Of Tragedy and Valor
Cain Jelliff Rumbelow

Cain Jelliff Rumbelow
1877 - 1952
Descendant of Malen Rumbelow 2nd

Cain Jelliff Rumbelow (6th Child) was born on November 2nd 1877 at Encounter Bay, and was named after his uncle, Cain Jelliff, the husband of Alice, who tragically drowned at the Murray mouth on the 2nd March of that year. Cain was born in Crystal Palace, a little weatherboard cottage on the seafront of Encounter Bay, the home of Malen 2nd, and Mary. A visitor, Captain Parkes, once referred to the cottage as the “Crystal Palace” and the name stuck.

Many years later the cottage was condemned and given to Rex and Dorothy Tilbrook, who spent many months carefully dismantling and rebuilding it as the “Settlers Cottage” at Whalers Haven, now called Whalers Inn. Kevin, Phylis’ brother helped with this task and the cottage became a great tourist attraction as a museum of items of local historical interest, including some of the restored original furniture.

As he grew up Cain helped his father and older brothers in the fishing business, then known as M Rumbelow and Sons, and officially joined the partnership when he left school.

He courted Susannah Martha Bailey (Annie), who lived at Hindmarsh Valley, by riding his horse from Encounter Bay each week to sit around the table and talk to the whole family and then ride back home.

Cain and Annie eventually married in the little Methodist Church at Hindmarsh Valley in 1901.

Cain had a brick home built for his bride on the seafront by Fred Bartel, a cousin-in-law. It was named “The Haven” and was not far from the Crystal Palace and Yeltanna, which was the large granite home built by his parents in the 1880’s, when the family outgrew the Crystal Palace. The Haven had eight rooms, a cellar and verandahs on all four sides. A sleepout and bathroom were later additions under the verandahs.

Cain and Annie had four children, Hube, Max, Laura and Cyril.

Annie, Hubert, Max, Cyril and Cain

Cain Jelliff Rumbelow purchased the Swallow in 1907. He sailed the Swallow to victory in many of the sailing races at Victor Harbor on New Years Day, as well as many fishing trips to Kangaroo Island, and along the local coast. His son, Hubert James Rumbelow (Hube) joined Cain on the Swallow as a partner.

During the Second World War Cain Rumbelow and his son Hubert were an official part of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. The Swallow, normally painted white with the registered number “28” was repainted battleship grey and renumbered “82” for wartime service. They patrolled the coast from the Bluff to the Pages and on his return would signal the “all clear” with flags to the Voluntary Defence Corps volunteers standing sentry duty on the Bluff.

SEA LION AT ENCOUNTER BAY.

VICTOR HARBOUR, August 16.

Yesterday morning one of the fishermen living at Encounter Bay observed a dark moving mass upon the beach, and sent a lad to see what it was. Upon the boy's return Air. Cain Rumbelow' proceeded towards the spot witb a rifle and fired at the animal, which be recognised as a sea lion. The monster showed fight, aud Air, J. Shannon ran down to give assistance. Another bullet was fired, and though the animal was bleeding copiously from both wounds, it showed little sign of weakness, and was still1 a formidable antagonist. Armed with sticks the men assailed it at close quarters, and managed to bring it down, but so tenacious of life was the monster that it lived for about three hours after being shot. By the condition of its teeth Air. Rumbelow judged that it was an old animal. Its total length was about 10 ft., and girth about 4 ft. When cut open a couple of penguins were found in its stomach. It would be difficult to estimate , its weight, but while being skinned the efforts of three men were required, to roll1 { it over. The carcase was buried upon the beach. Fifteen years ago a similar animal was killed in the same locality by Air. I Afaim Rumbelow, but that was not so 1 large as the one destroyed yesterday. j

STRANGE MARINE CREATURE

ADELAIDE, Wednesday - Mr. Cain Rumbelow, member of a well-known Encounter Bay family, found in a crayfish pot near Rosetta Head a queer-looking creature, the like of which he and other seafaring folk in the locality had never seen before. In shape and size it is the almost perfect representation of a bicycle saddle, and in colouring it resembles the stingray.

The creature was dead when discovered, and Mr. Rumbelow lost no time in sending it to the Adelaide Museum. Evidently it was a slow swimmer, because the only apparent means of propulsion is a small elevated fan-like tail.

Some time ago Mr. Rumbelow captured a shark whose species quite baffled the Museum authorities, and also English scientists to whom it was submitted. There was weed growing on it, and eventually the authorities in England named it :The Basking Shark."

BIG HAULS

Mr. Cain Rumbelow, the well known Encounter Bay fisherman se-cured two very large Mullaway on Wednesday last in the Bluff waters, the pair weighing just on a cwf Several other large fish have been caught in this vicinity lately by the fishermen.

A BIG CATCH

On Tuesday Mr Cain Rumbelow caught one of the largest sharks retted here for a very long time. The finny monster was 14ft 6ins long, and was over 8 feet in girth. Needless to say Mr Rumbelow's net was very much torn, but he will reap a certain amount of compensation that the teeth of the fish (about 80) will bring in a fair sum of money.

FISHERMEN SEEK SHELTER

High Seas and Damage - at Victor Harbor VICTOR HARBOR,

Today. Fears were entertained at Victor Harbor for the safety of Cain and Hubert Rumbelow, father arid son respectively, fishermen, of Encounter Bay. who, with George Attisi.; of Adelaide, were at sea in the cutter Swallow. They attempted to reach the nachorage at Encounter Bay, but failed to make .headway around the Bluff.

It was learned this afternoon that the Swallow was safely sheltering at Depledge Beach, between King's Beach and Petrel Cove. A fierce gale at Victor Harbor lashed the waves into a frenzy. The whole sea, as far as the eye could see, was one mass of spray. George and William Ewen. fishermen, this monling were caught by the blow at Seal Rock. It was wi;Th great difficulty after a two hours' pull in a flat-bottomed dinghy, that they reached home safe, but exhausted.

Portion of the roof The Casino, Flinders parade, was blown off and the chimney was precipitated through the roof to the floor. "Dalblair." a guest home occupied by Irs.: H. M. Trotter, also suffered. The verandah, which-faces Victoria street. was denuded -of iron. and only the posts re main standing. Electric light wires were cut through when the roof of The Casino was lifted off. and the Harbor Electricity Company has only two sections linked up with light and power--Port Elliot and South Coast Hospital. Guides of Victor Troop camping at Glenbrook, four miles from home, had a nan-ow squeak when a big tree crashed near their tents.

After the children grew up a bit, the Haven became popular as a boarding house and many people made regular annual bookings. Often when you identify yourself as a Rumbelow, people tell of their annual holidays at the Haven and the fishing. Each bedroom had a jug and basin for personal washing. Clothes were washed in a freestanding laundry building in the back yard where a copper, troughs and a mangle were provided. The family bath was also located in this unlined building. There was a second bath – a large round portable tub that was brought into the kitchen in winter for the weekly ritual and placed in front of the kitchen stove. There were also two separate outside toilets, one for guests and one for family. The dining room was quite large and had a piano, which was used for dances. Fred Bartel played the accordion, his son Ivan the violin, Cain the accordion and mouth organ and his daughter Laura played the piano, sang and yodelled on these occasions, which were popular with the guests.

Cain remained a fisherman all his life and when the partnership of M Rumbelow and Sons dissolved in 1907, after both Malen 1st and 2nd had died, he purchased the fishing cutter The Swallow and fished along the coast and also around Kangaroo Island. He entered the New Years Day Sports at Victor Harbor on many occasions and won a number of sailing races. When it was decided to build a church at Encounter Bay, Cain served on the Building Committee. The stone for the building was given by his mother, Mary, and the granite foundation stone was procured by Cain from West Island. The contract was won by J F (Fred) Bartel at a cost of 300 pounds. It was built of limestone with brick facings, a porch and could seat 100 people.

The foundation stone was laid on 1st November 1919 and the church was named the Jefferis Memorial Church in memory of the Rev. Dr. James Jefferis who previously held church services in his home, the Fountain Inn. Like the other Rumbelow fishermen, Cain made his own nets and craypots in the early days.

Cain gave each of his children a block of land as a wedding present, as his father and grandfather had done before him. Laura and Hube built on theirs but Cyril lived in Adelaide and sold his only to buy one close by later in life when he moved to Encounter Bay in retirement.

During the Second World War Cain and his son Hubert were an official part of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. They patrolled the coast from the Bluff to the Pages and on his return would signal the “all clear” with flags to the Voluntary Defence Corps volunteers standing sentry duty on the Bluff. His cousin, Ken Rumbelow was often on this duty.

The Swallow, normally painted white with the registered number “28” was repainted battleship grey and renumbered “82” for wartime service. The Haven was also used for ‘rest and recuperation’ by the Armed Forces.

Annie died on 4th October 1949 and Cain died on 22nd April 1952. Both died at home and are buried at the Victor Harbor Cemetery.

Cain Jelliff Rumbelow had a brick home built for his bride on the seafront by Fred Bartel, a cousin-in-law. It was named “The Haven” and was not far from the Crystal Palace and Yeltanna, which was the large granite home built by his parents in the 1880’s, when the family outgrew the Crystal Palace. The Haven had eight rooms, a cellar and verandahs on all four sides. A sleepout and bathroom were later additions under the verandahs.

Holiday Makers Rescued At Victor Harbour

People who were boating and fishing near Wright's Island, Encounter Bay, had a trying experience when a fierce gale struck the bay on Saturday afternoon. Mr. H. R. Holder, dentist, of Victor Harbour, and his wife and his brother, Dr. E. J R. Holder, of Alberton, and Ben Holder, 10, were fishing in one boat, and some friends, Messrs. Ernest Limbert and A. H. Scarfe, Master Jim Scarfe, and Miss Rose Phillips, all of Adelaide, were in another, flat-bottomed boat, when the squall hit them. Although the anchors had been thrown own, the boats began to drift.

Seeing their plight from the shore, Joseph Shannon, an Encounter Bay fisherman, summoned the aid of Cain Rumbelow, another experienced fisherman. They went to the assistance of the parties in a sailing boat, took the people aboard and towed the boats ashore. Three youths, Alan Gilbert, 20, of St. Peters, and John McDonough 19, and Vernon McDonough 16, of Springfield, who were in a canoe, were caught in the storm, about 300 yards from the shore, and could not return against the strong wind and current.

Rumbelow and Shannon took Vernon Mc-Donough aboard and towed the canoe. When near the beach a huge wave struck the canoe side on, causing it to break away and capsize, throwing the two lads into the water. The fisher-men soon reached the boys and picked up John McDonough, who was struggling in the water. Gilbert managed to get himself and the canoe ashore.

Wave Overturns Fishing Boat

VICTOR HARBOR. Saturday.— When ft huge breaker overturned a small fish-ing boat between the Bluff and Wright's Island, Mr. Jack Vawser, of Naracoorte, had a narrow escape from drowning. He became entangled in his fishing gear, but managed to struggle free, and clung to the boat until a big breaker washed him off. He then swam for Wright's Island.

His cries attracted the attention of Mr. Cain Rumbelow, well-known En-counter Bay fisherman, who was in a boat near the shore with Mr. Charles McShane, of Campbelltown. After swimming for 200 or 300 yards, Vawser clambered on to a rock at Wright's Island, but was washed off. The big sea washed him back into shallow water, where he stayed until Mr. Rumbelow reached the scene and assisted him into his boat

OBITUARY - Susanna Martha Rumbelow

The death occurred at Yilki, Encounter Bay, on 4th October, of Mrs. Susanna Martha Rumbelow, wife of Mr. Cain Rumbelow, at the age of 71 years. Besides a widower, three children survive, viz., Hubert, Laura and Cyril.

LATE MR. C. J. RUMBELOW

The late Mr. Cain Jeliff Rum-below, who died suddenly on Tuesday last, was born at Yilki, Encounter Bay, 74 years ago and had resided there all his life. He was the last surviving son of the late Malen Rumbelow, and a member of the well-known family who had fished in waters along the South Coast for more than a century. Many will re-member their well-known boats. The Rambler and The Ferret — which was wrecked off Wait-pinga Beach on Christmas Eve in 1933, when Messrs. David and Walter Rumbelow were drowned — and later The Swallow.

As a young man the late Mr. Rumbelow was a good cricketer, but he will best be remembered in sport by his long association with the Victor Harbour New Year’s Day Sports, in which he successfully competed in sailing races for many years in company with the late Mr. D. M. Rumbe-low. The deceased was a very likeable person and was highly respected by the very many people who were honoured by his friendship. His remains were in-terred in the local cemetery yes-terday when the Rev. S. Parker officiated at the graveside.

Lesley

Wed 7 Jan, 15:07 (23 hours ago)

to me

SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN THE SUPREME COURT TESTAMENTARY CAUSES JURISDICTION BE IT KNOWN that on the Sixteenth day of July 1952 the last Will and Testament ( a copy whereof is hereunder written ) of CAIN JELLIFF RUMBELOW late of Encounter Bay in the State of South Australia Fisherman deceased who died at Encounter Bay afore said on the twenty - second day of April 1952 was proved and registered in the Supreme Court of South Australia and that administration of the estate of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to HUBERT JAMES RUMBELOW of Yilki near Encounter Bay aforesaid Fisherman ( son of the deceased ) and FREDERICK CROWHURST KEMP of Yilki aforesaid Driver ( formerly of Victor Harbor in the said State Mechanic ) the executors therein named GIVEN at Adelaide under the Seal of the Supreme Court of South Australia L. S. ) T. B. McBryde REGISTRAR OF PROBATES - THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me CAIN JELLIFF RUMBELOW of Encounter Bay in the State of South Australia Fisherman - I desire that all my just and lawful debts funeral and testamentary expenses and any succession duties which may be payable in respect of my estate ( but excepting any Mortgage of my dwelling house and premises hereinafter mentioned ) shall be paid discharged and satisfied by my executors hereinafter named and appointed as soon as conveniently may be after my decease I nominate and appoint my son HUBERT JAMES RUMBELOW and FREDERICK CROWHURST KEMP of Victor - Harbor in the said State Mechanic to be the Trustees and executors of this my will and they as well as the trustees for the time being of my Will are hereinafter designated as " my Trustees " I give devise and bequeath unto my said Trustees all my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever situate whether in possession reversion remainder or expectancy To Hold the same unto my Trustees UPON THE TRUSTS and for the purposes hereinafter declared of and concerning the same that is to say -- As regards my dwelling house and premises situate on Allotments 1 2 19 and 20 ofthe Section 10 laid out as Yilki in the Hundred of Encounter Bay ( comprised in Certificate of Title Register Book Volume 388 Folio 248 ) I DIRECT that my dear wife SUSANNAH MARTHA RUMBELOW shall be permitted to use and occupy the same or receive the net rents issues and profits thereof for and during the term of her widowhood but subject to the payment by her of all rates taxes insurance premiums and other annual outgoings and also subject to the payment by my said wife of the interest on any Mortgage current in respect of such property at the time of my decease and to the maintenance of such property in reasonable repair and condition by my said wife during her widowhood AND immediately after the death or remarriage of my said wife I direct my Trustees to sell and convert into money my said dwelling house and Allotments above - mentioned and my Trustees shall stand possessed of the nett proceeds of such sale and conversion UPON TRUST for the equal division thereof between all and every my children living at the time of my decease And if either of my children shall have died leaving lawful issue such issue shall be entitled to their deceased parents share at the time of such distribution if one wholly and if more than one share and share alike -- I give devise and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate both real and personal whatsoever and wheresoever situate whether in possession reversion remainder or expectancy unto my dear wife the said Susannah Martha Rumbelow for her sole and separate use and benefit absolutely Lastly I revoke all former Wills and testamentary dispositions by me at any time hereto fore made and declare this only to be my last Will and Testament IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 27th day of August One thousand nine hundred and twenty nine Cain Jelliff Rumbelow Encounter Bay SIGNED and ACKNOWLEDGED by the said CAIN JELLIFF RUMBELOW the testator as and for his Will in the presence of us both present at the same time who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses Joshua Shannon David J. Rumbelow

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Of Tragedy and ValorCain Jelliff Rumbelow