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.
THE BOTHWELL INQUEST - 12 January 1885
Verdict of Manslaughter Recorded, Bothwell, Sunday. At the adjourned inquest held yesterday as to the cause of death of Andrew O'Hearns, the jury found a verdict of manslaughter against James Robinson, who was fully committed by the Coroner, Mr William Langdon, to take his trial. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9098848
THE BOTHWELL MANSLAUGHTER CASE - 5 March 1885
The Attorney-General (Mr Dodds) has had under his consideration the depositions in connection with the case of James Robinson, who was committed for trial for manslaughter at the coronial enquiry, held at Bothwell on January 10, touching the death of a resident of that place named Andrew O'Hearns, a shoemaker by trade. The two men had been fighting in the taproom of a public-house in the township, and during the scuffle O'Hearns fell heavily on the floor, with Robinson on top of him, and sustained injuries from which he succumbed in 20 minutes time. After careful consideration of the case, Mr Dodds decided that the circumstances were not such as would warrant him in filing a bill of manslaughter against Robinson, who will therefore be discharged. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9101471
BOTHWELL - 11 August 1886
We have two new State school teachers in the persons of Mr and Mrs Miller, who, I am told, came from the Sorell district, where they gave great satisfaction as teachers at the State school at Kellevie, and I have no doubt they will do so here. Miss Hughes, who has been assistant teacher in the Bothwell State school for many years, and I may add that for a long time past the greater part of the duties of the school have devolved upon her, has been promoted to the charge of the State school at the Old Beach, a promotion she well deserves, and I am sure the parents of the children attending her school will very soon recognise her presence as a great loss to the district, particularly in a scholastic point of view. She is possessed of good teaching abilities, plenty of energy, and a pleasant manner of discharging her duties in the school. Such qualifications, when combined, cannot fail to give satisfaction both to parents and scholars.
Mr Flanagan, the contractor for building the new State school at Bothwell, is getting on very fairly with the work, and hopes to get it completed by the end of the year. We are also to have a new residence built for the schoolmaster, but I have not yet heard who the contractors are. I have seen the plans of the buildings, and I may say, if built according to the plans, it will be a very pretty and convenient residence, and also an ornament to the township, and which is another proof, added to the many, that the Hon. N. J. Brown, our member, has not forgotten our interests.
We are having very fine weather just now for the time of the year. There was a fine rain that fell on Monday and Tuesday, 3rd and 4th inst., which brightened the hearts and spirits not only of the pastoral, but the agricultural farmers of the district also. The rain gauge kept at the post office recorded the fact that over 2 in. had fallen during those two days. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9123130
OBITUARY - 29 June 1887
THE LATE MR DUNCAN McRAE. Another old colonist and pioneer has joined the majority in the person of Mr Duncan McRae, who passed quietly away after a short illness at his residence (Selma) Bothwell, on the 23rd inst., at the ripe old age of 90 years. Mr McRae was born in Scotland, and emigrated to Tasmania in the year 1839, and shortly after his arrival purchased the estate of Selma, upon which he resided up to the time of his death. He was a very industrious man, and of strictly honest principles, and his word once given could always be relied upon, equally as though it had been given under the strictest bond. His heart was of the kindest nature, and his purse was never closed against a friend who might need his assistance. Mr McRae never took a very active part in politics, but was a keen observer of the actions of the leading politicians of the day. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family consisting of five sons and four daughters to mourn their loss of a loving husband and an indulgent father. The remains of this good old man were consigned to the grave in the cemetery used conjointly by the Episcopalians and Presbyterians on Saturday, the 25th inst. The respect in which the deceased was held was evidenced by the huge attendance at the funeral, the service of which was very feelingly performed by the Rev. Mr Doctor, from Sorell. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9135566
BRIGHTON AND APSLEY RAILWAY - 8 December 1888
HOBART, Dec. 5. The Hon. N. J. Brown, M.H.A., today introduced to the Premier, Minister of Lands, and Attorney-General a large deputation from Bothwell, who urged the extension of the Brighton and Apsley railway to Bothwell.
Mr A. McDowall, Warden of Bothwell, said if Apsley was made the final terminus it would not only be detrimental to the Bothwell district, but a loss to the colony, as the extension of the line to Bothwell would make the railway, as a whole, more profitable. There were extensive tracts of land upon which a large population could be settled, and the advantage would not be confined to that locality alone, as the whole colony would benefit from this extensive district being opened up. Bothwell had been paying for many years £750 in real estate duty, which went to construct other lines, and it should now be granted similar facilities. There were no engineering difficulties, and Mr Denniston Wood, one of the largest landed proprietors, offered to give any of his land required for the railway free of charge, and when the railway was constructed that gentleman would immediately take steps to convert his large sheep walks into small holdings. He read a document signed by a number of landholders agreeing to give the Government the land required without compensation, providing that the line was securely fenced.
Mr John Bisdee said there was no township at the present terminus of the railway, and an extension to Bothwell was necessary to make a complete work.
Mr Maurice Weston also spoke.
The Premier said Ministers were alive to the fact that the days of macadamised roads had gone by, and that in the future the iron horse would supply the place of the main roads. The present terminus he regarded as temporary, and the time would come when the line would require to be extended. Ministers, however, had to face not only the extension of this line, but also the general problem of railway extension. The Chudleigh people were already beginning to demand that the line there be extended; the Parattah line of railway must sooner or later be extended to Tunnack or a line of railway constructed from the Jericho siding to Tunnack, and away on to the East Coast. Then they could not expect the Fingal Railway to finish where it did, and the line in course of construction to Ulverstone could not stop there. Ministers, therefore, had to face the demand of the country for railway extension in very many directions, but at the present moment it was impossible for Ministers to pledge themselves to any particular extension. Of this, however, they might rest assured that, directly Parliament considered it prudent to move in the direction of railway extension, the claims of Bothwell would be considered equal to the claims of other districts, and that there should be no further extension of railways without the extension to Bothwell being part of that scheme, or at any rate of the scheme considered. But in the meantime the question of finance stepped in, and he would remind gentlemen, resident in Bothwell, that it was through their members that they could give to Ministers that assistance most necessary for real progress, viz., assistance in putting the financial house in order. If during the coming Parliamentary session Ministers were successful in submitting proposals to accomplish this, then it might be taken that having put the finances in order further progressive works would follow. He looked to Bothwell and other districts requiring work to act as an incentive to their members to assist Ministers in rectifying the finances of the colony, as until provision was made to pay off the present deficit, Parliament and the country would not be prepared to receive a proposal from any district for railway extension. He saw no reason why, during the next few months, satisfactory proposals should not be made for paying off the deficiency, after which progressive works could be considered, which would include railway extension, and when such proposals were made they must take care that Bothwell was not left out in the cold. He thought Parliament would insist on the present works being carried out before proposing new ones, but there was no reason why 1890 should not see them in the field with further progressive proposals.
Mr Brown thanked the Ministers for their reception, and the deputation withdrew. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/199513345
BOTHWELL - 5 January 1889
A large number of friends of Mr G. H. Key, the local chemist, met on New Year's evening at Mr Moyes' Hotel, for the purpose of entertaining and presenting him with a purse of sovereigns as a slight acknowledgement of the many valuable services he had gratuitously rendered to various families in the district in times of sickness. The spread which had been prepared by the obliging little hostess of the Castle Hotel was all that could be desired. Mr F. McDowall, J.P., occupied the chair, and said he had been deputed the honour of making a presentation to their mutual friend, Mr Key. He (Mr McDowall) was sorry that his father was not present owing to illness. However, he was glad to see so many present. They all know that Bothwell did not possess a resident medical man, and therefore was badly off in that respect, but he was glad to say that in Mr Key they found a very good substitute; always willing to do his best for the sick, and in most cases he had been very successful. It would afford him much pleasure to hand to Mr Key the purse and its contents (£25), as a slight acknowledgment of many kind and gratuitous duties to the sick in times of need. Mr and Mrs Key's health was then drank in champagne with the usual musical honours, Mr Leo White being at the piano, which he played very nicely. Mr Key, in acknowledging the compliment and substantial present, assured his friends and well-wishers that he should at all times be glad to do anything in his power "in the absence of a medical man" that would allay the pains or sufferings of the sick. (Cheers.) He sincerely thanked those present for their kindness to himself and Mrs Key, also those kind friends who were not present, but had so liberally subscribed towards the very substantial present. Mr McGowan, expressing regret at the unavoidable absence of Mr Hector McRae, one of the principal promoters of the gathering, proposed his health, which was received most enthusiastically. Mr E. L. Archer, in proposing the health of "the chairman," regretted the absence of Mr McDowall, sen. In fact, they had become so accustomed to his presiding over all their meetings that it almost seemed no meeting at all unless he occupied the chair. He was sorry to know that illness had prevented his attendance, and hoped that it would be only of very short duration. They would all agree with him that Mr McDowall, jun., had that evening discharged his duties as their chairman in a very courteous and gentlemanly manner. He would, therefore, propose the health of their chairman. The toast was well received and drunk in champagne, with music and "He's a jolly good fellow." Mr McDowall, having suitably acknowledged the toast, Mr McGowan proposed "The Host and Hostess," and eulogised the former on his fitness to conduct a hotel, and the latter on the skill and taste displayed in preparing such a good spread as they had that evening enjoyed. This toast was received with cheers, and Mr Moyes responded on behalf of himself and wife in a neat speech, in which he admitted that the patronage he had received, and the success which had attended his running the hotel was chiefly due to his wife. "The Mercury'' and its respected Bothwell correspondent were then proposed and drunk in champagne, and "Your Own" duly responded. After a few songs and a little music, the company broke up, much pleased with their evening’s entertainment. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9204283
SUPPOSED INCENDIARY FIRE - 17 April 1889
BOTHWELL. Tuesday, 16th April, 1889. At about 2 o'clock this morning the barn on the Logan estate, the property of Mr A. McDowall, was discovered by that gentleman to be on fire. He at once gave alarm in the township, which is about a mile distant from Logan. A great many persons were soon on the spot, but it was impossible to save the barn, as the fire had got too strong a hold. Attention was successfully directed to the saving of a large stack of hay which was only a short distance off. The barn, which had lately been reshingled and repaired, contained about 1,000 bushels of fine wheat, besides a quantity of implements, and a superior wool press. Mr McDowall will be a great loser, as he is only partially insured. There is no doubt it is the work of an incendiary. An inquest will be held. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9210524
BOTHWELL - 22 June 1889
After an unusually wet season, heavy rain fell incessantly for two days last week, and the river rose very rapidly. During Thursday night and early next morning, several families were obliged to leave their homes, all the streets in the lower part of the township being flooded. Blake's brewery, from its position, was the first to be submerged - a most unfortunate circumstance for the enterprising proprietor, who has just built a new brewery and had made arrangements for removing, fitting up machinery, etc. Mr Blake also had a large stock of grain, sugar, flour, potatoes, etc., all of which suffered more or less damage. A peep into the cellar next morning, however, consoled the patrons of the popular beverage, as there was a large stock floating about, and doubtless in good condition. The bridge over the Clyde, known as the new bridge, which was built some five years ago, is partly destroyed, and the one known as Reid's was removed bodily and landed on the new bridge. This (the new one) was about the most unsightly, unwork manlike structure it was possible to imagine. Some 150 yards in length, ascending from the level of the township at a considerable incline, and built on piles except in the centre, which was of earthwork - and such earthwork! Backed at the ends by loose rubble and at the sides by turf, and filled with sand from the hill close by. Whether the Public Works officials in their wisdom deemed it necessary to dam the water back in order to inundate the township, or whether there was a certain amount of money and no less to be spent on the bridge, I do not know; but this much is certain that the bridge would have been more substantial and less costly had it been constructed of piles throughout, which will be necessary after all. Other small bridges have been swept away and roads damaged, and the Road Trust, into which some new blood has been lately infused, will have their hands pretty full for a time. The bridge over the Jordan, or rather the approaches to it, were destroyed, thus cutting off all vehicular traffic for a time at least. Telegraphic and postal communication was interrupted for a day or two, but is now restored. It is almost unanimously acknowledged to have been the highest flood on record. The weather has now cleared up, and we may expect some severe frosts. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/200354713
COUNTRY NEWS - 8 August 1889
BOTHWELL. Quite a gloom was cast over our township - in fact, all through the district on Thursday, 1st August, 1889, when it became known that Clarence Allen, the only son of Richard Allen, of Sherwood, had died that morning in Hobart, where he had been taken only a few days previously for medical treatment in consequence of an accidental gunshot wound which happened to him at Sherwood on the 24th of last month. Very much sympathy prevails here for the bereaved father in the sad loss of his son, who, although he was only 16 years of age, was far and beyond his years in manliness and ability, and, notwithstanding his youth, was quite competent to manage his father’s estate, thus holding out to his fond parent the hope that he had in the future a brilliant gem in the shape of a son, not only to help, but to soothe and comfort him in his declining years. His remains were interred in the public cemetery at Bothwell on Saturday, by the side of his once loving mother, who died some years ago. The Rev. A. Beresford officiated, and made some very kind and befitting remarks, dwelling especially on the good and moral life the deceased had always led. The cortege of friends that followed the remains to their last resting place was very large, comprising many young men of the district, who gathered to pay their last respects to a departed comrade whom they all had loved.
The new bridge over the Clyde is still the same wreck that the late flood left it. It is not only quite useless as a means of traffic over the river, but is a perfect eyesore to the public, and everyone is asking the question “Whenever do the Government intend to commence repairing it?” They (the Government) lost no time in repairing the one over the Jordan River at Apsley, which was damaged by the same flood as was the bridge over the Clyde at Bothwell. Therefore I cannot see that any just excuse can be offered why the Public Works Department have not already commenced to rebuild the Bothwell bridge. Perhaps our worthy and Hon. Member (Mr N. J. Brown) will kindly look into this matter. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9217625