The Field Family Newsletter, 10th Edition

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The FIELD Family Newsletter

10th Edition, May 2002, Edited by Dorothy Cefarin
Reprinted here with permission

BABIES ARE BEAUTIFUL

CONGRATULATIONS

BYRON Daphne Gwendalyn and Peter Douglas (Twins) born at Penrith in 2002. Congratulation to the parents Susan and Russell Byron and to their Grandmother Daphne Byron.

The late Arthur Byron was looking forward to their birth but Our Lord was waiting for him.

PLEASE keep those stories and articles coming in, remember this paper depends on YOU...

also note ALL cheques must be made out to me personally, my Credit Union now refuses to accept any made out to the Field Newsletter and I've had to return some.. sorry..

Dorothy Cefarin
24 Eggleton Street
Blacktown 2148 NSW
E-mail address for any correspondence doff202@comcen.com.au

David Rawsthorne's family tree site now has a new home at:- http://ozfamily.fateback.com/
Please note: This is now http://www.davidrawsthorne.com/tree

James Brown

James Brown Eldest child of Thomas Brown and Barbara Abernethy.
Born: 15/11/1823 at "Clusta" Shetland Islands
Died: 24/11/1910 at "Brown's valley" via Canowindra and buried at Nyrang Creek Cemetery, aged 87 years.
Married 10/7/1854 to Lydia Jones (nee Field) 3rd child of Edward Field 2nd and Maria Strickland at Wesleyan Church, Castlereagh.
Born: 9/9/1821 at Castlereagh
Died: 30/5/1909 aged 88 years and buried at Nyrang Creek Cemetery.

James Brown was born and educated in the Shetland Islands and like all Shetlanders went to sea at an early age. When aged 19 he went on a most successful whaling expedition to Greenland. He studied navigation and in 1847 secured his Master's Certificate and captained two ships, the "Cecelia" and "Oceana" the two names in later years he was to call two of his daughters.

He sailed the seas and on a voyage to NSW in 1852 as 2nd mate on a immigrant ship, he decided to stay in the country. He made his way to Penrith where he secured his first job pulling corn. Knowing nothing of farming he promptly pulled the corn up by the roots.

It was here that he met and married Lydia Jones, a widow with 7 children, whose husband John Jones had died on 1/10/1853. (Lydia's children to John Jones were: Maria, John, James, Joseph, William, John and Elizabeth). Their marriage is recorded in the register as follows;

Wesleyan Marriages - No. 85 Entry 477

I, James Brown do hereby declare that I am a member of or hold Communion with the Wesleyan Church.

I, Lydia Jones do hereby declare that I am a member of or hold Communion with the Wesleyan Church.

I, Joseph Oram of Windsor, Minister of Wesleyan Church, Castlereagh do hereby certify that James Brown and Lydia Jones of Castlereagh were joined in Wedlock on 10th day of July, 1854 at Castlereagh

In the presence of: Joseph Stanton
Mary Ann Jones

Parties: James Brown
Lydia Jones

Minister: Joseph Oram.

It is understood that Lydia and John Jones were living on the 10 acres of land left to Lydia on the death of her father (Edward Field) on 7th December, 1846, and they were running an inn.

James commenced farming the land and planted an orange orchard.

The settlers along the Nepean and Hawkesbury Rivers were experiencing severe floodings. On 24th July, 1857 one of the most disastrous floods washed away the new bridge which was the first across the Nepean at Penrith, built in 1856 at a cost of 15,000 pounds. It was a toll bridge and operated by a private company.

The rain commenced on a Sunday and by Thursday the passengers were paying 2/6 per head to cross the river and then at very great hazard. As much as 1 pound was being charged for horses. It was impossible for drays to cross. The two punts were sold by the Government; one for 36 pounds and the other for 12 pounds.

In 1860 the population of Penrith had grown to 4,804, from 291 in 1848 with 63 houses. In April, 1860 another big flood on the Nepean was experienced, followed by three years of drought, then flooding again in June, 1864.

The Herald of 13th June, 1861 writing of the big flood says:

"Those who remained in their houses at Castlereagh and up to Emu Plains were hemmed in by the rising flood water, and could only hope to reach high ground by the aid of boats.... One family residing at Castlereagh were taken off the roof of their hut, the man, his wife and four children, one a baby a month old. They were driven out of their house and took refuge with a neighbour on higher ground. Here too, the water encroached, and they were compelled to seek safety in the loft. From this they had to get on the roof, from which they were taken by the boats. They were in the loft and on this roof from Saturday until Thursday without food. Another family of nine were rescued in the same locality."

In 1862 the Bank of NSW opened for business in Penrith and on 7th July, the railway reached the town.

When Sir John Robinson's Free Selection Act came into force in 1861 and land was being opened up in the Central Western Districts of NSW James decided to go inland. Having secured a wagon and team he had been carting goods between Sydney and Forbes, and as Lydia’s uncles James and John Collits were already settled as squatters on the Lachlan, he had some idea on what the country was like.

By this time had had five children of his own, as well as the younger of his step-children.

James Brown’s children were: Cecelia, Oceana, Barbara, Lydia and Thomas. Maria Jones was already married and living in Penrith, as was Mary Jones, while James and Joseph were working with James Collits on the Lachlan.

In the early 1860’s James Brown and his family loaded all their worldly goods onto the wagon and dray and set forth, the two Jones boys William and John driving the wagon, Lydia and the younger children in the dray, while Elizabeth, Cecelia aged 11 and Oceana aged 9 along with James drove the dairy cows. At Lapstone James was accidentally kicked on the head by one of the horses., so they were delayed while Lydia, a bush nurse and midwife nursed him back to health. Lydia’s youngest brother Edward was already living in Hartley Valley so undoubtedly they spent some time there.

They continued their journey via Canowindra travelling until it became dark and made camp. Early the next morning they found they had camped on the banks of the Belubula River. James was delighted with the country side and after walking the length on the river to its junction with the Lachlan, decided that where they had camped had the best water hole. He made haste to the Lands Office at Molong and was allocated 320 acres on the 18th January, 1866 being block No.1. He named his property ‘Brown’s Valley’ and within a few short years had added to his acreage.

On the 8/2/1868 James and Lydia sold the 10 acres left to Lydia under her late father’s will to John Colless for 125 pounds, along with all the buildings.

In the meantime James had set about improving his new property and became one of the first men to introduce lucerne and prairie grass to the district, having established 20 acres by 1870. He planted a vineyard and then produced wine and people came from near and far to partake of his hospitality and to purchase his wine. Tragedy struck the family when on 25th March, 1876 his daughter Lydia died of diphtheria. She passed away in the arms of her elder sister Oceana, who suffered from shock so much that she was unable to shed tears in later life....

James Brown’s parents, Thomas and Barbara Brown, with their two sons Mitchell and John and one daughter Margaret, left the Shetland Islands to join James at Penrith arriving 4/3/1856 on the ship ‘David McIvor’. His parents were to spend ten years at Castlereagh before moving to Bedgerabong to assist their third son, Mitchell to found a new ‘Clusta’.

James’s youngest brother John spent a lot of his time with them at Brown’s Valley, and while there composed several poems, two of them about the Belubula River:

Belubula

Belubula; on thy banks I stood
And viewed thy stream run by,
And my soul was thrilled with gladness
And my heart with hope beat high.

Hope that thy beauteous flower clad valley,
Where the squatters flocks now roam;
May yet to many an honest farmer,
Become a bright and happy home.

A home where children will be taught,
That Jesus died to save;
And as a ransom for their sins,
His precious life he gave.

That on those undulating hills,
That look so green and fair;
May yet become a happy band
Bound for the house of prayer

The Caves Of Belubula

Ore the ruins of the older nations,
Ore the wreck of the lordly dorne,
Ore the wasted halls of the haughty
Let the seekers of pleasure roam
But here in the wilds of Australia,
Are the caves which shall be my theme,
For the breath to core of the spirit
The voice of a power supreme.

In the heart of the limestone mountains,
Are Pillars of the strangest device,
From the shade of the darkest marble,
To the hues of the purest ice,
And here too are halls of splendour
With columns of each varied hue,
And scenes of the wildest grandour
Displayed to the gazer's view.

On the wall there are crystal curtains
In various shades arrayed
All round there are mighty wonders
In the rarest designs displayed.
And here it is the swelling music
Arranged in a curious throng,
From the tinkle of the tiny Jew's Harp,
To the tone of a Chinese gong.

Here the thought; mind may ponder
Ore the glorious works of God
And the wings of the soul immortal
May rise from its frail abode
The hand of the great Creator
Hath formed this wonderous sight
And it tells in the noblest language,
A tale of His boundless might.

Composed by John Brown aged 24 years.

Lydia Brown's body was laid to rest in what was known as the "cow paddock" at Brown's Valley, there being no general cemetery at the time.

Being of a religious and charitable disposition, James saw the need for a church and general cemetery, so donated land for this purpose, thus laying the foundations for the establishment of the Nyrang Creek Church and general cemetery. He also had his daughter’s remains reinterred in the new cemetery.

James Brown belonged to the Masonic Lodge and was often visited by fellow Masons. His granddaughter Edith Williamson often related the following stories:

Lydia knew when some of these masons called they were after money so she made sure she never left them alone with her husband. Somehow, however, the message always got through and money changed hands. Lydia concluded the message must have been given by some hand signal unbeknown to her.

Cards were often played at ‘Brown’s Valley ‘ amongst James and his visitors and the story goes that one day Lydia had had enough so she swept the cards and money from the table and said cards were never to be played in the house again. This was given as the reason why cards were never to be allowed to be played in the homes of Lydia’s daughters.

Canowindra Star 22/1/1904

Mr. James Brown of Brown’s Valley we hear had a severe attack of cholera about a fortnight ago, and is at present recovering from its effects. The old gentleman, we understand, had a very severe time, the cholera lasting for eleven hour. The cramps which usually terminate cases of cholera set in about this time, but fortunately left before reaching the heart. Mr. Brown is perfectly satisfied that the attack was cholera pure and simple, as he had had experience with the complaint in India.

Canowindra Star 9/9/1905

... Mr. Brown is wonderfully preserved for his age. His many years sit light upon him.

Canowindra Star November 1910

Death of Mr. James Brown

It is with deep regret we have to record the passing away of one of the oldest residents of the district in the person of Mr. Jas. Brown of Belubula, who joined the great majority on Thursday night. The deceased gentleman who had attained the ripe age of 87 years, had resided on the Belubula for over 40 years, being one of the first to select land along the famous river. The distinction of being the first to grow lucerne and introduce the grape wine into the district is also credited to this old pioneer, whose going hence is lamented by a large number of relatives and friends. He is survived by one son (Thos. Brown) and two daughters, viz. Mesdames Thos. And Jos. Williamson. His wife predeceased him about 18 months ago. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, and a large number were present to pay the last tribute of respect. The interment took place in the Methodist portion of the Nyrang Creek Cemetery, the ceremony at the grave being conducted by the Rev. D. D. Hunter. Mr. T. Curry had charge of the mortuary arrangements.

Historical Notes

Pioneering of Methodism in Canowindra

Interesting references to the pioneering of Methodism in Canowindra are recorded in an autobiography published by the late Rev. J. S. Austin, who was the Minister (then Wesleyan Methodist) at Currajong and Bushmans (now Parkes) from 1872-1874.

An extract from his book, referring to the latter part of 1872..

“I rode to Forbes for the Sunday, and on Monday rode 36 miles up the Lachlan, establishing services at Nanima and Binda stations, belonging to the West brothers. A little later I extended my journey to Brown’s Valley, Canowindra and Murga.”

Later referring to June, 1873, the author writes: “On my next trip up the Lachlan, I spent the Sunday in Forbes. During the week I visited Nanima, Binda, Brown’s Valley, Canowindra and Murga. At Canowindra I stayed at the public house, the proprietor entertained me, as before, without charge. My service was held in the dining room of the public house.”

The author records that a Mr. Whitcomb, C. Of E. Catechist, visited Canowindra between Mr. Austin’s first and second visit.

In January, 1874, the Church Conference decided that the Rev. Austin should proceed to Samoa, but he was unable to pay a farewell visit “Up The Lachlan” through ill health.

Having a good education himself, James Brown sought likewise for his children and engaged a governess to instruct them in their lessons. One governess was Miss Alice Heilbronn who was later to marry his step-son William Jones.

His daughter Oceana was taught music and used to play the hymns for the church services held at Brown’s Valley on a Foot Pedal Harmonica, which is in the possession of his great- granddaughter Ruby Olsson of Trundle, NSW (1987). The inscription on the harmonica reads:

PRIZE MEDAL AWARD SYDNEY 1879-80
International Barnett Samuel First Class
Exhibition and Sons Award

B.S. Dulcet. London

Someone recently remarked, “How come all these people lived such great lives and had such great stories to tell when our lives seem so dull?”
Here is a story of the present generation and it is NOT dull....
This was written by a friend of Tom Wynn’s daughter and published in a university paper.

TOM WYNN

Learning is for life. You can never stop learning...

Tom Wynn is one of a few male teachers to have been teaching in the Early Childhood Profession for over 20 years. In 1976 Tom spent 3 years at the University of Newcastle where he gained a Diploma in Teaching. Unlike his other male colleagues at the time, Tom chose to focus on Infants and Lower Primary where he majored in K-2 methodology. To date Tom has gained an extensive amount of teaching experience in kindergarten to grade two. He has also made a diligent and dedicated contribution to numerous programs focused around student welfare, PDHPE curriculum strands and staff development.

While teaching in the early childhood profession has been very rewarding for Tom, there has been times when as a male member of the profession he has ‘felt the pinch’.

‘As a male teacher in early childhood I feel like I have had to prove myself capable of having nurturing and understanding qualities. It is often challenging with other teachers as they see my responsibilities as a male teacher to be teaching in upper primary or at high school level, not early childhood’.

Throughout his career Tom says he has managed to maintain a simple but effective philosophy and goal: ‘To develop independent students with a life-long love of learning’. Enthusiasm and motivation to teach began at an early age. The eldest of four, at home Tom often had the responsibility of looking after his three younger siblings. His parents saw his potential and interest in helping and looking after children and encourages him to consider teaching as a career.

At high school Tom was interested in a career of teaching or civil engineering. The latter was put on hold for a career in teaching.

‘When I was in year eleven at Cessnock High School, instead of sport of a Wednesday I would go down to West Cessnock Primary School to gain classroom experience’.

It was here that Tom was able to observe classroom activity and gain ‘hands on’ experience in the classroom as a teacher’s aide.

In his early days of teaching , Tom set himself a career goal to have become an assistant principal by the time he turned 40. He felt that a job of this kind would give him a stronger voice and input into the development and management of curriculum and associated programs as to positively ‘bring about change for children’.

Tom began his career as a teacher, trained in K-2 education, in 1997. His first appointment was at Wallsend Public School where he held the position of Supernumeracy Teacher. Six to seven weeks later Tom was offered a position at Barnsley Public School. Here Tom was appointed to the position of ‘Classroom Teacher’ for which he remained for six years, 1979-1984. During this time Tom had the opportunity to teach students in year one and year two.

In 1984 Tom became eligible for recognition in executive teacher status. At the same time Tom was appointed to a position at Stockton Public School where he remained for a total of four years teaching students in kindergarten. 1989 Tom took up a position at Anna Bay Public School as an executive teacher (K-6). Here Tom had the opportunity to teach students from kindergarten to year four. While in the position at Anna Bay, Tom was the cluster coordinator of Personal Development and Health Physical Education (PDHPE) responsible for introducing PDHPE program initiatives to different schools, from kindergarten to year twelve.

Following his position at Anna Bay Tom took up a position in the rural community of Scone in 1996. Here Tom held the position of Assistant Principal primary 3-6, achieving his initial goal, set when he began teaching, of becoming Assistant Principal well and truly before he turned 40. While at Scone Public School Tom had the opportunity to update much needed resources including introducing new curriculum updates, resourcing of new materials and initiating staff development seminars.

‘Scone was a community based school which had more opportunities for school fetes and social activities. There was a high level of parent interest and involvement especially in sporting events and P & C activities’.

Today, you will find Tom Wynn, Assistant Principal K-2 and teacher of year two, at East Maitland Public School. Tom started here in 1999. He is the purchasing officer of resources for the school, leader in creative arts and curriculum coordinator in PDHPE, English and Maths. ‘In my role as an Executive Teacher and as Assistant Principal I have supervised staff K-6 and initiated and monitored procedures supporting quality teaching and learning practices. I have favoured K-2 because of my expertise in this area. I have maintained pedagogical growth and continually upgrade skills and resources in an effort to cater for all children K-6’.

During his years of teaching experience, Tom has been an active facilitator and coordinator of several teams of teachers associated with curriculum implementation and teacher training and development. ‘I have been responsible for surveys, planning, writing, implementing, evaluating and managing various K.L.A’s... I have been instrumental in policy development, curriculum development and staff training and development K-6 at school, district and cluster levels’.

In keeping with his philosophy “Learning is for Life” Tom emphasises the importance of staff development in maintaining a high level of relevant teaching skills and strategies. Tom believes that staff development and collaboration assists in the setting of personal and professional goals in ‘order to maximise teacher performance’.

‘More funds should be allocated to in-service for teachers’. There should be more grants offered to schools for inservicing.. let more schools have a say in when, where and how they should implement in-service and staff development activities for teachers’.

Tom also exhibits and ongoing commitment to Welfare, gender equity and child protection. Tom has a particular interest in PDHPE where he has gained extensive training in drug education, personal development, peer support and other areas related directly to PDHPE content strand. In 1993 Tom was nominated as K-6 representative for the Hunter region in PDHPE.

His involvement and advocacy for student welfare has won him significant recognition. In 1993 Tom was awarded the Department of Education Citation for Excellence in Cluster Welfare Initiatives. Similarly, in 1996 he was awarded the PortStephens Cluster Award For Excellence in Welfare Programs.

Upon reflecting on the future for early childhood education Tom believes that the challenge for educators will be ‘a case of spotting individual needs of children in terms of social skills and development’.

‘The influx of technology will not only have an impact on the way children will develop social skills but it also means teachers will need to place a lot more emphasis on PDHPE - nutritional needs and values and the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles’. Tom believes that the department needs to offer support and strategies, to teachers and schools, in order to adequately manage issues relating to PDHPE (such as drug education, child protection etc.) As far as future goals is concerned Tom plans to continue to make learning fun and interesting for his students in order to ensure that they have a love of learning.

Advice from one teacher to another: ‘There are always more challenges on the horizon; as a teacher you have to remain flexible and be prepared for whatever lies around the corner’.

Brooke Noble
With thanks to Tom for permission to incorporate exerts of his own material into this profile.

Elizabeth Mitchell came to Australia on the same voyage as the person who wrote this letter. - Thank you Pan Wilcox for this information.

Extracts from letter by Mary Talbot to her Patron in England.

St. Jago, 29th March, 1791 - Ship "Mary Ann".

Most Honoured Sir,

Your past kindness to me induces me to trouble you with some account of where I am, and what kind of voyage I have had; the latter however, cannot be a very favourable one, for we have been surrounded by danger. We sailed from Portsmouth the 23rd February, with the wind much against us, and were so much in danger that we feared we should have shared the fate of a ship which was lost within sight of us. Our good captain very kindly dropped anchor at the Nore, but did not stop more than one night, and sailed for the Downs, where we sent our pilot on shore. On the 25th and 26th, along the coast, we had a violent storm, which lasted for twenty-four hours. During every moment of its continuance we expected to perish, and were washed out of our beds between decks, while the sea-sickness and the groans and shrieks of so many unhappy wretches made the situation we were in truly distressing, for there were 138 women and five children, two of the latter born after we sailed, and only one died on our passage hither, where we remain no longer than is necessary to repair the ship and take on water. Our captain hopes we shall arrive at Botany Bay in August, if it please God the weather should prove favourable. This is a very fine island, supposed to be very rich, but the inhabitants I have seen are principally blacks. The general produce is poultry, hogs, and goats, which are very fine of their kind; and rich fruits, such as oranges, melons, etc. Are very plentiful and cheap. The 16th March we crossed the Line, where we were dipped in a tub of salt-water by the sailors, and tarred all over, it being a rule amongst them to make every one pay so much money or undergo this, and we all shared the same fate. I have been greatly distressed by want of money, because I came away without being able to see my husband.

If Sir, you have any success in your application for my pardon, you can send it to me by any of the captains coming out to Botany Bay...... Pray Sir, be good enough to let my husband know you have had a letter from me, and beg him to take care of my dear children. I think it hard I did not see him before I sailed, for we laid a week at Gravesend, and I should have left my country less sorrowfully had I given him my last charges and bade him farewell.

If you will send to me, sir, direct it to be left for me at Governor Phillip's, New South Wales, and to say anything in behalf of my character - it will serve me much; and if you can write immediately, the letter will be there before me, and mention that I am coming in the Mary Ann, Captain Murrow (Monroe) because your recommendation, in the most trifling degree, will do me great service on my arrival.

.......We are much better off than we expected, and have as much liberty as our unhappy situation possibly allows...........

As you probably know Elizabeth (Sarah) Mitchell, known as Betty Mitchell, was convicted on 6th March 1790 at the Assizes. Her crime was aiding and abetting in breaking into a dwelling in Studley, North Wiltshire, and the stealing of 5 cheeses and sundry other articles. Though recorded details differ on this question, her trial was most likely at Salisbury. She was sentenced to 7 years transportation. Elizabeth was transported on the “Mary Ann”, arriving Sydney 9th July, 1791.

"THAT'S ALL FOLKS"