Notes
Note N655
Index
Francis [Frank] Gallard
Pioneer of Ryde.
25th February 1833 to 30th June 1914
Obituary for Mr Frank Gallard
There passed away on Tuesday night last [30th June 1914] at the advanced age of 81 years, an old Ryde District identity in the person of Mr Frank Gallard, of North Road, Eastwood (formerly Marsfield). The funeral, which was largely attended, took place this afternoon, the remains being interred in the Field of Mars Cemetery. The late Mr Gallard was predeceased by his Wife seven years ago, but he is survived by two sons, five daughters, 30 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The sons, George [born 1863/13294] and Alfred [born 1870/1863] are residents of Eastwood. The daughters are Mrs W Jurd [Eva born 1879], whose husband is head teacher of St Mary's Public School. Mrs T. Bellamy [Effie born 1875] of Beecroft: Mrs Elsie Way (born 1879) of Tyalgum on the Tweed River: Mrs A C Small [Lottie born 16th April 1885], Vimiera Road Eastwood: and Miss Millie Gallard [born 1881], North Road Eastwood. The deceased, who was a native of Kent, England, arrived here as a small boy with his parents [Matthew and Frances], landing in Sydney Harbour by the sailing vessel "James Patterson" on December 11, 1838, after a voyage of just four months duration from Gravesend. His father died [29th Oct 1850] at Epping when he was just 16 years of age, and he commenced his career as a carpenter, subsequently trying his luck on the goldfields of New South Wales and Victoria. He married in January 1863, the youngest daughter of the late Mr William Small [born 14th Dec 1796], of Marsfield, and for upwards of half a century was engaged in the fruit growing industry in that centre.
The late Mr Gallard was for nine years an alderman of the Ryde Council, seven years [1871 to 1878] consecutively and two years after an interval [1886 to 1887]. During his seven years of civic service he established a record from an attendance point of view, having been absent from only one meeting of the council, on which memorable occasion he was locked up all night on a jury.
Notes:- Buried in Grave 95 in the Methodist Section of Field of Mars
Frank married Susannah Martha Small on 14th January 1863. She was born on 12th May 1841 and died 12th March 1907.
A Brief Outline of Mr. Frank Gallard's Career
Written out by his son-in-law, Archie Small
Produced by daughter, Lottie (1909).
Preserved by niece Sabina ("Bina" - pronounced Buy-na) Gallard
Frank Gallard was born in Southborough, a small village about halfway between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, Kent UK on 25th February in the year 1833.
My first recollection was rocking brother Ted [Edward Gallard born 29th Oct 1835] in a cradle at the age of three years.
We lived in a house about 300 years old near a water-driven flourmill in a valley on a creek. Went to school some distance away, on the road from Tonbridge to Tunbridge Wells. Taught by Aunt Sarah Gallard [nee Snashall born about 1812]. (Uncle Henry [born 24th April 1818] Gallard's wife).
I remember calling at the hop fields coming home from school where mother [Frances Ann Smith born 28th Oct 1807] was at work picking hops at 4d per bushel.
Grandfather Smith [Joseph born 11th June 1775] was in business in Birmingham - a gun barrel maker. In the days when Waterloo was fought (business was brisk and he was doing well). When he died [about 1812 or 13] mother was 5 or 6 years old.
Grandmother [Sophia Bassett born about 1779] married another man named Stedman, who was not much good. Both mother and grandmother had to go out to service. Grandmother Stedman came to see the crew leave England.
I remember when brother George was born on Christmas morning 1837. Father [Matthew born 12th June 1808] took Bob [Robert born 31st Mar 1831] and I to grandfather Gallard's [Matthew born 7th Jan 1780] to dinner on the Christmas Day (a very snowy day), me on his back.
Also remember a frock made out of Aunt's riding habit. Would not go to a Sunday School picnic or treat because I did not like Sunday clothes on, on a weekday.
Both parents belonged to the Church of England.
When leaving for Australia we went up and stopped with grandfather Gallard's [and grandmother Susannah Habens born 28th Aug 1774] the first night, the party consisting of mother (Frances Ann Smith), father (Matthew), and three brothers (Robert, Edward, and George).
I thought grandfather and grandmother Gallard were about 75 years old at the time. Grandmother had 13 children in 14 years and reared them with a spoon (having lost her milk). In her young days she was very bad with small pox, and would have been buried alive only for her own mother interfering. She reared all her family up to man and womanhood, then they commenced to die off.
Notes:- Matthew - grandfather and Susannah - grandmother Gallard more like 58 & 64. Dates taken from LDS Film 455861
We left grandfather's house at one o'clock in the morning. Had to go to Gravesend a distance of 30 miles. Travelled in a waggon, arrived at Gravesend just after daylight. I remember calling at a town on the way where Vince Carr (born April 1826) Á bought lollies and shared them.
Then we went aboard a vessel called the "James Patterson" a sailing vessel - about 400 or 500 tons. Sailed from Gravesend on 11th August 1838. Put in again at Plymouth where she took in more passengers. Went ashore at Plymouth and had a fish breakfast on shore. The quarters consisted of three divisions. Single women occupied one end, married women and children the centre, both married and single men in the other end.
We left grandfather's house at one o'clock in the morning. Had to go to Gravesend a distance of 30 miles. Travelled in a waggon, arrived at Gravesend just after daylight. I remember calling at a town on the way where Vince Carr (born April 1826) Á bought lollies and shared them.
Then we went aboard a vessel called the "James Patterson" a sailing vessel - about 400 or 500 tons. Sailed from Gravesend on 11th August 1838. Put in again at Plymouth where she took in more passengers. Went ashore at Plymouth and had a fish breakfast on shore. The quarters consisted of three divisions. Single women occupied one end, married women and children the centre, both married and single men in the other end.
Next remember going on deck one morning in a terrible gale (maybe in the Bay of Biscay or further south off the coast of Africa) when the small flag was blown off the mainmast. I was ordered to get below by the captain [James Cromarty]. Soon after going down the mainmast blew overboard.
There were two boats called 'long boats' on board. One was used for penning the sheep in, the other for penning the pigs in. During the very heavy storm, the one containing the pigs was turned over, and the pigs were soon down in the ladies' quarters busy at work turning over pots and such things. After the pigs had done their worst, I remember passing the Cape of Good Hope. Some of the passengers wanted to put in but the Captain would not unless the Doctor wanted anything.
I next remember passing through Bass Strait and seeing Hobart Town.
[Notes. It is unlikely he did both. Ships that passed through Bass Strait often called into Melbourne.]
After that was on deck one evening, standing by a lady who sighted the South Head Lighthouse and pointed it out. I think I was the second one to see it. There was great rejoicing on board as all hands expected to be in Sydney next morning, but owing to a strong westerly wind, the boat was driven out to sea again and did not get in for a fortnight. In those days there were no steamboats to tow boats into the harbour.
Date of arriving in Sydney Harbour - 11th December 1838. I next remember going up on deck one morning early - just off Dawes Point - and seeing boats laden with quarters of beef and vegetables etc. etc. lying alongside. They made soup of the meat and vegetables for dinner and it was the first feed of fresh meat for four months.
First thing on arrival father and uncle [Edward Nash] went to look for a house to live in but after looking all day they failed to find one. In those days there was no provision on shore to accommodate immigrants. The next day they were successful in renting a room from the Sexton of the Church of England. The room was down among The Rocks - lower end of George Street, opposite the old Gurrins Wharf, the principal wharf at the time. We spent the first Australian Christmas in this room - only Christmas that was spent without plum pudding. The substitute on this occasion was pancakes with currants in them.
Notes. Edward Nash married Sophia Gallard [born about 1813] on 10th November 1834 LDS ref M135212 and they also emigrated on the James Pattison.
Frances had two brothers Joseph christened at St Martins Birmingham on 2nd April 1804, and George christened at St Martins on 8th December 1805
Soon after this we moved to Clarence Street North. While we were living in Clarence Street, mother received a cask of apples from a brother in Hobart Town. Some were eaten and some were sold.
Next we moved to the lower end of Liverpool St, where our young brother George died [on 2nd June 1839]. He had enjoyed perfect health all of the journey out, but soon after landing took sick and was buried in the Redfern Cemetery (where the railway station was built - 1909).
Then removed to Surry Hills, near a creek - a short distance below where Goodlett & Smith's Pottery now stands (1909). While living here I used to go down to Oxford Street (then a road with three houses) for groceries for mother. Attended Sunday School and Day School at St James Sydney while living in Surry Hills. Soon after we removed to Kent Street, Sydney between Market and King Streets. It was here sister Susan was born 3rd May 1840. While living in Kent Street, I remember being out in the street and seeing a neighbour come home drunk and create a row with his wife. He dashed the flower pot form the widow sill out onto the street - then began to smash valuable household utensils and finally pulled the cockatoo's head off.
Then we moved from Kent Street to Cumberland St, opposite the Women's Watch House, where the Water Police court was held.
Later in 1840 we removed to Lane Cove (we took all of our belongings up the Lane Cove River in a boat). Stopped the first night at Alphex's - near where Pymble Station now stands. The next day the furniture was taken out to a hut near Hutchison's Clear, on a bullock waggon. We only stayed there until father Matthew built a hut at Turramurra not far from the Bobbin Road. Sister Emma was born here on 23rd February 1842 with Mrs Boyde acting as midwife. Father had a splendid vegetable garden and there was an abundance of vegetables as there was 10 weeks rain (rain every day for ten weeks). One night Mrs Brown gave him enough rum to stupefy him and he went to sleep on the road home.
Soon after we removed further out on the Bobbin Road onto Pymble's Ground. From here I went to school - to a Church of England School (day school) standing near Gordon Railway Station. The first School Master was a Mr Anderson. He soon left and his brother, Thomas Anderson took it up (a spiritual man). He took great pains in teaching the Scriptures. It was here at about the age of nine years (under Mr. Anderson) when the first religious impressions were made. At this time there were four sons and a daughter of Mr Thomas Waterhouse attending the school - (Polly was more like a 'He thing' than a 'She thing' ). Three sons of Mr McIntosh also attended the school. One, George, is now Rev George McIntosh of Manly Beach. I remember coming home from school one day with two Hunts, young Murray and Ted. One Hunt got on top of a bullock waggon and while pretending to take the check from the wheel, young Murray said - "You are not game to let it go " And the check was removed and away it went down the hill - it pulled itself up by running into a fence and breaking it. I remember being afraid of the consequences.
On 1st January1843, left Lane Cove and went up to Hornsby (Pearce's Corner). While living here we used to go out to old Murphy's for vegetables at the old Marr's Valley. We lived her only three months. We left about Easter time and came down to Thornleigh and father went to work for Mr Purchase (lived on Thorn's Ground). The country around these parts was a beautiful forest of timber in those days. I remember one tree with a straight barrel of one hundred feet and it was five feet through at the butt and perfectly sound. Henry (Harry) was born at Thornleigh on 17th October 1844 with Mrs Duffy assisting as midwife.
After leaving school at Lane Cove I had no more school as they were too far away. Soon after coming to Thornleigh I had to go and mind bullocks for Purchase (I was then 11). I had to go and live with the bullock drivers. Should have received clothes and food. Got plenty of tucker but no clothes. While living with the bullock drivers, namely Big Abe, Joe Bullock, Fisher and Black Bill (Aiken), they brought home some grog from Parramatta, and when it was being disposed of I drank freely until sleep stopped it. When I woke up in the morning felt worse than I had ever done before. I went outside and threw it all up. Never drank again for years (was thankful for the experience).
Between 1844 and 1845 Frank and Bob commenced splitting timber shingles and laths for a minimum 18 shillings per week. Pay for lath was 3 shillings per thousand, and shingle was 6 shillings per thousand.
The family removed again in 1845 to Fred Harris' Clear (about Pennant Hill's station). About this time the Wesleyans commenced a Sunday School in the National School situated at Thompson's Corner. The teaching staff consisted Mrs Thompson Â, two Miss Thompsons, Mr Starr (Superintendent), Mr Vince Carr Senior and Vince Carr Junior Á, Mr Joseph Harrison [Born 17th Feb 1817, died 5th Feb 1882], and Mr William Lutherborrow. The School commenced [about Oct 1845] about a year after Harry was born and had about 50 scholars. I also remember going to the first Wesleyan Service in Mr Pogson's house to hear 'Old Faithful' (Mr Purchase) preach. He never came but sent Jordan Sparks (about 1844 or 1845). In 1845 the Sunday School was removed from Thompson's Corner to the new Chapel near Mr Pogson's house. Mr Pursus was secretary of the Sunday School and Frank's teacher. He was a good hand at explaining the Scriptures and some lasting impressions were made - almost - conversion. While living here I went to work and cleared a couple of acres of land (under scrubbed it) and planted it out with corn and got a splendid crop. Some stalks ran up about 15 feet. It was a dry time and water had to be carried some distance so Frank asked father if he could dig a well. Father consented and at it Frank went with a grubbing hoe and a spade. The digging was very hard. The ground for digging was clay and ironstone. After going about 7 feet water came in, and by degrees it was sunk to between 11 and 12 feet, and supplied all the water that was necessary. While living here sister Rosina was born on 12th July 1846. Father had built up a home on the other end of the Clear, and brother Mark was born there on 16th April 1848.
Soon after Mark's birth the family moved to Dural to the Lodge, Oburn's Farm (now Hunt's property). While living here I went to work with father, pit sawing, in 1848.
Left Dural in 1849 to work for Ned Fuller on West's Farm at Castle Hill. This was the time of Spiritual Revival at Kissing Point and throughout the circuit. Johnnie Kentwell [born 26th Sep 1817, died 19th Sep 1893] and I went to Chapel one Sunday to hear Mr Lowe preach. He volunteered to bring some young converts up to the midweek meeting. Johnnie Kentwell and I went to the midweek meeting and the four converts that came were John Small [born 11th Jan 1832], Thomas Small [born 12th Aug 1829], George Wicks, and Jack Still. After opening the Meeting, Mr Lowe called upon the young converts to give their testimony and they all spoke and then went around the Church and spoke to the congregation about their souls. The meeting was a grand success, several conversions, including Johnnie Kentwell, and I should have been. Sister Frances was born on 15th December 1849. In the following January of 1850, we came down to Barren Ridge Camp (at Epping), still sawing with father and for some time we were working in Devlin's bush. Shortly after this father became ill, and after lingering for six months he passed away [29th Oct 1850]. An enlargement of the liver caused death. Buried at Ryde.
Father's death necessitated more work for the boys and Frank took Bob [17YO] and Ted [15YO] in turn into the pit to work with him and had to work hard to make ends meet. While at Epping grew a couple acres of wheat and had a very good crop. Took it to Parramatta and had it ground. About this time I took a freight of timber to Sydney and sold it for 6/6d per hundred feet and paid 1/11d expenses out of that. I made it a rule to attend religious services - sometimes at Castle Hill, sometimes at Dundas, and sometimes at Kissing point.
Struggled on in the same way until 1851, when gold was discovered at Summer Hill, near the Ophir. The rush for gold caused stagnation for every kind of business and made things worse and provisions dearer. In January of 1852 I left for the Ophir with Bob as a mate. Took a packhorse and a kit of sawyer's tools. The journey took about 7 days. I was to start a job sawing for McIntosh & Co but someone else had taken the job. Began working for the Company for 30/- per week and tucker. Stayed there about 3 months engaged in mixed work. Went from here to the Dirt Hole, where I built a Public House for a man named Cole. I considered the Dirt Hole good diggings where gold was won pretty easily. While here saw the prettiest sight of snow I ever saw. It came on about 3 o'clock and snowed for about an hour. Snow flakes like feathers.
Removed from the Dirt Hole to Tambaroora (after completing the pub). Went to work here building. Built a barracks and lock-up for the Commissioner, also built another public house. Brother Ted and mate James Hitchcock, and his son Bill also assisted with the building. Size was 52ft x 14ft and cost was 72 pounds. The Public House and detached dining room was for a Mr Wallace. This was the time when gold was first discovered here and it was a flourishing diggings at the time. It was a very wet winter - raining. nearly all the winter. About the end of winter all hands came home.
After a few weeks at home Ted and I started off back again to go digging. Took the coach and rode to Penrith. Fare from Parramatta to Penrith was 4/-, then tramped the rest of the journey. Went via the Turon River. I took very bad on the road with the 'dog's complaint' (influenza). Got down to Sofala township and put up at an hotel. Arrived there on a Sunday. Stayed at Turon for about a week. Was on the sick list and visited the Doctor there. Moved to the Married Men's Creek near Meroo (a distance of 25 miles). Spent the first day there with Bill Sonter (born 1836 in Kent), Dave Sonter (born 1833 in Kent), and Oliver Osborne. After about a week (a sickly one) here doing nothing, travelled back to the Tambaroora. Arrived there sometime after dark, put up at Wallace's Public House. On the following Monday morning we bought tools and we started digging for gold. Dug about 12 feet in the claim but it did not turn out anything worth bothering with, so we started another claim. In company with Jack Jessop (a brother of old George). This claim turned out very well - turned out from 5 to 7 ponds per week per man. Soon got better of the cold when work was on the board. When this claim cut out, we started another one in the Creek, just below the Commissioners. This one turned out better still, results were from 7 to 14 ponds per week per man. Brother Bob arrived from Sydney. Bendigo Victoria was in a flourishing state so the three brothers decided to return home and then go to Bendigo.
On our return home we found sawn timber was in great demand at a good price so we took to the sawpit again. There was some good timber about Epping. Ted and I decided to put in the winter sawing. We built a pit (just below the Church of England) and cut a freight of timber - about 2,200 feet. Took it to Sydney and sold it for 2/2/6 per hundred feet. Then we cut another tree just below Pickering's Orchard. The tree stood on the road. Got about 3,000 feet of timber out of it and sold it for pounds 2/4/- per hundred feet for it. About this time (early 1853) we bought the ground at Marsfield. The first block of 12 acres on the east side of North Road, Marsfield was bought from Tom Small from Ryde Wharf for 6 pounds 10 shillings per acre. Bob, Ted, and I were all in the buying of the land. About 6 months later we bought another 12 acres of an adjoining block for 8 pounds four shillings per acre from John Bateman.
On the 18th April 1854 Bob married Elizabeth Bellamy [born 17th Aug 1834] and built a house on the block nearest Ryde. Meanwhile the boys continued to cut timber at Epping, and cut two or three more freights and received 20 pounds per hundred feet for it.
Then Ted and I decided to build a house on one of the allotments on North Road, and bring mother and the family to live there. We cut timber for the house from the land and had put about 60 pounds into the house before running out of money and tucker. We then went and cut more timber making 1,000 wheel fellies, they chiefly came from one tree on the farm and one from McGrath's. Took them to Sydney and sold them for 9/10/- per hundred. Cleared 90 pounds in 4 weeks from. The house was finished and furnished in 1854 and the family moved in.
Notes. See photo of Frank and Ted outside the house they built for their mother and younger siblings.
About 1856 Ted and I decided to take another trip to the diggings, prompted by the gold discovery at Stoney Creek. James Hitchcock went with us and we initially took the coach from Parramatta to Penrith and then tramped to Stoney Creek and camped under a blanket. The first morning after arriving on the Wellington Road there was a snowstorm around 3rd September 1856. The next day we went into town and paid thirty shillings for a tent, and afterwards carried it for some hundreds of miles. We worked here for 2-3 months making 3 to 4 pounds per man per week. Then we decided to leave and go to a diggings called Kings Plains near Bathurst, but never got there. We went via Orange and Blayney to Bathurst, then decided to go to Isabella Creek travelling through bush track all the time. We did not work at Isabella Creek. Crossed the Abercrombie and went on to Goulburn. On the road we had salt beef for dinner, then had to climb a steep mountain - about a mile to the top - and we did not take any water. Travelled all afternoon without water. Just about evening we came across a lagoon on top of the mountain with abundance of good water. Had a good supply and took some on the road. Travelled a mile or so after that and came to a hut and wanted some tucker. Got some salt beef and flour (only items they had). Then Ted made a good fire; Jim cut off a sheet of bark from a box tree and I [Frank] mixed up the flour and made Johnnie Cakes and baked them on the coals. Cooked the salt beef in steaks, also on the coals and had quite a picnic. The next morning we continued to travel on and came to General Stewart's Station, 14 miles from Goulburn. Called here to buy some tucker. They supplied us with a loaf of bread, a lump of cooked meat and tea and sugar and gave us a hearty welcome to stay all night, and would not take any pay. After some pleasant we arrived in Goulburn at 10 o'clock in the morning and put up at an hotel. We had to wait until 9 o'clock at night for a coach to Yass. In the afternoon we had to part with our old esteemed friend, James Hitchcock, who had to return to Sydney (a sad parting).
Took the coach and travelled to Yass. Arrived there about 1 o'clock the next day - rather pleasant trip - a distance of 60 miles. Left Yass after dinner, on a coach and went to a small town named Bowning - about 12 miles. Paid 8/- each for the ride. There was a severe hailstorm there that day. Started on from Bowning the same afternoon and went to Mother Hanlam's Hotel and camped for the night. Made an early start the next morning for Gundagai. Getting towards evening we saw two wild turkeys. Had to stop at another public house that night after doing 36 miles. We were now 14 miles from Gundagai. Arrived at Gundagai next morning at 9 o'clock. There we had the opportunity of seeing the result of the flood that washed away Gundagai in 1852. Travelled on from Gundagai the same day and camped at the mouth of the Adelong Creek on the Murrumbidgee. Next morning there was a flock of about 30 or 40 ducks on the beach in front of the tent. Left here and travelled to the township of Tarcutta. The township consisted of a great big store, and an empty, or closed public house. The next day when travelling along we heard a great noise coming towards us and on looking, discovered it was a herd of bullocks coming full speed at us with their tails up in the air. There was no way of escape, so when they came within a fair distance, I took out my tommy axe and made a furious run at them and they took to their heels and fled. The same day we crossed the Billabong River but there was not a drop of water in it. Somewhere about here we came across a couple of acres of wheat, about 7 feet high, all out in head and standing straight up - a beautiful sight to look upon. . Camped that night at the coach terminus, about 25 miles from Albury. The next morning we left by coach for Albury. The road was a bush track. When we got within 7 miles of Albury, there was wheat from there right into town. Arrived in Albury about mid-day, stopped and had dinner there. It was a nice little township. After dinner we crossed the Murray on a punt. The punt was worked by the current by letting slack the stern rope and the force of the current against the punt drove it across. Crossed the flats to the township of Wodonga (Victorian side). Took the coach at Wodonga and went to Beechworth - about 25 miles.
Arrived her just as the sun set. Arrived at Beechworth sometime in the beginning of December 1856, after travelling about 500 miles - rode about 100 on coach and walked the rest. A rather flourishing township.
While here we thought we would like a drop of grog so we went into the bar, helped ourselves with the decanter and paid three shillings for the two drinks. Put up here for the night. Went into the tea table, paid 1/6d each for tea. When it came bedtime, the waiter showed us into our bedroom and demanded another 1/6d each. Got away pretty early next morning. After some distance we pitched our tent and had breakfast, then started for the Nine Mile. Passing over Madman's Gully we came to a store. Got some bread, cheese was 3/- per pound, butter was the same price. The country was very heavily timbered and abundance of good water was travelling down races. Arrived at Nine Mile that at the time. Stopped here about 2 days, then started for Pleasant Creek - distance 25 of miles. There was supposed to be 25,000 people here. When we arrived every hole seemed to be fruitful afternoon. There was a little township there - it was pretty rich diggings. Stopped there the night. Next morning pitched our tent on the Europa Gully [on the Stanley Road]. Started to work at the Nine Mile that afternoon. Got a pretty fair prospect. There was another old English man who wanted to encroach on us but I went into Beechworth and paid 30/- for a license and stopped him. Worked away for some time with fair success. We camped in a tent 8ft x 6ft and it was very cold. Coming on winter we built a room onto the tent, about the same size, and made things comfortable. Visited the butchers every day and got 6lbs of steak each time. We used to eat a 1lb each per meal. When we arrived there we wrote to mother and did not put sufficient postage on it and after visiting town three Sundays in succession seeking a reply, received the letter back. The next week we received one from mother. When we went into Beechworth we would send some money home to mother - used to send 5 pounds at a time. Coming home we fell in with two Scotsman from Wangaratta. Coming up to the diggings they became acquainted with Tom Fleming. We worked away for about 8 months, earning from 5 to 7 pounds per week.
Then the great rush took place to Mt Ararat in August 1857. Ted and I joined with Tom Fleming and went. The distance from the Ovens [River] to Mt Ararat was 300 miles. Enroute we passed through Benalla crossed the Goulburn River at Murchison, over Mt Pleasant (a beautiful view). Crossed another river [Campaspe], then through Bendigo township (diggings), then crossed the Loddon River, through Carisbrook diggings, Maryborough diggings, across the Pyrenees. When camped at Mt Pleasant Creek we were about 4 miles from what is now [1909] Stawell. Arrived at Mt Ararat. There was a township, about a mile square, all made of calico. There was supposed to be about 60,000 people here but the ground was pegged out a mile or two beyond where gold was. I went to work washing the tailing and made from 3 to 7 pounds per week. Ted and Tom were shepherding the claim - the lead took a turn at right angles. Some of the claims at The Elbow turned out 2,000 pounds per man in short time. We sank a shaft 70 feet deep and put drive in 5 feet deep, but it turned out a duffer. While here a little Scotsman taught us a good deal of arithmetic. Then we heard of rush at Camel's Station, about 18 miles from Pleasant Creek. Tom and Ted went over, and after a few days Ted returned to take me there. We both set off with our tools and cargo and went over. Started to work with very little success. We were camped about 9 miles from the Grampian Hills. One Sunday we decided to take a trip to the Grampians. On the road we saw traces of wild pigs where they had torn up fern roots. When about three-quarters of the way up the mountain we came across a good stream, of water, boiled the billy and had dinner. From here we could see a projecting point [Cathedral Rock ] up the mountain so we made for it. When we got there we could see the cliff of rocks [The Balconies or] that ran around the mountain about 200 feet high. Then travelled through a grand forest of timber for about a mile, chiefly stringy bark, ranging from 2 to 5 feet in thickness and a good length. After getting through the timber we again came onto the rocks. Then we started to make a bold attempt to get to the top. After some struggling we landed on top of the mountain and discovered that we were on top of Mt William. The mountain was first discovered or mounted by Major Mitchell. We left our names in a matchbox. On the way up the mountain we saw some wonderful scenery. Every step up seemed to reveal a great deal more country and the eye could carry so much away with it. Memories of the Mt William expedition remained vivid for the rest of Frank's life. There was supposed to be a 60 miles view all around the mountain. 7,000 feet above sea level and 5,000 feet above the surrounding country. After having a good look around and spending about an hour there we commenced to retrace our steps towards camp. Came through the bush and got there about nightfall. This was about a week before Christmas 1857. We left Camel's Station or Cathcart, on Boxing day [1857] and went to Mt Ararat diggings. Went on from here towards the lower diggings.
The next day we came to a shanty called the "Royal Oak". We wanted to buy some tucker - they only had very fat lamb chops. We got 3 pounds, boiled the billy and fried the chops. That was dinner no bread. Travelled on from here to a public house where we succeeded in buying a small loaf, some roast pork and tea and sugar. After leaving here it commenced to rain heavily. Came to a place where there were plenty of stringy barks and high grass all over the ground. Pitched the tent by tying a rope between two trees as a ridgepole. Soon made a big fire, boiled the billy and consumed all the tucker we had.
Arose early after a good nights rest and set off arriving in Daisy Hill after few miles. Went to the butchers shop and got 3 lbs. steak, 2 loaves of bread, 1 lb of butter, and had a royal feed. Went on from here to Tarrengower. Settled down here (an old diggings) and worked for a week. Didn't get much gold. When Ted and I squared up we had about 25/- left. Partly made up our minds to go to Portland Bay to the harvesting but altered our minds and decided to return to The Ovens diggings. Our mate Tom Fleming had about 15 pounds left, and he wanted us to stop and see it out but we objected to that. He lent us 2 pounds, so we left our address and agreed to correspond - then left for The Ovens.
Passed through Bendigo. Stopped outside the town one night and pitched the tent and spread the blankets out on a little quartz, about the hardest bed I ever had. Went on across the Goulburn River at Murchison. Got some tucker here and paid a paid 1/- to cross the river, a distance of a few yards. While Ted put the billy on I caught a codfish [Murray Cod] got some mutton and cooked fish and mutton and had a good meal. Travelled on that afternoon and camped by the side of a lagoon, caught nearly a bucketful of crayfish [yabbies] - boiled a billy full. Very hot weather at the time. Went through Violet Town and Benalla and on Saturday night we camped 14 miles from Wangaratta. Ted was knocked up with swollen legs, caused through much walking in long boots. On the Sunday we started for Wangaratta - knew a couple of chaps there. When we arrived they had been threshing wheat. We were made quite welcome and filled our tents with straw and had a couple of nights comfortable rest. Then we left for the Ovens. Arrived at Beechworth on that night after a tramp of 225 miles from Tarrengower. Throughout this 225 miles journey we only spent 25/-. Then started to look for a job. Went out to the Europa Gully and camped there. Travelled all around the district looking for a job - spent about a week and couldn't get a job. So the butcher said "Go to work [fossicking] and if you make anything, I'll get my money, if not I don't mind". The baker said the same. A German chap gave us a tub and a cradle and fixed them up and got a pick etc and by Saturday night we were ready to start work. We started working on Monday morning and after working a week I took the gold to the storekeeper and got seven pounds for it. Went to work then and paid all the debts. On Monday morning I went into Beechworth and sent five pounds to mother. We continued to work in this claim for a few weeks. When it was worked out we started another which turned out fair. In mid summer and we were surprised to see a frost one morning. It was here that I spent my 25th birthday, 25th February 1858.
We left on 11th March to come home, after scraping up sixteen pounds. We started to tramp to Melbourne. Within 40 miles of Melbourne we took the coach. When we arrived in Melbourne we took up lodging at Victoria Dining Rooms, Queen St, Melbourne. Then after spending a day looking around Melbourne, we took the boat for Sydney, steerage (find your own bed and blankets) 3/5/-. It was not long before Ted and I were both sea sick and I nearly choked bringing up some meat that had not been too well masticated. After a fairly good passage we arrived in Sydney about 20th March 1858 with 5 pounds in our purse. Very glad to be home once more. When we came home we settled down and did not return to the diggings. We were not richer but had obtained practical experience.
Notes. Gallan J, and Gallan E were passengers on "London" which left Melbourne 22nd March 1858
About the first job after returning was to go to Castle Hill and sink a well for brother Bob. Then dug a well for Jimmy Harrison. Then went to work building, splitting, sawing, and various kinds of jobs at which we could clear 8 or 10/- per day. About 1860another rush took place on the Snowy River. James Hitchcock urged us to accompany him, but we refused - thought we had had enough.
While we were away Susan had married George Roberts [born 21st Sep 1833 in Camdentown, Middlesex] on 18th May 1857. About a year after we returned Edward 24 years old married 21 years old Miss Sarah Smith on 16th July 1859/2868 in St Anne's' C of E in Ryde. Sarah was born in the colony on 10th Nov 1838/742-22. About 1860 Harry went to work in the bush with us and did not start too willing. Before Ted was married we went to work and built him a house to live in.
I used to attend Methodist services pretty regularly, sometimes at Ryde, sometimes at Dundas, and occasionally at Castle Hill. Just about this time John Small started prayer meetings in his home, every Thursday night. I used to attend them.
After various changes in the line of work, and some ups and downs, Frank began to court Susan (rather timidly at first but things soon began to go right), and on 14th January 1863, the couple were united and came to live at "Woodbins". Married at "Williamsdale" by the Rev Mr Rigg. Things went along pretty well and George was born on 29th October 1863. He began to walk at 9 ½ months old and when he was 18 months he could wheel his little wheel barrow (made by his father) full of wood. Everything went along alright - plenty of work at carpentry, fencing, etc, etc. Went away to work and on arriving home on 31st August 1865 there was daughter Eva. At this time I began building a hay shed for Dr Brettin. I also planted a quarter of an acre of vines at the farm. William was the next arrival 24th September 1867. I began planting orange trees at the farm, some seedlings some layers. Soon after I planted some more seedlings, some from seedling trees 50 years old. In October 1869, scarlet fever took the three children and on 1st November 1869, Willie died from it. Alfred was born on 21st January 1870. Sometime in 1870 I remember driving Susan, George, and Aunt Ginnie to Parramatta to hear California Taylor preach. Plenty of hard work at various occupations and on 16th March 1873 Annie was born. Next came Effie on 7th March 1875. I remember taking her to be christened. Mr W Nielsen was present with his first child. Cecil was born on 7th March 1877 but died with croup on 24th February 1878.
Sometime before this, when brother Ted went to Pennant Hills to work, I took charge of his place and worked both places for the five years he was away.
Notes. This may have been associated with Edward's absence to spend time developing the Granny Smith his near neighbour from whom he obtained the rootstock for this new variety.
Mother wanted us all to sell out and go over to Salt Lake and join the Mormons, but we did not care to go.
Notes.
Some of the family did go. Susan & George left Australia for Utah on 27th June 1882. They landed at San Pedro and travelled from there by team for Minersville Utah. Frances Ann, Rosina Gallard [born 12th July 1846] who married Henry Byron [born 22nd Feb 1845] in Sydney on 22nd February 1864, and Frances Gallard [born 15th Dec 1849 in Castle Hill] and her fiance Alexander Carr [born 16th May 1851 in Sevenoakes Kent] probably joined them. The latter couple was married in Salt Lake City on 24th Nov 1873.
Gallard Street, Denistone East is probably named after Frank Gallard.
Edward settled down as a fruit grower and with the help of his brothers built the house in North Rd, called "May Cottage" close to the Five ways and not too far from George Lovell who lived further down North Rd, closer to Ryde. Around 1869 Edward had begun to plant large numbers of the apple trees developed by Maria Ann Smith (nee Sherwood) on her orchard nearby. In 1880 he purchased lot 12 (about 12 acres, or 4.85 ha) of what was known as Granny Smith's farm from her son Thomas Smith
Ancestors of Edward and Sarah.
Matthew Gallard [b 12th June 1808, d 29th Oct 1850] married Frances Ann Smith on 26th June 1830 at St Martins in the Fields in London. He was the son of Matthew Gallard [born Southborough 7th Jan 1780, d 1854], and Susannah Habens [born Kent 1784, d 1862]. They had married in 1807. This Matthew was the son of Alexander Gallard [born 21st September 1746 in Bidborough] and Elizabeth Cole (born Edenbridge 11th March 1754).
Susannah Habens 'father was John Habens (or Stileman) born 1754.
The parents of Francis Ann Smith were Joseph Sr Smith born 1775 in Birmingham who was a gun barrel maker, died about 1813, and Sophia Bassett born 1779 also in Birmingham. Sophia remarried a Mr Stedman.
Sarah Smith was the second daughter of James Smith (b 4th Mar 1816, d 14th Nov), see photo, a large landowner and orchardist in Pennant Hills built his stone house at Thompson's Corner. James and his wife Susannah Bellamy (b 7th June 1821, d 7th Oct 1890) married in St John's Parramatta in 1837.
Notes & Sources:-
Sabina Grace "Bina" (pronounced Buy-na b 4th Aug 1901, d 22nd June 2002) reached the century in her nursing home at Beecroft. She had lived in the family home at 21 Hunts Ave, Eastwood all of her life and did not give up gardening until she was 96. Bina and her sister Grace met Maud Smith (nee Lovell) at the Pioneers Day at Castle Hill Showground in 1988 and rang her on her birthday (18th Sep) thereafter. Walter E Gallard (b 1913) was also there. Bina was a keen family historian and preserved many family photos.
Vince Carr Senior was born 18th Sept 1803 in Maresfield Sussex [DC 8725/29th Sep 1889]. He married Sarah Sweetnam on 12th Oct 1826 in Cowden Kent. His son Vince was born in April 1826 in and died in Granville on 23rd Feb 1898/1630.
Mrs Thompson was probably Mrs Hannah Thompson (nee Russell), wife of Thomas Thompson who had 6 daughters and one son Henry Thompson born 20th Oct 1833, died 20th Jan 1896/4034. See Rootsweb database 't_hinchcliffe' on Sonter family
LDS Church Records. http://www.familysearch.org
NSW Attorney General's Dept. On-line historical lists.
http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au State Library of Victoria. Genealogy Section. Sands Directory LH919.441 SLV GM117
Rootsweb database 'yphucthison' Yvonne Hutchison:- Lovell/Gallard/Bellamy FT/Bolton-Hutchison connections. Also database 'js070406':- (Jeffrey Smith - Jeffrey's ancestors and related families), and 'jenniemath' Jennie's Tree - Jennie Matheson. State Records Authority of NSW.
http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/indexes/searchform
"A Desperate Set of Villains" , Barbara Hall 2000-2003. ISBN 0616 39361 8. Gives a brief account of all people on the ship "Marquis Cornwallis". Ann Fay - convict, Bellamy FT.
Manning Clark's History of Australia, Abridged by Michael Cathcart, ISBN 0 522 84523 1. Melbourne University Press 1993.
Photocopy documents on hand.
Memoirs of Frank Gallard. Written by Archie Small, produced by Lottie Gallard - (1909), and preserved by Bina Gallard - 1st Sept 1975. Obtained from Margaret Shields (nee Keech)