Embedded Files
Of Tragedy and Valor
Edward R Bolger
1845 - 1927
Studio Portrait
Edward Robert Bolger was born in Tasmania in 1845.
Edward Robert Bolger was born Nov 30th 1845 in Hobart - the first born of Robert Bolger & Anna Maria Geary. They had married in Geelong which was then in the Port Phillip District of New South Wales. He had two sisters, Frances & Mary Ann, neither of whom ever married.
His father, Robert, a mariner, disappeared in April 1850 when he was a crew member aboard Lady Denison when it was lost near Church Island. As a child, his family arrived arrived in Port Adelaide on The Punch on July 21, 1850.
THE 'LADY DENISON
At length we have something like authentic intelligence of the missing barque. Captain Duncan, of the Lapwing, was informed by a sealer at Emu Bay that he had seen, about a month previously, on shore, and bottom up, a longboat marked Lady Denison. This was at the ' Church Rock,' on the west coast of Van Diemen's Land. Several oars, articles of clothing, part of the cabin, one of the tops, the poop-ladder, and a variety of other things were scattered along the beach for miles. There is, therefore, no longer any reason to doubt that the ill-fated barque met her untimely fate in one of the heavy gales which were noticed after her departure hence. That some of the crew or passengers may have sur-vived is barely possible, but we fear there is very little ground for hope.
The family travelled to Hindmarsh Valley by bullock dray, and settled in Port Elliot.
At the age of 9 Edward was "obliged" to find work as a bullock driver and rural laborer. At the age of 20 Edward became driver of the tramcar, which ran between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. He subsequently gained work in road construction, assistant ranger, and later as a storekeeper, carrier and later postmaster.
Edward achieved rather a unique distinction in that he married three Rumbelow sisters, having tied the nuptial knot for the third time at the age of 77.
He married in succession Mesdames Weymouth, Jelliff, and Watson.
In 1866 Edward Bolger married Mahalia Weymouth (nee Rumbelow)
In 1879 Edward Bolger married Alice Jelliff (nee Rumbelow)
In 1921 Edward Bolger married Emma Watson (nee Rumbelow)
Edward Bolger died in 1927 at Strathalbyn on 13th March.
He is buried in the Victor Harbor Cemetery.
Edward Robert Bolger first marriage was to Mahalia Weymouth (nee Rumbelow) in 1866. Edward was 21 and Mahalia 26.
Mahalia was born on 5th December 1840 at West Row, England and accompanied her family to Australia at the age of 14.
Mahalia was previously married to Henry Matthias Weymouth at the Tabernacle Church in Victor Harbor on 2nd February 1861. Henry was a builder who either built or worked on the Hotel Victor and Clifton Guest House. Henry and Mahalia had two children. Henry died at age 26 in 1863 while digging a canal on the Goolwa to Victor Harbor railway line.
Mahalia's sister Alice and her first husband Cain Jelliff offered their home for her wedding to Edward.
Edward and Mahalia had a further four children in addition to the 2 children Mahalia had previously.
Mahalia died on 21st January 1879 at the age of 39.
Later in 1879, Edward Bolger married the 44 year old Alice Jelliff (nee Rumbelow).
Mahalias death had left Edward with five very young children. It is presumed that can only presume that Alice( who was recently widowed) stepped in to assist to look after these children and eventually married him.
Alice, the eldest Rumbelow daughter, was previously married to Can Jelliff. Alice was a strong, capable person because she was also responsible for selling the fish in the Adelaide market.
On 2 March 1877, 42 years of age, whilst engaged in a fishing expedition, Cain lost his footing in a storm at sea near the Murray mouth, was plunged overboard and drowned. The Southern Argus described him as quiet and inoffensive and, “in the domestic relations of husband and wife perhaps there was no happier pair amongst us, therefore the grief of the bereaved wife is very great”
Alice and Cain had no children.
Once married, Edward and Alice continued to care for Mahalia's two children from her first marriage and four young children from her marriage to Edward. Alice also cared for the orphaned child of her cousin, Benjamin Last although she had no children of her own.
Edward Bolger took over the Encounter Bay store and Post Office from J S Reid in 1844. In 1898 Edward Bolger purchased Lot 90 in Ocean Street from John Hindmarsh to build a two floor shop.
Alice died at the age of 86 on 17th April 1920 and her obituary indicates that she was well liked and respected in the district.
Alice Rumbelow (Jelliff)
1833 - 1920
Almost a year to the day after his second wife had died, Edward Robert Bolger married a third Rumbelow sister Emma Watson (nee Rumbelow) on 21st April 1921. It is said that Edward wanted to marry Emma back in 1865.
Edward and Emma Watson (nee Rumbelow) married at her home in Ambleside on April 21st, 1921.
Emma was previously married to Thomas George Watson in 1865. In 1868, Thomas decided that farming was not sufficiently rewarding so he joined the Government Tramway Service at Victor Harbor, where he worked for over thirty years.
He then ran a butcher shop at Strathalbyn, a venture in which it is likely his youngest son, Herbert, joined. Thomas died on 11th February 1914 at 68 years of age. He is buried in the Strathalbyn Cemetery.
Emma and Thomas had nine children; Edith, Thomas, Esther, Henry, Rowland, Percival, Winifred, Herbert and Pearl.
Edward was 75 and Emma 72 when they finally married.
Edward died at Strathalbyn in 1927 and is buried at the Victor Harbor Cemetery.
Emma died just over 10 years later on 31st January 1938.
He is buried in the Strathalbyn Cemetery, South Australia.
Emma Watson Bolger
1849 - 1938
Mrs. E. Bolger
Mrs. E. Bolger
Mrs. Emma Bolger, 88. who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. W. Hopkins, at Strathalgyn, on Janu-ary 31, was born at Mildenhall, Suf-folk, and came to Australia in the ship Pestongee Bomangee with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Malen Rumbelow. They arrived at Port Adelaide on October 7, 1854. Only a few days were spent in the Port, and the family set out for Encounter Bay, taking seven days on the trip. At that time there was only one house in what is now Victor Harbour. Mr. Rumbelow worked on the surround-ing farms. At that time the whaling station at the Bluff, and the boiling down works were operating.
At the age of 17 Miss Rumbelow was married to Mr. Thomas G. Watson, in what is known as the Tabernacle at Encounter Bay, and her husband took up contracting. Later he obtained employment on the Strathalbyn-Victor Harbour Tramway, and when this was replaced bv the railways he continued with that department. After 35 years' service he resigned and opened a butcher's business in the two-storied shop still used for this purpose, near the Strathalbyn powerhouse.
Mr. Watson died in 1914, leaving the widow and nine children, these being Thomas Watson (Wayville), Henry (Fullarton), Rowland (Prospect), Percy (Prospect), Herbert (Prospect), Mesdames F. W. Hopkins (Strathalbvn), and J. S. Brown (Sydney, N.S.W.). Mesdames W. L. Montrose and W. G. Nurse pre-deceased her.
Living descendants as a result of this marriage number more than 100. There are 38 grandchildren and nearly 60 great-grandchildren. The widow afterwards married the late Mr. E. R. Bolger, of Victor Harbor, in 1922. Mr. Bolger died in 1927, since when Mrs. Bolger had resided with her daughter (Mrs. Hopkins). Her favorite hobby was crochet work, and she made many gifts for various organisations attached to the Methodist Church, of which she was a member. The remains were buried in the Strathalbyn cemetery.
The following are some extracts regarding E R Bolger Senior
“Arrived in the “Punch” from Tasmania
Occupation Mail Driver, Bullock Driver & Contractor.
Resided Hindmarsh Valley, Victor Harbor, Strathalbyn.
Religion: Congregational.
Edward Bolger married three of Malin & Alice Rumbelow’s daughters.
First he married Mahalia Weymouth.
After Mahalia died he married Alice Jelliff. Edward and Alice were married for forty years before Alice died. Alice had no children of her own but she helped raise Mahalia’s children.
After Alice died Edward married Emma Watson of whom it is said he wished to marry before she married Thomas Watson.”
- The obituary in “The Biographical Index of South Australian 1836-1885”
Edward Robert Bolger 1st
“The Late Mr. E R Bolger - Died in his 82nd year at Strathalbyn on Sunday. Born at Hobart in 1845 and later the family arrived at Port Adelaide and came straight away to Hindmarsh Valley by bullock dray. From there they went to Port Elliot.
When Mr. Bolger was 9 years old he was obliged to find work as a bullock driver. Until he was 20 he was a rural labourer but eventually became driver of the tramcar, which ran between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. This he abandoned in favour of road making. Later he became a storekeeper and a carrier.
Was Past Master of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge (associated with it for 35 years) and with the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows for 60 years. For years a member and Chairman of the District Council. In 1898 E R Bolger purchased Lot 90 in Ocean Street from John Hindmarsh. Here a two storey shop was built a year or two later.
E R Bolger took over the Encounter Bay store and Post Office from J S Reid in 1884. “
From “The Victor Harbor Times” 18/3/1927 - Obituary.
Another newspaper cutting (not dated) states
“ Mr. Edward R Bolger, who is the direct descendant of an Irish Lord, carried the mails from Goolwa to Yankalilla in the early days on horseback and he had to ford the Hindmarsh and Inman rivers which were no inconsiderable streams.”
THE LATE MR. E. R. BOLGER
THE LATE MR. E. R. BOLGER
Mr. Edward Robert Bolger, whose death in his eighty-second year oc-curred at Strathalbyn on Sunday, was formerly a well-known resident of Encounter Bay, with the progress of which district he had been associated from the earliest days of its settlement. He was born at Hobart in 1845, and later came to South Australia.
The family landed at Port Adelaide, and immediately proceeded to Hindmarsh Valley in a bullock dray. They subsequently went to Port Elliot.
Edward Robert Bolger was nine years old at that time, and he was obliged to seek employment as a bul-lock driver to assist to support the home. Until he attained his twentieth year he was a rural laborer, but he eventually secured employment as a driver of the tramcar which then ran between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. This avocation, however, he abandoned in favor of roadmaking.
Later he commenced business as a storekeeper. He was in turn a carrier. He was a past master of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge (with which he was connected for about 35 years) and was also associated with the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows for 60 years. He was for years a member, and subsequently Chairman of the Encounter Bay District Council. He was an ardent advocate of the proposed Goolwa-Victor Harbour canal, which which he believed would be of inestimable value to Victor Harbour and the southern coast generally.
Mr. Edward Robert Bolger
Mr. Edward Robert Bolger
Mr. Edward Robert Bolger, whose death in his eighty-second year occurred at Strathalbyn last Sunday, was formerly a well-known resident of Encounter Bay, with the progress of which district he had been associated from the earliest days of its settlement. He was born at Hobart in 1845 and five years later came to South Australia. The family landed at Port Adelaide, and immediately proceeded to Hindmarsh Valley in a bullock dray. They subsequently went to Port Elliot, where Mr. Bolger'a stepfather died.
Edward Robert Bolger was nine years old at that time, and he was obliged to seek employ-ment as a bullock driver to assist to support the home.
Until he attained his twentieth year he was a rural labourer, but he eventually secured employment as a driver of the tramcar which then ran between Goolwa and Victor Harbour. This avocation, however, he abandoned in favour of roadmaking. At the latter pur-suit he saved sufficient to purchase a business at Encounter Bay, from which he retired in 1915.
He was a member of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge for about 35 years, and was also associated with the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. He was for years a member, and subsequently Chairman, of the Encounter Bay District Council.
He was an ardent advocate of the proposed Goolwa-Victor Harbour canal, which he believed would be of inestimable value to Victor Harbour and the southern coast generally.
Obituary - The Late Mr E R Bolger
Obituary - The Late Mr E R Bolger
The Victor Harbor Times
18/3/1927
Died in his 82nd year at Strathalbyn on Sunday. Born at Hobart in 1845 and later the family arrived at Port Adelaide and came straight away to Hindmarsh Valley by bullock dray. From there they went to Port Elliot. When Mr Bolger was 9 years old he was obliged to find work as a bullock driver. Until he was 20 he was a rural labourer but eventually become driver of the tramcar which ran between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. This he abandoned in favour of road making. Later he became a store keeper and a carrier.
Was Past Master of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge (associated with it for 35 years) and with the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows for 60 years. For years a member and Chairman of the District Council. In 1898 R E Bolger purchased lot 90 in Ocean Street from John Hindmarsh. Here a two storey shop was built a year or two later. E R Bolger took over the Encounter Bay store and Post Office from J S Reid in 1884
OBITUARY:
Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA: 1866-1954)
Thursday 17 March 1927 p 3
"Mr Edward Robert Bolger, whose death in his eighty-second year occurred at Strathalbyn on Sunday, was formerly a well-known resident of Encouuter Bay, with the progress of which district he had been associated from the earliest days of its settlement. He was born at Hobart in 1845, and five years later came to South Australia. The family landed at Port Adelaide, and immediately proceeded to Hindmarsh Valley in a bullock dray. They subsequently went to Port Elliot, where Mr. Bolger's stepfather died. Edward Robert Bolger was nine years old at that time, and he was obliged to seek employment as a bullock driver to assist to support the home. Until he attained bis 20th year he was a rural labourer, but he eventually secured employment as driver of the tramcar which then ran between Goolwa and Victor Harbour. This avocation, however, he abandoned in favour of roadmaking. At the latter pursuit he saved sufficient to purchase a business at Encounter Bay, from which he retired in 1915. He was a member of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge for about 30 years, and was also Associated with the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. He was for years a member, and subsequently chairman of the Encoutner Bay District council. He was an ardent advocate of the proposed Goolwa-Victor Harbour canal, which he believed would be of inestimable value to Victor Harbour and the southern coast generally.
MAGISTRATES' COURT
MAGISTRATES' COURT
Richard Lloyd was charged by Stephen Gelding, Ranger for Encounter Bay, with, after notice, neglecting to destroy thistles growing on his land. Flea, not guilty. Informant deposed to having seen thistles growing on defendant's land after the time required for clearing them.
Edward Bolger, Assistant Ranger, corroborated. Defendant brought forward evidence that he had used diligence in endeavouring to clear the land, having had six hands at work for a considerable period. The Court suspended the conviction for one month, Lloyd to have the whole of his land cleared by that time, or judgment to take effect.
POLICE COURTS
POLICE COURTS
Edward Bolger and John Oliver were charged with fighting in a public place at Port Victor. Fined 10s. each and costs 15s.
Cain Jeliff and Malin Rumbelow were charged with aiding, abetting, and counselling an offence against the Police Act. Fined 10s. each, and costs £2 5s.
An information charging the above defendants with assaulting John Oliver was dismissed.
Port Elliot: Friday, September 13
Port Elliot: Friday, September 13
James Greenfield pleaded guilty to a charge of -indecency in a public place at Port Elliot. Fined 10s. and costs 10s. John Knight, for allowing a number of pigs to stray at large in the township of Port Elliott, was fined 5s. and costs 10s. George Dormer was fined 10s. and costs 10s. for making use of threatening language towards Edward Bolger.
The same defendant was also fined £1 and costs £1 14s. for rescuing a cow which had been seized by Edward Bolger, District Ranger for Encounter Bay, for the pur-pose of impounding it.
LAW COURTS.
LAW COURTS.
MAGISTRATE'S COURT, PORT ELLIOT. MONDAY December 16
ROBBERY FROM A STORE.— Edward Neighbour was brought up in custody by Lance corporal Simpson on a charge of stealing from the store of Mr. Heggaton, Victor Harbor. Mr Lowe appeared for the prisoner. Thomas Adams, being sworn, said
I am assistant to Mr. Heggaton, and have charge of his store at Victor Harbor. Oh Saturday night, between 7 and 8 o'clock, the prisoner came to the shop. I went to a room adjoining to a cash-box for change. I had to take out some notes. As the prisoner stood in the shop he might see the cash-box and notes, and where I placed it. I put it back into the cupboard I took it from. Prisoner went away soon after. On Sunday morning I left for chapel at 25 minutes past 10. I saw the cash-box, and covered it up. I shut the back door, locked it, and took tbe key. When I got to chapel prisoner was there. He went out about 20 minutes after I came in. The chapel is about 120 yards from Mr Heggaton's store; three or four minutes walk. Prisoner came back in about half an hour. When chapel was over I went straight back I found tbe doors broken open and cashbox gone. The contents of the cashbox were £15 or £16 in £1 notes, cheque of .J. S. Harding's for £2, another cheque for £1 5s. 4d, and £4 in silver. From infor-formation I received I went in the direction of the scrub, accompanied by Mr Bolger. Tracked to a grass tree. Found the cash-box there, but broken by a limestone produced. I had the key in my pocket. It fitted it. Prisoner has been often at the house. I have known him for years. He knew my habits and times of leaving.
Cross-examined by Mr Lowe — Was certain the blind to the glass window would not prevent the prisoner seeing the cash box. I could see the prisoner from the room in the shop. E.R. Bolger described the tracks, and gave certain reasons for going in the direction of the grass trees, where he found the cash box, broken open, and empty, except a copper coin. The box produced in Court is the one so found.
Mrs Bolger, wife of last witness, said— Saw prisoner leave the chapel. Had afterwards to go out with her infant. Saw prisoner going in the direction of the scrub, between her house and Misen's, He appeared to hold one of his arms behind him. It was not hanging down. Lost sight of him after passing her house. He returned to chapel in about half an hour. He looked very white. She thought he was ill. When she heard of the robbery she told her husband. When she first noticed him from the porch of the chapel he was coming from the direction of Mr Heggaton's store.
WHERE HISTORY WAS MADE
WHERE HISTORY WAS MADE
Romantic Associations of Encounter Bay HEROINE OF "PAVING THE WAY" HALE AND HEARTY
The glamor of old romance hovers o'er Encounter Bay, that quiet stretch of beach where the mighty rollers of the Southern Ocean give their final thrust as they complete the long journey from Arctic climes. Within the sound of the waves rest many pioneers who helped to cultivate tiny patches of soil, or who engaged in the more exciting occupation at whaling before Adelaide was dreamed of.
A former resident for many years is Mr. E. R. Bolger, who is 85, but went to Strathalbyn to reside recently. He achieved rather a unique distinction in that he married three sisters, having tied the nuptial knot for the third time comparatively recently. He married in succession Mesdames Weymouth, Jeliff, and Watson.
Australian Shipwrecks
Australian Shipwrecks
(Charles Bateson) Vol. One 1622-1850
"The brig "Lady Denison" sailed from Adelaide SA on 17th April 1850 for Hobart Tas. but never reached her destination. There was a suspicion at the time that the convicts who were included among her passengers had seized her and sailed for San Francisco, California, but her arrival there was never reported. In 1853 it was stated that a policeman at Ovens NSW had identified a woman at an inquest as one of the Lady Denison's prisoners. She was the wife of a German, August Penzig.
In June a pilot reported that he had seen the Lady Denison off the coast and a few days later the master of the whaler Augustus, Captian Young, also said he had seen the brig. He added that there was no mistaking her peculiar build. However, in reporting these sightings O'May gives no dates, which necessarily destroys their value as evidence.
It seems more probable that the Lady Denison was totally wrecked off the west coast of Tasmania. In July a sealer at Emu Island told Captain Duncan, master of the schooner Lapwing, which had anchored in Emu Bay, that about a month before he had found a longboat on shore at Church Rock, about four miles north-west of the Arthur River. It was lying on shore, bottom up, and had the name Lady Denison on it. Several oars, part of a cabin, a poop ladder, one of the tops, various articles of clothing and other articles were found strewn along the beach for some miles. The suggestion that these articles had been scattered along the beach to create the impression that the Lady Denison had been wrecked is scarcely feasible. It is unlikely that the convicts, if they had taken possession of the brig, would have gone to the length of partially dismantling a cabin, throwing away a poop ladder and removing a top, a platform at a lower masthead in square-rigged vessels used for spreading the topmast shrouds and as a working floor when making rigging repairs.
If the Lady Denison foundered at sea the death roll must have been nearly forty people. She was carrying sixteen passengers, eleven convicts and three constables, a total of thirty, in addition to her crew, which probably numbered about seven or eight. It is possible, of course, that some survivors got ashore, and if they were prisoners they could well have refrained from reporting the brig's loss so as to regain their freedom. This may explain the later identification of the wife of August Penzig.
The Lady Denison was stated to be a brig of 200 tons. She had been built at Port Arthur Tas. in 1847 and was in command of Captain Hammond.
Sources (from SAR 1 Aug), 14 Aug 1850, O'May. Wrecks. 39-41; O'May Hookers 46, 98-9; Lawson 93, 219."in addition to her crew, which probably numbered about seven or eight. It is possible, of course, that some survivors got ashore, and if they were prisoners they could well have refrained from reporting the brig's loss so as to regain their freedom. This may explain the later identification of the wife of August Penzig.
Sources (from SAR 1 Aug), 14 Aug 1850, O'May. Wrecks. 39-41; O'May Hookers 46, 98-9; Lawson 93, 219.”
Victor Harbor - September 28
Victor Harbor - September 28
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA: 1839-1900)
Wednesday 30 September 1863 Page 3
An inquest was held at the Victor Harbor Hotel, before Mr. J. Hindmarsh, J.P., on the body of Henry Weymouth, who met with his death by the falling of earth whilst engaged in a cutting on the Goolwa and Victor Harbor Tramway.
The Jury having elected Mr. Thomas Burgess foreman, and being duly sworn, proceeded to view the body which lay in an adjoining room, and then returned to hear the evidence, which was as follows:
— Benjamin Cornish, sub-contractor for Mr. Redman on the line of tramway— Was present on the work on Friday afternoon, when he heard one or more voices say "take care." Immediately looked round, and saw some earth in the cutting fall and knock the deceased against the earth-truck immediately behind him. Was on top at the time. Jumped down to assist, and saw deceased was injured. Went for the doctor.
By the Jury— The usual precautions were taken, but the earth fell in quite unexpectedly.
Charles Lill, foreman under Mr. Cornish— Was with three men working on the top and saw no danger. Saw the earth fall, and told deceased and the others ''to lookout." Did not know it was in a dangerous state. The usual precautions were taken to prevent the sudden fall of the earth, two legs being left as a support. They all had the same chance of escape, only that a truck was behind the deceased. Had examined the top about three minutes previously, but saw no crack in it. The fall was 10 feet high, and the truck was about 6 feet from the fall. Believed that if the truck had been 10 yards from the fall the accident would not have happened. Never had a truck there when a fall was expected. The cutting had been standing for three months, and this was the first fall since they last worked at it.
By the Coroner -The nature of the ground was hard and appeared sound, and on that account they did not think extra precautions necessary. A fall always cracks before it falls. The earth that fell was only a part of the fall.
Henry Pitchers— Was working alongside deceased. Asked him if there was any danger of its falling, and he said no. Saw the earth fall, and told the deceased to "lookout," but he had not time to escape. The earth hit witness on the leg.
By a Juror—It was the blow against the truck that caused death. Deceased was sensible when he died. Blood issued from a scar on the side of his head, caused by coming in contact with the truck. There was also a gurgling sound in his stomach. He lived about half-an-hour.
John Shuter— Was working with deceased at the time of the accident. Saw the earth fall and dash deceased against the truck, and bury him up to his legs. Did not think there was any blame attached to the contractor or those under him. Feared the cutting was dangerous because he had seen the sides fall in. Never heard the foreman caution the men respecting the danger of the cutting.
George Pope - Was working in the next cutting to the one in which the accident happened. Saw the deceased after the accident and saw him die. He lived about half-an-hour. Examined the cutting and saw no neglect on the part of the men.
By a Juror— Thought that if the cutting had not been stopped the accident would not have occurred. In such a case extra precautions should have been taken in reopening the cutting. In the absence of Dr. Hill, the medical attendant Mr. Cornish stated that he went for the doctor, but when he arrived deceased was dead. The doctor said that death was caused by concussion of the brain partly and also from the rupture of the lungs.
The Jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of accidental death. Deceased was a son of Mr. E. Weymouth, of Woodside. He has left a young widow and one child. His age was about 26. He had only been engaged about three hours previous to the accident. He was buried yesterday, and on account of the respect entertained for him the attendance at the funeral was very large.’
Postal descendants bring early mail re-enactment to life
Postal descendants bring early mail re-enactment to life
Victor Harbour Times (SA: 1932-1986)
Friday 24 October 1986
About 30 descendants of early Victor Harbor post masters helped re-create history at the re-enactment of the first mail run from the Adelaide GPO to Encounter Bay on horse back on Tuesday.
The re-enactment, organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay, proved to be one of the most popular events of the busy Encounter Festival program with hundreds of local residents and visitors being joined by students from the three Victor Harbor schools.
Descendants at the ceremony included six generations of the Thring family - Mr William Thring was post master from 1862 to 1863, and four generations of descendants of Mr Ed. Bolger including 94-year-old Mr Roy Bolger. Fine warm weather and 1830's costumes added to the atmosphere of the re-enactment which began at the GPO at 6 am. Eight riders riding relay, brought mailbags of specially franked mail from local resdidents to Victor Harbor. They were met at Connell Reserve by the Mayor, Mr Eric Ashby and his wife, who joined the procession in Mr Des Dent's Victoria carriage, members of the Southern Harness Club, the Victor Harbor Riding School and two, penny farthing bicycles and riders.
The procession which was heralded through the streets by town crier, Mr John Gordge, was led Mr Doug Bunker with his massive Clydesdales pulling a hay cart. The procession was joined by the school children at Bay Road, before moving to the site of the first local post office, built by Mr Ed Truslove in 1866, on the corner of Maud Street and Bay Road, Encounter Bay. A second post office was later built in the Maud Street vicinity by Mr Ed Bolger. Recently retired police officer and former Victor Harbor resident, Mr George Waye, suitably dressed in early police uniform, delivered the mailbags the final leg and handed them to acting Victor Harbor post master, Mr Andy Home for delivery. Inner Wheel president, Mrs Laurel Humphris, told the gathering that as early as 1839, the mail was brought to Encounter Bay by police trooper on horseback, with the first postal business being transacted in a police hut. The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a plaque commemorating early postal history in the vicinity of the first post offices. The plaque, attached to a huge boulder, was unveiled by Mr Steve Reid, whose grandfather, Mr John Scarth Reid was the local post master from 1878 to 1884.'
An accompanying photograph was captioned 'Specially franked mail from local residents is delivered by Mr George Waye to the Mayor, Mr Eric Ashby, who in turn gives it to acting local post master, Mr Andy Horns, at Encounter Bay .'
Another newspaper cutting (The Mail, Saturday, December 4, 1926 - Page 17) states "Mr Edward R Bolger, who is the direct descendant of an Irish Lord, carried the mails from Goolwa to Yankalilla in the early days on horseback and he had to ford the Hindmarsh and Inman rivers which were no inconsiderable streams.”
The Victor Harbor Times and Encounter Bay and Lower Murray Pilot (SA: 1912-1930)
The Victor Harbor Times and Encounter Bay and Lower Murray Pilot (SA: 1912-1930)
Friday 15 January 1915
'GENUINE SALE. IN THE INSTITUTE, VICTOR HARBOR. WEDNESDAY. JAN. 20th, 1915, at 2.30 p.m.
FREEHOLD LAND WITH STORE, ATTACHED DWELLING, WOOD YARD, CHAFFHOUSE, &c. (as going concern).
BAGOT, SHAKES & LEWIS, Ltd. are instructed by Mr. E. R. Bolger, sen., to sell, as above, his PROPERTY AT ENCOUNTER BAY with double frontage to main road to the Bluff and Waitpinga, being part of Sections 82 and 3, Hundred of Encounter Bay, containing in all 4 Acres, 2 Roods, 26 Perches, or thereabouts, being more particularly described in certificate of title No. CCCCLXXVII, Fol. 55, and No. 537, Fol. 116, and on which is erected Substantial Stone Store (18 x 30) with Dwelling of 8 Rooms attached, also Stables, Barn, Wood Yard, Sheds, &c. This is a going business, and only comes into the market owing to Mr. Bolger’s ill-health, It is a proposition well worth consideration of young energetic man or woman with small capital, as it will be sold cheaply, Mr. Bolger being anxious to leave at once.
In connection with the store is the post and telegraph office, and daily mail contract to and from Victor Harbor, one mile distant. The land is subdivided into yards and paddocks, one of the latter being under lucerne, which grows luxuriantly, with well (permanent water) and windmill. Stores in stock and en route to be taken at cost price. Blackstone 10-H.P. Oil Engine, and also Horses, Carts, Buggy, Harness, and Working Plant generally at valuation. Early inspection invited —this can be done in one day from Adelaide, and can be arranged and fuller details given on application to the Auctioneers, Adelaide or Strathalbyn.
The Victor Harbor Times and Encounter Bay and Lower Murray Pilot (SA: 1912-1930)
The Victor Harbor Times and Encounter Bay and Lower Murray Pilot (SA: 1912-1930)
Friday 17 May 1918 Page 3 -
'A Historic Figure. At the laying of the foundation stone of the new Church at Encounter Bay were Mr and Mrs Bolger.Mr Bolger has the proud record of having sat under the ministry of every Congregational Minister of the district including the first minister who began here in 1839.’
He was also the Registrar and signed many Birth, Marriage & Death entries in Victor Harbor.
Page updated
Report abuse