Alexander Wilkinson

Sergeant John Wilkinson, a native of County Down, Ireland, was an old Waterloo man, with the First Regiment Life Guards. He came to N S W in 1826 as Sergeant in the N S W Regiment and was for a term stationed at Bathurst where a son, Alexander, was born on December 28, 1826. He obtained a Veteran’s Grant of 40 acres, in West Maitland, and took his discharge in 1832 and settled there. Six years later he took over the Licence of the Waterloo Inn, west Maitland. Young Alexander worked as a Clerk, and in the 1840s went to California to try his luck on the goldfields; he returned home to work on the newly discovered gold mines in the Dubbo District. Neither venture appeared successful so he came back to Maitland to continue his former occupation. He worked for Potts, Baxter & Co., Austen & Co., and Wolfe, Prentice & Co., with whom he stayed for thirty years. He had an active part in starting Stack’s Building Society - the first of its kind in Maitland — and in establishing the Great Northern Permanent Building Society, of which he was a director and also Chairman. He took a prominent part in the affairs of the lodge of the Ancient Order of Foresters and the formation in 1854 of the President Lodge of Oddfellows. He was one of the oldest members of the Masonic Order in Maitland and Newcastle. He was closely identified with the volunteer movement which was formed in 1860, when he joined as a private and worked his way up to command. He was Lieut Colonel of the Fourth Infantry Regt, and in 1885 was placed in command of the Northern Districts Reserves from the Hawkesbury River to Tenterfield and Narrabri. He retired in 1893 with the rank of Colonel. For nearly fifty years he was a member of’ the School of Arts; had several terms as a member of the Maitland Road Trust; was an old member of the Maitland Bench of Magistrates; and had been for many years the Returning Officer of the electorate. Colonel Wilkinson was elected Mayor of West Maitland on five occasions and was Mayor at the time of his death. As Returning Officer at the time of Federation, he proclaimed Edmund Barton elected to parliament in the seat of Hunter. Edmund Barton subse­quently became Australia’s first Prime Minister. Between 1857 and 1874 Alexander Wilkinson was Wor Master of Lodge Unity No 4, fourteen times. There were two terms of four years and two terms of two years. The Colonel was survived by a widow and five sons and one daughter. He died: October 26, 1904. Maitland buried: South Street Cemetery, Telarah 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury

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Alexander Stuart McDonald 

Alexander McDonald was born near Taree in 1879, and came to the Maitland area in 1896. With a partner, Frank Grogan, in 1911 he set up a business as general Merchants and Drapers. Alexander McDonald entered Local Government in 1921, in West Maitland Council. In 1930 he was elected Mayor and served for eight terms before it became Maitland Council, when it amalgamated with Morpeth and East Maitland Councils, He also served as Mayor for four terms in the later Maitland City Council. In 1942 he was elected to the Hunter District Water Board and represented Maitland and Port Stephens Councils. A caravan park and camping area in Shoal Bay is named after him in recognition of his work for that area. A park in Rutherford is named after him also. He was elected President of the N S W branch of the Local Government Association in 1946. McDonald was a prominent member of the Congregational Church in Maitland. In 1945 he was awarded the 0 B E, and after the 1955 flood was awarded the C B E. He died:— 31st August 1968 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury 

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Charles Edward Nicholson  

Charles Nicholson was born in March 1853 West Maitland and educated by Rev Dr D Boyd in the Maitland Grammar School. He qualified as a law clerk under William Briggs but 2/6d per week was not attractive to him. He was assistant Post Master at Newcastle then Crown Land Agent at Coonabarabran. His father’s ill health brought him back to Maitland and he was for 18 years Returning Officer in the Maitland electorate. He also spent time on the land. He went into active Military Service in the early part of the South African War. There he served under Gen French, Gen Allenby and Gen Buller in the Inniskilling Dragoons attached to the N S W Lancers. At an engagement at Carolina: “was the falling of several Maitland boys. In this engagement a young fellow, Fred Avard, of West Maitland, was shot down beside Mr Nicholson.” (A plaque Commemorating Mr Avard is in the entrance foyer to Maitland Town Hall.) He arrived in South Africa as a lieutenant and returned home as a major. He received the Queen’s Medal with five clasps. Later he was with the Hunter River Lancers and the Australian Light Horse. He was President of Maitland School of Arts 1907-13. During service in the First World War he rose to the rank of Colonel. In his public life he served on the old district councils and on East and West Maitland Councils. He was a member of the N S W Legislative Assembly from 28 October 1911 until 18 February 1920. He was’ President of’ Maitland Hospital from 1923 until a car accident necessitated his admission to “Cintra” Hospital where he was an inmate for seven months until he died. Colonel Nicholson died in 23 September 1931. His funeral was from St Mary’s Church to Campbell’s Hill Cemetery. He became a Freemason in Lodge Unity 4 on 18 December 1888 when his age was recorded as 34. He was listed as a Hotel Keeper. He retired from the lodge in January 1893. -  

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury & J Crethary 

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George Furbur  

An article by Maitland Historian Harry Boyle in the Maitland Mercury on 26 April 2000 recorded particulars of George Furber A George Furber was one of five foundation initiates in Maitland Lodge or Unity on 4 November 1840, the day the lodge was formed The subject of the historical article would have been thirty and so could have been the one who joined Lodge Unity at that time. His father was William Furber and arrived in the Colony in the “Neptune’ in 1795. William married at Penrith on 1 January’ 1808; George was born in 1810. William died in 1811 In January 1813 a “John Smith” was tried at Leicester and sentenced to seven years. He arrived here in 1814 on the “General Hewitt” and in the same year married at Parramatta to the widow Mary Furber In 1817 he was transported to Newcastle for stealing tobacco from his master. He was a well behaved person and was allowed to settle at Wallis Plains. George Furber was John Smith’s stepson and so would have been one of the first settlers in Maitland. By 1830 he was working land and had a convict assigned to him. He cleared the first streets in Maitland, became a landowner in Bank Street, Lawes Street and on the Paterson River. He became the Innkeeper of the George and Dragon. He was affected by the depression of 1840 and was declared insolvent. He had married Mary Muir in 1832 but she died in 1837. He married again to Honorah Curtin who went with him to Queensland and was the only white woman in the area for a long time. There Furber took over “Girkum”, a station which had been abandoned by John Eales because of the fierce nature of aboriginals who had speared shepherds and sheep. He built a store and wharf on the Mary River and opened an Inn. In 1847, he and an employee were building a fence with two aboriginals and at a given signal one aboriginal chopped Furber’s skull while the other killed his employee. Furber later rode 150 miles to lpswich for attention and when he recovered he searched for the aboriginal and shot him. Furber and his son—in—law, Joseph Wilmhurst, were decoyed into an ambush in the bush and surrounded and murdered in December 1855. He had been a pioneer of Maitland and Queensland and died at the young age of 44. 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Historian Harry Boyle & Maitland Mercury 26 April 2000 

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James_McLauchlin 

By the death of Mr James McLauchlin which occurred at his residence in Carrington Street, West Maitland, this morning, Maitland has lost a well-known resident, and Freemasonry, in the northern part of the State, at least, has lost its most prominent figure. He had been iII for some weeks, having contracted pneumonia, and developments subsequent to this caused his death. Although no hope had been held out for him for some days, his end came somewhat suddenly about 11 o’clock this morning 1927. Some months ago he met with an accident at his home, breaking his arm as the result of a fall, and he did not fully recover from the effects of this. Mr McLauchlin, who was 67 years of age, was born 1860 at Largs His Parents came in to Maitland when he was still young, and he had lived here ever since. He was widely known in the district, and held in high esteem by his acquaintances. He was employed by the firm of E P Capper and Sons Ltd. for about 45 years, occupying most responsible and confidential posit­ions. Since leaving there a few years ago he had been with Mr S H Short, accountant and auditor. His association with Masonic lodges extends over 40 years, and in Freemasonry in New South Wales there is no more honored or respected name than that of the late Very Wor Bro McLauchlin. He has occupied every office in several degrees of the craft, besides which he was a member of the Grand Lodge and the Grand Chapter. 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury 

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James Pritchard 

James Pritchard was born Marylebone, Middlesex, England on April 8th, 1829. He left school at an early age and worked with his father as a carpenter and joiner, and was employed in the erection of the Crystal Palace in London. On September 30, 1854 he left England in the ship Queen of England and arrived in Sydney on January 9th 1855. The voyage over three months. He worked in Parramatta and Sydney and then went to Wide Bay in Queensland but again returned to Sydney. There he became a member of the first committee which was then agitating for an eight hour working days The movement was very unpopular and the result was he had to give up his position. He then came to Maitland, and worked for Mr James Wolstenholme for a couple of years and then started in business for himself and continued for a period of thirty years until the 90s. He was one of the leading builders. Many structures were erected by him, the Commercial Bank, the Bishop of Maitland’s house, the Superior Public School and others. In 1892 he was appointed District Clerk in the Hunter District Water and Sewerage Board’s Maitland office. He worked in this position until 1909 when he was forced to retire by his advancing years. He joined the Oddfellows Lodge in 1857 and was active in office including Secretary. He joined also the Sons of Temperance in 1867. In 1884 he was President of the Workmens’ Social Club, He was an Alderman for nine years and Mayor for one term, in 1883. He was Vice— President of the School of Arts for many years. He was one of the first directors of the Co—Operative Baking Society. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him and was a useful townsman of sound knowledge and practical experience. He had four sons and three daughters, of whom two lived in New Zealand. It was at his daughter’s home, Mrs J Morrison, in Lee Street, where he died 11 August 1911 His funeral left his daughter’s and son—in—law’s residence, (Mr J Morrison) where he had resided, for Campbell’s Hill Cemetery. 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury 

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James Somervaille 

James Somervaille was a native of St Boswells, Scotland. He had earned the respect of people who worked with him, and the general public also.He joined the police force in 1885 and served in that force for 29 years. He was at Goulburn for 24 years, and moved to Narrandera, then to West Maitland. When he died on 12th January 1915, aged 54 years, he was Sub—Inspector of Police in charge of the Police Sub—District of Maitland. He was a prominent member and Elder of the Presbyterian Church, and a member of the choir. He was accorded a Lodge of Sorrow on 14th January 1915. 

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James Ephraim Wolfe 

James Wolfe was a senior member of the firm Wolfe, Gorrick and Co. and a member of the firm Brunker and Wolfe. When he died in 1893 he had suffered for eight years from the effects of paralysis which had attacked him in 1885. He was born in Sydney in 1830 and in the year 1840 he was employed as a boy in the establishment which afterwards became his own. The firm of Wolfe and Gorrick was founded in 1855. Mr Wolfe was a Magistrate in Maitland and during Mr E D Day’s Police Magistracy always acted as  chairman of the bench. He was regarded by Mr Day as his right hand man. He was a captain of the West Maitland Volunteer Rifle Company. Mr Wolfe was Returning Officer for West Maitland for many years. He was a director and long time chairman of the Hunter River New Steam Navigation Company. He was a Mason of long standing and held the Royal Arch degree. Mr Wolfe was married to a daughter of Mr Isaac Gorrick and had a large family. His home was “Springfield” in St. Andrew Street. He died 31st August 1893 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury 

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John Edward Carter      

John was born 1842 and died 24th September 1898 John Carter was a West Maitland hairdresser “whose awfully sudden death on ‘Saturday afternoon created quite a shock to the community” (Maitland Mercury 26/9/1898). The Mercury reported his funeral being the largest seen since the death of R A Young and that “all classes and creeds having attended the mournful procession is evidence of the popularity achieved by the deceased during his thirty—three years residence in Maitland — — — The Chief Secretary (Hon J N Brunker) and Mr J Gillies MLA were among the many notable dignitaries attending his funeral. Teachers and children of the Wesleyan Sunday School and brethren of Lodges Unity and Orient walked in procession from his late residence to St Marys Church, prior to which the usual Masonic service was conducted at the Lodge Room, Victoria Street, by Wor Bro John James, War Master. His burial took place at the Church of’ England Cemetery Campbell’s Hill where at the graveside the Masonic brethren paid the usual last earthly respects.

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury & J Crethary 

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John Gillies  

John Gillies was born in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, Scotland, on March 6, 1844, and when he was three years old accompanied his parents to Australia. The family proceeded to Maitland and on completion of his education John became an apprentice in the printing office of the ‘Maitland Mercury’. He later became part proprietor and general manager of the paper. He became Secretary and Treasurer of the West Maitland Volunteer Water Brigade (this group met at the Boatshed at Horseshoe Bend), committee man of Maitland Hospital and Northern Jockey Club. He was Secretary and Treasurer of the Northern Hunt Club, committee man of Hunter River Agricultural Association, Vice President of Maitland Gymnastic Club and of the Anniversary Regatta Committee. In 1886 he was elected an Alderman for West Maitland Council, securing the greatest number of votes ever, at that time, recorded in Maitland at the regular Annual Elections. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1882. He was a trustee of the Great Northern Permanent Building Society and of the Government Savings Bank. In 1888 he was chosen Mayor and during his Mayoralty the foundation stone of the Town Hall was laid. The stone bears his name. He was a lifelong teetotaler and one of the oldest members of the Sons of Temperance, in Maitland. John Gillies was first elected to Parliament for the constituency of West Maitland in 1891 and was returned with very large majorities at eight successive elections. Principal public works carried out during his representation were the Infants Public School, Girls High School, Maitland Technical College, Courthouse, new Hospital, the Gillies cutting, (saving the town from many floodings), river embankment, tramway plus many other minor ones. John Gillies died while a M L A, State Member for Maitland. He took ill on a Friday morning and passed away at 7.30 am next day, 23rd September 1911, at his residence “The Corner”, Abbott Street. Written reports indicate his funeral was the biggest seen in Maitland. There were over 300 vehicles and the cortege was over one and a half miles long, and all along the route to the cemetery on Raymond Terrace Road people were assembled. A Lodge of Sorrow was held at Victoria Street, Maitland, then members of district Masonic Lodges marched to his home where a service was held in the dining room. From there the procession to the Presbyterian Cemetery East Maitland was led by Mounted Troopers and the Federal Band. His remains were carried in the municipal flood boat “Jack Gillies”, which mounted on wheels was drawn by members of West Maitland Volunteer Water Brigade. Mayor: 1889 1890 Member of Parliament: June 1891 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury & J Crethary 

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John Goulston 

Hyman Goulston was a Polish Jew and had come from England to Sydney in 1859, and settled in Maitland. Shortly he moved with his family to the goldfields on the South Island of New Zealand, where a son John was born on 5th October 1869 at Hokiitika New Zealand John later moved to Maitland in 1888 and pursued a commercial career which prospered until he lost everything in the flood of 1891. He then moved to Sydney to start afresh, and where he was very successful. He was initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge Unity No 4 on 21st August 1894. He held several positions of Directorship in several companies as well as positions in many community organizations, including wartime charities during the 1914—18 war. Goulston greatly supported his religion and was on the Board of the Great Synagogue, and its President. For his services to Commerce, Religion and to the Community, in 1958 he was awarded the M B E. He died on 2nd September 1961 in Sydney, aged 92 years. He had been a Freemason for 67 years. His funeral was held in the Great Synagogue and he was buried at Rookwood Cemetery. 

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John Wiltshire Pender 

 John Wiltshire Pender was born in 1833 at Tobermory, Island of Mull, Argylshire, Scotland. He received his early education in his native town and completed his studies at the Royal Academy, Inverness. He underwent an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner and served his articles with a well known architect. With his parents he arrived in Melbourne in 1855 after a voyage of 90 days. His parents and family came on to Maitland and as the gold fever was very strong he and a friend were attracted to the Mount Blackwood diggings. They secured a share in a claim but made more money sharpening miner’s tools than by mining. They subsequently tried their luck at Tarradale, Bendigo, Mclvor and Beechworth, but after a disastrous flood in 1857 found himself in West Maitland. Here he joined his uncle, John Pender a building contractor, as foreman. About 1863 John Pender commenced the practice of his profession as an architect. He became one of Maitland’s pioneers and for half a century was the leading architect in the town until he retired. He was regarded as a pro­gressive townsman taking part in all public matters for the advancement of the town and district. He had a hobby for poultry breeding and farming. He established a well known orchard and poultry farm at Oakhampton and went in for breeding Ayrshire cattle and pedigree pigs. He devoted much time to the School of Arts and the Fire Brigade. 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury 

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Phillip Joseph Cohen 

Phillip Joseph Cohen was born in 1802, in England, and arrived in N S W, free, per the “Alexander” in 1828. He founded the firm of Cohen and Spyers in George Street, Sydney. He was one of the organizers of the first Sydney Synagogue and was authorized by the Chief Rabbi in London to officiate at synagogue’s first marriage (Moses Joseph and Rosetta Natham, 30th January 1832. Australia’s first Jewish marriage.) He moved to Maitland in 1831 and married Annette Abigail Levien on October 9, 1833. In Maitland he opened a Soap Factory in 1833 and was Post Master of the town in 1835. He was the foundation Worshipful Plaster of Maitland Lodge of Unity No 804 E C, when it was formed on 4th November 1840. He had been initiated into Freemasonry in Leinster Marine Lodge of Australia No 266 I C, on 10th August 1829. In 1842 he was publican of the Rose. Inn (Maitland). He was insolvent in 1843. In 1844 he was publican of the Saracen’s Head, Sussex Street, Sydney. Towards the end of life he was General Manager of the Hunter River Steam Navigation Co (1861—1864). He was a member of the Sydney Synagogue Committee until 1837, and again from 1845. In 1859 he was deeply involved in a secession movement that created the Macquarie Street Synagogue. He was its second president. He died on 13th November 1864, aged 62. Children were:— Edith, Phoebe, (both died in infancy), Catherine 1834, Harriet 1836, Henrietta 1838, David 1840, Sydney 1842, Frances 1844, Janet, Matilda 1854, Victor 1857, Edward 1861. 

Acknowledgments: Dictionary of Biography of the Jews in Australia 1788—1830 & John Simon Levi 

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Richard Fry  

The death occurred last night of Mr Richard Fry, an esteemed pioneer of the Maitland district and a founder of the firm of Fry Bros, West Maitland. Mr Fry who was born in Wadhurst, Sussex, England in 1860, came to Australia with his parents in the sailing vessel “Troboolgum” and settled in Paterson. At the age of 14 he was apprenticed to Mr W A Norman, Cabinet Maker in Maitland and later took a position with Hudson Bros of Sydney. As his father had commenced a mail service from Paterson to Dungog, he left Sydney to give assistance in the conduct of the mail service. Mr Fry’s next venture was in association with his brother Harry, in building and fitting of the Grand Central Hotel, West Maitland. In 1888 in conjunction with his brother he established the firm of Fry Bros, in a small building near the Bank of New South Wales. In 1924 he retired and enjoyed a trip abroad visiting his birthplace and relatives. In 1889 Mr Fry married Miss Mary Callaghan, of Maitland. Their life was a quite happy one, Mr Fry being an unassuming personality who devoted much time to his home and garden, his main activity centreing on the Methodist Church. Records of the Registrar of the church dating back to 1885 show that Mr Fry was then a trustee of the Church, a position he held until his death. One of his most recent accomplishments was the construction of a beautiful piece of Cabinet Work to form a receptacle for the Church bible. Deceased took keen interest in dramatic art in his early days, being associated with the Garrick Dramatic Society which staged productions in the old Victoria Theatre. He was also one of the oldest members of the West Maitland Bowling Club being president on three occasions and an active member of the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Society. He was a past master of the Protestant Alliance Lodge and a member of Masonic Lodge Unity No 4, West Maitland. Of his family of six boys and two girls, his brother Mr H A Fry, of Paterson, is the sole surviving member. He is survived by his wife,one daughter, Nelta (Mrs N S McDonald) and three sons, George, Donald and Charles. Another son, Frank, was killed in action in 1917.

Acknowledgments: Maitland Mercury

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Richard James Lindsay  

The late Mr Richard James Lindsay, who died this week at the age of 61, served with South Maitland Railways Pty Ltd for 45 years. At the time of his death he was the company’s works superintendent. A representative of the company said to-day that Mr Lindsay had been a very versatile executive officer who would be greatly missed from the service. As a lad Mr Lindsay started work in an architect’s office but after a short time he switched to engineering, a profession he followed throughout his life. He joined the railway company at the age of 16. A member of the Australian Society of Engineers, he was for some years an instructor of mechanical drawings at Cessnock Technical College. An ardent Freemason, he was for a term Worshipful master of Lodge Unity No 4. He is survived by his wife and five daughters. The daughters are Mrs G R Swan (Maitland), Mrs E P Donelly (Sydney), Mrs 0 Montgomery (Maitland), Mrs V G Tetrich (Seven Hills), and Mrs F James (Maitland)

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury 

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Dr Robert George Alcorn  

Robert George Alcorn was born in Ireland on February 26 1852. He was a son of Rev John Alcorn DD. prebendary of the Cathedral of Cashel, County of Tiperary. He came to New South Wales soon after 1870 and became assistant to Dr Knaggs, of Newcastle. When he was 23 he married Miss Mary MacQuarie of Sydney and came to practice in West Maitland. He was for many years senior medical officer of Maitland Hospital and Government Medical Officer for Maitland District. The Maitland Mercury on 27 February 1926 wrote: “In these avenues he earned the respect of his fellow practitioners and of the various officials with whom he came in contact. In his private practice he was generally accredited with being skilful and his care and attention in cases necessitating his attention endeared him with a wide circle of friends.” He gave his full support to most public movements and was a central figure in the organisation of Irish national banquets. He also had a keen interest in military matters and was associated with the Hunter River Lancers and later the Australian Light Horse. He rose to the Lieutenant—Colonel. His service was not accepted for active service (in 1914—18), but he was recalled and was associated with the military camp at Rutherford. Robert Alcorn lived in Bulwer Street, West Maitland. He had experienced indifferent health for about two years and died at the residence of his son—in—law, Mr A H Findeman, of “Cawarra” Gresford. He died on February 20th and would have been 74 years of age on February 26. His wife predeceased him three years before. His funeral was to the Church of England cemetery at Campbell’s Hill. He was survived by sons Dr J M Alcorn (Moss Vale) Dr R M Alcorn (West Maitland) and Mesdames Pym (Gosford) A C Capp (Spring Ridge) A H Lindeman (Gresford). 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury 

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Robert John Pierce 

Bro R J Pierce was a Doctor and was described by the “Mercury” on 26th January 1889 as ‘one of the most gentle—hearted and kindly of men, a sterling friend, whose presence was welcomed in that capacity in every household, not less than in the part of the skilled and thoughtful physician’. He had been President of the Philharmonic Society, ‘aiding it with his means, his voice and his energy’. He had for many years been an Alderman of the West Maitland Borough Council, and during the Jubilee year occupied the Chair as Mayor. He was, for many years, honorary Surgeon in conjunction with others, at Maitland Hospital. Dr Pierce was appointed Consulting Surgeon and at his last meeting of the subscribers to the Hospital was unanimously chosen President of the institution. At the time of his death he had set about collecting a sum of 1,000 pounds to fund a Nurses Home for the Hospital. Dr Pierce was about 49 years of age at the time of his death. His remains were conveyed by rail to Bengalla, near Muswellbrook, where they were laid by the side of his wife. He had been a magistrate of the Territory. 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury & J Crethary 

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Thomas Knight Osborne

Thomas Knight Osborne was born 1826 Stroud Gloucestershire UK, and had resided in New Zealand before coming to New South Wales. New Zealand is where one of his brothers remained for a number of years before settling in Victoria. In Maitland Thomas had been a bookkeeper and had become the landlord of what was once a rather famous hostelry, the Spread Eagle Inn, on the Great Northern Road. This was usually the last hotel leaving town and the first one coming into town, in the days of bullock drays before railways. The next Inn a bullock team could reach when going west was at Lochinvar. It was at Lochinvar where Tom's father-in-law Thomas Honeysett owned the Gordon Arms Inn. One of the many hotels Thomas Honeysett owned around the Maitland area.
After retirement from Hotel Keeping Thomas Osborne became a collector and commission agent. From its inception he was the paid secretary of the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association. He was Secretary also to racing clubs. The newspaper reported that he had not been ailing but on Sunday morning “he was seized with a fit of apoplexy and lost consciousness”, and he died at six o’clock on Monday morning, 21 July 1884. He was 58 years old. He had been with the Agricultural and Horticultural Association for 25 years. Thomas Osborne had served as Secretary of Lodge Unity, for short periods, many times between 1849 and 1857. In 1861 he became the lodge’s Secretary again and remained as such for 23 years, until his death in 1884. From 1852 he had owned stores in West Maitland in High Street and when he died his residence was Devonshire Street West Maitland.
Thomas Knight Osborne had been married twice: 
Thomas’s first wife was Eliza Honeysett-Russell b: 1832 Burwash Sussex who died in childbirth with their fourth child in 1860. Eliza’s father Thomas Honeysett was “the father of cricket in Maitland” and a miller and hotelier. Thomas Knight Osborne and Eliza had three sons only one survived them: Charles George Knight Osborne. 
Thomas Knight Osborne then married next to Mary Ford in 1882. Mary and Thomas had one child born 1882 died 1882. Mary died in May 1884 and Thomas died in July 1884. They are buried at Campbell’s Hill Cemetery. Eliza his first wife is buried with Tom’s father at Campbell’s Hill. One of Eliza and Tom’s sons is buried at Palmerston Northern Territory.

Acknowledgements:Information courtesy of Tom Wynn and Photo courtesy of David Cooke & Tom Wynn  (Click on the Photo for a larger view)

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Walter Arthur Howarth 

Walter Howarth was born at Campbelltown in 1882. He came to Maitland district as a young man and for a time worked on the land. He later became a carpenter which trade took him to many parts of the state. He erected banks at Gresford, (Mayfield, Quandialla, hotels in several northern towns and fire stations on the south coast. He was Member for Maitland in the Legislative Assembly for 24 years. He retired from parliament two years before his death. He was Opposition Whip for five years and Deputy Leader of’ the Opposition from 1946 to 1954. He was a Councilor and President of Bolwarra Shire Council for some time. He had been President of Western Suburbs Progress Association active in Maitland Agricultural Association and Maitland Police Boys Club which he helped to form. He was not a returned serviceman but took a keen interest in the affairs of East Maitland RSL sub—branch of which he was a Patron. He was a keen bowler and at one time an officer of’ Lorn Park Bowling Club and President of’ Telarah Bowling Club. He was active within the Rutherford Presbyterian Church. Howarth collapsed on Lorn Park Bowling green in November 1957, an died at his home in Park Street, Rutherford, on Saturday 12th July 1958. 

Acknowledgements Maitland Mercury & J Crethary

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Walter Cracknell 

Major Walter Cracknell was one of the best known residents of West Maitland. During his life-long residence in the town he had taken a prominent part in civic and other public affairs. He was a son of Richard Cracknell, a Maitland business man (and who it is presumed lived in the house next to the lodge building and from whom the lodge bought the land to erect the present lodge building). Walter was born in High Street in 1851, in a cottage near High Street Station. After leaving school he learnt the Grocery, Drapery and Milling business with Messres Solomon Vindin & Co. In 1875 he took over the Bakery business which had been established by his father at the eastern end of High Street. It was later moved to Elgin Street. In 1877 he took over Northumberland Flour mills. He was a master carrier and possessed five teams of horses which were the admiration of  the district. In local Government he served almost continuously from 1683 until his death in 1921. He was Mayor for five years. Since West Maitland Council joined the Local Government Association he was representative and for sev­eral years was on the executive and represented the country Councils on the Board of Fire Commissioners. For half a century he was an attendant of St Pauls Church and for the greater part held office. Amongst other positions he occupied during his busy life were; Secretary of Maitland Road Trust, Committeeman of the Hunter River Agricultural & Horticultural Association, director of Maitland Permanent Building Society, Director of Maitland Nos 1 and 2 Starr—Bowkett Societies. His wife predeceased him in 1916 and he was survived by four Sons and six daughters: One son’s (Charles’) daughter Ruth Cracknell, is the well known 1980s and 9Os Actress, and visits Maitland regularly. Walter Cracknell. died at his home in Sempill Street on the 24th November 1921. A Lodge of Sorrow was held in the Masonic Hall, Victoria Street and his funeral took place in St Paul’s Church at 2.30 pm. after which his remains were con­veyed to the Church of England Cemetery at Campbell’s Hill. His funeral was attended by a large and representative group of all classes of the community. 

Acknowledgements Maitland Mercury & J Crethary 

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Walter Harold Pender 

Walter Pender was born in Church Street, West Maitland in 1885. He was the son of the late Brother JW and Mrs Pender, and had lived in Maitland for the whole of his life. He attended Maitland Boys High School after which he served an apprentice­ship in architecture with the firm of F Menkins, Newcastle. He remained in Newcastle for five years, then transferred to West Maitland where he took over the architecture business conducted by his father in Elgin Street. He practiced in this capacity for 30 years, until several weeks before his death, when failing health forced his removal to hospital. He was widely known and respected throughout the district and was associated with many organizations whose objects were the welfare of the people and the progress of the town. He was an Alderman of West Maitland Municipal Council for six years (1928— 1934) but did not seek reelection in 1935. He was a foundation member of the Rotary Club of West Maitland and was associated with Lodge Unity and the Maitland Show Council. He was, for nine years, president of Bolwarra Patriotic Committee. He was survived by his wife, daughter Mrs A H Chapman of Bolwarra, and son Ian who was serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. There were four sisters Misses Martha, Jessie, Flora Pender, West Maitland and Mrs Harbison at Hornsby, and two brothers Bob and George of West Maitland. Three brothers had predeceased him. He was 58 years old at time of death 5 September 1943 and his funeral moved to Beresfield Crematorium. (Bro Pender was the second of the three generations of the Pender family to carry on the business of architecture in Maitland. His son Ian, carried the tradition with both the business and being a member of Lodge Unity. His daughter was married to a member of Lodge Unity, Bro A H Chapman.) 

Acknowledgements: Maitland Mercury & J Crethary 

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Caroline Chisholme

Caroline Jones born 1808 in England was brought up with a caring family whose front door was always open to others no matter how rich or poor. This may have contributed to her love of caring for others rights. Caroline Jones married Archibald Chisholm at the age of 22 in the year of 1832. Archibald was a British Army Officer and was always 100% behind his wife Caroline. Early in their marriage the family moved to India, Caroline and Archibald Chisholm decided in January 1839 to move across the ocean to Australia to start up a family. When Caroline and Archibald Chisholm sailed to Australia, it was still a convict town.  When they arrived in Sydney, Caroline was dismayed at the plight of women who had travelled alone from England to search for employment as servants and workers, Although the government had paid for their passages to Australia, no assistance was provided for these women on their arrival either for accommodation or employment. They slept in the streets or caves or turned to prostitution.
Caroline was determined to make a difference began by taking some of these women into her own home and after much lobbying persuaded Governor Gipps to allow her to use the old, disused immigration barracks as a women's home. This was established in 1835. The immigration barracks were run down and in desperate need of repair, and it is believed that Caroline was to have said: "God, if you wish for me to start with nothing than i shall do so with your help." With the accommodation problem solved she travelled throughout the settled areas of NSW to enable prospective employers to offer the women work. She was also active in improving the conditions for the women on the ships bringing them to Australia. Within two years of setting up the women's home, Caroline had found homes and jobs for over 1'000women. In her total time of running the women's home, Caroline Chisholm housed and found decent jobs for over 11'000 migrants of whom were mainly women.
Caroline was known as 'the Imigrants friend' and she earned this title from her work with poor migrant women whom had travelled to Sydney looking for a better life. A few years later Caroline had her first child, a beautiful boy resembling her husband Archibald. Caroline Chisholm was the first person in Australia to set up a concealing service for young girls and women who came to Sydney with stars in their eyes, looking for a better life, who's hopes were shattered when all they found in the end were cold streets.  Caroline Chisholm Immigrants Home Caroline Chisholm used this Mill Street cottage as a hostel for immigrant women until they got employment in the Maitland area. It was built in 1840 of brick & undressed stone. Its roof is shingled but galvanized iron now covers the shingles. The ceilings are low & the windows are twelve paned. In 1842 this house became an immigrant's home founded by Mrs. Chisholm. Later that year the house became Maitland's first hospital. The name was changed to the Maitland Benevolent Asylum however the buildings were inadequate and in 1843 patients and staff were moved to Hannan House in Hannan Street, West Maitland.  In 1846 Caroline and Archibald Chisholm returned home to show their children England, and set up an information agency to enable people to find out more about the conditions and life in Australia before deciding to emigrate. By 1854 their hearts were aching for the beauty and space of Australia and they returned to Sydney. In 1854 Caroline went to the Gold Fields to help all of the poor, under paid miners. Suggesting various welfare projects some of which were then implemented with government assistance it was at this stage in her life that Caroline Chisholm set up the first set of work contracts ever in Australia.  Also at this stage in her life Caroline, with the full support and help of Archibald, set up the girls' school in Sydney. In 1876 Caroline moved back to England without her first son or her husband and she later died in March of 1877. She died at home of an apparent broken heart and lack of will to live. By the time that Caroline Chisholm Died she was very poor and almost certainly forgotten. Caroline was a decent hearted lady and would never once expect money for her services. The country repaid Caroline Chisholm for all of her deeds by placing her portrait on the Australian Five Dollar bill for more than twenty years before it was replaced by the Queen's portrait.

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James Marland 

Private James Marland  born 1779 arrived in Australia as part of the North Hamptonshire Regiment (48th Regiment of Foot)   He began his military career at the aged 24 years in 1803. Marland had been a Sergeant at the Battle of Albuera but was reduced in rank to Private. Following his arrival in New South Wales he was promoted to Corporal and this was the rank at the time of his discharge. Corporal Marland spent a lot of time at Cox's River as a sentry and carrying out carpentry works. It was because of these works being carried out for William Cox that Corporal Marland was again reduced in rank back to Private . Like several others he transferred to the 3rd Regiment awaiting discharge . Following his discharge he became a Constable at Wallis Plains but resigned this post in January 1828. Marland was appointed as a constable at Pattersons Plains on 24/5/1828. and Died 1830 and buried in Sydney 

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Molly Morgan

On the 31st January  1762, in the cottage behind the Corfton Craven Arms Shropshire, Margaret, wife of David Jones a helper at The Sun, gave birth to a baby girl and named her Mary, later to be known by the more familiar Molly.  She attended the local school at Diddlebury, about a mile from the pub and learned needlework. On 25th June 1785, having two years earlier had a bastard son by another man, she married William Morgan, a Wheelright of Hopesay. The following year they had a son and moved from Corfton to Cold Weston. Meanwhile back in Corfton, John Maesbury, landlord of the Sun, laid out some Hemping yarn for bleaching,  it disappeared. The home of William and Molly Morgan was searched and the yarn found ! Both were arrested but William managed to escape, Molly was locked up for the night at the sun, where she had to be sewn up by a surgeon after trying to kill herself by slitting her throat. Molly was eventually given the severe sentence of transportation for 14 years. And was transported to Australia in 1790 for stealing hemp from a linen factory. Joined by her husband in Australia, Molly opened a shop in Parramatta. She then escaped from Australia, without her husband, in the ship the "Resolution" and returned to England. In England she bigamously contracted a second marriage, but was then accused by her new husband of burning down their house. Molly was convicted and transported back to Australia in 1804. 
In Australia, Molly acquired a third husband and together they bought some land. However, In 1814 Molly was caught branding government cattle as her own and subsequently she was sentenced to a further seven years and sent to the harsh penal settlement for re-offenders at Newcastle Penal Colony. For her good behaviour, Molly was sent with a party settlers to the Maitland area (1819), She was soon on warm and affectionate terms with her overseers from amongst whom she finally selected a ‘protector’. With his endorsement she negotiated her ticket of leave (parole) and gained a 150acre Crown Land grant at Wallis Plains, that land constituting (what is now the business district of Maitland). She opened Wallis Plains' first licensed establishment (a grog shanty) and extended her holdings. This asset she rapidly evolved into chain of taverns along the river ports and bullock tracks of the Hunter Valley. True to form, she remained in more or less constant trouble with the authorities - mostly for failing to bear in mind that the supply of liquor to Convicts was illegal, however as the mistress of a local official, she was able to continue her operations relatively unfetted. Aged 61, Molly acquired a fourth husband - and one that was much younger then herself. She renamed one of her shanties to the Angel Inn, which proved to be extremely popular and so marked the beginnings of the city of Maitland. Whereas many wealthy individuals have shown a tendency to be captivated by own their prestige, Molly was different. After her own creature comforts were dealt with, Molly helped those less fortunate, donated freely to set up schools and turned her own home into a hospital for the sick. When she heard of any wrong doing, she organised summary justice. and donated freely to set up church and schools The locals of the settlement of Wallis Plains also called it (Molly Morgan Plains or Morgan's Plains) after one of the earliest and best known of the convict settlers - Molly Morgan. Today, Molly's memory has been immortalised by a winery and a motor inn that both bear her name She had been known as the queen of Hunter Valley and now her colourful life has been marked with a wine named after her that is grown in Hunter Valley. 
The above information is a summary of the book "Molly Morgan, Convict - Queen" by the late Frank Mitchell, a headmaster of Diddlebury C of E school.