The 1840's
In 1841, Michael was elected as one of the directors of 'The Western Australian Steam Boat Company'. Its purpose was to provide an iron steamboat of about 50 tons and 15 horse-power to navigate the Swan River from Fremantle to Perth and Guildford. It would offer 'carriage of freight and passengers and towage of farm produce and merchandise'.
It seems it took many years to see any result.
On the 23rd of February 1841, Michael was granted Perth Town Lot L48 in Fee Simple. (i.e. He bought it.) This block was located on 'Malcolm Street' on the north end of St Georges Terrace. (The road up to Kings Park Road) Arrowsmith’s plan of the town site of Perth, published in 1833, includes Section L,
with ‘Rd. from the Great Lakes’ extending from the western most point of St. Georges Terrace. Lots at Location L were accessed from the ‘Rd. from Fremantle’, this section of which was renamed Mount Street on Assistant Surveyor Hillman’s Plan of the Town of Perth, published in 1838. In 1882, Perth Town Lots L48, L49, and L50, Malcolm Street were recorded in the Perth Rate Books as a ‘Dwelling Lot’, with an annual value of £12, owned by Daniel Lang, Servant.
Jane gave birth to a son, Michael Thomas Clarkson on the 13th of June 1841. He was most probably given the names of his father 'Michael'. He was to die young.
It seems it took many years to see any result.
On the 23rd of February 1841, Michael was granted Perth Town Lot L48 in Fee Simple. (i.e. He bought it.) This block was located on 'Malcolm Street' on the north end of St Georges Terrace. (The road up to Kings Park Road) Arrowsmith’s plan of the town site of Perth, published in 1833, includes Section L,
with ‘Rd. from the Great Lakes’ extending from the western most point of St. Georges Terrace. Lots at Location L were accessed from the ‘Rd. from Fremantle’, this section of which was renamed Mount Street on Assistant Surveyor Hillman’s Plan of the Town of Perth, published in 1838. In 1882, Perth Town Lots L48, L49, and L50, Malcolm Street were recorded in the Perth Rate Books as a ‘Dwelling Lot’, with an annual value of £12, owned by Daniel Lang, Servant.
Jane gave birth to a son, Michael Thomas Clarkson on the 13th of June 1841. He was most probably given the names of his father 'Michael'. He was to die young.
On the 15 November 1843, Michael Clarkson had to undertake a "Conveyance and Assignment of Real and Personal Estate for Trust to pay debts." with Perth Town lots L48 (in Malcolm Street) and W76 (in Wellington Street) to Messrs Viveash & Middleton. (Ref: State Library Acc: 711A/95) The colony had begun to slump into the worst depression of its short but chequered history. Wool was down, and the sudden raising of land prices throughout Australia to 1 Pound an acre in 1842 was soon seen to have a particularly adverse effect on the western colony, where the variable quality of land called for such large holdings.
Michael was farming, with the aid of at least two agricultural labourers (one believed to be Richard Rowland) at Peninsula Farm until 1844 when Michael and Jane (Jain) Clarkson moved with their five children, over the Darling range to live with her parents (the Drummonds) at the 2,900-acre Hawthornden property, near the township of Newcastle (renamed 'Toodyay' in 1911). Their fourth son, Edward Ellis Clarkson was born during February 1844, in Toodyay.
The following year, on the 15th of May 1845, their young son Michael Thomas Clarkson died, aged just 4 years old. However, his death was followed by the birth of their daughter, Sarah Clarkson next year, on the 1st of September 1846, at 'Nunyle' near Toodyay. She was one of 117 births in the colony for that year.
There was a depression in 1843 which almost ended the colony forever, however at the suggestion of the York Agricultural Society in 1847;
"That it is the opinion of this meeting that, inasmuch as the present land regulations have entirely destroyed our labour fund, we conceive that the Home Government are bound in justice to supply us with some kind of labour, and after mature deliberations we have come to the determination of petitioning the Secretary of State for the Colonies for a gang of forty convicts to be exclusively employed in public work."
In 1845, the Clarksons northern section on the Peninsula Lot A was acquired by the Branch Bank of Australia (they later sold it to Richard Rowland)
In 1847, Michael Clarkson's financial position forced him to seek a Government appointment he discovered his prospects were extremely bleak "as the places under the Government so few and the (applicants) so numerous".
Later in 1847, Governor Andrew Clarke died in office. He had arrived with his wife and step-daughter on 26 January 1846, his arrival being expected to hasten economic recovery from the depression, bring about a change in the land regulations and introduce a brighter element into the colony's social life. However, in July 1846, Clarke became seriously ill, about the same time as the colonial secretary Peter Broun, who died soon afterwards. After being incapacitated for seven months the governor died on the 11th February 1847. In 1848, Captain Charles Fitzgerald RN, was appointed Governor. The Census of 1848 listed the population in the colony at 4,622 persons. Mostly landowners, professional men, indentured servants and merchants. There was a noticeable shortage of both capital and labour.
Michael and Jane Clarkson and family, then moved onto a small property called Nunyle, a part of the Mount Anderson grant. Their final son, their last born, William Bell Clarkson was born there during December 1849. His mother Jane was aged 35 years old at the time. (William was not to marry and was to die aged 28 years.)
After several years at Nunyle, the family moved into Toodyay. Amongst his other activities, Michael was appointed Postmaster, a position he held until 1851.
Michael was farming, with the aid of at least two agricultural labourers (one believed to be Richard Rowland) at Peninsula Farm until 1844 when Michael and Jane (Jain) Clarkson moved with their five children, over the Darling range to live with her parents (the Drummonds) at the 2,900-acre Hawthornden property, near the township of Newcastle (renamed 'Toodyay' in 1911). Their fourth son, Edward Ellis Clarkson was born during February 1844, in Toodyay.
The following year, on the 15th of May 1845, their young son Michael Thomas Clarkson died, aged just 4 years old. However, his death was followed by the birth of their daughter, Sarah Clarkson next year, on the 1st of September 1846, at 'Nunyle' near Toodyay. She was one of 117 births in the colony for that year.
There was a depression in 1843 which almost ended the colony forever, however at the suggestion of the York Agricultural Society in 1847;
"That it is the opinion of this meeting that, inasmuch as the present land regulations have entirely destroyed our labour fund, we conceive that the Home Government are bound in justice to supply us with some kind of labour, and after mature deliberations we have come to the determination of petitioning the Secretary of State for the Colonies for a gang of forty convicts to be exclusively employed in public work."
In 1845, the Clarksons northern section on the Peninsula Lot A was acquired by the Branch Bank of Australia (they later sold it to Richard Rowland)
In 1847, Michael Clarkson's financial position forced him to seek a Government appointment he discovered his prospects were extremely bleak "as the places under the Government so few and the (applicants) so numerous".
Later in 1847, Governor Andrew Clarke died in office. He had arrived with his wife and step-daughter on 26 January 1846, his arrival being expected to hasten economic recovery from the depression, bring about a change in the land regulations and introduce a brighter element into the colony's social life. However, in July 1846, Clarke became seriously ill, about the same time as the colonial secretary Peter Broun, who died soon afterwards. After being incapacitated for seven months the governor died on the 11th February 1847. In 1848, Captain Charles Fitzgerald RN, was appointed Governor. The Census of 1848 listed the population in the colony at 4,622 persons. Mostly landowners, professional men, indentured servants and merchants. There was a noticeable shortage of both capital and labour.
Michael and Jane Clarkson and family, then moved onto a small property called Nunyle, a part of the Mount Anderson grant. Their final son, their last born, William Bell Clarkson was born there during December 1849. His mother Jane was aged 35 years old at the time. (William was not to marry and was to die aged 28 years.)
After several years at Nunyle, the family moved into Toodyay. Amongst his other activities, Michael was appointed Postmaster, a position he held until 1851.
The 1850's
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On the 1st June 1850, the 21st anniversary of its Foundation, Western Australia lost its status as a free colony with the arrival of the first convict ship, the Scindian. Upon arrival, Captain Henderson found no suitable goal. Prisoners were sent to various depots around the Colony to work, under guard, on public works.
Michael Clarkson became the Assistant Superintendent of Toodyay Convict Hiring Depot in 1851. The site selected was Avon location 69 and the adjacent lot R1, an area totalling 11.5 acres (4.7 ha). Lot R1 was a narrow allotment with a freshwater stream flowing through it. It also provided access to Avon location 69 from River Terrace and the Avon River. The properties were originally owned by John Herbert, who had built a goodly sized cottage there. The cottage would provide immediate accommodation for the ticket-of-leave holders. |
Govenor Fitzgerald approved the acquisition of both properties on 4 August 1851. The sale of the properties to the Government had yielded a handsome profit for Herbert.
According to Rica Erickson, the party of ticket-of-leave men chosen to travel to Toodyay was held up by floods in Guildford. It was winter and torrential rain was falling. Eventually, on Monday, 18 August 1851, Fitzgerald gave the order to head off. They were under the charge of Michael Clarkson and were accompanied by several bullock teams and their gear. They camped overnight at the Bailup Inn and possibly near Jimperding Hill. The men were required to negotiate the risky descent of Jimperding Hill. On the evening of 20 August, the party of approximately 40 ticket-of-leave holders struggled into the Military Barracks in Toodyay.
In 1852, the Toodyay Convict Hiring Depot was moved to a new and larger site approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) upstream from the original townsite of Toodyay. This was designated Avon Location 110.
According to Rica Erickson, the party of ticket-of-leave men chosen to travel to Toodyay was held up by floods in Guildford. It was winter and torrential rain was falling. Eventually, on Monday, 18 August 1851, Fitzgerald gave the order to head off. They were under the charge of Michael Clarkson and were accompanied by several bullock teams and their gear. They camped overnight at the Bailup Inn and possibly near Jimperding Hill. The men were required to negotiate the risky descent of Jimperding Hill. On the evening of 20 August, the party of approximately 40 ticket-of-leave holders struggled into the Military Barracks in Toodyay.
In 1852, the Toodyay Convict Hiring Depot was moved to a new and larger site approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) upstream from the original townsite of Toodyay. This was designated Avon Location 110.
In December 1853, Michael was appointed to take charge of the Toodyay Road party of prisoners detached from the Guildford Depot. But due to disharmony between himself and the convict overseer, Michael was transferred to the Mt Eliza Hiring Depot, in Perth. Seven months later in 1854, Michael resigned from the Depot and returned to Toodyay to live.
Meanwhile, in November 1853, the Toodyay, Northam, and Victoria Plains Agricultural Society was formed at a meeting held at the Royal Oak Hotel. Thereafter, the Society's annual events, which included an Annual Show, were held at the Royal Oak in either October or November of each year. Some forty years later, and after several name changes, the Society became known as the Toodyay Agricultural Society.
Before the arrival of the convicts, the colony had less than 6,000 people. From 1850 to 1868 a total of 9,669 convicts arrived. Their presence in the colony provided the labour to erect public buildings such as the present Government House, the Barracks, the Court House, the Town Hall, the Perth and Fremantle goals etc. By the end of the convict era the were some 23,000 persons, and 1,100 miles of road, 47 major bridges and 79 minor bridges had been constructed.
Meanwhile, in November 1853, the Toodyay, Northam, and Victoria Plains Agricultural Society was formed at a meeting held at the Royal Oak Hotel. Thereafter, the Society's annual events, which included an Annual Show, were held at the Royal Oak in either October or November of each year. Some forty years later, and after several name changes, the Society became known as the Toodyay Agricultural Society.
Before the arrival of the convicts, the colony had less than 6,000 people. From 1850 to 1868 a total of 9,669 convicts arrived. Their presence in the colony provided the labour to erect public buildings such as the present Government House, the Barracks, the Court House, the Town Hall, the Perth and Fremantle goals etc. By the end of the convict era the were some 23,000 persons, and 1,100 miles of road, 47 major bridges and 79 minor bridges had been constructed.
The Perth Gazette, a journal of politics and news, published this print on October 15, 1852. The print was published with the words: “We have been favored with a sight of a Lithographic sketch of Perth, taken by Mr Horace Samson, our Colonial Draughtsman, from the top of Mount Eliza, which gives a much more faithful representation of our capital than any attempt we have hitherto seen”. (Perth Now)
In 1852, the first direct Mail Service began operation from Albany to Britain.
In 1852, the first direct Mail Service began operation from Albany to Britain.
Upon brother James Smith Clarkson's return to Western Australia on the Struan, in January of 1854, he lived and farmed on part of 'Lot A' on the Peninsula Farm. James never married and was classed as a 'Gentleman Farmer and Pastoralist'. It is believed this section of the Peninsula was called 'Foggerthorpe Farm'. (Note spelling)
Michael Clarkson also became involved in local affairs. In 1854, he was the judge at the first agricultural show to be held in Toodyay, and became secretary of the Agricultural Society. He was a trustee of the Anglican Church and became one of the vice presidents at the inaugural meeting of the Newcastle Mechanics' Institute in July 1866.
In 1855, Governor Arthur E. Kennedy (later Sir Arthur) was appointed. The next year, On 23 September 1856, Perth was proclaimed a City by Queen Victoria.
In 1857, Michael leased 6,000 acres of the original Mount Anderson property and become re-committed to farming. The West Australian census of December 1860 shows he was cropping 56 acres of wheat, barley and oats and running 15 horses, 16 cattle, 1,960 sheep, 80 goats and 32 pigs which was probably the largest holding of stock in the Toodyay district.
Michael Clarkson also became involved in local affairs. In 1854, he was the judge at the first agricultural show to be held in Toodyay, and became secretary of the Agricultural Society. He was a trustee of the Anglican Church and became one of the vice presidents at the inaugural meeting of the Newcastle Mechanics' Institute in July 1866.
In 1855, Governor Arthur E. Kennedy (later Sir Arthur) was appointed. The next year, On 23 September 1856, Perth was proclaimed a City by Queen Victoria.
In 1857, Michael leased 6,000 acres of the original Mount Anderson property and become re-committed to farming. The West Australian census of December 1860 shows he was cropping 56 acres of wheat, barley and oats and running 15 horses, 16 cattle, 1,960 sheep, 80 goats and 32 pigs which was probably the largest holding of stock in the Toodyay district.
The 1860's
Following severe flooding of the Avon River in 1857 and 1859, a new town was established in 1860 on that land which was excess to the requirements of the convict hiring depot; it was named Newcastle, after the Duke of Newcastle. The town of Newcastle was gazetted on 1 October 1860.
In July 1861, Michael's son Barnard Clarkson set out from the Dempster homestead, near Northam, on one of his explorations of the interior looking for pastoral lands. The 25-year-old set out with Charles Harper and two Dempster brothers (Andrew & Edward). After seven weeks they had reached approximately 280 miles east of Northam and continued further past where Southern Cross is now located. They thought it was too dry for settlement but brought back many mineral samples. They were rewarded by Governor Kennedy.
In July 1861, Michael's son Barnard Clarkson set out from the Dempster homestead, near Northam, on one of his explorations of the interior looking for pastoral lands. The 25-year-old set out with Charles Harper and two Dempster brothers (Andrew & Edward). After seven weeks they had reached approximately 280 miles east of Northam and continued further past where Southern Cross is now located. They thought it was too dry for settlement but brought back many mineral samples. They were rewarded by Governor Kennedy.
Michael's brother, Charles Foster Clarkson who came out to the Colony with his father Bernard Clarkson, left the state headed for the Eastern States. Charles Clarkson died, on the 16 December 1863, on the Ballarat Goldfields, aged 41 years. It is believed his wife and family did not find out about his death for some time. His wife, Hanah Clarkson remarried and survived him until 1901. (In February 1868, his brick premises on Town Lot L9, adjoining the Pier Hotel, in Bazaar Street, was sold.)
The next year, on 1st October 1864, Michael and Jane's eldest daughter, Deborah Clarkson married the 42 year old widower, Alfred Durlatcher (born during 1822, in England). They were married in Newcastle (Toodyay). It was Alfred's second marriage following the death of his first wife, Christina, in 1860. There were four children from the earlier marriage.
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Deborah and Alfred went on to have three children together. (Lewis Clarkson Durlacher (born 1865 in Toodyay - Accidently shot himsef, Sharks Bay, 13th February 1889), Janet Durlacher (born 1868, in Champion Bay), and later Miriam Durlacher (born 1870)).
In 1865, Alfred Durlacher was appointed the Resident Magistrate, Collector of Customs and of Internal Revenue, in Geraldton.
In 1865, Alfred Durlacher was appointed the Resident Magistrate, Collector of Customs and of Internal Revenue, in Geraldton.
Son Barnard D. Clarkson and Charles Harper, together with Harper’s cousin Lionel Lukin, (and Barnard's future father-in-law) again ventured eastward in 1864, revisiting some of the locations reached in 1861, but this time returning by a more northerly route. Barnard Clarkson later took out large areas of pastoral land found by the 1861 and 1864 expeditions, but sadly he never found the gold that lay beneath the surface in what later became known as Golden Valley.
In July 1865, Michael and Janes (Jain) son, Edward Ellis Clarkson, then aged 21 years old, was murdered by aboriginals. "Edward was treacherously speared by the blacks at "Dalbercutting," near Doodlakine, in 1865, and died five days afterwards, attended only by David Hackett- a boy only 12 years old who bravely stayed with him until his death, and then made the journey through the bush alone to Buckland, near Northam."
The Doodlakine outstation had been established by his older explorer brother, Barnard D. Clarkson in 1864. After recovery, Edward's body was buried at the Hawthornden family cemetery, on Hawthornden near Toodyay. |
In 1866, a bridge over the Swan River at Fremantle was opened. It had been built by convicts.
In April 1866, Michael Clarkson was the Chairman of a committee that proposed the a Mechanics Institute be built at Newcastle. This led to a Public Meeting on the 5th of July to progress it.
In April 1866, Michael Clarkson was the Chairman of a committee that proposed the a Mechanics Institute be built at Newcastle. This led to a Public Meeting on the 5th of July to progress it.
On the 14th of March 1867, Michael and Jane's son, Barnard Dummond Clarkson married Isabella Julia Lukin, (born 14 June 1849, in Toodyay) the fourth daughter of the late Lionel Lukin, of Deepdale, Toodyay. They were married on 'Hawthornden'.
The next year, their first son, Barnard Lionel Clarkson was born in Northampton, Champion Bay, on the 9th of May 1868. (The 'Barnard' name continuing for a further generation.)
Following their marriage, Barnard and Isabella moved north and began managing "Oakabella Station" at Northampton, for her uncle James Drummond. In 1871, they leased "Mt. Anderson" Toodyay, from the Andersons, later buying the property. In April 1907, the four lots containing Holmehouse, Bassendean, were transferred to Isabella Clarkson (nee Lukin). Barnard's wife, Isabella Clarkson also obtained the adjoining lots 113 and 130, which created a landholding of six lots which is the current curtilage of the property.
The next year, their first son, Barnard Lionel Clarkson was born in Northampton, Champion Bay, on the 9th of May 1868. (The 'Barnard' name continuing for a further generation.)
Following their marriage, Barnard and Isabella moved north and began managing "Oakabella Station" at Northampton, for her uncle James Drummond. In 1871, they leased "Mt. Anderson" Toodyay, from the Andersons, later buying the property. In April 1907, the four lots containing Holmehouse, Bassendean, were transferred to Isabella Clarkson (nee Lukin). Barnard's wife, Isabella Clarkson also obtained the adjoining lots 113 and 130, which created a landholding of six lots which is the current curtilage of the property.
The foundation stone for Perth Town Hall was laid on the 24th of May 1867, by Governor Hampton, in a ceremony involving a lot of pomp and parade. However, there were torrential downpours. The ceremony went on anyway with an official procession from Government House and a mock battle performed by the Volunteer Regiments, Enrolled Forces of Pensioners, and the WA Country Regiment.
Then on the 24th of October 1867, His Excellency the Governor laid the foundation stone of the new Wesley Church on the corner of King William and Hay Street. James Clarkson was a trustee.
Then on the 24th of October 1867, His Excellency the Governor laid the foundation stone of the new Wesley Church on the corner of King William and Hay Street. James Clarkson was a trustee.
On 10th January 1868, with the arrival of the Hougoumont, the last convict ship, heralded the end of Western Australia as a penal colony. In the same month, a large fire began on the Clarkson property at Newcastle. A large area of feed was destroyed.
On the 24th of April 1869, the late Charles Foster Clarkson's daughter Hanna Eliza Clarkson married Edward Key, at Pinjarra. In June 1869, the first telegraph line opened between Perth and Fremantle. Frederick Weld was appointed Governor during the same year and began a tour of the state. In August, Michael had to assure the Herald readers that the Toodyay Co-operative Society was a going concern. |
On the Monday, the 15th of November 1969, Michael and Jane's eldest daughter, Deborah Wilberforce Durlacher (nee Clarkson), lost her husband Alfred Durlacher in a suspected suicide, in Geraldton. There was to be a subsequent Government enquiry into the embezzlement of revenue monies. Deborah was five months pregnant at the time. She gave birth to daughter Miriam Dorothy Durlacher on the 14th March 1870 at White Peak Station, near Geraldton. Deborah and children were later to return to Toodyay to live.
The 1870's
On Foundation Day, 1st of June 1870, the Perth Town Hall was opened to the public.
One of Perth Town Hall’s claims to fame is it’s the only convict-built capital city town hall in Australia.
Michael Clarkson died in Toodyay, on 2nd of March 1871. He had been ailing for some weeks. His body was buried in the Drummond burial ground at Hawthornden alongside his murdered son Edward. |
Michael's eldest son, Barnard Clarkson, and his wife Isabella, at the time living at 'Oakabella', (near Northampton) then returned south to the 'Mount Anderson' Estate. Michael's wife Jane (Jain) moved to a cottage in Toodyay to live.
Three months after Michael's death, his 25-year-old daughter, Sarah Clarkson married for the first time, on the 1st of June 1871, to Frederick Mackie Roe (born October 1843) Frederick was the fifth son of the late Captain Roe, R.N., the first Surveyor-General of Western Australia. They had three children. The first child, John Augustus Roe, was born the next year.
Michael's un-married younger brother, James Smith Clarkson (who came out to the Colony on the Tranby as well, in 1829) died, on 20th December 1872, aged 66 years, at the residence of Robert W. Hardey, on the Peninsula. James had left his Peninsula holdings 'to revert to the full benefit of Wesley Methodist Society forever'. He also directed that his Perth house be sold, and the proceeds given to the Wesleyan Chapel.
Three months after Michael's death, his 25-year-old daughter, Sarah Clarkson married for the first time, on the 1st of June 1871, to Frederick Mackie Roe (born October 1843) Frederick was the fifth son of the late Captain Roe, R.N., the first Surveyor-General of Western Australia. They had three children. The first child, John Augustus Roe, was born the next year.
Michael's un-married younger brother, James Smith Clarkson (who came out to the Colony on the Tranby as well, in 1829) died, on 20th December 1872, aged 66 years, at the residence of Robert W. Hardey, on the Peninsula. James had left his Peninsula holdings 'to revert to the full benefit of Wesley Methodist Society forever'. He also directed that his Perth house be sold, and the proceeds given to the Wesleyan Chapel.
On 27 May 1872, Michael and Jane's son, James Smith Clarkson, (with the same name as his uncle James) married the 23-year-old, Eliza Selina GREEN. Eliza had been born on the 9th of January 1849, in Vasse (Busselton). She was the daughter of Dr. Alfred Green and Ann Elizabeth Turner. They were married at Newcastle (Toodyay, WA). They had one daughter (Ruth Margaret Clarkson), born the following year, at Toodyay. Sadly, Eliza Selina Clarkson (nee Green) died on the 2nd of March 1874, aged only 25 years old. She was buried at Toodyay. In 1876, Michael's son Barnard Clarkson took a pastoral grant of 1,110 acres at Mullaloo, and 13,000 acres at Mindarie, north of Perth, to graze sheep. The pastoral lease of 13,000 acres comprises the modern-day suburbs of Mindarie, Clarkson, Quinns Rocks and Merriwa. The leases were later known as the 'Mindarie Pastoral Company', and the lands were primarily used for sheepherding by subsequent generations of the Clarkson family. |
Tragically, Michael and Jane's youngest son, William Bell Clarkson died, at age 29 years, on the 20th of February 1877, near Guildford, at Mr. Hamersley's property 'Pryton' on the Swan. He was believed to have died from an 'inflammation on the lungs' following an accident. His body now lies in what is now the Guildford Grammer Cemetery. |
By the 1890's Michael and Jane's son, Barnard Drummond Clarkson and wife Isabella, owned the Mt Anderson property (in the Avon Valley). When Barnard Drummond Clarkson died in 1909, the property was divided between his sons and the portions renamed; Yandee, Foggarthorpe, and The Range (owned by Henry Wilberforce Clarkson, born in 1872, at Toodyay).
Michael and Jane's daughter, Sarah, was widowed when her 30-year-old husband, Frederick Mackie Roe died on the 27th of May 1877. Fourteen years later, she re-married the 47-year-old widower, Andrew Dempster (born 21st February 1843, in Northam). They were married on the 21st of January 1891. Sarah went on to bring up 10 children. They lived in Esperance from 1878.
The 1900's
Today
A reminder of the Clarkson Brothers having lived and farmed on the Peninsula for so long is now the popular Clarkson Reserve, on the southern edge of the Peninsula in Maylands. (Formally part of Lot 'D') It adjoins the 'Tranby Reserve'.
The area on which the park is located was actually allocated John Wall Hardey in 1830, and was never owned by the Clarksons.
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