PART 4
I was born at No 30 Regent Terrace Edinburgh on the 26 March 1836
the third of six sons and three daughters of
Rev John Dunse McGilchrist 1796-1858 and Eliza Gray 1810-1895.
Rev John Dunse McGilchrist 1796-1858 and Eliza Gray 1810-1895.
30 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh (2015)
My earliest recollections are connected with my brother John and myself being sent to a school kept by a Miss Paterson in St James Square. I was then four years old, John six.
The Rose St Ministers man, James Chalmers, used to come for us in the morning and take us to school, and I think he used to take us home. How long we stayed with Miss Paterson I have no recollection.
We were transferred to the private school of James Henderson, George St, and there I remained until I was 10 years old. John, I think, went to the High School 2 years previously at the same age.
My recollections of James Henderson are not altogether pleasant. He must, I think, have been a dominie of the old type, conscientious no doubt, but with no spirit of kindness, ruling by fear and a plentiful application of the tawee. I am afraid I must admit at once however, that I was not an apt pupil, and through my school career never displayed even average ability so was not destined to be a credit to any educational establishment.
I suppose it was necessary that one of the family should be deficient in natural brilliancy and I was chosen as that one. Perhaps it was made up to me in some other way.
It must have been about the time /44 or /45 (as you will know) that our father was stricken with paralysis, which melancholy event was destined to have a very serious influence on all our careers.
I can well remember it taking place at West Linton, although I was too young then to realise the terrible blow.
At 10, I was sent to study classics at the high School under Dr Gunn who took the "gytes" (young children) that year and whose memory I have never ceased to revere.
At 10, I was sent to study classics at the high School under Dr Gunn who took the "gytes" (young children) that year and whose memory I have never ceased to revere.
I was kept at the High School for 2 years until I think our mother saw that there was little prospect of my profiting by a classical education and that I was not intended to ornament any of the learned professions.
In a class of about 100, my position was generally about 70.
It was then, I suppose, thought wise that I should be polished up a little in an English education to fit me for some exalted career and I went for a year to a school of a Mr Graham at the west end of Queen St.
It was then, I suppose, thought wise that I should be polished up a little in an English education to fit me for some exalted career and I went for a year to a school of a Mr Graham at the west end of Queen St.
It was during my High School days that I first earned a talent for drawing, commencing with maps and I think my next effort was the copying of butterflies from the Naturalist's Library, some of which copies I have yet and which are highly valued by my bairns.
In view of this predilection for drawing and the evidence of some little ability, our mother, I suppose, saw the career that was open to me and it was resolved that I should have a year's teaching of nothing but drawing.
Application was made for my admission as a pupil at the Royal Scottish Institution for which I had to send specimens of my work and I can well remember how proud I was on receiving an official communication addressed "Jas. McGilchrist Esq", (I was 13), intimating that I was admitted as a pupil.
Four hours a day I had to attend the classes under Christie and Dallas, two artists of some eminence, from 7 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
I was also sent two hours a day to the office of an architect, Ruthven, in the South Bridge, just opposite the School of Arts; and one hour a day to Mr Jno. Bell, writing master, George Street, for ornamental writing and lettering.
That was 7 hours a day at classes and I can well remember that I was so infatuated with the occupation that all my spare time was occupied in drawing at one of the dining room windows in Regent Terrace until mother had to compel me to stop and go to bed.
During this time, it was arranged that I should join the establishment of W & EK Johnstone as a draftsman, which I did about the beginning of the year /50, (aged 14) at the magnificent salary of 2/- per week, hours 8.am. to 8 p.m. with intervals for meals, but I was allowed to continue to attend the Royal Institution for a year or two, I do not remember which.
During this time, it was arranged that I should join the establishment of W & EK Johnstone as a draftsman, which I did about the beginning of the year /50, (aged 14) at the magnificent salary of 2/- per week, hours 8.am. to 8 p.m. with intervals for meals, but I was allowed to continue to attend the Royal Institution for a year or two, I do not remember which.
Of course, as one of the four draftsmen in A Keith Johnstone's anteroom, I was in my element and a career was opened to me which might have led to fame and fortune and which I may say without conceit, for which I was eminently fitted, but it was not to be, and I would like to be able to stamp out of memory the last two years of my life in Scotland.
It has been the mystery of my life and was, I know, a sore trial to my beloved mother. John was at this stage developing the character which he afterwards displayed and I have ever been able to think of John with anything in the shape of brotherly love.
It has been the mystery of my life and was, I know, a sore trial to my beloved mother. John was at this stage developing the character which he afterwards displayed and I have ever been able to think of John with anything in the shape of brotherly love.
That my will was weakened, if not broken, by his stronger will in my boyish days I have no doubt, and that contact with him influenced my whole life I am perfectly sure.
But let the curtain fall. I have the consolation of knowing our loved mother fully realised my intense sorrow for all the grief I had caused her and our father in heaven has been very merciful and forgiving.
After three years at Johnstone’s, I was given the chance of being bound on a 7 years’ apprenticeship or being sent out to an uncle in Australia.
Of course I made the wrong choice, but it was natural in a boy, my very occupation as a geographer, made the idea of travel, a voyage half around the world, something grand and perhaps it was for the best after all.
I sailed from Greenock I think about the 24th August, 1853 (aged 17), in the ship “Rob Roy”, owned by Thomson of Glasgow, and after a voyage of 106 days landed in Melbourne about the 8th December.
Will the scene of Greenock ever be effaced from my memory?
Will the scene of Greenock ever be effaced from my memory?
For the first time in my young life, my heart was full.
Eliza (Gray) McGilchrist 1810-1895
A loved mother standing on the quay waving loving farewells,
almost a widowed mother just about broken hearted.
Her favourite son, (I think I may say that at that time),
leaving her perhaps for ever, the lonely journey
back to Edinburgh, where cares were very bitter
and another son breaking her heart and
disgracing her and our father’s name.
Oh, it was a fierce awakening to me during the first days of that voyage, what I would not have given to undo the previous two years and to be able to turn the ship round and go back home.
As soon as the mal-de-mer would allow me, I commenced a letter to my mother and I think I continued writing it every day during the voyage. I would like to see that letter now.
I can remember too that I commenced a study of the gospels and drew several maps illustrative of the journeying s of our Lord. I don’t know what has become of these.
I found that I had for a berth mate a young fellow very little older than myself, 18 I think. James Wilson, the son of a farmer near Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne, and circumstances as you will see kept us in close mateship for over 2 years.
The voyage was an uneventful one, the “Rob Roy” was a cargo ship and only carried 13 passengers, just enough with the officers to fill the poop cabin.
We saw no land during the voyage except Palma, one of the Canary Islands and that at a long distance.
Melbourne in 1853 was, as you may imagine, a rough place. The goldfields in their prime and money plentiful. Labour was scarcely to be got as every able-bodied man was off to the diggings. Carpenters and masons were getting ₤2 a day and man making the streets 30/.
Melbourne in 1853 was, as you may imagine, a rough place. The goldfields in their prime and money plentiful. Labour was scarcely to be got as every able-bodied man was off to the diggings. Carpenters and masons were getting ₤2 a day and man making the streets 30/.
I was told that with my profession if I applied to the Government Survey Department I might get a billet at ₤12 a week as they could not get draftsmen and were overwhelmed with work in opening up the country, road extension, etc, but boylike, I scouted the idea.
I did not come 16,000 miles to tackle drawing again. I came to explore untrodden forests, to hunt kangaroos and emus, to muster wild cattle, and meet heroic adventures.
I hoped to have a “shy” at the diggings as soon as possible and be home again in 7 years to raise my mother and father to an unexpected state of affluence. Alas! Alas! I did not then know myself. What a time of happy hope and inspiration youth is!
I hoped to have a “shy” at the diggings as soon as possible and be home again in 7 years to raise my mother and father to an unexpected state of affluence. Alas! Alas! I did not then know myself. What a time of happy hope and inspiration youth is!
My instructions, by letter from Uncle Robertson to mother before I left were to go to the Prince of Wales Hotel, where I would be directed to the house of our cousin Mrs Stokes, who resided in a suburb of Melbourne.
I found however that she, with her family had left Melbourne and gone to reside with her father,
William Robertson, at Wooling, and I found a letter from him telling me to stay at the Hotel and write to him as soon as I arrived, which I did.
I found however that she, with her family had left Melbourne and gone to reside with her father,
William Robertson, at Wooling, and I found a letter from him telling me to stay at the Hotel and write to him as soon as I arrived, which I did. In the course of a few days he came down, 36 miles, and as he had ordered a new dog cart, it was arranged that we should drive home to Wooling
During his stay in Melbourne walking along the street, we happened to meet Jim Wilson who asked uncle for a job, and was immediately engaged as ploughman, I forget at what wage, so Jim and I were not parted. Then began my Australian life in earnest.
On arriving at Wooling 
I found that almost the whole family of sons, daughters and grandchildren resident on the place and all working for the old man.
I found that almost the whole family of sons, daughters and grandchildren resident on the place and all working for the old man.Uncle was curious mixture of a man. I think he had good intentions and was strictly attentive to all religious duties and exceedingly liberal to the Church, but had a keen eye to worldly advancement and riches, was extremely susceptible to flattery and liked to pose as a leader of men.
He was popular with the public and was in his element when dispensing justice from the Bench, occupying the G.M Chair in a Masonic Lodge, and presiding as senior elder at a church meeting, but somehow not one of his family loved him and he made no effort to gain their love.
He was popular with the public and was in his element when dispensing justice from the Bench, occupying the G.M Chair in a Masonic Lodge, and presiding as senior elder at a church meeting, but somehow not one of his family loved him and he made no effort to gain their love.
Even poor old Aunt Manie, 
than whom a more guileless saint never lived, was in constant fear of him.
than whom a more guileless saint never lived, was in constant fear of him.He was then making money fast by farming, butchering, sawing timber, (he had a sawmill) etc, and the family was so large that he had little wages to pay.
No member of the family thought of asking him for wages until I broke the ice and I was considered to have excessive great courage, when after 10 months of hard work, I ventured to suggest to him that my labour was worth something.
But to return to my first arrival, I found that I would have to drop into the same groove as my cousins, so donned my moleskin trousers and striped shirt which mother had bought at Middlemasses’ in the South Bridge, and went to work like the others.
My first regular job was to move the sheep yards (hurdles) every day to a fresh place and sometimes sleep in a watch box besides the yard with a gun in case of wild dogs attacking the sheep.
I soon got initiated into the mysteries of bullock-driving and stock riding, and gradually got worked into the position of what is here called “wood and water Joey”– which position included milking the cows, carting the firewood from the bush, drawing water in casks from the creek, killing sheep for the house and all sorts of odd jobs.
I soon got initiated into the mysteries of bullock-driving and stock riding, and gradually got worked into the position of what is here called “wood and water Joey”– which position included milking the cows, carting the firewood from the bush, drawing water in casks from the creek, killing sheep for the house and all sorts of odd jobs.
This was sometimes varied by taking bullock loads of hay or grass to customers, shepherding a flock of sheep, 
once or twice by a trip to Melbourne with loads of wool. My cousin Willie Robertson always being the Boss on these occasions.
once or twice by a trip to Melbourne with loads of wool. My cousin Willie Robertson always being the Boss on these occasions.Somehow, however, though the life on Wooling was so rough, we were very happy and we all look back on those days as the happiest of our lives. There were so many boys and girls of us together all having to work hard and in constant dread of the old man, for he was a very slave driver to the members of his family.
I did not feel satisfied, however, I was earning nothing, my clothes were wearing out and I saw little prospect of getting to the diggings, at that rate.
I plucked up courage and went to the old man one evening, (he always sat by himself in the dining room until 9 o’clock when the worship bell rang), and asked him for wages.
I plucked up courage and went to the old man one evening, (he always sat by himself in the dining room until 9 o’clock when the worship bell rang), and asked him for wages.
To my surprise and very much to the surprise of my cousins, who would not have braved the old man in his den for any amount of wages, he agreed to give me 14/- a week and a six months engagement and I can assure you he took good care to get the 14/- worth out of me.
But I have no doubt it did me good. At all events, I could feel that I did not owe him anything although I knew then, as you perhaps know, it was entirely with our father and grandfather Gray’s money that he was enabled to come first to Tasmania, and then to Victoria and that at that time he had not paid a penny of it back.
Well, I remained the six months, when Jim Wilson and I packed up our blankets and with tent, frying-pan and billy, and a brace of pistols, started for the diggings.
Well, I remained the six months, when Jim Wilson and I packed up our blankets and with tent, frying-pan and billy, and a brace of pistols, started for the diggings.
After three days walking we reached a field named Jim Crow Ranges, but did not camp. Another 3 days took us to another field Simpson’s Ranges, now a large flourishing town called Maryborough field, and there we settled down on a flat christened the Alma Flat (it was shortly after the Crimean War).
What a glorious life the diggings life was, and what splendid fellows they were, at least most of them. There was a considerable element of Lag-ism, that is, ex-convicts, but they strictly kept to themselves. The majority were the pick of manhood physically and intellectually, and all inspired by the hope of striking it rich and becoming independent.
What a glorious life the diggings life was, and what splendid fellows they were, at least most of them. There was a considerable element of Lag-ism, that is, ex-convicts, but they strictly kept to themselves. The majority were the pick of manhood physically and intellectually, and all inspired by the hope of striking it rich and becoming independent.
Just at that time, there was a spirit of ferment among the diggers. The Eureka Stockade incident had recently happened when a collision took place between the diggers and the military at Ballarat, the nearest approach to a Civil war which Australia had experienced.
There were also numerous gangs of bushrangers about, robberies and cruel murders taking place almost daily so that a strong feeling of dissatisfaction towards the Government had arisen among the diggers, tyrannical and irritating regulations affecting miming operations and partly through the imbecility of the Government in their apparent inability to protect the diggers from hordes of bushrangers.
There were also numerous gangs of bushrangers about, robberies and cruel murders taking place almost daily so that a strong feeling of dissatisfaction towards the Government had arisen among the diggers, tyrannical and irritating regulations affecting miming operations and partly through the imbecility of the Government in their apparent inability to protect the diggers from hordes of bushrangers.
There was such a feeling of insecurity that everyone felt that protection depended principally on one’s own resources and no one thought of turning in at night without one or two loaded pistols within reach.
A stranger arriving at sundown on a thickly populated land could have imagined that a famous battle was going on as everyone fired off his pistols and rifles before reloading for the night.
During the time we were on the Alma Land, one of the most notorious bushrangers, Black Douglas, was taken in a gray shanty and lodged in jail and so intense was the feeling towards him and so distrustful of the imbecility of the Government, that next day a party of 500 diggers, the most of them carrying rifles on their shoulders, marched to the Commissioner’s camp and demanded Douglas so that they might lynch him.
During the time we were on the Alma Land, one of the most notorious bushrangers, Black Douglas, was taken in a gray shanty and lodged in jail and so intense was the feeling towards him and so distrustful of the imbecility of the Government, that next day a party of 500 diggers, the most of them carrying rifles on their shoulders, marched to the Commissioner’s camp and demanded Douglas so that they might lynch him.
The Commissioners power and a military display were sufficiently firm to reject the demand and Douglas was deservedly hanged in the approved legal manner.
Jim and I were too young to take part in these agitations, indeed, we had no desire to do so as things were not all that prosperous with us, for six months we just managed to make tucker and to add to our misfortune we came home to dinner one day and found the tent and everything else in ashes except (strange to say) our two Bibles which we were in the habit of reading in bed after turning in and placing under the log to which the tent was fastened and where the fire did not reach.
Jim and I were too young to take part in these agitations, indeed, we had no desire to do so as things were not all that prosperous with us, for six months we just managed to make tucker and to add to our misfortune we came home to dinner one day and found the tent and everything else in ashes except (strange to say) our two Bibles which we were in the habit of reading in bed after turning in and placing under the log to which the tent was fastened and where the fire did not reach.
We found ourselves without home, clothing, or tucker and just 12 dwts. of gold among three of us for by that time we had taken another mate, I forget his name, but I remember he had been a flunkey to the Earl of ?
This proved to be the turning point in our luck. We immediately commenced to get gold and soon removed to another rush on the Avoca River where for six months I found myself getting more gold that I knew what to do with.
This proved to be the turning point in our luck. We immediately commenced to get gold and soon removed to another rush on the Avoca River where for six months I found myself getting more gold that I knew what to do with.
Jim Wilson and I parted at this time in order to join separate parties, but we agreed to share our fortune for another year wherever we might happen to be, which we did for some time, but gradually drifted apart and I have never heard of him from that day to this.
I joined a party of sailors, splendid fellows, and we pretty well stuck together for a year and a half until we all left the diggings. From Avoca we went back to Simpson’s Ranges, then to a new rush called Dunolly. By this time, our party of four were living very comfortably. We had two large tents lined with green baize and a horse and cart. It is at this day a large populous town, the centre of an important gold-bearing district.
I joined a party of sailors, splendid fellows, and we pretty well stuck together for a year and a half until we all left the diggings. From Avoca we went back to Simpson’s Ranges, then to a new rush called Dunolly. By this time, our party of four were living very comfortably. We had two large tents lined with green baize and a horse and cart. It is at this day a large populous town, the centre of an important gold-bearing district.
As an illustration of the rapidity with which the settlements were formed in those days, when we went to Dunolly we were among the first to take up claims. In following up the flats through the primeval forests, mobs of kangaroos were running away from us.
In three months time, that flat was occupied by a town estimated to contain 50,000 of a population. A main street three miles long lined on both sides with shops and stores of all descriptions, Hotels, Bowling and Skittle Alleys, Billiard and Dancing Saloons and all descriptions of places of business and all composed of canvas and calico, generally with gorgeous fronts.
In three months time, that flat was occupied by a town estimated to contain 50,000 of a population. A main street three miles long lined on both sides with shops and stores of all descriptions, Hotels, Bowling and Skittle Alleys, Billiard and Dancing Saloons and all descriptions of places of business and all composed of canvas and calico, generally with gorgeous fronts.
Life was wild and reckless and gold to be got by little exertion. We got on payable gold and did fairly well for six months when we moved to another rush called Jones’ Creek. There we also did fairly well for a time. I picked up the largest piece of gold I ever got, just a pound in weight, worth ₤50. It was now nearly Christmas 1866 and my mates resolved to leave the diggings.
I had almost settled down permanently to the life of a digger and did not think of leaving, but I felt disposed to pay a visit to Wooling, so I bought my mate’s share of the tents, tools, etc, left them in charge of a storekeeper, and went off to Wooling for a holiday, by coach this time.
I had almost settled down permanently to the life of a digger and did not think of leaving, but I felt disposed to pay a visit to Wooling, so I bought my mate’s share of the tents, tools, etc, left them in charge of a storekeeper, and went off to Wooling for a holiday, by coach this time.
They were all very pleased to see me and highly amused at the appearance of a moustache which had developed since I left 21 months previously. As I had a bit of gold, I was, of course, of some importance and enjoyed myself immensely for a month.
When I returned to Jones’ Creek, I joined another party, but one of those unaccountable changes of fortune took place, and try as we liked, we could not get on gold. Month after month passed, we went from one gully to another, money ran short, tucker ran out, till one day (three of us) were reduced to three loaves of bread and not a grain of gold.
When I returned to Jones’ Creek, I joined another party, but one of those unaccountable changes of fortune took place, and try as we liked, we could not get on gold. Month after month passed, we went from one gully to another, money ran short, tucker ran out, till one day (three of us) were reduced to three loaves of bread and not a grain of gold.
I had previously sold my tents and most of my tools. I saw this would not do, so made up my mind to go down the country again and try something else, recent bad luck had sickened me of the diggings.
But I had to derive some means of raising the funds to enable me to clear out. I was rather fortunate in getting a job to keep a butchers shop in conjunction with a general store, and cook for the storekeepers, wages 50/ a week.
But I had to derive some means of raising the funds to enable me to clear out. I was rather fortunate in getting a job to keep a butchers shop in conjunction with a general store, and cook for the storekeepers, wages 50/ a week.
I did a fortnight at this, drew my cheque, and cleared out of the diggings after a two years’ spell, poorer than when I went up. I had sometime to give 2/6 for a bucket of water and although dissipation's were rare except among the lower classes, it was a happy-go-lucky life and when gold was plentiful, economy was little thought of.
I returned to Wooling considerably poorer and perhaps wiser than on my previous return, four months previously, and recommenced the old life of bullock driving, etc but I had only been a month back when I was seized with an illness commencing with inflammation of the bowels which laid me up for six months and it was to the tender nursing of my cousin, Marion Stokes (my wife’s Mother) that I owed my life.
I am grateful to say that was the only important illness that I ever had and although that is 37 years ago, I have never had reason to think it affected my constitution.
As soon as I was able, I looked out for some employment and managed to get a job from a man named John Keen, who carried on business in Gisborne, the township within four miles of Wooling, as a hay and corn Merchant in a shop the property of Uncle Robertson.I forget the wages, but my principal work was turning the handle of the chaff-cutting machine and cooking for the boss.
As soon as I was able, I looked out for some employment and managed to get a job from a man named John Keen, who carried on business in Gisborne, the township within four miles of Wooling, as a hay and corn Merchant in a shop the property of Uncle Robertson.I forget the wages, but my principal work was turning the handle of the chaff-cutting machine and cooking for the boss.
It was during this time that I received the news of our Father’s death, a very bitter blow. As Keen was not of much account, this did not last long and with Uncle’s assistance I took the business myself.
During the time I was at the diggings, The Rev’d. John Meek, a young man who commenced business as a draper in the shop of James Young of the High Street, Edinburgh,
and was appointed an Edinburgh City Missionary, had been settled in the Gisborne Presbyterian Church and then commenced the interest in the church work I have continued ever since, except during intervals when no Presbyterian Church was in reach.
During the time I was at the diggings, The Rev’d. John Meek, a young man who commenced business as a draper in the shop of James Young of the High Street, Edinburgh,
and was appointed an Edinburgh City Missionary, had been settled in the Gisborne Presbyterian Church and then commenced the interest in the church work I have continued ever since, except during intervals when no Presbyterian Church was in reach.I became very intimate with Mr Meek (he is still alive and minister of Gisborne) and his family and eventually my hay and Corn Store was transferred in a General Store with Groceries, Drapery, Ironmongery, Wine and Spirits under the style of McGilchrist, Hutton and Campbell, Hutton was Mr Meek’s brother-in-law, Campbell a friend of his, both grocers by trade.
Campbell did not remain long with us and then Hutton launched out in an extensive way. He was a fool and I was then totally inexperienced in business and I suppose also a fool.
We built two branch stores on a railway line then being constructed from Melbourne to Bendigo which passed near Gisborne and things went swimmingly for a while, but the inevitable day came when bills could not be met and we had to stop and break up the business.
During this tine in February/60, I married my half-cousin, Marion Kettle, daughter of our cousin Marion Stokes by her first husband. On closing the business Hutton cleared out to New Zealand where I afterwards saw him, but have heard nothing of him since and I re-opened the business, groceries and hay and corn only this time in partnership with an auctioneer named Dixon, but as the railway had then been completed and trade much diminished, we did not carry on more than a year.
During that time the goldfields in New Zealand broke out and I took a trip over to Dunedin (leaving Dixon at Gisborne) to look out for a business there. I took passage in the Yankee Clipper, Empress of the Seas, March/61 with 800 passengers, nearly all diggers. I could tell some strange incidents of that voyage and my experiences in Dunedin, but it would take too long. Dunedin was originally a Free Kirk Settlement with the minister, Dr Burns as pastor, autocrat and everything else.
During this tine in February/60, I married my half-cousin, Marion Kettle, daughter of our cousin Marion Stokes by her first husband. On closing the business Hutton cleared out to New Zealand where I afterwards saw him, but have heard nothing of him since and I re-opened the business, groceries and hay and corn only this time in partnership with an auctioneer named Dixon, but as the railway had then been completed and trade much diminished, we did not carry on more than a year.
During that time the goldfields in New Zealand broke out and I took a trip over to Dunedin (leaving Dixon at Gisborne) to look out for a business there. I took passage in the Yankee Clipper, Empress of the Seas, March/61 with 800 passengers, nearly all diggers. I could tell some strange incidents of that voyage and my experiences in Dunedin, but it would take too long. Dunedin was originally a Free Kirk Settlement with the minister, Dr Burns as pastor, autocrat and everything else.
Money was almost unknown, trade being carried on by barter so that when the rush of Australian diggers set in at the rate of 1000 a day and all with a purse of gold sovereigns, the old identities as they were called, were completely staggered and the prevailing idea was that coming from Australia, we were all either convicts or connected with convictism.
They were not long, however, in putting their Scotch wits together and in directing their attention to the acquisition of the Australian sovereigns. I made enquiries as to obtaining a place to open business and after a while I found an old Scotchman who was building two small wooden shops about 14 ft, square and which were to be let.
They were not long, however, in putting their Scotch wits together and in directing their attention to the acquisition of the Australian sovereigns. I made enquiries as to obtaining a place to open business and after a while I found an old Scotchman who was building two small wooden shops about 14 ft, square and which were to be let.
On inquiring his terms. I was told I could have one of them on a 12 year lease at ₤12 per week, a bonus of ₤200 and 12 months rent down. I did not jump at it.
I gave up the idea of starting business there and took a walk to several of the fields, through magnificent country, snow capped mountains and beautiful rivers and lakes, and after a few peeks returned to Gisborne.
I gave up the idea of starting business there and took a walk to several of the fields, through magnificent country, snow capped mountains and beautiful rivers and lakes, and after a few peeks returned to Gisborne.
After closing the store and selling off everything my next venture was with my brother-in-law, George Stokes, buying horses, breaking them in to saddle and harness and selling them in Melbourne, but this was not a very congenial trade.
I was then offered a half share in a saw mill in the Macedon Ranges near Wooling which was being built for ₤400 and I, with Henry Kettle,
another brother-in–law, managed to buy.
I was then offered a half share in a saw mill in the Macedon Ranges near Wooling which was being built for ₤400 and I, with Henry Kettle,
another brother-in–law, managed to buy. This did not prove very successful at first, it was terribly hard work. There were four of us in it, all working partners.
Two were experienced millers and took the management of the mill itself, Henry Kettle managed the teams drawing the logs and carting the sawn timber to the railway and I took management of the log-getting gang and for three years I did nothing but wield the axe, felling the immense forest trees, cutting them into logs and clearing roads through dense scrub and falling timber.
I became one of the most expert axemen in the ranges and have not yet lost the skill, but won’t say much for the wind.
However, it was a big struggle to make ends meet as timber became very cheap and four bosses were rather too many. At the end of two years, I and George Stokes made an offer to our partners to rent the mill and it was accepted.
However, it was a big struggle to make ends meet as timber became very cheap and four bosses were rather too many. At the end of two years, I and George Stokes made an offer to our partners to rent the mill and it was accepted.
Then things improved under my single management; we turned out double the amount of timber at less expense and were doing splendidly until 26th February, 1864 ( a date I don’t forget) when one of the most destructive bushfires broke out that the colony had ever experienced and our mill went in smoke and ashes.
No human power could have saved it as it was surrounded by forest and scrub and everyone had to flee before the fire. We managed to save the house at Macedon, which was on a partially cleared spot.
No human power could have saved it as it was surrounded by forest and scrub and everyone had to flee before the fire. We managed to save the house at Macedon, which was on a partially cleared spot.
It was a sad blow as we were doing extremely well and had accumulated some hundreds of logs for the winter work, but we had to take it as philosophically as possible. It would not pay to rebuild it. We were out of employment and must look for something else.
At that time the government was opening up large tracts of country for farmers in Gippsland, the south-east portion of Victoria, so George and I resolved to have a look there. We sold off all we could, teams, wagons, etc. and had a few hundreds left.
At that time the government was opening up large tracts of country for farmers in Gippsland, the south-east portion of Victoria, so George and I resolved to have a look there. We sold off all we could, teams, wagons, etc. and had a few hundreds left.
On arriving in Gippsland we found that there would not be a land sale for 3 months so resolved to take a walk through the Australian Alps where quartz mining was at that time prosperous, having left Marion and the three children at the Macedon house.
I may mention here that Manie (Mrs McLeod), my eldest daughter, was borne at Gisborne on 1st Jan.61. The two others, Eliza and Lillias, were born at Macedon.
After travelling about 100 miles over mountain ranges, we arrived at a busy mining town called Wood’s Point, right in the centre of the Alps country and after looking round a bit, I bought a share in a Stockbroking and Mining Agency business conducted by a Frenchman named Ralph Snitso Douglas Morgan, a name indicating rather a mixed descent for a Frenchman, but a very decent fellow he was.
After travelling about 100 miles over mountain ranges, we arrived at a busy mining town called Wood’s Point, right in the centre of the Alps country and after looking round a bit, I bought a share in a Stockbroking and Mining Agency business conducted by a Frenchman named Ralph Snitso Douglas Morgan, a name indicating rather a mixed descent for a Frenchman, but a very decent fellow he was.
We were doing a capital business, but our expenses were very heavy. We had to keep two horses, each of which cost two pounds a week to feed. No wheeled conveyance could come within fifty miles so that every article had to be packed that distance on horses and mules and not a blade of grass on the mountain, nothing but rocks, gullies and ranges 5000ft high covered with immense forest trees and dense scrub, all under snow in winter.
I believe there are magnificent rains there now. I found also that my hotel expenses mounted to about ₤5 a week, but still we managed to make it and lived in hopes of obtaining a share in a rich quartz reef. Eventually Morgan and I agreed to dissolve our partnership and each took half of the business.
I believe there are magnificent rains there now. I found also that my hotel expenses mounted to about ₤5 a week, but still we managed to make it and lived in hopes of obtaining a share in a rich quartz reef. Eventually Morgan and I agreed to dissolve our partnership and each took half of the business.
I gave up my horse and found private lodging at 30/-.a week and as I was rather fortunate in getting into a pretty good connection, I was in hopes of shortly getting Marion and the children beside me again, but now commenced a series of misfortunes over which I had no control and which entirely upset my schemes.
They were all this time living in the Macedon house and I should have mentioned that Marion’s two half-sisters, Marion Jane and Mary Stokes (the latter now my wife) were also members of my household almost from the time of my marriage.
They were all this time living in the Macedon house and I should have mentioned that Marion’s two half-sisters, Marion Jane and Mary Stokes (the latter now my wife) were also members of my household almost from the time of my marriage.
Firstly, my second child, Eliza, died of Croup and I felt constrained to go home, a weary walk of 150 miles, which took 5 days and 5 days back. This was our first experience of the Day of Terrors and a very severe blow.
Then Marion’ health began to break down so that it was impossible to move her to the mountains and for nearly a year I was being frequently called home urgently until she died in March /67.
Then Marion’ health began to break down so that it was impossible to move her to the mountains and for nearly a year I was being frequently called home urgently until she died in March /67.
My business, of course, suffered. Doctor’s expenses were heavy, travelling expenses mounted up and during the year it was found necessary on account of Marion’s health to move them from the Macedon house to New Gisborne, a township two miles from Wooling.
I never went back to Wood’s Point after her death, indeed I was just about as near to despondency then as I ever was in my life, for I was reduced again to poverty, but I had two bairns and my two sisters-in law partially dependent on me, so I had to look out for something.
By that time George Stokes had with a partner rented another large saw mill in the ranges and I got a job from them at ₤3 a week as yards man, very hard work as I had to bundle about 12,000 ft. of timber every day and do the bookkeeping at night, but I was glad to get it as I could get home to my bairns from Saturday night to Monday mornings.
By that time George Stokes had with a partner rented another large saw mill in the ranges and I got a job from them at ₤3 a week as yards man, very hard work as I had to bundle about 12,000 ft. of timber every day and do the bookkeeping at night, but I was glad to get it as I could get home to my bairns from Saturday night to Monday mornings.
This continued for a year when through alterations in the mill I lost my billet. I was now pretty hard put to it, no money, no job and no prospects. By chance, I heard of a situation in a store in a small township, Apsley in the far north-west of the colony at a pound a week, little as it was, I accepted it and once more left home and bairns.
This was in March/68 and I may say from this date my severance from the Robertson family except those immediately connected with me by marriage, and although I look back to many happy days of my youth spent at Wooling with my numerous cousins, the connection was not one to be proud of and for some reasons I had often wished that it had been severed years before.
I may here say that the old man eventually sold Wooling during a land boom for ₤10,000 and retired to a house near Melbourne. He died only six years ago, at the age of 95, a poor old parish invalid and was honoured with a special obituary article in our Church magazine as one of the benefactors of the Church.
I may here say that the old man eventually sold Wooling during a land boom for ₤10,000 and retired to a house near Melbourne. He died only six years ago, at the age of 95, a poor old parish invalid and was honoured with a special obituary article in our Church magazine as one of the benefactors of the Church.
The oldest son, James, and his wife are now inmates of an old colonist’s charitable institution in Melbourne, and Willie, the second son, died some years ago a dissipated wreck.
Strange to say, on my arrival at Apsley, I found that my employer, J Botterill, was on his death-bed and died within a week. I found myself in a strange position, the business consisted of a large general store containing a stock of about ₤5000 and an hotel. In fact, these constituted most of the township, the district being entirely pastoral and held in large blocks by owners of from twenty to eighty thousand sheep, all at that time very wealthy.
Strange to say, on my arrival at Apsley, I found that my employer, J Botterill, was on his death-bed and died within a week. I found myself in a strange position, the business consisted of a large general store containing a stock of about ₤5000 and an hotel. In fact, these constituted most of the township, the district being entirely pastoral and held in large blocks by owners of from twenty to eighty thousand sheep, all at that time very wealthy.
I found that owing to neglect and to Botterill’s dissipated habits, the business had been allowed to go to ruin and his widow new nothing whatever about it, and the financial position in a most complicated and critical state.
Perhaps I may be allowed to quote and oft-repeated assertion of Mrs.Botterill’s in after years that “she was fully convinced that providence sent Mr. McGilchrist to her at that juncture”. Had I followed my inclinations I would probably have cleared out as once as I knew I would have to take the sole responsibility of extricating a large state of property from a chaotic state of muddle and of building up almost a new business out of the ruins.
But I tackled it, went first of course into the finances which I found to be more healthy than I expected, offered immediate inducements to clear out old stock, filled up a hawker’s van, sent out a man round the country, consigned a lot of useless stock to a populous town some 60 miles distant where I sold it by auction and started out myself with a buggy and samples round the sheep stations within sixty miles and I had the satisfaction of knowing, when I left Mrs Botterill 6 years after that, I left her with a prosperous and a good clean stock and her oldest son duly installed as an efficient manager; but this is anticipating.
After 2 years at Apsley, I took a holiday to see my bairns and I think it was on this occasion that the idea first suggested itself of making Mary my wife. It was rather a delicate position. I had to maintain a home for my bairns and my two sisters-in laws both young girls about 20 and 22, I could not bring them to Apsley (I may say my salary was now up to ₤200 again) and I saw no other way out of the difficulty than making one of them my wife.
I do not wish however to convey the idea that my second marriage was only one of convenience, far from it, for although I may say it, I know few have been bound together by stronger ties and confidence than Mary and I these 24 years.
Perhaps I may be allowed to quote and oft-repeated assertion of Mrs.Botterill’s in after years that “she was fully convinced that providence sent Mr. McGilchrist to her at that juncture”. Had I followed my inclinations I would probably have cleared out as once as I knew I would have to take the sole responsibility of extricating a large state of property from a chaotic state of muddle and of building up almost a new business out of the ruins.
But I tackled it, went first of course into the finances which I found to be more healthy than I expected, offered immediate inducements to clear out old stock, filled up a hawker’s van, sent out a man round the country, consigned a lot of useless stock to a populous town some 60 miles distant where I sold it by auction and started out myself with a buggy and samples round the sheep stations within sixty miles and I had the satisfaction of knowing, when I left Mrs Botterill 6 years after that, I left her with a prosperous and a good clean stock and her oldest son duly installed as an efficient manager; but this is anticipating.
After 2 years at Apsley, I took a holiday to see my bairns and I think it was on this occasion that the idea first suggested itself of making Mary my wife. It was rather a delicate position. I had to maintain a home for my bairns and my two sisters-in laws both young girls about 20 and 22, I could not bring them to Apsley (I may say my salary was now up to ₤200 again) and I saw no other way out of the difficulty than making one of them my wife.
I do not wish however to convey the idea that my second marriage was only one of convenience, far from it, for although I may say it, I know few have been bound together by stronger ties and confidence than Mary and I these 24 years.
I returned to Apsley for another two years and carried on my courting by letter. My employer very willingly put up a nice cottage for me and in March, 1872, I was married to Mary in Melbourne by the Rev. Isaac New, Baptist Minister.
The reason for this was that Mary, being my deceased wife’s sister or half sister and the law in Victoria not recognising such marriages, no Presbyterian Minister could perform the ceremony and Mr New being one of the few who strongly supported union of that description we had to revert to him.
The reason for this was that Mary, being my deceased wife’s sister or half sister and the law in Victoria not recognising such marriages, no Presbyterian Minister could perform the ceremony and Mr New being one of the few who strongly supported union of that description we had to revert to him.
However, as there could be no later difficulty shortly after arriving at Apsley, we paid a visit to a friend in this colony, (I think they are recognised in all colonies now) resided the seven days which the law required and were married a second time by our own minister, the Rev. D McCalman.
At Apsley another two years making 6 in all, and was induced to leave and come to Naracoorte by one of my friends, a wealthy sheep-farmer, whose sister, a widow, had been left with a large business there and who offered me ₤280 per annum to take its management.
At Apsley another two years making 6 in all, and was induced to leave and come to Naracoorte by one of my friends, a wealthy sheep-farmer, whose sister, a widow, had been left with a large business there and who offered me ₤280 per annum to take its management.
I was very reluctant to leave Apsley as I was very happy and had been successful for my employer, but I saw the time approaching when the son would be capable of taking the management an I might be dispensed with, so to Naracoorte I came in March/74 and I have been here ever since.
I found the business I came to manage a splendid one in a fearful mess, worse than I found the Apsley business but with this difference, that at Apsley I was permitted to put things in order.
I found the business I came to manage a splendid one in a fearful mess, worse than I found the Apsley business but with this difference, that at Apsley I was permitted to put things in order.
My new employer, Mrs Jones, a pigheaded ignorant highland woman did not feel disposed to relinquish her authority and insisted on putting all sorts of impediments in my way, refusing to allow me to collect book debts which I found about three times as much as her capital, insisting on buying stock herself for which she was thoroughly incapable, till at last I had to tell my friend, her brother, that neither I or the Angel Gabriel could possibly extricate the business from the state it was in unless she cleared out altogether. This she absolutely refused to do so I cleared out.
By this time, I could lay my hands on a few hundreds and my previous employer Mrs Botterill, suggested my building a store in Naracoorte in partnership with her, she putting two pounds to my one into the business. This we did and were fairly successful for some three or four years.
By this time, I could lay my hands on a few hundreds and my previous employer Mrs Botterill, suggested my building a store in Naracoorte in partnership with her, she putting two pounds to my one into the business. This we did and were fairly successful for some three or four years.
At this time /79, Mrs Botterill sold all the Apsley properties with the intention of retiring to Melbourne (she went to Geelong where she now lives enjoying a competency) and expressed a wish to sell out of the Naracoorte business also asking ₤1000 for her interest. I could not see my way to hinder myself with such a handicap and eventually she got a young man named Crow to buy her share.
Misfortune then began again. Crow turned out to be an inveterate gambler and got into a mess so that I was compelled to buy him out with the assistance of my merchants (I had made provision for this in the partnership agreement).
Misfortune then began again. Crow turned out to be an inveterate gambler and got into a mess so that I was compelled to buy him out with the assistance of my merchants (I had made provision for this in the partnership agreement).
For some time, I think about a year, I went on by myself, but the handicap was rather big until I took Frank McLeod, now Manie’s husband, into the business, he having got ₤1000 from an uncle, a wealthy sheep farmer. Frank, however proved of very little use to me in the business. A fine fellow he was and is, but never intended for a business man. We were now beginning to feel the commercial depression which culminated in almost universal smash two years ago.
Ever since the devaluation of silver by Great Britain in 1873 there has been, as you probably know, a gradual fall in value of almost every commodity as well as in land securities, (are you a stateliest ? I am, very strongly) and as if to intensify the misery to us here, colonies about this time 1880, instituted the abominable system of inter-colonial customs duties.
As we are within 14 miles of the boundary of Victoria and a large part of our trade lay over the border that was at once cut off and, worse than that, we had a large amount of book debts in Victoria which I have not been able to collect to this day.
Ever since the devaluation of silver by Great Britain in 1873 there has been, as you probably know, a gradual fall in value of almost every commodity as well as in land securities, (are you a stateliest ? I am, very strongly) and as if to intensify the misery to us here, colonies about this time 1880, instituted the abominable system of inter-colonial customs duties.
As we are within 14 miles of the boundary of Victoria and a large part of our trade lay over the border that was at once cut off and, worse than that, we had a large amount of book debts in Victoria which I have not been able to collect to this day.
We continued the business until the beginning of 1883, when with trade becoming more and more unsatisfactory through the impecunious state of the pastoral and Agricultural population and securities becoming of less and less value, to avoid a smash, we sold out.
Frank got a good position in a large warehouse in Geelong and I started here as an auctioneer, Stock and Station Agent. For some years I did fairly well making up to ₤1000 a year, but had to take big risks. However, I think I could have pulled through all right if the great financial crash had not come. The first bank to go, The Commercial of Australia, was the one I dealt with.
Frank got a good position in a large warehouse in Geelong and I started here as an auctioneer, Stock and Station Agent. For some years I did fairly well making up to ₤1000 a year, but had to take big risks. However, I think I could have pulled through all right if the great financial crash had not come. The first bank to go, The Commercial of Australia, was the one I dealt with.
I had about ₤2000 under discount, most of my acceptors also being Commercial Bank men but that did not matter much as within a few days nearly every other bank in the colonies closed its doors and fortunate were the men who could lay their hands on any cash at all. I happened to have ₤400 to credit of current accounts, but I might as well have had an overdraft so far as it was of any use to me.
Of course I had it released after a long delay but business was at a stand still, Nobody could do business for cash and bills were of no use as discount accommodations were a thing of the past. That is now about 4 years ago, when my biggest struggle commenced. The only object to be attained was to save as much of the wreck as possible.
Of course I had it released after a long delay but business was at a stand still, Nobody could do business for cash and bills were of no use as discount accommodations were a thing of the past. That is now about 4 years ago, when my biggest struggle commenced. The only object to be attained was to save as much of the wreck as possible.
Of course my business as an Auctioneer and Agent collapsed, but what with affecting a mortgage on our home and collecting from debtors I managed to lift the last of my discounts from the bank and got clear as far as the bank was concerned.
Fortunately I had a few permanent billets in Secretary of various associations which were to some extent a stand-by, but several of these had also to succumb to the general depression until the gross income from these does not exceed ₤120 per annum, You already know how hard pressed we were a year ago and what a relief Grandfather’s legacy was to us. And now I think I am done and high time too.
Fortunately I had a few permanent billets in Secretary of various associations which were to some extent a stand-by, but several of these had also to succumb to the general depression until the gross income from these does not exceed ₤120 per annum, You already know how hard pressed we were a year ago and what a relief Grandfather’s legacy was to us. And now I think I am done and high time too.
I had no idea when I started that this yarn would have spun itself out as it has done. I dare say it may be of some little interest to you and the others.
It has been a source of considerable interest to myself recalling events in my rather chequered career and it has led you to the conclusion that I have long come to myself that in some respects, my life has been a failure.
It has been a source of considerable interest to myself recalling events in my rather chequered career and it has led you to the conclusion that I have long come to myself that in some respects, my life has been a failure.
I frequently make the remark to Mary, but she says, “No you have not become rich, but your life has been useful”.
Well, perhaps to some extent it has, I have always tried to do some good to others wherever I was. I have been active in social and philanthropic movements, especially in church affairs. I have adopted as a motto the words of Dr Thos Currie: “ I live for those who love me, etc”.
.
Perhaps this is the reason I have not succeeded in taking care of myself. But I don’t complain, I have little desire to be rich for my own sake. Any ambition I had is for those who are dear to me. But we have much to be thankful for. I have never been in actual want-and although often poor, very poor, something always seemed to turn up to relieve us from despair.
Just one word more. I have had many temptations some of which have been too strong for me but during my 43 years in Australia, I have endeavoured to hold my head up as a man to be trusted and that on many occasions, apparently rough paths have been made smooth for me by special interposition of Providence. I am fully confident that a special Providence has guarded my steps and showered blessings and happiness on me far more than I deserve.
Do you believe in the intercession of the Saints?
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Perhaps this is the reason I have not succeeded in taking care of myself. But I don’t complain, I have little desire to be rich for my own sake. Any ambition I had is for those who are dear to me. But we have much to be thankful for. I have never been in actual want-and although often poor, very poor, something always seemed to turn up to relieve us from despair.
Just one word more. I have had many temptations some of which have been too strong for me but during my 43 years in Australia, I have endeavoured to hold my head up as a man to be trusted and that on many occasions, apparently rough paths have been made smooth for me by special interposition of Providence. I am fully confident that a special Providence has guarded my steps and showered blessings and happiness on me far more than I deserve.
Do you believe in the intercession of the Saints?
I confess that I feel it difficult to think that my sainted mother, who was allowed to intercede for her son during her sojourn on earth is precluded from continuing that intercession at the foot of the throne.
STEVENSON MCGILCHRIST'S
"WILLIAM ROBERTSON, VICTORIAN PIONEER 1837-1890”
may be seen in the museum of the
Naracoorte Branch of the National Trust.
"WILLIAM ROBERTSON, VICTORIAN PIONEER 1837-1890”
may be seen in the museum of the
Naracoorte Branch of the National Trust.
Also in this museum is the book
“History of Naracoorte”
written by Heather Parker and Judith Murdoch.
This book makes frequent reference to
James McGilchrist and his keen interest
in the town’s affairs during his residence
there from 1874-1906. For eleven years
prior to 1906 he had been a clerk
at the District Council.
STEVENSON MCGILCHRIST 1888-1973
(6th son of thirteen children - 7 daughters) of James McGilchrist.
James was also Secretary of the Naracoorte hospital and during his term of office in that capacity, he supervised the planting of many pines in the hospital grounds. He was a good townsman, and among his many interests were the Presbyterian Church, the Freemason’s Lodge (He was Worshipful Master for a period), the Pastoral and Agricultural Society (he was Secretary for a time), the Coursing Club, (he wrote a short history of “Coursing” relating to the Naracoorte Club) and acted as auditor for a number of Grazing estates in the Naracoorte district.
As stated in his memoirs, James McGilchrist was twice married, His first wife Marion Kettle bore three children, one of whom died in early childhood and she herself died at the age of twenty-five. His second wife Mary Stokes bore thirteen children, six of whom died very young. Those years were very lean and full of tragedy.
About the year 1905 my father’s conscience began to trouble him persistently for at that time he had two sons whose futures held little promise. My brother John (Jack) aged 28, single, and unstable, and myself, aged 16, also unstable I am afraid and certainly without ambition. Jack was a jeweller and watchmaker but seemed to make little progress in that career.
I was twelve years of age when I completed my primary school education, after which I spent two years in a special class doing secondary school work. There was then no High School at Naracoorte, and because of financial difficulties in my home I left school, spending some time in my father’s office in the Council Chambers. Then I was given a position in the office of Naracoorte’s main General Store, that of Fullarton and Blackwell, where I remained until we left Naracoorte.
In 1905 or 6 my father resolved to become a storekeeper again, and decided to purchase a fancy goods and newspaper business in Burra, about 100 miles north of Adelaide. Jack was to carry on with his watch repairing in his store and I was to manage the fancy goods and newspaper business. The transaction was completed, our packing up commenced, and the date of auction of my father’s property was advertised, when again tragedy entered our lives.
Jack was brought home in great agony suffering from poisoning-sheer misadventure and through no fault of his. We could not keep him in the home while packing up was in progress, so he was taken to the Naracoorte Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.
My father’s bridges were burnt: So to Burra we went in 1906. I did not take kindly to serving behind a counter and decided I wished to become a teacher, I think that my father was pleased that I had at last made a decision for myself regarding my future, and put no obstacles in my way, but I think from that time his health began to decline. Certainly our move from Naracoorte deprived him of a good deal of happiness.
His grandfather, his father and his younger brother had been Presbyterian Ministers in Scotland and the Presbyterian Church had been my father’s church in Australia. But there was no Presbyterian Church in Burra and my parents were debarred from receiving the sacrament in the local Anglican Church, so they became members of the Methodist Church.
My sister, Grace, two years older than I, had also come to Burra so she and I attended the Anglican Church and became choir members. It was fortunate that Grace had come to Burra, as she proved to be a very capable business woman, and was of great assistance to our father, I kept to my decision and with a little time devoted to study, I passed what was then known as a Provisional Teacher’s Examination.
Then, after a very short term of training in two local schools, I was appointed to a one-teacher school in the far north-east of South Australia, about fifty miles from Broken Hill. That was in 1908, and near the end of 1909 my father died in the Burra Hospital.
In spite of his many difficulties, he had while in partnership of that store, built a large showroom adjoining it and he added various other goods, such as sports material, phonographs and records (the original cylinder type) and other fancy goods material.
As stated in his memoirs, James McGilchrist was twice married, His first wife Marion Kettle bore three children, one of whom died in early childhood and she herself died at the age of twenty-five. His second wife Mary Stokes bore thirteen children, six of whom died very young. Those years were very lean and full of tragedy.
About the year 1905 my father’s conscience began to trouble him persistently for at that time he had two sons whose futures held little promise. My brother John (Jack) aged 28, single, and unstable, and myself, aged 16, also unstable I am afraid and certainly without ambition. Jack was a jeweller and watchmaker but seemed to make little progress in that career.
I was twelve years of age when I completed my primary school education, after which I spent two years in a special class doing secondary school work. There was then no High School at Naracoorte, and because of financial difficulties in my home I left school, spending some time in my father’s office in the Council Chambers. Then I was given a position in the office of Naracoorte’s main General Store, that of Fullarton and Blackwell, where I remained until we left Naracoorte.
In 1905 or 6 my father resolved to become a storekeeper again, and decided to purchase a fancy goods and newspaper business in Burra, about 100 miles north of Adelaide. Jack was to carry on with his watch repairing in his store and I was to manage the fancy goods and newspaper business. The transaction was completed, our packing up commenced, and the date of auction of my father’s property was advertised, when again tragedy entered our lives.
Jack was brought home in great agony suffering from poisoning-sheer misadventure and through no fault of his. We could not keep him in the home while packing up was in progress, so he was taken to the Naracoorte Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.
My father’s bridges were burnt: So to Burra we went in 1906. I did not take kindly to serving behind a counter and decided I wished to become a teacher, I think that my father was pleased that I had at last made a decision for myself regarding my future, and put no obstacles in my way, but I think from that time his health began to decline. Certainly our move from Naracoorte deprived him of a good deal of happiness.
His grandfather, his father and his younger brother had been Presbyterian Ministers in Scotland and the Presbyterian Church had been my father’s church in Australia. But there was no Presbyterian Church in Burra and my parents were debarred from receiving the sacrament in the local Anglican Church, so they became members of the Methodist Church.
My sister, Grace, two years older than I, had also come to Burra so she and I attended the Anglican Church and became choir members. It was fortunate that Grace had come to Burra, as she proved to be a very capable business woman, and was of great assistance to our father, I kept to my decision and with a little time devoted to study, I passed what was then known as a Provisional Teacher’s Examination.
Then, after a very short term of training in two local schools, I was appointed to a one-teacher school in the far north-east of South Australia, about fifty miles from Broken Hill. That was in 1908, and near the end of 1909 my father died in the Burra Hospital.
In spite of his many difficulties, he had while in partnership of that store, built a large showroom adjoining it and he added various other goods, such as sports material, phonographs and records (the original cylinder type) and other fancy goods material.
Although my father James McGilchrist 1836-1909
considered himself somewhat of a failure,
he was always,
an honest, God-fearing and upright man.
Stevenson George McGilchrist 1888-1973
The following information
on the life of
James McGilchrist 1836-1909
James McGilchrist 1836-1909
from
Edinburgh-Scotland
is published courtesy of
The Burra History Group
Burra South Australia
is published courtesy of
The Burra History Group
Burra South Australia
