A copy of the book History of Thomas and Harriet Fenwick To Australia and Their Families can be downloaded here. This book is the basis for the following text. The 61 page book has information with historical family photographs relating to the Fenwick and Rankin family descendants who lived in the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales and the Fenwick Brothers who were prominent in the first Cooroy settlement and the establishment of the town of Cooroy.
My great grandparents were Elizabeth Fenwick and Alexander Allan McLean. Elizabeth Fenwick was a third generation Australian born descendant of the Assisted Bounty Immigrants Thomas Fenwick and Harriet Down who arrived in Sydney Australia in June of 1844.
The information recorded here has been sourced from the NSW Government Shipping Records, newspaper records, information provided by Fenwick family members and of note Cyril Fenwick. Family tree information has also been sourced but only used when verification of information has been able to be sourced. The Shellharbour City Museum and online records have also been of invaluable assistance in documenting the early life of Thomas and Harriet Fenwick in the early days of the establishment of Shellharbour as a district.
Included in this document is information relating to Helen Rankin my ancestor who married Robert Thomas Fenwick the first generation Australian born Fenwick. As you will see in the descendant chart provided, she was the mother of my Elizabeth Fenwick. Four Generations of Descendants of Thomas and Harriet Fenwick after Migration
Thomas Fenwick - Harriet Down Australian Born Generation One Fenwick Robert Thomas Fenwick Charlotte Ann Fenwick Thomas Fenwick William Australian Born Generation Two Fenwick Robert Thomas married Helen Rankin Australian Born Generation Three Fenwick George Thomas Fenwick William Davis (Bill) Fenwick Ethel Maude Fenwick Francis Edith Fenwick Frederick Robert Fenwick Elizabeth Fenwick Charles Fenwick Elizabeth Fenwick married Alexander Allan McLean Fourth Generation of the Australian Fenwick McLean Union1. Helen Jean McLean2. Harriet Doris McLean3. Ethel Grace McLean4. Ella Irene McLean
The information recorded here has been sourced from the NSW Government Shipping Records, newspaper records, information provided by Fenwick family members and of note Cyril Fenwick. Family tree information has also been sourced but only used when verification of information has been able to be sourced. The Shellharbour City Museum and online records have also been of invaluable assistance in documenting the early life of Thomas and Harriet Fenwick in the early days of the establishment of Shellharbour as a district.
Included in this document is information relating to Helen Rankin my ancestor who married Robert Thomas Fenwick the first generation Australian born Fenwick. As you will see in the descendant chart provided, she was the mother of my Elizabeth Fenwick. Four Generations of Descendants of Thomas and Harriet Fenwick after Migration
Thomas Fenwick - Harriet Down Australian Born Generation One Fenwick Robert Thomas Fenwick Charlotte Ann Fenwick Thomas Fenwick William Australian Born Generation Two Fenwick Robert Thomas married Helen Rankin Australian Born Generation Three Fenwick George Thomas Fenwick William Davis (Bill) Fenwick Ethel Maude Fenwick Francis Edith Fenwick Frederick Robert Fenwick Elizabeth Fenwick Charles Fenwick Elizabeth Fenwick married Alexander Allan McLean Fourth Generation of the Australian Fenwick McLean Union1. Helen Jean McLean2. Harriet Doris McLean3. Ethel Grace McLean4. Ella Irene McLean
The Name Fenwick
The Fenwick name or Fennick as it is pronounced is native to the area between the far north of England (Northumbia and Carlisle) and the border of Scotland that was once inhabited by family groups who were known as the Border Reivers. The Border Reivers were raiders along the Anglo–Scottish border from the late 13th century to the beginning of the 17th century. During this time, England and Scotland were frequently at war and the area was lawless, godless and often decimated by opposing armies. A tough area breeds tough people. The families who lived there – on both sides of the border – grouped together in clans for protection and survival. Loyalty to a feeble or distant monarch or reliance on the effectiveness of the law, were not good survival strategies for the people of the borders. Instead, they sought security through their own strength and cunning and set out in large mobs to raid other families. ‘Reiving’ - raiding for cattle and sheep (and whatever else which could be transported) was the only way to survive and it became an established way of life, a profession, which was regarded with no discredit amongst the Borderers. The Reivers moved only at night, taking advantage of their intimate knowledge of the remote and rugged terrain, to spirit away their ill-gotten plunder.As George MacDonald Fraser says in the book The Steel Bonnets, ‘they lived by despoiling each other’… ‘It was a time when the great border tribes, both English and Scottish, feuded continuously amongst themselves, when robbery and blackmail, were everyday professions, when raiding, arson, kidnapping, murder and extortion were an important part of the social system.’ Their heyday was perhaps in the last hundred years of their existence, during the time of the Stuart Kings in Scotland and the Tudor Dynasty in England. The attitudes of the English and Scottish governments towards the border clans alternated between indulgence and encouragement. Secure in their rule in the majority of the two countries, the authorities in England and Scotland were happy to let the Reivers battle it out for supremacy in the narrow hill country between the two nations. These fierce families served as the first line of defence against invasion and it suited authorities to have gangs of outlaws harassing the enemy on the border. However, the royalty of both countries would only travel through the region with a large and heavily armed escort. Even they were afraid of the Reivers.As soldiers, the Border Reivers were considered among the finest light cavalry in all of Europe; they were outstanding horsemen. Living on the frontier between two warring nations sharpened their soldiering skills. Many worked as mercenaries abroad. Of course, the notion of Scottish Clans is now legendary around the world – mostly thanks to Sir Walter Scott and his ballads. What is not so well known, perhaps, is that on the English side of the border there were also large, unruly English clans like the Charltons, the Armstrongs, the Milburns, the Robsons, the Fenwicks and the Dodds.Tribal loyalty was paramount but also complex. Intermarriage across the border and feuds with other clans of the same nationality complicated matters. The make- up of the family groups was fluid, allegiances shifted and sometimes raiding parties were made up of Scottish and English from the same family. One harassed Border official wrote: "They are people that will be Scottish when they will and English at their pleasure."
In order to control the people of the English Scottish Border during the times of the Border Reivers, the area was divided into six administrative districts, three on each side of the Border Line.These areas were known as Marches. On each side of the Border there was a West, Middle and East March. Each March was served by a government appointed March Warden.There-were-six-Border-Marches-three-on-each-side-of-the-Scottish-English-Border. The Fenwick name is associated with the English Middle March.
The Fenwick name or Fennick as it is pronounced is native to the area between the far north of England (Northumbia and Carlisle) and the border of Scotland that was once inhabited by family groups who were known as the Border Reivers. The Border Reivers were raiders along the Anglo–Scottish border from the late 13th century to the beginning of the 17th century. During this time, England and Scotland were frequently at war and the area was lawless, godless and often decimated by opposing armies. A tough area breeds tough people. The families who lived there – on both sides of the border – grouped together in clans for protection and survival. Loyalty to a feeble or distant monarch or reliance on the effectiveness of the law, were not good survival strategies for the people of the borders. Instead, they sought security through their own strength and cunning and set out in large mobs to raid other families. ‘Reiving’ - raiding for cattle and sheep (and whatever else which could be transported) was the only way to survive and it became an established way of life, a profession, which was regarded with no discredit amongst the Borderers. The Reivers moved only at night, taking advantage of their intimate knowledge of the remote and rugged terrain, to spirit away their ill-gotten plunder.As George MacDonald Fraser says in the book The Steel Bonnets, ‘they lived by despoiling each other’… ‘It was a time when the great border tribes, both English and Scottish, feuded continuously amongst themselves, when robbery and blackmail, were everyday professions, when raiding, arson, kidnapping, murder and extortion were an important part of the social system.’ Their heyday was perhaps in the last hundred years of their existence, during the time of the Stuart Kings in Scotland and the Tudor Dynasty in England. The attitudes of the English and Scottish governments towards the border clans alternated between indulgence and encouragement. Secure in their rule in the majority of the two countries, the authorities in England and Scotland were happy to let the Reivers battle it out for supremacy in the narrow hill country between the two nations. These fierce families served as the first line of defence against invasion and it suited authorities to have gangs of outlaws harassing the enemy on the border. However, the royalty of both countries would only travel through the region with a large and heavily armed escort. Even they were afraid of the Reivers.As soldiers, the Border Reivers were considered among the finest light cavalry in all of Europe; they were outstanding horsemen. Living on the frontier between two warring nations sharpened their soldiering skills. Many worked as mercenaries abroad. Of course, the notion of Scottish Clans is now legendary around the world – mostly thanks to Sir Walter Scott and his ballads. What is not so well known, perhaps, is that on the English side of the border there were also large, unruly English clans like the Charltons, the Armstrongs, the Milburns, the Robsons, the Fenwicks and the Dodds.Tribal loyalty was paramount but also complex. Intermarriage across the border and feuds with other clans of the same nationality complicated matters. The make- up of the family groups was fluid, allegiances shifted and sometimes raiding parties were made up of Scottish and English from the same family. One harassed Border official wrote: "They are people that will be Scottish when they will and English at their pleasure."
In order to control the people of the English Scottish Border during the times of the Border Reivers, the area was divided into six administrative districts, three on each side of the Border Line.These areas were known as Marches. On each side of the Border there was a West, Middle and East March. Each March was served by a government appointed March Warden.There-were-six-Border-Marches-three-on-each-side-of-the-Scottish-English-Border. The Fenwick name is associated with the English Middle March.
The English Middle March
The English Middle March consisted primarily of Redesdale and Tynedale. The principal towns were Bellingham, Hexham, Haydon Bridge and Corbridge in Tynedale whilst Alnwick with its massive castle, Harbottle again with a castle strategically placed to defend against the Scots and Otterburn were prominent in Redesdale.The main names of the Border Reivers in Tynedale were Charlton, Milburn, Fenwick, Hunter, Robson, Ridley, Heron and Ogle; in Redesdale prominent were Hall, Reed, Hedley and Potts.
The Historic District of Tynedale is located in the County of Northumberland in The Northern Counties of England, it covers an administrative area of 2,219Km² and in 2014 was home to a population of 59,800 persons, that represents 0.11% of that of England and 0.10% of the population of the entire United Kingdom.
The English Middle March consisted primarily of Redesdale and Tynedale. The principal towns were Bellingham, Hexham, Haydon Bridge and Corbridge in Tynedale whilst Alnwick with its massive castle, Harbottle again with a castle strategically placed to defend against the Scots and Otterburn were prominent in Redesdale.The main names of the Border Reivers in Tynedale were Charlton, Milburn, Fenwick, Hunter, Robson, Ridley, Heron and Ogle; in Redesdale prominent were Hall, Reed, Hedley and Potts.
The Historic District of Tynedale is located in the County of Northumberland in The Northern Counties of England, it covers an administrative area of 2,219Km² and in 2014 was home to a population of 59,800 persons, that represents 0.11% of that of England and 0.10% of the population of the entire United Kingdom.
Thomas and Harriet Fenwick's Migration to Australia
Assisted Immigration Schemes
The following is taken from a thesis by Robert J Schultz submitted on the 21s December 1971 titled THE ASSISTED IMMIGRANTS, 1837-1850 A Study of Some Aspects of the Characteristics and Origins of the Immigrants Assisted to New South Wales and the Port Phillip District, 1837-1850.
The Importance of Assisted Immigration Immigration has been one of the most important themes of Australian history. In recent years, immigrants have helped to change Australian life and society. For example, immigrants have helped to construct the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the Ord River Scheme and provided much of the labour that enabled the development of.vast mining projects. In the cities and country towns of Australia, immigrants have opened new specialty cafes, restaurants and shops. They have contributed their labour and money to help build and finance the unprecedented boom in construction and housing. ………For example, in New South Wales the assisted immigrants accounted for approximately 31 per cent of the population in 1850 while in the newly independent colony of Victoria (the former Post Phillip District of New South Wales) the assisted migrants comprised approximately 35 per cent of the population. The assisted migrants not only bulked large statistically in the two colonies, but also they contributed positively to the society. First, in 1836, there were over two and one-half males to every female in New South Wales. By 1851, the ratio had declined to one and three-tenths males per female. Second, in 1841, the year after transportation of convicts to New South Wales was stopped, approximately one-third of the population were convicts, emancipists or expirees. By 1851, only one sixth of the population were convicts or former convicts. Both the lowering of the ratio between males and females and the reduction of the convict-tainted proportion of the population resulted in large measure from the arrival of more than 85,000 assisted immigrants…….
The Bounty Scheme information from the same thesis as above.
However, the bounty system operated by the Colonial Government through private shipowners produced only marginally better results over the whole period, but between 1837-40, when both systems were operating, the bounty immigrants seem to have been superior to the government migrants in age , number of children and cost. The bounty system was introduced in New South Wales by Governor Darling in 1831. It enabled settlers who brought out migrants to claim a bounty in redemption of their quit-rents. Revised regulations in 1835 required settlers to inform the Colonial Secretary in Sydney of the number, condition and calling of the persons they proposed to bring out, and instituted new rates of bounty, ranging from £30 for a man and 13 wife if both were under thirty, to £5 for each of their children. The colonists preferred this system because it gave them more control in selecting migrants and because costs were not only lower but also not paid to the importing agent until the migrants arrived and were passed by the Colonial Immigration Board. The system was also preferred because it allowed colonists some control over the spending of land revenues used to finance assisted immigration and furthered their demands for the control of all colonial revenues. Thomas Fenwick is listed in the 1841 English Census as a blacksmith and farm servant. He and wife Harriet were both recorded as twenty years of age. If this is correct it would make their date of birth around 1821. Information that has been found to have recorded the birth place of Thomas and Harriet varies from Preston and Kirkdale near Liverpool in Lancashire but his immigration record states that he is native place is Hull in Yorkshire or Kingston Upon Hull. As stated the census records their age in 1841 as both being twenty years but Thomas states his age as 22 but the immigration document also states that his certificate states 21. Thomas lists his parents as John and Anne Fenwick. Other information recorded on the immigration record is also of interest. The physician or surgeon stating the medical condition is from Halesworth and the person or persons providing the reference of good character are from Westhall. These two places are close together on the east coast region of England in the county of Suffolk. This is south of Yorkshire and indicated that Thomas and Harriet were moving where work was available. Halesworth is historically a small market town only known for its brewery and Westhall only three miles away has a grade one listed Norman church. As to what Thomas and Harriet were employed in doing is unknown.
Assisted Immigration Schemes
The following is taken from a thesis by Robert J Schultz submitted on the 21s December 1971 titled THE ASSISTED IMMIGRANTS, 1837-1850 A Study of Some Aspects of the Characteristics and Origins of the Immigrants Assisted to New South Wales and the Port Phillip District, 1837-1850.
The Importance of Assisted Immigration Immigration has been one of the most important themes of Australian history. In recent years, immigrants have helped to change Australian life and society. For example, immigrants have helped to construct the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the Ord River Scheme and provided much of the labour that enabled the development of.vast mining projects. In the cities and country towns of Australia, immigrants have opened new specialty cafes, restaurants and shops. They have contributed their labour and money to help build and finance the unprecedented boom in construction and housing. ………For example, in New South Wales the assisted immigrants accounted for approximately 31 per cent of the population in 1850 while in the newly independent colony of Victoria (the former Post Phillip District of New South Wales) the assisted migrants comprised approximately 35 per cent of the population. The assisted migrants not only bulked large statistically in the two colonies, but also they contributed positively to the society. First, in 1836, there were over two and one-half males to every female in New South Wales. By 1851, the ratio had declined to one and three-tenths males per female. Second, in 1841, the year after transportation of convicts to New South Wales was stopped, approximately one-third of the population were convicts, emancipists or expirees. By 1851, only one sixth of the population were convicts or former convicts. Both the lowering of the ratio between males and females and the reduction of the convict-tainted proportion of the population resulted in large measure from the arrival of more than 85,000 assisted immigrants…….
The Bounty Scheme information from the same thesis as above.
However, the bounty system operated by the Colonial Government through private shipowners produced only marginally better results over the whole period, but between 1837-40, when both systems were operating, the bounty immigrants seem to have been superior to the government migrants in age , number of children and cost. The bounty system was introduced in New South Wales by Governor Darling in 1831. It enabled settlers who brought out migrants to claim a bounty in redemption of their quit-rents. Revised regulations in 1835 required settlers to inform the Colonial Secretary in Sydney of the number, condition and calling of the persons they proposed to bring out, and instituted new rates of bounty, ranging from £30 for a man and 13 wife if both were under thirty, to £5 for each of their children. The colonists preferred this system because it gave them more control in selecting migrants and because costs were not only lower but also not paid to the importing agent until the migrants arrived and were passed by the Colonial Immigration Board. The system was also preferred because it allowed colonists some control over the spending of land revenues used to finance assisted immigration and furthered their demands for the control of all colonial revenues. Thomas Fenwick is listed in the 1841 English Census as a blacksmith and farm servant. He and wife Harriet were both recorded as twenty years of age. If this is correct it would make their date of birth around 1821. Information that has been found to have recorded the birth place of Thomas and Harriet varies from Preston and Kirkdale near Liverpool in Lancashire but his immigration record states that he is native place is Hull in Yorkshire or Kingston Upon Hull. As stated the census records their age in 1841 as both being twenty years but Thomas states his age as 22 but the immigration document also states that his certificate states 21. Thomas lists his parents as John and Anne Fenwick. Other information recorded on the immigration record is also of interest. The physician or surgeon stating the medical condition is from Halesworth and the person or persons providing the reference of good character are from Westhall. These two places are close together on the east coast region of England in the county of Suffolk. This is south of Yorkshire and indicated that Thomas and Harriet were moving where work was available. Halesworth is historically a small market town only known for its brewery and Westhall only three miles away has a grade one listed Norman church. As to what Thomas and Harriet were employed in doing is unknown.
Our Thomas and Harriet Fenwick (Down) were on the 1841 English Census
THOMAS FENWICK and HARRIET FENWICK in Australia
By 1853 the end of the Addison contractual arrangements should have occurred. Refer to the downloadable book available for further information on Thomas and his initial contractual arrangements with Captain Stephen Addison and the Peterborough Estate.
From the obituary of Harriet Fenwick, it can be assumed that Thomas and Harriet moved to Wollongong not long after the Addison contract finished. There are newspaper reports of Thomas Fenwick with business interests in Wollongong from 1856 but he returns to Shellharbour by November of 1858. It is assumed that this is when Thomas Fenwick moved onto the land that was part of the Peterborough Estate. Captain Addison died in 1854 and by 1900 all of the Peterborough Estate had been sold off.
One of the social issues that challenged the next generation of immigrant descendants was the ability to purchase your own land as it was not until the turn of the twentieth century that the large land grant/leases from the “squatter” days had been removed. For a future in dairying the next generation moved to the Clarence and Richmond River areas. Hence our second generation of Fenwick descendants starting families in the rich dairy country around Casino and Lismore.
When Thomas moved to Wollongong, he joined the newly formed Illawarra Political Association, as well as establishing his blacksmith and forge shop. A Mr. Pollard was the person he had business interests with. Mr. Pollard had his household furniture and possessions up for auction in the October of 1858 which also coincides with when Thomas Fenwick returned to Shellharbour. Thomas appears to have had at least two years in Wollongong with various business interests always with a Mr. Pollard. Remember that when Thomas migrated, the shipping list has his occupation as blacksmith and the 1841 English Census has him as a blacksmith.
By 1853 the end of the Addison contractual arrangements should have occurred. Refer to the downloadable book available for further information on Thomas and his initial contractual arrangements with Captain Stephen Addison and the Peterborough Estate.
From the obituary of Harriet Fenwick, it can be assumed that Thomas and Harriet moved to Wollongong not long after the Addison contract finished. There are newspaper reports of Thomas Fenwick with business interests in Wollongong from 1856 but he returns to Shellharbour by November of 1858. It is assumed that this is when Thomas Fenwick moved onto the land that was part of the Peterborough Estate. Captain Addison died in 1854 and by 1900 all of the Peterborough Estate had been sold off.
One of the social issues that challenged the next generation of immigrant descendants was the ability to purchase your own land as it was not until the turn of the twentieth century that the large land grant/leases from the “squatter” days had been removed. For a future in dairying the next generation moved to the Clarence and Richmond River areas. Hence our second generation of Fenwick descendants starting families in the rich dairy country around Casino and Lismore.
When Thomas moved to Wollongong, he joined the newly formed Illawarra Political Association, as well as establishing his blacksmith and forge shop. A Mr. Pollard was the person he had business interests with. Mr. Pollard had his household furniture and possessions up for auction in the October of 1858 which also coincides with when Thomas Fenwick returned to Shellharbour. Thomas appears to have had at least two years in Wollongong with various business interests always with a Mr. Pollard. Remember that when Thomas migrated, the shipping list has his occupation as blacksmith and the 1841 English Census has him as a blacksmith.
The Basset Darley Estate is where Thomas and Harriet Fenwick leased land and resided on when he returned to Shellharbour. In one of the final sales of the estate into private or selector purchase the Fenwick farm buildings are shown on the map of the land for sale.
THOMAS FENWICK, THE ALDERMAN AND MAYOR
Thomas Fenwick was elected an alderman of Shellharbour Council in 1863 after being defeated in 1862. He served until 1885 becoming Mayor in 1872, 1878 and in 1882 he stood for mayor but was defeated in the ballot by John Fraser. Thomas remained an Alderman. In 1884 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and served as a magistrate.In December of 1894 he requested to be removed from the list of magistrates as he was over 60 years of age. (Kiama Independent December 8)
Thomas Fenwick was elected an alderman of Shellharbour Council in 1863 after being defeated in 1862. He served until 1885 becoming Mayor in 1872, 1878 and in 1882 he stood for mayor but was defeated in the ballot by John Fraser. Thomas remained an Alderman. In 1884 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and served as a magistrate.In December of 1894 he requested to be removed from the list of magistrates as he was over 60 years of age. (Kiama Independent December 8)
OBITUARY HARRIET FENWICK
The Illawarra Mercury, Tuesday 23 October, 1894. -- page 2THE LATE MRS. THOMAS FENWICKThere passed away from this life, at Shellharbor, on Monday, the 8th instant, one who had been a worthy resident of Illawarra for upwards of fifty years. We allude to Mrs. Harriet Fenwick, wife of Mr. Thomas Fenwick, J.P., of Stoney Range Farm. As a wife, a mother, a neighbour, a member of the community in which she resided, the deceased was trustful and true, bearing to the grave, as she did in the full sense of the term, The white rose of blameless life.
To her husband who now deplores her death, though not as those without hope in regard to even a happier reunion in a better world, she was, as it were, a second part of himself, having travelled through life together as they did, for more that 52 years with unruffled happiness in their conjugal relationship. And to her family of three sons and one daughter she was, in a sentence, all that a loving and devoted mother could be. She reached a good age, having passed her 76th year by a few months when summoned hence. Until about twelve years ago she enjoyed robust health, but since then weakness of the heart troubled her to a noticeable extent. Six weeks prior to her death she became ill with the then prevailing influenza, and suffered rather severely, but gradually recovered. An attack of bronchitis supervened, however, and prostrated her very much in her already weak state. She became better of that also in due course but, unexpectedly even to her medical attendant her heart suddenly gave way, and all was over in less time that it takes to state the sad fact. So sudden and unlooked for was the closing scene – on a Monday forenoon – that her husband only was beside her when the “vital spark” took its flight to Him who gave it. The funeral took place on the following day, the remains being interred in the Church of England burial-ground, Albion Park. A large number paid their respects to the memory of the deceased by following all that was mortal to her to the last resting place, where Rev. J. Stock, of Dapto, conducted the funeral service.
The Illawarra Mercury, Tuesday 23 October, 1894. -- page 2THE LATE MRS. THOMAS FENWICKThere passed away from this life, at Shellharbor, on Monday, the 8th instant, one who had been a worthy resident of Illawarra for upwards of fifty years. We allude to Mrs. Harriet Fenwick, wife of Mr. Thomas Fenwick, J.P., of Stoney Range Farm. As a wife, a mother, a neighbour, a member of the community in which she resided, the deceased was trustful and true, bearing to the grave, as she did in the full sense of the term, The white rose of blameless life.
To her husband who now deplores her death, though not as those without hope in regard to even a happier reunion in a better world, she was, as it were, a second part of himself, having travelled through life together as they did, for more that 52 years with unruffled happiness in their conjugal relationship. And to her family of three sons and one daughter she was, in a sentence, all that a loving and devoted mother could be. She reached a good age, having passed her 76th year by a few months when summoned hence. Until about twelve years ago she enjoyed robust health, but since then weakness of the heart troubled her to a noticeable extent. Six weeks prior to her death she became ill with the then prevailing influenza, and suffered rather severely, but gradually recovered. An attack of bronchitis supervened, however, and prostrated her very much in her already weak state. She became better of that also in due course but, unexpectedly even to her medical attendant her heart suddenly gave way, and all was over in less time that it takes to state the sad fact. So sudden and unlooked for was the closing scene – on a Monday forenoon – that her husband only was beside her when the “vital spark” took its flight to Him who gave it. The funeral took place on the following day, the remains being interred in the Church of England burial-ground, Albion Park. A large number paid their respects to the memory of the deceased by following all that was mortal to her to the last resting place, where Rev. J. Stock, of Dapto, conducted the funeral service.
DEATH OF THOMAS FENWICK
The Illawarra Mercury, Tuesday, 12 May, 1896. -- page 2
Mr. T. Fenwick, J.P., of Stoney Range, Shellharbor, a very old and highly respected resident, died on Friday and was buried on Saturday afternoon at Albion Park, the funeral being largely attended.
A SUMMARY OF THE LIFE OF THOMAS AND HARRIET FENWICK IN THE ILLAWARRA
The following was in The Illawarra Mercury, Tuesday 23 October, 1894 page 2. It is a very good summary of their journey and life in the Shellharbour District.
Mr. Thomas Fenwick and his wife, Harriet, both of whom were then strong and vigorous, arrived at Sydney in 1844. They left Detport, London, on the 1st March of that year in the immigrant ship, Royal Saxon, reaching Port Jackson on the 20th of June following. Immediately after arrival at Sydney, Mr. Fenwick and his wife went to Shellharbuor under engagement to the late Captain Addison and for nine years he had the management of that gentleman’s estate (now Mr. T.A. Reddall’s) In the course of his managerial position at “Lake House”, as the homestead was then termed, Mr. Fenwick transacted all the business of the estate, including buying and selling. When the estate passed away from Captain Addison, Mr. Fenwick removed to Wollongong, where he remained but a few years, however, after which he returned to his first love locality – Shellharbour. And there he has been a constant and useful resident ever since. His present farm constitutes part of what is known as the Bassett-Darley Estate, and on that he has resided about twenty-five years. As already remarked, Mr. Fenwick has played a useful part in the neighbourhood in which he has been so long located. He was twenty-two years a member of the Shellharbour Borough Council, and was twice mayor thereof. He also has taken an active and forcible part in connection with all public movements in the place, including the Shellharbour breakwater and jetty works and the local steam navigation company, which was started and carried on for years by sailing vessels. Several years ago he was appointed a magistrate of the territory. He is now in his 72nd year, and in the course of his career as an intelligent, active and observant colonist, he has witnessed many great changes that have taken place in Illawarra and other parts of the country within the last half century.
The Illawarra Mercury, Tuesday, 12 May, 1896. -- page 2
Mr. T. Fenwick, J.P., of Stoney Range, Shellharbor, a very old and highly respected resident, died on Friday and was buried on Saturday afternoon at Albion Park, the funeral being largely attended.
A SUMMARY OF THE LIFE OF THOMAS AND HARRIET FENWICK IN THE ILLAWARRA
The following was in The Illawarra Mercury, Tuesday 23 October, 1894 page 2. It is a very good summary of their journey and life in the Shellharbour District.
Mr. Thomas Fenwick and his wife, Harriet, both of whom were then strong and vigorous, arrived at Sydney in 1844. They left Detport, London, on the 1st March of that year in the immigrant ship, Royal Saxon, reaching Port Jackson on the 20th of June following. Immediately after arrival at Sydney, Mr. Fenwick and his wife went to Shellharbuor under engagement to the late Captain Addison and for nine years he had the management of that gentleman’s estate (now Mr. T.A. Reddall’s) In the course of his managerial position at “Lake House”, as the homestead was then termed, Mr. Fenwick transacted all the business of the estate, including buying and selling. When the estate passed away from Captain Addison, Mr. Fenwick removed to Wollongong, where he remained but a few years, however, after which he returned to his first love locality – Shellharbour. And there he has been a constant and useful resident ever since. His present farm constitutes part of what is known as the Bassett-Darley Estate, and on that he has resided about twenty-five years. As already remarked, Mr. Fenwick has played a useful part in the neighbourhood in which he has been so long located. He was twenty-two years a member of the Shellharbour Borough Council, and was twice mayor thereof. He also has taken an active and forcible part in connection with all public movements in the place, including the Shellharbour breakwater and jetty works and the local steam navigation company, which was started and carried on for years by sailing vessels. Several years ago he was appointed a magistrate of the territory. He is now in his 72nd year, and in the course of his career as an intelligent, active and observant colonist, he has witnessed many great changes that have taken place in Illawarra and other parts of the country within the last half century.