Thomas Culpeck

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Background

Goldfields Involvement, 1854

Culpeck was a private in the 12th Regiment (Reg. No. 2797), who was stationed at Ballarat during the third muster. [1]

Post 1854 Experiences

Culpeck was in Ballarat at the time of the Eureka Stockade.

Obituary

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
DEATH OF AN OLD IDENTITY MR. THOMAS CULPECK. On Sunday night Mr. Thomas Culpeck died somewhat unexpectedly at his residence, 181 Charles-street. He had been in indifferent health for some time past, but was able to do business and attend auction sales even up to Saturday last. Mr. Culpeck was an old resident, and a well-known identity. He came out from England as a private in the 12th Regiment in the early fifties, and was stationed in Melbourne in December, 1854, when the regiment was ordered to Ballarat to take part in the quelling of the Eureka Stockade riots, in which the miners set the authorities at defiance. In the "Examiner' of December 1, 1904, was published an interesting interview with Mr. Culpeck concerning this historical event, the occasion being the approaching celebration in Ballarat of the jubilee of the rebellion. Deceased was one of the first battalion of the 12th, and there was also a battalion of the 40th Regiment at Ballarat at the time of the diggers' rising. According to the account given by Mr. Culpeck, "the troops advanced in skirmishing order, and after a short encounter captured the stockade, with something like half a dozen casual ties. The 'military secured the miners' flag, ammunition, carts, drays, etc., and in addition took 300 prisoners. This was the end of the trouble," said Mr. Culpeck, "and the field afterwards was peaceable." In January, 1856, the 12th were dispatched to Hobart to relieve the 19th Regiment, which was under orders to return to England, and 200 of the men in the latter corps were permitted to join the 12th, that being the number who desired to remain here and receive their discharge. Of this 200 was Mr. Denis M'Auliffe. Mr. Culpeck claimed to be one of the oldest Imperial soldiers in Launceston, of recent years. The 12th were drafted to New Zealand after serving a few years here, and eventually they returned, the first battalion being stationed in Launceston, where Mr. Culpeck received his discharge. For many years deceased had been engaged in the business of a general dealer, and for the last decade he had carried on an extensive trade in stationery requisites. Although he was 74 years of age at the time of death he was of an active and energetic dispo sition until Saturday last. Mr. Culpeck was one of the original members of St. John's Friendly Society, and for a considerable term he represent ed that order on the committee of the United Friendly Societies' Dispensary. He was at one time also a member of the Good Templar organisation, having held office in the Gleam of Sunshine Lodge. Deceased was twice married, and leaves a widow, a daughter of the late Mr. W. Wade, baker, of this city, but no family. The funeral is timed to leave 181 Charles-street at 2.30 p.m. to-day for the interment of the remains in Carr Villa Cemetery.[2] [3]


VETERAN SOLDIER'S DEATH. - A EUREKA. 8TOCKADE SURVIVOR.
Launceston, Tuesday. — One of the soldiers of the 12th Regiment, who participated in quelling the Eureka Stockade outbreak at the Ballarat gold diggings in 1854, viz., Thos. Culpeck, died yesterday from heart affection. He was 76 years of age, and for many years was a general dealer here.</ref>


In the News

CORRESPONDENCE, OLDEST IMPERIAL SOLDIER, (To the Editor.) Sir.-Referring to your article on the "Eureka Stockade," you mention that a claim to be the oldest Imperial soldier, in Launceston. This is true, but I am not only the oldest Imperial soldier in Launceston, but the oldest Imperial, soldier in Tasmania.-Yours, etc., THOMAS CULPECK. 187 Charles-street, Launceston.[4]

See also

Military

Further Reading

Corfield, J.,Wickham, D., & Gervasoni, C. The Eureka Encyclopaedia, Ballarat Heritage Services, 2004.


References

  1. Wickham, D., Gervasoni, C. & Phillipson, W., Eureka Research Directory, Ballarat Heritage Services, 1999.
  2. Launceston Examiner, 10 July 1906.
  3. North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times, 11 July 1906.
  4. Launceston Examiner, 2 December 1904.

External links