Difference between revisions of "Benden Sherritt Hassell Compensation Case"

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A Pre-Eureka Incident - Being the petition for the compensation case of Benden S. Hassell
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== Background ==
 
 
LEAD UP TO EUREKA
 
  
 
The Eureka Riots were the culmination of many months of unrest. The dissatisfaction of the miners and storekeepers over the costs of licenses, the right of representation in parliament, and the unjust administration of the government system led to a highly volatile situation.
 
The Eureka Riots were the culmination of many months of unrest. The dissatisfaction of the miners and storekeepers over the costs of licenses, the right of representation in parliament, and the unjust administration of the government system led to a highly volatile situation.
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[[File:M4692-troops-arriving-lores.jpg|800px|thumb|right|''Reinforcements - Troops Arriving from Melbourne,'' Ballarat Heritage Services Picture Collection.]]
 
[[File:M4692-troops-arriving-lores.jpg|800px|thumb|right|''Reinforcements - Troops Arriving from Melbourne,'' Ballarat Heritage Services Picture Collection.]]
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== Arrival of the 12th Regiment ==
  
 
On 11 November 1854, at a huge meeting on Ballarat’s [[Bakery Hill]], the [[Ballarat Reform League]] was formed. Many Chartists were involved in the formation of resolutions, such as the abolition of the miners’ and storekeepers’ licenses, the privilege of manhood suffrage, parliamentary reform, and the reform of law on the goldfields.
 
On 11 November 1854, at a huge meeting on Ballarat’s [[Bakery Hill]], the [[Ballarat Reform League]] was formed. Many Chartists were involved in the formation of resolutions, such as the abolition of the miners’ and storekeepers’ licenses, the privilege of manhood suffrage, parliamentary reform, and the reform of law on the goldfields.
  
On 28 November 1854 a detachment of the 12th Regiment entered Ballarat between nine and ten o’clock at night and marched through the Eureka Diggings accompanied by some transport waggons. An incident ensued which resulted in injuries to the Drummer Boy, [[John Egan]]; the publican, [[Benden Hassell]]; and the carter, [[Young]]. This is the incident which is described below.
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On 28 November 1854 a detachment of the 12th Regiment entered Ballarat between nine and ten o’clock at night and marched through the Eureka Diggings accompanied by some transport waggons. An incident ensued which resulted in injuries to the Drummer Boy, [[John Egan]]; the publican, [[Benden Hassell]]; and the carter, [[George Young]]. This is the incident which is described below.
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== Monster Meeting ==
  
 
On 29 November 1854 a ‘Monster Meeting’ was held on [[Bakery Hill]]. A flag, representing the Southern Cross, with white stars on a dark blue background, was flown on ‘a very splendid pole, eighty feet in length’. The diggers took the ‘Oath of the Southern Cross’. They knelt, and with heads uncovered pointed to the banner and said,
 
On 29 November 1854 a ‘Monster Meeting’ was held on [[Bakery Hill]]. A flag, representing the Southern Cross, with white stars on a dark blue background, was flown on ‘a very splendid pole, eighty feet in length’. The diggers took the ‘Oath of the Southern Cross’. They knelt, and with heads uncovered pointed to the banner and said,
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'''This was Eureka.'''
 
'''This was Eureka.'''
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[[File:Eureka Flag_Conserved-wiki.jpg|1000px|thumb|left|Unknown maker (Australia), ''The flag of the Southern Cross (Eureka Flag)'', 1854, wool, cotton.<br> Art Gallery of Ballarat Collection. Gift of the King family, 2001]]
  
  
INCIDENT PRE-EUREKA, 28 NOVEMBER 1854
 
  
“The onslaught upon the troops appears to have been unprovoked and savage, and it excited general disgust in the minds of the colonists everywhere out of Ballarat.” Walter Bramwell Withers in his ''History of Ballarat'' was referring to an incident on the 28 November, 1854. The publican of the London Hotel, Benden Sherritt Hassell was shot in the leg. During the same fracas the drummer boy of the 12th Regiment, [[John Egan]], was shot in the thigh and [[Young]], who owned the waggons, was also injured. ''Raffaello Carboni'' described it as a “cowardly attack” by the miners. They had thrown stones and bottles at the troops on their way into Ballarat between nine and ten o’clock on this dark November evening and allegedly had fired shots into the crowd.
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== Pre-Eureka Incident ==
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28 NOVEMBER 1854
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“The onslaught upon the troops appears to have been unprovoked and savage, and it excited general disgust in the minds of the colonists everywhere out of Ballarat.” Walter Bramwell Withers in his ''History of Ballarat'' was referring to an incident on the 28 November, 1854. The publican of the [[London Hotel]], Benden Sherritt Hassell was shot in the leg. During the same fracas the drummer boy of the 12th Regiment, [[John Egan]], was shot in the thigh and [[George Young]], who owned the waggons, was also injured. [[Raffaello Carboni]] described it as a “cowardly attack” by the miners. They had thrown stones and bottles at the troops on their way into Ballarat between nine and ten o’clock on this dark November evening and allegedly had fired shots into the crowd.
  
 
Assistant surgeon of the 12th Regiment, [[George Arden]] reported, that “as soon as we got into the diggings a mob of diggers collected and assailed us with cries of Joe! Joe!” “We were pelted with large stones and bottles. … One of the carts was capsized, the driver and two men were severely injured, the men were turned out and ordered to load. We found two men missing and a party went back to find them. They were laying [sic] off the road badly wounded. When the soldiers turned out and loaded the crowd dispersed. … We were shortly after joined by the 40th men from the Camp. During the disturbance several shots were fired by the diggers, but the military never returned the fire. … Our Drummer boy was shot in the leg.”
 
Assistant surgeon of the 12th Regiment, [[George Arden]] reported, that “as soon as we got into the diggings a mob of diggers collected and assailed us with cries of Joe! Joe!” “We were pelted with large stones and bottles. … One of the carts was capsized, the driver and two men were severely injured, the men were turned out and ordered to load. We found two men missing and a party went back to find them. They were laying [sic] off the road badly wounded. When the soldiers turned out and loaded the crowd dispersed. … We were shortly after joined by the 40th men from the Camp. During the disturbance several shots were fired by the diggers, but the military never returned the fire. … Our Drummer boy was shot in the leg.”
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Lance Corporal [[George Sharpe]], also of the 12th Regiment corroborating the evidence of the assistant surgeon said, “ I was with the third cart from the rear when the mob attacked us, with stones, sticks and bottles. I heard some shots fired by the diggers; some shots were fired at us. I am quite certain that none of the soldiers fired a shot. I never heard any Officer ask the road to the camp. The drivers appeared to know the way.”
 
Lance Corporal [[George Sharpe]], also of the 12th Regiment corroborating the evidence of the assistant surgeon said, “ I was with the third cart from the rear when the mob attacked us, with stones, sticks and bottles. I heard some shots fired by the diggers; some shots were fired at us. I am quite certain that none of the soldiers fired a shot. I never heard any Officer ask the road to the camp. The drivers appeared to know the way.”
  
One of the main arguments for compensation for Mr Hassell was that the drivers asked him the way to the camp. This subsequently was the reason that he was shot in the leg, because he was in the middle of the road, and in the firing line. It was argued therefore that it was the government who should be responsible for compensating him for his injuries. However the witnesses deposed that the shots were fired by the insurgents and that the military had loaded, but not fired a shot.
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One of the main arguments for compensation for Mr [[Benden Hassell]] was that the drivers asked him the way to the camp. This subsequently was the reason that he was shot in the leg, because he was in the middle of the road, and in the firing line. It was argued therefore that it was the government who should be responsible for compensating him for his injuries. However the witnesses deposed that the shots were fired by the insurgents and that the military had loaded, but not fired a shot.
  
The reasons for the military proceeding through a hostile area late on a dark night were dubious. They had left Melbourne at 5 o’clock on the previous evening, and arrived at the Ballarat Diggings “around 9 or 10 o’clock” the next night. This was usually a three day march, so the troops arriving at the Eureka Lead were “jaded” and “marching very slowly.”
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The reasons for the [[Military]] proceeding through a hostile area late on a dark night were dubious. They had left Melbourne at 5 o’clock on the previous evening, and arrived at the Ballarat Diggings “around 9 or 10 o’clock” the next night. This was usually a three day march, so the troops arriving at the Eureka Lead were “jaded” and “marching very slowly.”
  
The Melbourne Argus reported that “a portion of the military force despatched from town on Monday had arrived, [at Ballarat] and that in passing through the diggings the soldiers were pelted with broken glass and other missiles by some diggers. The military received this manifestation of feeling in the best possible temper, and did not attempt to irritate the mob by indulging in gestures or movements which might be interpreted to mean other than a friendly inclination to them.” … “a poor drummer was shot through the leg – are these deeds which will enlist the sympathy of an intelligent people? Is the maiming of a drummer boy a worthy triumph for a large mass of a British population who wish to occupy a creditable position in the eyes of the world? Surely not!”
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The Melbourne ''Argus'' reported that “a portion of the military force despatched from town on Monday had arrived, [at Ballarat] and that in passing through the diggings the soldiers were pelted with broken glass and other missiles by some diggers. The military received this manifestation of feeling in the best possible temper, and did not attempt to irritate the mob by indulging in gestures or movements which might be interpreted to mean other than a friendly inclination to them.” … “a poor drummer was shot through the leg – are these deeds which will enlist the sympathy of an intelligent people? Is the maiming of a drummer boy a worthy triumph for a large mass of a British population who wish to occupy a creditable position in the eyes of the world? Surely not!”
  
Nothing was written about the injury to Benden Sherritt Hassell, although he also was shot during the same incident as the drummer boy and Young, the carter. Hassell and his partner, [[Robert Monckton]], were co-owners of the [[London Hotel]]. Later some of the wounded sheltered at the [[London Hotel]] after the Eureka massacre.  
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Nothing was written about the injury to Benden Sherritt Hassell, although he also was shot during the same incident as the drummer boy and [[George Young]], the carter. Hassell and his partner, [[Robert Monckton]], were co-owners of the [[London Hotel]]. Later some of the wounded sheltered at the [[London Hotel]] after the Eureka massacre.  
[[Benden Hassell]] applied to the government for compensation in 1855, stating that “at night on the 28th of November, 1854, a detachment of soldiers with military stores arrived on Ballaarat, and as they were passing over that part of the diggings known as the Eureka – along the road leading by the ‘London’ Hotel, the Officer in command enquired … the way to the [[Government Camp]], on Ballaarat, and he [Mr. Hassell] went out into the road and gave the Officer the information desired … As he [Mr. Hassall] was returning into the Hotel after pointing out the way to the Officer he was shot in the leg.”
 
  
[[Timothy Doyle]], surgeon on the Eureka Lead gave evidence that Mr. Benden Hassall was under his care “for a period of four months, labouring under the effect of a gun shot wound of the left leg, …, which severely incapacitated him from following his usual business; from the severe nature of this wound” he had not recovered. … “That the bullet” had “ not yet been extracted from the limb; and from present appearances it is very probable that Mr. Hassall will have to undergo a severe surgical operation before there is any chance of his recovering [if at all], the active use of the wounded limb, or be freed from frequent attacks of excruciating pain.”
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[[Benden Hassell]] applied to the government for compensation in 1855, stating that “at night on the 28th of November, 1854, a detachment of soldiers with military stores arrived on Ballaarat, and as they were passing over that part of the diggings known as the Eureka – along the road leading by the [[London Hotel]], the Officer in command enquired … the way to the [[Government Camp]], on Ballaarat, and he [Mr. Hassell] went out into the road and gave the Officer the information desired … As he [Mr. Hassall] was returning into the Hotel after pointing out the way to the Officer he was shot in the leg.”
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[[Timothy Doyle]], surgeon on the Eureka Lead gave evidence that Mr. [[Benden Hassell]] was under his care “for a period of four months, labouring under the effect of a gun shot wound of the left leg, …, which severely incapacitated him from following his usual business; from the severe nature of this wound” he had not recovered. … “That the bullet” had “ not yet been extracted from the limb; and from present appearances it is very probable that Mr. Hassall will have to undergo a severe surgical operation before there is any chance of his recovering [if at all], the active use of the wounded limb, or be freed from frequent attacks of excruciating pain.”
  
 
Mr. Hassall was “well known as a peaceable and loyal British subject, and in no way countenanced or aided in any manner the unfortunate disturbances which took place on the Eureka, either at the time he received the wound or on any subsequent occasion.”
 
Mr. Hassall was “well known as a peaceable and loyal British subject, and in no way countenanced or aided in any manner the unfortunate disturbances which took place on the Eureka, either at the time he received the wound or on any subsequent occasion.”
  
Four hundred and eighty-six men signed the petition urging the government to consider compensation for such a worthy case. The Board, however, in determining the judgement, made a suggestion that a “small donation from each of the individuals” who had signed the petition would “demonstrate their sympathy with the petitioner [Hassall] in a much more intelligible form, and more advantageous to his interests”.  
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Four hundred and eighty-six men signed the petition urging the government to consider compensation for such a worthy case. The Board, however, in determining the judgement, made a suggestion that a “small donation from each of the individuals” who had signed the petition would “demonstrate their sympathy with the petitioner [Hassall] in a much more intelligible form, and more advantageous to his interests”.
  
POST EUREKA - WHAT HAPPENED TO HASSELL AND MONCKTON?
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== What happened to Hassell and Monckton? ==
  
 
[[Benden Hassell]] and [[Robert Monckton]] owned the [[London Hotel]] from 1854 to 1856. On field surveyor [[Eugene Bellair]]’s notes in November 1854, the intended [[London Hotel]] is close to the Eureka Lead. In 1856 the pair became flour millers and the ''Argus'' reported that they were ready “to commence the erection of a large and complete mill” at the swamp. This was Yuille’s Swamp which is now known as Lake Wendouree.
 
[[Benden Hassell]] and [[Robert Monckton]] owned the [[London Hotel]] from 1854 to 1856. On field surveyor [[Eugene Bellair]]’s notes in November 1854, the intended [[London Hotel]] is close to the Eureka Lead. In 1856 the pair became flour millers and the ''Argus'' reported that they were ready “to commence the erection of a large and complete mill” at the swamp. This was Yuille’s Swamp which is now known as Lake Wendouree.
  
They are described, in 1857, as “millers, etc at the swamp”.  Flour mills were located on the swamp because of the necessity for a steady supply of water for this industry. The Hassall and Monckton Flour Mill was on the former State Electricity Commission site at the corner of Webster Street and Wendouree Parade in Ballarat.
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They are described, in 1857, as “millers, etc at the swamp”.  Flour mills were located on the swamp because of the necessity for a steady supply of water for this industry. The Hassell and Monckton Flour Mill was on the corner of Webster Street and Wendouree Parade in Ballarat known in recent years as the State Electricity Commission site.
  
In 1859 the mill chimney was blown down in a gale, and according to the Star and Miner newspaper the new chimney, being ninety-eight feet high was the tallest in the district.  
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In 1859 the mill chimney was blown down in a gale, and according to the ''Star and Miner'' newspaper the new chimney, being 98 feet high was the tallest in the district.  
  
In September, 1864, according to the Star, “Messrs Hassell and Monckton have disposed of their mill on the Wendouree Parade to Mr Fry, of Ascot, for the sum of £4,500”. Mr Fry was to take possession of the mill in two months time.  
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In September, 1864, according to the ''Star'', “Messrs Hassell and Monckton have disposed of their mill on the Wendouree Parade to Mr Fry, of Ascot, for the sum of £4,500”. Mr Fry was to take possession of the mill in two months time.  
  
Messers Hassell and Monckton were to visit England in 1865. Little is known of them after this time, but it is assumed that Benden Sherritt Hassell survived being “shot in the dark”.
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Messers Hassell and Monckton returned to England in 1865.<ref>Information from Descendant Christopher Monkton, 14 March 2017.</ref>
  
:COMPENSATION CASE
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== Compensation Case ==
  
:The Claim for Compensation of Mr. B.S. Hassell was delivered on 21st February 1856 by Mr. [[J.B. Humffray]].
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:The Claim for Compensation of Mr. B.S. Hassell was delivered on 21st February 1856 by Mr. [[J.B. Humffray]].<ref>Parliamentary Papers 1855-56, Victoria, Mr. B. S. Hassall, Claim for Compensation with copies of Evidence &c. </ref>
  
 
:To His Excellency Sir [[Charles Hotham]], K.C.B., governor and Captain-General of the Colony of Victoria.
 
:To His Excellency Sir [[Charles Hotham]], K.C.B., governor and Captain-General of the Colony of Victoria.
  
The humble Memorial of Miners, Storekeepers, and others on behalf of Mr. Benden Sherral Hassall, Storekeeper, Eureka, Ballaarat, Sheweth –
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:The humble Memorial of Miners, Storekeepers, and others on behalf of Mr. Benden Sherral Hassall, Storekeeper, Eureka, Ballaarat, Sheweth –
  
 
:That the said Benden Sherral Hassell resided on the Eureka, Ballaarat, on the 28th of November, 1854.
 
:That the said Benden Sherral Hassell resided on the Eureka, Ballaarat, on the 28th of November, 1854.
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:That at night of the day beforementioned, a detachment of soldiers with military stores arrived on Ballaarat, and as they were passing over that part of the diggings known as the Eureka – along the road leading by the “London” Hotel, the Officer in command enquired of the said Mr. Hassall the way to the [[Government Camp]], on Ballaarat, and Mr. Hassell went out into the road and gave the Officer the information desired.
 
:That at night of the day beforementioned, a detachment of soldiers with military stores arrived on Ballaarat, and as they were passing over that part of the diggings known as the Eureka – along the road leading by the “London” Hotel, the Officer in command enquired of the said Mr. Hassall the way to the [[Government Camp]], on Ballaarat, and Mr. Hassell went out into the road and gave the Officer the information desired.
  
:That as Mr. Hassall was returning into the Hotel after pointing out the way to the Officer, he was shot in the leg.
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:That as Mr. Hassell was returning into the Hotel after pointing out the way to the Officer, he was shot in the leg.
The following is a copy of the surgeon’s certificate :-
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:The following is a copy of the surgeon’s certificate :-
  
 
:“Ballaarat, 17th July, 1855
 
:“Ballaarat, 17th July, 1855
:“This is to certify that Mr. Benden Hassall was under my care for a period of four months, labouring under the effect of a gun shot wound of left leg, received on the 28th of November, 1854, which completely incapacitated him from following his usual business; from the severe nature of this wound he has not as yet perfectly recovered, and I furthermore consider he will never recover perfect use and strength of same limb.
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:“This is to certify that Mr. Benden Hassell was under my care for a period of four months, labouring under the effect of a gun shot wound of left leg, received on the 28th of November, 1854, which completely incapacitated him from following his usual business; from the severe nature of this wound he has not as yet perfectly recovered, and I furthermore consider he will never recover perfect use and strength of same limb.
  
 
:(Signed)
 
:(Signed)
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:But if the Board may be permitted to make a suggestion, a small donation from each of the individuals who have interested themselves – as shewn by the numerous signatures to the Memorial, would demonstrate their sympathy with the petitioner in a much more intelligible form, and more advantageous to his interests.
 
:But if the Board may be permitted to make a suggestion, a small donation from each of the individuals who have interested themselves – as shewn by the numerous signatures to the Memorial, would demonstrate their sympathy with the petitioner in a much more intelligible form, and more advantageous to his interests.
  
:I have &c, (Signed)E. P. STURT, Chairman of the Board of Enquiry
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:I have &c, (Signed)E. P. STURT, Chairman of the Board of Enquiry <ref>Researched and transcribed by Dorothy Wickham</ref>
  
:An Alphabetical List of Signatures has been transcribed from this long petition. Over 1000 names are on it.
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== Benden Sherritt Hassell Petition Signatories ==
  
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An Alphabetical List of Signatures has been transcribed by Dorothy Wickham from this long petition which is held at the Public Record Office Victoria. Over 1000 people signed the petition. Some people were semi literate, while others scrawled their signatures so that some names were extremely difficult to decipher. It is suggested that if there is any doubt about the spelling of a name, that the original source be consulted.
  
== Benden Sherritt Hassell Petition Signatories ==
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[[C. Abraham]]; [[Haynes Adamson ]]; [[James Alein]]; [[A.E. Alexander]]; [[R. Alexander]]; [[James Allan]]; [[Nicholas Allan]]; [[George Allen]]; [[J.H. Alley]]; [[Alfred Aradocks?]]; [[William Arstal]]; [[William Asginth]]; [[George Backers]]; [[George Bachus?]]; [[Baer?O]]; [[William Bairdon]]; [[Nathan Baker]]; [[John Balderston]]; [[V. C. Ballot]]; [[Isaac Baratt]]; [[William Barbour]];[[William Barly]]; [[M. Barrass]]; [[William Barrclow]]; [[Thomas Bath]];[[Matthew Batten]]; [[Finlay Beath]]; [[Darius Beaton]]; [[D. B. Beauval]]; [[P Berae]]; [[H. S. Berger]]; [[John Bier]]; [[James Birgers]]; [[James Black]]; [[Thomas Black]]; [[John Blackburn]]; [[James Blackie]]; [[William Blazence?]]; [[John Blyth]]; [[Thomas Bolitho]]; [[John? Bolnkon?]]; [[G. R. Bord]]; [[Alden P Borres?]]; [[James Bourke]]; [[William Bourke]];
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[[John Bourne]]; [[T Boyce]]; [[John Boyd]]; [[Charles Boyell]]; [[Richard Boyne]]; [[James Brash]]; [[Edward Brooks]]; [[Lawrence Brooks]]; [[William Brooks]]; [[David Brough]]; [[James Brown]]; [[James Brown]]; [[James Brown]]; [[Robert S Brown]]; [[Simon Brown]]; [[William Brown]]; [[William Brownfourley]]; [[A. C. Brunig]]; [[M Bruning]]; [[Richmond Bruton]]; [[Hugh Bruwn]]; [[James Buchanan]]; [[Isaac Burrell]]; [[William But]]; [[Robert Byers]]; [[James Cadds]]; [[Robert Cairns]]; [[Thomas Cairns]]; [[Samuel Calman]]; [[John Cambordger]]; [[Allan Cameron]]; [[C Cameron]]; [[James Cameron]]; [[Edward Camm]]; [[Daniel Campbell]]; [[E Campbell]]; [[James Campbell]]; [[John Campbell]]; [[Frederic Camson?]]; [[Francis Carr]]; [[Henry Caugherty]]; [[John Cavanagh]]; [[Thomas Chambers]]; [[Ebenezer Chapman]]; [[James Chapman]]; [[John Chapman]]; [[William Charlstone]]; [[W. B. Child?]]; [[George Chinery]]; [[S Clane?]]; [[James Clark]]; [[Samuel Clemence]]; [[Patrick Coady]]; [[Alfred Cobley]]; [[John Coleman]]; [[George Comfrey]]; [[B Cooper]]; [[William Cooper]]; [[Thomas Coster]]; [[Thomas Coulson]]; [[Craser? & Co]]; [[James Crichton]]; [[Ismael Croft]]; [[James Croikett]]; [[Crossley & Co]]; [[William Cruickshank]]; [[William Cullis]]; [[Ralph Cuthbertson]]; [[John Daly]]; [[John Dalzell]]; [[James Darby]]; [[Daniel Dark]]; [[Charles Dassett]]; [[George Davis]]; [[Charles De'burgur]]; [[Alexander Dean]]; [[Thomas Decueur]]; [[Thomas Denham]]; [[H Detert?]]; [[Joseph Diall]]; [[Charles Digger]]; [[Thomas Dignum]]; [[Richard Dillon]]; [[T A Dobson]]; [[John Docan]]; [[James Doig]]; [[Isaac Doncaster]]; [[Wm? Dougald]]; [[James Dougherty]]; [[John Dougherty]]; [[James Douglas]]; [[Robert Dow]]; [[James Down]]; [[Jerrome Doyle]]; [[William Doyle]]; [[Angus Duncan]]; [[Robert Duncan]]; [[Ambrose Dunn]]; [[John Dunston]]; [[Robert Eckford]]; [[Andrew Edwards]]; [[Edward Edwards]]; [[William Edwards]]; [[James Egan]]; [Benjamin Eggleton]]; [[M Elliot]]; [[William Eoons?]]; [[James Ettersley]]; [[George Evans]]; [[Henry Evans]]; [[Wright Evans &]]; [[Joseph Even]]; [[Thomas Every?]]; [[Daniel Fahey]]; [[Edward Farmer]]; [[John Fearon]]; [[Thomas Featherstone]]; [[John Fenton]]; [[Thomas Fenton]]; [[James Ferguson]]; [[Edwin Field]]; [[Edward Fisher]]; [[William Fisher]]; [[John Fletcher]]; [[E. F. Flood]]; [[Martin Flynn]]; [[John Foin?]]; [[James Foll?]]; [[Charles Fox]]; [[Richard Fox]]; [[William Foy]]; [[James Frame]]; [[Alexander Fraser]]; [[John Freiman]]; [[Edwin Fry]]; [[James Gamble]]; [[Samuel Gardner]]; [[Phillip Gay]]; [[Richard Gibbs]]; [[John Gibson]]; [[William Gibson]]; [[James Gillespie]]; [[Peter Gilmour]]; [[Charles Glarrell?]]; [[William Gondge?]]; [[Alexander Gordon]]; [[Samuel Gordon]]; [[William Gordon]]; [[Edward Gough]]; [[William Graham]]; [[I Granville]]; [[Tyson Green]]; [[William Green]]; [[Robert Grey]]; [[Thomas Griffin]]; [[William Griffiths]]; [[John Groves]]; [[Samuel Haigh]]; [[Armstrong Hall]]; [[Josiah Hall]]; [[Thomas Hamilton]]; [[John Hammer]]; [[Phillip Hammer]]; [[Michael Hanley]]; [[William Hargreave]]; [[Alexander Harman]]; [[Charles Harman]]; [[Nathaniel Harris]]; [[William Harris]]; [[William Hart]]; [[Lowther Haynes]]; [[John Heayser?]]; [[Robert Henderson]]; [[James Henrey?]]; [[B? Henword]]; [[Thomas Hepburn]]; [[Joseph Hewitt]]; [[C? Hickey]]; [[Richard Hicks]]; [[Joseph Highmore]]; [[Williamson]]; [[Hiles & Williamson]]; [[John Hill]]; [[Hilling & Greig]]; [[William Hoare]]; [[Norris]]; [[Hogg]]; [[John Holland]]; [[John Hollis]]; [[John Hope]]; [[William Howell]]; [[William Howly]]; D M Hu?Etto V S; [[Thomas Hughs]]; [[J.B. Humffray]]; [[Frederick Humffray]]; [[William Hunter]]; Turner Hunter &; [[W Hutton]]; [[Richard Hynes]]; [[James Hynim?]]; [[William Irons]]; [[Samuel Irwin]] JP; [[Abraham Jacobs]]; [[John James]]; [[W James]]; [[Graham Jardine]]; [[John Jenkin]]; [[Matthew Johnson]]; [[Samuel Johnson]]; [[William Johnson]]; [[Henry Johnsone]]; [[Archibald Johnston]]; Layns Jolly &; [[C Jones]]; [[Ishmael Jones]]; [[John Jones]]; [[Richard Jones]]; [[George Jonson]]; [[Christian Jordan]]; [[B Kellor]]; [[Michael Kennedy]]; [[John Kennedy]]; [[John Kennedy]]; [[John Kennedy]]; [[William Kennedy]]; [[William Kewley]]; [[John Kruse]]; [[Andrew Landler]]; [[H. D. Lane]]; [[Richard Laney]]; [[Thomas Lang]]; [[Richard Large]]; [[Samuel Laundrey]]; Jolly Layns &; [[Alfred Lester]]; [[Alexander Lewis]]; James Lewis]]; [[John Leylon]]; [[S Linch]]; [[Robert Little]]; [[R Little]]; [[James Lloyd]]; [[Thomas Lloyd]]; [[James Lolley]]; [[James Lynch]];[[Allan Macdonald]]; [[H. S. Macfadyen]];[[Thomas Macfarlane]];[[N. G. Mackay]]; [[Louis Macke]]; [[William Mackey]]; [[Alexander Maclaren]];[[Duncan Macrae]]; [[James Maguire]];[[John Marshell]];[[Richard Martin]][[Robert Mather]]; [[Alexander Mawatt]];[[James May]]; [[John May]];[[John Middleton]];[[Daniel Millar]];[[Lander? Millar]];[[John Miller]]; [[Moses Millsop]]; [[C Milne]]; [[George Milne]]; [[F. W. H. Minton]]; [[John Moir]]; [[Robert Monckton]]; [[William Monckton]]; [[Smith Moody]] &; [[James Moore]]; [[W. Moore]]; [[M Morris]]; [[Duncan Mouson]]; [[S Moysen]]; [[Andrew Muir]]; [[David Muir]]; [[M.P. Muir]]; [[James Muirehouse]]; [[Robert Mura]]; [[Malvern? Murchison]]; [[Henry Murray]]; [[Nicoll Murray]]; [[Bryan Mcardle]]; [[Archibald McCallum]]; [[Dow McCallum]]; [[O. McCallum]]; [[Robert McIndoe]]; [[Anthony McClellan]]; [[William McCulloch]]; [[Thomas McCullog]]; [[I.M. McDonagh]]; [[Duncan McDonald]]; [[David McFadyn]]; [[John McFarlan]]; [[John McGhie]]; [[James McGowan]]; [[A. McGrotty]]; [[Duncan Mchellde]]; [[Robert McIndoe]]; George & Co McKay; [[John McKay]]; [[Thomas McKenzie]]; [[James McKinlay]]; [[Tulloch McLaren]] &; [[George McLellan]]; [[Kenneth McLeod]]; [[Allan McNeill]]; [[Alexander McPherson]]; [[Alex Mcphievll?]]; [[John Mcrae]]; [[Malcolm McSporran]];[[Joseph Neill]]; [[G.W. Newland]]; [[G. W. Newland]]; [[Charles Newman]]; [[James Newman]]; [[John Newton]]; [[Richard Nicholls]]; [[Montague Nolee]]; Hogg Norris &; [[John Nutter]]; [[Kennedy O'Brien]]; [[James O'Brian]]; [[John O'Brun]]; [[Daniel O'connor]]; [[P O'connor]]; [[James O'neill]]; [[John O'neill]]; [[John Odgers]]; [[John Palmer]]; [[W. Parkin]]; [[Joseph Peddle]]; [[William Peebles]]; [[Adam Pendreigh]]; [[John Perry]]; [[Adolph Pohl]]; [[Charles Pole]]; [[? Pole?]]; [[Thomas Pook]]; [[P Prahl]]; [[Rambinson]]; [[Thomas Randall]]; [[A B Ranken]]; [[David Rattray]];[[Robert Rattray]];[[Charles Read]]; [[William Reynolds]]; [[David Richards]]; [[John Richards]]; [[Peter Richards]]; [[Richard Richards]]; [[William Richards]]; [[Peter Rickard]]; [[William Rickards]]; [[Sinclair Riddock]]; [[N N Ritson]]; [[John Robertson]]; [[John Robertson]]; [[Daniel Robinson]]; [[William Robinson]]; [[John Rocketts]]; [[William Rodier]]; [[R H Rogers]]; [[Joseph Rolf]]; [[John Rook]]; [[David Ross]]; [[Joseph Routh]]; [[John Rowan]]; [[John Rowlands]]; [[William Ruflett]]; [[William Russell]]; [[A. M. Rutherford]]; [[James Ryan]]; [[Patrick Ryan]]; [[Thomas Ryan]]; [[Lars Saffallaz]]; [[Ednane Saine]]; [[John Sarah]]; [[Andreas Samulewsky]]; [[William Seis]]; [[John Sharkey]]; [[John Shaw]]; [[Augustus Sheppard]]; [[Henry Sheridan]]; [[Robert Shernan]]; [[John Shiers]]; [[Henry Simmons]]; [[William Simson]]; [[George Sivadesir]]; [[Leonard Slade]]; [[Daniel Slattery]]; [[Thomas Small]]; [[Aquila Smith]]; [[Charles Smith]]; [[Charles Smith]]; [[D.A. Smith]]; [[Henry Smith]]; [[James Smith]]; [[John Smith]]; [[T. Smith]]; Moody Smith &; [[John Sneddan]]; [[Matthew Sneddon]]; [[Henry Spring]]; [[John Spring]]; [[Joseph Stacey]]; [[James Stapleton]]; [[John Steadman]]; [[John Stevens]]; [[John Stevens]]; [[James Stewart]]; [[Edward Stillier]]; [[John Strachan]]; [[Henry Studge]]; [[John Sweeny]]; [[John Switzer]]; [[Alexander Taylor]]; [[William Taylor]]; [[T. Teegmind]]; [[James Thackeray]]; [[William Thomas]]; [[William Thomas]]; [[Robert Thompson]]; [[Charles Tilley]]; [[Harald Tolstry]]; [[Thomas Tranter]]; McLaren Tulloch &; [[Robert Tully]]; [[James Turnbull]]; [[M. Turner]]; [[Hunter Turner]] &; [[James Turnip]]; [[William Turpin]]; [[William Tweedie]]; [[James Tyree]]; [[Thomas Tzren]]; [[Francis Usher]]; [[M Usher]]; [[Joshua Vines]]; [[Charles Viny?]]; [[James Walker]]; See Woolard, Wallard;[[Henry Wallis]]; [[Joseph Ward]]; [[Joseph Wareing]]; [[J.D. Waters]]; [[George Watt]]; [[Samuel Way]]; [[Thomas Webster]]; [[Nathaniel Weeks]]; [[James Weightman]];[[George Welton]]; [[Charles Wheeler]]; [[Robert White]]; [[W. Whittlesee]]; [[Thomas Wilding]]; [[Patt Wiley]]; [[Noah Williams]]; [[Henry Williamson]]; See Hiles Williamson &; [[J D Willington]]; [[John Willis]]; [[John Wilson]]; [[W.D. Wilson]]; [[Henry Withers]]; [[Clowe Wood]]; [[Jonah Woolard]]; [[James Wray]]; [[Alex Wright]]; [[Evans Wright]] & [[John Wylie]]; [[John Wylie]]; [[James Young]]; [[John Yuille]]<ref>Researched and transcribed by Dorothy Wickham from PROV, VPRS 1189, Unit 253, Item R55/13783</ref>
  
[[C. Abraham]]; [[Adamson Haynes]]; [[James Alein]]; [[A.E. Alexander]]; [[R. Alexander]]; [[James Allan]]; [[Nicholas Allan]]; [[Geo Allen]]; [[J H Alley]]; [[Alfred Aradocks?]]; [[William Arstal]];
+
== Also See ==
  
William Asginth
+
[[Benden Hassell]]
Geo N Bachers
 
Geo N Bachus?
 
Baer?O
 
William Bairdon
 
Nathan Baker
 
John Balderston
 
V C Ballot
 
Isaac Baratt
 
William Barbour
 
Wm Barly
 
Mr M? Barrass?
 
William Barrclow
 
Thomas Bath
 
Matthew Batten
 
Finlay M? Beath
 
Darius? Beaton
 
D B Beauval
 
P Berae
 
H S? Berger
 
John Bier
 
James Birgers
 
James Black
 
Thon Black
 
John Blackburn
 
James Blackie
 
William Blazence?
 
John Blyth
 
Thomas Bolitho
 
John? Bolnkon?
 
G R Bord
 
Alden P Borres?
 
James Bourke
 
William Bourke
 
John Bourne
 
T Boyce
 
John Boyd
 
Chas Jas Boyell
 
Richard Boyne
 
James Brash
 
Edwd Colin Brooks
 
Lawrence Brooks
 
William Brooks
 
David Brough
 
James Brown
 
James Brown
 
James Brown
 
Robert S Brown
 
Simon Brown
 
William Brown
 
William Brownfourley
 
A C Brunig
 
M Bruning
 
Richmond Bruton
 
Hugh Bruwn
 
James Buchanan
 
Isaac Burrell
 
William But
 
Robt H Byers
 
James Cadds?
 
Robert Cairns
 
Thomas Cairns
 
Samuel Calman
 
John Cambordger
 
Allan Cameron
 
Cosneo?? Cameron
 
James Cameron
 
Edward Camm
 
Daniel Campbell
 
E Campbell
 
James Campbell
 
John Campbell
 
Frederic Camson?
 
Francis Carr
 
Henry Caugherty
 
John Cavanagh
 
Thos Chambers
 
Ebenezar* Chapman
 
James Chapman
 
John Chapman
 
Wm Fk? Charlstone
 
W B Child?
 
Geo Chinery
 
Sr Clane?
 
James Clark
 
Samuel Clemence
 
Patt Coady
 
Alfred Cobley
 
John ? Coleman
 
Geo Whitfield Comfrey
 
B Cooper
 
Wm ? ? Cooper
 
Thomas Coster
 
Thomas Coulson
 
Craser? & Co
 
James Crichton
 
Ismael Croft
 
James Croikett
 
Crossley & Co
 
William Cruickshank
 
William Cullis
 
Ralph Cuthbertson
 
John Daly
 
John Dalzell
 
James Darby
 
Daniel Dark
 
Chas Dassett
 
Goerge Davis
 
Charles De'burgur
 
Alexr Dean
 
Thos Decueur
 
Thomas Denham
 
H Detert?
 
Joseph Diall
 
Charles Digger
 
Thomas Dignam
 
Richard Dillon
 
T A Dobson
 
John Docan
 
James Doig
 
Isacc Doncaster
 
Wm? Dougald
 
James Dougherty
 
John Dougherty
 
James Douglas
 
Robert Dow
 
James Down
 
Jerrome Doyle
 
William Doyle
 
Angus Duncan
 
Robert Duncan
 
Ambrose Peter Dunn
 
John Dunston
 
Robert Eckford
 
Andrew Edwards
 
Edward Edwards
 
Wm Edwards
 
James Egan
 
Benjamin Eggleton
 
M Elliot
 
Wm H Eoons?
 
James Ettersley
 
G B Evans
 
Henry Evans
 
Wright Evans &
 
Joseph Even
 
Tom?? Every?
 
Daniel Fahey
 
Edward Farmer
 
John Fearon
 
Thomas Featherstone
 
John Fenton
 
Thomas Fenton
 
James Ferguson
 
Edwin Field
 
Edward Fisher
 
Wm Fisher
 
John Fletcher
 
E F Flood
 
Martin Flynn
 
John Foin?
 
James Foll?
 
Charles Fox
 
Richard Fox
 
Wm R Foy
 
James Frame
 
Alexr Fraser
 
John Freiman
 
Edwin Fry
 
James Gamble
 
Samuel Gardner
 
Phillip Gay
 
R S Gibbs
 
John Gibson
 
Wm Gibson
 
James Gillespie
 
Peter Gilmour
 
Charles Glarrell?
 
William Gondge?
 
Alexander Gordon
 
Sam Gordon
 
William Gordon
 
Edward Gough
 
Wm Graham
 
I Granville
 
Tyson Green
 
William Green
 
Robert Grey
 
Thomas Griffin
 
William Griffiths
 
John Groves
 
Samuel Haigh
 
Armstrong R Hall
 
Josiah Hall
 
Thomas Hamilton
 
John Hammer
 
Phillip Hammer?
 
Michael Hanley
 
William Hargreave
 
Alexander Harman
 
Chas Harman
 
Nath Harris
 
William Harris
 
Wm Hart
 
Lowther Haynes
 
John Heayser?
 
Robert Henderson
 
James Henrey?
 
B? Henword
 
Thomas Hepburn
 
Joseph Hewitt
 
C? Hickey
 
Richard Hicks
 
Joseph Highmore
 
See Williamson Hiles & Willsn
 
John Hill
 
Hilling & Greig
 
William Hoare
 
Norris Hogg &
 
John Holland
 
John Hollis
 
John Hope
 
William Howell
 
William Howly
 
D M Hu?Etto V S
 
Thos Hughs
 
J B Humffray
 
F? Hummfray
 
William Hunter
 
Turner Hunter &
 
W Hutton
 
Richard Hynes
 
James Hynim?
 
William Irons
 
Samuel Irwin Jp
 
Abraham J Jacobs
 
John James
 
W J James
 
Graham Jardine
 
John Jenkin
 
Matthew H Johnson
 
Samuel Johnson
 
William Johnson
 
Henry Johnsone
 
Archd Johnston
 
Layns Jolly &
 
C H Jones
 
Ishmael Jones
 
John Jones
 
Richard Jones
 
George Jonson
 
Christn Peter C Jordan
 
Behrent? Kellor
 
Michael Kenedy
 
John Kennedy
 
John Kennedy
 
John Kennedy
 
William Kennedy
 
William Kewly?
 
Jno P Kruse
 
Andrew Landler
 
H D Lane
 
Richard Laney
 
Thomas Lang
 
Richard Large
 
Samuel Laundrey?
 
Jolly Layns &
 
Alfred Lester
 
Alexander Lewis
 
James Price Lewis
 
John Leylon
 
Saner? Linch
 
Robert Little
 
R J Strachanm Little  R  N
 
James Payne? Lloyd
 
Thomas B Lloyd
 
James Lolley
 
James Lynch
 
Allan Macdonald
 
H S Macfadyen
 
Thomas Macfarlane
 
N G Mackay
 
Louis Macke
 
William Mackey
 
Alexander Maclaren
 
Duncan Macrae
 
James Maguire
 
John Marshell
 
Richd Martin
 
Robert Mather
 
Alexr Mawatt
 
James May
 
John May
 
John H Middleton
 
Daniel Millar
 
Lander? Millar
 
John S Miller
 
Moses Millsop
 
C N? Milne
 
Geo M Milne
 
F W H Minton
 
John Moir
 
Robert Monckton
 
William Monckton
 
Smith Moody &
 
James Moore
 
W Moore
 
M Morris
 
Duncan Mouson
 
Ssain? Moysen
 
Andrew Muir
 
David Muir
 
M P Muir
 
James Muirehouse
 
Robert Mura
 
Malvern? Murchison
 
Henry Murray
 
Nicoll Murray
 
Bryan E Mcardle
 
Archd Mccallum
 
Dow Mccallum
 
O C? Mccallum
 
Anthony Mcclellan
 
William Mcculloch
 
Thos Mccullog
 
I M Mcdonagh
 
Duncan Mcdonald
 
David Mcfadyn
 
John Mcfarlan
 
Jno Mcghie
 
James Mcgowan
 
A Mcgrotty
 
Duncan Mchellde
 
Robert Mcindoe
 
George & Co Mckay
 
John Mckay
 
Thomas Mckenzie
 
James Mckinlay
 
Tulloch Mclaren &
 
George Mclellan
 
Kenneth Mcleod
 
Allan Mcneill
 
Alexr Mcpherson
 
Alex Mcphievll?
 
John Mcrae
 
Malcolm Mcsporran
 
Joseph Neill
 
G W Newland
 
G W Newland
 
Charles D Newman
 
James Newman
 
John Newton
 
Richard Nicholls
 
Montague Nolee
 
Hogg Norris &
 
John Nutter
 
Kennedy O'brien
 
Jas O'brion
 
John O'brun
 
Daniel O'connor
 
P O O'connor
 
James O'neill
 
John A O'neill
 
John Odgers
 
John Palmer
 
W R? Parkin
 
Joseph Peddle
 
William Peebles
 
Adam Pendreigh
 
John Perry
 
Adolph Pohl
 
Chas Wm Pole
 
? Pole?
 
Thomas Pook
 
P Prahl
 
? Rambinson?
 
Thomas E Randall
 
A B Ranken
 
David Rattray
 
Robert Rattray
 
Charles Read
 
William Reynolds
 
David Richards
 
John Richards
 
Peter Richards
 
Richard Richards
 
Wm Jnr Richards
 
Peter Rickard
 
William Rickards
 
Sinclair G Riddock
 
N N Ritson?
 
John Robertson
 
John Robertson
 
Daniel Robinson
 
Wm B Robinson
 
John A Rocketts
 
W B Rodier
 
R H Rogers
 
Joseph Rolf
 
John Rook
 
David J Ross
 
Joseph M Routh
 
John Rowan
 
John Rowlands
 
Wm Ruflett
 
William Russell
 
A M Rutherford
 
James Ryan
 
Patrick Ryan
 
Thomas Ryan
 
Lars? Saffallaz?
 
Ednane Saine
 
John Sarah
 
Andreas Sawilawsky
 
William Seis?
 
John Sharkey
 
John Shaw
 
Augustus Sheppard
 
Henry Sheridan
 
Robt Shernan
 
John A Shiers
 
Hy Geo Simmons
 
William Simson
 
George Sivadesir
 
Leonard Slade
 
Daniel Slattery
 
Thos Small
 
Aquila Smith
 
Charls Smith
 
Chas Smith
 
D A Smith
 
Henry Smith
 
James Smith
 
John Smith
 
T Smith
 
Moody Smith &
 
John Sneddan
 
Mathew Sneddon
 
Henry N Spring
 
John Spring
 
Joseph Stacey
 
James Stapleton
 
John Steadman
 
John Stevens
 
John S Stevens
 
James Stewart
 
Edwar Stillier
 
John Strachan
 
Henry Studge
 
John Sweeny
 
John Switzer
 
Alexr Taylor
 
William Taylor
 
T Teegmind?
 
James? R N Thackeray
 
William Thomas
 
William Thomas
 
Robert Thompson
 
Charles Tilley
 
Harald Tolstry
 
Thomas Tranter?
 
Mclaren Tulloch &
 
Robert Tully
 
James Turnbul
 
M Turner
 
Hunter Turner &
 
James? Turnip
 
William Turpin
 
William Tweedie
 
James Tyree
 
Thomas Tzren
 
Francis Usher
 
M Usher
 
Joshua Vines
 
Charles Viny?
 
James Walker
 
See Woolard Wallard
 
Henry Wallis
 
Joseph Ward
 
Joseph Wareing
 
J D Waters
 
George Watt
 
Samuel Way
 
Thomas Webster
 
Nathaniel Weeks
 
James Weightman
 
George Welton
 
Charles Wheeler
 
Robert White
 
W Whittlesee
 
Thos Wilding
 
Patt Wiley
 
Noah Williams
 
Henry Williamson
 
See Hiles Williamson &
 
J D Willington
 
John Z Willis
 
John Wilson
 
W D Wilson
 
Henry Percy Withers
 
Clowe C Wood
 
Jonah Woolard
 
James Wray
 
Alex Wright
 
Evans Wright &
 
Johmn Wylie
 
John Wylie
 
James Young
 
John Yuille
 
  
 +
[[Robert Monckton]]
  
 +
== Further Reading ==
  
----
+
Dorothy Wickham, ''Shot in the Dark: A pre-Eureka incident'', 1995.
  
Dorothy Wickham
+
== References ==
 +
<References/>

Latest revision as of 20:31, 28 September 2022

Background

The Eureka Riots were the culmination of many months of unrest. The dissatisfaction of the miners and storekeepers over the costs of licenses, the right of representation in parliament, and the unjust administration of the government system led to a highly volatile situation.

Another catalyst to the Eureka Affair was the murdering of Scobie near the Eureka Lead and the subsequent release of Bentley, who was accused of the young Scots murder. It was seen by the populace as another injustice not to be tolerated.

The goldfields population was comprised of many nationalities. All lived under a British legal system in Australia. They were displeased with the unjust and confusing laws on the goldfields. They were hounded by the police, and not given a moment’s peace. Many had fled troubles in Europe and Ireland. They had seen the result of oppressive tyrants and governments. Many had been chartists and reformists in their homelands and did not want to be repressed in their chosen new land.

Reinforcements - Troops Arriving from Melbourne, Ballarat Heritage Services Picture Collection.

Arrival of the 12th Regiment

On 11 November 1854, at a huge meeting on Ballarat’s Bakery Hill, the Ballarat Reform League was formed. Many Chartists were involved in the formation of resolutions, such as the abolition of the miners’ and storekeepers’ licenses, the privilege of manhood suffrage, parliamentary reform, and the reform of law on the goldfields.

On 28 November 1854 a detachment of the 12th Regiment entered Ballarat between nine and ten o’clock at night and marched through the Eureka Diggings accompanied by some transport waggons. An incident ensued which resulted in injuries to the Drummer Boy, John Egan; the publican, Benden Hassell; and the carter, George Young. This is the incident which is described below.

Monster Meeting

On 29 November 1854 a ‘Monster Meeting’ was held on Bakery Hill. A flag, representing the Southern Cross, with white stars on a dark blue background, was flown on ‘a very splendid pole, eighty feet in length’. The diggers took the ‘Oath of the Southern Cross’. They knelt, and with heads uncovered pointed to the banner and said,

“We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties.”

Only four days later, in the early hours of the sabbath, some of these miners lost their lives to their cause. This was the culmination of the unrest and ill-feeling.

This was Eureka.

Unknown maker (Australia), The flag of the Southern Cross (Eureka Flag), 1854, wool, cotton.
Art Gallery of Ballarat Collection. Gift of the King family, 2001



Pre-Eureka Incident

28 NOVEMBER 1854

“The onslaught upon the troops appears to have been unprovoked and savage, and it excited general disgust in the minds of the colonists everywhere out of Ballarat.” Walter Bramwell Withers in his History of Ballarat was referring to an incident on the 28 November, 1854. The publican of the London Hotel, Benden Sherritt Hassell was shot in the leg. During the same fracas the drummer boy of the 12th Regiment, John Egan, was shot in the thigh and George Young, who owned the waggons, was also injured. Raffaello Carboni described it as a “cowardly attack” by the miners. They had thrown stones and bottles at the troops on their way into Ballarat between nine and ten o’clock on this dark November evening and allegedly had fired shots into the crowd.

Assistant surgeon of the 12th Regiment, George Arden reported, that “as soon as we got into the diggings a mob of diggers collected and assailed us with cries of Joe! Joe!” “We were pelted with large stones and bottles. … One of the carts was capsized, the driver and two men were severely injured, the men were turned out and ordered to load. We found two men missing and a party went back to find them. They were laying [sic] off the road badly wounded. When the soldiers turned out and loaded the crowd dispersed. … We were shortly after joined by the 40th men from the Camp. During the disturbance several shots were fired by the diggers, but the military never returned the fire. … Our Drummer boy was shot in the leg.”

Lance Corporal George Sharpe, also of the 12th Regiment corroborating the evidence of the assistant surgeon said, “ I was with the third cart from the rear when the mob attacked us, with stones, sticks and bottles. I heard some shots fired by the diggers; some shots were fired at us. I am quite certain that none of the soldiers fired a shot. I never heard any Officer ask the road to the camp. The drivers appeared to know the way.”

One of the main arguments for compensation for Mr Benden Hassell was that the drivers asked him the way to the camp. This subsequently was the reason that he was shot in the leg, because he was in the middle of the road, and in the firing line. It was argued therefore that it was the government who should be responsible for compensating him for his injuries. However the witnesses deposed that the shots were fired by the insurgents and that the military had loaded, but not fired a shot.

The reasons for the Military proceeding through a hostile area late on a dark night were dubious. They had left Melbourne at 5 o’clock on the previous evening, and arrived at the Ballarat Diggings “around 9 or 10 o’clock” the next night. This was usually a three day march, so the troops arriving at the Eureka Lead were “jaded” and “marching very slowly.”

The Melbourne Argus reported that “a portion of the military force despatched from town on Monday had arrived, [at Ballarat] and that in passing through the diggings the soldiers were pelted with broken glass and other missiles by some diggers. The military received this manifestation of feeling in the best possible temper, and did not attempt to irritate the mob by indulging in gestures or movements which might be interpreted to mean other than a friendly inclination to them.” … “a poor drummer was shot through the leg – are these deeds which will enlist the sympathy of an intelligent people? Is the maiming of a drummer boy a worthy triumph for a large mass of a British population who wish to occupy a creditable position in the eyes of the world? Surely not!”

Nothing was written about the injury to Benden Sherritt Hassell, although he also was shot during the same incident as the drummer boy and George Young, the carter. Hassell and his partner, Robert Monckton, were co-owners of the London Hotel. Later some of the wounded sheltered at the London Hotel after the Eureka massacre.

Benden Hassell applied to the government for compensation in 1855, stating that “at night on the 28th of November, 1854, a detachment of soldiers with military stores arrived on Ballaarat, and as they were passing over that part of the diggings known as the Eureka – along the road leading by the London Hotel, the Officer in command enquired … the way to the Government Camp, on Ballaarat, and he [Mr. Hassell] went out into the road and gave the Officer the information desired … As he [Mr. Hassall] was returning into the Hotel after pointing out the way to the Officer he was shot in the leg.”

Timothy Doyle, surgeon on the Eureka Lead gave evidence that Mr. Benden Hassell was under his care “for a period of four months, labouring under the effect of a gun shot wound of the left leg, …, which severely incapacitated him from following his usual business; from the severe nature of this wound” he had not recovered. … “That the bullet” had “ not yet been extracted from the limb; and from present appearances it is very probable that Mr. Hassall will have to undergo a severe surgical operation before there is any chance of his recovering [if at all], the active use of the wounded limb, or be freed from frequent attacks of excruciating pain.”

Mr. Hassall was “well known as a peaceable and loyal British subject, and in no way countenanced or aided in any manner the unfortunate disturbances which took place on the Eureka, either at the time he received the wound or on any subsequent occasion.”

Four hundred and eighty-six men signed the petition urging the government to consider compensation for such a worthy case. The Board, however, in determining the judgement, made a suggestion that a “small donation from each of the individuals” who had signed the petition would “demonstrate their sympathy with the petitioner [Hassall] in a much more intelligible form, and more advantageous to his interests”.

What happened to Hassell and Monckton?

Benden Hassell and Robert Monckton owned the London Hotel from 1854 to 1856. On field surveyor Eugene Bellair’s notes in November 1854, the intended London Hotel is close to the Eureka Lead. In 1856 the pair became flour millers and the Argus reported that they were ready “to commence the erection of a large and complete mill” at the swamp. This was Yuille’s Swamp which is now known as Lake Wendouree.

They are described, in 1857, as “millers, etc at the swamp”. Flour mills were located on the swamp because of the necessity for a steady supply of water for this industry. The Hassell and Monckton Flour Mill was on the corner of Webster Street and Wendouree Parade in Ballarat known in recent years as the State Electricity Commission site.

In 1859 the mill chimney was blown down in a gale, and according to the Star and Miner newspaper the new chimney, being 98 feet high was the tallest in the district.

In September, 1864, according to the Star, “Messrs Hassell and Monckton have disposed of their mill on the Wendouree Parade to Mr Fry, of Ascot, for the sum of £4,500”. Mr Fry was to take possession of the mill in two months time.

Messers Hassell and Monckton returned to England in 1865.[1]

Compensation Case

The Claim for Compensation of Mr. B.S. Hassell was delivered on 21st February 1856 by Mr. J.B. Humffray.[2]
To His Excellency Sir Charles Hotham, K.C.B., governor and Captain-General of the Colony of Victoria.
The humble Memorial of Miners, Storekeepers, and others on behalf of Mr. Benden Sherral Hassall, Storekeeper, Eureka, Ballaarat, Sheweth –
That the said Benden Sherral Hassell resided on the Eureka, Ballaarat, on the 28th of November, 1854.
That at night of the day beforementioned, a detachment of soldiers with military stores arrived on Ballaarat, and as they were passing over that part of the diggings known as the Eureka – along the road leading by the “London” Hotel, the Officer in command enquired of the said Mr. Hassall the way to the Government Camp, on Ballaarat, and Mr. Hassell went out into the road and gave the Officer the information desired.
That as Mr. Hassell was returning into the Hotel after pointing out the way to the Officer, he was shot in the leg.
The following is a copy of the surgeon’s certificate :-
“Ballaarat, 17th July, 1855
“This is to certify that Mr. Benden Hassell was under my care for a period of four months, labouring under the effect of a gun shot wound of left leg, received on the 28th of November, 1854, which completely incapacitated him from following his usual business; from the severe nature of this wound he has not as yet perfectly recovered, and I furthermore consider he will never recover perfect use and strength of same limb.
(Signed)
Timothy Doyle,
“M.R.C.S.”
That the bullet has not yet been extracted from the limb; and from present appearances, it is very probable that Mr. Hassall will have to undergo a severe surgical operation before there is any chance of his recovering (if at all), the active use of the wounded limb, or be freed from frequent attacks of excruciating pain.
That Mr. Hassall has suffered considerable pecuniary loss through his not being able to attend to the disposal of a large stock of goods, and which, in consequence of their being kept so long were much depreciated in value.
That Mr. Hassall is well known as being a peaceable and loyal British subject, and in no way countenanced or aided in any manner the unfortunate disturbance which took place on the Eureka, either at the time he received the wound or on any subsequent occasion.
That Mr. Hassall is unable distinctly to say whether he was shot by one of the insurgents or one of the soldiers.
That your Memorialists respectfully urge that your Excellency will be pleased to take this special case of Mr. Hassall’s into your consideration, and award such compensation as your Excellency may be advised as just, under the peculiarly hard circumstances by which Mr. Hassall has suffered so much in pocket and been maimed in body for life.
And your Memorialists will ever pray &c
(Here follow 486 signatures)
Report of Board, with Copy of Evidence.
Police Office, 22nd October, 1855
Sir,
In reporting upon the Petition of Mr. B.S.Hassall for compensation for a wound received during the disturbances at Ballaarat, the Board have the honor to transmit the evidence taken: that of the assistant Surgeon of the 12th Regiment, as also of a non-commissioned Officer, who was in company with the detachment of the 12th Regiment when proceeding through Ballaarat, on the night of the 28th November last.
By the evidence it appears impossible that the petitioner received his wound from the military; and the Board cannot see anything which would justify their recommending any compensation whatever from the Government.
But if the Board may be permitted to make a suggestion, a small donation from each of the individuals who have interested themselves – as shewn by the numerous signatures to the Memorial, would demonstrate their sympathy with the petitioner in a much more intelligible form, and more advantageous to his interests.
I have &c, (Signed)E. P. STURT, Chairman of the Board of Enquiry [3]

Benden Sherritt Hassell Petition Signatories

An Alphabetical List of Signatures has been transcribed by Dorothy Wickham from this long petition which is held at the Public Record Office Victoria. Over 1000 people signed the petition. Some people were semi literate, while others scrawled their signatures so that some names were extremely difficult to decipher. It is suggested that if there is any doubt about the spelling of a name, that the original source be consulted.

C. Abraham; Haynes Adamson ; James Alein; A.E. Alexander; R. Alexander; James Allan; Nicholas Allan; George Allen; J.H. Alley; Alfred Aradocks?; William Arstal; William Asginth; George Backers; George Bachus?; Baer?O; William Bairdon; Nathan Baker; John Balderston; V. C. Ballot; Isaac Baratt; William Barbour;William Barly; M. Barrass; William Barrclow; Thomas Bath;Matthew Batten; Finlay Beath; Darius Beaton; D. B. Beauval; P Berae; H. S. Berger; John Bier; James Birgers; James Black; Thomas Black; John Blackburn; James Blackie; William Blazence?; John Blyth; Thomas Bolitho; John? Bolnkon?; G. R. Bord; Alden P Borres?; James Bourke; William Bourke; John Bourne; T Boyce; John Boyd; Charles Boyell; Richard Boyne; James Brash; Edward Brooks; Lawrence Brooks; William Brooks; David Brough; James Brown; James Brown; James Brown; Robert S Brown; Simon Brown; William Brown; William Brownfourley; A. C. Brunig; M Bruning; Richmond Bruton; Hugh Bruwn; James Buchanan; Isaac Burrell; William But; Robert Byers; James Cadds; Robert Cairns; Thomas Cairns; Samuel Calman; John Cambordger; Allan Cameron; C Cameron; James Cameron; Edward Camm; Daniel Campbell; E Campbell; James Campbell; John Campbell; Frederic Camson?; Francis Carr; Henry Caugherty; John Cavanagh; Thomas Chambers; Ebenezer Chapman; James Chapman; John Chapman; William Charlstone; W. B. Child?; George Chinery; S Clane?; James Clark; Samuel Clemence; Patrick Coady; Alfred Cobley; John Coleman; George Comfrey; B Cooper; William Cooper; Thomas Coster; Thomas Coulson; Craser? & Co; James Crichton; Ismael Croft; James Croikett; Crossley & Co; William Cruickshank; William Cullis; Ralph Cuthbertson; John Daly; John Dalzell; James Darby; Daniel Dark; Charles Dassett; George Davis; Charles De'burgur; Alexander Dean; Thomas Decueur; Thomas Denham; H Detert?; Joseph Diall; Charles Digger; Thomas Dignum; Richard Dillon; T A Dobson; John Docan; James Doig; Isaac Doncaster; Wm? Dougald; James Dougherty; John Dougherty; James Douglas; Robert Dow; James Down; Jerrome Doyle; William Doyle; Angus Duncan; Robert Duncan; Ambrose Dunn; John Dunston; Robert Eckford; Andrew Edwards; Edward Edwards; William Edwards; James Egan; [Benjamin Eggleton]]; M Elliot; William Eoons?; James Ettersley; George Evans; Henry Evans; [[Wright Evans &]]; Joseph Even; Thomas Every?; Daniel Fahey; Edward Farmer; John Fearon; Thomas Featherstone; John Fenton; Thomas Fenton; James Ferguson; Edwin Field; Edward Fisher; William Fisher; John Fletcher; E. F. Flood; Martin Flynn; John Foin?; James Foll?; Charles Fox; Richard Fox; William Foy; James Frame; Alexander Fraser; John Freiman; Edwin Fry; James Gamble; Samuel Gardner; Phillip Gay; Richard Gibbs; John Gibson; William Gibson; James Gillespie; Peter Gilmour; Charles Glarrell?; William Gondge?; Alexander Gordon; Samuel Gordon; William Gordon; Edward Gough; William Graham; I Granville; Tyson Green; William Green; Robert Grey; Thomas Griffin; William Griffiths; John Groves; Samuel Haigh; Armstrong Hall; Josiah Hall; Thomas Hamilton; John Hammer; Phillip Hammer; Michael Hanley; William Hargreave; Alexander Harman; Charles Harman; Nathaniel Harris; William Harris; William Hart; Lowther Haynes; John Heayser?; Robert Henderson; James Henrey?; B? Henword; Thomas Hepburn; Joseph Hewitt; C? Hickey; Richard Hicks; Joseph Highmore; Williamson; Hiles & Williamson; John Hill; Hilling & Greig; William Hoare; Norris; Hogg; John Holland; John Hollis; John Hope; William Howell; William Howly; D M Hu?Etto V S; Thomas Hughs; J.B. Humffray; Frederick Humffray; William Hunter; Turner Hunter &; W Hutton; Richard Hynes; James Hynim?; William Irons; Samuel Irwin JP; Abraham Jacobs; John James; W James; Graham Jardine; John Jenkin; Matthew Johnson; Samuel Johnson; William Johnson; Henry Johnsone; Archibald Johnston; Layns Jolly &; C Jones; Ishmael Jones; John Jones; Richard Jones; George Jonson; Christian Jordan; B Kellor; Michael Kennedy; John Kennedy; John Kennedy; John Kennedy; William Kennedy; William Kewley; John Kruse; Andrew Landler; H. D. Lane; Richard Laney; Thomas Lang; Richard Large; Samuel Laundrey; Jolly Layns &; Alfred Lester; Alexander Lewis; James Lewis]]; John Leylon; S Linch; Robert Little; R Little; James Lloyd; Thomas Lloyd; James Lolley; James Lynch;Allan Macdonald; H. S. Macfadyen;Thomas Macfarlane;N. G. Mackay; Louis Macke; William Mackey; Alexander Maclaren;Duncan Macrae; James Maguire;John Marshell;Richard MartinRobert Mather; Alexander Mawatt;James May; John May;John Middleton;Daniel Millar;Lander? Millar;John Miller; Moses Millsop; C Milne; George Milne; F. W. H. Minton; John Moir; Robert Monckton; William Monckton; Smith Moody &; James Moore; W. Moore; M Morris; Duncan Mouson; S Moysen; Andrew Muir; David Muir; M.P. Muir; James Muirehouse; Robert Mura; Malvern? Murchison; Henry Murray; Nicoll Murray; Bryan Mcardle; Archibald McCallum; Dow McCallum; O. McCallum; Robert McIndoe; Anthony McClellan; William McCulloch; Thomas McCullog; I.M. McDonagh; Duncan McDonald; David McFadyn; John McFarlan; John McGhie; James McGowan; A. McGrotty; Duncan Mchellde; Robert McIndoe; George & Co McKay; John McKay; Thomas McKenzie; James McKinlay; Tulloch McLaren &; George McLellan; Kenneth McLeod; Allan McNeill; Alexander McPherson; Alex Mcphievll?; John Mcrae; Malcolm McSporran;Joseph Neill; G.W. Newland; G. W. Newland; Charles Newman; James Newman; John Newton; Richard Nicholls; Montague Nolee; Hogg Norris &; John Nutter; Kennedy O'Brien; James O'Brian; John O'Brun; Daniel O'connor; P O'connor; James O'neill; John O'neill; John Odgers; John Palmer; W. Parkin; Joseph Peddle; William Peebles; Adam Pendreigh; John Perry; Adolph Pohl; Charles Pole; ? Pole?; Thomas Pook; P Prahl; Rambinson; Thomas Randall; A B Ranken; David Rattray;Robert Rattray;Charles Read; William Reynolds; David Richards; John Richards; Peter Richards; Richard Richards; William Richards; Peter Rickard; William Rickards; Sinclair Riddock; N N Ritson; John Robertson; John Robertson; Daniel Robinson; William Robinson; John Rocketts; William Rodier; R H Rogers; Joseph Rolf; John Rook; David Ross; Joseph Routh; John Rowan; John Rowlands; William Ruflett; William Russell; A. M. Rutherford; James Ryan; Patrick Ryan; Thomas Ryan; Lars Saffallaz; Ednane Saine; John Sarah; Andreas Samulewsky; William Seis; John Sharkey; John Shaw; Augustus Sheppard; Henry Sheridan; Robert Shernan; John Shiers; Henry Simmons; William Simson; George Sivadesir; Leonard Slade; Daniel Slattery; Thomas Small; Aquila Smith; Charles Smith; Charles Smith; D.A. Smith; Henry Smith; James Smith; John Smith; T. Smith; Moody Smith &; John Sneddan; Matthew Sneddon; Henry Spring; John Spring; Joseph Stacey; James Stapleton; John Steadman; John Stevens; John Stevens; James Stewart; Edward Stillier; John Strachan; Henry Studge; John Sweeny; John Switzer; Alexander Taylor; William Taylor; T. Teegmind; James Thackeray; William Thomas; William Thomas; Robert Thompson; Charles Tilley; Harald Tolstry; Thomas Tranter; McLaren Tulloch &; Robert Tully; James Turnbull; M. Turner; Hunter Turner &; James Turnip; William Turpin; William Tweedie; James Tyree; Thomas Tzren; Francis Usher; M Usher; Joshua Vines; Charles Viny?; James Walker; See Woolard, Wallard;Henry Wallis; Joseph Ward; Joseph Wareing; J.D. Waters; George Watt; Samuel Way; Thomas Webster; Nathaniel Weeks; James Weightman;George Welton; Charles Wheeler; Robert White; W. Whittlesee; Thomas Wilding; Patt Wiley; Noah Williams; Henry Williamson; See Hiles Williamson &; J D Willington; John Willis; John Wilson; W.D. Wilson; Henry Withers; Clowe Wood; Jonah Woolard; James Wray; Alex Wright; Evans Wright & John Wylie; John Wylie; James Young; John Yuille[4]

Also See

Benden Hassell

Robert Monckton

Further Reading

Dorothy Wickham, Shot in the Dark: A pre-Eureka incident, 1995.

References

  1. Information from Descendant Christopher Monkton, 14 March 2017.
  2. Parliamentary Papers 1855-56, Victoria, Mr. B. S. Hassall, Claim for Compensation with copies of Evidence &c.
  3. Researched and transcribed by Dorothy Wickham
  4. Researched and transcribed by Dorothy Wickham from PROV, VPRS 1189, Unit 253, Item R55/13783