Mr. William Edward Adams

EARLY TRACK BUILDERS.

Sat 20 Aug 1927, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931)

Our Ardrossan correspondent writes: —Mr. and Mrs. William Edward Adams, of Ardrossan, celebrated on August 1 the sixty-third anniveranniversary of their wedding. Mr. Adams claims to be the oldest native-bom South Australian. He is living where he was born at Edwardstown on November 24, 1841. His father was the late Mr. John William Adams, who, with his wife and four children, arrived in the Buffalo in time for the mother to be the first white woman to set foot on the site of the city of Adelaide. Six children were born in South Australia, so that in all there were 10 children, Mr. William Edward Adams being the seventh child. When he was 11 years of age the family removed to Bull's Creek, and, later, to McCard's Creek, where his parents carried on pioneer work and carted their produce to Adelaide in a bullock dray. Mr. Adams relates that he drove the bullocks through Victoria square when it contained gum trees and the road was a bog. He sold a load of potatoes to Mr. William Charlick at the East-End Market. The first seed potatoes cost the growers 30/ cwt., and the crop realized 5/ cwt. Another 13 cwt. soon produced 13 tons, which realized £65, and the growers thought they had made a good profit.

A Good Test.

On one occasion Mr. Adains was trying to sell a load of potatoes, when women buyers kept him haggling till they had spirited a few of the tubers away and boiled them. When that was accomplished and the cooked potatoes were exhibited and sampled he had no trouble in disposing of his load. The sons and daughters had each a bag of potatoes given them for themselves by way of payment, and they planted them, with the result that the sisters crop averaged 22 cwt each, and the brothers 20 cwt. Mr, Adams can remember having a free ride in the train when the railway was opened between the city and Port Adelaide, and he says that was the only occasion on which a Governor shook hands with him.

Among early recollections was the sight of the gold escort from Victoria, when there was such a shortage of currency in South Australia that business ' Was threatened with paralysis. Mrs. Adams remembers the tragic fate of Burke and Wills. The opening of the bridge over, the Finnis by Governor Daly is another reminiscence.

Foundation of Balaklava.

The family removed to Dunn's Bridge., a few miles from where Balaklava now stands: and, while carting wheat to Port Wakefield, Mr. Adams saw the first load of timber and iron dropped on the site of Balaklava. Subsequently the father and sons took up land at Mount Templeton from the late Mr. C. B. Young. Fifty years ago Mr. Adams took up land on Yorke's Peninsula, at Petersville, and had to depend upon the Tiddy Widdy Wells for water, sometimes waiting all night for his turn to get his tank filled. There was a family of 11 children, namely:—Messrs. William (Auburn), Allan (near Loxton), Frank (Hundred of Maitland),, Hurtle (Moorook), Mesdames W. Adams (Maitland). W. Wilson (Prospect), J. Nicol (Bull's Creek), E. F. Stevens (Littlehampton), H. E. Polkinghorne (Ardrossan), G. A. Stone (Ardrossan), and the late Mrs. A. Polkinghorne. Mr. Adams has been a local preacher for the Methodists for 55 years, and has lived for 17 years at Ardrossan, where the old couple received the loving homage of their 10 surviving children, 47 grandchildren, and 14 greatgrandchildren.

A group photograph of Mr. and Mrs. Adams and the family will appear in The Observer next week.

Mr. Parker Bowman

Sat 21 Oct 1911, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931)

Mr. Parker Bowman a pioneer pastoralisl and agriculturist, died at his residence at Parara on Friday morning at the age of 80. He migrated from Penrith, in Cumberland, and arrived in South Australia in 1855 in the mail ship Champion of Seas, For three year's he resided at Auburn, and then went to Napperby, on the old Crystal Brook Run, where he stayed for seven years." In 1866 he settled at Parara, where he remained until his demise. The deceased and Mr. Parnell were, the first lessees of the original Parara Station, which comprisd the whole Hundred of Cunningham, covering an area 14 miles long and seven miles wide. He was closely associated with Mr. Cunningham, after whom the hundred was named. Then years after his co-partnership with Mr. Parnell the country was surveyed and cut up into farm areas in 1870, and Mr. Bowman selected the Parara Head Station as his homestead. He then became one of the first agriculturists of the district. Though not a prominent public, personage, the deceased by virtue of his early association with the district was naturally connected with nearly all the matters pertaining to the advancement of the town of Ardnossan. He held the distinction of being the first justice of the peace appointed there, a position he held until age forced him to resign. Mr. Bowman was also a trustee of the Wesleyan Church since its inception, 33 years ago, and relinquished office only during the last two months. He was one of the original, trustees of the local institute. His widow and two sons (Messrs. H. W. Bowman and F. R. Bowman and one daughter, (Mrs. W. H. Pavy) survive him.

Hundred Cunningham, County Fergusson — Sec. 122, 194 acres, Parker Bowman, Parara, sheepfarmer. 1876

Mrs. Mary Ann Bowman

Tue 10 Jul 1923, The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929)

The death occurred at Sister Rowntree's Private Hospital, on July 6, of Mrs. Mary Ann Bowman, relict of the late Mr. Parker Bowman, of Parara. She was born at Ackham, Westmorland, England, in 1837. Mrs. Bowman arrived in Australia in 1855, and was married at Christ Church, North Adelaide, in 1856, to the late Mr. Parker Bowman, one of the original lesees of the old Parara Station, which comprised practically the whole of the Hundred of Cunningham. The deceased lady, greatly esteemed and beloved by all, left two sons (Messrs. H. W. and E. R. Bowman), and one daughter (Mrs. W. H. Pavey), all of Ardrossan.

Mr. Charles George Roots Cane

Thu 5 Aug 1937, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954)

Mr. Charles George Roots Cane, ot Ardrossan, who died recently, was one of Yorke Peninsula's best known and widely respected settlers. With his wide experience in commercial agricultural, and pastoral matters, as well as legal procedure, he was a friend to many. Mr. Cane was born at Battle, near Hastings, Suffolk County, England, in 1860, and was educated at the grammar scnool in his native town. For several years after leaving school he held a position at Hastings in the employ ot the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company. Relinquishing this, he took passage for Australia on the R.M.S. Orient in 1879. He settled at Maitland, Yorke Peninsula, carrying on business as a butcher. He extended his activities to farming and grazing, and removed to Ardrossan. He was married 48 years ago to Miss Ada Emma Lodge, who survives. With his four sons, Mr. Cane held a large tract of agricultural land in the district, and was successful in his undertakings. He was a member ot the Yorke Peninsula District Council for 41 years, during 35 years ot which he was chairman. Mr. Cane took a Keen interest in an public affairs. Some of his activities were: — Foundation member of the hospital board, chairman of the institute, vigilance committee, school committee, and repatriation committee, and a director of the Parara and Hillside copper mining ventures. He left a family ot two daughters and four sons — Mes-dames Green, of Queensland; R. M. Taylor, Commercial Bank, Melbourne; Messrs. C. N. Cane, W. H. Cane, K. R. Cane, and R. M. Cane, of Ardrossan.

CANE— LODGE.— On the 19th February 1890, at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev W. A. Millikan, Charles George Roots Cane. son of Mr. James Cane, to Ada Emma Lodge, eldest daughter of Mr. Elijah Lodge ; all of Ardrossan.

Mrs Ada Emma Cane

Sat 11 Oct 1947, The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954)

CANE. — On October 11, 1947, at the Ardrossan Hospital, Ada Emma Cane widow of the late C. G. R. Cane. In her 78th year.

Mr. Thomas Gordon

DEATH OF OLD COLONIST. A FORMER RESIDENT OF ARDROSSAN.

Wed 7 Feb 1912, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954)

Mr Thomas Gordon, who died at Unley on Sunday in his 85th year, was a colonist of 60 years. He was born at Perth, Scotland, and arrived with his wife and children in the ship Gloucestershire. It is a singular co-incidence that he died on the 59th anniversary of his first-born child. Mr Gordon who was a carpenter and builder by trade, helped to construct the first railway station at Port Adelaide, and subsequently the old Parliament Houses on North terrace. After haying visited the Viotoian goldfields he took materials in a bullock dray early in the fifties to Riverton, and built a flour mill there for Messrs Masters (uncle of the Swindon family) and Horner. Later he entered into partnership with Mr Howard, of Rhynie. Mr Gordon took over the mill, and carried on the basiness of miller at Riverton for some years. He afterwards took up land on the Macaw Creek, south of Riverton, and early in the seventies, in company with his eldest living son, made an exploratory trip through the then little-known Yorke's Peninsula. Having sold out his holding at Riverton in 1877, the family removed to Ardrossan, and were among the earliest settlers in the Hundred of Cunningham. The deceased was one of the first to roll down mallee scrub by means of a large roller, made out of a discarded mill boiler, pushed in front of a team of horses or bullocks. This roller was lent to neighbouring farmers, and did an enormous amount of work in various parts of Yorke's Peninsula. The family passed through all experiences of pioneers in the mallee country during the pre-phosphate days, when water had to be carted long distances, and crop returns were far below the average of recent years. On the death of his wife and youngest son, which occurred in 1901, the lata Mr Gordon retired and took up his residence with his son, Rp. Gordon, at Victoria avenue, Unley Park, with whom he had since resided. He was a foundation member of the Loyal Princess Royal Lode;e, M.U., Riverton, and for some years was a member of the Gilbert District Council. The deceased was a man of wide experience and sterling chatrcter, and had many friends throughout the State. He has left three sons and two daughters — Messrs W. Gordon, Brighton, Victoria; T. Gordon, Port Adelaide ; and Rp. Gordon ; Meadames W. Easierbrook and E. J. Dinham ; 24 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Mr. Robert Ingram

OBITUARY.

Fri 9 Feb 1923, The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929)

Another old and highly respected Pioneer , Mr. Robert Ingram, died at Ardrossan on January 21 (writes our local correspondent). Born at Chappleton, Scotland, in 1830, he went to Victoria in 1852, on board the Typhoon. This vessel was stranded on the coast of Portugal, for three months, and all had a very hard, time. Mr. Ingram was accompanied on the voyage by his uncle, Mr. W. Hamilton after whom the town of that name in Victoria is called. Mr. Ingram tried gold seeking around Ballarat and Bendigo, and later he and two friends went to New. Zealand, traversing the three islands, on foot, and prospecting during the 700 mines trip. In 1866 he came to South Australia, and engaged in carting, with bullock teams, between Adelaide and Burra. He finally settled at the Tempters and married. Some years later he took up land, on the coast of the penisuia, afterwards going further inland, and settled where the old homestead stands now. Hie wife, died in 1920, and since that date his health bad been indifferent. Mr. Ingram had always taken a great intarst in political and social affairs. Two daughters and five sons survive him.

Mr. Hezekiah Simmons

OBITUARY.

Thu 17 Dec 1936, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954)

An old resident of Ardrossan, Mr. Hezekiah Simmons, died recently at the age of 83. He was born at Hindmarsh and became a coach driver for John Hill & Co. Subsequently he followed the trade of a stonemason His wife, who died 28 years ago,

was formerly Miss Cecilia Ann Waters, of Moonta. Forty-eight years ago he settled at Ardrossvi and lived there till his death. 'ne fimiiy consisted' of eight children, five of whom survive— Messrs. W. E. Simmons, of Ardrossan: H. Simmons, of Macclesfield; W. R. Simmons, of New Zealand: A. H. Simmons, of Victoria; and Mrs. G. Pollard, of Wetulta. In addition he left 40 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren.

Mr. Harry Watkins

OBITUARY.

Sat 4 Oct 1919, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931)

Mr, Harry Watkins, an old and respected residant of Ardrossan, died at his reeidence on Saturday, as the result of an attack of influenm, He was 65 years of age, and was born at Echunga. He once lived at Norton's Summit, and from there proceeded to Dowlingville, where he conducted farming. In 1900 he went to, Ardrossan, where he lived until hie death. He has left a widow and five daughters and two sons—Meedamea A. E. PMlps (Rudall), J. A. Phfips (Dowlingville), and F. E. Dunstan (Plympton), Misses A. and N. Watkins, and Messrs. Herbert and Harry Watkins {Rudall and Mitdham respectively).

Mr William Whitbread

PIONEER PASSES. LATE MR. W. WHITBREAD.

Fri 15 Jun 1928, Recorder (Port Pirie, SA : 1919 - 1954)

The death occurred at Ardrossan on Tuesday, June 12, of Mr W. Whitbread, at the age of 92 years. The late late Mr. Whitbread was a very old resident of the Pirie district. He came to South Australia when a boy, with his parents, and spent his early life in and around the city. As manhood approached he went on the land at Waitpinga district, where he married Miss Hyde in 1874. They came northward and settled in Merriton, where he was engaged as general carrier. In 1877 he commenced farming farming operations at Wandearah. In 1904 he sold the farm and after residing in the town of Crystal Brook for several years Mr and Mrs Whitbread made their home at Ardrosson. There they remained until their journey's end.

Of their 11 children nine are still living. They are: Mesdames G. Collins, W. Reynolds, and E . Smith, (Port Pirie); Mrs E. Matthews (Crystal Brook); Mrs R. Lock (Maylands). Will the eldest son is at Murray Bridge, and two daughters Mesdames R. Reynolds and G. Watson are at Ardrossan: also the younger son John. There are 62 grandchildren, and 112 great-grandchildren. Mr Whitbread was buried by the side of his late wife, who has been dead for six years, in the Ardrossan Cemetery on June 13.

All These Brothers And Sisters Live Today!

Thu 1 Dec 1949, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954)

Photo- These are the children of the late Mr. William Whitbread (who died aged 92 years) and Mrs. Whilbread (who died aged 82 years) — Mr. and Mrs. Whitbread were among the early settlers in South Australia and their children (average age 80 years) are all alive today. They are front row, from left — Mr. W. C. Whitbread, Murray Bridge, 85 years; Mis. G. Collins, Port Pirie, 88; Mr. J. Whitbread, Ardrossan, 81; Mrs. R. Reynolds, Ardrohsan, 82. Back row, from left— Mrs. E. Smith, Port Pirie, 78; Mrs. E. Matthews, Crystal Brook, 76; Mrs. G. Watson, Ardrossan, 74.

Mr Warren Wilson

THE COUNTRY. FOUND DEAD.

Sat 1 Aug 1896, The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922)

Ardrossan, July 30.—On the arrival of the mail tonight the driver reported to Mr. Thomas, J. P., the finding of the body of Mr. Warren Wilson lying on the road about 4 miles from the township of Price. A waggon loaded with wood was passed one mile from Price. Mr. Wilson was a farmer living near Ardrossan, and was much respected.