John M. Hewson
John Moulsan Hewson was born during 1802 in Wooton, Lincolnshire. He was baptised on the 2nd of July 1802. John was the son of William Hewson (born 1782) and Charlotte Moulsan (born 1784)
In 1829, John was aged 27 years, un-married and was Indentured to John Wall Hardey of Barton-on-Humber, as a Carpenter and Labourer.
John sailed from Hull, on board the brig Tranby along with the Hardey brothers, departing on Wednesday, 9th September 1829, bound for the new Swan River Colony.
In 1829, John was aged 27 years, un-married and was Indentured to John Wall Hardey of Barton-on-Humber, as a Carpenter and Labourer.
John sailed from Hull, on board the brig Tranby along with the Hardey brothers, departing on Wednesday, 9th September 1829, bound for the new Swan River Colony.
After Arrival in Fremantle
The Tranby rounded Rottnest Island, entered Gage's Road and anchored in Cockburn Sound on Wednesday, the 3rd February 1830.
John came ashore with the Tranby folk, along with all the Goods, Provision, Chattels and Livestock over the next couple of weeks. John then moved up the Swan river, from Fremantle, to the Peninsula, to work on the Hardey's farm. He was not entitled to a grant of land in his own right.
John Wall Hardey wrote to England in August and explained the construction of the first house: "One of the men and I then set to, and built a house, such as it is, being composed of wood, mud, and rushes, about seven yards square. We have two doors and two windows in it, but not one pane of glass in either of them! At one end of our domicile is a store-house, and at the other end lives Joseph Ellis and his wife; whilst, on the back of the house, live our men George Green and Hewson. The Australian edifice stands in the midst of an enclosure or garden, 156 links square, on the banks of the Swan, about 30 yards from the water, set sufficiently above its level, to secure us from floods. Opposite the house, the river expands into a fine sheet of water, about a quarter of a mile broad, on which is occasionally seen the imposing spectacle of 30 or 40 black swans at one time."
John came ashore with the Tranby folk, along with all the Goods, Provision, Chattels and Livestock over the next couple of weeks. John then moved up the Swan river, from Fremantle, to the Peninsula, to work on the Hardey's farm. He was not entitled to a grant of land in his own right.
John Wall Hardey wrote to England in August and explained the construction of the first house: "One of the men and I then set to, and built a house, such as it is, being composed of wood, mud, and rushes, about seven yards square. We have two doors and two windows in it, but not one pane of glass in either of them! At one end of our domicile is a store-house, and at the other end lives Joseph Ellis and his wife; whilst, on the back of the house, live our men George Green and Hewson. The Australian edifice stands in the midst of an enclosure or garden, 156 links square, on the banks of the Swan, about 30 yards from the water, set sufficiently above its level, to secure us from floods. Opposite the house, the river expands into a fine sheet of water, about a quarter of a mile broad, on which is occasionally seen the imposing spectacle of 30 or 40 black swans at one time."
Presumably, he served out his indenture to the Hardeys and was then free to do as he wished. John departed for Launceston in June of 1835, on the 'Sally Ann'. The newspaper reported it as follows: "Shipping Report Arrivals On Friday … the schooner Sally Ann, How Master, from Swan River, in ballast. Passengers Captain McTaggart, John Hewson, Jas Cummings, Geo. Hiles, George Handy." In ballast is taken to mean that the ship was empty and had been sent to obtain further stores for the struggling new colony.
Only a few months later, John married Ann Lane, on the 7th September 1835, in Launceston. Ann had been born during June 1808, in Middlesex, England, and had arrived in Tasmania, on the ship Strathfieldsaye with 285 other free female immigrants. She arrived in Hobart on the 13th August 1834, aged 29 years. Upon arrival, she had been 'disposed of' as a 'General Servant' to a Mr. Robertson, of Launceston, at a wage of £13 per annum.
The arrival was recorded in the The Colonial Times of August 19 1834:
"On Saturday, the free females were landed from the "Strathfieldsaye"..... It is well known that the females of the "Strathfieldsaye", are of a far superior order to the those hitherto sent us by the Home Government - poverty being the greatest crime of the greatest part of them."
Less than a year after her arrival, Ann was marrying the 26 years old John Hewson.
Only a few months later, John married Ann Lane, on the 7th September 1835, in Launceston. Ann had been born during June 1808, in Middlesex, England, and had arrived in Tasmania, on the ship Strathfieldsaye with 285 other free female immigrants. She arrived in Hobart on the 13th August 1834, aged 29 years. Upon arrival, she had been 'disposed of' as a 'General Servant' to a Mr. Robertson, of Launceston, at a wage of £13 per annum.
The arrival was recorded in the The Colonial Times of August 19 1834:
"On Saturday, the free females were landed from the "Strathfieldsaye"..... It is well known that the females of the "Strathfieldsaye", are of a far superior order to the those hitherto sent us by the Home Government - poverty being the greatest crime of the greatest part of them."
Less than a year after her arrival, Ann was marrying the 26 years old John Hewson.
Four years after their marriage, the couple returned to Fremantle, Western Australia, on the 12th August 1839. The couple began living at Guildford, with John working as a Wheelwright.
In December 1840, John advised everyone, via the Inquirer, that his indentured servant, Maurice Brown had absconded. In November 1841, John was selling Ponies in Guildford, and advertising in the Inquirer. He had also employed an apprentice wheelwright. |
Ann and John Hewson's three children were:
- 1. Jane Hewson was born on the 17th of November 1842, in Guildford. (Birth Reg. 117/1842) Her mother Ann was aged 34 years old.
Jane Hewson died as a young girl, aged 11 years old, on the 29th of July 1854, at Guildford. (Death Reg. 669/1854)
- 2. John Hewson was born on the 2nd of June 1845, in Guildford. (Birth Reg. 598/1845) His mother Ann was 37 years old.
John Hewson junior died as an infant on the 13th of January 1852, in Guildford, aged 6 years.
His death was not registered until his sister died in 1854. (Death Reg. 626/1854)
- 3. Charlotte Ann Hewson was born on the 21st of March 1847, at Newcastle (Toodyay) (Registered at Guildford 904/1847).
She grew up in Toodyay and married the 20-year-old, William Ferguson (born during March 1844, in Middle Swan).
They were married on Friday, the 11th of November 1864, at Toodyay. William was a Farmer in Toodyay.
Charlotte was aged 17 years when they married.
They had four children together:
3.1 Christina Anne Ferguson was born on the 16th of July 1866, in Newcastle (Toodyay). (Birth Reg. 9557/1866)
She was three-year-old when her parents died.
Christina married Walter Michael Morley Ferguson (born during 1868, in Toodyay).
His parents were Thomas Ferguson and Jane Morely.
They married during April 1888, in the Upper Swan area. (Marriage Reg. 88/1888)
Christina and Walter had seven children.
3.1.1 William Thomas Ferguson was born in 1888, in the Upper Swan area. (Birth Reg. 1365/1888)
William married Bessie Nielsen in Guildford, during 1914. (Marriage Reg, Swan: 6100024/1914)
They had six children.
3.1.1.1 Christina Elizabeth Ferguson was born in Guildford, during 1915.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100208/1915)
Christina married Edward Herbert Harris in Guildford, during 1935.
(Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100106/1935)
3.1.1.2 Niel Duncan Ferguson was born in South Guildford, during 1917.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100090/ 1917)
Niel married Gwendoline Pearl Mansfield in Guildford, during 1948.
(Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100077/1948)
3.1.1.3 Gloria Eloise Ferguson was born in Guildford, during 1918. (Birth Reg. Swan: 6100303/1918)
Gloria married Cecil Kenneth Goodall in Guildford, during 1948.
(Marriage Reg. Swan 6100047/1948)
3.1.1.4 Kenneth Gordon Ferguson was born in West Guildford, during 1920.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100108/1920)
Kenneth Gordon Ferguson died at Bassendean, during 1990, aged 70 years.
(Death Reg. Perth: 104814/1990)
3.1.1.5 Peggy Elaine Ferguson was born in West Guildford, during 1921.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100365/1921)
Peggy married George Thomas Brown in Perth, during 1942.
(Marriage Reg. Perth:101143/1942)
3.1.1.6 Godfrey Ronald Ferguson was born in Bassendean, during 1923.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100174/1923)
Godfrey married Thelma Victoria Mansfield in Guildford, during 1935.
(Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100106/1935)
Godfrey Ronald Ferguson died in Bunbury, during 1990.
(Death Reg. Wellington: 6600132/1990)
William Thomas Ferguson died in May 1955, in Guildford, aged 66 years. (Death Reg. Perth: 101073/1955)
3.1.2 Maud Charlotte Jane Ferguson was born in 1891, in the Upper Swan. (Birth Reg. 669/1891)
Maud married Bertran Wilfred Morris during 1913, in Fremantle. (Marriage Reg. Fremantle:2700193/1913)
They had on child.
3.1.2.1 Wilfred James Bettsworth Morris was born during 1915, at East Fremantle.
(Birth Reg. Fremantle: 2700228/1915) He was one year old when his mother died.
Maud Charlotte June Morris (nee Ferguson) died 3 years after marriage during May 1916, at Fremantle. Buried at Guildford.
3.1.3 Thomas Francis Ferguson was born during 1899, in Montreal. (Birth Reg. 4704/1899)
Thomas Francis Ferguson died in Midland, during 1961, aged 61 years (Death Reg, Swan:6100137/1961)
3.1.4 Jean Hewson Ferguson was born in Guildford, during 1898. (Birth Reg. 4423/1898)
3.1.5 Frank Ferguson (a twin) was born in the Upper Swan, during 1894. (Birth Reg. 1501/1894)
Frank Ferguson died aged 1 year old, during 1895 at Ellensbrook. (Death Reg. 1536/1895)
3.1.6 Aubrey Ferguson (a twin) was born in the Upper Swan, during 1894 (Birth Reg. 1500/1894)
Aubrey Ferguson died at 1 year old, at Guildford, during 1895, (Death Reg. 1535/1895)
3.1.7 Agatha Ferguson was born in the Upper Swan, during 1895. (Birth Reg. 2160/1865)
Agatha Ferguson died aged 17 days at Ellensbrook during 1895. (Death Reg. 1538/1895)
Walter Michael Morley Ferguson died on the14th of October 1940, at Guildford.
Buried in the Guildford Cemetary.
Christina Ann Ferguson (nee Ferguson) died on the 25th of September 1945, in Guildford.
She too was buried in the Guildford Cemetery.
She was three-year-old when her parents died.
Christina married Walter Michael Morley Ferguson (born during 1868, in Toodyay).
His parents were Thomas Ferguson and Jane Morely.
They married during April 1888, in the Upper Swan area. (Marriage Reg. 88/1888)
Christina and Walter had seven children.
3.1.1 William Thomas Ferguson was born in 1888, in the Upper Swan area. (Birth Reg. 1365/1888)
William married Bessie Nielsen in Guildford, during 1914. (Marriage Reg, Swan: 6100024/1914)
They had six children.
3.1.1.1 Christina Elizabeth Ferguson was born in Guildford, during 1915.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100208/1915)
Christina married Edward Herbert Harris in Guildford, during 1935.
(Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100106/1935)
3.1.1.2 Niel Duncan Ferguson was born in South Guildford, during 1917.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100090/ 1917)
Niel married Gwendoline Pearl Mansfield in Guildford, during 1948.
(Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100077/1948)
3.1.1.3 Gloria Eloise Ferguson was born in Guildford, during 1918. (Birth Reg. Swan: 6100303/1918)
Gloria married Cecil Kenneth Goodall in Guildford, during 1948.
(Marriage Reg. Swan 6100047/1948)
3.1.1.4 Kenneth Gordon Ferguson was born in West Guildford, during 1920.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100108/1920)
Kenneth Gordon Ferguson died at Bassendean, during 1990, aged 70 years.
(Death Reg. Perth: 104814/1990)
3.1.1.5 Peggy Elaine Ferguson was born in West Guildford, during 1921.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100365/1921)
Peggy married George Thomas Brown in Perth, during 1942.
(Marriage Reg. Perth:101143/1942)
3.1.1.6 Godfrey Ronald Ferguson was born in Bassendean, during 1923.
(Birth Reg. Swan: 6100174/1923)
Godfrey married Thelma Victoria Mansfield in Guildford, during 1935.
(Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100106/1935)
Godfrey Ronald Ferguson died in Bunbury, during 1990.
(Death Reg. Wellington: 6600132/1990)
William Thomas Ferguson died in May 1955, in Guildford, aged 66 years. (Death Reg. Perth: 101073/1955)
3.1.2 Maud Charlotte Jane Ferguson was born in 1891, in the Upper Swan. (Birth Reg. 669/1891)
Maud married Bertran Wilfred Morris during 1913, in Fremantle. (Marriage Reg. Fremantle:2700193/1913)
They had on child.
3.1.2.1 Wilfred James Bettsworth Morris was born during 1915, at East Fremantle.
(Birth Reg. Fremantle: 2700228/1915) He was one year old when his mother died.
Maud Charlotte June Morris (nee Ferguson) died 3 years after marriage during May 1916, at Fremantle. Buried at Guildford.
3.1.3 Thomas Francis Ferguson was born during 1899, in Montreal. (Birth Reg. 4704/1899)
Thomas Francis Ferguson died in Midland, during 1961, aged 61 years (Death Reg, Swan:6100137/1961)
3.1.4 Jean Hewson Ferguson was born in Guildford, during 1898. (Birth Reg. 4423/1898)
3.1.5 Frank Ferguson (a twin) was born in the Upper Swan, during 1894. (Birth Reg. 1501/1894)
Frank Ferguson died aged 1 year old, during 1895 at Ellensbrook. (Death Reg. 1536/1895)
3.1.6 Aubrey Ferguson (a twin) was born in the Upper Swan, during 1894 (Birth Reg. 1500/1894)
Aubrey Ferguson died at 1 year old, at Guildford, during 1895, (Death Reg. 1535/1895)
3.1.7 Agatha Ferguson was born in the Upper Swan, during 1895. (Birth Reg. 2160/1865)
Agatha Ferguson died aged 17 days at Ellensbrook during 1895. (Death Reg. 1538/1895)
Walter Michael Morley Ferguson died on the14th of October 1940, at Guildford.
Buried in the Guildford Cemetary.
Christina Ann Ferguson (nee Ferguson) died on the 25th of September 1945, in Guildford.
She too was buried in the Guildford Cemetery.
3.2 John Ferguson was born on the 10th of June 1868, in Toodyay.
(He was one year old when his both parents and two brothers died).
John Ferguson died on the 4th of December 1951, in Nedlands.
(He was one year old when his both parents and two brothers died).
John Ferguson died on the 4th of December 1951, in Nedlands.
3.3 Michael Morley Ferguson was born during 1864.
Michael Morley Ferguson died as a five-year-old, during July 1869, at Toodyay, of Diphtheria.
Michael Morley Ferguson died as a five-year-old, during July 1869, at Toodyay, of Diphtheria.
3.4 Alexander James Ferguson was born in 1869.
Alexander James Ferguson died as a baby, during July 1869, at Toodyay, of Diphtheria.
Alexander James Ferguson died as a baby, during July 1869, at Toodyay, of Diphtheria.
William Ferguson died on the 7th of July 1869, in Newcastle (Toodyay) of Diphtheria, aged 26 years old. (Death Reg. 4557/1870)
His 22-year-old wife, Charlotte Ferguson (nee Ferguson) [1.] died the day before on the 6th of July 1869, at Toodyay.
(Death Reg. 4556/1870)
Diphtheria wiped out nearly the whole family. The two surviving children, Charlotte Christina Anne Furguson, [3.1] and John Furguson [3.2] were then looked after by their step grand father, Richard Edmunds and his wife, Ann Edmunds (the children's grandmother and only maternal relative) who were both appointed as Guardian, on the 3rd of November 1869.
His 22-year-old wife, Charlotte Ferguson (nee Ferguson) [1.] died the day before on the 6th of July 1869, at Toodyay.
(Death Reg. 4556/1870)
Diphtheria wiped out nearly the whole family. The two surviving children, Charlotte Christina Anne Furguson, [3.1] and John Furguson [3.2] were then looked after by their step grand father, Richard Edmunds and his wife, Ann Edmunds (the children's grandmother and only maternal relative) who were both appointed as Guardian, on the 3rd of November 1869.
1840's
John Hewson was in business for a time as a Wheelwright and Blacksmith at Guildford. He then leased "Woodendale" (a Toodyay grant) with the intention of purchasing, during the 1840's. He also employed some men. This is where his last child (Charolotte) was born. He then seems to have been working at York.
As the furthest navigable point on the Swan River, Guildford became an inland port, providing the main link between Perth and the country districts of York etc. John may have been working between Guildford and York.
John Moulsan Hewson died on the 20th of February 1848, at Guildford. (registered at Guildford), aged just 38 years old. (Reg No. 318) John had arrived 18 years earlier on the Tranby in February 1830. The cause of his death was listed as "Diphtheria" however, the news clipping to the right > appears confusing. At the time, John M. Hewson owned Guildford Town Lots; 157 and 158 and was leasing "Woodendale" (near Newcastle). Probate distributed most of his estate to his widow, Ann Hewson in March. The land in Guildford went to his daughter, Charlotte Hewson. In February of 1849, widow Anne Hewson and her children, Jane, John, and Charlotte are listed as living at 'Wooten-Dale', in Toodyay. |
With three children under eight years old, John's widow, Anne Hewson (nee Lane) remarried. She was 43 years old. She married the next year after John's death, on 28th November 1849, to the 39-year-old, Richard Edmunds (born during 1812, in England). Richard had arrived in the colony as a Blacksmith's labourer and had been very hardworking.
The famous Western Australian researcher, Rica Erickson has an interesting story on the Fremantle web site regarding Richard Edmunds and a notorious con lady Eliza Tracey. [See Here] I will quote from Rita: "When in 1849 he [Richard] married the widow Hewson at Guildford, he reared her children as his own. He cleared the Hewson properties of mortgages and saved enough money to buy a farm at Toodyay, known as ‘Woodendale’, which Hewson had formerly leased and intended purchasing. Edmunds was illiterate, so he entrusted the business transactions to his wife. She [Anne] took advantage of his inability to read and had the Toodyay farm registered in the name of her daughter Charlotte Hewson the sole survivor of her children. Charlotte soon married William Ferguson, who then managed the farm. He assumed that the property was his wife’s and also that he (as her husband) had legal right to raise a mortgage on it." To be continued further down...
The famous Western Australian researcher, Rica Erickson has an interesting story on the Fremantle web site regarding Richard Edmunds and a notorious con lady Eliza Tracey. [See Here] I will quote from Rita: "When in 1849 he [Richard] married the widow Hewson at Guildford, he reared her children as his own. He cleared the Hewson properties of mortgages and saved enough money to buy a farm at Toodyay, known as ‘Woodendale’, which Hewson had formerly leased and intended purchasing. Edmunds was illiterate, so he entrusted the business transactions to his wife. She [Anne] took advantage of his inability to read and had the Toodyay farm registered in the name of her daughter Charlotte Hewson the sole survivor of her children. Charlotte soon married William Ferguson, who then managed the farm. He assumed that the property was his wife’s and also that he (as her husband) had legal right to raise a mortgage on it." To be continued further down...
1850's
Four years after their marriage, John and Ann's young son, John Hewson [2.] died, aged six years old, on the 13th of January 1852, in Guildford. (Reg. No. 626/1852).
Ann and new husband, Richard had one child together later that year:
Ann and new husband, Richard had one child together later that year:
- 4. Ann Ellen (Helen?) Edmunds was born at Guildford, on the 24th of November 1852.
Two years later, Ann lost her oldest daughter, Jane Hewson, [1.] when she died on the 29th of July 1854, at Guildford, aged only 11 years old of 'Febres', (which is Latin for fevers). Her mother, Ann Edmonds registered the death.
1860's
In July 1869, tragedy hit the family. Diphtheria took the life of daughter Charlotte Ferguson (nee Hewson) [3.]. The next day, her widowed husband William Ferguson died, along with two sons. The parents died owning property, owing money, and also some stock and other chattel property. Ownership needed to be sorted out.
Anne Edmunds then began the task of looking after her grandchildren; Charlotte Christina Ann Ferguson, [3.1] and John Ferguson [3.2] when their parents died (see above). The Edmunds also took possession of the Guildford land (Lots 157 and 158) from Charlotte Ferguson (nee Hewson). These two matters were decided in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the 20th of October 1869. "Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds (Mrs. Edmonds, formerly Mrs. Hewson being the grandmother and only maternal relative) joint guardians of both persons and estates of the infants. The costs of Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds to be taxed and paid out of the property of the infants."
Rica Erikson continues the story: "It was when the mortgagor made a claim on the property that Edmunds discovered the trick which had been upon him, and he brought an action to secure the titles to himself. The two surviving children, Christina and the baby John, were taken to Guildford where they were reared by their grandmother, Mrs Edmunds. Eliza Tracey struck up a friendship with Mrs Edmunds". Eliza Tracey was a notorious swindler, and I recommend reading the story on the site.
Anne Edmunds then began the task of looking after her grandchildren; Charlotte Christina Ann Ferguson, [3.1] and John Ferguson [3.2] when their parents died (see above). The Edmunds also took possession of the Guildford land (Lots 157 and 158) from Charlotte Ferguson (nee Hewson). These two matters were decided in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the 20th of October 1869. "Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds (Mrs. Edmonds, formerly Mrs. Hewson being the grandmother and only maternal relative) joint guardians of both persons and estates of the infants. The costs of Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds to be taxed and paid out of the property of the infants."
Rica Erikson continues the story: "It was when the mortgagor made a claim on the property that Edmunds discovered the trick which had been upon him, and he brought an action to secure the titles to himself. The two surviving children, Christina and the baby John, were taken to Guildford where they were reared by their grandmother, Mrs Edmunds. Eliza Tracey struck up a friendship with Mrs Edmunds". Eliza Tracey was a notorious swindler, and I recommend reading the story on the site.
1870's
Ann Edmunds (nee Hewson, Lane) died, on the 25th of October 1875, in Guildford, aged 67 years. The cause of death is paralysis. Husband Richard was not able to write, and made his mark, on the death certificate of his wife, in 1875. The grandchildren, Charlotte and John were then aged 9 years, and 7 years old.
Rica Erikson continues the story of the swindler: "Eliza Tracey struck up a friendship with Mrs Edmunds and when the latter died in October 1875, she {Eliza] offered her services as housekeeper to Richard Edmunds. He was no doubt very relieved to have his wife’s friend come to keep house and to manage for him. Eliza for her part was glad to assume control over a comfortable cottage with its fruit trees, vegetables garden and poultry, and the additional luxury of a horse and cart at her disposal.
Richard Edmunds also gave her control of his money. The Toodyay farm was rented to a worthy expiree named John Williams who paid £35 every six months. This was sufficient for a comfortable living for the Edmunds family at Guildford. The Ferguson children did not take to Eliza but were not old enough to question the manner in which she soon came to dominate old Edmunds."
Rica Erickson then continues: "Early in 1884, the tenant at the Toodyay farm died. This did not alter the rental arrangements, because his son, John Williams, assumed management of the property as well as the support of his widowed mother and her large family. But from that date Eliza Tracey schemed to secure Edmunds’ properties for herself. She judged that Richard Edmunds' time was near because he suffered from painful stomach ulcers. Her first step was to persuade him to make his will in her favour. She approached John Horgan, an Irish solicitor, and a newcomer to Perth, of venerable appearance, but of extremely radical views, who had won her confidence. She explained to him that she was to be the sole beneficiary and gave reasons why the two Ferguson children should be excluded from the will. On investigating their titles to the Toodyay farm Horgan was not satisfied with their validity and he filed an affidavit on Edmunds’ behalf to have them re-registered under the 1874 Torrens Regulations. This was withdrawn when Edmunds could not support his allegations of ownership with documentary evidence. However, he held titles to Guildford Lots 156,157 and 158 as well as the land on which his cottage was standing. It was the cottage which Eliza coveted most, although during the last few years she had managed to put aside sufficient money to buy for herself a small Guildford lot with a hut on it.
The will read as follows:
‘Will of Richard Edmunds, freeholder of Guildford.
Whereas the estate of William Ferguson, deceased, late of ‘Woodendale' is indebted to me £450 and interest since 1861 and since I expended £10 in clearing the grant occupied by Thomas Giran in Guildford and roofing the house, and £20 on shingling and erecting a verandah round the present residence, and spent £20 in fruit trees, and £50 in erecting out-offices [outbuildings], stabling, cart sheds, piggery and chaff house where I reside, formerly the estate of Hewson, and have paid taxes thereon to the amount of£50 and £20 in repairs, and supported Charlotte Ferguson the stepdaughter Charlotte Hewson up to the time of marriage, for sixteen years at a cost of £640, and her brother John Hewson for six years at expense of £180. and her sister Jane Hewson for five years at expense of £100. and whereas I expended in the support of Christina Ann Ferguson for 14 years £420. the latter persons being grandchildren of John Hewson, whose widow Anne Hewson I married — Now I leave and bequeath to Mrs Eliza Treacey to her separate use, all household furniture and property in my residence, with my mare, cart, and harness and also Guildford Town Lot 40 of 3 ft acres to her absolutely. After her death to William Edmunds my nephew of Newcastle.
16.9 1884.
Richard Edmunds X his mark.’
Ann's second husband, Richard Edmunds died on the 10th of September 1886, at Guildford. Before his death, he bequeathed to Mrs Tracey for her absolute use, all debts and rents due to then, or at his decease. On the fatal day Eliza prepared an egg for his breakfast and coaxed him to eat it, despite his protests about the taste. He died some hours after in agony. Daughter Christina Ferguson was of the firm belief that he had been poisoned. His death certificate, signed by Eliza Tracey, the informant, on 10th September 1886, gave the cause as chronic intestinal ulcers.
Richard Edmunds was buried on the 12th of September 1886.
Rica Erikson continues the story of the swindler: "Eliza Tracey struck up a friendship with Mrs Edmunds and when the latter died in October 1875, she {Eliza] offered her services as housekeeper to Richard Edmunds. He was no doubt very relieved to have his wife’s friend come to keep house and to manage for him. Eliza for her part was glad to assume control over a comfortable cottage with its fruit trees, vegetables garden and poultry, and the additional luxury of a horse and cart at her disposal.
Richard Edmunds also gave her control of his money. The Toodyay farm was rented to a worthy expiree named John Williams who paid £35 every six months. This was sufficient for a comfortable living for the Edmunds family at Guildford. The Ferguson children did not take to Eliza but were not old enough to question the manner in which she soon came to dominate old Edmunds."
Rica Erickson then continues: "Early in 1884, the tenant at the Toodyay farm died. This did not alter the rental arrangements, because his son, John Williams, assumed management of the property as well as the support of his widowed mother and her large family. But from that date Eliza Tracey schemed to secure Edmunds’ properties for herself. She judged that Richard Edmunds' time was near because he suffered from painful stomach ulcers. Her first step was to persuade him to make his will in her favour. She approached John Horgan, an Irish solicitor, and a newcomer to Perth, of venerable appearance, but of extremely radical views, who had won her confidence. She explained to him that she was to be the sole beneficiary and gave reasons why the two Ferguson children should be excluded from the will. On investigating their titles to the Toodyay farm Horgan was not satisfied with their validity and he filed an affidavit on Edmunds’ behalf to have them re-registered under the 1874 Torrens Regulations. This was withdrawn when Edmunds could not support his allegations of ownership with documentary evidence. However, he held titles to Guildford Lots 156,157 and 158 as well as the land on which his cottage was standing. It was the cottage which Eliza coveted most, although during the last few years she had managed to put aside sufficient money to buy for herself a small Guildford lot with a hut on it.
The will read as follows:
‘Will of Richard Edmunds, freeholder of Guildford.
Whereas the estate of William Ferguson, deceased, late of ‘Woodendale' is indebted to me £450 and interest since 1861 and since I expended £10 in clearing the grant occupied by Thomas Giran in Guildford and roofing the house, and £20 on shingling and erecting a verandah round the present residence, and spent £20 in fruit trees, and £50 in erecting out-offices [outbuildings], stabling, cart sheds, piggery and chaff house where I reside, formerly the estate of Hewson, and have paid taxes thereon to the amount of£50 and £20 in repairs, and supported Charlotte Ferguson the stepdaughter Charlotte Hewson up to the time of marriage, for sixteen years at a cost of £640, and her brother John Hewson for six years at expense of £180. and her sister Jane Hewson for five years at expense of £100. and whereas I expended in the support of Christina Ann Ferguson for 14 years £420. the latter persons being grandchildren of John Hewson, whose widow Anne Hewson I married — Now I leave and bequeath to Mrs Eliza Treacey to her separate use, all household furniture and property in my residence, with my mare, cart, and harness and also Guildford Town Lot 40 of 3 ft acres to her absolutely. After her death to William Edmunds my nephew of Newcastle.
16.9 1884.
Richard Edmunds X his mark.’
Ann's second husband, Richard Edmunds died on the 10th of September 1886, at Guildford. Before his death, he bequeathed to Mrs Tracey for her absolute use, all debts and rents due to then, or at his decease. On the fatal day Eliza prepared an egg for his breakfast and coaxed him to eat it, despite his protests about the taste. He died some hours after in agony. Daughter Christina Ferguson was of the firm belief that he had been poisoned. His death certificate, signed by Eliza Tracey, the informant, on 10th September 1886, gave the cause as chronic intestinal ulcers.
Richard Edmunds was buried on the 12th of September 1886.
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