John Green was born in Goxhill, in Lincolnshire, (on the southern side of the Humber) on the 24th of January 1805. John was the eldest child to William & Sussanah (nee Brown) Green. His younger brother was George Green. (see below)
John, and his brother George, sailed out to the Swan River Colony on the chartered brig Tranby departing on Wednesday, the 9th of September 1829, as an Indentured Servant (a Bricklayer) to the young Messes Clarkson brothers. The first half of the trip seems to have gone smoothly, However - |
Trouble in Cape Town -
As recorded in George Johnson's Journal:
"Afternoon - Friday 18th December: Some of Mr Clarkson's men appeared dissatisfied with having an increase of stock to attend upon. John Green in particular thought that the indentures did not specify that they were M. C's servants till landed on Swan River. Mr C. being inclined to convince them to the contrary produced the Indenture which when shown to him, he immediately snatched at attempted to tear his name from, the indenture was immediately rescued by several of us who were standing by, and the man put in irons.
19 Sat. Morn. 2 Oclock the wind being favourable begun to weigh anchor, before this was accomplished, it was discovered that Green had broken his Irons - one side of which he had got off his wrist and thrown into the sea. Mr Clarkson was called up and the man secured in a fresh and stronger pair."
As recorded in George Johnson's Journal:
"Afternoon - Friday 18th December: Some of Mr Clarkson's men appeared dissatisfied with having an increase of stock to attend upon. John Green in particular thought that the indentures did not specify that they were M. C's servants till landed on Swan River. Mr C. being inclined to convince them to the contrary produced the Indenture which when shown to him, he immediately snatched at attempted to tear his name from, the indenture was immediately rescued by several of us who were standing by, and the man put in irons.
19 Sat. Morn. 2 Oclock the wind being favourable begun to weigh anchor, before this was accomplished, it was discovered that Green had broken his Irons - one side of which he had got off his wrist and thrown into the sea. Mr Clarkson was called up and the man secured in a fresh and stronger pair."
John Green was taken ashore and conducted to the Court House where he had to appear before the Sitting Magistrate, but the case never came to trial.
" The Magistrate gave the man a suitable reproof and dismissed the case." . This enabled the Tranby to sail pretty well on time.
" The Magistrate gave the man a suitable reproof and dismissed the case." . This enabled the Tranby to sail pretty well on time.
A later extract, from Dr. Brownell's diary, describing how John was the first to see land:
Tuesday Feb 2nd.
About noon land was discovered from the fore top mast by Jno. Green one of the steerage passengers; in about an hour it could be seen from the deck and from our latitude we judged it to be Cape Bouvard for which we had steered. The sun shone brilliantly from his first rising; the sky was clear and cloudless, the sea gently rippled with the wind offering an immense expanse to the eye of the beholder.
Tuesday Feb 2nd.
About noon land was discovered from the fore top mast by Jno. Green one of the steerage passengers; in about an hour it could be seen from the deck and from our latitude we judged it to be Cape Bouvard for which we had steered. The sun shone brilliantly from his first rising; the sky was clear and cloudless, the sea gently rippled with the wind offering an immense expanse to the eye of the beholder.
After Arrival at Fremantle - John Green
Despite the trouble in Cape Town, John Green arrived at Fremantle, as an Indentured Servant to the Clarkson brothers (who were working in partnership), on the 3rd of February 1830.
The wide range of Livestock, the Goods and Chattels, stores and provisions from England, and the Cape, were then brought ashore onto the beach. It was two weeks before all of the goods on Tranby had been transferred to the shore.
It is assumed John began working for the Clarksons immediately on arrival at Fremantle, and assisted with the move of the group, up the Swan River, to the individuals land grant on the Peninsula. John was not granted land in his own name.
John worked out his indenture, with the Clarkson brothers, (who had paid for him to travel to the Colony,) with the aim that he could then work for himself in the colony. This he did. John began working as a bricklayer for hire around Perth.
John Green died when he was buried alive, in a well, which collapsed on him in the morning of 15th of January 1834. He was sinking the well for Lieutenant Governor Stirling, with another man (Smith) in Perth. Firstly, the brick lining of the 7-metre shaft collapsed on the unfortunate John, then the crowd, watching the drama, triggered a sand fall which completely engulfed him.
The wide range of Livestock, the Goods and Chattels, stores and provisions from England, and the Cape, were then brought ashore onto the beach. It was two weeks before all of the goods on Tranby had been transferred to the shore.
It is assumed John began working for the Clarksons immediately on arrival at Fremantle, and assisted with the move of the group, up the Swan River, to the individuals land grant on the Peninsula. John was not granted land in his own name.
John worked out his indenture, with the Clarkson brothers, (who had paid for him to travel to the Colony,) with the aim that he could then work for himself in the colony. This he did. John began working as a bricklayer for hire around Perth.
John Green died when he was buried alive, in a well, which collapsed on him in the morning of 15th of January 1834. He was sinking the well for Lieutenant Governor Stirling, with another man (Smith) in Perth. Firstly, the brick lining of the 7-metre shaft collapsed on the unfortunate John, then the crowd, watching the drama, triggered a sand fall which completely engulfed him.
The manner of his death was recorded in the The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal (WA : 1833 - 1847) on Saturday, the 18th of January 1834:
DEATH OCCASIONED BY THE FALLING IN OF A WELL. --
On Wednesday morning last about 9 o'clock, an alarm was given, which soon collected a concourse of people around the spot, namely, that the Lieutenant Governor's well had fallen in, and that John Green, a brick-layer, was buried in the ruins. Curiosity in some and an eagerness in others, to be of assistance in extricating the poor man from his perilous situation, was the occasion of too many pressing round the opening of the well, at the same moment ; it consequently soon gave way and the sand burst in upon him from all sides.
Previously to this, Smith, who was working with him, had been down after the first accident, and had given him some water, when he expressed himself as not apprehending any further danger, and wished to be left until more assistance could be procured.— He made an effort to lay hold of a rope which was handed down to him, but from an injury he had received, he found he was unable to raise himself up. At this juncture, unhappily the crowd pressed round, and the calamitous consequences occurred which we have already related. Several men of the 21st and 63rd Regts., procured from the adjoining barracks, aided by the by-standers, commenced instantly to open the well, but from the great quantity of sand which had fallen in, it was nearly 2 o'clock in the afternoon before the body was dug out. Experiments were made by the medical gentlemen who remained in attendance during the morning, to revive the deceased, — more we should presume for the satisfaction of his relatives and friends, than from any conviction to their own minds of its probable efficacy ; after which the body was conveyed home, and on the following morning was interred in the church-yard adjoining Perth, followed by a number of friends, to whom his character and conduct had endeared him. We cannot avoid remarking, that we have lost, in Green, a good member of our community : he was a sober, honest, and industrious man, — and in his situation of life, was generally respected. He was one of many instances of what may be acquired in a new colony by integrity and perseverance. He came here as an indentured servant to Mr. Clarkson, from whom he had obtained his discharge, and at the time of his death, it is supposed, was possessed of adequate means (which were rapidly accumulating.) to gratify any reasonable expectations. He was a middle-aged man, and unmarried. — A brother who was living with him, is the only relative he has left in the Colony.
On Wednesday morning last about 9 o'clock, an alarm was given, which soon collected a concourse of people around the spot, namely, that the Lieutenant Governor's well had fallen in, and that John Green, a brick-layer, was buried in the ruins. Curiosity in some and an eagerness in others, to be of assistance in extricating the poor man from his perilous situation, was the occasion of too many pressing round the opening of the well, at the same moment ; it consequently soon gave way and the sand burst in upon him from all sides.
Previously to this, Smith, who was working with him, had been down after the first accident, and had given him some water, when he expressed himself as not apprehending any further danger, and wished to be left until more assistance could be procured.— He made an effort to lay hold of a rope which was handed down to him, but from an injury he had received, he found he was unable to raise himself up. At this juncture, unhappily the crowd pressed round, and the calamitous consequences occurred which we have already related. Several men of the 21st and 63rd Regts., procured from the adjoining barracks, aided by the by-standers, commenced instantly to open the well, but from the great quantity of sand which had fallen in, it was nearly 2 o'clock in the afternoon before the body was dug out. Experiments were made by the medical gentlemen who remained in attendance during the morning, to revive the deceased, — more we should presume for the satisfaction of his relatives and friends, than from any conviction to their own minds of its probable efficacy ; after which the body was conveyed home, and on the following morning was interred in the church-yard adjoining Perth, followed by a number of friends, to whom his character and conduct had endeared him. We cannot avoid remarking, that we have lost, in Green, a good member of our community : he was a sober, honest, and industrious man, — and in his situation of life, was generally respected. He was one of many instances of what may be acquired in a new colony by integrity and perseverance. He came here as an indentured servant to Mr. Clarkson, from whom he had obtained his discharge, and at the time of his death, it is supposed, was possessed of adequate means (which were rapidly accumulating.) to gratify any reasonable expectations. He was a middle-aged man, and unmarried. — A brother who was living with him, is the only relative he has left in the Colony.
The exertion which was made — not unattended with danger, — is deserving of the highest commendation ; and although the toil was fruitless, as far as concerned the poor man's life, still it was carried on with uninterrupted vigour. Lieut. Carew of the 63rd directed the men with that presence of mind which is the most essential requisite on these occasions.
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"We cannot avoid remarking, that we have lost, in Green, a good member of our community : he was a sober, honest, and industrious man, — and in his situation of life, was generally respected." |
Not withstanding the awful warning the inquisitive spectators had witnessed, it was with the greatest difficulty they could be kept back, — all pressing forward, when one of the lower workmen called out that he had hold of his hand. The imminent danger in which the lives of the men excavating were place, had but little effect upon the gazers, amongst whom were a number of women ; and we must say we were rather astonished that an order was not issued to keep those, who were relieving the workmen, at a reasonable distance from the excavation.
The well was about 22 feet deep, 8" feet of which had been steened, depending solely upon a few boards as the work proceeded to support the sides, which were of loose sand from the top to the bottom. It is to be hoped this accident will prove a caution to those occupied in sinking wells — The saving of a few pounds' expense, in forming a framework, has occasioned the loss of a valuable life.
John Green's body was interred in the Church of England section, of the East Perth Cemetery, the next day, on Thursday, the 16th of January 1834. John was aged just 29 years old when he died. John is mentioned in an article on the East Perth Cemeteries from The Daily News of 25th August 1925:
"As soon as it was possible to do so, a slab of jarrah, suitably inscribed, was placed over Mr. Green's grave, which withstood the force of the elements for upwards of sixty years, when his niece, Miss Sarah Green, of Ord-street, West Perth, had the slab removed and placed in the Perth Museum, so that visitors to the institution may observe the endurance of W.A. jarrah, above and below ground. Readers of "The Daily News" who inspect the slab now on view will notice the following epitaph, which was cut into the timber by a sculptor named Broad -- Remember, man, as you pass by, As you are now, so once was I; As I am now, so you must be, Prepare yourself to follow me. During the 60's, a student of Bishop's College (parent of the High School) endeavored to embellish the epitaph, by adding the following:-- Upon these words my soul is intent; I should like to know which way you went." [Viewable Here] |
George Green
George Green was baptised on the 15th of June 1808, in Goxhill, in Lincolnshire, in England. He was the third son of fourteen children to William & Sussanah (nee Brown) Green.
He became a farmer. George travelled out on the Tranby as a servant to Mr. John Wall Hardey. John Wall Hardey had recently married his cousin (Ann Hardey, nee Robinson) in Yorkshire. |
The band of emigrants departed Hull, on the 9th of September 1829, and began a voyage of 5 months, sailing via Cape Town in South Africa.
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After Arrival at Fremantle - George Green
The Tranby sailed around Rottnest and arrived at Gage's Road, on the 3rd of February 1830, following the five months voyage. Fremantle was basically a tent town, and many settlers were still camped behind the beach.
George Green was indentured to the Hardey brothers as a Farmer. He would have assisted in getting all of the Hardey goods and chattels off the small ship.
The first mention of George in the Colony is in Joseph Hardey's handwritten diary for the 24th of March 1830 when Joseph sent George, to look for a straying Cow and Calf near Fremantle. They took three days to find but returned successfully on the 27th.
The first mention of George in the Colony is in Joseph Hardey's handwritten diary for the 24th of March 1830 when Joseph sent George, to look for a straying Cow and Calf near Fremantle. They took three days to find but returned successfully on the 27th.
The Hardeys erected a small timber house, in Fremantle, that they had bought with them on the Tranby. This was used for church meetings on Sundays. Later, George assisted in the transport of the goods up the Swan River to the land grant on the Peninsula, four miles upriver from the growing town of Perth.
At the end of April, a house was being erected on the Peninsula and on the 29th the roof was on and the wall being given two coats of paint.
At the end of April, a house was being erected on the Peninsula and on the 29th the roof was on and the wall being given two coats of paint.
The first few years on the Peninsula Farm (now in the suburb of Maylands), and working on the other side of the Swan River, George would have spent working with Joseph Hardey & John Wall Hardey, (in an area now called Belmont) and would have been very busy as the band struggled to survive.
Joseph Hardey, and his indentured servants, Which included; John Hewson; Joseph and Hanah Ellis; George Green, and Charlotte Stephenson (who arrived at Fremantle as the new wife of Thomas Hurrey), also cleared the land and sowed crops. The first six months on the Peninsula farm, as recorded in Hardey's diary, were spent clearing the land, sowing cereals (including wheat, barley, oats and rye) and vegetables. Hardey reports, "... all came up well, but the fences not being sufficiently good the cattle broke in and destroyed a great part of the crop; that which escaped their ravages came to maturity, and was of a very good description". From his harvest returns he bought three English cows, for £115, from the Governor, James Stirling. The low quality of the natural pastures on the coastal plain was a severe initial problem for the infant colony, and one that was impossible to overcome. Not only was the natural vegetation almost useless as fodder for sheep and cattle but it was also frequently poisonous. To their cost the early settlers were to discover eventually that Western Australia had more toxic plants than any other Australian colony.
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."
Following heavy rain and the flood in July 1830, some considerable time was spent rebuilding houses that were lost on the Peninsula.
It is presumed that George worked out his Indenture farming on the Peninsula, with the Hardeys. After clearing that, he could then begin to work for himself as a bricklayer and plasterer.
Joseph Hardey, and his indentured servants, Which included; John Hewson; Joseph and Hanah Ellis; George Green, and Charlotte Stephenson (who arrived at Fremantle as the new wife of Thomas Hurrey), also cleared the land and sowed crops. The first six months on the Peninsula farm, as recorded in Hardey's diary, were spent clearing the land, sowing cereals (including wheat, barley, oats and rye) and vegetables. Hardey reports, "... all came up well, but the fences not being sufficiently good the cattle broke in and destroyed a great part of the crop; that which escaped their ravages came to maturity, and was of a very good description". From his harvest returns he bought three English cows, for £115, from the Governor, James Stirling. The low quality of the natural pastures on the coastal plain was a severe initial problem for the infant colony, and one that was impossible to overcome. Not only was the natural vegetation almost useless as fodder for sheep and cattle but it was also frequently poisonous. To their cost the early settlers were to discover eventually that Western Australia had more toxic plants than any other Australian colony.
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."
Following heavy rain and the flood in July 1830, some considerable time was spent rebuilding houses that were lost on the Peninsula.
It is presumed that George worked out his Indenture farming on the Peninsula, with the Hardeys. After clearing that, he could then begin to work for himself as a bricklayer and plasterer.
1832
The official census, taken in 1832, records out of around 1,300 residents, 803 were male, 478 were female, and 20 were unknown. That means there were around 35 women for every 65 men, very close to a 1:2 female-male ratio. So, while men were clearly in the majority here, the female population was not negligible. What is more, since there were only around 59 people born in Western Australia by 1832, and assuming half of those were female births, the female population of the Swan River Colony was largely a result of migration and not natural birth. While many came to the Swan River without family, the vast majority, around 858 people, did arrive with at least one family member. The 24-year-old George Green is listed in the Swan River Census at entry #1204. By 1832, 545 people between the ages of 0 and 19 made up about 40% of the colony’s population. The other 60% of the colony’s population was also quite young. The largest age group according to his tally was 20-29, which accounted for around 321 of the settlers, just about a quarter of the population. This means two thirds of the entire population was under the age of 30. Only 23 of the first 1,300 settlers were over the age of 50, and only three residents were over 60.
In June 1833, George Green was granted Perth Town Allotment 'N3'. This allotment, off Wellington Street, was next to fellow Tranby passengers' allotments; Joseph Ellis; who was granted Lot 'N4', his brother John Green, granted Lot 'N2' and finally, Allotment 'N1' granted to James Ougden. The Swan River rose again during June 1833 causing a lot of concern. George was living with his older brother John Green, when John was killed sinking a well. (see detail above) Both George and John were single at the time. |
1836
Six years after George's arrival, during early 1836, the 28-year-old George Green married the 18-year-old, Jane Beacham. Jane had been born on the 20th of September 1818, in Barnham, Sussex, England. Jane had arrived in the Colony, as an eleven-year-old, on the 8th of October 1829, with her parents, William and Mary Ann (Scott) Beacham on board the Lotus with four siblings. The Lotus had departed from Plymouth, England, on the 31st of May 1829.
Jane's 33-year-old mother, Mary Beacham died only 3 months after arrival in the colony (on 23rd January 1830 - Two weeks before the Tranby arrived). After Mary Beacham's death in January 1830 at Clarence, William walked south to the Murray with his three sons, a cow and supplies and built a mud brick house.
Jane's 33-year-old mother, Mary Beacham died only 3 months after arrival in the colony (on 23rd January 1830 - Two weeks before the Tranby arrived). After Mary Beacham's death in January 1830 at Clarence, William walked south to the Murray with his three sons, a cow and supplies and built a mud brick house.
William's youngest daughter, Elizabeth Beacham died at Clarence, four months after her mother, and was buried on the 10th of May 1830. She was just eighteen months old. William's oldest son, and Jane's younger brother, Reuben Beacham was killed by natives two years later during February 1832, at Greenmount, and his companion John Chipper escaped by jumping off a granite rock at a place that became known as Chipper’s Leap. Reuben was 11 years old at the time. It is presumed that Jane was looking after her father William during her teenage years as he did not remarry.
George Green and the young Jane Beacham were married on a special licence from the Govenor, James Stirling, without the proclamation of Banns, on the 21st of February 1836, at Mongers Lake, WA. (This was about a month after Jane had given birth to son Reuben). Jane had not turned eighteen at the time. They were married by the Colonial Chaplain, John Burdett Wittenoom. The prominent methodist, James E. Inkpen was a witness. |
George was to become an accomplished bricklayer and plasterer and helped build many of the first government buildings in Perth. This included plastering Government House. He was also involved in building William Shenton's Old Mill, in South Perth, during 1833-34. Shenton built one windmill in Fremantle and one at Point Belches (now called Mill Point) before building, during 1835, a second mill at Point Belches that remains today. In many ways, the mill at Point Belches seemed ideally placed along the river. The first horse drawn ferry crossing from Mount Eliza to Point Belches was operating in 1833 and Shenton’s mill became a popular meeting place. In addition, the people of Perth would travel on the ferry to the south bank to collect timber.
George and Jane lived in a thatch roofed house on the south side of Hay Street, opposite where the Wesley Church now stands.
George and Jane went on to have eleven children.
George and Jane lived in a thatch roofed house on the south side of Hay Street, opposite where the Wesley Church now stands.
George and Jane went on to have eleven children.
William Green was born on the 8th of June 1837, in Perth, and was baptised a month later on the 9th of July, in Perth, along with his older brother Reuben.
On 1st June 1837, the 'Bank of Western Australia' opened in Perth. During the same year, James Stirling resigned as Governor of Western Australia but did not leave for over a year.
1838
It seems the news from England of the coronation of "our gracious Queen Victoria, on the 28th of June 1838", was the all-engrossing topic when the news arrived by ship. "The August ceremonial passed off with great magnificence." reported the local papers.
Victoria had turned 18 years on the 24th of May 1837. Less than a month later, on the 20th of June 1837, William IV died at the age of 71, and Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom. |
1839
On 5th January 1839, Sir James Stirling and his family finally returned to England, and John Hutt was appointed as the second Governor of Western Australia. John's brother, William Hutt, was closely involved in the settlement of South Australia. John was appointed superintendent of emigration for the South Australian Colonization Commission and both he and William applied for the Governorship of South Australia but, neither was successful.
John Hutt was offered the position of Governor of Western Australia and he arrived in the Colony aboard the Brother on January 1st 1839, and took over as Governor after Stirling had resigned and returned to England. |
In February 1839, just two months after John Wall Hardey's return from England, and arrival back in York, Joseph Hardey and his family moved back to the Peninsula. They had been living at York while brother John had been overseas.
In April 1839, Joseph Hardey decided to build the current Tranby House following the loss of the previous three houses to floods (or burnt down).
Fellow Tranby passenger, and former indentured employee, George Green was engaged to commence the work on the 25th of April 1839. |
Joseph Hardey with pencil in hand, meticulously records in his Diary for May/June 1839, the days that George Green (and George Lazenby) was employed working on Tranby House. This was many years after George's indenture to the Hardey's had been completed. George was an accomplished bricklayer and plasterer having worked on Government buildings. Hardey's house was to be built from mud bricks, which were made on the property. Joseph (obviously not happy with wattle and daub) constructed a kiln to make his own bricks. In fact, Joseph also made the roof shingles for the house, using Jarrah wood. The house was built in a typical English farmhouse style, described as "colonial domestic" and featured a loft and wide verandas. |
George and Elizabeth's first daughter, Elizabeth Green was born on the 8th of June 1839, in Perth.
Within two weeks, (on the 24th) George was back working on the house for Joseph Hardey until the end of June. Joseph records that on the 1st of June 1839: "Mr. Lazenby and J. Lockyer finished putting up the roof of new house." George Lazenby was a cabinet maker, builder and Methodist Lay Preacher. His fiancé Mary had arrived on the Brother with the future Govenor Hutt (mentioned above). George married Mary Ann Wells in January, shortly after she arrived. With a shortage of labour, the Wesleyans formed a close-knit group. (Later during the 1840's, Lazenby built a house for himself and wife in Murray Street, followed by twelve cottages to rent and later a store.)
1840's
By the early 1840's a whaleboat service was conducted twice weekly from Perth to Guildford, past the Peninsula, taking nine hours to complete the trip. The charge of six shillings per passenger was exorbitant when compared with the cost of a passage from London to Fremantle at £18. Some Guildford merchants found it profitable to own a barge of their own, and river transport was to predominate for many decades to come.
In the early days of the Colony, most farmers had to rely on boats and ferries for transport. One issue were the mudflats in the Swan River which restricted navigation.
Between 1837 and 1838, preliminary works were completed for a bridge to cross the mudflats before construction could fully begin, these included paving Adelaide Terrace up to the riverfront. The construction of the first 'Causeway' bridge commenced on the 2nd of November 1840 with pile driving for the foundations taking place. The bridge itself was completed a year later in 1841 with the surrounding approaches being finished throughout 1842.e to edit.
In the early days of the Colony, most farmers had to rely on boats and ferries for transport. One issue were the mudflats in the Swan River which restricted navigation.
Between 1837 and 1838, preliminary works were completed for a bridge to cross the mudflats before construction could fully begin, these included paving Adelaide Terrace up to the riverfront. The construction of the first 'Causeway' bridge commenced on the 2nd of November 1840 with pile driving for the foundations taking place. The bridge itself was completed a year later in 1841 with the surrounding approaches being finished throughout 1842.e to edit.
In the 1840's, George had purchased Perth Town Lot G1 and Lot G2 running between Hay Street and St Georges Terrace, and also Town Lot V17 running between Murray Street and Wellington Street. George constructed a Foundry on the Murray Street property and a Flour Mill on the land in Hay Street. George and Jane lived in two, wattle, dub and thatch cottages from the first days of their marriage until a two-story brick house on William Street was built on G1. This was later used as shops. |
Dinah Green was born on the 10th of September 1841, in Perth. (Birth Reg. No. Perth:22/1841) The fourth child to George and Jane Green. Dinah was baptised a month later on the 31st of October 1841, in Perth.
On 30th September 1841, father-in-law, William Beacham and George Green went into partnership with the purchase of the farm, “Jim Jam”. William had been working for Charles Browne who owned the "Location 15" property since 1836. He had built a mudbrick house close to the current location of the Murray River bridge. Jim Jam consisted of 866 acres and was purchased for six hundred pounds, from Charles Browne. In time, as George progressed into other fields of business, he resold his portion of “Jim Jam” back to his father-in-law, William Beacham. The "Jim Jam" farm was close to the mouth of the Murray River at present day Ravenswood.
Jane gave birth to John Edward Green on the 13th of October 1843, in Perth. (Birth Reg. Perth:284/1843). The fifth child to George and Jane Green.
James Joseph Green was born on 25th November 1845, in Perth. The sixth child to George and Jane. James grew up in Perth and attended Perth School.
Thomas Henry Green was born on the 12th of March 1848, in Perth. (Birth Reg. No. Perth:1089/1848) Thomas was the seventh child born to George and Jane.
George was also a Shipowner: First, the 41-foot schooner, Evergreen after being launched in October 1849, (He may have sold it in 1857). This ship had been built in the shadow of Mt. Eliza. This ship was used to collect 'guano' from the Abrolhos.
Another Census was taken during 1848. The census recorded that there were then in the colony, 3,063 adherents of the Church of England, 276 Wesleyans, 187 Independents, and 377 Roman Catholics.
During 1848, Governor Charles Fitzgerald took over from Frederick Irwin. He found the Treasury almost depleted and many of the settlers expressing themselves as being thoroughly dissatisfied with the administration that had set too high a price on crown land and had failed to overcome the crippling lack of labour - two factors that discouraged the flow of better-class emigrants. Although he was not a popular Governor, he instituted many changes that were for the benefit of ordinary people. He was speared by an Aborigine while on an expedition to the Geraldine mines, but he survived and went on to live to the ripe old age of 96.
In 1849, after a decade and half of meagre growth, Perth became a penal colony and in the next 16 years received an influx of over 9,000 convicts. This significantly changed the social and economic dynamics of the colony. The convicts were involved in the construction of a large amount of infrastructure, and this shaped the character of the city.
Another Census was taken during 1848. The census recorded that there were then in the colony, 3,063 adherents of the Church of England, 276 Wesleyans, 187 Independents, and 377 Roman Catholics.
During 1848, Governor Charles Fitzgerald took over from Frederick Irwin. He found the Treasury almost depleted and many of the settlers expressing themselves as being thoroughly dissatisfied with the administration that had set too high a price on crown land and had failed to overcome the crippling lack of labour - two factors that discouraged the flow of better-class emigrants. Although he was not a popular Governor, he instituted many changes that were for the benefit of ordinary people. He was speared by an Aborigine while on an expedition to the Geraldine mines, but he survived and went on to live to the ripe old age of 96.
In 1849, after a decade and half of meagre growth, Perth became a penal colony and in the next 16 years received an influx of over 9,000 convicts. This significantly changed the social and economic dynamics of the colony. The convicts were involved in the construction of a large amount of infrastructure, and this shaped the character of the city.
1850's
On the 1st of 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 his arrival, Captain Henderson found no suitable goal. Prisoners were sent to various depots to work under guard on public works.
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Mary Green was born on the 26th of September 1850, in Perth. She was George and Jane's third daughter. Mary grew up in Perth.
1852
In the book; 'Goxhill to the Swan': a history of the Green family / compiled by Raylee J. Jones P. 26-30. “He [referring to George Green] was not in the colony more than twenty to twenty-three years before he had two or three schooners running on the coast and there was not much traffic to keep them running in those early days. Two of these schooners were named the 'Shepherd 'and the 'Gold Seeker'. One of these went right away to Melbourne very soon after the rush to the Bendigo goldfields. He [George] went on one of these schooners and while the vessel was at Port Melbourne, went up to Melbourne and had a dig. (Jane Green had two signet rings (“J” and “G”) which were made of gold he brought back to Perth- from Melbourne. (Not sure whether he found the gold or bought it.)" This may have been in 1852.
1854
Sarah Jane Green was born on the 4th of June 1854, in Perth. (Birth Reg. 2439/1854) Her mother was 36 years old at the time.
Fourth daughter Sarah, grew up in Perth.
Fourth daughter Sarah, grew up in Perth.
1856
On the 23rd of September 1856, Perth was declared a Bishop's See City by Queen Victoria. and thus gained 'city' status.
1857
Levi Green was born on the 10th of April 1857, in Perth. When he was born, the oldest brother was already 21 years old.
Levi grew up, and was educated, in Perth.
Levi grew up, and was educated, in Perth.
From the Government Gazette of the 12th of February 1857, we find that George Green was examined by the licensing board on the 2nd of February and received a license to work cargo boats and gigs. His son, William Green [2.] now 20 years old, was also examined and received a license, but his was endorsed, 'not to be placed in charge'.
On the 29th of May 1857, a report in the Perth Gazette states:
The steamer Les Trois Amis has been taken off the river trade and is now getting up her standing rigging and fitting out to run between Champion Bay and Fremantle, We believe that the shareholders of the Wanerenooka Mine intend taking passage on her first trip to visit the works and determine on the spot, as to their future operations.
On the 29th of May 1857, a report in the Perth Gazette states:
The steamer Les Trois Amis has been taken off the river trade and is now getting up her standing rigging and fitting out to run between Champion Bay and Fremantle, We believe that the shareholders of the Wanerenooka Mine intend taking passage on her first trip to visit the works and determine on the spot, as to their future operations.
Green then purchased the single screw steamship; Les Trois Ana ('the three friends') on the 17th of January 1857, plying the Swan River. Les Trois Ana had been built in Kent, during 1854, and sailed from England. The original owner, William Hinton Campbell died by drowning, on the 4th of November 1855, in the Swan River. He was only 36 years old. The vessel was mothballed and was not really suitable for use in the Swan River due to its draught. It was more suitable as a coastal trader.
George bought the steamer from George Shenton who had his first chemist shop on the Hay Street end of George's Town Lot G1.
George bought the steamer from George Shenton who had his first chemist shop on the Hay Street end of George's Town Lot G1.
George Green used the Les Trois Ana for a while in the Swan River, between Perth and Fremantle, before taking it out over the sand bar in May of 1857.
Fellow Tranby passenger, George Johnson built a three-horse mill for grinding grain at upriver at Guildford, on Building Allotment No. 140, during 1855 to 56. Then, by mid-May 1857, George Johnson had obtained and imported a revolutionary 'Steam Power for his Mill at Guildford'.
He then sold the horse powered mill. This modern evolution to steam would have made an impression on George Green.
Fellow Tranby passenger, George Johnson built a three-horse mill for grinding grain at upriver at Guildford, on Building Allotment No. 140, during 1855 to 56. Then, by mid-May 1857, George Johnson had obtained and imported a revolutionary 'Steam Power for his Mill at Guildford'.
He then sold the horse powered mill. This modern evolution to steam would have made an impression on George Green.
1858
Early in 1858, the S.S, Les Trois Amis left on another voyage to Champion Bay and Port Gregory, leaving on Tuesday, the 5th of January, and arriving back at Fremantle on the 17th with passengers and cargo. During her voyage south from Champion Bay early in May 1858, in a howling South-westerly gale Les Trois Amis only saved herself from destruction near Dongara by getting up steam, and to do this the crew broke up
fittings etc. to feed the boilers.
The end of the 65ft Les Trois Amis as a coastal steamer came on the 10th of November 1858, when the boiler, engine and associated machinery was taken out of Les Trois Amis at the Perth jetty as it was intended to employ her then as a sailing vessel. The boiler was then hauled up the hill by nine horses, to the northern end of George's Hay Street G2 property.
fittings etc. to feed the boilers.
The end of the 65ft Les Trois Amis as a coastal steamer came on the 10th of November 1858, when the boiler, engine and associated machinery was taken out of Les Trois Amis at the Perth jetty as it was intended to employ her then as a sailing vessel. The boiler was then hauled up the hill by nine horses, to the northern end of George's Hay Street G2 property.
George Reuben Green, the eleventh child to George and Jane, was born on the 26th of December 1859, in Perth. His mother Jane was 41 years old at the time and had given birth to 10 children before George. (Birth Reg. Perth: 5032/1860)
1860's
The 20-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Green [3.] married John Blechynden in February 1860. Elizabeth and John were married in St. Georges Cathedral, Perth, on Thursday, the 23rd of February 1860. (Marriage Reg. No. Perth:1487/1860) The marriage was one of the earliest in Western Australia in which both the bride and groom had been born in the Colony. John and Elizabeth moved to Bridgetown and lived in a small "house" which John had built as a stockman's hut.
Jane and George's last baby born, George Reuben Green died aged 8 months old, in Perth, on the 28th of August 1860, six months after his big sister Elizabeth married John Blechynden. George qualified as a juror in 1860, with 1,500 Pounds of personal estate. George also employed two Ticket-of-Leave men during the convict era, in 1857 & 1865. |
George and Jane became grandparents when baby John William Blechynden was born on the 12th of May 1861, in Bridgetown. John and Elizabeth had begun to build the larger "Bridgedale" homestead.
George purchased the 30-foot-long cargo boat, the 'Mary Jane' from his brother-in-law, James Beacham and registered it in his name on the 4th of February 1861. This boat could carry 42 people. This eventually sank in the Swan River.
George purchased the 30-foot-long cargo boat, the 'Mary Jane' from his brother-in-law, James Beacham and registered it in his name on the 4th of February 1861. This boat could carry 42 people. This eventually sank in the Swan River.
Their daughter Dinah Green married Edward Ridley (born 1832, in Sussex, England). Edward had arrived with his parents, Edward Thomas Ridley and wife Amelia Ridley, from England, during August 1842. Dinah and Edward were married on the 7th of August 1861, in St Georges Cathedral. (Marriage Reg. No. Perth:1660/1861) Edward at the time, was employed as a Tanner and had been farming in partnership with his younger brother James Ridley at Greenough. Jane's father's (William Beacham) Jim Jam property south, on the Murray was flooded during 1862. His house was destroyed in the flood. William built a new homestead from bricks made on the property, with a shingled roof reminiscent of an English cottage. |
George Green went on to own Perth Town Lots No. C1 & C2 that ran between Adelaide Terrace and Howich Street (now a continuation of lower Hay Street. The Grosvenor Hotel now occupies part of Lot C1 on Hill Street). George become known as a Miller & a 'foundry man', and in 1863, he completed a new Steam Roller Flour Mill and a Foundry on Town Lot G1/G2 on the corner of Hay and William Street. He also owned Perth Town Lot V17 running between Murray and Wellington Street. |
Son, William Green [2.] married the 21-year-old Eliza Wallace in 1863. They were married on the 22nd of August 1863, in St John's Church, Fremantle. (Marriage Reg. No. Fremantle:2017/1863) Eliza's father was George Wallace, listed as a Groom.
George and Jane became grandparents again in October 1864, when their son William Green's wife, Eliza gave birth to Emily Sarah Green. Tragically Emily was to die three months later.
George and Jane became grandparents again in October 1864, when their son William Green's wife, Eliza gave birth to Emily Sarah Green. Tragically Emily was to die three months later.
George eventually owned 4 schooners: including the Mariner in 1860, and the 30-foot-long Mary Jane in 1861. He had bought the Mary Jane from his brother-in-law, James Beacham. It was licenced to carry 42 persons. George's ships included a number of schooners travelling interstate and steamers running between Perth and Fremantle.
'George Green's Roller Flour Mill' was in Hay Street, just west of William Street, on Lot G2, opposite the new Wesley Church, on the south side of the street. It was here that the boiler and engine of Les Trois Amis first did their duty on dry land after their conversion. The property may have also featured the 'Black Swan Foundry'. However, this foundry is believed to have been on Lot V17, facing Wellington Street.
It is believed George and Jane's first-born son, Reuben Green [1.] died at sea during 1869. He was aged x years old.
At 18 years old, George and Jane's daughter Mary Green [8.] married Charles Pearson (born 1845, in the UK) Charles was the eldest son of Francis Watson Pearson & Mary Ann Pearson). Charles and Mary were married on the 25th of January 1869, in St. John's church, in Fremantle. Charles was living and working at the Greenough Flats at the time. (Marriage Reg. 2923/1869). They then moved to Albany.
1870's
The Perth Town Hall was opened on Foundation Day, 1st of June 1870. The hall was built by convicts and free men between 1867 and 1870. Its decorations contain a number of convict motifs, including windows in the shape of the broad arrow, and decorations in the shape of a hangman's rope. It is the only town hall built by convicts in Australia. Upon completion it was the tallest structure in Perth. The Colony's population had risen to 24,785 persons (15,375 males, 9,410 females).
Son William Green [2.] purchased from his father, George Green and then became the Master of the former steam vessel Les Trois Amis, a schooner of 42 tons, by the 17th of October 1872. William was working with his younger brother John Edward Green [5.]. The ship was regularly sailing between Fremantle and Champion Bay, via the Irwin River. William was also the master of Lady Stirling from 1867 to 1877 and also the Try Again steam cutter. William Green in turn sold Les Trois Amis to Francis Cadell of Perth, a Pearl Shell Fisher, on the 2nd of December 1873.
In 1874, relatively large and impressive government offices were constructed in Perth, housing the Cabinet, Treasury, Titles Office and Post Office. The business district developed slowly with a mix of shops and cottages to the west of Barrack Street.
George Green died on the 13th of December 1874, in Perth, aged 68 years. (Death Reg No. Perth 8232/1874) He was buried in the Church of England section of the East Perth Cemetery, on the 15th of December 1874. Upon George Green’s death, his widow, Jane Green and Henry Strickland were made the executors of his will and estate. 1880's Jane's second son, William Green [2.] died on the 26th of November 1880, aged 43 years. His death was recorded as an Accidental drowning.
By the 1880s, residential development had commenced in West Perth, while industrial development was concentrated in East Perth. |
During this time two events significantly shaped the development of both central Perth and the wider metropolitan region: the construction of a railway from Fremantle to Guildford, completed in 1881, and the Western Australian gold rushes, commencing in 1885.
1890's
Jane's third child, daughter Elizabeth Blechynden (nee Green) [3.] died on Wednesday, the 8th of April 1891, in Bridgetown, aged 51 years. She was buried in Bridgetown Cemetery.
Jane's son, the 34-year-old Levi Green [10.] married Sarah Elizabeth Graham. They were married on the 9th of December 1891, in St. Georges Cathedral, Perth. They went on to live in Hay Street, Perth.
The 'George Green's Roller Flour Mill' on the corner of Hay and Williams Street was demolished during 1893. The steam engine, after being used for some years driving the roller flour mill in Hay Street, was then used in a brick kiln at Cannington. The Green family still owned Perth Town Lot V17 facing Murray and Wellington Streets. George Green's Foundry faced Wellington Street.
The 'George Green's Roller Flour Mill' on the corner of Hay and Williams Street was demolished during 1893. The steam engine, after being used for some years driving the roller flour mill in Hay Street, was then used in a brick kiln at Cannington. The Green family still owned Perth Town Lot V17 facing Murray and Wellington Streets. George Green's Foundry faced Wellington Street.
In 1897, Fremantle Harbour was officially opened. The harbour provided access to the Swan River for larger vessels, made possible after blasting the rocky bar across the Swan River mouth and dredging under the guidance of the colony's Engineer-in-Chief, Charles Yelverton O'Connor. The completion of this project set the seal on Fremantle becoming and remaining the main harbour in Western Australia, finally supplanting Albany.
1900's
As a result of gold rush immigration, in one decade the population of Perth tripled, from 8,447 in 1891, to 27,553 in 1901.
Jane's fifth child, son John Edward Green [5.] died aged 59, at Mongers Street, Leederville, on the 18th of September 1903. (Death Reg. No. 1464/1903) This left Louisa Green a widow, with a number of small children.
The next year, another son died. Thomas Henry Green [7.] died on the 6th of July 1904, in Cottesloe, aged 56 years. (Death Reg: 447/1904) His body was buried in the Anglican section of Karrakatta Cemetery on the 7th of July. Emma Green was left as a 58-year-old widow. |
In August 1904, the facilities on Lot G1 and Lot G2 were condemned at a City Council meeting. As reported in the West Australian of 23rd of August 1904, Page 9:
"Green's Buildings, Hay-street, back of Goode, Durrant and Co.'s, occupied by Mr. Devenish, wall soaked with drainage from yard, an abominable soak-hole excavated out of mud, stable and manure pit defective, no drainage, yard a quagmire of filth, matchboard closet, without any ventilation, urine flowing, from urinal over the yard into the adjoining wall, old wreckage of rooms occupied as sleeping apartments, adjoining shed stacked with straw and flour. Green's shed, formerly used as a mill, used for storing flour, bran, and produce, galvanised iron structure with wooden poles."
"Green's Buildings, Hay-street, back of Goode, Durrant and Co.'s, occupied by Mr. Devenish, wall soaked with drainage from yard, an abominable soak-hole excavated out of mud, stable and manure pit defective, no drainage, yard a quagmire of filth, matchboard closet, without any ventilation, urine flowing, from urinal over the yard into the adjoining wall, old wreckage of rooms occupied as sleeping apartments, adjoining shed stacked with straw and flour. Green's shed, formerly used as a mill, used for storing flour, bran, and produce, galvanised iron structure with wooden poles."
The Green family still owned Perth Town Lot V17 facing Murray and Wellington Streets.
The inspector also reported at the same City Council meeting that he was not happy:
"Levi Green's building, Murray-street, closets defective. The health officer is arranging means by which these premises will be convenienced, by having the frontage to Wellington-street, which is now occupied by George's foundry, removed, and new premises erected by Mr. Green." (Levi had erected an impressive new building facing Wellington Street, by 1906)
The inspector also reported at the same City Council meeting that he was not happy:
"Levi Green's building, Murray-street, closets defective. The health officer is arranging means by which these premises will be convenienced, by having the frontage to Wellington-street, which is now occupied by George's foundry, removed, and new premises erected by Mr. Green." (Levi had erected an impressive new building facing Wellington Street, by 1906)
On 13 July 1905, an 'Indenture of Conveyance' was entered into between Henry Strickland and Mrs. Jane Green, and the 48-year-old, Perth merchant Levi Green, who was the last son of George and Jane. The details of this indenture granted Levi Green Perth Building Lot V17 on the condition that a yearly sum of £60 was paid to his mother Jane Green during her lifetime. Jane's son, James Joseph Green [6.] died on the 31st of March 1907, in West Perth, aged 61 years. He was interred in the Wesley section of the Karrakatta Cemetary on the 2nd of April 1907. He was previously living at 'Emeraldine', 89 Havelock Street, in West Perth. |
George's widow, Jane Green (nee Beacham) survived George until the 11th of October 1910, and died, aged 92 years (Death Reg No. Perth: 489/1910). At the time, she was residing at 'Westcliffe' 1121 Hay Street, West Perth. Jane left one son (Levi Green), three daughters, 47 grandchildren, and 69 great-grandchildren to mourn their loss. Jane had outlived her husband (George), six sons, and one daughter.
Her body was interred in family vault the following afternoon. This was in the Anglican section of the East Perth Cemetery, with her husband's body who had preceded her 37 years before, on the 12th of October 1910. (Removed to Karrakatta Cemetery Anglican GC 0087B)
Her body was interred in family vault the following afternoon. This was in the Anglican section of the East Perth Cemetery, with her husband's body who had preceded her 37 years before, on the 12th of October 1910. (Removed to Karrakatta Cemetery Anglican GC 0087B)
Major References for this page:
Western Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Online Index Search Tool (www.wa.gov.au) |
Goxhill to the Swan: A History of the Green Family
Raylee J. Jones, 1995 - Swan River Settlement (W.A.) - 240 pages
Publisher: R.J. Jones, Perth, W.A., 1995.
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