Harper Family

Andrew Harper and his wife, Maria Gleghorn, were both born in County Antrim, Ireland. They were married in Templepatrick, Antrim on December 23 1834. Between 1835 and 1841 they had 3 children – Paul, Samuel and Henry. Paul was 6 years old, Samuel was 4 and Henry was just 7 months old when they boarded the Marquis of Bute in Greenock, Scotland to make the three and a half month voyage to Australia.

In 1847, six years after their arrival, their fourth son John Phillip Harper was born in Geelong. Not much is known about their activities after arrival, but both Andrew and Maria died accidentally. Maria was just 44 when she burned to death in their hut at Creswick in 1859. This was recorded in the local Ballarat Star newspaper as well as other newspapers of the day as far afield as Grafton.

“The inquest on Maria Harper, whose death we chronicled in our last issue, took place before the District Coroner at the Dean Inn, on Monday, 25th inst. Andrew Harper, the husband of deceased deposed to his son Henry coming to him in the Forest on Saturday afternoon with the news that his mother was burned to death. On returning home he found deceased lying on the floor of the hut, quite dead, being dreadfully burned over nearly the whole of her body. The clothes about her shoulders were still smouldering when the son first discovered her. No evidence was given which accounted for the manner in which the accident happened, and the jury returned a verdict of death by burning, believed to have been caused by the clothes of deceased having accidentally caught fire.“

Andrew Harper was 72 when he died of asphyxia after choking on a piece of meat at the Carriers Arms Hotel in Ballarat. His death was reported in the Kilmore Free Press.

“At Ballarat, on Thursday, Andrew Harper died suddenly whilst taking his tea at the Carriers’ Arms Hotel. An inquiry subsequently held showed he had choked himself with a piece of meat.”

Samuel Harper, the second oldest son of Andrew and Maria, married Honorah Ryan and settled at Riddells Creek in Victoria. They had 15 children between 1866 and 1892.

Ryan Family

Honorah Ryan was the daughter of Patrick and Sarah Ryan (nee McInerney) from Limerick Ireland. We believe they travelled to Australia around 1852. Patrick’s death was reported in several newspapers including the Ballarat Times and  the Bendigo Advertiser.

A MAN DROWNED AT THE RAILWAY WORKS -

“Dr. Glendinning held an inquest on Saturday, at Warrenheip, on the body of Patrick Ryan, who was found drowned in a quarry hole, near Warrenheip, on that day. It appeared that the deceased was about 55 years of age, was a blacksmith by trade, and had been for some years much addicted to drink. He was seen last alive on Sunday night, the 16th December. He accompanied his wife to near her home, but she was obliged to fly from him. as he had abused her and torn all her clothes. He was seen at an hotel at Warrenheip with his wife’s bonnet in his hand after she had parted from him, and, although drunk, he had some gin at the hotel. From his leaving the hotel nothing was heard of him until his body was seen floating in the quarry belonging to the railway works on Saturday morning. The quarry lay on the direct road from the hotel to his own house, and was about 66 feet in length and the same in breadth, and had about 6 feet of water in it. A post mortem examination was made, but no marks of violence were discovered on tho body of deceased. The various organs appeared to be in an ordinarily healthy state. The following was the verdict of the jury:-” That the deceased was drowned on the l6th December, by having accidentally fallen into a waterhole near Warrenheip, while returning to his home in a state of intoxication.” The jury further considered that the railway contractors should be required to fence round the said waterhole.-Ballarat Times.”

Sarah was 86 years of age when she died of “bronchitis and senility” in Winchelsea, Victoria.

Trew Family

Samuel Trew was born in Whitham, Essex, England. It is unknown how he travelled to Australia but it is very likely that he sailed to Australia from Cork, Ireland with the 40th Regiment of Foot 2nd Somersetshire 1852. It is believed he was with George Trew who was most likely his cousin. In the 1841 census for Whitham there are two George Trews, aged 8 and 9 and Samuel Trew aged 13 all living in different houses with different parents. In 1855 the Victorian police gazette reported George Trew as having deserted:

TREW, George Pte 2962 40th 22yrs, 5’7”, fair complexion, light hair, grey eyes; labourer; born Witham, Essex; deserted at Sandhurst on 10.12.1855.

Less than a week before that police report, Samuel Trew married Charlotte Moorse under a different name – William Taylor. On the marriage certificate he put his correct age (27) and he said his parents were William & Hannah Taylor. His parents were actually William & Hannah Trew. He also put his correct birthplace (Whitham Essex) and occupation (brickmaker).

Charlotte Taylor/Trew died from ‘miscarriage and disease of the liver’ at the age of 35 at Harrow in Victoria. On the same death certificate is a ‘Taylor not named’ female 7 hours old with the cause of death being ‘premature birth no medical attendant at the time of death’. Charlotte’s profession was ‘Matron’.

When Samuel married his second wife Margaret Lough (nee Pye) in 1880, his ‘condition’ was stated as ‘widower’ and he used his correct name. His children, who had been born Taylors all changed their surnames to Trew.

Margaret Trew was 71 when she died from ‘senility and ulcers on legs’. There were several children listed from her first marriage. The informant was ‘Edward Trew stepson Warracknabeal’. Her parents were Robert Pye (cabinet maker) and Ann Pye (formerly McGregor).

Samuel was 75 when he died of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia on August 7 1903. His first wife (Charlotte Moorse) appears on the death certificate but second wife does not. There are marriage certificates for both marriages.

Bown Family

Samuel Bown was born in Bakewell, Derbyshire England in 1833. It is unknown exactly when he travelled to Australia but he appeared on the census in England in 1851 and there was a Samuel Bown aboard the ship ‘Dirigo’ which sailed from Liverpool to Adelaide in August 1854.

Samuel married Catherine Long, who was born in Cork Ireland, on 9 Dec 1861 at the Streatham Hotel in Streatham Victoria. They had 9 children including twins Alice and Elizabeth between 1862 and 1878. Samuel was 51 years old when he drowned in a waterhole.

Catherine was 75 years of age when she died of ‘Senile Decay and Heart Failure’ on march 16 1912. According to the marriage certificate, her father was Denis Long (occupation – miller) and her mother was Honora (nee Callaghan). Samuel’s parents were Robert Bown (occupation – carpenter) and Ann (nee Bradbury).

The Bowns were well known around Warracknabeal for a number of reasons both good and bad. Robert Bown was convicted of manslaughter in 1881. After serving time for that crime he again fell foul of the law in 1886. He was again sent to prison and some time after his release he married Agnes Schiller and then moved to Western Australia. Ronert died in 1928 aged 64.

Mary Ann Bown, wife of William Trew and known affectionately as ‘Gran’, was recognised as one of the pioneers of the wheat belt in the Wimmera district.

“Ploughing, clearing and the slaughtering of a sheep was all part of a day’s work for ‘Gran’ in the olden days of which she loved to reminisce with her old friends.“

Mary is remembered to this day for her great devotion to the Warracknabeal Football Club. Even when the club history was written in 1986, 34 years after her death, she was the only supporter singled out for particular comment. Mary followed the fortunes of the club from as early as the 1890’s, and many of her descendants – Trew, Bloomer, Jaensch and Hinch – became players.

William James /Ernest Harper and Annie Maria Harper nee Smith, Fraser

My grandfather William James Harper married a widow Annie Maria Smith nee Fraser. Annie Maria had 2 girls and a son who later died in a drowning accident at Riddells Creek. Annie Maria was born to Charles Fraser and Maria Lush at Elphingstone near Tarradale in Victoria in 1863. She was 12 years older than William when she married him in the Registry office 442 Queens St Melbourne on the 19^th January 1900.

Their wedding certificate shows them both living in Footscray at that time. There were only two children from the union and the marriage was not to last

George Eric (Eric)                        19.11.1901     to   1980                  Queensland

Ira Charles Norman   (Norm)      11. 4. 1905     to    22.3. 1975         Kensington Vic

Nothing much is known about William, judging by what Annie Marie stated in the Gisborne court he deserted her just after Ira Charles Norman was born and went to live in Tasmania.

A 1907 newspaper article reported on a court case involving William Harper described as a hairdresser and tobacconist being arrested for desertion and failure to pay maintenance. In Annie’s words she suffered six years of abuse before William walked out of home one day and did not return. In the court they argued back and forth about maintenance William had sent a small amount of money to her during the time he was away and told her he had accommodation for her and the children and asked her join him she refused.  The court ruled that he had not deserted her. As she did not want to go and live with him in Tasmania he got off the hook.

He was originally arrested in Burke St (presumable Melbourne) by a constable that knew him personally, having recognized him as the barber on the ship when he went with to the Transvaal. Knowing there was a warrant out for his arrest he said “Your William Harper and I have a warrant for your arrest.”

William gave him another name but soon realized the game was up and admitted to the police officer that he was the person on the warrants The warrants were for desertion and theft of a pair of hair clippers. The case of theft was dismissed as the claimant could only identify them by the fact that the last man s hair he cut was grey and there was grey hair on the clippers, not real good evidence for a conviction.

It did not end there as  Prison Records at the Melbourne Gaol Record on page 90 Entry 31619 shows  WILLIAM ERNEST Harper was sentenced to pay 5/- a week and find one surety in 25 Pound in default imprisonment indefinately on 23 Jan 1908. On the 11Jul 1908 he was given his freedom on Special authority 1908/C5094.

Dad (Norman Harper) always told us he had a half brother that drowned at Riddells Creek but never elaborated on it as it happened before he was born. He always lived in fear of us kids drowning, he would not let us go into water until 1 hour after eating. He seemed to believe if you went into water with a full stomach it could be the end of you. Most of us kids built up a fear of water because of him and were never very good swimmers. In fact I would say I have a fear of deep water.

An article that appeared in The Sunbury Times dated Saturday 8 Jan 1903  has solved the mystery, it reads as follows.

Riddells Creek –On Christmas evening, Leslie James Smith a lad of eleven years of age, and the stepson of   Mr W Harper of Riddells Creek, went fishing in the creek near the bridge.

He had not been gone long when * Mr Smith went in search of him and found the body in the creek in a depth of  about 2 feet 6 inches of water. The fishing line was twisted around the hands of the deceased and there was an eel on the hook. The body was quite warm when found, so that life could not have been long extinct. As the creek was so shallow at that point, it is supposed that death was due to shock.

NOTE: * Smith is a mistake as Annie Maria was a widow when William married her.

Williams Military Record

It has been established through research and confirmed from records and The Southern Cross Scots by John.E.Price a record of the Boar War that William did indeed join the Marquis of Tallibardine’s Scottish Horses. He signed on as trooper on 14^th February 1901 and departed Australia on March 15 1901 aboard the S.S.Orient. On board the ship was a contingent of 1000 Victorian regular soldiers. and 250 Scottish horse volunteers. William Harper 31632 had enlisted for a “free ticket” to the Cape Colony and 5 shillings a day when he got there. William Ernest Harper who sometimes bent the truth, signed on as an engineer. Volunteers had to be of Scottish descent (William was Irish), Single (he was married) be a good horseman, a goods hot with a rifle and under 13 stone (83Kg).

Trooper WE Harper 31632 CC/OFS/T/ 01 (Transcribed reads Cape Colony/Orange Free State/ Queens South African Medal with Clasp 1901) Departed St Africa for Australia on 14 Sept 1901. Seeing that uncle Eric was born on 19 Nov 1901 he must have just made it home for the event.

William after  1907 

Early February 2012 while researching on Ancetry.com a link popped up that led us to a Wilfred Eric Harper. Further investigation took us to Roots online where we found others searching for Wilfred Eric Harper. (aka William James/William/William Ernest/Wilfred Eric Harper).. We always had strong suspicions that this man, whose name seemed to pop up repeatedly ran very close to what we were able to establish was our man. There were too many similarities and co-incidences for it not to be William James Harper.

 Previous searches of the electoral rolls show William living in North Melbourne in 1914 and his occupation also as hairdresser. When George Eric (Eric) tried to join the army in 1917 his papers state his father as being deceased. Our parent’s marriage certificate in 1927 it also declared William as being deceased.

We now know and can confirm that apart from the Boar War William also served in the AIF during WW1as a Trooper in the Australian Remounts Unit 1 Squadron 3 stationed at Netta Bend near Murray Bridge in South Australia. Enlisting on 27 Sept 1915 he departed on the transport A67 Orsova on 12 Nov 1915. The Squadron took horses to the troops in the Middle East and was combined with the 2nd Remounts shortly after arrival.

The Squadron was mainly made up of men who were over 40 years of age and had missed out on some small ailment preventing them from being ground troops. William stated he was 46 years of age when he was in fact 40 years of age, he had altered his age again and used Wilfred Ernest to fit the circumstances.

He stated his wife was Mrs May Harper living at Netta Bend via Murray Bridge in South Australia. He served 264 days before returning to Australia on Apr 20 1916.( Ref The AIF Project, UNSW @ ADFA).

His service entitled him to serviceman’s Soldier Settlement Block in Red Cliffs Victoria on his return.

William’s Service medals which were struck after the war ended were sent to his enlistment address at Netta Bend Via Murray Bridge South Australia on 3 March 1924. They were the Victory Medal  # 7044, British War Medal  # 7067, and the 1914/15 Star # 7406. As he no longer lived at this address they were returned unclaimed to the army. The army apparently unaware of William’s maritial status forward them onto Annie Maria on 19 Jan 1925 via Registered Post #2381 at 10 Austin Street Footscray. What became of his medals is not known.

We now know that William died as Wilfred Eric Harper at Mildura Victoria on 24 Dec 1921 of stomach cancer. It appears he had been co-habitating with a Rachael May Johnston for at least 10 year in which they produced 8 children.

Stanley Francis        B   14 Jan  1912     Ouyen            D                                Red Cliffs

Robert John             B   13 Mar 1913     Ouyen            D 2 Mar 1981             Kingston Qld

Charles Wilfred Eric     1914                                        D   1954                      Ballarat

Alan Vincent           B   14 Mar 1916    S.A                 D                                 Ballarat

Kathleen Mary        B   1917                S.A.                 D                                 Ballarat

Leslie Rex Joseph   B   1918                Wentworth      D                                 Ballarat

Evelyn                     B    1921               “       “                                                  Red Cliff

Eileen                      B    1921             Twin Girls        D   1946                      Red Cliff

William had served 264 days with A.I.F during WW1 on return from the war William was allocated a soldier settlement block at Redcliffs. When he died his partner with 8 children under 10 had no choice but to put it up for sale. Not being his legal wife, under the law she could not dispose of his assets and was left basically destitute. She moved to Ballarat and obtained a position as a cook at the Ballarat Orphanage in Victoria St Ballarat East which provided accommodation for her children. She stayed in this position until her children had all grown up. She later worked as a cook for Sir Henry Bolte (Premier of Victoria) and his shearers on his property at Meredith. There is no evidence of them ever marrying. She was often called Jean by her friends. I feel William moved around a lot to cover his tracks and avoid his responsibilities to Annie.

One interesting fact was A.B.( Banjo) Patterson who was trying to get to the war as a correspondent had been given a the rank of Captain and sailed on the ship with these men, he later went on to command the battalion in the Middle East as their Major until 1918. He is reputed to have given them the name of  “Methuillier’s Remounts” in keeping  with the average age of the squadron.

Horsham Times 12 January 1886

MURTOA POLICE COURT.
THE BOWN CASES.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

The investigation of the charges against the Bown family and a young man named Fenton was proceeded with on Saturday morning, last before Mr. Hutchinson, P.M. and Mr. Dagenhardt, T.P. The cases lasted the whole day, and the most intense public interest was manifested in the proceedings, a very large number of farmers and others denselypacking the court the whole time.

The first and principal charge was that of stealing wheat from the Messrs. Delahunty Bros. of Jung Jung. After a great deal of evidence (including that of Delahunty Bros. who swore positively to the grain and also the bags) was taken, the four prisoners, mother, son, daughter, and the son in-law Fenton, were fully committed to take their trial at Horsham on the 15th March next.

Three other charges of larceny were then proceeded with, and a primafacie case having been established in each instance, the prisoners were committed. I understand that there are other cases to be proceeded with against the prisoners.

Horsham Times 23 march 1886

(Before His Honour Mr. Justice Higinbotham.)
Mr. I. Walsh, Crown Prosecutor.

STEALING WHEAT.

Thomas Bowen, Robert Bown, Catherine Bown and Annie Bown were presented on the charge of stealing 25 bags of wheat, the property of Messrs R. and J. Delahunty, farmers, residing at Jung Jung, on the 2nd Janurary last. Thos. Bowen pleaded “Guilty” and the other prisoners “Not Guilty.”

The Crown Prosecutor, having opened the case called Rodie Delahunty, who deposed he was a farmer, residing at Jung Jung with his brother James. On the 2nd January this year had some wheat; it was in the paddock in bags; they ‘were piled in the paddock; there were 25 bags in one pile and some others piled further in the paddock. The 25 bags were within about six yards of the log fence, a reserve was on the other side. There was no roadway or beaten track to the point opposite where the 25 bags were. Saw the pile of 25 sacks last at 8 o’clock in the evening on the 2nd January. It was Saturday evening. On the Sunday morning went up to the paddock where the wheat was it was about half a mile from the house. The size of the farm was about 2,000 acres between them; 640 acres in this portion.

On Sunday morning missed this stack of 25 bags of wheat. Went to where he saw 8 bags outside the log fence on the reserve; three of them were burst and the wheat spilt about. Noticed a lot of tracks of horses and of a waggon. Saw the tracks close up at the fence where the 8 bags were ; they were immediately outside the fence opposite the heap. The tracks were close to the fence, the same as if a waggon had been backed up to the fence, end the tail board of the waggon appeared to have been let down, for some red and blue paint was on the logs. Covered some of the boot-tracks, and followed the waggon track across the reserve for about 90 yards and got 5 bags
more there and some of them burst; they were on the ground. The waggon seemed to have been bogged there. The reserve was not fenced. Went on and followed the track of the waggon in the direction of the Jung Jung swamp, the waggon had been close to the water and took a circle back again on to the beaten track. Had also found a whip where the first 8 bags were found: gave it to Senior-constable Mullaney.

Witness’ brother James was with him. Went in the direction of Murtoa, following the track, when they got to Murtoa followed the track from the Murtoa water reserve. The weather was fine at that time, something like at present. Was able to track the waggon the whole of the distance. Followed it as far as Mr. Miller’s in the direction of the Sawpit Swamp, then informed the police. Mullaney came with witness and went to where they had left off at Miller’s where they had knocked off the track, and then followed the track on still round the racecourse, and went back again and followed it back to the reserve, about 7 miles. On going back did not follow the same track as coming from their own place. Returned through the one chain-road along a second track.

At the end of the lane saw a leaning tree, and saw where the bark had been torn off recently and red paint inside the bark on the tree. The piece produced with the mark on it was it. Followed on that track’ right up to where he found the first lot of wheat up close to the fence. Then again followed the same track as in the morning. There was no difference in the tracks, except that one was deeper than the other. There was a difference of three inches. The greater depth was on the track going away. The policeman went over the first track and followed it to the corner of the racecourse, and on getting at McLeod’s, went on then to Bown’s place.

The track to the farm from prisoner’s place was shorter than the track from it. The track after leaving the corner of the racecourse they passed at McLeod’s house that was about a mile from the prisoner’s place. Went into the prisoner’s place and saw the elder prisoner, Catherine Bown, the mother of the other two. Constable Mullaney then said he had a search warrant to look for wheat stolen from Mr. Delahunty. He asked her where was her son and she said she did not know. They then followed the tracks down to where they found two piles of wheat and found no resemblance to their wheat. Then went over to the smaller stack and opened some of them, and the ones they opened were not like their wheat. Then went down to the winnowing machine and there found nine bags exactly corresponding with theirs. It was unbleached, and was clean, a first crop off virgin land.  Also these nine bags were sown by the hem of the bags turned in and top sown, the same as millers sow their bags. That was an unusual way for wheat bags to be stitched.

They were not stitched in that way when lost. They were stitched in the usual way.I The hem on witness’ was visible, and the hem on these nine that were found was invisible. The wheat was similar to witness’, but the bags were stitched different. On cutting some of these nine bags there were pieces of twine as if they had been sown, cut, and sown up afresh. This was about half-past seven or 8 o’clock in the evening. Up to that time had not seen the prisoners, Robert or Annie Bown.

Remained there until 10 o’clock and then Robert and Annie came with two horses and a new waggon painted red and blue. Annie Bown went to witness’ brother James and took him by the shoulder and told him to go off her land, and Constable Mullaney told her he was going to arrest her for stealing the wheat. She shook witness’ brother and the constable took her away. Had known the prisoners for about 11 years. There was a man named Bowen or Fenton living there for about 12 months.

James Delahunty, brother of the last witnees, corroborated the evidence he had given. Identified the pieces of wood cut off the log fence with paint upon them, supposed to have been left by the paint on the waggon outside the court; also a small chip picked up close to the fence where the mark of the waggon was. Found the second 8 bags near a crab hole.

Senior-constable Thomas Mullaney, stationed at Murtoa, deposed that on the 3rd of January last the two previous witnesses called at the station between 11 and 12 o’clock. Went with them to near the Lake fence and continued the tracks pointed out by them to the corner of the racecourse ; proceeded towards Keeple’s lane, found tracks of the horses and waggon going up that lane; continued these tracks for 2 miles where the lane ends, and further described the progress of the tracks of the waggon as traced. The paint on the piece of the tree produced corresponded with the mark on the paint on the bearing of the waggon.

The elder prisoner, Catherine Bown, said she did not think people could know their own wheat, and did not think they could get a search warrant on a Sunday. Described the arrest of the prisoners, the elder one replying “I have nothing to do with it, I am only living here with my children;” the others said nothing. He (the constable) replied “You are the mother of these children and I look upon you as responsible, and I feel it my duty to arrest you.” Fenton or Tom Bowen, lived in the same house, and he was the same man who had pleaded “guilty.”

To Robt. Bown — The marks at the fence were footprints, had compared them and they appeared to be made by the boots produced worn by the man Tom. It was about 10 o’clock when you came home; did not see the other man then. There were other marks, but none so plain as those covered up; would not swear that there were marks caused by other boots than those produced.

Kenneth McLeod, a farmer residing at Sawpit Swamp, near Murtoa, deposed that he knew the prisoners, who resided about a mile from him ; had known them 2 years, farming. Witness had been there 11 years and they only; 2 and 1/2 years.’ Had seen them constantly. They had a new waggon painted blue with a little red. Had seen Robert Bown, Annie Bown, and the other man that was with them (meaning the prisoner who pleaded guilty). On 2nd January saw that waggon and two horses pass his house at a quarter to 10 in the evening, going in the direction of Murtoa from the direction of their place:’ Knew their horses by sight, a grey and a bay; those two horses were in the waggon. Could. not discern who was driving; ‘there were two in the waggon and could not say there were not three’.

At about a quarter to four in the morning they passed in the opposite direction, going towards their own place. Saw one person driving the waggon. Was not dressed at the time, but got out of bed because he heard a noise and looked out and saw the waggon. In the evening it was not more than fifteen yards from witness’ fence and in the morning about two chains or two chains and a half.

At 10 o’clock on Sunday morning saw Robert Bown, Annie Bown and the third man going towards Murtoa with the same waggon and the same horses.

To Robert Bown — Could not say how many were in the waggon on Saturday; could see two heads; only saw one when it was coming back. Could not say whether there were any more in the waggon. Saw the waggon come back on the Sunday night about half past eight or a little later. Saw three in it that night. Annie Bown was one of them. The waggon, outside the Court was the waggon referred to.

To His Honor — Knew the father of the two younger prisoners who used to reside with them; he was found drowned in a water hole about 18 months ago.

Jessie McLeod, sister of the last witness, deposed that she resided with him, and knew the prisoners who lived about a mile and a half from her brother’s place. They had a waggon and a dray, a new waggon painted red and blue. At 10 o’clock on the Saturday night heard a waggon going by towards Murton. Early in the morning was awoke by the noise of a waggon going by; lifted the window curtain and saw it was Bowns’ waggon going towards their place. Could see the color of the horses, a grey and a bay; could not say who was with the waggon. The waggon outside the court was the one referred to.

George Evans, a miller residing at Murtoa, deposed that he had had a good deal of experience with wheat and described the various samples of wheat produced, testifying to the effect that the wheat in the 9 bags found at the prisoner’s (Bown’s) house was similar to those found on the reserve, all of which the prosecutors claimed as theirs, it being clean unbleached wheat; whilst the other samples produced, taken from the prisoners’ two stacks of their own wheat, was bleached and unclean.

His Honor asked the Crown Prosecutor what evidence there was against the elder female prisoner. The Crown Prosecutor replied that the only evidence was that it appeared where the wheat was found was her property, that she was the mother of the two younger prisoners; and suggested that she might be brought in guilty under the second count of “receiving.”

His honor said he would have to tell the jury there was no case against her.

In answer to the usual question the prisoner Robert Bown said that Thomas Bowen, who had pleaded ” guilty,” on the 2nd January, borrowed the waggon to go to Murtoa, which he (prisoner) lent him, and on the Sunday morning found the waggon in the same place where it had been taken from. On that morning about 10 o’clock he and his sister and Bowen went to see some friends, and returning about ten o’clock at night, his younger sister met them about half-a-mile from their place and told them the police were there. Bowen hearing this ran away. He (prisoner) knew nothing about it, until told by the police they were charged with stealing wheat from Delahunty Brothers.

His Honor then summed up, directing the jury to acquit the elder female prisoner, and to the effect that the evidence against the younger female prisoner was of a different character to that against her brother, but leaving it to the jury to say whether either or both were guilty.

The jury retired and after an absence of about two hours acquitted the two female prisoners and found the prisoner (Robert Bown) guilty of receiving.

STEALING A SADDLE.

Thomas Bowen, Robert Bown, Annie Bown, and Catherine Bown were charged with larceny of a saddle and bridle, the property of John Oppie and Charles Summers. on the 24th October; and on a second count with receiving the goods, knowing them to be stolen.

Robert Bown pleaded “guilty,” and the others ” not guilty.”

John Oppie, a butcher, ‘deposed that in October last he was in Mr. Murphy’s employ as drover; knew Chas Summers, on 24th October last he was also in Mr. Murphy’s employ; that night witness and Summers were camped at Murtoa at the Show Yard left the camp that evening and went to’ a hotel about half-a-mile distant; left two saddles, two bridles, stockwhip, harness, coat, and Summer’s clothes, overcoat, and bridle; returned at about half-past 11 o’clock at night; did not miss anything that night; next morning missed one saddle, stockwhip, 2 bridles, and Summer’s overcoat and reported the matter to the police.

Had seen them at the police station at Murtoa on the 4th January. Identified the articles produced as those that were lost. Was certain of the saddle and 2 bridles. Did not know the prisoners, but had seen them.

Emile Habel, a saddler, carrying out business in Murtoa, deposed to selling the saddle produced to Mr. Murphy: Charles Summers corroborated the evidence of the first witness and identified the overcoat produced, which he had only had about a fortnight before it was lost; also identified the saddle and bridle. Had seen the prisoners in Murtoa with a new blue waggon once; saw Thomas Bowen and Annie Bown in the waggon on the Sunday. On the night of the 22nd of October saw a person pass Wilkes’ hotel half-a-mile from where witness camped. That man was the prisoner Thomas Bowen. He was going towards the show ground. Had seen him before but did not know where he lived. He was going towards Bown’s, to get there he would have to pass the Show grounds; they lived 4 or 5 miles from Murtoa.

To Thos. Bowen — Saw you pass Wilke’s, that was within 3 or 4 chains of the main road. You were going in the direction of the Show grounds. Sen. Constable Thos. Mullaney deposed to searching the Bowns’ place and finding the articles produced there.

The prisoner Thomas Bowen addressed the jury, stating that on the 24th October he went into Murtoa to meet Annie Bown’s brother Robert (who pleaded guilty to his charge.) He had been away shearing. He got home before them and brought the saddle and the other articles with him, and said he had bought them. The saddle was never concealed, and he (prisoner) had ridden on it to Murtoa, thinking it had been bought. He had nothing to do with stealing it, and never knew it was stolen.

His Honor summed up, stating that he did not see any evidence against either of the female prisoners, whilst the evidence against Bowen was slight. The jury retired and shortly after returned a verdict of “not guilty” in respect to the three prisoners.

STEALING TOOLS.

The same three prisoners were presented on a further charge of larceny of a quantity of tools on the 30th of October last, the property of Robert Sheehan. Robert Bown pleaded “guilty.” The Crown Prosecutor stated that as the evidence in this case was similar to that in
the last he would enter a nolle prosequi as regards the female prisoners.

The case then proceeded against Joseph Bowen. The Crown Prosecutor having opened the case, called Robert Sheehan, who deposed that he was a wheelwright, carrying on business in Murtoa. On the last day of October or lst November, had lost a number of tools – was using them up to 4 o’clock on Saturday afternoon-and identified the articles produced. The prisoner and Robert Bown who had pleaded guilty were at witness’ shop about three weeks before the Saturday, and were talking about some tools.

Senior-constable Mullaney deposed to finding the tools at Bowns’ house when searching for the wheat.

His Honor having summed up, the prisoner denied all knowledge of the offence, and the jury retired, shortly returning a verdict of  ”not guilty.” The Court then adjourned till the following morning.

SATURDAY, 20th March
STEALING TOOLS.
Robert Bown and Thomas Bowen were presented on the charge of larceny of a number of tools, the property of Mr. R. Lockhart. Robert Bown pleaded “guilty,” and Bowen “not guilty,” and the case proceeded against Bowen.

The Crown Prosecutor having addressed the jury in opening the case called ‘Robert Lockhart, a farmer, residing near Murtoa, who deposed that the prisoner Bowen, was working for him about 12 months ago, last harvest for about a week. He slept in a shed where he (witness) kept some tools, he had since lost some tools and they were amongst the number in that shed. About last harvest prisoner and Robert Bown (who had pleaded guilty) called at witness place in the evening and had a chat, did not remain long, came together and went away together, missed the tools in the first week in November. Identified the tools produced as his.

To prisoner — Remember you and Annie Bown calling one Sunday and asked if I had seen Robert Bown go by. I said ‘I had’. Did not know whether he had a bundle on his shoulder.

Senior Constable Mullaney, deposed to finding the articles on the premises occupied by the prisoner.

The prisoner addressed the jury denying having anything to do with the theft.

His Honor briefly addressed the jury who retired and in a few-minutes returned a verdict of ‘not guilty’.

THE PRISONERS SENTENCED

The prisoner Thomas Bowen alias Thomas Fenton alias Thos. .Chiswell, with Robert Bown, several terms of imprisonment having been proved against them, were placed at the bar to receive sentence. Bowen produced a written statement which he said wonld apply to both of them and it was handed to His Honor.

Bowen then said he had pleaded guilty to stealing the 25 bags of wheat to exonerate those who were not guilty. He had come to this part of the country about 15 months ago with the intention of endeavouring to obtain an honest living; but in an evil hour he was tempted to commit the crime. He pleaded for leniency, and declared his intention when his time expired to reform and earn an honest ivlihood.

Robert Bown made no statement.

His Honor said he could not see any great distinction between the two prisoners, except that Bowen was the elder, and apparently the more hardened to crime. They had very ingeniously and cunningly, offered a separate defence to each of the crimes committed, but
that they were both associates and partners in these transactions of theft he had no doubt whatever. Such cases as these amongst the
farming community, if permitted to go unchecked, would cause a state of terror. They stole a man’s wheat when he could not know what they were doing, and acts of this kind could not be tolerated in a community; it would make all confidence between honest men impossible.

The same observations would apply to Robert Bown as to the manner he had committed the thefts, as to his associate. He stole from men
working like himself, the tools of trade, and allowed no sense of shame, no sense of honesty to appeal to him. It was impossible to consider an appeal for leniency in such cases. Thomas Bowen had commenced his career 20 years ago, and followed it up by a series of crimes, for which he had received various terms of punishment, but it seemed it had had no effect upon him.

Now, he would endeavor to pass a sentence on them that they had never before experienced — for the purpose of making prison life intolerable to both of them. Imprisonment with hard labor they had both experienced, but he did not think they had found that life disagreeable; they appeared to be so much accustomed to it that they did not mind it. He would impose a sentence that would make
prison life a dread to them. They did not know what solitary confinement was. It meant solitude, great mental strain; it meant bread and water; he would give it to both of them for the express purpose of making them dislike it, and to make them resolve that when they came out they would never go in again.

Addressing Robert Bown His Honor said – For receiving the 9 bags of wheat, the sentence of the court is that you be imprisoned with hard labor at the Ararat gaol for the term of three years; the first fortnight and the first fortnight of every succeeding alternate month of the first year and the first fortnight, and the first fortnight of every succeeding alternate month of the last year, in solitary confinement. For stealing the saddle you will be imprisoned for six calendar months with hard labor, the first fortnight of the term in solitary confinement; this sentence to take effect on the expiration of the first sentence. For the third offence of stealing tools, you will be imprisoned for six months with hard labor, the first fortnight in solitary confinement; this sentence to take effect at the expiry, of the last two sentences. For the fourth offence of stealing farmer’s tools, you will be imprisoned for six months with hard labor, the first fortnight in solitary confinement; this sentence to take effect on the expiry of the three last sentences.

That will last, therefore, for the term of four years and a half.

Addressing Thomas Bowen His Honor said stealing 25 bags of wheat, to which he had pleaded guilty, was an offence of the gravest character, and must be stamped out in order to make honest industry possible. The sentence of the court was that he be imprisoned with hard labor in the Ararat gaol for four years, the first fortnight, and the first fortnight of every succeeding alternate month of the first year and the first fortnight of the first month, and the first fortnight of every succeeding alternate month in the last year to be passed in solitary confinement.

The first significant contact was from Maurie Harper. He had been researching for many years but there were questions around what had become of his Grandfather, William James Harper after he became estranged from his wife (Annie Maria Harper). Maurie was fairly sure he knew that William James had changed his name to Wilfred, so when I started researching our side of the family, which only ever knew William as Wilfred, we were able to put the pieces together and confirm what we both suspected.

Just yesterday I received some information from Alan Harper, the son of Sydney Harper in Albany WA. This is a branch of the family that I know very little about, so I’m looking forward to sharing some of the info that I have with Alan. Here is what he said:

If you are a descendant of any of the Harper or Trew families please feel free to contact me using the comments form.

I wasn’t able to see a way I could contact the owner of the website containing the story, but I’m sure they won’t mind me reproducing it here with a link back to their original story which is HERE.

The Feud with the Bowns

The Murphy family lived on their selection at Jung Jung from 1872. By 1880 they held a second selection a few miles south of the town, where they kept sheep. Because the land was open at one end the sheep became “boxed” in with those of the neighbouring Bown family. In November, Ted’s eldest brother James demanded the return of the sheep. However 16 year old Robert Bown and his mother Catherine Bown refused to release them, and maintained that James should point out his sheep and they would throw them over the fence. James refused, holding back the hand of Mrs Bown so as to enter the sheepfold and obtained his sheep. The Bowns charged James with assault, with Mrs Bown claiming Jim tied her to a fence and whipped her. The magistrate scoffed at the woman’s testimony, and fined James one pound for restraining her hand.

Premeditation

The feud between the Murphys and Bowns simmered for a period of time, but on Easter Sunday (April 17th 1881) Timothy Murphy and Robert Bown were seen fighting behind the house of the keeper of the rail gates in Jung Jung. According to one witness, Bown was talking to the station-keeper’s sons whilst sitting on his horse. Murphy rode up and the two quarrelled. Timothy pulled Bown from his horse and laid 8 solid punches into him before Bown jumped the fence. Timothy “got the better of it” and was first to leave. Robert Bown then declared to the gate keeper’s sons that the next time he saw Murphy he would fill him with shot!
On Sunday May 22nd Timothy rode his horse through a clearing where the Bowns were shepherding their flock, while returning from the selection. Robert Bown threatened to shoot him if he passed that way again.

The Murder

A week later, on May 29th, Timothy and James set out to the selection after Sunday lunch. They began to race each other to the destination. Timothy took the shorter route through bush, while James stuck to the the beaten track. From time to time James could see Timothy through the trees, but then would lose sight of him as the woods thickened. He finally lost sight of him a minute before hearing the repeat of a gun. He crossed through the bush to find his brother “quite dead”, and Robert Bown and his sister Catherine kneeling over the body. A younger Bown child was standing nearby. Bown took flight and the girls hid behind a mound which had been built to prevent Taylors Creek from flooding the farmlands.

The Autopsy

An autopsy revealed that Timothy was shot at close range while he was still on his horse. The shot left a four inch (10cm) hole in the left side of his chest, and his heart was riddled with shot. He died instantly. Timothy was buried in the Horsham cemetery two days later on May 31st.

Robert Bown in 1881 – The Trial of Bown

Bown headed south to Longeranong, toting the murder weapon with him in the event that he meet up with the police. After hiding out in a hut for a couple of days he was arrested trying to catch a train near Horsham. His sister Catherine was arrested that same day. A jury inquest in Murtoa found that Timothy was murdered by Bown.

The prosecutor expressed doubts about the testimony of the doctor holding up at the trial in Ararat. Another witness had approached Robert Bown’s father, Samuel, to seek a loan. This witness was judged to be slippery and shifty. Several jurors were challenged, one because he had a previous conviction for manslaughter.

The police seemed to believe that Bown and his sisters had lain in wait for Timothy behind the mound, knowing that it was his custom to pass that way each Sunday.

The court case heard a number of witnesses for the prosecution, but none were called by the defense. The defense counsel gave the court what the paper considered a “brilliant” speech, casting aspersions on the Murphy family, declaring James to be a cowardly man who assaulted old women, and generally attempting to salvage what he could for his client.

Robert Bown in 1886

The judge clearly favoured Bown in his instructions to the jury, ignoring all medical or other evidence, and introducing his own theories of what really happened. The jury decided that the young Robert Bown was guilty of the lesser crime of manslaughter. The judge in sentencing said he was embarrassed by the result and in imprisoning Bown for eighteen months hard labour, declared he would write to the authorities seeking to have Bown kept separate from the worst elements in the prison. Bown served his time in in Ararat and Pentridge prisons.

On release from jail Bob Bown returned to the Horsham district. However, within a few years he fell foul of the law again, being charged for five crimes of larceny, theft and receiving stolen goods. Each crime earned a consecutive sentence of 6 months, thereby leaving him incarcerated for a further two and a half years. Eventually Bown married in Warracknabeal and moved to Western Australia, where he was divorced and eventually died.

FOLLOWUP

After adding this story, I found the following stories in the Trove digitised newspaper archive:

The Argus, Melbourne – Thursday 20 October 1881

MURDER

Robert Bown, who was brought before the Court yesterday on a charge of having murdered a young man named Timothy Murphy at Jung Jung on the 29th May last, was again placed in the dock this morning, and his counsel, Mr. Purvea, being in attendance, the case was proceeded with.

The principal witness for the prosecution was James Murphy, a brother of the deceased, who gave evidence to the effect that some disagreement had arisen between the prisoner and the family of witness respecting the identity of some sheep, and a police court action resulted, accused being fined £1. On Sunday, the 29th May, witness and his brother left home on horseback for the purpose of visiting a selection belonging to their mother.

They went slowly for about two miles along the track, and subsequently they started to race. Witness obtained the lead, and kept the road for about half a mile His brother was then abreast of him, but about 20 chains to the west, cantering very slowly. A flock of sheep was in front of his brother when he met the prisoner kneeling down about four or five yards away. Bown’s sister Catherine and a younger girl were also there. They were looking at something on the grass, which witness conld not at first see, but on the latter approaching the three ran away.

Prisoner had a gun in his hand. Witness then saw the body of his brother. Deceased was lying on his back with his head to the north, quite dead. Witness was subjected to a long cross examination, without in any way shaking his testimony.

William D. V. Dalton deposed that he was near the place where the body of deceased was found at the time the shot was fired. He ran towards the place, and saw Catherine and Alice Bown rushing away and young Bown crouching against the fence. At the police camp, Horsham, on the 1st June, witness saw the prisoner after his arrest, and the latter said that Murphy got down from his horse, struck him, and while struggling for possession of the gun it went off.

No evidence was called for the defence, but Mr Purvea reviewed the evidence for the Crown at considerable length, arguing that the catastrophe was the result ot accident. Murphy had previously thrashed the prisoner, and been victorious In struggling to get possession of the gun which the prisoner, a mere lad, carried to keep the carrion birds from molesting the lambing ewes, the piece was discharged accidentally.

The Court rose at a few minutes after 7 o clock, his Honour the Chief Justice having left it to the jury to decide whether they would hear his address that night, or adjourn till next morning.

The Argus, Melbourne – Friday 21 October 1881

MURDER

On the Court resuming business this morning, his Honour proceeded to charge the jury in the case against Robert Bown for murder. His Honour’s summing up was not lengthy, but he reduced the evidence to its several points, and in a very lucid manner explained the case, his remarks being somewhat favourable to the prisoner. After a short retirement the jury returned into court with a verdict of guilty of manslaughter. His Honour sentenced the prisoner to l8 months imprisonment.

Wilfred Eric (aka William James) Harper

Wilfred Harper’s military record contained a number of discrepancies, not the least of which he was actually William James Harper. Whilst we will never know why his military record contained these discrepancies, there is enough documented information to allow us to trace his military service.

Wilfred, pictured left in WWI uniform with Queen’s South Africa Medal Ribbon served with the 2nd Scottish Horse (Service No. 31632) during the Boer War from Feb 15 1901 to Oct 25 1901. He had enlisted as William Ernest Harper. This is the first instance where he used an alternative middle name. At that time he was married to Annie Maria Smith and had been living at Riddells Creek in Victoria.

His next military service was in 1915 when he enlisted for WWI (Service No. 679). He was now living in South Australia after abandoning his first wife around 1906 or 1907. In his attestation papers he gave his name as Wilfred Ernest Harper , his birthplace as Riddells Creek and noted some experience at the Ouyen Gun Club (his first two children with his second wife were born 1913 and 1914 in Ouyen). He listed his next of kin as ‘Wife Mrs May Harper’. His (second) wife’s name was actually Rachael May Harper, though there is no known record of marriage to her, or of a divorce from his first wife so it may be that he changed some details to avoid some potential legal issues.

He listed his age as 46yrs 5mths when he was actually 40yrs 5mths old. He mentioned 1yr 11 months of previous service in South Africa though it appears that the length of service in South Africa was actually 10 months.

On return from WWI Wilfred was allocated a soldier settler block at Red Cliffs. We believe that his twins, Eileen and Evelyn (Evleen) were the first twins born at Redcliffs (in 1921). Wilfred died later that year and his wife, Rachael, was unable to keep the block, due to ‘legal reasons’. It may be that there was no record of marriage and no will, thus no legal basis by which she could inherit the block.

In 1924 the army tried to contact Rachael May Harper regarding his medals. After that letter was returned they then tried to contact his first wife, Annie Maria. It is unknown whether the medals were ever received by either wife.

Documents related to Wilfred Harper’s military service at National Archives of Australia

Christopher Ernest Harper

Christopher was Wilfred’s youngest brother. Born on July 9, 1888 in Riddells Creek, Christopher was 27 when he signed his attestation papers at Melbourne on August 19, 1915. He was 5′ 6″ with brown hair and blue eyes. On his attestation papers he stated his age as 22 and on his medical certificate his age was stated as 27 years 1 month. He was a butcher by trade and his mother was living in Capel Street North Melbourne. His father, Samuel, had died 13 years earlier in 1902.

On May 27 1916 Christopher was assigned to the 2/51st battalion at Tel-El-Kebir in Egypt. His service number was 1658. He then proceeded from Alexandria to Marseilles and joined his battalion at a ‘Railhead’ (possibly at Rouen). On August 16 1916 Christopher was reported as having been wounded in action. His record shows that he had shell shock and was returned to duty the following day.

On September 3 1916 Christopher was killed in action in the field. His body was found and buried by members of the 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion and his grave was marked with a wooden stake.

We can only imagine how difficult it was for Honora and the many other parents, when all they had left of their child were a few personal effects. On August 7 1917 Honora was give Christophers personal effects – a disc and chain, razor strop, pipe, 3 handkerchiefs and a shaving brush.

Christopher’s name is on the register at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial in France. His mother received a memorial plaque on October 12, 1922.

Documents related to Christopher Harper’s military service at National Archives of Australia

Joseph Patrick Harper

Joseph was the second youngest son of Samuel and Honorah. Born at Riddells Creek on 1882, he was 35 years of age when he enlisted with the ‘vetinary section’ in 1917 (service number 1299). His occupation was a labourer and he  was married to Mabel Rose Harper.  Mabel was living at the Capel Street North Melbourne house with Honorah. Joseph was 5′ 7 1/2″ with brown hair and blue eyes.

Joseph embarked at Sydney aboard the HMAT Port Darwin on April 30, 1918 and and arrived at Suez on July 7 1918. He then went to Moascar (Egypt) where he was admitted to hospital with malaria.

Joseph returned to Australia aboard the Dongala on August 25 1919.

Documents related to Joseph Harper’s military service at National Archives of Australia

The exact date that Patrick died was determined to be December 16th in 1860. The following story from The Ballarat Star on Monday, December 24 1860 provides information regarding the week he died.

The 1841 England Census has the following record for William Trew:

Age: 50

Street Address: Malting Office Cottages

Household Members

William Trew 50 (Tanner)
Samuel Trew 13
Harriet Trew 11
Edward Trew 5

The 1861 England Census shows that William Trew was living at his sister’s house:

Age: 72

Street Address: 8 Bridge Street

Household Members

William Claydon 48 (Head/Labourer on Highway)
Jane Claydon (Wife)
William Trew 72 (Brother in Law/Tanner)

The 1871 England Census shows that William Trew was living at his daughter’s house:

Age: 82

Street Address: 75 Bridge Street
Relationship: Wife’s Father

Household Members

John Woodwards 67 (Head/Agricultural Labourer)
Hannah Woodwards 61 (Wife)
Henry Woodwards 15 (Son)
William Trew 82 (Wifes Father/Annuitant)

Bill and Mary married at the Bible Christian Church, Warracknabeal, on 25 August, 1891, Rev. Alexander McKay officiating.  This was the same year that the Bowns are believed to have moved to Warracknabeal, and the same year as Mary’s sister Alice married Roderick McQueen.  Both Bill and Mary are recorded on their marriage certificate as living at Warracknabeal, with their “usual” addresses being Murtoa. It is possible that Mary followed Bill to Warracknabeal to find work, and that she also encouraged the rest of the Bown family to move there too.  It is understood that Mary worked as a domestic at the Warracknabeal District Hospital, a position later taken by her sister Nellie.

Like her sisters, Mary was wirey, energetic and very hard working.  She rarely spent more than a day in bed after delivering her children, and the doctor was only called once, when her last child was born and Mary was in danger of dying.

In later life Bill and Mary lived in 4 Beggs Street, beside a small lane which ran between Beggs and Campbell Streets.  Bill suffered from a chest complaint, and always wore a scarf, but not a collar.  In his retirement he was content to lean against the fence of the Catholic Church, near the corner of Anderson and Lyle Streets, watching the world go by.  To add to their income Mary took in washing, and was renowned for her cleanliness.  She also cleaned public buildings in Scott Street, including the Post Office and several banks, and is remembered striding to work wearing a brilliant white apron over her long skirt, with a small leather hat on her head.

My research started on Ancestry.com and the starting point was my mother’s family. Her father was Robert John Harper (born in Ouyen) and her mother was Anne Catherine Trew (born in Warracknabeal). Ancestry.com is an excellent resource for researching but probably the only thing I don’t like is that the family tree is only available to members.

That is the main reason I have created this website – so that all of the information I have gathered from family members and several other people who have been very generous with their time and research is freely available. I hope you find something in here that saves you some time!

To view the members of our family tree, click the Family Tree option on the menu above