A  History on the Sloan Family in Western Australia. This is a work in progress and will be changing regularly, however it is here so that other can read and participate in filling in the gaps.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  What appears here has not yet been fully researched except where indicated. Errors, omissions, and in some case there is some speculation on my part. This page should not be used as a reference for any matter relating to the persons mentioned. You should verify from your own sources any information shown on this page.

 

Timeline of Events

1815 Daniel Sloan born County Cork Ireland

1827 Daniel Sloans future wife Eliza Cowcher is born in England

06/07/1830 Eliza Cowcher (3) arrives in the colony with her father and family aboard the "Medina"

17/05/1840 Eliza Cowcher's father dies

1840's Daniel Sloan arrives inthe colony, How ?

26/05/1846 Daniel Sloan (31) marries Eliza Cowcher (19)

22/03/1847 Daniel (32) & Eliza (20) have 1st child "James Daniel"

26/10/1847 Sloan issues rowing challenge with George Hodges (PG 26/10/1847)

10/07/1849 Sloan involved in some sort of rescue mission to Rottnest

28/08/1849 Sloan sigs up as Chief headsman for D Scott's whaling party along with George Hodges.

14/02/1849 Daniel & Eliza have 2nd child a daughter "Eliza Francis"

27/08/1851 Daniel & Eliza have 3rd child a son "George Samuel"

1/1854 Reported that sperm whales were ‘literally swarming’ on the coast adjacent to the harbour in Port Gregory

2-3/1854 Sanford and ? setup up whaling station at PG, poor season, only one way taken. Partnership dissolved

1854

1855 Sanford goes it alone and has better season catching

1856 Sanford sets up partnership with Harwood who was already operating whaling parties at Fremantle and other places

1857

17/2/1858 Judge McFarland arrives in the colony.

1858 Charlie Fancoat was awarded his Ticket of Leave under J.J. Harwood of Fremantle to work in the whale industry. Did he work for Harwood at PG in 1859. He did not return from PG with Sloan on the "Trois Amis" in 1860. Was he one of the crew members in the incident with the American whaling ship in December 1859

1858 Building and equipment at the Port Gregory Whaling station is destroyed in a fire. Does Harwood own the Station yet?

12/1858 Harwood involved with altercation with American whaling ship off Fremanle resulting in Harwood taking legal action. Was Slaon the Headsman on that boat?

1/1859 ? Judge McFarland hands down unfavourable verdict to Harwood.

23/2/1859 Harwood writes to "The Enqirer" complaining about the judgement given by Judge McFarland Esq concerning a charge of interference by an American whaling ship at Fremantle the previous year? Was Sloan the headsman on that boat. Harwood's relationship with the judge is very acrimonius with the judge threatening contempt of court charges.

2/1859 The Enquirer runs a highly critical editorial on the judgement of McFarland and his subsequent threats to Harwood.

5/1859 ?? Whaling season at PG opens. Sloan is the Headsman for Harwood at PG. Did his wife and children accompany him to PG? It appears so.

1859 Whaling season at PG closes, Sloan and family? remain at PG as caretakers for Harwood's Station, being paid 1 pound a week, and given permission to draw on the remaining stores. How was this communicated to Sloan if he was already at the station? How many whales were taken that year.? Was the burnt out trywork building re-built. The carpenter Eddy Back appears to have been in PG duing the off season. He was employed by Harwood, but did work for Von Bibra who had a store in PG

1860 Mail Services commence to Port Gregory

3/5/1860 Chad Wilson (Cook) arrives Port Gregory on the "Mystery" It is not clear whether 2 ships arrived, but one is certainly the “Mystery” which also had provsions (which were unloaded.) and the whaling crew. How big was the whaling party? When the fishery was wound up later that year only one whaleboat was returned to Fremantle aboard the "Trois Amiss," therefore it may be assumed only one crew was resident for Harwod during the season. There is no evidence to suggest any of Harwood's whaleboats were lost during the 180 season, if there were more whaleboats then they would have to have been left at PG, or offloaded at Champion Bay on the return passage.

　

4/5/1860 Sloan told Chad Wilson the day after the supplies arrival to fill bag of flour and sold to Mr Ware of Geraldine mine (Harwood’s complaint) Why did he do this? Was Ware desperate for food? Had Sloan previously sold flour to Ware during the off season? Sloan had permission to draw flour during the off season for his (and his families) use

30/6/1860 Whale taken at PG and processed (Wilson)

15/09/1860 The Fishery closes and they return to Fremantle

20/09/1860 The "Trois Amis" arrives in Fremantle

23/9/1860 Sloan Charged in Magistrate Court

26/9/1860 I&CN reports 3 ton humpback caughht by Bateman's party at Fremantle, Sunday last. The continued ill success of whalers throughout the colony rendes even this small capture welcome. The oil, that article being now very scarce was bought immediately at a high rate.

8/10/1860 Convicted in the Perth Magistrates Court

10/10/1860 Article in the Enquirer gave a brief description of the case, along with one other promising a detailed report on both cases the following week.

13/101860 Sloan entered Fremantle Prison

17/10/1860 Report and trranscript of the case appears in "The Enquirer"

1860 Harwood ceases all whaling operations

1861 Sloan's wife dies.

31/081861 First Application for Remission Refused

8/1/1861 Second application for remission from Wellard – accepted. What was the relationship between Wellard and Sloan. Was it through the Cowcher connection. Insert ages of all surviving children here. Eldest James daniel (14), Eliza Francis (12). All of Sloan's remaining children must have been looked after by their maternal grandmother who was now 74 years of age.

1861 Sloan disappears

1867 Sloan's eldest daughter "Eliza Francis" marries Charles Salter. She would have been 18 years of age

1876 Eliza Cowcher's mother dies

21/121876 Daniel Sloans eldest son James Daniel marries Margaret Platt. He would have been 29 years of age.

　

　

1884 JJ Harwood and Sons built a classic-style building at the corner of Marine Terrace and Mouat Street, known locally as the "old courthouse.The building was designed by Captain R E Wray in 1884.

　

Value of Goods in Question

As quoted in The Inquirer and Commercial News Wednesday 19/9/1860 the day before the Trois Amis arrived in Perth

Flour per 200lb Bag (local) 2.8.0

Flour per ton (local) 23.0.0

Flour per 200lb Bag (local seconds) 2.6.0

Flour per ton (local seconds) 22.0.0

Soap, per lb 0.0.6

Beef, per lb 0.0.6

Beef - prime, per lb 0.0.7

Mutton, per lb 0.0.6

Whale Oil, per gallon 0.4.6

Manilla Rope, per lb 0.1.0

European Rope, per lb 0.1.3

　

The Key Players

Joshua Josiah Harwood

Chad Wilson

Back, Edward G

A E. G Back was on the “Trois Amis” when it arrived in Fremantle on September 20^{th. Erickson. Erickson records a Edward George Back who was born in 1817, arriving in 1934, who was the acting harbourmaster in Fremantle in 1842, and 1844, and was the pilot in 1846, but was suspended for some reason in 1849, but later re-instated. He then became the pilot at Rottnest. It was around this time that Daniel Sloan was involved in some sort of rescue in a whale boat at Rottnest, so it is possible that this Back knew or at least knew off Daniel Sloan.}

It is not possible to tell whether this Back or his son was at Port Gregory on 1860.

Back, George Edward

He is recorded as having a son born in the colony on 23 rd February 1839 who became a policeman at York in 1869, and it is highly likely this was the Back that went to Port Gregory, him then being 20 years of age working for Harwood as a carpenter. There is only one other Back being recorded in the colony at the time is Thomas Henry who is also the son of Edward G, who was born in 1844, so he would have only been 16 at the time of the alleged offences, and certainly not be employed as a carpenter.

Brakes, Samuel

Born 5/11/1815, Arrived June 1850. In 1854 was described as a labourer, mariner, and then in 1856 the registered owner of the "Perseverance" 26 tons. Semi Literate.

Crowther, Charles

Manager of George Shenton’s Store in Geraldton. He purchased it in 1867 when Shenton drowned off Geraldton

　

Fancoat, Charlie

Reports from records at Dunfermline Prison, Millbank (1605) and Pentoville (4665) show Charlie, in all the prisons, to have been of good character and conduct. He finally left the port of Portsmouth on 2nd May 1854 on board the "Ramillies" and arrived in Western Australia on 7th August 1854 after a journey of 79 days. 280 other convicts were onboard. At Fremantle prison, Charlie was assigned the number 3104. HeCharlie Fancoat was awarded his Ticket of Leave in 1858 under J.J. Harwood of Fremantle to work in the whale industry. Was he part of the crew that Sloan worked with.

Charlie's Conditional Pardon was granted in 1862. He then made his way out to Kelmscott where he worked with Mr Buckingham and became a pit sawyer in the district. Eventually he employed six other Ticket of Leave convicts from Fremantle. http://www.brandis.com.au/readers/colleen001.html

　

Captain George Green

Recorded as being a builder, brick maker, and layer in the 1830’s and 1840’s. He is reported as owning town lots G1 & G2 in Perth, and set up a new steam mill in William Street in 1864. He was the owner and at times the Captain of the schooner “Les Trois Amis” (44 tons) in 1858. He is also recorded as owning four other schooners.(Erickson).

　

He is described as a “mariner” in 1860 and obviously was making regular passages up and down the coast including several voyages to Champion Bay and Port Gregory.

He also qualified as a juror in 1860 with a 1500 pounds personal estate. Was he a member of the jury?

The Perth Enquirer records him and the “Trois Amis” being involved in an incident at Port Gregory when a number of convicts had escaped, where he assisted in their recapture despite being fired upon. See page 331 Erickson, also Perth Inquirer Wednesday March 2nd 1859 where is was reported that the Trois Amis had arrived form Shark Bay the previous afternoon, bringing four out of five of the runaway prisoners, Lacy, one of them having died, it is said by the survivors, of dysentry before the “Trois Amis” came up to them. Mr Clifton’s boat was lost. Irt struck against the “Trois Amis” and was so injured as to be useless. In consequence of the loss of the boat there was some difficulty in securing the runaways, they having pushed in to shallow water where they could not be followed. They were eventually starved into submission. They fired in to the “Preston,” and the police on board the “Trois Amis”fired at them, but no damage was done on either side. The men are now in the Establishment, and will be tried for being illegally at large with arms and company, in this colony, and for this class, a capital offence.

The convicts spent some time on their escape run at Port Gregory, but also fleed there.

Hicks, Robert

Qualified as a juror in 1860 with 150 pound personal estate. lived in Suffolk St. Was a policeman in Fremantle, also hotel keeoper and farmer in 1840's.

　

　

Hill, John

Hill is recorded in the Government Gazette as being a “hand in the 1956 to 1858 whaling seasons, working for J Bateman, who had been in partnership with Harwood at Fremantle, Port Gregory and Castle Rock. Harwood did not record any staff as having been registered in the 1959 or 1960 whaling seasons with the exception of himself as “owner” for the 1860 season at Port Gregory, and so there is no official record of all members of the whaling party owned by Harwood at PG. Erickson records a John Hill born 1821 with occupation as a policeman arriving in 1857, also a James Hill b1820, arr on the Berkshire on 13/3/1855 with his wife, and described as a labourer. He could be the John Hil being considered.

HILL, John Convict No 1233 Ship Name ^{Marion Ship Arrival Date 30 Jan 1852 Birth Date 1832 Marital Status Unmarried Occupation labourer Sentence Date 1 Feb 1848 Sentence Place Clerkenwell Sentence Province Middlesex Sentence Country England Court 1 Feb 1848 Length of Sentence 10yrs Crime larceny from the person Ticket of Leave Date 31 Jan 1852 Expiree Nov 1858}

This could have been the Hill in question. He was granted a Ticket of Leave in Jan 1852 one day after he arrived, and could easily have participated in the seasons described in the Govt Gazette, and later in Harwoods party at PG for the 1859 & 1860 seasons.

HILL, John Convict No 4224 Ship Name ^{Runnymede Ship Arrival Date 7 Sep 1856 Birth Date 1823 Deceased 10 Aug 1885 Place of Death Guildford Marital Status Unmarried Occupation hawker Literacy lit Religion Prot Sentence Date 1855 Sentence Place Taunton Sentence Province Somerset Sentence Country England Length of Sentence 14yrs Crime receiving stolen goods Ticket of Leave Date 21 Feb 1859 Known Areas Perth, Champion Bay}

This could also be the Hill in question, however he didn't arrive until 7th September 1856 which is very late in the whaling season, and did not get a ticket of leae until 21st Feb 1859, which would still not have precluded him from participating in the 1859 and 1860 whaling seasons at PG, however this is inconsistent with the information recorded in the Govt Gazette as a John Hill was recorded as a whaling hand in the 1856 to 1858 whaling seasons unless of course there were two John Hills in the colony which is not unlikely

Hodges, George Bell (Jr.)

Born 1822, died 29/5/1854. Arrived on the "Sulphur" June 1829. left the colony in 19/2/1845 on board the "Emma Sherrat" and returned in 1846. He married in May 1846 to Mary Withnall and had two children. Erickson reorts he was in a whaling team at Fremantle in 1847. (25 years of age)

Howell, Nathan

The Defence Counsel,

Sloan was represented in the court by a Mr Howell. Erickson lists a Nathan Howell born in 1832 the son of a Thomas Howell, a merchant of London arriving in the colony on the “Travancore” on the 13th January 1853 at 21 years of age. He married on the 21st April 1859 for the first time in the colony to a widow, Fanny Brown, the daughter of Henry and Mary Gilbert arriving in the colony on the “Simon Taylor in 1842 nee Gilbert,.Their first child, Thomas John was born in 1860.

At the time of the court case he would have been just 28, and a resident of the colony for 7 years. There were certainly no universities in the colony at the time and the first school that was any substance didn’t start until 1858 (Hale), so it must be assumed he did some legal training in England before he arrived, although this must have been pretty limited. Perhaps he was an article clerk.

Erickson records that Howell was called to the Bar at the St Georges Terrace and No. 1 Town Hall Chambers on the 18th June 1861 some 8 months after the Sloan Court case, and practised as a barrister and solicitor from that time until the 1870’s when he appeared to move to York for a year. He is recorded as being a member of “Oddfellows in 1861, and Good Templars Lodge 5 in 1874.

One would have to wonder whether Sloan was adequately represented in the court.

　

McFarland, Alfred

The Presiding judge, Commissioner of the Civil Court, .

Alfred McFarland arrived in Fremantle on the ship the “Spartan” on the 17th February 1858 with his wife Janetta Jeffreys who was born in Dublin along with some servants. They had a son in 1858 (Alfred William Jeffreys) presumabley conceived in the colony, and a daughter Jane Agnes born in 1860. They settled at Strawberry Hill, and he became the Judge of WA .

He became very controversial following his threat to charge J J Harwood with contempt of court following his decision to not award damages to Harwood over the case of alleged interference to his whaling by an American whaling crew at Fremantle. See later chapter. Harwood wrote to the Perth Inquirer with a very long letter, and the Inquirer also did an editorial on the issue calling for the governor to sack him. Erickson reports that he resigned in February 1861 and then went to Sydney and practised as a barrister there.

　

Scott & Gale, William

Owners of a store in Geraldton that some of the supplies were sold to. Was the Collector of Customs 1st Clerk at Fremantle from 1854 to 1857, also a Shipping master. Was a member of the Geraldton Agricultural Society in 1863 so must have had agricultural interests of some description in the Geraldton area.

Scott, Andrew

Arrived in 1847 as policeman, and later was granted land at today (10 acres) and 40 acres Geraldine Mining Company - Upper Urwin.

Scott, Daniel Henry

1850's Director of Geraldine Mining Company. Son of Captain Daniel Scott

Scott, Daniel (Captain)

In 1850's promoted business in Geraldton. He formed the Geraldine Smelting and Mining Company in 18?4. Confusing date here Ericcson says 1864, however the mine started much earlier than that. He arrived on the "Calista " in 1829, and was harbour master from 1829 to 1851 when he resigned.

SEED, Francis F Convict No 4026 Ship Name ^{Runnymede Ship Arrival Date 7 Sep 1856 Birth Date 1832 Deceased 12 Dec 1860 Place of Death Vasse, consumption Marital Status Mar 1 chd Occupation attorney's clerk Literacy lit Religion Prot Sentence Date 1854 Sentence Place Lancaster Sentence Province Lancashire Sentence Country England Length of Sentence 15yrs Crime forging money order Ticket of Leave Date 23 Oct 1858}

Shenton, Arthur

Proprietor of the Perth Gazette, Director of the Geraldine mine, Cousin of George. Became a Juror in 1860 with assets of 1500 pounds. Was he on the jury in the Sloan case

Shenton, George

Owned stores including store in Geraldton managed by Charles Crowther.He also owned the Geraldine mine in 1848 until it was nearly closed in 1860. Also owned the White Hills mine near Northhampton. He drowned off Geraldton in 1867.

　

Shenton, Arthur

Arrived in the colony aboard the "Trusty" 30/5/1841. He was the Government Printer in the 1840's, and later became a bookseller and stationer. In 1856 was a director of the Geraldine mine, and newspaper proprieter being the owner of the "Perth Gazette" which was the competing paper to the "Inquirer" He qualified as a juror in 1860 with 1500 pounds personal estate. Was he one of the jury in Sloan's case.

Shenton, George

A chemist in Perth and became a merchant, farmer, and owner of a copper mine at Northhampton. He is also recorded as the owner of the "Geraldine" mine in 1849, in after 1866 as a director of the Geraldine mine. He obviously also owned a store in Geraldton where Sloan sold some supplies.

　

Von Bibro, Charles

In 1840 desribed as a saddler and trader. In 1854 was associated with the "Royal Commercial" and the "Agricultural Hotel" in St Georges Terrace, and in 1853 had large leasholds at the Blackwood River and at Port Gregory. He was the Postmaster at Port Gregory in 1856. He also had 10,000 acres of leashold land in the Murchison, probably between Port Gregory and the Geraldine mine as there is now road in this area named after him. (Erickson pp861).o had horses entered into races the same week. See "inquirer" 2/3/1859

Also had racehorses particularly a bay gelding named "Warlock" which was` entered into a number of races on the week beginning 2/3/1859. Harwood als

It is apparent that Von Bibro had some sort of a store at PG based upon evidence given by Wilson. This is consitent with him being the postmaster. His brother Francis Lewis Von Bibro owned Dirk Hartog and Tamala stations to the North of PG.

Ware

Worked at the Geraldine mine as a storeman. The mine was owned by Shenton.

Any of the Wilsons below could have been the Wilson that was the key witness in the Sloan case. Note Sloan in his court appearance states that the were entries in the fprm of a memorandum in the ration book were in the in the handwriting of the former cook at the end of 1859 so the Wilson we are interested was not at PG prior to 1860, at least not in the Harwood party.

WILSON, Charles Convict No 370 Ship Name ^{Mermaid Ship Arrival Date 7 May 1851 Birth Date 1832 Marital Status Unmarried Occupation brickmaker Sentence Date 1849 Sentence Place London Sentence Province London Sentence Country England Court Cent Crim Ct Length of Sentence 7yrs Crime larceny Previous Conviction prev conv Ticket of Leave Date 11 Oct 1851 Expiree 25 Feb 1856}

WILSON, Charles Convict No 4523 Ship Name ^{Nile Ship Arrival Date 1 Jan 1858 Birth Date 1818 Deceased 3 May 1886 Place of Death Mt Eliza Marital Status Mar Occupation labourer Literacy lit Religion Prot Sentence Place or London Sentence Province Sebastapol or London Court Gen Cts Martial or Cent Crim Ct Length of Sentence 14yrs Crime or manslaughter Ticket of Leave Date 26 Mar1859 Known Areas Perth}

WILSON, Charles Convict No 5539 Ship Name ^{Sultana Ship Arrival Date 19 Aug 1859 Birth Date 1832 Marital Status Unmarried Occupation hairdresser Literacy lit Religion Prot Sentence Date 1857 Sentence Province Durham Sentence Country England Length of Sentence 4yrs Crime stealing from the person Ticket of Leave Date 16 Feb 1860 Known Areas Perth}

 

http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/collections/maritime/march/documents/No.214PortGregory.pdf

Whaling (1854–75)

The Port Gregory whaling industry was established by the efforts of Captain W. A. Sanford who was already managing farming and grazing in the area (McIlroy, 1987: 82).

In January 1854, it was reported that sperm whales were ‘literally swarming’ on the coast adjacent to the harbour. Several months later, Captain Sanford, who owned nearby Lynton Station, announced that he was forming a whaling party in partnership with Fremantle businessman David Ronayne.

The party suffered difficulties and only one humpback was caught in that first year, resulting in the dissolving of the partnership. Sanford still hoped to attract one of the major whaling parties up to the port. The following year, he persisted by himself and despite losing two whaleboats, he obtained 16 casks of oil valued at £800 (McIlroy, 1987: 82).

With the 1855 season proving more profitable, the following year saw Sanford partnered by Joshua Harwood of Fremantle with a three boat, 22-man fishery.

Harwood maintained a party at Port Gregory until 1860, after which he ceased all of his whaling operations.

In 1857, John Bateman had also established a port, which he continued to use until as late as 1875. From the early 1860s, Bateman kept his party at Port Gregory only from June to September, after which he would move them southward to Bunbury or Castle Rock for the later season (Gibbs, 1995: 37).

　

Difficulties and setbacks

By 1854, Port Gregory was a hive of activity although not the happiest of places.

Work on the hiring station was slow and the site chosen for the station was hot and airless. Fresh water and vegetables were hard to come by and men began to suffer from scurvy.

Complaints began to emerge about the bad road from the mine and lack of water in summer. There were also problems with the causeway between Lynton and Port Gregory. Furthermore, people felt deprived of religious services, mail services (which did not commence until 1860) and general health problems.

It was also noted that the port was not as safe as first thought. Setbacks such as the loss of ships and cargo (the American whaler Iris was stranded for 6 months between July 1855 and January 1856) affected shipping activity.

The pensioner guards made the best of the penurious and harsh conditions, as they could supplement their income to support their families by collecting salt from the Hutt Lagoon.

Letters from Captain Sanford in 1854 in regard to the whaling station discuss the want of provisions (flour), carelessness on behalf of his men who lost three boats, abusiveness and theft of rum from the stores, a drunken riot between whalers and a series of north-west gales hampering activities and destroying equipment (e.g.

Lynton to Ayshford, 5 July 1954; Lynton to Ayshford, 15 Sept. 1854).

Harwood’s crew is known to have lived in Sanford’s storehouse, built on lot number one of the proposed Pakington townsite. Bateman would probably have also been required to lease land within the Pakington townsite subdivisions, although no record of this has been found.

No historical records pinpoint the location of either Harwood’s or Bateman’s processing areas or try-works, although, as mentioned at the beginning, there are several allusions in contemporary resources that the station(s) were opposite Gold Digger Passage (e.g. The Inquirer 29 June 1859).

The only reference directly relating to a processing plant is a an 1858 report which states that the try works building and a considerable quantity of whaling gear had been completely destroyed after catching fire from the try-works furnace (The Perth Gazette 13 Aug. 1858, The Inquirer 18 Aug.1859).

As Bateman had not formed a Port Gregory party during that season, this could only have been Harwood’s plant (Gibbs, 1995: 376).

　

　

The Breaking up of the Fishery

The Inquirer in it edition of the 24th September 1860 in the Shipping Intelligence column reported the Schooner Les Trois Amis (44 tons) with Captain Green as master arriving in Fremantle on the 20th of September from Champion Bay and Port Gregory.

On board were passengers E. G. Back, D Sloan, wife and family, A Peres, Russel, Allen, Chaise, Sinclair, Francis, Wilson, McKibbly, Rusworth, Ellier, Lynch, and 9 native prisoners.

The following cargo was also listed. 134 bags wheat, 41 bags of flour, 36 bags of barley, 16 trusses of hay, 6 hides, 2 casks of oil, 4 casks of fat, 2 bags of salt, 1 whale boat, 7 casks of butter, and 2 cases of sundries.

It is reasonable to assume that most of the passengers were from the Harwood whaling party at Pakington, and certainly Back, and Wilson were. Further research needs to be conducted on the status of these passengers, particularly to see if any were Ticket of Leave men in the employ of Harwood.

It does confirm that Sloan had his wife and family of 6? children with him at Pakington at least at the end of the season. This would have of course included his youngest daughter “E??) who was only born the year before in Fremantle (AG Births & Deaths Register).

Also of note of course is 2 casks of oil, presumably whale oil? Or could it have been the shark oil that was refered to in the criminal proceedings.

It is obvious Harwood and his book keeper would have been disappointed at such little return for his investment in whaling for the season, as it only appears that one whale was taken, approx 4 miles offshore, which sank and was abandoned, however it did wash up 2 days later at Port Gregory. Sloan claims the carcase was mauled by sharks, and according to the law of the day if the headman abandons a whale it then can be claimed by others. This is apparently what happened in this case and the men from the whaling station all helped themselves.

Sloan was obviously in a quandary with this situation as it appears he subsequently told the cook Wilson that oil taken by him was in fact Harwood’s oil.

Three days later (23 November) a number of statements are taken from members of the whaling party (Wilson etc), Harwood, and Harwood's bookkeeper F. F. Seed, presumably by the police or a crown prosecutor, and on the 25th November these staements are read before 2 justices, and Sloan is charged with embezzellment and he pleads not guilty saying "I deny any thefts."

I guess the outcome of that hearing was that Sloan would have been held in custody at the old Perth Gaol in Beaufort Street

　

The Court case.

The case was heard in a court of Quarter Session in the old Gaol adjacent to Barrack Street Before His Honour A. McFarland, Escq., and a Bench of Magistrates.

It is interesting to note that a “Bench of Magistrates” were present. What role did these people play in the court case. There is a lot of references at the time to people qualifying as a “juror” and a monetary of real estate was always quoted with this qualification. Harwood for instance is recorded1 as having qualified as a juror in 1860 with £1,000 of real estate

　

　

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8th 1860.

Daniel Sloane, charged with stealing or taking away certain articles the property of his master, Joshua Harwood, at Port Gregory.

Joshua J. Harwood, Builder, at Fremantle was the first to give evidence for the prosection.

He stated that Sloan was employed by him as a servant, meaning in modern terms he was engaged under a “contract of service” and was in charge of the whaling station at Port Gregory, with the surplus stores, at the close of last year.

His wages were £1 per week and his duties were to protect the property and stores at the whaling station owned by Harwood at Port Gregory. Port Gregory was also known as Parkington. This raises an interesting question. What were the other terms and conditions of his employment contract? Was he allowed to engage in other activity such as collecting salt from the nearby lakes as an income supplement which most of the other residents of Port Gregory did.

The normal practise for whaling crews at the time was to be payed by a share of the catch known as a “tor.” This was negotiated before the season commenced. So it could be assumed that his employment conditions could have changed at the commencement of the season when all the other crew arrived on the Mystery. Did the £1 per week continue during the whaling season, particularly as Sloan was the headsman to the party and therefore a contractor not a employee (servant).

During his evidence Harwood claimed he never gave Sloan permission to sell. The property chiefly consisted of flour (six bag's and 1 hogshead), potatoes, whaleline and rope, and casks — about 50 tons.

Harwood said Sloan had a list of the articles left over at the end of the previous season, and also of goods shipped in May, 1860, consisting of provisions for the 1860 whaling season.

Under cross-examination by what appears to be a Sloans lawyer, Mr Nathan Howell, Harwood said he never gave him (Sloan) any authority to exchange, sell, or borrow stating that the fishery was too well supplied to justify any borrowing.

Harwood claimed he was not aware that Sloan did borrow, and Sloan never told him that he had done so until he was before the committing magistrates the previous week and 3 days after they arrived back in Fremantle.

What is not stated is that Harwood was probably very disappointed that the money he had spent is setting up the whaling party at Port Gregory for the season was a complete loss, as well as the loss of the left over rations from the previous season. The couple of barrels of oil that was delivered indicated that at least one whale had been caught by some of the party, and there had been little to show for it.

He had paid Sloan probably 8 months salary, end September 1859 through until May 1860, some 35 pounds, not an inconsiderable some in those days, plus probably 150 pounds in stores, for a return of less than 2 barrels valued at less 4/6 a gallon, and the only reason he got that was because Sloan had said to the cook Wilson that it was Harwood’s oil, probably meaning it was to be used in the kitchen and for bartering for other goods and services. In Parkington.

Did Sloan’s salary continue during the whaling season. Probably not, he would have reverted to a “torr” (Contract for Service as a Headsman), and thus Sloan like the rest of the party would have had no income for their 4 ½ months work, only having their keep while at the station. Slaon with his 5 children would have had expenses and would have needed to purchase supplies to support his wife and family during this period, supplies that other members of the whaling party would not have had great need for. (Soap?).

In any case if Harwood had continued to pay Sloan the 1 pound a week for the duration of the 1860 whaling season at Port Gregory Sloan would have earnt an additional 16 pounds salary.

As Sloan was also the headsman of the party, how were the other members of the party renumerated. Clearly the season was a dead loss to all concerned, and probably strong feelings of resentment arose between members at the loss of their only chance of income for the season when the whale sank, but then subsequently washed ashore and little could be slavaged. If the whale was typical size it would have weighed well in excess of 10 tonne and it would have been impossible to move the carcass back to the shore try works with the little labour and machinery available to the crew..

When it did wash ashore where was it in relation the shore try works, which incidentally burnt down the year before? One of the hands reported that the whale was abandoned 4 miles of shore. It is highly unlikely that it would have conveniently washed up at the whaling station ready for processing.

How could the party have properly processed the whale even if it had remained the property of Harwood. It is almost certain the whale would have been mauled by sharks during the 2 days it took to wash ashore. This would have further added to the difficulty of stripping the blubber, particularly with ready access to the shore based winching gear that was necessary to properly process a whale of the target size.

The court case would then have been an interesting aruement if Sloan was engaged under the normal arrangements for whale crews at the time, which was on the basis of a profit sharing arrangement. Clearly a contract OF service, not a contract for services which then has an employer, employee relationship, and thus a charge, of Stealing as a Servant could be laid.

　

It appears that Magistrate Mc XX was aware of this in his deliberations. It then become critical of why he was convicted of embezzling the sheep, so the relationship and evidence surrounding that transaction become absolutely vital.

Harwood said he was missing a number of casks and that Sloane did not send him any salt in casks. He said he didn’t know whether Sloane had sold a quantity of salt to Brakes. Or whether the handwriting on a receipt for salt that was produced was Brakes’s, or whether the signature on it was Brakes’s.

Further research needs to be conducted on Brakes. There is some suspicion that this in fact might be a ship that called at Port Gregory, and took on board the salt in the casks, and was intending to return with them empty, however the fishery broke up before its return.

This raises further questions. Why did Sloan produce a receipt for salt that didn’t get to Fremantle. Did Sloan collect the salt while he was caretaking the station in the off season and store it in Harwood’s casks. If so whose salt was it? There is no dispute the casks would have belonged to Harwood, but had Sloan actually intended to steal them, or was he just using them temporarily, expecting their return

　

　

The statement and evidence given by Charles Wilson seems to be the main body of evidence before the court.

He was employed as cook for Mr Harwood's station, in May and went to Port Gregory in the 'Mystery" with the rest of the crew. There was on board a quantity of rations, consisting of flour, meat, tea, sugar and rice. The provisions were all delivered to Sloane upon arrival at Port Gregory, and were put into Mr Harwoods store. Weighed 200 lbs of flour, which prisoner told him was to go to Mr Ware's. It was sent away and was not brought back. Was constantly at the station, and it could not be returned without his knowledge. Some time after, Sloane told him to weigh out 20 lbs of beef for Ware, and that Captain Hicks would replace it. Ware took the beef, and 21 lbs of mutton came in its place. Tho mutton was given to Ware by Sloane's orders. Ware had nothing to do with the whaling station. There was a great quantity of salt sent away. Brakes took a great quantity, and some came to Fremantle in the same vessel with witness. Part was in the fishery, and some in a store belonging to Mr C. Von Bibra. Some of the salt was in bags and some in casks. Does not know whose property it was. It was taken from the Fishery, prisoner being chief headsman at the time. The casks were new. Does not know whether any of the casks brought by them were sent away. Recollects a whale being caught by Harwood's party. Took several pieces of blubber and tried them out for the use of the kitchen, and put the oil in a small keg.

Sloane told him that the oil was the property of Mr Harwood, and that witness was not to dispose of it

Brought 5 gallons of this oil to Mr Harwood. There was a good deal of oil tried out. Saw some of it put into cans. Four gallons were sent to Mr C. Von Bibra. Plenty of oil was put into small kegs, but could not say where it went to.

Believes some of it was sold, but docs not know it for a fact. Sloane told witness there was 25s for him if he would sell the 5 gallons in his possession. That oil was Mr Harwood's oil. Some oil was put into cans by the direction of Sloane, and given to Mrs Martin. It was carried away in a cart.

Wilson returned to Fremantle via Champion Bay (Geraldton) in Green's vessel Trois Amis with the rest of the whaling party arriving in Fremantle on September 20th 1860 He said there was some oil on board; some in pork casks and kegs. Some belonged to Sloane; it that came from the Fishery. The oil was taken ashore at Champion Bay and did not come back and he believed it was sold, part to Scott & Gale, and part to W Crowther.

The Inquirer reports in its Shipping Intelligence column reported that amongst other things there was two casks of oils, and two casks of fat.

Kept a book by Sloane’s orders, for the purpose of putting down his (Sloan’s) rations.

Half a leaf had been torn out of that book since he delivered it to Sloane's wife. There was something written in the part torn out. Never saw the book afterwards, until at the Police Court.

Has booked 700lbs flour. 200Ibs of flour was sent away by Sloane's order, and was booked to him and charged to him. Never booked the 21lbs of mutton. Only kept an account of the rations of Sloane.

Was never told to enter the mutton.

Did not make any entries of salt delivered. He was not told to so. Nor an entry of the casks sent away. He had nothing to do with them, nor the oil, nor the bags. They were never in his charge.

By Mr Howell – Can’t say what was on the paper torn from the book. Sloane was entitled to draw rations, and they were charged to him. Upon delivery they became his own property. The 200lbs of flour was charged to him. Had nothing to do with the oil. The four gallons sent to Mr Bibra was whale oil. There was no shark oil. The oil belonged to different men.

Brakes took away perhaps 7 or 8 tons of salt. Does not know whether it was sold to Brakes.

Ware kept the stores of the Geraldine Mine. Does not know whether they were hard up for provisions at the Geraldine Mine at the time.

Had a bag of flour from Mr Bibra for the fishery. Run short of meat once or twice. Sometimes had to send to Champion Bay for meat, and afterwards to Mr C. Von Bibra.

Re-examined – there were no provisions in store when they arrived in May.

By the Court. – Ware took the beef and the mutton in a bag. The mutton came in the “Preston” from Champion Bay. It was delivered to witness for the use of the men.

Edward Back, carpenter in Harwood’s employ, -went to Port Gregory last June, and was present at the breaking up of the Fishery. Sloane was in charge.

There was one barrel of flour lying outside the house. Was working at Mr Bibra’s on account of Mr Harwood.

Mr Bibra requested witness to ask Sloane to let him have some line. Asked Sloane for it at the fishery, who gave him 9 ½ fathoms of line. Mr Bibra told witness to say that he would settle for it, and Sloane said he would have to put it down.

Recollects that a whale was caught and sunk.

Cross examined – Sloane said he would have to put down the line. Never carried any other message from Mr Bibra to Sloane.

F. F. Seed, Book-keeper to Mr Harwood

Sloane on arrival at Fremantle, handed over the three books produced; first, a log book in which everything relating to the fishery was supposed to be entered. There is an entry about a whale in the handwriting of prisoner, (an extract from the log book was read, from which it appeared that a whale was killed on the 30th July, that it sunk, and that subsequently it was found on the beach on the 2nd August, completely eaten up by sharks).

Witness asked Sloane whether he was sure that the entry was correct. He said yes. That the whale was completely eaten up, and that he was quite sure they had not saved “a sup” of oil.

Asked Sloane why they had not tried to save something. He said it was not worth while. He also said that no other person had tried out any oil from that whale.

In the second book, Sloane ought to have entered everything that came to or left the fishery. Had not done so; said he was no scholar, and it was the cook’s book and he handed it to the cook.

In the third or ration book, there was no entry of oil sold. Asked what had become of the rations last year. There was no entry of the 21lbs of mutton, whale line, salt, bags, or casks.

Prisoner said nothing was omitted except two pairs of trousers and a blanket which he had drawn from Mr Shenton’s store. Interestingly Erickson reports that Charles Crowther who Back claimed purchased oil from Sloan in Champion Bay on the return journey to Fremantle was the manager of Shenton’s store in Geraldton. Shenton also owned the Geraldine Mine, and also the nearby White Hills mine. Perhaps the sale of the oil to Crowther was simply to pay back debts incurred from the drawing of stores from the store during the preceeding six months.

It would appear that Sloan sold enough to pay the debts, with some left over to pay for some grog.

Wilson in his statement says, .”Sloan was drunk at this time, and we had nothing to eat. I applied to W Crowther for some rations who informed me that Sloan’s wife had drank the ________ and that he could not give me anything.”

　

Crowther later went on to purchase Shenton’s Geraldton store when he drowned off Geraldton in 1867.

During the whaling season Sloan also did deals with Mr Ware who looked after the stores at the Geraldine mine. The Inquirer reports also in 1860 that the Geraldine mine was in the throws of closing down and Shenton (the owner) may not have been particularly forthcoming in stocking up the mine stores..

One is certainly left to wonder if all the transactions were simply bartering for essential goods and services needed by while he was caretaking the station during the off season, and also during the season..

There was a piece torn out of the ration book. When the book was sent down at the commencement of the season, there was a memorandum in the handwriting of the former cook, of the rations left in charge of Sloane at the end of 1859.

That memorandum was missing, and the articles had not been accounted for. Recollects that among the stores were 6 bags of flour, and a cask containing two bags of flour. When the party arrived at the commencement of the season, all the stores had disappeared.

Cross-examined—Sloane acknowledged that the provisions had been there, but he had made use of them. Sloane was allowed to draw rations in moderation, and was charged for them. Sloane was to judge to what extent he should draw them.

Sloane never said he had shark oil. Believed that all shark oil would belong to the proprietor of the Fishery, as Harwood told them so.

Sloane never said he had exchanged mutton for soap.

Hill, one of Mr Harwood's whalemen — Sloane was chief headsman; saw hhds of salt filled and headed up by direction of Sloane. The casks were lent to Brakes, and the salt was sold to him. Heard the agreement.

Saw some little kegs of oil on board the Trois Amis, some belonged to Sloane, and some to the Fishery. Recollected the whale being killed. Never saw any blubber.

Took some of the lip, and tried it out in the pot belonging to the fishery, and sold the oil.

Cross-examined — Could not say how much oil was taken from the whale. Sloane was in his house, he did not take any oil. but his boy did.

The whale was four miles off. Three of the men got 6 gallons of oil. Does not know whether Sloane was aware of this.

When the headsman abandons a whale anyone can make use of it.

Shark oil had been got by Sloane and other headsmen, and they sold it. No shark oil had been sold to Mr Bibra. They ran short of provisions at the Fishery, and Sloane borrowed a bag of flour from Mr Bibra. The casks were lent to Brakes to carry the salt as far as Sharks Bay.

This closed the case for the Crown.

Mr Howell contended that the goods were lawfully obtained and that their subsequent appropriation did not amount to larceny.

Advocate General — When the goods were obtained fairly, perhaps not. The prisoner was charged as a servant, and the goods were delivered to him as a paid servant of Harwood and he knew this for he said to the cook the oil he had was Harwood's oil.

If he had not been guilty of larceny, he had been guilty of embezzlement, and upon one or the other charges he must be tried.

His Honour said the question was one of difficulty, and at home would most likely be reserved for consideration. Here, however, there was no appeal, and he must decide, himself, to the best of his judgment, and on the spur of the moment.

He had arrived at the conclusion that all the articles were in Sloane's charge as caretaker or implied trustee, and that there was nothing to show any fraudulent act on the part of the prisoner. The charge of larceny against him would not, therefore, lie, and the only offence with which he could be charged was that of embezzlement, or larceny as a servant.

When he received articles from a third party on behalf of his master he then became liable under the statute. The only article he had thus received was the 21lbs of mutton which he delivered to Ware, and the jury would have to disregard all evidence except that bearing upon this one transaction.

Mr Howell addressed the Jury on behalf of the prisoner, stating that the 21Ibs mutton was exchanged for soap, of which article the fishery was at that time deficient.

The Advocate General, in reply, contended that there was no evidence of this fact.

Verdict—Guilty. Sentence—5 years penal servitude.

　

The Relationship between Harwood and the Judge

Did the Relationship between J J Harwood and The Presiding judge, Commissioner of the Civil Court, Alfred McFarland have any bearing on the case?

In the 4th February 1859 J J Harwood mounted a civil case in the court of quarter session with McFarland presiding where attempted to sue the Captain Cumiskey of the American whaling ship “Lapwing” for damages when it is alleged on the 6th November 1858 his crew interfered in a whale catch off Fremantle where Harwood and his crew, (potentially including Sloan, the dates need to be checked) failed to secure a whale when it was disturbed by the American boat.

The Lapwing was reported in the Inquirer on the 23rd Feb 1859 to have been sighted and spoke with the “Lapwing” on the 10th Feb at 29deg 53’, 112 deg 48’ E obviously after setting sail from Fremantle crew of the “Favourite” which was enroute Champion Bay to Fremantle following the conclusion of the court case.

There is no doubt Sloan would have been aware of this case. In 1856 Sloan is recorded as being Chief Headsman for Harwood at Port Gregory, and again as Chief Headsman for Harwood at Port Gregory and Castle Rock (Near Cape Naturalist) in 1988.

The panel of jurors found in Harwood’s favour and awarded him 300 pounds damages plus costs being half the estimated value of the whale.

McFarland subsequently overruled this decision and awarded costs of the case equally to Harwood and the American Captain.

The Perth Gazette fully reported on the proceeding of the court. Incidentally the Perth Gazette was owned by a competitor of Harwood, a Mr Shelton who also fell fowl of the courts some 15 years later, and was imprisoned. It is reported this shortened his life very severly.

Harwood immediately wrote a long and rambling letter to the Perth Inquirer which was published the following week outlining his concerns about the decision and calling for McFarland’s dismissal.

In his letter he make statements saying that he was just about to spear the whale (a job normally done by the headsman such as Sloan, when the American whale boat “crossed the wake” of the whale casing it to sound.

McFarland immediately responded with a demand that Harwood withdraw his letter and failure to do so would result in Harwood being arrested and brought before him to answer contempt of court charges.

The following week the Enquirer published also a long editorial supporting Harwood’s case also apologising to readers for such along letter from Harwood that many readers may not have bothered to read.

The Enquirer thundered on about rights of colonial citizens, freedom of speech and protection of colonial resources from aliens, stating the many of its citizen’s basic rights were under threat, calling on Governor Stirling to exercise him right to immediately remove the judge.

Further research is required , however it is obvious that McFarland withdrew his action.

This would have been seen as a moral victory by Harwood and also reinforced his belief that he was above the law because of his position in society.

When the Sloan case was brought by Harwood before McFarland 12 month later no doubt McFarland was still smarting from his back down and public embarrassment, and there would have been no love lost between Harwood and him.

The judge appeared to show a great deal of sympathy towards Sloan and directed that all evidence as stealing as a servant be excluded. He agonised over his decision, in his summing up he stated that at home (England) the decision would be reserved however in the colony he had no legal right to do this and the decision must be made on the spot.

The panel of Magistrates (jurors) included all of Harwood’s business associates and cronies, all just having been appointed in 1860, and potentially this was their first case. (This needs to be checked).

Although Sloan was found guilty on a very minor charge (stealing half a sheep) based upon flimsy evidence, and a strong motive on the part of Harwood and his cook, the ferocity of the sentence, probably decreed by the jury was extreme. (5 years).

In his judgement McFarland may have been cognizant of his previous encounter with Harwood the year before, and would probably have been subject to the same public questioning for lack of support for the pillars of colonial society in the papers again if he did not convict Sloan.

　

Obviously McFarland became distressed at the lack of fairness and rough justice eing handed out in the colony, and he resigned from the position in 1861 shortly after Sloan’s remaining sentence was pardoned by the governor. It is also interesting to note that Harwood also became a member of the jury at the same time.

　

　

　

Back, Peres, Russel, Chaise, McKibbly, Russworth, Ellier, not recorded as a convicts in the database held by Fremantle Gaol

In the convict database Thomas Lynch arrived on the Ramilies on 7th August 1854 occupation is listed as a boatman as was granted T of L in 1854

　

The transcript of the court report in The Inquirer” on the 17th Oct 1860 makes interesting reading and it appears the conviction was based upon very limited and flimsy evidence of the cook, Charles Wilson.

I have continued reading the papers of the time and came up with some other interesting articles, including a letter from Harwood to the Inquirer 27th Feb 1859 complaining about a judgement of A MacFarland (the judge in the Sloan trial) in which Harwood seeks the governor to sack the judge because of a disputed verdict involving Harwood and an American Whaling captain. The judge then begins proceedings to have Harwood charged with contempt of court.

Harwood attempted to sue an American whaling captain for interfering in the taking of a whale off Fremantle in December 1958. It is not yet confirmed, but it is highly likely Sloan was the headsman on the whaling boat involved in this case. Harwood was on board, and claims the American boat deliberately scared the whale about to be harpooned by Harwood’s boat.

Much legal debate followed, relating to the protection of whaling in WA from the American whaling fleet.

I haven’t fully understood what finally happened, but I note the judge involved arrived in the colony on the 17/2/1858, and was immediately controversial. He resigned in February 1861 as WA’s only judge to practise as a barrister in NSW, and it is interesting to note Daniel Sloan was granted a pardon also in January 1861.

My reading of the reported case regarding Sloan suggests a faulty conviction, and even judge McFarland expresses this. It is almost certain a guilty verdict would not have been reached in today’s courts.

I have also researched movements of coastal shipping, at the time, including cargo manifests and passenger lists, and can confirm Sloan and his family were present at Port Gregory at least from September 1858 to 15th September 1860, arriving back in Fremantle aboard the “Trois Amis” on the 24th Sept via Champion Bay (Geraldton), with some whale oil, salt, a whale boat and other whaling supplies. The eldest boy would have been 13, and the youngest daughter just 9 months.

The “Troi Amis” was a 46 ton schooner under the command of Captain Green, and it made regular voyages between Fremantle, Geraldton Shark Bay and at times further North from 1858 until at least the end of 1860.

It is also obvious that the whale that was cut up at Port Gregory on the 2nd August 1860 had been abandoned by Sloan 4 miles out to sea on the 30th July when it sunk, and thus according to the rules at the time was not the property of Harwood.

It appears that everyone in the whaling party then took blubber from this carcass when it washed up near Port Gregory 3 days later, processed it themselves (Sloan did not), but his son (13) did and claimed it as their own. It is also likely that other members of the other whaling party at Port Gregory also took blubber from this whale and processed it for themselves.

The cook (Wilson) must have has an acrimonious relationship with Sloan, and was pissed off that Sloan said the oil he (the cook had) was the property of Harwood as he was using it in the camp kitchen.

Sloan appears to have done some bartering for flour and whale line for supplies with Von Bibro who was a trader and local pastoralist in the Murchison at the time. He also appears to have swapped some beef for some mutton, probably for variety of diet rather than any sinister motive.

Obviously during the off season Sloan collected salt from pink lake to supplement his income, and stored it in casks owned by Harwood. This apparently was common practise at Port Gregory, and was done by all the free settlers there. It appear he sold this to a captain of a passing ship under the command of Captain Brake bound for Shark Bay, and was expecting the return of the casks on the ships return voyage to Perth. A receipt was even issued, which was presented to Harwood’s book keeper, suggesting no wrong doing.

Of note is the cargo listed as having been unloaded from the “Troi Amis” in Fremantle when Sloan returned to Perth in September 1860 includes some casks of salt.

C Wilson was a Ticket of Leave convict engaged by Harwood, convicted of Larceny in England, and thus is perhaps a less than reliable witness, and appears to have a motive.

It is also reported that the processing works at Pakington (Port Gregory) burnt down in 1859, although this needs further research, and what effect this may have had upon Sloan’s duties, responsibilities.

Of note is that headsman were always paid by the “lay” method, which was basically a share of the catch. Given that Harwood stated that Sloan was paid a wage while he was caretaker, his employment status during the whaling season when he was also the Headsman remains a mystery, particularly if he was not under law then considered a “servant.”

It is interesting to note that none of Harwood’s whaling party at Pakington during the 1860 whaling season were registered as required by law and published in the Government Gazette, although this was always the case in previous years. Maybe Harwood was operating illegally. Still more research required.

There is much much more information which I will try to put together in a paper over the next few months.

Martin Gibbs has done an excellent PhD thesis some 570 pages long and it make interesting background reading on how the shore based whaling worked, and what were the problems, economics, including catching techniques etc.

It is clear from his research that Daniel was a headsman for a long period shortly after his arrival in WA obviously from a passing American whaler of which there were several hundred.

Transcripts of Statements taken 23rd September 1860 prior to the commital hearing.

The information and complaint of ______ Harwood taken on oath this 23rd day of September in the presence and hearing of Daniel Sloan.

I charge Daniel Sloan with having wilfully embezelled and made away with some flour and potatoes, my property, also some whale line and meat, the same having been left in his charge at Port Gregory.

He was paid one pound per week to take care of and look after my property.

On or about the 4th day of May 1860? Sloan told my cook (Mr Chad Wilson) to fill him a bag of flour from my store, the said flour being in charge of Sloan, and sold it to a man of the name of Ware, belonging to the Geraldine mine. (The Geraldine mine is a lead mine on the banks of the Murchison River approx 50Km away.)

I am missing about six hundred fathoms of whale line which I charge him with having taken away and with having sold ______ portion to Mr Bibro. I also charge him with having sold some of the meat, 1/_{2 a sheep, to a man of the name of “Ware”.}

I wish Sloan to be approached and brought forward to answer the charge. I further charge him with taking and making away with about ½ a ton of oil, also about 13 casks and several bags (?).

He had permission to send for, or buy in my name provisions but had no permission to sell any of my property whatever.

On account of the flour, potatoes and other provisions left to his charge, and which he has made away with, as stated, was entered in the journal delivered to him when he took charge and the said entry had been torn out of the said journal while in his charge.

Joshua J Harwood.

Before us

Chad Wilson on oath (said?)

I was cook to Mr Harwood’s party at Port Gregory this season.

I arrived there on the 3rd of May last and found on examination that there was no flour or provisions of any description at the station.

The station was in charge of Daniel Sloan.

When we arrived, some casks of flour and other provisions were taken down (up?) on the (schooner) “Mystery” along with the whaling party, and myself as cook, and landed the same day we arrived.

On the 15th day of May (some 12 days after arriving) “Sloan” told me to fill a bag of flour from the stock in store. (There is a discrepancy here with the statement of Harwood who said the flour was loaded on or about the 4th May) I did so, it weighed 200lbs and Sloan told me he had sent it to Mr Ware

Sloan brought line whale line for me to weigh. Sloan said it was about a fath___, (fathom) he sent it to “Bibro” in his spring cart.

I received 1/2 a sheep from Captain Hicks for the use of the party and Sloan told me to give it to “Mr Ware” (presumably the same Ware who received the 200lbs of flour) and I did so.

I saw some salt go away from the station in bags, there was also a quantity of salt in casks, which casks I believe were Mr Harwoods.

The casks were taken away before the party left (the fishery at the end of the season) by the direction of “Sloan” who I believe sold the salt and casks to “Mr Brakes” –

On the 30thof June last, (2 months after they arrived) Sloan killed a whale.

I last saw it on the beach, I took some blubber from it and tried it out for the use of the kitchen and the remainder I put into kegs. Sloan said it was Mr Harwood’s oil, I also saw Sloan and some of the other men trying out oil and saw him measure out 5 gallons of this oil and send to “Mr Bibro”

There was some oil sold on a ________ to some people from the country by Sloan I also saw him measure five gallons a few days before we left which was sent to “Mr Bibro” (This is probably the same Mr Bibro who also received the whale line)

Also when we left Port Gregory in the “La Trois Amis” about the middle of this month, (Statement was taken on the 25th of September 1860 so it is reasonable to assume the departure time was on or about 15th September 1860) I saw the _____ cask and several kegs full of oil on board. The cask and kegs with the oil came from our station and I believe from what Sloan previously told me, it belonged to Mr Harwood.

This oil was landed at Champion Bay on our way here (presumably Fremantle) and I heard that some was sold to Scott & Gale and some to W Crowther.

Sloan was drunk at this time, and we had nothing to eat. I applied to W Crowther for some rations who informed me that Sloan’s wife had drank the ________ and that he could not give me anything.

The book marked _____ was handed to me by Sloan to keep __________ accounts and I never tore any leaf out of the book, nor was it torn out at the time I delivered it to Sloan on leaving the station this season.

Before us.

　

　

Edio Buck Free, on oath saith

I am a carpenter and employed by Mr Harwood and had been sent down (up in modern Australian terms– as it is reasonable to expect that at the time any geographical references in Australia would be “down” for anyone who had emigrated from the Northern Hemisphere) to Port Gregory to do some work for “Mr Bibro”.

I was there at the breaking up of the fishery last year. Sloan had charge of the station at the time.

There was some flour in __________ - I recollect one _______ quite luck I also saw some potatoes there.

I recollect Sloan and Party killing a whale this year they ______________________ out and I bought about 11 gallons from the party. I asked Sloan if I should be ____ weary in buying it and he said I think not.

I was at the station this year when it was (wound) up about the middle of this month (September) and came with the party to Champion Bay.

I saw on board the “La Trois Amis” a ____ cask and some kegs of oil which were taken from the station. This oil was all sold at the Bay.

I heard him Sloan tell his wife that Crowther had offered him 5/6 a gallon for it, Sloan owned the oil in the ____ cask to be his

I½ fathoms of whale line,

I think the whale killed by the party would have produced about 2 tons of oil.

E Buck

Before Me

________________

________________

　

　

Sloan let me have for Mr Bibo is there any entry which has lent or sold any casks.

I particularly asked him if there was any transaction ________ with the fishery which was not entered in his books and told him if there was, to give me an account of it.

He told me in reply that the only thing he had thought to enter was the purchase of two pairs of trousers and 3 pairs of blankets from W Crowther.

When the book was sent to Sloan this season it contained an entry of provisions left at the station in Sloan’s charge at the end of last season.

This entry was taken out of the book before it was handed to me by Sloan this year from the entries in the books there was a balance of 6 bags of flour and 1 _____ of flour since which we have sent down 2 bags of flour before the fishery commenced – hence the fishery commenced two ____ 16 ____ has been sent down to the station.

　

　

F F Seed on oath Saith

I keep W Harwood’s books.

When the fishing broke up this season Sloan on arrival, handed me the two books now produced

The log book states that the whale was eaten ______,

I asked him if any oil had been saved for W Harwood and he said not a ____.

He further stated that it would not pay to ______ out the oil from the whale although they had not been doing any thing for 13 days

I previously knew that a quantity of oil had been procured from this whale and asked him repeatedly if any oil had been ____ out by any of the party and he distinctly told me non whatever.

I have examined the books carefully and find no entry of oil taken or of oil sold or of whale lime sole on rations nor is there any entry which he has lent or sold any casks.

I particularly asked him if there was any transaction conducted with the fishery which was not entered in his books and told him if there was to give me any account of it.

He told me _________ that the only thing he had ______ to enter was the purchase of two pairs of trousers and 3 pairs of blankets from W Crowther.

When the book was sent to Sloan this season at contained an entry of provisions left at the station in Sloan’s charge at the end of last season.

This entry was taken out of the book before it was handed to me by Sloan this year.

From the entry in the books there was a balance of 6 bags of flour and 1 __ of flour since which we have sent down 2 bags of flour before the fishery commenced – since the fishery commenced two tons 16 ____ has been sent down to the station.

　

　

John Hill on oath saith

I belonged to Mr Harwood’s whaling party this season

I ______ heading up 13 casks 4 hd which belonged to Mr Harwood, they were filled up with salt by order of Sloan

these casks were sent on board the “Alysley” Samuel _____ Master – the salt was sold to him

I saw lime oil on board the ________ in _____ casks which came from the fishery.

I helped to take blubber from the whale and tried it out and sold it because others did so.

I sold two gallons of oil tried out from the ____ and head of the whale to W Bibro.

　

　

Statement of the Accused at the Committal Hearing - 25th September 1860

Daniel Sloan stand charged before the undersigned two of her Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the Colony aforesaid this 25 days of September in the year of our Lord 1860 for that said Daniel Sloan did during the whaling season of this year (1860?) did wilfully embezzle a quantity of flour, whale oil, whale line, caskets, meat, the property of Mr Harwood and the said charge being read to the said Daniel Sloan and the witnesses for the prosecution,

I W Harwood, Chad Wilson, Edio (Buck) Free and John Hill, being severally examined in his presence, the said Daniel Sloan, is now addressed by ____ as follows:

“Having heard the evidence do you wish to say anything in answer to the charge? You are not obliged to say anything unless you desire to do so; but whatever you say will be taken down in writing, and may be given in evidence against you on your trial; “

where upon the said Daniel Sloan saith as follows:

“I deny any thefts.”

　

　

Transcript of the Article that appeared in "The Enquirer" on Monday 8th October 1860 (Unedited)

Quarter Sessions

Before His Honor A. McFarland, Escq., and a Bench of Magistrates.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8th 186O.

Daniel Sloane, charged with stealing or taking away certain articles the property of his master, Joshua Harwood, at Port Gregory.

Joshua J. Harwood, Builder, at Fremantle. — Prisoner was in his employ as a servant, and was in charge of the whaling station at Port Gregory, with the surplus stores, at the close of last year.

His wages were £1 per week. His duty was to protect the property and stores.

Had been headsman to the party.

Never gave him permission to sell. The property chiefly consisted of flour (six bag's and 1 hhd), potatoes, whaleline and rope, and casks — about 50 tons.

Prisoner had a list of the articles at the end of the season, and also of goods shipped in May, I860, consisting of provisions for the whaling season.

Cross-examined by Mr Howell.—Never gave him authority to exchange, sell, or borrow. The fishery was too well supplied to justify his borrowing.

Is not aware that he did borrow, and he never told witness that he had done so until he was before the committing magistrates. Missed a number of casks. Sloane did not send to him salt in casks. Did not know whether Sloane sold a quantity of salt to Brakes. Did not know whether the handwriting in the paper produced (a receipt for salt) was Brakes’, or whether the signature is Brakes’.

Charles Wilson, — Was employed as cook for Mr Harwood's station, in May last. Went to Port Gregory in the 'Mystery". There was on board a quantity of rations, consisting of flour, meat, tea, sugar and rice. The provisions were all delivered to Sloane upon arrival at Port Gregory, and were put into Mr Harwood’s store. Weighed 200 lbs of flour, which prisoner told him was to go to Mr Ware's. It was sent away and was not brought back. Was constantly at the station, and it could not be returned without his knowledge. Some time after, Sloane told him to weigh out 20 lbs of beef for Ware, and that Captain Hicks would replace it. Ware took the beef, and 21 lbs of mutton came in its place. Tho mutton was given to Ware by Sloane's orders. Ware had nothing to do with the whaling station. There was a great quantity of salt sent away. Brakes took a great quantity, and some came to Fremantle in the same vessel with witness. Part was in the fishery, and some in a store belonging to Mr C. Von Bibra. Some of the salt was in bags and some in casks. Does not know whose property it was. It was taken from the Fishery, prisoner being chief headsman at the time. The casks were new. Does not know whether any of the casks brought by them were sent away. Recollects a whale being caught by Harwood's party. Took several pieces of blubber and tried them out for the use of the kitchen, and put the oil in a small keg.

Sloane told him that the oil was the property of Mr Harwood, and that witness was not to dispose of it

Brought 5 gallons of this oil to Mr Harwood. There was a good deal of oil tried out. Saw some of it put into cans. Four gallons were sent to Mr C. Von Bibra. Plenty of oil was put into small kegs, but could not say where it went to.

Believes some of it was sold, but docs not know it for a fact. Sloane told witness there was 25s for him if he would sell the 5 gallons in his possession. That oil was Mr Harwood's oil. Some oil was put into cans by the direction of Sloane, and given to Mrs Martin. It was carried away in a cart. Came back in Green's vessel. There was some oil on board; some in pork casks and kegs. Some belonged to Sloane; it came from the Fishery. The oil was taken ashore at Champion Bay and did not come back.

Believes it was sold, part to Scott & Gale, and part to Crowther. Kept a book by Sloane’s orders, for the purpose of putting down his rations.

Half a leaf had been torn out of that book since he delivered it to Sloane's wife. There was something written in the part torn out. Never saw the book afterwards, until at the Police Court.

Has booked 700lbs flour. 200Ibs of flour was sent away by Sloane's order, and was booked to him and charged to him. Never booked the 21 lbs of mutton. Only kept an account of the rations of Sloane.

Was never told to enter the mutton.

Did not make any entries of salt delivered. He was not told to so. Nor an entry of the casks sent away. He had nothing to do with them, nor the oil, nor the bags. They were never in his charge.

By Mr Howell – Can’t say what was on the paper torn from the book. Sloane was entitled to draw rations, and they were charged to him. Upon delivery they became his own property. The 200lbs of flour was charged to him. Had nothing to do with the oil. The four gallons sent to Mr Bibra was whale oil. There was no shark oil. The oil belonged to different men.

Brakes took away perhaps 7 or 8 tons of salt. Does not know whether it was sold to Brakes.

Ware kept the stores of the Geraldine Mine. Does not know whether they were hard up for provisions at the Geraldine Mine at the time.

Had a bag of flour from Mr Bibra for the fishery. Run short of meat once or twice. Sometimes had to send to Champion Bay for meat, and afterwards to Mr C. Von Bibra.

Re-examined – there were no provisions in store when they arrived in May.

By the Court. – Ware took the beef and the mutton in a bag. The mutton came in the “Preston” from Champion Bay. It was delivered to witness for the use of the men.

Edward Back, carpenter in Harwood’s employ, -went to Port Gregory last June, and was present at the breaking up of the Fishery. Sloane was in charge.

There was one barrel of flour lying outside the house. Was working at Mr Bibra’s on account of Mr Harwood.

Mr Bibra requested witness to ask Sloane to let him have some line. Asked Sloane for it at the fishery, who gave him 9 ½ fathoms of line. Mr Bibra told witness to say that he would settle for it, and Sloane said he would have to put it down.

Recollects that a whale was caught and sunk.

Cross examined – Sloane said he would have to put down the line. Never carried any other message from Mr Bibra to Sloane.

F. F. Seed, Book-keeper to Mr Harwood

Sloane on arrival at Fremantle, handed over the three books produced; first, a log book in which everything relating to the fishery was supposed to be entered. There is an entry about a whale in the handwriting of prisoner, (an extract from the log book was read, from which it appeared that a whale was killed on the 30th July, that it sunk, and that subsequently it was found on the beach on the 2nd August, completely eaten up by sharks).

Witness asked Sloane whether he was sure that the entry was correct. He said yes. That the whale was completely eaten up, and that he was quite sure they had not saved “a sup” of oil.

Asked Sloane why they had not tried to save something. He said it was not worth while. He also said that no other person had tried out any oil from that whale.

In the second book, Sloane ought to have entered everything that came to or left the fishery. Had not done so; said he was no scholar, and it was the cook’s book and he handed it to the cook.

In the third or ration book, there was no entry of oil sold. Asked what had become of the rations last year. There was no entry of the 21lbs of mutton, whale line, salt, bags, or casks.

Prisoner said nothing was omitted except two pairs of trousers and a blanket which he had drawn from Mr Shenton’s store. There was a piece torn out of the ration book. When the book was sent down at the commencement of the season, there was a memorandum in the handwriting of the former cook, of the rations left in charge of Sloane at the end of 1859.

That memorandum was missing, and the articles had not been accounted for. Recollects that among the stores were 6 bags of flour, and a cask containing two bags of flour. When the party arrived at the commencement of the season, all the stores had disappeared.

Cross-examined—Sloane acknowledged that the provisions had been there, but he had made use of them. Sloane was allowed to draw rations in moderation, and was charged for them. Sloane was to judge to what extent he should draw them.

Sloane never said he had shark oil. Believed that all shark oil would belong to the proprietor of the Fishery, as Harwood told them so.

Sloane never said he had exchanged mutton for soap.

Hill, one of Mr Harwood's whalemen — Sloane was chief headsman; saw hhds of salt filled and headed up by direction of Sloane. The casks were lent to Brakes, and the salt was sold to him. Heard the agreement.

Saw some little kegs of oil on board the Trois Amis, some belonged to Sloane, and some to the Fishery. Recollected the whale being killed. Never saw any blubber.

Took some of the lip, and tried it out in the pot belonging to the fishery, and sold the oil.

Cross-examined — Could not say how much oil was taken from the whale. Sloane was in his house, he did not take any oil. but his boy did.

The whale was four miles off. Three of the men got 6 gallons of oil. Does not know whether Sloane was aware of this.

When the headsman abandons a whale anyone can make use of it.

Shark oil had been got by Sloane and other headsmen, and they sold it. No shark oil had been sold to Mr Bibra. They ran short of provisions at the Fishery, and Sloane borrowed a bag of flour from Mr Bibra. The casks were lent to Brakes to carry the salt as far as Sharks Bay.

This closed the case for the Crown.

Mr Howell contended that the goods were lawfully obtained and that their subsequent appropriation did not amount to larceny.

Advocate General — When the goods were obtained fairly, perhaps not. The prisoner was charged as a servant, and the goods were delivered to him as a paid servant of Harwood and he knew this for he said to the cook the oil he had was Harwood's oil.

If he had not been guilty of larceny, he had been guilty of embezzlement, and upon one or the other charges he must be tried.

His Honour said the question was one of difficulty, and at home would most likely be reserved for consideration. Here, however, there was no appeal, and he must decide, himself, to the best of his judgment, and on the spur of the moment.

He had arrived at the conclusion that all the articles were in Sloane's charge as caretaker or implied trustee, and that there was nothing to show any fraudulent act on the part of the prisoner. The charge of larceny against him would not, therefore, lie, and the only offence with which he could be charged was that of embezzlement, or larceny as a servant.

When he received articles from a third party on behalf of his master he then became liable under the statute. The only article he had thus received was the 21lbs of mutton which he delivered to Ware, and the jury would have to disregard all evidence except that bearing upon this one transaction.

Mr Howell addressed the Jury on behalf of the prisoner, stating that the 21Ibs mutton was exchanged for soap, of which article the fishery was at that time deficient.

The Advocate General, in reply, contended that there was no evidence of this fact.

Verdict—Guilty. Sentence—5 years penal servitude.

　

　

Colin Sloan's Paper

　

Early Sloan History

Any story of our Sloan family in WA can only start from the arrival of Daniel Sloan in Fremantle early in the 1840’s, on an American Whaler. All we know of him before he arrived here was he was born in 1815 in County Cork, Northern Ireland; was a Protestant; literate; very able bodied and a highly qualified Mariner with a lot of experience in a very tough occupation of whaling. We know he then became a ferryman or water taxi; transporting people on the river as there were no roads there yet.

His future wife Eliza Anne Cowcher the 2nd daughter of 8 children of the first Doctor in the Colony had arrived on the 6th of July 1830 on the “Medina” at the age of 3 years with her family. They settled in Guilford as there was insufficient work for a doctor in Fremantle originally and he applied for and was granted a ferry licence in 1831.

By the middle of 1831 his capital and food supply were exhausted and they were in such a desperate plight he had to request help from the Colonial Secretary but then had to borrow flour as they had been without for a week and the captain would not release the supplies sent till the cartage of 15/-shillings was paid. He returned sometime after 1833 to practice in Fremantle & died there on 17th May 1840 aged 40. His wife lived on for 36 years and died in 1876 at 89.

Daniel married Eliza on the 26th of May 1846.

There first son James Daniel was born on 22nd of March 1847 a very respectable ten months later and eventually after working down in the country, certainly with the Coucher family in the Williams district at first; he met and married Margaret Pratt on the 21st of December 1876, Nobody knows where they lived for the next ten years but from then on he had several business’s in Bunbury including the Federal Hotel. They had nine children and many descendants who still live in the district. He died very highly respected in Bunbury in 1924 at 76.

On the 27th of Oct 1847 Daniel and a George Hodges offered in an advertisement in the “Enquirer” to pull a whaleboat against any party in Perth for the sum of 20 Pounds. Apparently nobody was game enough to take them on.

Their first daughter Eliza Francis was born on the 14th of Feb 1849; she married Charles Salter of a well known Pinjarra family in 1867, had 8 children and died there in 1933.

On the 10 of July 1849 Daniel was one of the men in charge of some kind of rescue mission to Rottenest in a whaleboat in bad weather.

On the 28th of August the same year he was signed up by a D. Scott Esq with the same George Hodges as above as the two Chief Headman for a whaling party.

Their second son George Samuel was born on 27th of July 1851 (my grandfather) and he married Emma Eliza first surviving daughter of twelve children of Thomas and Elizabeth Smirk on 22nd of April 1880. But more about them later.

On 6th November 1851 Daniel was locked up for being drunk & fined an unspecified sum.

On 23rd of December 1851 he suffered the same fate and several others in the same month received 4 to 7 days; some in solitary confinement.

A year later on the 25th of December 1852 Daniel; along with several others described as colonials and two pensioners were locked up for being drunk and fined 5/- shillings but a Ticket of Leave man was fined £2 for being drunk & disorderly so at least he was well behaved. So we might assume it had been a great Christmas Eve Party that carried over past midnight to Christmas day when Pubs should have been closed.

He was fined 5/- on the 2nd of March 1853 for the last time. Many seamen earlier in the month got up to 12 week hard labour for very trivial offences and only one ticket of leave man was lucky enough to be admonished.

Their 3rd son Daniel was born on the 20th of Nov 1853 at 3.00AM at Mallubuck and lived most of his life & died in Pinjarra on the 12th of Sep 1907 aged 54. Does anybody know where “Mallubuck” is? He was the only child not born in Fremantle.

Their 2nd & 3rd Daughters were born in 1857 & 1859 in Fremantle.

In between 1849 and 1860 Daniel was involved in whaling and we know he was paid £1 a week as caretaker of a whaling station at Port Gregory from the previous season to the beginning of the whaling season in the middle of 1860; his wife was there too and almost certainly his family.

On the 3rd of May a cook, along with provisions and the rest of the whaling party arrived on the “Mystling”. On the 30th of June Daniel killed a whale and they landed it on the beach; it produced 2 tons of oil.

About the middle of September the whaling party broke up and they left including Mrs Sloan on the “Trousame” and according to the cook took several casks of oil aboard that was landed at Champion Bay and he later alleged that he heard that Daniel had sold the oil there and that he was drunk at the time.

On the 25th of September Joshua Harwood the owner of the whaling station charged Daniel with “wilfully embezzling and making away with” some flour, potatoes, ½ a sheep, some whale line, several casks, salt and some bags.

The cook made a long statement detailing several of the things he alleged Daniel had sold to various people while he was in charge. A carpenter working for Harwood who was on the boat said he bought about 11 gallons and heard Sloan tell his wife someone had offered him 5/6 pence a gallon for the oil.

Harwood’s bookkeeper alleged the page of the journal with details of the provisions missing had been torn out while in Daniels care. A John Hill also working for Harwood said he helped fry out the oil ant took some and sold it because others were doing so.

Daniel was committed for trial on the 25th of September and sentenced to 5 years Penal Servitude on the 8th of October 1860 and become colonial prisoner No 5580.

On Saturday the 2nd of March 1861 at the request of the Reverend Mr Johnstone; Daniel was allowed in the company of a warder to visit his dying wife from 3.00 til 7.30 pm. Eliza Francis married Daniel at 17 years old and she died later that night aged 32 of measles and he was allowed to visit again the next day to see her body. On the 4th he was allowed to stand at the outer gate during the passing of his wife’s funeral.

His Daughter Ellen of 4 years died likewise on 23rd of March at Fremantle and his youngest daughter Emma of 2 years died of “decline” at Pinjarra leaving James 14, Eliza Francis 12, George Samuel 9 and Daniel 8 years old with only there Grandmother and her family to care for them. None of them had a days schooling in there lives and the elder boys started out as shepherds with the Coucher families around Williams.

On the 31st of August an unsuccessful appeal was made for his release but it was not until another appeal on the 8th of January, backed by a statement by a Mr Wellard of Fremantle that the Governor saw fit to remit the remaining part of the sentence of Colonial Prisoner Reg No 5580 and Daniel Sloan received a full pardon and was released on the 8th of January 1862.

That is the last we know of him from official records and as his surviving family didn’t pass on what he did then or where he went. It seems very likely he took up his profession again as a first class seaman on a passing boat as his family were farmed out to relatives and we know Dr Coucher’s wife was almost certainly living in Fremantle and lived onto die on Dec2nd 1876 at 89 years.

In July 1862 the American whaler “Cochitate” was whaling near Esperance and called at Rockingham to take on jarrah sleepers and later wool from Pt Maud and must have foundered in a cyclone off the NW as timber, tallow and wool was washed ashore and identified as her cargo and she was classified as lost with all hands possibly taking Daniel with her.

Now to continue the story of George Samuel and Emma Eliza nee Smirk. Her mother was the midwife in the district of Rockingham and it was known that she never lost a mother or baby. Emma as a girl went with her mother and assisted. George after working on various farms including relatives as did his brothers from an early age. On the1st of March 1882 two year after they married he applied for and was granted the 40 acres where the present Sloan cottage now stands.

I can remember when I used to visit Grandma Emma & Uncle Len as a small boy, walking up through the large orchard of figs, grapes, loquats & stone fruit past the old wooden cottage that was then further down the hill near a huge mulberry tree. My father told me the older boys used to sleep in the barn as neither the old wooden house that had only two rooms like the typical Irish cottage or the present “Sloan’s Cottage” made of limestone was big enough for them all. Dad was always very economical with water as they had to draw it from the well and carried it up to the house by the bucketful until they were able to buy a windmill that Dad remembered cost £ 96 a big some of money in those days.

George kept cattle, bred horses, milked cows & carted his fruit & vegetables 18 miles to Fremantle Market by horse & cart; a full days journey for a very good horse. Most pubs in those days had a water trough outside for the horse’s to drink and a compulsory stop would have been the old Newmarket Hotel on his way home. Apparently the horse was frequently given more than ample time to drink, especially in hot weather and George returned home in a merry state to a bit of the old “hot tongue and cold shoulder” . He won a lot of prizes for his produce and horses at the Coogee agricultural show as the black peat swamp with the addition of the cow manure from the cows that were locked up especially each night and the natural irrigation provided by planting further down near the water as the summer dried it out.

They lived very respectable and my Father recalled that they were not allowed to work on Sunday and all had to dress in their best clothes and go to church up till when they left home. He also recalls spending a lot of time and walking many miles to catch the horses for his older sisters when they wanted to go out.

Unfortunately George’s life was cut short on the 1st of April 1918 by a tragic sulky accident at the age of 66. He had taken his wife on a round trip from Sloan Cottage to Jarrahdale where Emma’s parents had moved to; then to Williams to visit the Coucher’s and back to Pindalup to visit his Sister Eliza Salter and had just left there when they hit a very deep rut in the track that tossed them out of the sulky and he was run over by the iron tyre and received a broken back and died at the Pinjarra Hospital while his wife only got some abrasions to her legs.

Very recently I received a copy of an article in a local paper concerning the accident and funeral that was found by John Pascoe in his extensive research of the Sloan family along with Glynis Haliday; two members of the branch of Sloan’s descended from James Sloan who went to Bunbury. This article shows that James rode his horse up from Bunbury to attend the funeral and how highly respected George was throughout a large area.

I thank them because without their help I would never have had access to the material necessary for this story. The family portraits & snaps I got copies of from cousins and second cousins. The most remarkable I can show you is; one great one of Daniel himself complete with identifying scars and another of George and all his family except David the eldest who was already away working, outside the old original wooden house.

　

　

　

　

　

　

 

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