfen, who afterwards became Admiral Pullen, who was in charge of the expedition which went in search of Sir John Franklin; Mr. Claughton, formerly of the Indian Company's service; Mr. John Hill, third officer; and Dr. Woodforde. We stayed a couple of days at Kangaroo Island, where we met the company's ships the Duke of York and the Lady Mary Pelham, and then, we sailed up the gulf booking for a harbour that had been mentioned by a captain of a vessel which had visited these shores before. We anchored at Rapid Bay, so called by Light, and proceeded up the gulf, but failed to find the harbour. Pullen, was dispatched with the hatchboat, and was directed to keep along the shore, while Field went in the longboat, and the latter met Pullen coming out of the North Arm. We soon afterwards intercepted Mr. G. S. Kingston and Mr. John Morpheftt, who had come but to look for us. Light subsequently went across to Port Lincoln to examine it as a place of settlement, but he condemned it. I met Mr. B. T. Finniss and Capt. John Finlay Duff, of the Africaine, at Rapid Bay. They were delighted with the place, and wanted to know whether it was to be the site of the capital. On Light's return to Holdfast Bay from Port Lincoln Kingston was directed to follow up the creek with Morphett, and as a result they struck the Torrens. Finniss and I drew a boat truck from Holdfast Bay to the site of the present capital. When Col. Light showed us the site he had selected for the capital he was confident it was the best possible one. He said to me, I never expect the present generation to approve of it; but posterity will do me justice. And I may add here that, after 65 years' experience, I am not aware of a single instance in which Col. Light's judgment was at fault. There would never have been the squabbles with Governor Hindmarsh had the first suggestion been adopted that Napier should come out as Governor when Light was Surveyor General. Napier would not make the trip, without a company of soldiers, and that the home Government declined to give him. The survey of the city was commenced at the corner of North terrace and West terrace by light, and I was employed at the eastern end with Mr. George Ormsby. Shortly afterwards I joined Light in his office as a draftsman. While engaged in laying, out the site for the capital some of the settlers at, Van Diemen's Land who had come to inspect it told Light that grain would never grow on it. His reply was, 'We. will not only grow grain, but all the products of Spain and Portugal. Light always held that there was no harbour on the coast of Encounter Bay. There could not be a harbour on a sandy beach which received the full force of the Southern Ocean. And subsequent events have proved him to be right. Sir John Jeffcott, then acting as Judge, made up his mind against the advice of Light that he would try the Murray mouth, and he foolishly went there in company with Blenkensop, the captain of a whaler, with the result as you know that both were drowned. 'Light sustained a severe loss when he had the whole of his papers destroyed. A fire originated in Mr. J. H. Fisher's reed hut, and quickly spreading to the Lands Office demolished it and all its contents, including the papers of Light, among which was an account of his life. I was sent to carry a keg of gunpowder to a place of safety, and on returning found Light fighting with the flames, and he was so exhausted that I had to take him away. He afterwards built a cottage for himself at Thebarton where he owned No. 1 section. After he had delivered the town acres, to the various applicants Governor Hindmarsh. asked CoL Light to survey the harbour. Light's reply was that this was the harbourmaster's duty, but on His Excellency pointing out that he could not do it. Light undertook the task. While he was engaged in this I proceeded with the survey that he was engaged in on the north side of the Torrens, and proceeded nearly as far as where Mr. White's place is at the Reedbeds. Dining one day with Light at the North Arm he said, 'Jacob, this is where, the Port will come to.' I wrote to Light suggesting that he ought to make some money out of the brickfield, at Thebarton. He replied in a characteristic letter, a copy of which is in the Adelaide Town Hall today, for I took the precaution of preserving three copies of Col. Light's journal, one of which I handed to Mr. C. Peacock when he was Mayor of the city. His original letter I have in my possession now. It is as follows:— 'My Dear Jacob-- I have been accustomed to make leeway all my life. Such a thing as rounding a cape of good fortune never enters my head. Of one thing, however, I am certain — that is the situation of Adelaide.'' And that he never doubted. 'Few people know or ever knew why Col. Light left the Survey Office. I may perhaps mention here that when Light left England the commissioners told him he was to decide on the site for the capital. Light replied that adopting such a course might bring him into collision with the Governor. He was, however, assured that it would not and the commissioners intimated to Governor Hindmarsh that although Light would consult with him, still the final decision would rest with the Colonel. Light having selected the site for the capital he commenced to lay out the county lands, when Mr. Kingston, the Deputy Surveyor-General, returned from England with a message from the commissioners. This was directing Light to proceed with a running survey of the County of Adelaide, and instructing him how to conduct it. He was given a week in which to consider the matter, Light's reply, however, was — 'I don't want five minutes to consider it; I won't do it.' He very properly took the stand that he would not be dictated to by the authorities. If he were not competent to undertake the work as he thought best, he was not fit to do it at all. The upshot was that he resigned, and we sent in our resignations with him. Mr. Kingston then took office as Surveyor-General. My opinion is that Mr. Kingston ought to have declined to bring out the instructions. After we had all resigned Light asked me to join him as a private surveyor, and I consented to do so. While we were talking over the matter B..T. Finniss came in, and mentioned, that he and Mr. Nixon had decided to also start as surveyors on their own account, and we agreed to all join partner ship, the firm being called Light, Finniss, and Co. This comprised Messrs. Light, Finniss, Nixon, and myself, and Mr. R. G. Thomas as draftsman. Mr. Thomas was the elder son of Mr. Robert Thomas, one of the founders of The Register. He afterwards proceeded to England to study architecture, and returned to the colony, becoming Government Architect and subsequently secretary to the Board of Health, 'When we were in private partnership Light said that Gawler was the best site for a town north of Adelaide, and he induced Mr. H. D. Murray, a nephew of Sir George Murray, and Mr. J. Reed to take out 4,000 acres there, selecting their frontage to the river as much as possible. I went up with Mr. Flaxman as agent for Mr. G. F. Angas and Mr. Menge, a German geologist, and took out a special survey where the town of Tanunda now is. While engaged in the work we, to our surprise, met Messrs. J. Morphett, C. Fisher, and J. Hill camped near the river and out on the same errand. As soon as we saw them Flaxman slipped away quietly and rode back to Adelaide to claim the survey. I went out a second time with Flaxman and eventually Mr. Angas claimed no fewer than 28,000 acres. A short time prior to his death Light met me at Gawler on his way to report to Mr. Angas on his surveys, and he said— Jacob, if you live an ordinary life you will see these plains enclosed.' Little did we dream then that they would develop to what they are today and be connected with a railway. I may claim to have lived an ordinary life, but what has transpired has been far beyond my expectations. Light shortly afterwards died in his cottage at Thebarton. I was at his deathbed and at his funeral, and saw his body deposited where the monument now stands. I then turned my attention to pastoral pursuits.'
The Register Wednesday 16 July 1902 page 8
LAWES, William 1801 - 20 January 1858 at Adelaide, SA Gardener Resided Bowden, SA Died age 57 years May be buried West Terrace Cemetery - location and details of age and death date are unknown on their records
LEWIS, James 1812 - 14 April 1891 at Balaklava, SA
Born St. Davids, Pembrokehsire, South Wales Resided at Marino and Richmond House Balaklava Buried Balaklava Cemetery James was a member of the survey team under Colonel Light and a companion of Charles Sturt in his exploration of Central Australia from 1844 to 1846. While he was away with Sturt, Eliza successfully sought aid and support from the Chief Secretary. They had 4 children born in South Australia between 1842 and 1849. Their eldest son John born at Brighton on 12th February, 1844 became an explorer, pastoralist, and legislator. He was a Member of the Legislative Council for 25 years. John’s home Benacre still stands at Lewis Ave., Glen Osmond. One of John’s children was Essington born in 1881 who became chief general manager of BHP and director-general of Munitions and Aircraft Production during World War 2. James died at Balaklava on 14th April, 1891. He was 79 years of age. His obituary is in the Register of 16th April.
LIGHT, Colonel William 27 April 1786 - 06 October 1839 in Adelaide, SA Captain of the vessel
Born Kuala Kedah, Malaya Died of Tuberculois Buried Light Square, Adelaide, SA Light separated from his wife in 1832 because, during his absence from Egypt, she had been living with another man, by whom she later had three children. These children were later given the name of Light. At his death Light appointed Maria Gandy his sole executrix and beneficiary.
Monday, October 7. The Council met at twelve o'clock, pursuant to a special summons. Present — His Excellency the Governor, the Advocate-general, the Surveyor General the Assistant Commissioner. His Excellency stated that, on the decease of Col. Light, formerly Surveyor-general of the Province, he had felt it right to call a special meeting of Council, to consider what manifestation of respect the Government would make to the memory of one so distinguished as an officer, and who had rendered such important services to the colony. After deliberation, it was resolved that the public officers of the Colony should be invited to join in the funeral procession, and that a certain sum from the public funds should be applied towards defraying the cost of a monument to be erected over Col. Light'sgrave, or to be applied for paying such other mark of respect to his memory as the friends of the deceased might desire. The Advocate-general and the Assistant Commissioner were appointed as a committee to communicate with Col. Light's friends on the subject.
The Register Saturday 12 October 1839 page 5
MILDEN, Joseph Crew
MILDRED, George 1807 - 13 December 1874 at American River, KI Carpenter on the voyage
Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia
On the 13th December, 1874, at Kangaroo Island, South Australia, George Mildred, aged 67 years, brother of Henry Mildred, Esq., of Port Adelaide. One of the oldest colonists, having arrived with the late Colonel Light, first Surveyor-General.
Mrs Henry Dunstan of Magill, who died on July 26 was born at Port Adelaide on May 28, 1840. She was the first girl born in the Port. Her father, the late Mr. GeorgeMildred, came out with Col Light. He was a ship's carpenter, who had served his time in Portsmouth Dockyard in the service of the British Navy. Her mother, who was a daughter of the late Mr. Samuel East, came out in the Africaine, which left England a fortnight after the Buffalo (Governor Hindmarsh's ship), but arrived, at Kingscote a day or two before her. Soon after that party moved to the mainland Mr. Mildred and Miss East were married in Trinity Church, Adelaide, in 1839. When none their first child, the late Mrs. Dunstan, was born Dr. Mayo rode on horseback from Adelaide to Port Adelaide, through the swamps, to attend the case.
Observer Saturday 03 August 1912 page 41
MILDRED, Hiram Telemachus Cabin Boy on the Voyage
THE LATE MR HIRAM MILDRED.—After A short illness Mr. Hiram Mildred passed away peacefully at an early boor on Sunday morning at the age of seventy years. On Saturday he appeared to rally, but the change for the better did not last long. The late Mr. Mildred was one of the many examples we have had of the hardy Englishmen who with constitutions grounded in the old country came out and founded South Australia, and proved afterwards to the local generation that the old stock was truly a sturdy one. Mr. Mildred was but a youth when he landed on the uncultivated shores of the country destined to be his home for more than half a, century, but having come of a fine strong British stock he outlived many who were born in the land of their father's adoption. As a rule the early pioneers have had a lengthy lease of life, and there were none keener and more active than the late Mr. Mildred almost up to the day of his death. The deceased gentleman hailed from Portsea- England, and his father was the late Hon. Henry Mildred, a pioneer colonist, who came out with his family in August, 1836, with Colonel Light in the Rapid, and made his mark as a member of the Legislative Council. Mr. Hiram Mildred, who was the eldest of the family, did not stay long in South Australia after his arrival in 1836, for in the beginning of the following year he made a trip to Sydney, mainly to purchase stock. He decided to stay in New South Wales for a while, and entered into business as an agriculturist. This did not appear to satisfy him, and he returned to South Australia to start a Customs and general agency business. Like many others he caught the infectious gold fever in 1852, and went to Ballarat and Bendigo with congenial spirits who wanted to take fortune at the flood. Not finding gold so plentiful as the glowing predictions of the period indicated he decided to settle down in South Australia, and took up a farm at Goolwa, but finally engaged in a general agency business. This not proving sufficiently satisfactory he accepted the appointment of Sub-Collector of Customs at Port Augusta, and also undertook the duties of Harbourmaster, Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, Clerk of the Local Court, Chairman of the Destitute Board, District Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Secretary and Accountant of the North District Road Board—in fact, he was a provincial Pooh Bah according to the needs of the times. Although his energies were so much occupied with these multilarious duties he found or either made time to interest himself in Church matters, and was one of the leading spirits in raising the first Episcopal Church and Sunday-school at Port Augusta, in which work he was ably assisted by the late Mrs. Mildred, who was a daughter of the Rev. Henry Cheetham, a Waterloo hero. He left Port Augusta in 1877, and took up his residence in Adelaide, establishing a brokering and agency business in the city. He sat as a Councillor for Robe Ward in the City Corporation in 1882 and 1883, and was distinguished by his business aptitude. He took an abiding interest in the Adelaide Children's Hospital, of which he was Hon. Treasurer, and was devoted to the Old Colonists' Association, of which he was the Hon. Secretary. In connection with that institution Mr. Mildred worked with characteristic energy, and was regarded as a living repository of information concerning early settlers and their history. lie took a very important part in getting up the Old Colonists' Association demonstration in the Jubilee year (1887), which was so successful in every respect. Mr. Mildred not only enjoyed a reputation as a strict, shrewd man of business of high commercial standing, but was a wit and a most entertaining conversationalist. He had an inexhaustible store of anecdotes and colonial reminiscences, which, with a happy knack he possessed of saying the right thing at the right time, made him very popular. He was fond of introducing these recollections at suitable times and seasons, and consequently he was a great favourite with old and young, the old revelling in the revival of past experiences, and the young feeling a pride in the exploits of the first settlers, with whom they were in a greater or lesser degree connected. Mr. Mildred had a brother, the well-known lawyer. The late Mr. Hiram Mildred in the earlier days took great interest in Freemasonry in the colony, and was a Past Master of the Order. Latterly he held office as Treasurer in the Lodge of Harmony in Adelaide. The funeral of the late gentleman will take place at half-past 3 this afternoon.
Evening Journal Monday 22 August 1892 page 2
Mr. HiramMildred forwards us the following interesting letter : — 'The descriptions of Teetulpa country remind me much of the character of that about Mount Alexander and Forest Creek, which proved, if not the most permanent, certainly the great or grand opening of gold mining in Victoria, affording ample returns and livings for thousands upon thousands of poor men diggers, who flocked there during the early part of 1852 and after. Had it not been for this barren, hungry-looking, ironbark country of Mount Alexander furnishing such a splendid field- for the surface digger it is doubtful whether for some years at least Victorian gold mining would have attained so high a position as it has done. It was the diggings, the great desideratum for the digger of small or extremely limited means to lay the foundation in that which enabled him to look further afield — to Bendigo, Ballarat, and other places for quartz reefing, which has developed an industry unequalled in. history in any other country in the world. With referenceto the difficulty of water for gold washing being at the alarming distance of 5 miles, I may remark that when I left Forest Creek in the early part of 1852 with my party for Bendigo we were not at all frightened even in comparatively a strange country to know that we should have to cart four or five miles for washing purposes. We arrived at Golden Gully late in the day, laid a- tarpaulin over some boughs, set in at once and forwarded on to the Sheepwash four miles distant oar main body, tent, and plant. Here we had to cart all our washings to day after day, and thought it no hardship. We were all too proud and high spirited to cry to the Government for any help — indeed if we had tried on the milch cow dodge we should have been told to go to — — . I think there is some analogy in the two cases. As regards the nuggets I nave seen from Teetulpa, they remind me much of the Friars Creek gold in color, washedworness, and general shape, and if as at Friars Creek it turns out that there is much to be got there will be years of work for email diggers. Touching this discovery, I believe it is not recently have heard it repeated that some years ago it was found. The discoverer received a bonus to dear out and say nothing about it, for good reasons, it being near and on a ran. I estimate the worth of this discovery on the reports of the officials more than any outside opinions, and most fervently hope for the good of South Australia that it may escape that miserable superficial test which has almost invariably been the fate of any gold discoveries in South Australia ; and now that the depression has driven men to seek employment, that they will go there, try it, and give the field as far as possible that crucial test which -the Victorian diggings underwent before they were proved by many adventurers, some of whom would have given their heads to get home again, with the impression that there was little or no gold at Mount Alexander. They, how ever, were forced to remain and work or die, and under the circumstances persevered and succeeded, in many instances became rich, and with others certainly put beyond a doubt the exceeding riches of Victoria. Such let us hope may be the endeavors and results at Teetulpa, First come first served. Now, men at the corners, don't delay to make a start.'
South Australian Weekly Chronicle Saturday 23 October 1886 page 6
PENTON, George 1810 - 04 July 1867 at Adelaide, SA Crew - Shepherd
After Tom Giles bought Troubridge Hill in 1853, Penton became his manager/overseer and the run was renamed Penton Vale. John Bramley was one of the Penton Vale shepherds. Tuckokcowie was sold by the middle of 1858 and Parrington moved to Port Adelaide. Tom Giles then offered Parrington a job as overseer at Penton Vale with George Penton as chief overseer. Yorke Peninsula was surveyed for farming in 1868 and agricultural selection began in 1869. Tom Giles chose his most reliable men and offered them 50 if they would take up blocks and sell them back to him when the purchase was complete. Only four men were doubtful; Parrington, George and Joe Elliott and John Bramley. The new farming settlers moved into tents near the site of Edithburgh in March 1870 and the sale of Edithburgh blocks took place in April 1871. Charles Parrington retired to Coobowie around 1878 and died in 1882. Penton Vale was cut up for closer settlement in 1899.
We see by the Adelaide papers that Mr George Pen ton, Penton Yale, is dead. Penton Yale is the head station of Anstey and Giles, on the Peninsula, and Mr Penton was for many years the chief overseer of that station and of the neighbouring station of Gum Flat, belonging to the same gentlemen. When Mr Penton arrived on the Peninsula the blacks were wild and extremely ferocious ; no flock of sheep was safe from their depredations, and no white man knew when he was safe from being speared or waddied to death. The firm but judicious measures which Mr Penton adopted on his taking charge of the Gum Flat station speedily tended to put matters on a somewhat different footing, and in the course of time there was not a black on the Peninsula who was not restrained from the indulgence of the savage propensities by the wholesome dread which he had of the name of GeorgePenton. Mr Penton was very skilful in the management of sheep, and in that respect was much trusted and liked by his employers.
Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal Wednesday 24 July 1867 page 2
PULLEN, William John Samuel 04 December 1813 - 22 January 1887 in England Crew (Naval Officer)
DEATHOF VICE-ADMIRAL PULLEN. Our London cablegrams announce the death of Vice-Admiral W. J. S. Pullen, one of the early colonistsof South Australia. He arrived in South Australian waters in the brig Rapid on August 2O, 1836, being one of the staff of Colonel Light, Surveyor-General of the colony. The other members of the staff were Lieutenant Field, R.N., Messrs. W. Hill, Wm. Jacob, and C. Claughton, surveyors; Dr. Woodford, and Alfred Barker, mate, and other survey hands. The first selections of land had been made at Kingscote, but Kangaroo Island having been pronounced unsuitable as a first place of settlement by Colonel Light, most of the South Australian Company's officers, servants, goods, and plant were removed to Port Adelaide or Holdfast Bay. The deceased gentleman, who then held no commission, but was plain Mr. Pullen, proceeded with his chief up the gulf with a view of discovering the beautiful harbor which had been spoken of by Captain Jones. Mr. Pollen had much to do in searching for the harbor and the disappointment which resulted is very graphically depicted in the diary of Colonel Light. The following letter written by the Vice-Admiral to Mr. Hirum Mildred, and bearing n the selection of Port Adelaide as the principal port of the colony, will doubtless be read with interest: —"After passing what is now Holdfast Bay, we still went further up St. Vincent's Gulf, without finding what we heard of then as the 16-mile creek, and without discovering it we were getting very discouraged. So the colonel sent me off with the hatch-boat to follow the coast close in shore that nothing might escape, whilst he in the brig kept further off shore. When we got pretty well up the gulf we turned to go back again in the same order, viz, I in the boat, following close along shore, while he, naturally, was obliged with the brig to keep off in deeper water. But all of a sudden I lost sight of the brig and exclaimed to Claughton, who was with me—' Why, where is the brig? We have got something here, so we began to observe closer and sound more frequently, especially as we got good depths, and land on either hand showing a good wide channel. After a little time, fearing we might have got into a bight and be embayed, I anchored and took to the gig we had with us, and pulled on in the same direction, when on rounding a point on the starboard hand, which appeared to be the west part of some land and a channel leading out seaward, we saw a boat coming towards us, and I soon with the glass recognised Field (chief officer of the brig). Well, we joined company, and he told me that the brig had anchored about four miles off, outside a spit of sand and he had left her and had come in to look for me and see what sort of a place it was. We agreed it might be the creek we had so diligently sought for, and that it might be the port we wanted, especially as there was a wide stretch of water opening out to the eastward to be examined, and which the colonel should see and decide upon. As it was then too late to do anything that night, Field went back to the brig and I to the hatch-boat. The next day I went to the brig and reported myself to the colonel, and gave him my ideas. We went back again is the hatch-boat, and thoroughly examined the whole place, and although we could not find any fresh water, we considered it would answer the purpose of a port. Colonel Light decided that it should be the Port, for there seemed a very extensive stretch of good deep water. The branch of which I entered, called the North Arm, had the greatest depth of water, but what we were then examining is the harbor in present use. On returning to the brig we got under way, and steered down the gulf towards Yankalilla Plains. In a bay here we rode out a heavy gale of wind, and finding the holding ground so good (although very indifferent shelter from a south-west wind) we named it Holdfast Bay. We then went to Port Lincoln, and although we found it a magnificent harbor Colonel Light could not consider it or the surrounding country good for a first establishment. We therefore returned to St. Vincent's Gulf, and ultimately decided on Port Adelaide to be where it is now, and the capital Adelaide to be where it is, about seven miles in a South-east direction over a splendid plain of park like appearance, with the River Torrens passing through to it." In another letter he says:—"l see in portions of Colonel Light's journals which have appeared in the papers, that not one mention of my name is made in them in connection with the discovery of Port Adelaide. I believe I was the first in it, ie, the southern reach of the present harbor. You cannot forget the brig dropping me with the hatchboat on September 28, 1836, when I got into an opening above the present entrance, and finally anchored in the North Arm, thence proceeding southerly in the gig, I passed up the long southern reach. On my return I met Mr. Field in the jolly boat. On the next day I sailed out in the hatch boat by Light's passage, and on arriving on board the Rapid reported what I had discovered in my trip up the long southern reach, on receiving which the Surveyor- General decided to return with me the next day, on which occasion he confined himself to an examination of the eastern branch of the creek, and a patient search for fresh water. I have to complain of much the same treatment as to the Murray Month, as I was the first to enter that river from the sea. I feel great interest in that champion stream, and in the colony generally in the establishment of which we had something to do, and it seems to be flourshing wonderfully." Shortly afterwards Admiral Pullen was dispatched with the Surveyor-General to explore and survey the mouth of the Murray. In a further letter he says:—" While engaged at the Murray Mouth the Governor and Surveyor Nixon were with me on Barker's Knowle when I was first sounding in and out. I have seen several plans and sketches of the channel, but only one of them agrees with the coarse it hid when I sailed in in the cutter Watertritch, and the river only found that course a few days before I ordered the cutter to Encounter Bay for the purpose of sailing her in. Indeed the course direct out had changed so suddenly that I had no time to sound the neurone, which winded so much that I felt very anxious about it, but I could not give it up, so risked it, and happily succeeded." The admiral had sufficient adventures at this period of his career. On one occasion on going through the Murray Mouth in a boat specially built for river work he was thrown oat into the surf. Then when he started on the survey of Lake Alexandrina he was burnt out while fitting up at Encounter Bay, and what notes he had, with everything else he possessed, were destroyed except a pair of trousers he seized when he tumbled out of his cot to escape the burning element. All his instruments were lost, and he had to walk to Adelaide, 30 miles, to replenish everything. A serious fall from a vicious Timor pony is also numbered amongst bis experiences in this part of the colony, in one of his letters he said he did not know lion- often he passed down the south eastern branch of the Coorong, but the last time was when he went to hunt the murderers of the shipwrecked passengers and crew of the Maria. It was not long after his accident at Encounter Bay that the admiral took a party, including Governor Gawler and two ladies—Mrs. Short and the Governor's eldest daughter'—up the Murray. A camp was formed at the North- West Bend. A small party started off to explore, and one man named Bryant was lost, the Governor, according to the subject of this memoir, being "nearly gone also." "In fact," he adds, "all the party came into the camp in a most exhausted state, also Stort and Inman, who had separated from the Governor. One horse had been killed to cave human life." It must be mentioned that the admiral surveyed Port Elliot and an island there which was called by the Governor Pollen's Isle. Writing only a few years ago he says—" I still feel great interest in the Murray Mouth, and indeed in all else in the colony. I should like to hear of that river being brought into closer connection with Adelaide and the Port by rail. The sea mouth must be such a heavy undertaking, and no means of estimating the end of the cost, so that it bad better be dropped for the time." Referring to his departure from the colony the deceased gentleman wrote as follows:—" On or about May 10, 1811, Captain George Grey arrived at Adelaide to supersede Colonel Gawler in the government of the colony, and, as I soon learnt, to reduce the expenditure of the colony to the lowest ebb. I went up to Adelaide and found everyone in the greatest state of excitement at the changes Governor Grey was empowered to effect in Colonel Gawler's wise administration of the colony, so likely, to lead to the ruin of many, especially the pioneers of the colony, and I found it so likely to lead to the abolition of my appointment as marine surveyor that I decided on resigning at once, and particularly as Governor Gawler had resigned entirety. On an interview with him, and in informing him of my decision, be said, 'Well, Mr. Pullen, there is a ship in the port, the Lord Glenelg, which brought Captain Grey and suite out, and wants a captain to complete her charter and take her to England; now if yon can get her I will with my family go home with you as passengers'—an opportunity it to be lest—so I immediately applied for the command and succeeded. But it was necessary to return to my camp at the sea mouth to at range with my men, who out learning what I was about to do decided on following me if I would take them, and as they were all sailors such a chance was got to be missed and I gave them a willing assent. Soon after the news reached Adelaide of the seizure of the cattle and cheep under the charge of Mr. Inman that he was bringing into the colony from Sydney. They had not only lost the cattle, but in their attempt to protect them had suffered terribly themselves, and a party had been organised to proceed immediately to assist them, and I was ordered to send my boats up the Murray to assist, which my men in a body refused to do. At the same time I was asked what would be the possible expense of taking the Waterwitch out of Port Pullen and on to Port Adelaide. I told them it was quite possible, and if I could be ensured employment for the next six months I would take the vessel out and all the boats and leave them at Port Adelaide. Of my proposition the Government took no notice, so after a reasonable time had elapsed I broke up my camp in the beginning of July, 1811, leaving Mr. Scott in charge, and I with all ray sailors proceeded to Port Alelaide, where I embarked in the Lord Glenelg, took the command, and in the end of July, 1841, sailed for Moulemein, Barmah, where I was to load with teak timber, -which I eventually accomplished. Then sailed for England, touching at the Cape of Good Hope, and finally arrived in the River Thames in May, 1842. Colonel Gawler did not come with me, for learning that the Lord Glenelg was an old North American built ship he did not like risking his family on so long a voyage. I was 11 months in accomplishing it, and although I felt no doubt about getting over it I was greatly rejoiced when I got the old ship safely in the Thames, and more so when I got her safely in the West India Docks and was clear of her. Previous to that I had received a letter of high commendation from the South Australian Company in England, thanking me for my services in Australia, particularly that of opening up communication with the sea by taking the vessels into the entrance of the mouth, thus opening the whole interior of New Holland by the rivers Murray, Darling, and Murnrmbidgee, and Lake Alexandrina. Returning to England Admiral Pollen soon found active and congenial employment. Leaving England once more he found at Valparaiso superintending the loading of a small brig which had been chartered by the commander-in-chief of the station to take stores and provisions to the Sandwich hies for the Arctic ship in Bebring's Straits. He went in the brig to join the ship. He had been sent from England to join the vessel at Panama, but she did not visit that port, and he consequently lost his passage. It was not until June, 1849, that he boarded her, and ten days later he left in her boats to search the Northern Arctic coast of America in quest of Franklin. He wintered two years and a half with the furtraders of the Hudson Bay Company, entering the Elvers MacKenzy and passing right through North America to York Factory at the bottom of Hudson's Bay. He got home with his men in October, 1851. Next year he went out again to Davis Straits, Lancaster Sound, and Beachy Isle, and was shut up in the ice for two years. The ship he commanded was the only one of that expedition that returned to England of the squadron of five which left home in 1852. He reached England in time to take part in the Russian war, and at the bombardment of Jeddah he had no less than eleven of the murderers of the British Consuls executed by decapitation. "I cot," he stated, "more than two salutes of thirteen guns each from two of our men-of-war who arrived after I had finished the bombardment. I also received a letter from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in acknowledgment of that affair." In 1861, after his return from the Arctic regions, the admiral was engaged in the Bed Sea sounding for the first cable which was to connect India with the western world. There he had an audience with the Khedive of Egypt, who remarked, " Why your Government first freeze you, and then send you here to be thawed." This work having been completed the admiral was in hopes that he would have something of the same kind to do in connection with South Australia, but, as he has expressed it, "the Lords of the Admiralty did not seem to enter into the spirit of enterprise sufficiently to spare one of her Majesty's ships for the purpose." Nothing, he states, would have given him greater pleasure than to take the Cyclops, "rotten as my old ship was," into Port Adelaide. He found nothing to do —the hardest work he ever had. Here our history of the more active part of the life of Admiral Pullen comes to a close. His name will ever be associated with the pioneering work of South Australia, and particularly will be remembered in connection with the River Murray. For some time past he had been living a retired life in the old country, and he has passed away leaving behind the record of a blameless and honorable life. He fully believed that South Australia, with whose colonisation he was largely identified, had a prosperous future before it, and his prediction that "Adelaide will be eventually the chief settlement in Australia" will doubtless be re-echoed by many patriotic South Australians today.
South Australian Advertiser Wednesday 19 January 1887 page 5
THOMAS, Robert G
THORN, John Frank 27 April 1812 - 28 June 1900 at Knightsbridge, SA Crew
Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia
A COLONISTOF1836. The passing away of such an old and valuable colonist as Mr. John Frank Thorn, calls for more intended notice than a brief announcement in the obituary columns of a daily newspaper. Mr. Thorn, who died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. Cooper, at Knightsbridge, towards the end of last week, was among the first white men to set foot on the mainland of South Australia, in the year of its establishment as a colony— 1836. The colony owed a particular debt of gratitude to the late gentle man, in that he was one of the most valued of the associates of the late Colonel Light in the survey of the City of Adelaide, the town of Gawler, and other places. He arrived in the ship Rapid, which carried be sides Colonel Light and his staff such old colonists as the late Mr. Hiram Mildred, Mr. William Jacobs, and Mr. William Hodge — the two last named Mr. Thorn believed to be still living in South Australia at the time of his death. There were other vessels at the anchorage when the Rapid arrived in August, 1836. but none of the passengers had yet landed, and Mr. Thorn assisted to row to shore the first boatload of people who set foot in the new colony. The Rapid had previously called at Rapid Bay and Port Lincoln, and at both those places, and also in other spots around the coast in Spencer's Gulf, Mr. Thorn took the first soundings— a work for which by early training he was specially adapted. He also took the first recorded soundings at the anchorage and in the Port River. He was born in 1812, so that he was 24 years of age on his arrival in South Australia, and 88 at the time of his death. His boyhood and youth were spent in service in the British navy; he was present at the battle of Navarino and the bombardment of Patras, and before he left the service to join Colonel Light he had attained the rank of a petty officer. He remained with Colonel Light in South Australia until that distinguished officer's death. He was fond in later years of telling how he assisted at the burial of Colonel Light in Light-square, and asserted that there was no truth in the statement that his late chief was not buried under the present monument— a structure which, by the way, he considered a disgrace to the colony which owed so much to the man who rested beneath it. One of his most cherished possessions was a lock of hair clipped from the head of his chief after death. Mr. Thorn saw stirring times in the early forties, when he travelled stock for the South Australian Company from Sydney to Adelaide. On one occasion his party had continuous fighting with the Rufus River blacks in the Darling country, and were only rescued by volunteer parties after they had withstood for two days the attacks of the natives, who were a bigger and finer set of men than most of the other tribes in the district. After that a brief visit to the Bendigo goldfields in the early fifties was Mr. Thorn's only absence from South Australia. Until about five years ago his sturdy, thick-set figure and kindly weather-beaten face were well known in the city and suburbs, and he frequently attended the annual gatherings at Glenelg on Commemoration Day; but latterly his health had failed considerably, and he was rarely able to go far from his home at Knightsbridge. He has left three unmarried and three married daughters— Mrs. W. Cooper, Mrs. Day, and Mrs. Uffendell, and two sons, Messrs. G. H. and John Thorn, recently of Hahndorf.
South Australian Register Friday 06 July 1900 page 6
THORPE, John
TRUSSELL, James 1826 - 30 November 1895 at Cobdogla, SA Crew
Born Norfolk, Essex, England Buried Renmark Cemetery Mr. James Trussell, Manager of Cobdogla Station, near Overland Corner, who died recently, was one of the oldest colonists and one of the earliest pioneer, on the Murray. Few even, if any, were more widely or generally known in those parts. He came to the colony as a boy with Colonel Light in the brig Rapid in 1836, a,d served with him afterwards in a private capacity. He was with the Colonel when he died, and was present at the burial in Light-square. Subsequently he went into the employ of the late Mr. John Chambers, and ultimately was sent up the Murray, where by perseverance and hard work he became sole Manager of Cobdogla, a position which he occupied for forty-five years. The deceased seldom took a holiday or visited the city, devoting his life above all to his employers interests. An observant and shrewd judge of stock, energetic and hard-working, always ready and willing to learn he soon gained the confidence of his employers.
The deceased was of splendid physique, and of a hospitable and kindly disposition, and was an experienced horseman. On one occassion in trying to head a wild steer, the beast made straight for the Murray cliffs. Mr. Trussell tried to turn it in vain, and the steer went over. He threw himself off the horse on the brink of the cliff, and the horse and the steer were drowned in the Murray beneath. In the early days the blacks were very troublesome, and cattle rustling and horse stealing were rife. Many lively scenes took place, but the deceased managed to breast them all by his firmness and determination. Fearless and intrepid, he was the type of a manager for those times. Ever kind-hearted and true to those he knew, he was ever ready to give them a welcome and a "shakedown". "What we have got you are welcome to," was his greeting. The deceased was married twice, and six children, most of whom are grown up, survive him. He was sixty-nine years of age.
South Australian Register Thursday 12 December 1895 page 7
TUCKEY, William 12 June 1814 - 01 December 1864 at Sussex Street, North Adelaide Crew
Born Cosham, Hampshire, England Buried Walkerville Methodist Cemetery - no headstone TUCKEY.—On the 1st of December, at his residence Sussex-street, North Adelaide, William Tuckey, aged 51 years.
South Australian Advertiser Friday 02 December 1864 page 2
WHITE, John C
THE FIRST METHODIST PREACHER IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Mr. John C. White, whose photo, is reproduced here, stands perhaps foremost among pioneer Methodist workers. When Mr. White arrived with his family in the "Rapid" from London in the year 1836 he set to work with a few kindred spirits and collected fourteen others to form a class meeting—the nucleus of a church. The particulars of this are noted in the Rev. J. Blacket's "History of South Australia," p. 381. Also in his "Missionary Triumphs," p. 179. Mr. White is also particularly mentioned in "The Life of the Rev. D. J. Draper," by the Rev. J. C. Symonds, p. 47. To Mr. J. C. White belongs the honour of conducting the first Methodist service and preaching the first sermon on the mainland in the tent of our pioneer banker, Ed. Stephens. Shortly afterwards the church was formed in Adelaide, and called the Wesleyan Methodist Society. Fifteen persons handed in their names as members. Mr. John Ottaway, of Birkenhead, knew most of these, and remembers them well. They were: William and Sarah Pearce, Edward and Emma Stephens, Joseph and Elizabeth Middleton, Jacob Abbot, Isaac and Elizabeth Jacobs, William Croxdale, Edward and SusannahBurgess, John and Mary White, and Tabitha Wickam. Brother White continued to advance the interest of the little church until the advent of the Rev. Wm. Longbottom. Some years afterwards he removed with his family to Bathurst, New South Wales, where he passed away at a ripe old age.
Australian Christian Commonwealth Friday 12 November 1915 page 11
WOODFORDE, John 1810 - April 1866 Ship's Surgeon on the voyage to Australia
Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia
He was the ship's surgeon on the 'Rapid' and upon arrival in the colony was appointed by Colonel Light as surgeon to the Survey Department at Rapid Bay. He later established a private practice in Hindley Street. He was appointed Coroner for Adelaide in 1857.
1857 - 1866 Coroner Buried North Road Cemetery John Woodforde was born in Somerset, England in 1810, to Harriet and Dr John Woodforde, a doctor in general practice. He gained his medical qualifications in 1832 and 1833, and was engaged as surgeon on the Rapid.
Once his appointment as Surgeon on the Rapid had ended, he was hired by Colonel Light as surgeon to the Survey Department at Rapid Bay. In 1837 he held consulting hours in the settlement of Adelaide and purchased land in North Adelaide, and in 1838 he married Caroline Carter. He was Coroner from 1856 till 1866 and was the fifth doctor registered with the Medical Board. John Woodforde died April 11 1866.
It is with unfeigned regret that we announce this morning the death of John Woodforde, Esq., M.R.C,S. Coroner for Adelaide. Mr. Woodforde was one of the earliest South Australian the first survey vessel — the Rapid — early in 1836, with Colonel Light and the Survey Staff, to which he was surgeon. He settled in Adelaide, where he continued to practice his profession up to within a very short time of his death. In 1857 he was appointed Coroner, and he has held the appointment ever since, though within the last few months his health prevented his discharging the duties of the office. The fatal illness which has snatched away another of the pioneers of the colony is disease of the heart, which terminated fatally on Wednesday evening, about 8 o'clock. The termination was sudden, but not more so than was anticipated from the nature of the complaint.