19th Century News
Newspaper articles and advertisements that offer insights into life in Bothwell during the 1800s.
Sources Used: TROVE. Images. National Library of Australia. https://trove.nla.gov.au; FamilySearch: Australia, Tasmania, Government Gazette, 1833-1925. Images. https://www.familysearch.org.
ELIGIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INVESTMENT OF CAPITAL - 30 January 1830
To be Sold or Let, that newly built Inn at Bothwell, known by the name of Bothwell Castle. The premises are of such description as would answer any one desirous of entering on the business, containing on the ground floor two handsome front parlours, one back parlour and bar, beneath which is a large stone built cellar, an excellent tap room and kitchen detached, a six stall stable, fowl house, pig's stye, &c., &c. The first floor contains five good rooms, four of which are well adapted for the convenience of two beds each, besides a loft above capable of being converted into eight sleeping rooms for travellers, with a garden and stockyard, on a three acre allotment well fenced in. The above valuable property presents an opportunity for the investment of capital seldom to be met with. The premises are situated in a very improving district, and well calculated for business, either wholesale or retail, where education and religious instruction are available.
Apply to the proprietor of the premises, if by letter post paid. JOHN VINCENT, Bothwell Castle. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4211170
FROM A CORRESPONDENT - 24 May 1830
The ceremony of laying the first stone of the Church at Bothwell Clyde district took place on Monday the 24th May, 1830, at 1 o'clock when the Rev. James Garrett read the inscription which was in Latin, and was composed by one of his pupils. It was enclosed in a bottle hermetically sealed, and was deposited with some coins of the reign of His present Majesty, in the receptacle made for them in the stone. Alexander Reid Esq., J.P., Ratho, then with trowel, &c., like a true brother and good workman, went through the usual form of laying the first stone, after which the Rev. J. Garrett concluded with an appropriate prayer. Thus has been accomplished an event much desired and long looked forward to by the inhabitants of this district and before the return of this season next year the fabric will, we trust, rear its head, a monument of the munificence of His Majesty's Government so judiciously administered in this colony, an honour to the liberality of the subscribers, and under Divine Providence a blessing to the inhabitants at large.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4208592/642435
TO THE EDITOR OF THE COLONIAL TIMES - 10 September 1830
Mr Editor - Much inconvenience is felt by the settlers at Bothwell, from the bad state of the roads between that place and the Cross Marsh; I think a representation through your Journal would meet with attention from the Government. A settler at the Black Marsh the other day, was at least four hours, with two carts, sixteen bullocks, and sixty bushels of wheat, going the distance of two miles. The contractor for Oatlands and Brighton has disabled his bullocks before the tender was completed. I propose that a gang of men be supplied by the Government, and supported by the settlers generally, or to let them unanimously raise a small contribution for their maintenance. It would also be necessary to have a bridge erected across the Jordon, for at least six times in the year it is totally impassable for ten days together. Bothwell is now becoming a place of no small moment, and if the Den Hill and the Saddle were repaired, it would be able to compete with its neighbouring districts in grwoth of corn and other Colonial produce - It is true the main road through the Inland is in many places, (in the vacinity of the Ferry) very much out of repair, but the spots I have alluded to begger description. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, A SETTLER.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8645352
STRANGE STORY - 14 January 1831
A strange story is told by one of our Correspondents from the country, of a late occurrence at Bothwell in which the clergy and the military - or perhaps more properly, the civil authority under a military exterior - have had a misunderstanding, which has since been made the formal ground of complaint to the highest authority. It appears that the Rev. Mr ROBINSON, of New Norfolk, lately proceeded to Bothwell, according to his custom at stated periods, for the purpose of performing Divine Service, baptising children, and other similar duties; and that he was refused admission to the Church by Captain Wentworth, who is in command there. It is unlikely that the latter gentleman should have assumed such an authority, unless he had good and substantial reason; but at present the affair has created a misunderstanding, or sort of feeling, which we hope to see put right. We understand the Church is not yet quite completed, although it has been consecrated. Probably this was the cause that led Captain Wentworth to act as he did.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8645523
BOTHWELL CASTLE INN - 15 October 1831
MR J. BABTIE begs respectfully to inform his friends and the public that he has commenced in the Public line at Bothwell, Upper Clyde, where he intends offering every accommodation to the public, and has on hand a good stock of Spirits, Wine, and Porter.
J. B. has also a good Store, consisting of - Men's, youths' and boys' clothing; Men's, youths' and boys' hats; Powder and shot; Soap, starch, and blue; Tea, sugar, tobacco; Mustard, pepper, salt, and salt-petre; Women's combs, assorted; Prints calicoes and hosiery; Gentlemen's white shirts; Gentlemen's fancy drill trousers; Figured and plain net, jaconet, book and other muslins; Tapes, threads, pins and needles; Superior snuffs, playing cards, ink and paper; A small assortment of common crockeryware and blankets; Also, a few ladies' dresses and baby linen. A handsome silk pelisse, and various other articles too numerous to mention, which he offers on reasonable terms for cash or colonial produce if suitable. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4201886
BARN OF MR RUSSELL - 19 April 1833
We regret extremely to announce that the barn of Mr Russell, at Bothwell, was set fire to on Sunday night, and burned to the ground by some wicked incendiary. There were upwards of 1000 bushels of wheat in the straw entirely consumed, besides a fine sow and pigs which could not be extricated from the flames. Fortunately the horses belonging to the farm, which usually stand at night in the building, happened to be left out by accident at grass on that night. Not satisfied with the perpetration of this horrid crime, the wretch (for it must evidently have been the same individual that committed both offences) next night set fire to stack belonging to Captain Wentworth, the police Magistrate, which was also destroyed. No doubt is entertained, but these fires were occasioned by some ill-disposed vindictive person. Captain Wentworth's indeed, took place on the rainy night of Monday, and could scarcely have occurred through accident. Strong suspicion rests on one individual, and every pains is taken, we learn, to unkennel him. The Government will doubtless offer a handsome reward for his conviction, and a subscription we learn is raising, among the settlers for the same purpose. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4193277.
TO FARMERS - 31 May 1833
For the encouragement of industrious persons who have not the means of cultivating large farms, I propose to let on moderate terms several allotments of 40 acres each. The land may be easily cleared, is convenient to water, and within half a mile of the township of Bothwell, where are mechanics of every description required, and where a stated public market is about to be established. A. McDOWALL, Logan, Clyde. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4192291
MAJOR SCHAW - 4 June 1833
We are given to understand that Major Schaw has purchased the splendid stone edifice which had so heavily encumbered the family estate of Bothwell, for £850. We are by no means astonished that, novice as the Major is in this Colony, so peculiarly favourable to military gentlemen, that he should have thrown away so much money!!! Could he have had but a little patience, and taken a leaf out of the Book of Government Superintendents, he might by possibility have discovered a method by which he could have erected a noble mansion for a trifling sum indeed. Bothwell, however, still requires many public edifices. A good Church has been built, barracks have been commenced, but, whether finished yet or not, our Correspondent saith not. At all events, a good Gaol - Gaoler's House - a Court-house also, with various etcetera's, are all urgently required, as well as part of the winding Clyde which has not yet been properly straightened, so as to make spacious gardens and pleasure grounds for the "innocent recreation" of the inhabitants. A large gang of Government mechanics, such as stonemasons, carpenters, sawyers, labourers, &c., must therefore be continued at that important station, and if Major Schaw cannot acquire the glorious art of superintending these useful mechanics, all that can be said on the subject is, that he richly deserves paying for the wonderful improvements of others.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8647040