WRITTEN BY MARGOT HITCHCOCK AND PRINTING ORGANISED BY PAUL KULKIEL FOR THE BLACKWOOD AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

TOPICS –

BOOKLETS are $8 each. approx 8 – 10 Pages A4 SIZE

From top left –

1. Little Doaty story of who was she and how she died, and grave in the Blackwood cemetery,

2. Isaac Povey grave died in 1855 and buried on Deadman’s Hill Simmons Reef and the walk to get there,

3. Mineral Springs Blackwood, photos and history of the Mineral springs

4. Skinner Family and the Easter Monday Gold Mine, Simmons Reef, blackwood

5. Sultan mine, Barrys Reef, Blackwood. History of this very rich gold mine.

Little Doaty’ Grave Blackwood Cemetery.

Isac Povey’s grave, Deadman’s Hill Simmons Reef, Blackwood.

Post Card of Original bridge to Mineral Springs.

Red, White and Blue Mine, Blackwood. c. 1893.

Sultan Mine, Barrys Reef, Blackwood with steam from Battery top of photo. N.J.Caire photographer c. 1876.

HORACE SKINNER BORN ON EASTER MONDAY TRACK, BLACKWOOD.

Memorial stone put up to Horace Skinner by Philip Skinner.

Philip Skinner put up the monument/memorial on the track to the Easter Monday Mine. According to Philip, Minnie May Skinner used to drive a horse & cart up to the Easter Monday mine to deliver lunches/food to the men. One day on a return trip along the track, she gave birth to Horace Skinner (hence the H.S. on the memorial). The family visit the site to remember, during  Easter most years.  (Info from Sue Donnelly)

The parents of Horace Skinner were – Joe (Joseph Allen) Skinner, born in Blackwood in 1889, who married Minnie May Hill, in 1909. 

I have done some more research on who the person was that this monument was erected for – He was Horace Alan Charles Skinner born at this spot in 1910 to Minnie May Skinner nee Hill and (Joe) Joseph Allan Skinner.

Minnie May Hill was born to Joseph Hill and Julia Gribble in Malmsbury in 1889, and Joseph Allen Skinner was born in Blackwood in 1889 to Joseph Allen Skinner snr. and Eliza Spinner.

Joseph Hill and his brother Edward (Ted)  Hill were sons of Edward Hill who was the discover of gold in Blackwood in 1855.

This makes Edward Hill Snr. the great grandfather of Horace Skinner. ..!! so a fitting memorial this is for Blackwood.   The below monument was erected in the Blackwood cemetery by Philip Skinner.

The History of Blackwood – Pioneers of Blackwood. Compiled by Margot Hitchcock, Historian for the Blackwood & District Historical Society.  March 2021.  (Copyright)

THE DRUMMOND FAMILY, and the Trojan Mine on the Yankee Reef.

In the area north of Blackwood towards Trentham is the area called Yankee Reef. On a road that is off to the right, is Yankee Road which is where the remains of the Trojan Mine now remains.  Just past the Trojan Mine on the left amongst the trees and the surrounding bush is a headstone – a memorial to the Drummond family which reads “Erected 1946 – to the memory of our loving parents, Alex and Eliza A.E.L. Drummond.  This was the site of their home in 1876 and our birthplace.”  The monument marks the place where the Drummond family once lived, and the remains of a brick chimney is all that is left to mark the spot.

Alexander Drummond, who was born in 1841, son of Duncan Drummond and Ann McIntyre, came from Balnacuil, Perthshire in Scotland.  Alex Drummond arrived in Melbourne in 1853 aged 12 years, with his father Duncan Drummond and his brother Peter Drummond.  Within months the two boys were orphaned.  Duncan Drummond died 1854. His parents were Alexander Drummond and Catherine, he was age 44 yrs when he died. Reg Number: 2898.

Ben Trewhella Sen. had pegged out the ‘Lucky Hit’ mine in 1862 on the Yankee Reef and a seam of gold was found just below the surface. 

At this stage it is not sure when Alexandra arrived in Blackwood, but in 1869 when 28 years old he made the acquaintance of the Williams family of Blackwood and became a friend and partner with Robert Williams in prospecting the district.  The partners struck the main seam of gold at Yankee Reef and the mine was about 600 metres from the Drummond’s home.  It appears from records searched that their mine was called the Yankee Mine, although some records have the name of the Trojan mine in this area.

In 1876 Alexander married Elizabeth Ann Elevena Lang Williams, sister of his partner Robert Williams.  They were married at Golden point and went to live at Yankee Reef where 12 children were born, three of whom died in infancy.  John, their eldest child, born in 1877 died, age 3 years by drowning and was buried on the 21.3.1879 in the Blackwood cemetery. The youngest children of Alex and Elizabeth were twins, Emma and Maggie who were born on 28.7.1894.  

Tragedy struck on the 1st December 1894 when an earth fall in the mine trapped Alexander Drummond in the mine whilst opening an adit downstream from the mine and he was killed. (Death cert. Reg. Number: 12269.)

This would have left Elizabeth with 9 children, the youngest being the twins of nearly 5 months old.  The twins both died the following year in March 1895, Emma on the 10th and Maggie on the 17th March.  They are all buried in the Blackwood cemetery. Methodist section J, 8 & 9.

Operations of the mine were then controlled by Elizabeth’s brothers, Edward and Robert Williams.  In 1895 Elizabeth decided that the Drummond name against appear on the mine records, so the New Victoria Quartz Mining Co., Yankee Reef came into being. 

This mine continued to operate until at least 1910.  The 1906 mines Department report lists the Victorian Co., Yankee Reef and Williams and Drummond as obtaining 4,942 oz. to a depth of 320 feet.   Records show the Yankee mine ceased operation in 1936.

Alexander Drummond’s wife Elizabeth A.E.L.Williams died on the 19.11.1925.  She was buried in the Blackwood cemetery with her twin daughters.

(Info from – Truda Drummond, and Graham Mounsey – Drummond descendants)

Researched by Margot Hitchcock from her forthcoming book ‘The History and Pioneers of Blackwood’, hopefully to be published soon.  Other books published by Margot Hitchcock – “Aspects of Early Blackwood”, Some History of Simmons Reef, Blackwood” and “The Billy Pincombe Tragedy”. See – www.blackwoodpublishing.com

For help with information on Blackwood ancestors contact Margot Hitchcock – email – margothitchcock@bigpond.com

Photo taken by the author in 2008 – Monument to Alex and Eliza Drummond and their house site.

     The Drummond family home on Yankee Road at Yankee Reef. C. 1930, now demolished.

                                                                               (Courtesy of Bruce McKenzie.)

Grave of Elizabeth A.E.L. Drummond with kangaroos in the Blackwood cemetery. (Photo by Margot Hitchcock.  2008.)

Blackwood had many log cabins in the early gold mining days and some still remain to show how the people lived in these small dwellings.

My own uncle built one using logs which he filled in the gaps in between with cement and mud.

Baldwins log cabin in Simmons Reef.  See some history of this cabin in my book “Some History of Simmons Reef, Blackwood.”

Fatal accident at Blackwood. Inquest on the bodies of two men who died at the True Blue Mine, Barrys Reef 1870.   – LOUIS SCHINKLE and ANTONIE OLSEN. 

 By Margot Hitchcock, Historian for the Blackwood & District Historical Society.

An interesting record was found in the Ballarat Courier newspaper on TROVE. Two young miners were found dead in the True Blue Mine in Barrys Reef, Blackwood.  As in those days an inquest was held at a Hotel where the bodies were held below the hotel in the cellar, often in hurriedly constructed coffins, which in this case was the Williams’ Exchange Hotel, Barrys Reef.

  Ballarat Courier – Saturday 8 January 1870 –

In consequence of the non-arrival of the coroner, E. Baber, Esq., .J.P., held a magisterial enquiry at Williams’ Exchange Hotel, Barrys Reef, touching the death of Louis Schinkle and Antonie Olson: the Equiry was not commenced until a late hour on Wednesday night, and only terminated on Thursday morning at two o’clock. Before giving the evidence I may mention that the shaft at which the unfortunate men lost their lives is an underlay one, about 140 feet deep.  For the first 60 feet the shaft is almost perpendicular, and at the side of the shaft spreaders are fixed about three feet apart; the spreaders serve as a kind of ladder way; from 60 feet, and a farther depth of 80 feet, the shaft underlays. Two wind lasses are used, one on the surface, and the other at the 60 feet level, one exactly over the other. The contract party consisted of six men, and they worked two in each shift.

It is evident, judging from the position of the bodies when discovered, that the poor follows were endeavouring to ascend ; one man (Antonie Olson) must have fallen – it is impossible to say from what height. Brave men are always at hand in cases of this kind, ready and willing to risk their lives in endeavouring to save the lives of others. There was no lack of volunteers willing to encounter foul air and the fumes of charcoal in the hopes of rescuing men, who, by industry and good conduct, had gained for themselves the good will of many, and the respect of all who were acquainted with them.

Messrs Smith, Allen, and McRea, particularly the latter, are deserving of special praise.

At the magisterial inquiry, Alexander Lambert was the first witness examined. He stated : I am a miner, and went to work at the True Blue claim about 8 o’clock on the morning of Tuesday last. I lowered my mate down the shaft. Five minutes after he called to me, and said his light would not burn. I at once pulled him up. At 1 o’clock in the afternoon – of the same day I went below, and was obliged to come up at once, as my candle would not burn. Myself and mate then procured a nail-can, in which we placed chips and bark, set fire to them, and lowered the fire down the shaft from the 60 feet level. The smoke became so oppressive that we were obliged to go to the surface, where we remained until the deceased came to relieve us. I helped to lower deceased down the shaft. Called out, and asked if it was all right down below, and received for answer, yes. I then made the rope fast in the usual way. Never saw the man alive after. Remained at the shaft fifteen minutes, and then left. Am seventeen years a miner.   Have often worked in bad air, and frequently tried the plan of burning chips with good effect. Lowered the deceased to the 60ft. level.

Peter Rasmusan : The evidence of this witness was a mere corroboration of the evidence given by Lambert. S. Smith, mining manager of the True Blue Company, said : About half- past seven o’clock in the evening of the 4th instant a man named Goldsworthy came to me, and asked if the men were working at the air shaft. I told him they had started to work, but thought on account of bad air they had knocked off.

Goldsworthy said he had called down the shaft, and could get no answer. I then proceeded to the shaft, and was lowered down about 40ft.

The smoke was very strong. I saw the body of Lewis Schinkle close by my side. I could not remain longer, the smoke was so strong. The position of the body was – hanging by one foot, head downwards. I then called to be pulled up.

1. Allen,said: I was lowered down the shaft  and saw the body of a man hanging down the shaft. His foot was caught in a piece of timber near the side of the shaft. I then procured a lashing, which I made fast round the man’s leg. In that way he was drawn up. I assisted to land him on the surface.

I have since seen the body; it is that of Louis Schinkle.

Dr. E. W. Plews stated that he was called upon on the 4th instant to view the body of Louis Schinkle, and that   death was caused by suffocation.

harles Gray Macken, examined: I was lowered down the True Blue shaft on Tuesday evening, 4th instant. Got down to the 60 foot level, and was obliged to be pulled up again. I could not stand the bad air.

Water was then thrown down the shaft, and I was again lowered down. As I could not discover Antonio Olson, I called for assistance, that I might be lowered down to the other level. Two men came to my assistance. I was then lowered down about 25 feet, when I discovered the body of Antonio Olson. It was in a lying position, on the left side, and was jammed between the skids and the sides of the shaft. I then lashed the body to the rope, and was drawn up with it.

Dr. Plews evidence was the same in this as in the other case. Mr Baber gave an order for internment. The remains of both men were removed this morning at six o’clock for burial at Stieglitz.

Digger records have Antonio Olson death in 1870 age 23 years, parents names unknown.  Birth place – Copenhagen.

Digger records have Louis Shnkel (sp) death in 1870 age 20 years, father Richard Shnkel and mother Anna Bentina Birth place – Copenhagen.

The Stieglitz Cemetery  have records  courtesy of –

http://zades.com.au/gandd/images%5Cstories%5Cpdfs%5CSteiglitzB.pdf

OLSON, Antonio 06/01/1870, age 23, parents unknown, not married, Killed in a mining accident at Barrys Reef, Blackwood.

SCHINKEL, Louis 08/01/1870 age 20, parents – Richard & Anna Katerina (Bentina) not married, killed in a mining accident at Barrys Reef, Blackwood.

Another find in a local newspaper gives a bit more personal history into the deaths of the two men.

Bacchus Marsh Express – Saturday 15 January 1870

The Geelong Advertiser reports that on Wednesday last the remains of two youths, Louis Shinkle and Antonio Olson, who suddenly met with their death by suffocation from foul air in the True Blue claim, Blackwood, on Tuesday previous, were followed to the Steiglitz Cemetery by the members of the M.U.I.O.O.F. and I.O.R., societies, and a large number of other friends. The deceased young men, aged 20 and 23 years respectively, were for a long time at Steiglitz, and only shortly removed to Blackwood. They were much respected amongst their many acquaintances.

Researched by Margot Hitchcock from her forthcoming book ‘The History and Pioneers of Blackwood’, hopefully to be published soon.  Other books published by Margot Hitchcock – “Aspects of Early Blackwood”, Some History of Simmons Reef, Blackwood” and “The Billy Pincombe Tragedy”. See – www.blackwoodpublishing.com

For help with information on Blackwood ancestors contact Margot Hitchcock – email – margothitchcock@bigpond.com

Pioneers of Blackwood – Sarah and William Edlington, and daughter Harriet and granddaughter  Susannah Edlington. 

By Margot Hitchcock, Historian for the Blackwood & District Historical Society. 

 Research has a strange way of adding more information to a story –  such is the case after the great grandaughter  of Sarah Edlington contacted the author.

The Ballan Shire Rate book in 1876 noted William Edlington as a publican of a hotel on the tenement at Red Hill, the hotel being valued at £25 ($50).  This hotel was the Prince of Wales and Edlington was to be its hotelkeeper for about the next thirty years.  (This hotel was where the kiosk used to be on the road above the Mineral Springs)

Sarah and William Edlington had a daughter, Harriett Edlington born in Sheffield, England in 1851, and the family came out to Australia early to mid 1850’s. 

Harriett Edlington had a daughter who was born in 1866 as an Unnamed Female in Blackwood and listed as an illegitimate child to Harriet Edlington.  Father’s name was not recorded. This child was later named Susannah Edlington.  She was born at Amelia Reef (Garlicks Lead) which is north of Blackwood.  Harriett was said by the granddaughter of Harriet  to be 15 or 16 at the time of the birth. 

Susannah Edlington married Alexander Raitt (born abt 1863 in Eassie, Scotland). They were married at All Saints Church of England, Red Hill Blackwood, on 6th Oct 1885.

In 1868 Susannah’s mother, Harriet Edlington, married Oto/Otto Wilson.  On Otto’s marriage records he was listed as being born in America. Some records show Otto and was named as Oto James or Otto Thomas.  Harriet married Otto Wilson at the Methodist Church in Blackwood, now the Uniting Church.  Otto worked as a miner at Blackwood.    

Harriet and Otto Wilson had 9 children listed as being born in Blackwood  –

Fanny Wilson born in Blackwood in 1869.

Elsie Batrisa ((Beatrice) Wilson born in Blackwood in 1871.

Elsie Batrisa Wilson died in 1957 at Heidelberg age 85 – father listed as James Wilson not Otto.

Sarah Ann Wilson born in Blackwood in 1874. – died age 16 months in 1875.

Hannah Bella Wilson born in Barrys Reef in 1876. 

Alice Wilson born in Barrys Reef in 1878. 

William James Wilson born in Barrys Reef in 1880.

Frederick Henry Wilson, born in Barrys Reef in 1883.

George Oliver Wilson born in Barrys Reef in 1885. (father listed as James Wilson.

George Oliver Wilson died in 1960 at Camberwell age 75 yrs – father listed as James Henry Wilson not Otto.

James Arthur Wilson born in Blackwood in 1890. Died in Blackwood in 1892 age 1 year.

A record of what looks like S.A. (or James Arthur) Wilson is buried in the Blackwood cemetery on 11.11.1892 in the Church of England section F54.  There is no headstone.

 Otto Wilson was Swedish, and so had anglicised his name, and his family suspect he was trying to pass as American, as he listed Boston as his birthplace on his marriage certificate, but they don’t think this is true.

Harriett and Otto Wilson lived in Barrys Reef where their children were born, and it is presumed   Harriett’s illegitimate child, Susannah was brought up as one of the children.

Otto managed a gold mine for an American company, and it may have been in Barry’s Reef, or possibly the Yankee mine north of Blackwood.  There is an American mine in Blackwood situated on Yankee Reef called the Yankee Mine, this was more likely the mine that Otto Wilson  managed.  It is on a Yankee road on the left , between Blackwood and Trentham and before  Amelia Track. 

Otto’s eldest daughters had a drawer full of photos, taken at the height of Blackwood’s gold rush days, with many more Hotels and photos of miners etc. plus letters to their father from Sweden. Unfortunately, after they died, a younger sister of theirs destroyed everything, she referred to it all as rubbish, and so the family lost all that valuable early history.

Fanny Wilson, the eldest daughter,  was obviously intelligent, and was said by the relative  to have been the Post Mistress at the Barrys Reef Post Office.

Harriet Wilson (nee Edlington) died in 1926 at South Melbourne, age 76 yrs. (born 1851) – father listed as Edlington William and mother as Sarah  Fillingham.  

Harriet and Otto Wilson lived in Blackwood, in the Barry’s reef, area, and moved I guess between 1905/6, between Sarah and William’s burials, because Sarah was buried in Blackwood, William was buried in Springvale.

Sarah Edlington died 13.2.1905, and was buried in the C of E section, P 49. in the Blackwood cemetery.  Records reveals her  father was James Holmes and mother was Ann Fellingham.  Sarah died age 84 yrs in Kyneton.

Harriet Wilson, after Otto’s death, lived with her unmarried daughters in Blackwood/Barry’s Reef until they sold in 1905/6, and she died in Albert Park in 1926, aged 75. .

Susannah Edlington and Alexander Davidson RAITT married at All Saints Church of England, Red Hill Blackwood, on 6th Oct 1885.

Children born in Blackwood who were recorded as –

Charles Raitt born in 1890.

Allan Raitt born in 1894.

Elsie May Raitt born in 1896.

Ernest William Raitt born in 1898.   ©

Some information courtesy of the granddaughter of Harriet Edlington – Elaine Mancell, Rosebud.