- 1859 BIRTH OF EDMUND AND BRIDGET. TWINS. FIRST OF jAMES’S and ELLEN’S 10 CHILDREN.
James’ birthplace (in 1836) is shown as “Milburn Creek “ on birth certificate of James/Ellen’s twins 4 July, 1859, who were also shown as “born at Spring Vale near Milburn Creek.” Grazier, age 23 years, his current residence (in 1859) is shown as ‘Spring Vale’ and Ellen age 24 years, born Co. Limerick, Ireland.
(Edmund was the elder born of the twins, Bridget being the other.. Eight more children were born – Thomas 1862, Patrick 1864, James 1866, Francis 1868, Nicholas 1870, William 1872, Daniel 1877, Margaret 1877.)
- 1860 206 ACRE BLOCK
The 206 acre block (Block 1) just north of Edmund Markham’s 1002 acre “Wash Pin Flat”, noted on pre 1860 records as held by William Ashton Stokes, was “Applied for by Edward (sic) Markham” after it remained unsold at the Carcoar Land sales of 24 October, 1860. Land Document noting the application has “James Markham” written on it and “J. Markham, Resident” written on the block itself. Later maps have “James Markham” written, unlike all other Markham blocks, which have Edward/Edmund’s name
The Lands Map describes the block thus: “A good part of this portion is adapted for cultivation. The soil is loose granite deposit. Water permanent in the river. Timber – white and yellow Box and Red Gum. Locality near Spring Vale”
A note “From the Orange Markhams” given to John Cooke in the eighties,reads “James had a block of 266 acres. The track from Darbys (presumably the first location of Darbys Falls – FCM) went through James’ river corner of the block. James was reputed to have exchanged 640 acres for a bullock dray. Whittys now live there. Thomas, James’ son, had a property called ‘Woolgonga’ but did not work it and on his death it reverted to Edward Killen who had a mortgage on the property.
- 1861 BATHURST FREE PRESS
Columnist 6 Febuary, 1861
“ I came to Spring Vale, the residence of Mr E. Markham; here I was at home – so went in and had a tough yarn with the Patriarch of the Vale, ate some of his Sunday dinner – a fine goose stuffed with no end of good things. The yarn at an end, and my dinner safely stowed away in my own particular paunch, I bid my old friend goodbye and started to follow out the object of my journey.
About 3 miles from Mr. Markham’s I came on the Abercrombie again [Lachlan?] round a bend of which I passed came upon Clifton Park, the snugly situated residence of Mr. N. Jordon; another yarn, and another feed, a fresh start and a journey of 3 miles more brought me safely to “Daleys’ Springs” occupied by Mr. Lowe and others. These farms are beautiful situated on the edge of a small black flat of the richest soil, with high grass hills all around.
After a little delay I retraced my steps to the river along which I directed my course, arriving in succession at Rossman’s, Doyle’s, Halpin’s, Whitty’s, and O’Brien’s farms. I passed the junction of the Burrows, and the old Police Barracks, and thence to Paddy’s Plains and Cudgelong. ”
- 1861 Mill Opening
See report of the Mill opening in Cowra and references to the Markhams.
1861 Census: 117 males, 76 females and a police force of 7 officers residing in the village of Cowra.
- 1862 Marriage of Ellen Markham
Ellen married F J O’Leary 13 August 1862. Witnesses Wm Frost, Rose Flanagan.
- Before 1865 TOWN MAP COWRA
Three one acre town blocks shown in name of ‘E Markham’.
Vaux St, (left to his widow in his will in 1866); Corner of Vaux and Brisbane Streets, (left to Ellen); and Liverpool St (left to Catherine (Nowlan)
Dates of acquisition of one is 1854, others unclear, perhaps sale of 1856. Map is dated 1881.
The first mentioned block, 6 Vaux St, is adjacent to “The Mill” built by the Walsh Brothers and managed by Shaughnessy Jr, married to a Walsh, as was James Markham.
1 .1.1863: Cobb and Co started a mail coach service between Cowra and Carcoar.
- MID – 1860s DOVE O’LEARY RECOLLECTIONS
Letter John Cooke to Aubrey Murray 26/5/1971
[Extract] I contacted Dove O’Leary, b.1883, daughter of Ellen (Markham) O’Leary who is Edmund’s only surviving grand child. Dove is 89 and living on her own at Strathfield while her niece is in hospital. She’s a wonderful old person – looks about 65 – she’s very sprightly and mentally alert and looks good for another 20 years. She was able to fill me in on the family of Ellen Markham and husband Fred J. O’Leary. Her mother died just 50 years ago at Kogarah which she said ‘seems like yesterday’.
Dove knows nothing of Edmund’s background . She was born after Edmund’s death of course but recalls that he was supposed to have been a real martinet – insisted on James calling him ‘Sir’ and didn’t put up with any nonsense. She says he was widely respected in the district and anything that came from Ed Markham would be O.K. by everyone else. She remembers her mother saying, of Bridget’s (Ed’s widow) remarriage to Nick Jordan, that ‘father’ would turn in his grave. Dove says that Bridget was a ‘frail little old thing’ and her sheep were being stolen etc. and probably married the first available provider and protector.
- 1865 A FRAIL (?) EDMUND SIGNS HIS WILL
Edmund Markham, “of Milburn Creek in the District of the Lachlan in the Territory of New South Wales, Grazier” signed his last will at “Spring Vale in the Territory of New South Wales” on 30 May, 1865. Witnesses were Frederick J. O’Leary and Christopher O’Leary. Executors were Frederick J. O’Leary, John Nowlan and Andrew Lynch. It interesting to note his signature is quite different from earlier years, suggesting now the handwriting of a very frail person.
The full text of the Will dated 30 May 1865, is as follows:-
This is the last Will and Testament of me Edmund Markham of Milburn Creek in the District of the Lachlan in the territory of New South Wales. Grazier.
I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Mary my Estate at Springvale containing 1000 acres for her entire use and benefit when she marries or becomes of age provided she marries with the consent of her mother and my executors.
I devise and bequeath to my grandson Edmund my Estate known as Wash Pin Flat on the Lachlan containing 1002 acres together with its incumbency (if any) for his entire use and benefit when he attains the age of 16 years.
I devise and bequeath to my daughter Catherine Nowlan the farm of 46 acres of land on Milburn Creek and also a town allotment described as number 14 section 17 village of Cowra containing 1 acre of land.
I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Ellen O’Leary the farm of land of 55 acres on Milburn Creek and also a town of allotment described as number eight of section 2 in the village of Cowra containing 1 acre.
I give and bequeath to question my nephew Edmund Grumm the farm of 44 acres of land on Milburn Creek and also a Town Allotment described as number 4 section 15 Village of Carcoar and containing to 2r 16p of land.
I give and bequeath to my wife Bridget a Town Allotment number 13 section 12 in the village of Cowra.
All my effects not already mentioned to be disposed of in the following manner viz, all my horse stock to be equally divided amongst my wife children and Edmond Grumm. My horned cattle to remain on the establishment for the support of my wife daughter Mary and Edmund Grumm.
My present establishment I leave to my wife Bridget with all stock thereon, farming utensils etc for the use and support of herself my daughter Mary and my nephew Edmund Grumm so long as she conducts herself properly and remains single and unmarried.
All sheep that may belong to me at my decease to be equally divided amongst my three daughters and Edmund Grumm for their use and benefit.
I hereby appoint Frederick J O’Leary John Nowlan and Andrew Lynch all of the Colony of New South Wales my executors of this my Will. Lastly I revoke all other wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this to be my last Will.In Witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand and seal at “Spring Vale” in the Territory of New South Wales the 13th day of May A.D. 1865 signed Ed Markham . Fred Joseph O’Leary, Christr O’Leary. Signed sealed and published and declared by the said Edmund Markham the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses Fredk Joseph O’Leary Christr O’Leary.
9th July 1866. This day upon Petition Probate of the last Will and Testament of Edmund Markham deceased was granted to Frederick Joseph O’Leary John Nowlan and Andrew Lynch the Executors in the said Will named Testator died the 16th day of April 1866. Goods sworn at £400:- Probate dated the same day as granted.
[Source: Two documents : The original Will and Item 6834 transcribed into NSW Will Books 1800 – 1952]
- 1866 IRENE ALICE (MOLLY) MARKHAM b.1898
“… the ‘big shed’ at Milburn Creek where the convicts [employed by Ed Markham] were tied up. He let them off their chains. They looked after him. Edmund broke his leg* and that led to his death as it never healed properly.”
—Apparently he fell from his horse in late 1865.
- 1866 DEATH OF EDMUND MARKHAM
Died 16 April 1866 after a fall in late 1865.
“Nick Markham told Tom Markham and Ena (Markham) Wass that Ed fell off his horse and died six months later from complications. Nick remembered going to the funeral which Ena thought was in Cowra. Ena remembered her grandmother, Ellen.” [Margaret Wilkinson to Joan Dawes 6.8.01]
The only “official” document found in the search is the unqualified statement on the Probate document that he died on 16 April 1866. The Death Certificate, precise place of death, and place of burial not yet found, despite much research. (Note: Cowra Cemetery records appear incomplete. No record of Francis Conyngham Murray, buried there in 1906, either.)
While it is more likely that Markham was buried in Cowra, note that O’Shaughnessy Diary references to cemeteries (no reference to actual death as he was in Queensland) are relevant:
- 2.1868 Buried McInerney’s daughter (drowned in Goolagong, funeral at Cowra) in Campbell’s burial ground. (his is Jerula, formerly Mufflon Park, just outside Cowra on the Darbys Falls Road.)
- Two references to ‘the old burial grounds’ at Kangaroo Flat – near Milburn Creek. 15 10.1881 and 29.4.1888.
- We were also told the Grums were buried at Kangaroo Flat.
- 1866
Edmund Markham died 16 April 1866. (Only source/proof available is the Probate document.)
- 1866 EDMUND MARKHAM’S WILL
[Note: The most interesting aspect of the will is that nothing was left to his eldest son, James. Many theories could be developed, but he did leave a major block, 1002 acres, to James’ eldest son, Edmund, who was then only 7 years old. Moreover, James already held land nearby and was resident there. (See 1860 above re the acquisition of this land). Though probably unlikely, James may have already been granted other land by his father. (Are all the blocks taken up between 1830 – 1866 listed in the will?)
Death duties minimisation may also have been a factor, given Edmund’s age.]
In his Will, Edmund left the following. John Cooke’s 1973 analysis in his notes:.
At MILBURN CREEK:
Mary 1,000 acres. “My estate at Spring Vale containing 1,000 acres.
Mary got 1000 acres at Spring Vale “when she marries or comes of age”. Unfortunately for Mary, Edmund had only a few months previously, mortgaged this property (on the Mt. McDonald side of Milburn Creek near its confluence with the Lachlan River) to John McPhillamy of Mount Tamar to raise £200. This was not repaid within the time stipulated and McPhillamy sold it to Henry Oliver of Blayney for £270 in 1870. Mary should have finished up with the cash difference.
Grandson Edmund 1002 acres WashPin Flat on the Lachlan 1002 acres .Comment: This is block 4 in Dunleary Parish.
Wash Fin Flat on the Lachlan containing 1002 acres when he attains the age of 16 years”. Young Ed missed out too, for this property (a bit up river from Milburn Creek) had been mortgaged in 1861 to Nicholas Read to secure a loan of £300. This was not repaid within the 3 years stipulated and the executors of Nicholas Read sold it in 1870 to Samuel Marsden of Kings Plains for £430. Again Ed should have got the cash difference.
Catherine 46 acres The farm of 46 acres of land on Milburn Creek. Comment: Either block 7 or block 22 in Milburn Parish.
Block 6 of 46 acres and 7 of 44 acres on Milburn Creek.
Catherine Nowlan was left “the farm of 46 acres of land on Milburn Creek” (this is just north of the Darby’s – Mt. McDonald. road, on the Creek) also 1 acre in Liverpool Street, Cowra, just about opposite Emily Bourke’s house, near the corner of Macquarie Street. Catherine Nowlan died intestate and her husband (John Nowlan the Younger of Wentworth Gully near Grenfell) sold the 46 acres to John Whitty for £47 in 1879 and the 1 acre to Jessie Blackwood Campbell for £30 in 1872.
Ellen 55 acres The farm of 55 acres on Milburn Creek. Comment: Most likely Block 11 in Milburn Parish.
Ellen O’Leary was left 55 acres, on Milburn Creek (on the Darby’s side of the Creek, right at its junction with the river This caused some trouble later because Ellen’s husband Frederick Joseph O’Leary had witnessed the ‘testator’s signature. The devises to Ellen were void in law because of this but before anyone realised this they sold the 55 acres to Ellen Jordan (1875) .I don’t think the 55 acres was ever fixed up but time would have cured the trouble by now.
Edmund Grum 44 acres The farm of 44 acres on Milburn Creek. Comment: Probably block 6 in Milburn Parish.
Nephew Edmund Grum was left 44 acres on Milburn Creek (this adjoins Kate Nowlan’s 46 acres) also 2 roods 16 perches on Jones Street, Carcoar. I can find nothing anywhere on Edmund Grum .
Wife Bridget ??acres “My present establishment.”
Comment: ? Where? John Cooke in earlier papers thought might be Woolgonga which is probably block 1 of 206 acres just north of block 4 Wash Pin Flat of 1002 acres. I can’t work out what he meant by the ‘present establishment’. Where they lived no doubt. Was this Woolgonga? Would this be the cottage shown on the plan?]
At COWRA:
Catherine 1 acre Town allotment No 14 section 17, Village of Cowra Liverpool Street.
Ellen 1 acre Town allotment No 8 section 2, Village of Cowra, Corner Vaux and Brisbane Streets.
Opposite the public school in Vaux St and the Masonic Hall in Brisbane St. and the 1 acre to Anne Love Taylor McDairmid for £15 in 1870. All the next of kin later had to join in and confirm the sale of the 1 acre.
Wife Bridget 1 acre Town allotment No 13 section 12, Village of Cowra. Vaux Street.
Wife Bridget was left an allotment in Vaux street, Cowra – about where Francis’ timber yard is now. I think this land was taken by the Railways Commissioner later.
At CARCOAR:
Edmund Grum 2 roods 16 perches Town allotment No 4 section 15, Village of Carcoar
I can find nothing anywhere on Edmund Grumm. 1877 the Carcoar land was owned by William John Derwin.
JOHN COOKE’s 1973 analysis continues.
His horse stock was to be equally divided amongst wife and children and Edmund Grum. This is the only time James got a look in – he might have scored a horse. His horned cattle were to remain ‘on the establishment’ for the support of wife and daughter Mary, and Edmund Grum.
More John Cooke comments 2003
John Cooke to Margaret Wilkinson 15 March, 2003.
EM owned Wash Pin Flat (1002 ac) from 9/6/1838. I think a Crown Grant issued on 23/8/1838, but I have not yet seen it. This became Portion 4.
He offered to purchase 1050 ac, described as 1 mile N of his 1002 ac parcel, on 21/9/1838. John Terry Hughes got under his guard somehow and obtained a Crown Grant for this parcel (later always referred to as 1000 ac) on 29/2/1840. This became Por 3. I think it is reasonably clear that EM maintained an interest in this block, probably by way of lease from JTH, until he managed to purchase it from the Bank of Australia on 29/8/1850.
He had previously, on 5/5/1840 and 4/1/1841, applied to rent ‘one section’ on Milb Ck, bounded on S by JTH ‘1000 ac farm’. This land would have included what subsequently became Por 22 and, possibly, Por 9. No record yet of any lease from the Crown.
I have found no record of his interest in the Woolgonga parcels. Probably leased from the Crown. Still working on this aspect.
The strong inference emerges that he was in possession of most, if not all, the land from the Lachlan up to the Vale road by the early 1840s. Nearly 4000 ac. This would, presumably, have become known as ‘Spring Vale’.
Looks like he hived off the Woolgonga blocks (to the extent of his interest in them) to James and sons well before his death. This could explain why James did not feature in the will. As shown in the latest map, this would involve Pors 6,1,24,60 and 25. About 1300 ac.
If this was so, Spring Vale would have shrunk to Portion 3 and whatever he then retained, if any, of Portions 22 and 9. He obviously retained Por 4 (Wash Pin Flat). He also obviously retained his ‘present establishment’ wherever that was. Most likely the part of Por 9 East. of Spring Vale Creek.
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