James Robert Richardson

BIRTH & BAPTISM James Robert Richardson was born at Brede, East Sussex, in 1819 and christened at St Georges Church, Brede on 29/7/1819.

Brede (St. George) BREDE (St. George), a parish, in the union of Rye, partly in the hundred of Staple, but chiefly in that of Gostrow, rape of Hastings, E. division of Sussex, 4 miles (S. by W.) from Northiam; containing 1151 inhabitants. This parish, distinguished by the divisions of Broad Oak and Brede High, is bounded on the south by the Brede channel, which is navigable for barges, and over which is a bridge; and is intersected in the eastern portion by the road from London to Rye. It comprises 4834a. 3r. 8p., whereof 1960 acres are arable, 1091 pasture, and 1316 woodland; the soil is favourable for the growth of hops, which are successfully cultivated. The village is pleasantly situated on a hill commanding extensive and finely varied prospects. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £12. 10. 5.; net income, £702; patron and incumbent, the Rev. J. W. Maher. The church consists of a nave, aisles, and chancel, with a square embattled tower surmounted by a low spire, the whole thoroughly repaired in 1840. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans at Broad Oak; and the union workhouse is in the parish. Dr. Horne, Bishop of Norwich, in 1790, was a native of Brede.

[The ancestors of Dr Horne, Bishop of Norwich had been rectors of Brede 1670 until 1821, with occasional breaks due to death.]

I am adding a map that shows what a very small area the Richardsons moved in, married in, and worked in. With the exception of Henry Proctor ii, the gamekeeper who went to Kent. Norfolk and Derbyshire, most of the family didn't go far from Brede until the great migration began about 1840, and so many left for Australia, NZ and Canada when conditions in Sussex deteriorated. There is also one Sussex Richardson who was transported but I can't find his records to see if he is one of ours - nope, he is from elsewhere.

1841 census - James Robert is not living with his parents at Sheerfold House in Brede. See docs for Sheerfold House census. This is the year he married Eliza, and the year he left for NZ.

MARRIAGE First name(s) JAMES ROBERT Last name RICHARDSON Marriage quarter 2 Marriage year 1841 Registration month - JAMES ROBERT RICHARDSON married Eliza Maria McVay District Rye District number - County Sussex Country England Volume 7 Volume as transcribed 7 Page number 585

On 25th May 1841, at age 21 yrs he married Eliza Maria McVay, age 20 yrs at St Georges Church, Brede. John William Maher, Rector. Witnesses were James Richardson (father), Jane Richardson (sister), and Henry Proctor Richardson (uncle or grandfather). (Rye, 7, 585) The marriage certificate shows his father, James Richardson, as a farmer in Brede, and Eliza's father, Richard McVay, as an engineer. James is recorded as a gardener. Transcript attached. Brede was an industrial centre as well as farming. There were cannon manufactories, tile and brick makers, quarries, and other defence related industries. The Military Canal, built nearby for defence, also brought industry to the area.

MIGRATION In 1841 they sailed for New Zealand. See RootsChat.com - Sussex emigrants to New Zealand 1839-1842. The Richardsons were among 106 free and assisted passages offered by The New Zealand Company. Their migration was funded by the Brede Parish which was designed to prevent families becoming dependent on the Parish Poor Rates for support. There was immense poverty in rural England in this period, but there is not enough evidence to show whether James Robert was likely to become an indigent dependent on the Parish. There are five Richardson families whose migration to Australia/NZ was funded by the Brede Parish in the years 1841-2 for which I have records. (See docs) James Robert and Eliza departed Gravesend 3 June 1841 in the ship "ARAB" arriving at Wellington NZ 16/10/1841. The passenger list includes James Robert Richardson, farmer and gardener, Brede, East Sussex, married, age 22 yrs, wife Eliza 20 yrs. They had been married barely a month. Also in the "Arab" were the Furminger family; Samuel Furminger, his wife and 5 children; Elizabeth, seamstress; Samuel, ag lab; Harriet, sempstress; Mary, sempstress; all from Brede. Thomas Richardson from Hastings with his wife Mercy and 5 children; Thomas Furner Richardson, bricklayer & mason, Hastings; George Richardson, Hastings.

Edward Richardson of Brede with his wife sailed to NZ in "Katherine Stewart Forbes" 5 Feb 1841; James Richardson his wife and 2 children of Brede sailed Sept 1841 in "Mary Ann"; Henry Richardson, a 16 yr old farm labourer from Brede sailed Sept 1841 in "Lord Aukland". Not sure if any of these Richardsons are from our family or not. I have followed up the Brede migrants with the New Zealand Company. None of the other Richardsons seem to be related to James Robert.The primary purpose of the parish officers seems to be to remove non natives of Brede off the parish. My notes are in his documents.

[The New Zealand Company was a 19th-century English company that played a key role in the colonisation of New Zealand. The company was formed to carry out the principles of systematic colonisation devised by Edward Gibbon Wakefield, who envisaged the creation of a new-model English society in the southern hemisphere. Under Wakefield's model, the colony would attract capitalists who would then have a ready supply of labour—migrant labourers who could not initially afford to be property owners, but who would have the expectation of one day buying land with their savings. The New Zealand Company established settlements at Wellington, Nelson, Wanganui and Dunedin and also became involved in the settling of New Plymouth and Christchurch. It reached the peak of efficiency about 1841, encountered financial problems from 1843 from which it never recovered, and wound up in 1858.]

Captain of the ARAB was John Sumner and William S Butler was surgeon. James and Eliza travelled steerage. They were intended to settle in Nelson but the New Zealand Company was unable to achieve that settlement. By 1842 the Company was in dire straits with no support from government, churches or elsewhere for their plans to buy up cheap land from Maori with trade goods (eg red woollen night caps). The Maori physically resisted the theft of their lands. The ARAB passengers were landed in Port Nicholson instead. New Zealand at this time had had white settlers for 14 years and was a very wild and woolly place. Perhaps not surprising that the Richardsons got away as soon as they could. I suspect Eliza was not travelling well.

Voyage of the Arab - New Zealand Journal 1841 Page 136 " The ARAB sailed on Thursday for Port Nicholson having on board 202 emigrants of the labouring class, and six cabin passengers. The ship having a poop for her cabin passengers and a top-gallant forecastle for her crew, the whole of the lower deck from stem to stern, is exclusively allotted to the emigrants, and no ship has yet sailed with such comfortable accommodation. The wind being favourable the ARAB did not bring up at Gravesend, but everything being in order, the steam-tug cast her off, and she continued her course down the river. The passengers were in admirable spirits and cheered as the tug left the ship." New Zealand Journal Page 151 " The ARAB unfortunately carried away her fore top-mast in going down the channel and was obliged to go to Plymouth to refit, by which she was detained four days. The emigrants of both these ships were selected out of a very large number of applicants and in point of health, age and character, will be an acquisition to the colony." New Zealand Journal October 20 1841 " The emigrants by the ARAB have voted by Dr Butler, the surgeon of the ship, a letter of thanks, for his humane conduct towards them during their passage from England to Port Nicholson. It was signed by the whole of the passenger." New Zealand Journal 1841 Page 294 Rate of hire of ship (ARAB) Pounds 19.5.0

New Zealand Company Steerage Dietary for passenger 14 yrs & upwards - for a week Ships biscuits 5 !/4 lbs; Flour 1 3/4 lbs; Prime India beef 1 lb divided Tues & Sat; Mess Pork 1lb divided Mon & Thur; Oatmeal 1 pint; Soup & Boulli 3lb; Preserved meat 1 1/2 lb divided Sun, Wed & Fri; Raisins 8 oz; Suet 4 oz; Peas 1/2 pint divided Mon & Thur; Tea 2 oz; Coffee 2 oz; Sugar 16 oz; Cheese 8 oz; Butter 8 oz; Rice 1lb; Vinigar or pickles 1/2 pint; Mustard 1/2 oz; Preserved potatoes 3/4 lb divided Sun, Wed & Fri; Salt 2 oz; Water 21 quarts; Pepper 1/4 oz; Rice 1/2 lb divided Tues & Sat.

VAN DIEMAN'S LAND The Courier, Hobart, VDL, Friday 17th December, 1841, page 2. Shipping Intelligence. Port of Hobart Town. Arrivals. December 12th 1841 - the schooner ADELAIDE, Harburgh (not clear), from Port Nicholson, 17th ultimo, in ballast - passengers, James Richardson, A. Jackson. This is the only possible reference to the Richardsons transfer from Wellington (Port Nicholson) where the ARAB left them, to Hobart where Joseph was born in 1842, (although it may refer to someone else entirely). They perhaps stayed in NZ for only 2 months. A schooner is quite a small vessel, and this one was "in ballast", meaning not carrying cargo, and there is even a possibility that it was one of the New Zealand Company ships on its way home in ballast. [The Adelaide was a 640-ton teak sailing ship built in Calcutta in 1832. The owner was J Somes of London. In 1839 it sailed to New Zealand under Captain William Campbell. It was among a group of ships carrying settlers which were to rendezvous at Port Hardy on d'Urville Island on 10 January 1840. They were sent after the Oriental. The others in the group were the Aurora, Duke of Roxburgh, and Bengal Merchant, plus a freight vessel, the Glenbervie. At the rendezvous they were be told of their final destination. The Adelaide had 176 settlers on board. She sailed from London on 18 September 1839 and arrived at Port Nicholson on 7 March 1840. She arrived at about 4pm in the company of the Tory and Glenbervie.] Coastal shipping records rarely name steerage passengers so finding how they got to Hobson's Bay from Van Dieman's Land might take a while.

Eldest son Joseph is born at Brown's River in Tasmania in 1842 (see documents). There is a strong possibility that James and Eliza were living on the Brown's River property of William Procter, Comptroller of H M Customs at Hobart since 1829, who was the nephew of James Robert's grandmother, Martha Richardson (Procter). Joseph is recorded as an old colonist for the Port Phillip District because he arrived in 1842. Joseph reports living at Connewarre, going to school in Geelong, and farming with his father until age 17 yrs ie about 1859. Son Henry was born in Hobart in 1844 and they were still in Hobart in early 1846 at the birth and death of their infant son James (see documents). James Robert is described as a gardener on both registers. They could not have been in Port Phillip District until after baby James's death, registered in VDL in 1846, however, at this time the colonies were not considered separate.

A COINCIDENCE or A FAMILY CONNECTION When James Robert went to Brown's River near Hobart, there was living on a small farm at Brown's River, William Procter, Comptroller of HM Customs at Hobart for 41 years. William was the nephew of James Robert's grandmother Martha Richardson nee Procter, son of her wealthy brother Nathaniel who was Comptroller of Customs at Hastings. It is very possible that James Robert was William and Sarah Procter's gardener since the Procters were near the top of colonial society of the time.

18th September 1846: Tasmanian government records show James Richardson with his wife and family sailed from Hobart in "Scotia". Could this have been James Robert and Eliza Maria? OR James Richardson departed Hobart Town 31 August 1846 for Port Phillip as an emigrant. Either is possible but perhaps the former more likely.

PORT PHILLIP DISTRICT By 1852 James and Eliza seem settled in Victoria. They have several children, Joseph now age 11 yrs, Henry age 9 yrs, James deceased, Robert age 5 yrs, James age 2 yrs, Albinia d. 1853. Ancestry has an odd record for another child to James Robert Name: James Robert Richardson & Eliza Mckay Child: M Richardson 1844, Tasmania, Registration Number: 108 [The entry has been corrected to Joseph Richardson, but it was Henry born in VDL in 1844]

Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer 13 Dec 1852 STRAYED from Lake Connewarre, in a state of mental derangement, my wife, ELIZA RICHARDSON, or M'VEY, on Saturday, the 4th current. She Is supposed to have made for Geelong. Any information conerning her, sent to Dr. Baylie, will be thankfully received by her distressed husband and family. There are several marks upon her wrist. [Eliza has apparently had mental illness for some time before this]

Sussex Advertiser 5 July 1853 James Robert's father, James Richardson, advertised for sale his farm at Udimore, "Meadow Farm" To be sold by Auction At the George Hotel Rye, on the 6th July, if not disposed of before by private contract, of which due notice will be given, MEADOW FARM, Udimore, the freehold property of Mr James Richardson, consisting of a small genteel cottage, with one for a workman, oast-house, barn &c &c, and 40 acres of meadow, arable, wood, and hop land, in good cultivation. The farm adjoins the splendid woods of Thos Frewen Esq, in Brede; of Eli West Stubbs Esq, Laurel Villa, Hastings; and Robert Mercer Esq Brede. It has a splendid view, and is a desirable residence for a sportsman, being a shooting box in every sense of the word. Rent-charge and other taxes more moderate than in the adjoining parishes of Brede and Sedlescomb. Application to be made to Mr James Richardson, Meadow Cottage, Brede, Northiam, Sussex.

1856 Electoral Roll for South Bruce, Queenscliff 445 Richardson James Robert Meadow Farm, Connewarre, farmer freehold Meadow Farm Connewarre, occupied by himself. See docs

July 1860: James Robert employs a man named Alexander Mansfield as a ploughman. At a Barrabool ploughing match he wins 2 pounds second prize for ploughing with bullocks using a Fulton's plough with Sellars mould board. See docs

John William is age 5 yrs 8 mnths in 1860 when Samuel (stillborn, buried Leopold Cemetery 24/3/1861 LPD-COE-SA-807-19) and Mary are born who are twins. The birth certificate for Mary shows her birth in Geelong Goal. She died 2 months later. 20 Dec 1860, Geelong Goal: The birth certificate for Mary Richardson shows James Robert 39 yrs of Braide (Brede) Sussex as father, and lists their other children with their ages - Joseph 19 yrs, Henry 17 yrs, James who died in infancy, Robert 13 yrs, James 10 yrs, Albina died in infancy, John William 5yrs 4 m, and now Samuel and Mary, the newborn twins. Eliza gives birth in goal because she has been sentenced as a lunatic by a court. James Robert seems to still have a strong Sussex accent which causes the misspelling of Brede as Braide. [In that period prisons in Victoria were largely filled with the disabled and indigent population arising from mass migration of single people, and ageing former convicts, none of whom had families in the colonies, especially as alluvial gold ran out.]

There is an undated death record transcript in Victoria for John Richardson, son of James Robert Richardson; and one for another son named Henry.

This event seems to signal the beginning of the decline in James Robert's fortunes.

In May 1862 James is recorded on the certificate for Joseph's marriage to Mary Ann Stitson, as a farmer at Connewarre where Mary Ann's father was a labourer.

December 29 1862: James Richardson (No. 4865) is admitted to Geelong Infirmary suffering from debility. He is recorded as a 40 year old farmer from Connewarre, who came on the ARAB and had been in the colony for 16 years, ie he arrived in Victoria 1846. See documents. This seems to confirm that James and Eliza did indeed arrive in the SCOTIA from Hobart in 1846. James is probably struggling to feed himself properly since Eliza was admitted to an asylum. Nor is it clear who exactly is caring for the surviving young children.

Geelong Advertiser 15 May 1876 ONE POUND REWARD.—Lost, on April 12th, one Bay Mare, branded M near shoulder. Finder will receive the above reward on returning it to James Richardson, Kensington. [Very possibly James Robert saving money on advertising]

28 June 1877: James is again admitted to Geelong Infirmary. The entry reads; Richardson, James R, admitted 28 June 1877, discharged 9 July 1877 cured, ulcerated leg, age 53 years, married, labourer, Episcopalian, from Sussex England, living at Kensington (now Leopold). See documents This is undoubtedly our James again. Ulceration is likely due to malnutrition (not enough vegies). He is now describing himself as a labourer so has probably lost the farm since 1862.

15 October 1877: Richardson, James R is admitted to Geelong Infirmary. I cannot read the disease for which he is being treated, but it looks different from earlier entries, and he is discharged cured. He is a married labourer, Episcopalian, from Sussex England, 31 years in the colony, arrived in ARAB. This is undoubtably our man again. See documents

23 May 1878 Geelong Advertiser TOWN TALK A gardener named James R. Richardson, who resides at Kensington, had a narrow escape from a violent death yesterday morning. He had taken a horse into the stable near his house for the purpose of giving the animal a feed, when a couple of horses , in the stable commenced kicking at one another. Whilst endeavoring to prevent them doing injury to each other, Richardson received a kick from an unshod animal. One hoof struck him just under the jaw, inflict ing a severe wound; the other hoof struck him violently on the chest. The injuries were of such a character as to necessitate Richardson's immediate removal to the Hospital.

30 Sept 1873: Yarra Bend Asylum has an admission for James Richardson. It is the only one that provides no family contact details, so might be James Robert. He was discharged, cured on 5 Nov 1873.

Joseph says in 1883 that his mother and sister were in an asylum. I have been unable to find a sister to Joseph who is in an asylum. Albinia has died and there are no records of other girls being born to James and Eliza. Newspaper reports (see Eliza ) show her committed as 'unsafe' i.e. pregnant and depressed, in 1860, shortly before birth of the twins. Having had three emigrations, being attacked by Maori, eight pregnancies, and lost at least three babies and apparently experiencing post natal psychosis, Eliza was probably in a bad way. She is 39 years old, having left her comfortable middle class home aged 19 or 20, and James Robert is abt. 41yrs.

In 1877 James Robert twice is admitted to and discharged from the Geelong Infirmary and Benevolent Asylum [ID 15492 & 15695]. He dies four years later in 1881 on 20 Sept., age 62 yrs, and is buried at Leopold (Kensington) Cemetery in the C of E section.

22 May 1878: I have also attached a newspaper report of James R Richardson, gardener, from Kensington (Leopold, close to Donnybrook) who was kicked in the head and chest by a horse in Geelong. Also the Geelong Infirmary register showing his admission there. Richardson, James, wound of the jaw etc, 59 years old, gardener, Married, Episcopalian, referred from Emergency, born Sussex England, lives Kensington (now Leopold), discharged by sergeon, cured, on 28th May 1878. I don't doubt this is once again our James Robert. See documents

22 March 1881, Geelong Advertiser The other afternoon, when a farmer named James Richardson, who resides at Kensington, was searching for cattle at Reedy Lake he discovered a large pleasure boat, painted red and blue, in the centre of a clump of reeds at least 10ft in height. The boat had been apparently conveyed to the spot indicated by the flood last September, and deposited on the bed of reeds. When the flood waters subsided the boat appears to have been forced by its weight into the reeds, and to have lain there undiscovered until the other day. [Possibly refers to James Robert, unless son James is also farming in that area.]

DEATH & BURIAL Name: James Robert Richardson Birth Year: abt 1819 Age: 62 Death Place: Kensington, Victoria Father's name: Jas Mother's name: Eliza Registration Year: 1881 Registration Place: Victoria Registration Number: 7802

First name(s) James Robert Last name Richardson Age 62 Sex Male Birth year 1819 Death year 1881 Father's name James Mother's name Eliza Death place Kensington State Victoria Registration number 7802

Name: James Robert Richardson Death Registration Year: 1881 Death Registration Place: Victoria, Australia Father: Jas Spouse: Eliza McVea Reference Number: 7802

23 Sept 1881, Geelong Advertiser A DETERMINED SUICIDE. What appears to have been a very deliberate and determined suicide was brought under the notice of the Geelong police yesterday forenoon. A man named James Robert Richardson, aged 6O years, who earned his living in a small way by farming at a place called Donnybrook, near Kensington, and eight miles from Geelong. had not been seen in the locality for some days. This aroused suspicion in the mind of a Mr Henry Barker, a resident of Donnybrook, and upon his going to Richardson's hut, a very miserable and filthy hovel, he found the unfortunate man hanging by the neck from a rope which was tied round a rafter of the front room of the house. From the surrounding circumstances, it is surmised that the deceased stood upon a table in the room, tied the rope to the rafter, placed his neck in a noose at one end of the rope, and kicked the table from under his feet, thus strangling himself. The table was found lying on its side on the floor. The body presented the appearance of having been hanging for two or three days. With the assistance of Messrs M. Reegan and M. James, the dead body was taken from the noose by Mr Barker, and information conveyed to the police. Yesterday afternoon a magisterial enquiry was held by Mr Heron, P.M., when it was ascertained that, fourteen years since, the deceased was confined for a period of twelve months in the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum, and that since that time he had exhibited signs of insanity, and had been living a lonely kind of life for some time. Lewis Richardson, a brother of the deceased, who resides in the neighborhood of Kensington, deposed that the deceased had two sons in the country, one being a minister at Murtoa. Dr. William Shaw, who made an examination of the body, stated that it was that of a man very much emaciated through want of proper nourishing food, and the appearances were those of a man who had died from strangulation. The Coroner, after commenting upon the disgraceful state of the deceased's hut, concluded that the deceased had committed suicide, but that there was no evidence to show in what state of mind he was at the time.

[See note below re brief history of Donnybrook - now named Kalkallo along the Sydney Road/Hume Highway]

Mount Alexander Mail 24 Sep 1881 What appears to have been a very deliberate and determined suicide was brought under the notice of the Geelong police on Thursday forenoon. A man named James Robert Richardson, aged 60 years, who earned his living in a small way by farming at a place called Donnybrook, near Kensington, and eight miles from Geelong, had not been seen in the locality for some days. This aroused suspicion in the mind of a Mr Henry Barker, a resident of Donnybrook, and upon his going to Richardson's hut, a very miserable and filthy hovel, he found the unfortunate man hanging by the neck from a rope which was tied around a rafter of the front room of the house. From the surrounding circumstances, it is surmised that the deceased stoof upon a table in the room, tied the rope around the rafter, placed his neck in a noose at one end of the rope, and kicked the table from under his feet, thus strangling himself. At the inquest the coroner found the deceased committed suicide.

The Ballarat Star 24 Sept 1881 BREVIA James Robert Richardson hanged himself in his front-room at Donnybrook whilst insane. [This might have been how John Gladwish Richardson, James Robert's brother, who lived in Ballarat, might have learned of his brother's death - if he read the Ballarat Star brevia.]

Illustrated Australian News 5 Oct 1881 The dead body of a man, named James Robert Richardson, aged 60 years, a small farmer residing at a place called Donnybrook, was on Sept. 22 found suspended by a rope to a rafter in the front room of his house. A magisterial inquiry was hold, when it was decided that the deceased had committed suicide. Richardson was once an inmate of the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum, and although he has been away from that institution for some years, he has not been right in his mind. [This newspaper was also circulated in England]

Coroners inquiry into James Robert's death added. It took a long time to find because he is named John on the file. The Court recorder has shocking handwriting so understanding it all is a real challenge, and I can't put up the images due to copyright issues. He uses no punctuation, capital letters where they don't belong, and none where they should, scrawls, abbreviates, leaves out words, and so on. 15 pages of notes rather than transcript. If anyone really wants to see the original, let me know and I can send it.

September 22 1881 Proceedings of Inquiry upon the body of John (sic) Robert Richardson.

Inquisitorial inquiry into the cause of death of James Robert Richardson late of Donnybrook (illegible) held before (illegible).

Mary James on her oath says as follows I am a married woman my husbands name is James We live in this township, I knew the deceased and did so for many years he was at times very sad he has been for the last 5 or 6 weeks living alone he was a man of temperate habits I last saw him alive on Tuesday last. I did not then speak to him. her

                                            Mary       X       James

                                                       Mark

............................................................................................................................................................
Henry Barker on his oath says I am a farm labourer residing in Donnybrook I knew the deceased whose body I identify as that of the late James Robert Richardson I have not seen him alive in the last fortnight in which my (unintelligible) bothered (?) (unintelligible) of not seeing the deceased about his place I this morning went down to his hut & then found him suspended by a rope which was around his neck and the rope was fastened at a beam I felt quite a turn and went to a near neighbour (illegible) James of course if I had seen there was any life in the deceased I would have cut the rope but (illegible) he was quite dead I sent then for Mr Richardson his brother who lives about two miles from deceased's residence I have always thought the deceased was queer since I have known him from 1852 at times he has been more sane than at other times he was a temperate man never seen him the worse for (unintelligible, possibly "drink").

                                                                       signed         Henry Barker 

          ....................................................................................................................................................

John Redgen, makes oath and says I am a farm labourer residing at Donnybrook I knew the deceased his youngest son John married a daughter of mine I have not seen him alive for the last 14 days, I went to the hut of deceased this morning with Mr James I saw the deceased James Robert Richardson hanging by a rope which was wound around his neck and was fastened to a beam in the roof I think when he fastened the rope he must have got onto the table and then leaped off the table I helped Mr James to take the body down the deceased was quite dead and cold when we took him down.

                                                   signed                             John Redgen

..........................................................................................................................................................
Mark James residing at Donnybrook makes oath and says as follows (illegible) this morning (illegible) about midday I took down the body of deceased James Robert Richardson there was a rope around his necking it was fastened to a beam or rafter in the roof the body was dead and cold when we took it down I consider the deceased must have got on to a table when he fastened the rope around his neck and then leaped off the table I have not seen the deceased for the last fortnight

                                                     signed                      Mark James

.................................................................................................................................................
Louis Edward Richardson on his oath says as follows I am a farmer I live at Kensington the deceased was my brother I was speaking to him on last Saturday when he was then in pretty poor spirits, he was (unintelligible) into (the dismals??) at failing this was about 4 o'c in the afternoon, I advised him (illegible) to (unintelligible) as he was late (for supper??). Then never since I saw him alive I identify the body (unintelligible) of this (illegible) as that of my late brother J. R. Richardson about 14 or 15 years ago the deceased was out of his mind and was confined in the Yarra Bend (asylum) he was there near 12 months I consider since then his intellect has been unhinged

                                                             signed                     Louis E Richardson

...............................................................................................................................................
William Shaw (unintelligible) certified medical practitioner makes oath as follows says I have made a superficial examination of the body of the deceased James Robert Richardson and find he died about 2 days ago by hanging his body was spare & badly nourished No marks of violence on the body other than around the neck caused by the rope his body evinces (?) all the symptoms of death by hanging.

               .............................................................................................................................................. The Coroner I agree with Dr William(?)( illegible) as to the cause of death there is  (illegible) definite evidence before me as to the state of mind of the deceased was intending to commit suicide.

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This family has fallen on very hard times. Just when I thought it couldn't get much worse for James Robert I found the reports that he had been living in a filthy hovel at Donnybrook and was found hanging in his front room. The inquest heard he had been mentally unwell for some years (depression?), was worried about money, and felt that he was a failure. I wonder why his brothers and children abandoned him to such squalor and despair. What a tragic end for people who started out with such high hopes. His brother Louis Edward (Lewis) was a witness at the inquest.He is reported to have a son who was a minister of religion at Murtoa. (See documents re Rev. Henry Richardson and Henry Richardson's profile)

There are several newspaper reports of James Robert's death in docs.

I note that nothing refers to James Robert having a son, James, living in the area, so assume he has died or permanently left the district.

Rev. Henry Richardson, a significant member of the Primitive Methodist Church is a likely candidate. I don't think he would need tertiary education to do the job. I have attached evidence to Henry's profile that establishes he is definitely the Primitive Methodist preacher in Murtoa, although he was probably in a different circuit by 1881, and quite an important one at that. In 1860 Rev Henry is already quite well off and dies a wealthy man. I do wonder about his Christian charity where his poor parents are concerned.

James Robert Richardson is buried at Leopold Cemetery LPD-COE-PB-807-02 on 23/9/1881.

NB: Many of the children and grandchildren of James Robert and his brother Louis Edward are recorded as born at Kensington. Kensington was renamed Leopold in the 19th century to avoid confusion with Kensington in Melbourne. So all records refer to Leopold.

I have added some background documents that help to explain why James Robert and his 2 brothers emigrated to Victoria. What an incredibly sad story. The stresses of migration and starting up in new colonies seems to have consumed a lot of people and spat them out, particularly such young couples as James and Eliza, with neither friends nor family to support them. The brothers who arrived several years later with their families, and much more established, did quite well by comparison. It is likely that the impulses that caused James and Eliza to marry and emigrate so young, removed them from NZ where they were surrounded by family and neighbours from East Sussex, and dropped them in Hobart, then Kensington with infant deaths, babies, no money and no support, might have set them on the downward path. Both came from fairly well off families, so were likely very ill-prepared for the hardships of early colonial life. What a shocker, that James Robert dies so horribly, and so conscious of failing at life. Unfortunately their eldest son, Joseph, seems to have taken a similar path with a very early marriage and some impulsive choices based on questionable judgement along the way. The other sons were far more successful in life - except for James (C1850) who I have not yet found. Nor have I found other evidence for a John or Henry who died in infancy, sons of James Robert Richardson.

I will add in docs, a family 'history' originating in the Lander/Richardson family descended from John William who married Sarah Redgen. Like family 'histories' from other branches of the family, it mixes gems of otherwise unknowable fact with error created by distance in time and space with a dose of wishful thinking. For James Robert and Eliza, it says: RICHARDSON. James Robert Richardson, a botanist, came from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on the east coast of England. His brother was an admiral in the English Navy. James married Eliza McVie (believed to be Irish) and had 4 sons - Robert, Joseph, Henry and John. It was sent to me by Gary Richardson, a descendant of Robert, discovered via Ancestry DNA matching, and seems to show that Robert and John William maintained contact over time.

PLACES JAMES ROBERT LIVED

KENSINGTON now Leopold Leopold was originally called Kensington and was established in 1852 after other small subdivisions had failed.

Initially, buildings were of wattle and daub, and perhaps a tent. Later there were paling houses with wooden shingles on the roof.

Kensington's proximity to Point Henry helped the settlement - others settlers were people who had been to the Ballarat diggings and returned to buy small farms.

Schools were quickly established with a church school opened in 1854 on the present St Marks site.

The first church services were held in pioneer's homes - Brinsmead's on Lake Connewarre on the road that now bears their name (all denominations took part), and a Primitive Methodist service in Melaluka Road on the Barker's property.

In 1885, Kensington was described as a good fruit growing area with a population of 100 people living within a mile of the Post Office. It was around that time that the name was changed to Leopold to stop confusion with Kensington in Melbourne.

By that time, Leopold had a Free Library (established 1882), a Temperance Hall, pound, 2 churches, school and brass band.

Early postal activities were conducted from early shops in the area. There was also a hotel (Help me through the World) on the Portarlington Road, and the Union Hotel, also on the same road.

CONNEWARRE Connewarre is an ever shrinking rural locality in the Bellarine Peninsula. Its large Lake Connewarre is 12 km south-west of central Geelong. The name is thought to derive from an Aboriginal expression describing the black swan, a bird commonly found on the lake and adjacent wetlands.

In 1856 the Connewarre road district was formed with an area extending from Grovedale to Barwon Heads. By 1859 the road district also included the locality now named Breamlea, Spring Creek (now Torquay) and Mount Duneed. In 1875 the road district amalgamated with South Barwon borough to become South Barwon shire.

An early farm settlement in the Connewarre district was Charlemont (1855) on Thompson Creek, north of Breamlea. The owner, James Noble, built a fine homestead and he was a member of the first Geelong council and the first road district board. In 1858 the Anglican church opened a school north-west of Charlemont, and this locality is roughly where the Connewarre reserve, memorial hall and Country Fire Authority are found. The school was replaced by a bluestone government building, which continued until 1993. There was also Presbyterian Connewarre East school (1864-75)

It is not yet clear when James Robert moved from Kensington/Leopold to Donnybrook.

DONNYBROOK Donnybrook is a rural area with a small residential community on the Merri Creek, 33 km. north of Melbourne. There have been two places called Donnybrook. The present one is the second, created when the railway line, three kilometres east of the Hume Highway, was opened in 1872. It took its named form the first Donnybrook, which was on the Hume Highway, and which is now called Kalkallo.

Both places are in the Parish of Kalkallo, which was the name of an estate of W.J.T. ("Big") Clarke, the name thought to be Aboriginal for bug trees or tomahawk.

Before either name was given, the Donnybrook on the Hume Highway was known as Rocky Water Holes. It was first settled in 1840 and an inn was built in 1841. A Presbyterian church was opened in 1848, which was the site of the district's second school in 1855. The name was changed to Donnybrook in 1853, probably after the Donnybrook Parish in Dublin. Being positioned on the main Sydney road, Donnybrook acquired hotels (one having stabling for 150 horses), slaughter houses, a flour mill and a tannery.

The area is situated on basalt plains, providing durable building material but experiencing extremes of heat and cold during unpleasant seasonal conditions.

When the railway line was opened in 1872 the nearby station and new village were named Donnybrook and two years later the original Donnybrook was named Kalkallo. Its trade and activity declined as traffic transferred to the railway.

The area was used for dairying until the second world war after which ordinary grazing took over. There is a mineral spring at Donnybrook with picnic and cabin facilities.

The area's bluestone heritage is visible in St. John's Presbyterian church (1861) and in a bridge (1876) over the Merri Creek between Kalkallo and Donnybrook. Both are on the Register of the National Estate.

In the 1840s the areas population was about 400. Census populations for Kalkallo and Donnybrook have been 136 (1911) and 224 (1954). According to the Age of 2 Sept 1858, Donnybrook was once named "Rocky Water Holes". In 1852 quartz mining was being investigated in the area.

Donnybrook held an annual race meet, a court was held there, political meetings were held at Dudley Hotel, Rocky Water Holes (Donnybrook), William Fairley was the blacksmith,

Bendigo Advertiser 11 July 1856 COUNTRY ROADS; The Argus gives the following account of the state of two of our colonial roads:—" The Rocky Water Holes are about, twenty miles from Melbourne, on the Sydney-road, and near Donnybrook. A creek crosses the road. This creek has never been bridged over, and on each side the approaches to the place where it is intended to have a bridge some time or other, have been left wholly unformed. The consequence is, that owing to continued traffic and the wet weather, this small portion of the road is next to impassable, and the difficulties are so great that traffic is nearly suspended. The crossing-place at the creek is disgracefully dangerous, and accidents occur daily. Our informant stated that he had himself witnessed several accidents of a most serious kind which occurred during one day, and that it was not safe to attempt crossing on horseback, even in broad daylight. At night none are so foolhardy as to attempt doing so, and drays are camped on one side or other, if they happen to reach the creek after dark. In the day-time, the creek is occasionally impassable, and persons in vehicles or on horseback have to trespass upon private property or put an end to their. journey. This, be it remembered, is the condition of a spot within twenty miles of Melbourne, and on the main line of road to Sydney, leading through an extensive agricultural district, and through many fast improving townships.

The Kalkallo area is located on the traditional lands of the people of the Woiwurrung. It is believed that the clan which occupied land including the South Morang area was the Wurundjeri William. Colonisation occurred in Victoria from 1835, and land sales commenced in the Parish of Kalkallo in 1840. An example of an early rural town settlement, Kalkallo contains many natural and cultural heritage sites of significance including churches, hotels, monuments, bridges, waterways and grasslands. In 1848 residents began requesting a post office for the township, and Kinlochewe Post Office opened on 1 November 1850. The post office was located in the Robert Burns Inn on Summerhill Road and Sydney Road. In 1854 it was moved and renamed Donnybrook, then renamed Kalkallo in 1874, before eventually closing in 1971. During the gold rush years the town boomed as travellers made their way up Sydney Road and the township featured seventeen accommodation houses, a police station, jail and court house. In the 1870s the duplication of the Hume Highway and the opening of the north-east railway decimated the population.

Argus 20 Dec 1849 THE ROCKY WATER-HOLES. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.] This place seems to he going a-head like wildfire. The number of small but flourishing farmers, dairymen, &c. ; also large sheep and cattle runs contiguous to the neighbourhood, has induced several respectable and spirited tradesmen to try their luck, and it is pleasing to observe their efforts have been crowned with success. Mr. Wilson, the late respected corn-factor of Melbourne, has a fine store here, and has also been instrumental in causing a very pleasing change in the much-frequented inn. He being the land- lord, doubtless it will henceforward, as formerly, be well conducted. An indefatigable person named Trainer has opened a complete Noah's Ark, with all sorts of stores of every kind. There are also blacksmiths, carpenters, builders, shoemakers, and an excellent school, satisfactorily conducted by Mr. Creighton. Two first-rate inns a post-office, watch-house, &c. are in course of erection, also a flour mill, and doubtless in the event of another government sale, several handicrafts will be induced to follow and take up their abode here. The traffic is very great, no less than 98 drays loaded with wool touched at this place in the course of the week. The late storm has made sad work upon the road upwards, and visibly wrought its effect upon man and beast. The bridge near the Fountain Inn was carried away - the teams were obliged to strike off to the left, over the Dry Creek; and the sonorous vociferations of the bullock drivers, in their heart- and-soul-like endeavours to urge on the animals, literally rent the air; these men really deserve great praise. The greatest annoyance and inconvenience experienced here is the want of a magistrate; since the departure of Major Firebrace they have none nearer than Pentridge, a distance of 17 miles; surely among the many stockholders one or two independent men may be found qualified. Wm. Furlonge, Esq. of Woodstock, and D. M'Kenzie, Esq. of Kinlochewe, are spoken of as fit and proper persons to fill the important situation. It is to be hoped his Honor the Superintendent will give the matter due consideration immediately. On Saturday last, after the goods had been transferred to Mr. Robertson, the present landlord of the Fountain Inn, Rocky Water Holes, some adept abstracted a valuable silver-mounted teapot from one of the bed-rooms, where the plate was removed for safety, and although instant search was made by the constables, who are really very active young men, not the slightest trace could he found. Generally speaking, the wheat crops all through the country are light in the straw, and also deficient in the ear; consequently a falling off may be anticipated in the yield. The barley crop, although short in acres, is good and abundant in quality. In oats there is a tolerable quantity, a fair crop, and good quality. Hay is short in crop from last year by several hundred tons, but its quality is good, not having sustained much injury from the late rains. Upon the Bald Hill and Malcolm's Hill, also, along the range of the Moonee Ponds, the farmers are quite busy with their hay, barley, and oats, and the weather of late has been favourable to them. It is a gratification to observe, that the loss of sheep has not been so severe as was anticipated. Many flocks were missing, but were afterwards found to have strayed away, and mixed with other flocks, and were ultimately recovered. Much annoyance was experienced from the cir- cumstance of a number of the flocks being of one ear mark; it was only by the wool that many could be recognised, the pitch mark having been washed away by the late storm. Many cattle and horses that were missing have returned to their stations, or found their way to the pound, and consequently have been recovered by the owners. Rocky Water Holes. Dec. 14, 1849.