Astronomer Tebbutt’s computers

Much has been written about the renowned astronomer John Tebbutt whose observations assisted in advancing astronomy internationally though he rarely left the Hawkesbury. He has been universally recognised for his work, with Tebbutt performing the complex calculations required for his computations, mostly himself. Occasionally he employed assistants known as computers to help out with his reckonings. This is the story of some of his early assistants.

John Tebbutt from 'Early Days of Windsor' by James Steele published in 1916. 

Born in Windsor in 1834, John Tebbutt was locally educated. Tutored in the classics including Latin and Greek, in later years he taught himself French and German. To work in astronomy, an advanced understanding of not only science, but also higher mathematics was crucial.

With his aptitude for astronomy, Tebbutt began examining the skies in earnest from 1853. Not only did he study the skies, but meticulously recorded the weather, flood levels and provided a local time service.

In later years he bought more substantial telescopes and discovered in 1861 the Great Comet which gave him international recognition then discovered the Great Comet of 1881. Living on the family property on the Peninsula, in Windsor, Tebbutt built several observatories and these were well-equipped. 

He was considered one of Australia’s foremost astronomers by his peers, receiving many accolades and international awards throughout his lifetime. His consistent observations and astronomical computations were highly regarded by his international colleagues and advanced astronomy worldwide. 

Daily Observation notebook 1890 held Mitchell Library. Photo: M. Nichols

An astronomer’s work was observing the skies, recording as well as performing complex and often laborious, calculations. Prior to 1880s, all of the observations and complex calculations were made by Tebbutt and his “untiring energy and unremitted diligence” were noted.(1) As well as his scientific workload, Tebbutt also had to oversee his farm and business affairs.

Tebbutt was known for being blunt. Murray Allen, a teacher from Collector had expectations to be Tebbutt’s computer but was reprimanded in 1886 for getting his calculations wide of the mark. Allen responded to Tebbutt, “it was rather harsh, considering that it is some fourteen years since I opened trigonometry and … I am truly sorry that I was so far out”.(2) He must have improved as several years later, Allen’s assistance was acknowledged.

n 1888, Tebbutt advertised in the ‘Hawkesbury Chronicle’ for a computer. A computer at that time was not electronic but a person who performed mathematical calculations. Aged in his mid-fifties, he was seeking assistance to calculate his meteorological observations. Tebbutt wrote, “he must be tolerably quick and accurate at simple addition and division” as computers, at the time, were predominantly male.(3)

Advert from Hawkesbury Chronicle & Farmers Advocate 7 January 1888 p. 3 

 

Despite Tebbutt’s successes in 1888, he observed the difficulties in finding the “occasional assistance of a competent person in ordinary arithmetical calculation”. Nevertheless he concluded that “considerable help was afforded by Miss M. Arnold, of the Public School Department, Sydney” and “Mr. L. A. Parker, late of the local Commercial Bank, has also rendered able assistance.”(4)

So who were Miss Arnold and Mr Parker that competently provided Tebbutt with help in the late 1880s?

Margie Arnold was born in Windsor in 1866 and was the only daughter of William Clifford and Mary Arnold. William was a farm labourer from Sussex and Irish born Mary was a servant and they were living in Windsor around 1860. William was a reliable employee of the Tebbutt family for over twenty years.

It is likely Margie was educated in Windsor and by 1882 appeared on a pupil teachers list. She was sixteen and was employed at Pennant Hills and worked in a variety of schools before passing her exams in 1889.

It is not known if Margie applied for the position Tebbutt had advertised in the local newspaper or whether Tebbutt knew of her abilities through family connections. She may have even trained with him. Margie assisted Tebbutt with reductions for several years. He was impressed with her and acknowledged, “the intelligence, quickness, and accuracy” of Margie “as a computer, both in logarithms and natural numbers, is exceptional, and I have, therefore, much pleasure in bearing testimony to her qualifications in this respect.” (5)

    NSW Teachers’ Rolls, 1869-1908 for Margie Arnold 

By 1890 she was promoted as headmistress at the North Broken Hill Public School.

Miss Arnold has been a very careful and diligent student, and … all the more creditable … when it is known that she has attained her present place by virtue of her own hard work alone…(6)

In 1891, she wed Farquhar Wallace, the headmaster at the same school. As was the custom, Margie resigned from her paid teaching job, after she married. 

The first women commenced employment as computers in astronomy, the same time Margie moved to Broken Hill. Mary Greayer was employed by the Government Astronomer for South Australia. It is not known if Margie ever received remuneration for her work with Tebbutt, if she did, this would pre-date Greayer’s employment.

In 1894 Margie’s father passed away. At the time, William was renting a cottage in Pitt Street from Tebbutt. He must have been a trusted friend as the astronomer was a pallbearer at the funeral and also executor of William’s will. He was buried in the St Matthew’s Anglican Cemetery in Windsor, adjacent to Tebbutt’s vault.  Margie’s mother Mary died in 1914 and was interred in the Windsor Catholic Cemetery. (7)

The couple had eight children. After Broken Hill, they moved around, living in Springwood, Port Macquarie, Kendall and Taree. Margie was still involved in teaching in an unofficial capacity, until her husband retired.

During the 1930s Margie experienced health issues and in 1948, she passed away aged 82. Her obituary records that she demonstrated “a keen interest in study” and her earlier work with Tebbutt, was mentioned. “While still in her teens she studied astronomy under Mr. Tebbutt.” It also mentions “her deep knowledge of the classics - and her alert mind, made her a most interesting companion.” Margie was buried at Wingham Cemetery.(8)

In 1889 Tebbutt paid tribute to Mr Parker who also assisted Tebbutt with his important calculations. Leslie Angwin Parker was born in 1867 in the Dubbo area. (9) His parents were Richard and Amelia.

He was a promising student and in 1884 he was awarded a gold medal for his excellent studies. After leaving school he joined the Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney in 1885. Leslie married Alice Parker in 1911 at the Burwood Presbyterian Church.

From 1911 he was organist and choirmaster of his local church, as well as trustee, and Sunday School teacher. He rose through the banking ranks and was appointed accountant in 1916, then assistant-manager two years later.  By 1925 he was chief inspector and held this position until his death. He was a keen motorist and a member of various associations. Aged 65 he passed away in 1933 with his ashes scattered at Rookwood. Cemetery.  Leslie’s obituary mentions he “was a man of education and culture” and that he “read widely, and was a fine musician.” It also records that he “was also a good mathematician and a student of astronomy.” A tablet was unveiled at his local church in 1935. (10)

The lack of capable assistance plagued Tebbutt’s research. In 1901 when he was interviewed about future opportunities, he told a journalist “that he was unable to obtain assistant computers competent to perform the calculations necessary, and that there were no fewer than 460 minor planets, whose movements were unable to be calculated." (11)

His son, John Thomas was not actively involved in astronomy however Tebbutt mentions his son’s assistance in the 1900s, recording statistics when he was absent, also Robert Bruce Walker. Walker, helped with clerical work and calculations, and became a solicitor and MP. Tebbutt also mentions support from his peers, Joseph Brooks a surveyor and astronomers Robert Innes and Charles Merfield.

In 1904 when Tebbutt was aged seventy, he “felt compelled” to retire from his regular recordings. He said “his declining years will be devoted to business of a private nature, with occasional attention to astronomical observations.”(12) But he continued his research. For years Tebbutt articulated “the hope of meeting someone who … could assist me in my work, partly out of love for the science, and partly for a remuneration” yet he never did.

During Tebbutt’s career, he published almost 400 articles, sharing his observations and research around the world. Aged 82, the brilliant Tebbutt died in 1916 and was buried in a vault which he personally designed at St. Matthew’s Anglican cemetery.  After his death, Tebbutt continued to receive accolades for his contribution to astronomy. This article recognises the forgotten role played by Tebbutt’s gifted computers.

References 

1. The Sydney quarterly magazine, June 1889 pp.164-170 and Journal of the British Astronomical Association,  114, 3, 2004 by Wayne Orchiston pp. 141-154 

2. John Tebbutt: rebuilding & strengthening the foundations of Australian astronomy / Wayne Orchiston 2017 p. 7.

3. Hawkesbury Chronicle & Farmers Advocate 7 January 1888 p. 3 

4. 'THE WINDSOR OBSERVATORY' The Sydney Morning Herald 4 February 1889 p. 3. 

5. Ibid. and Literary Notices, Evening News  27 March 1890 p. 3. 

6. Windsor & Richmond Gazette 1 February 1890, p. 4.

7. NSW BDM Index; St Matthew's Anglican Parish Registers, Windsor; Hawkesbury on the Net Cemetery Register ; William Arnold's will, Rootsweb Arnold family ; Obituary Windsor & Richmond Gazette 27 October 1894 p. 10 and Windsor & Richmond Gazette 13 March 1914 p. 12.

8. Obituaries, Macleay Argus 8 October 1948 p. 4 and The Northern Champion 6 October 1948 p. 2. 

9. 'THE WINDSOR OBSERVATORY' The Sydney Morning Herald 4 February 1889 p. 3.

10. Obituaries, The Sydney Morning Herald 11 May 1933 p. 10 and The Sydney Morning Herald 10 May 1933 p. 18;  The Methodist 23 February 1935 p. 5. 

11. John Tebbutt F.R.A.S. Interview from Windsor & Richmond Gazette 14 September 1901 p. 6. 

12. John Tebbutt's Annual Report 1903, p. 11. Published Windsor 1904.

 

   

ROYAL VISITS TO THE HAWKESBURY

 Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96, died in September 2022, after a 70 year reign. We have also seen the appointment of a new monarch, King Charles III. Over the past 175 years, a number of members of the Royal family, have visited the Hawkesbury.  

The first Royal visit to Australia took place in 1867 when Prince Alfred, the son of Queen Victoria, spent several months touring around. In 1868 his schedule included a picnic plus a trip on the Hawkesbury River, but these events were postponed due to bad weather. The trip on the Hawkesbury was not reported in the newspapers, however while attending the Sailors' Home picnic at Clontarf, an assassination attempt was made by Henry O'Farrell. It was believed to be the first political assassination attempt in Australia. The Prince was treated for his injuries by Lucy Osburn, the nurse who had recently arrived in Sydney and introduced the Nightingale System of training nurses. 

As teenagers, Prince Albert and George, grandsons of Queen Victoria, visited in 1881 as naval cadets in training, on HMS Bacchante. They toured around the harbour and then took a steam launch up the Hawkesbury River from Pittwater to Sackville and then travelled to Windsor Railway Station by horse and carriage, where they caught the train back to the city. Apparently, the Mayor and other officials were not apprised of the visit (much to their disappointment) but groups of young ladies crowded the platform and it was reported that some enthusiastic female fans “could scarcely refrain from rushing forward to kiss the young gentlemen as they walked arm in arm” to their carriage. 

In 1901, the Mayor of Windsor, John Jackson Paine was invited to the opening of the first Parliament of Australia and the reception to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in Melbourne. The Mayor said later, it was “an event in the history of the world.” Local schools also celebrated this momentous occasion. The Duchess gave a signal in Melbourne via the telegraph, which was relayed to the teachers and schools all over the country, so they hoisted simultaneously their school flags to “herald the inauguration of the Federation of the Australian States.” A special ceremony followed the flag raising, attended by politicians and officials. Following their official duties, the Duke and Duchess spent some time on the Hawkesbury onboard the HMS Ophir, and visited the picturesque Cowan Bay for a picnic.

One well-known visit was that of Edward, the Prince of Wales, in 1920. On behalf of his father King George V, his visit was to officially thank the Australian people for their contribution in World War 1.  Arriving by train from Parramatta, the Prince was entertained by an aerial display provided by Lt Alfred le Grice and Tom Linn in two aircraft following the train from Blacktown to Windsor. Taking off from Clarendon, the pilots wowed the crowds “flying so low” it appeared they “skimmed the tops of the trees”. 

At Windsor, a huge crowd of about 6,000 greeted the Prince and the official party which included Lord Louis Mountbatten and Lord Claud Hamilton. They were driven through an ornamental archway built in McQuade Park where the Prince and officials were met by various returned soldiers and army nurses. The Prince said he was pleased to visit Windsor “this old and famous town, whose name links it to the place where most of my own childhood was spent.” He presented a signed copy of his speech to the town. 

The procession then moved to Wilberforce and Ebenezer, stopping along the way so the Prince could shake hands with returned soldiers along the way. They then headed to Sackville with about 500 people gathering near an arch created with, along with a couple of soldiers, greeted the official party. The launch departed from the wharf at Sackville, travelling up the Hawkesbury and after a five-hour journey, arrived in Brooklyn.

The Duke and Duchess of York visited Australia on their Royal Tour in 1927 and opened Parliament House in Canberra. NSW Premier, Jack Lang, requested the couple visit the Hawkesbury but the offer was declined. 

In 1936, the Prince of Wales became King Edward VIII, following the death of his father. He abdicated less than twelve months later, with his brother Albert George, the Duke of York, crowned as George VI.

Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne when her father died in 1952. She visited Australia, the first reigning monarch to do so, in 1954, accompanied by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Wherever they travelled, they were welcomed enthusiastically and nearly 75% of the population saw her on this visit. It wasn’t until 1970, that the Queen officially visited the Hawkesbury. They flew from Orange and arrived at the Richmond RAAF Base. A flying visit was made to Hawkesbury Agricultural College, now the Western Sydney University, in Richmond inspecting some of the college activities and the signing of the visitors book in the Library. Next stop was St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Windsor where the couple were given a tour of the historic church, followed by a quick walk around the grounds. Less than fifteen minutes later, the couple departed for Parramatta, with hordes of schoolchildren lining the route, waving to the couple.

Queen Elizabeth II walks through the grounds of Windsor’s St Matthew’s Anglican Church, 1970.
Source: Windsor & Richmond Gazette 29 Apr 1970 

Subsequent visits to Australia by the Royal family have taken place since then but it’s those earlier visits to the Hawkesbury that are most cherished by the community. 

Richmond’s Victoria Avenue

Avenues of trees were popular throughout Australia, particularly for commemoration. In 1897, a decision was made to establish an avenue of trees in the Hawkesbury, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria's long reign. 

Richmond's plane trees by M. Nichols, 2021 

From 1872, Richmond Council was the local governing body and in 1897, it was raised in a meeting that the Council should celebrate this momentous event. An avenue of trees was to be created across Ham Common and was to be named Victoria Avenue in her honour. Council agreed with the suggestion and plans were to be put into place. 

The following year it was reported that Richmond Council were intending to plant 100 trees from the corner of Windsor and Bourke Streets, to about halfway across the Common, approximately Clarendon.  It was decided to plant Plane trees as they reportedly grew quickly, were hardy and low maintenance. Richmond’s Town Clerk, Charles Guest was tasked with the assignment.

One hundred and fifty trees were ordered, the date for the event set and special guests invited. Locals were also encouraged to plant trees. The event to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, 30 August 1898. A good crowd was in attendance, despite the non-stop rain and Victoria Avenue was declared opened. 

Windsor & Richmond Gazette 3 Sep 1898 p. 12

Richmond’s Mayor, Edward Stevenson, planted the first trees on the left, on the way out of Richmond, followed by the Mayor and Mayoress of Windsor, Mr and Mrs John Jackson Paine, who planted two on the right-hand side. 

Additional trees were arranged to be planted at a later date and within a fortnight it was reported that the majority of the trees were planted and fencing, for protection, constructed. However residents of Richmond were concerned when the Windsor community had not started planting trees from their end. 

In the early days, the trees struggled to survive. In 1899 some of the trees had to be replaced because of the hot weather. The Plane trees that had been planted in Chapel Street were about ten years old and were impressive comparison to those trees in Victoria Avenue.  The local newspaper reported that the new trees were not being tended and needed mulch or manure round the roots. 

The trees were planted during a very dry period. Australia experienced the Federation drought between 1895 until the early 1900s and the dry conditions obviously have an effect on the trees. By 1903 there were reports of more dead trees but again, they were replaced and the expense met by a number of local residents. 

Eventually the trees grew and thrived and became a notable feature of the town. In 1956, a storm with cyclonic winds hit Richmond, unroofed buildings and uprooted huge trees including several of the Plane trees, which had to be removed. The older and more substantial trees are situated between Bourke and Hobart Streets but over the years additional trees have been planted along the Hawkesbury Way. The name Victoria Avenue seems to have been lost in time.

Gordon Gow and the talking clock

Gordon Gow was born in Windsor in December 1919, the son of Arthur Gow and Kathleen nee Gordon. A clever boy, he entered the faculty of Arts and Law of Sydney University when he was just seventeen. 

In 1937 he was invited to the Henry George League of NSW to deliver a lecture at its weekly meeting. The topic was Shakespeare and it was reported in the media at the time that the seventeen year old, was very talented, had an “outstanding memory” and was mature for his age.  

With an attractive speaking voice Gordon established himself in broadcasting, making his debut with 2UE, working as a film critic and later as an announcer. He had constant work on radio working both with the ABC and commercial radio in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. He built himself a reputation not only in radio but also in the Sydney theatrical circles, with a number of creditable stage performances. In 1941, he travelled to Brisbane and took up a position with radio 4BC as an actor-announcer.

In 1949 he travelled with his wife Joyce to England for a holiday but the couple eventually stayed on. By the 1950s they were living in London and Gordon was working as a radio and film reporter for the Associated British Film Corporation. He was also recording interviews with many distinguished stars including Bette Davis, Burt Lancaster, Douglas Fairbanks and Michael Wilding, Elizabeth Taylor’s second husband.

He was known for his contribution to various newspapers and magazines, about the theatre, performers and movies. Gordon also authored several books in the 1970s focusing on the cinema. The couple remained in the UK for about 50 years before returning to Australia in the 1990s. Gordon Gow died in 2000 at the age of 81.

Although readers may not recognise his name, Gordon Gow’s voice is quite recognisable to those born in the 20th century, and used to phone up to confirm the time. Gordon was the voice for the talking clock, commonly referred to as ‘George the talking clock’ for nearly thirty years. He recorded the service in London in 1954 and the pre-recording was used to announce the time throughout Australia for the Postmaster-General's (PMG) Department, later known as Telecom.

In 1954 George the speaking clock was installed which provided an automatic, accurate time service. It was very modern piece of engineering which “synthetised the time from three different optical discs.” Gordon originally recorded the sound for the discs, including the well-known “At the third stroke …” For a period of time, the identity of the voice was kept a secret but then revealed to the media several months later. Gordon Gow passed away, aged 80 on 16 August 2000. 

Gow's obituary from the Australian 18 September 2000 

The voice of Richard Peach, brother to Bill Peach and ABC broadcaster, was recorded in the 1980s, and replaced Gow’s recording in the 1990s. Richard died in 2008 aged 58. Richard’s voice could still be heard when ringing 1194 for the time, until the service was last heard on 30 September 2019 and you can listen to a sample here. The clock was originally housed in the GPO in Martin Place but is now housed in the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. You can check this out on this Youtube clip.

Happy 145th birthday Windsor Bridge

145 years ago (20 August 1874) Windsor Bridge over the Hawkesbury River was officially opened. The Hawkesbury district celebrated in great style with about 7000 attendees and the day was observed as a holiday.

Opening of Windsor Bridge taken by Thomas Boston
Courtesy State Library of NSW

Some officials arrived on the 11am train from Sydney with many local visitors and representatives, congregating near the Council offices ready for the procession.  These included the local clergy, politicians, plus Mayor John McQuade and the aldermen of Windsor Council. The Windsor Volunteer Band led the procession and the Volunteers, Fire Brigade, the local masonic lodges with their banners “proceeded along Macquarie Street to Dight Street, and thence through George Street to the bridge.”  The Richmond Volunteer Band led the students from the local Public and Catholic schools also participated in the parade which numbered about 600. The procession marched “across the bridge and doubling back” and the official ceremony then began with the Hon. John Sutherland, Minister for Works giving a speech where “he complimented the people upon having such a fine structure, and on the importance of the work.” He particularly mentioned, “why a low-level bridge was erected in place of a high-level structure” and named the structure Windsor Bridge. The crowd applauded and the band played the National Anthem. The children then headed to Miller’s paddock in Macquarie Street where they were given refreshments of cakes and lollies and entertained with a Punch and Judy show and other entertainment.

It was reported that “Windsor was gaily decorated with flags flying from nearly all the houses in the principal streets; and on the bridge were festoons, floral arches, and the flags of all nations.”

Detail of official ceremony and flags on Windsor Bridge by Thomas Boston Courtesy State Library of NSW

Above the bridge hundreds assembled and a bullock roasted, a time-honoured Hawkesbury tradition. There was also a formal lunch for the officials in the Windsor School of Arts where good food was eaten and lots of speeches and toasts were given.  John Sutherland proposed "Success to the Windsor Bridge” and added that “he hoped that it would last longer than the youngest child who had passed over it that day.” To end the festivities, a ball was held in the evening in the old military barracks. 

A bridge over the Hawkesbury River at Windsor was suggested for many years and became a reality when in 1864 a public meeting was held and a decision made to approach the Government. It took many more years for funding to be approved and the construction more than 2 years. The total cost was £10,283.

Courtesy Illustrated Sydney News 19 September 1874  

All of the technical details about the construction of Windsor Bridge are available in this post

One tragedy that took place during construction when 10 year old, Humphrey Albert Douglass, who was working on the bridge, lost his footing and fell into the river and drowned.

Happy 145th birthday Windsor Bridge - still standing proudly crossing the majestic Hawkesbury River, but for how much longer?

140th celebrations in 2014 by Michelle Nichols

Many accounts appeared in the newspapers of the day, including:

• OPENING OF THE WINDSOR BRIDGE. (1874, August 21). Evening News p. 2 from 
• OPENING OE THE BRIDGE AT WINDSOR. (1874, September 19). Illustrated Sydney News & NSW Agriculturalist & Grazier 
• OPENING OF WINDSOR BRIDGE (1874, August 22). Australian Town & Country Journal, p. 9. 
• OPENING OF THE WINDSOR BRIDGE. (1874, August 22).  The Empire p. 4. 
• OPENING OF THE BRIDGE AT WINDSOR. (1874, August 22). The Sydney Morning Herald p. 7.  
• NEW BRIDGE OVER THE HAWKESBURY AT WINDSOR. (1874, August 22). Australian Town & Country Journal p. 20. 

Relocation of Logan headstones to Ebenezer Cemetery

Logan headstones at Ebenezer Cemetery ~ Photo: Michelle Nichols 2012

One of Sydney’s earliest cemeteries was called Devonshire Street Cemetery and was situated in Sydney between Eddy Avenue, Elizabeth Street, Chalmers, and Devonshire Streets. The cemetery was opened in 1820 however the site was resumed so that the railway station at Central could be constructed. Arrangements were made with the family and friends of those buried. Bodies were exhumed and relocated at the Government’s expense. The remains that were not claimed were buried at Bunnerong Cemetery alongside Botany Cemetery. These two cemeteries are now known as the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park.

John LOGAN (c.1821-1867) who was born in Scotland, married his first wife Ann in the 1840s. The couple had several children including James born circa 1847, George born circa 1849 and Ann born circa 1853. George was a baker and the family lived in Sydney. Tragedy struck the family when around 5pm on 16 July 1851; two and half-year-old George Logan was struck with a cartwheel. Despite being “promptly attended by Dr. Rutter and Dr. Neilson, he expired two hours.”   

The bakery was recorded at Sussex Street, Sydney. According to the Inquest held a few days later, the young boy’s death was “caused by coming in contact with the wheel of a cart.” The driver of the cart, George Burnett, was charged with manslaughter.

Empire 17 July 1851 p. 3

Ann, wife of John Logan, died aged thirty-two, on 25 September 1853. She was followed by Ann, their twelve week old daughter, who died 10 December 1853. It is quite possible that Ann died from complications, giving birth to Ann, who was born in late September.

The following year after the death of his first wife, John, remarried at Sydney’s Scots Church, Matilda Isabella, who was at the time, aged in her mid-twenties. Matilda was the daughter of Alexander Books and Margaret nee Grono of Bear’s Hip Farm on the Hawkesbury River. 

John’s son James, died on 21 June 1866 aged nineteen years, cause of death is not known at this stage. The following year, John Logan died 5 November 1867 aged forty-six years. It is transcribed on his headstone that John was originally from Dunkeld Scotland and died at his residence, Woodland Cottage in Ryde but formerly of Bathurst Street in Sydney. His headstone states he was from Dunkeld although his Death notice states he was a native of Kinross, Scotland, aged forty-six years. There is about 50km difference between the locations.  

Matilda Logan was living at ‘Melrose’ in Duke Place, Balmain when she passed away on 7 March 1901, aged seventy-four. Her obituary notes that her casket was taken from Balmain to Mulgrave by train and then transported by Mr Primrose, the local undertakers to the residence of Mr A. Books at Pitt Town. The “casket was then taken by boat to Ebenezer burial ground and interred in the family vault alongside the deceased mother and father.” Mr Edgar of Pitt Town read the service.  Her death notice also records that she was interred at Ebenezer however there is no marker recording Matilda’s final resting place in the cemetery other than the above mention in the Books vault.

By early 1904, the Windsor & Richmond Gazette records that that the two Logan headstones (with the remains) had been exhumed and relocated from the Devonshire Street Cemetery to the historic Ebenezer Cemetery in the Hawkesbury. The exhumation permit was issued to John Carmichael, from Duke Street in Balmain. Carmichael was, in fact, the brother-in-law of Matilda Logan, as he was married to her younger sister, Jane nee Books.  

Sources:

Empire 17 July 1851 p. 3

Empire 21 July 1851, p. 3

Windsor & Richmond Gazette 23 January 1901 p. 7

Family Notices. Empire 7 November 1867, p. 1

Windsor & Richmond Gazette 30 January 1901 p. 7

Family Notices. Sydney Morning Herald 16 March 1901 p. 1 

Family Notices. Sydney Morning Herald 9 March 1901 p. 1

Set in stone: the McQuade monument, Windsor NSW

An impressive Victorian monument is situated in front of Windsor’s historic St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. The elaborate marble monument was erected by William McQuade in 1882 in memory of his wife Amelia and her parents, James Hale and Mary Durham.

William McQuade was born in 1827 and was the second son of Irish born convict, turned publican, Michael McQuade, and his wife Sarah. William became a prominent figure in the Hawkesbury and a successful landowner. He married Amelia Ann Hale in 1850, and the couple had four sons including one who died as an infant. Amelia was the daughter of James Hale and Mary Durham. Mary had originally been married to convict William Durham, a butcher, and following his death, she remarried in 1828, to James Hale, and their daughter, Amelia Ann was born the following year. 

James Hale was a prosperous businessman and amongst other things, owned Fairfield House in Windsor, originally built by William Cox. William and Amelia McQuade lived at Fairfield for a number of years and the property was later inherited by their second son, Henry Michael Hale McQuade, well known as the owner of Her Majesty’s Theatre in Sydney and the member for Hawkesbury for a number of years in the 1880s. The couple eventually had a large portfolio of properties including a sizeable mansion in the fashionable Potts Point. 

William McQuade was keen on sports and it was he who arranged a one-day match between the All-England Eleven, and a local team, with players selected from the Hawkesbury and Nepean districts. A special train conveyed the sporting team from Sydney, and the game was played at Fairfield on a specially made wicket. Over one thousand people attended the remarkable event.

While the McQuade family were staunch Catholics and very supportive of their religion, the Hale and Durham families were Anglican. When William married Amelia the ceremony was held in St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Windsor. However when Amelia, aged forty-six, passed away in 1875, she was buried in St. Matthew’s Church of England cemetery, alongside her parents and various other family members. 

Following Amelia’s death, her husband planned and built, an extravagant monument, which was made from imported Carrara marble. It was apparently designed to be undercover, protected from the elements but it has always stood outside. The cost for the monument was well over £2,000, with the work performed by the Italian, Antonio Caniparoli, of Carrara Italy, according to the newspapers, and “is amongst the finest examples of monumental marble carving and artistic designing to be found in the State. Lovers of the artistic will observe the symbolic cinerary urns, the upturned torches and the laurel wreaths; also the rare clustered columns supporting the large dome stone.” Local stonemason, George Robertson, from Windsor, was responsible for erecting the 40 plus tons of stone and foundations.

Nothing like it had been seen in Windsor up until then, and the magnificence of it confirmed the McQuade’s prosperity to the Hawkesbury community. The monument was erected at the front of St. Matthew’s Church of England in 1882, commemorating the memory of Amelia McQuade as well her mother, who died in 1857, and father in 1866. When William died in 1885, aged fifty-eight his estate was worth £212,000. He was buried in Windsor’s Catholic Cemetery.

William McQuade's vault at the Windsor Catholic Cemetery