INDEX.
As family names mentioned in this journal will be too numerous to fit into the surname list, they will be listed alphabetically here and followed by the year or other heading under which they appear, such as APHOK (A POTTED HISTORY OF KEILOR) so that researchers can quickly locate the reference and ascertain if it pertains to the family they are seeking. A year or heading followed by C indicates that the name appears in my Comment about an article under that year. Unless there is a special reason, Batman, Fawkner,Hume, Hovell etc will not be included in the index. e.g.
AHEARN APHOK-C; BORRELL APHOK-C; BROWN APHOK; CHISHOLM APHOK; CUARTERO APHOK-C; CLANCY APHOK-C; GRIMES APHOK,APHOK-C (SOLOMON'S FORD); HICKS APHOK-C; MCFARLANE J.D. APHOK-C; McRAE APHOK; MANSFIELD APHOK; MILBURN APHOK; RUSSELL Geo. APHOK-C (SOLOMON'S FORD); TAYLOR APHOK; VERT APHOK-C; WATSON APHOK; WILSON Jas. 1862; WILSON Edw. APHOK;




A POTTED HISTORY OF KEILOR.
About the only items that I think need to be added to the following excellent broad overview of Keilor's history are the township, grazing, closer settlement and the Spanish invasion.

Keilor

(3036, 17 km NW, Brimbank City, Hume City, Moonee Valley City)
Gazetted as a township in 1850 Keilor had a Roads Board in 1863 before becoming a shire in 1871 and a city in 1961. Some of the earliest Aboriginal artefacts in Victoria were discovered at the Keilor archaeological area. The first European explorer, New South Wales Surveyor-General Grimes, passed through the area in 1803, followed by Hume and Hovell in 1824, and John Batman in 1835. Settlers arrived in the late 1830s and 1840s, one of whom, Mr Watson, is said to have given the district the name of his father's cattle-breeding property or a rivulet in Forfarshire, Scotland, Other sources suggest keilor was an Aboriginal word for 'brackish water'. The first Keilor Inn was a hut constructed in 1841, rebuilt 20 years later. Keilor was on the main route to the goldfield of Bendigo and Castlemaine; from 1851 hotels and blacksmiths did a roaring trade. A female traveller noted the contrast between the 'pretty little village with a good inn, several nice cottages, and a store or two' and the 'vast expanse of flat and dreary land' of the outlying Keilor Plains.
In 1855 the philanthropist Caroline Chisholm organised the construction of 'shelter sheds' along the goldfield routes to encourage families to accompany their menfolk to the diggings. One was near Bonfield Street in Keilor village and another, named Robertson's after a local landowner, was on the Keilor Plains. Punts and rough log bridges proved unsatisfactory for travellers crossing the Maribyrnong River and a more substantial toll bridge was opened in 1854. The 1868 replacement, superseded in 1964, has been restored.
After the initial excitement of the gold rush Keilor settled into a relatively peaceful agricultural existence for nearly a century with hay production and cattle and sheep grazing being the main activities. One of the original proprietors of the Argus newspaper, Edward Wilson, ran his property Arundel as a model farm and experimental breeding ground. By the 1880s Keilor was most noted for its market gardening and especially its apricot orchards. A local farmer and long-serving shire councillor, David Milburn, pioneered irrigation on his properties, and other orchardists and market gardeners followed his example. Farming in the district received a boost in the early 1900s when Overnewton, the 11 000-acre (4450 ha) estate of William Taylor, was subdivided.
Change came to Keilor from the 1950s when industry and housing developers discovered the area. Both Essendon Airport (built on land first acquired by the Commonwealth in 1921) and Melbourne Airport (built at Tullamarine in 1971) were partly within the Keilor City boundaries. Between 1947 and 1954 Keilor's population trebled to 10 681. By 1961 there were 29 519 residents and in 1981 there were 81 762, attracted to the area by the cheap new houses and manufacturing jobs. By 1981 around 40% of residents were overseas-born, nearly half coming from Italy, the former Yugoslavia and Malta. Transport was another attraction. The Calder and Tullamarine freeways bisect the area, and the West Gate Bridge linked it with the other side of Melbourne from 1978.
Industry was concentrated in Airport West and Niddrie, and the valleys and rises around Keilor village filled with successive waves of mainly brick veneer homes. New suburbs such as Kealba (3021, 15 km NW, Brimbank City), Keilor Downs (3038, 18 km NW, Brimbank City), Keilor Park (3042, 15 km NW, Brimbank City) and Kings Park (3021, 19 km W, Brimbank City) were created, and others such as Keilor East (3033, 13 km NW, Brimbank City, Moonee Valley City), which had already been the site of a garden estate designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1927, were further developed. Apart from the courthouse and hotel, nearly all the older buildings in Keilor village have been replaced, often with large and luxurious houses. By the end of the 20th century Keilor had become an affluent middle-class and professional dormitory for the western suburbs.
JENNY KEATING
REFERENCES
Carstairs, Joan, and Maureen Lane, Pubs, punts & pastures: The story of Irish pioneer women on the Salt Water River, St Albans History Society, Melbourne, 1988. Details
Evans, Angela, and the Keilor Pioneer Research Collective, Keilor pioneers: Dead men do tell tales, St Albans History Society, Melbourne, 1994. Details
Jennison, Susan, Keilor's heritage, Keilor Historical Society, Melbourne, 1997. Details

COMMENTS.
THE TOWNSHIP(S).
Like most townships, Keilor straddled a creek, the village of half acre blocks being in the parish of Maribyrnong on the west side of the Saltwater River but suburban blocks intended for farmers were south,west and east of the village. Those to the east were in Horseshoe Bend (parish of Maribyrnong)and section 19 Doutta Galla, which included Keilor Binn Farm, Gumm's Corner and the part of Keilor Park west of Collinson St where the site of St Augustine's was granted and James Harrick built his historic homestead that is now the home of the Keilor Historical Society.

There was another township in the Keilor district,Braybrook North Township. It was south of the line of Clarendon St, Avondale Heights. The township straddled the river,being in the parishes of Doutta Galla and Cut Cut Paw. Because of the West Melbourne swamp, Solomon's ford was the most southerly point at which the Saltwater River could be crossed by travellers heading Geelong way, such as George Russell of Golf Hill. It was accessed via Buckley St, known for decades as Braybrook road until it wasrenamed Buckley St West. Many heritage studies have been sold a pup by Valentine Jones and have declared Clancy's ford to be Solomon's Ford. Peter Somerville, my predecessor as President of the Keilor Historical Society, was convinced, circa 1989,that Solomon's Ford was at the end of North Rd and he was right but I believe this was the second one.

If you google CUT CUT PAW, COUNTY OF BOURKE,you will find many maps of that parish. The Braybrook Township map also provides evidence about the fords. The earliest shows a ford near the bottom of Rhonda St, Avondale Heights with a dotted track heading south near the future site of Braybrook Primary School, this would have been the route used by George Russell and Co.The Braybrook Township map shows streets leading to, and converging at,this ford. It would have been the aboriginal fish trap that stopped Charles Grimes' progress by boat a few hundred yards short of where brackish water became fresh; this point is shown on Melway. Later maps clearly show that Solomon's ford was at the end of North Road and the ramp leading down to it, shown on the Doutta Galla maps, is still indicated by a dotted line on Melway.

In an enquiry into closed roads (of which the K.H.S.should have a copy), Clancy stated that he'd arrived in about 1856 and his first task would have been to clear his land,not of trees but of rocks. He used many of them to build walls which the lovely Mr D., the father of Braybrook and pub owner, had his henchmen pull down scattering the rocks in Clancy's crops. Harry Peck makes it clear in his MEMOIRS OF A STOCKMAN that Mr D's purpose was to drive off Clancy and his fellow battlers so he could graze the horses he supplied to the army in India. Clancy owned land in Cut Cut Paw as well so he may have two reasons to build a ford. His Doutta Galla land was near the point where brackish water became fresh and the former was not much good for watering stock or crops. Some rocks would have been too heavy to lift but they could be rolled into the river.They would not be swept downstream in the next flood. The resultant ford would give him access to his Cut Cut Paw land* and prevent the progress of brackish water upstream during king tides.
(*The Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic. : 1866 - 1918) Saturday 19 October 1878 p 2 Advertising.
SHIRE OF BRAYBROOK.
Maidstone, 17th October, 1878.
IN accordance with Clause 265 of the Local Government Act 1874, the following Valuation of the Rateable Property in the Shire is published for the information of the parties rated.WILLIAM PULLAR.
Clancy, Michael, Hampstead nett annual value 2 pounds.

Clancy's boundaries were later adjusted,presumably so people could access his ford which may have been called Solomon's ford by newspapers, such as when Clancy's son had a mishap. The Melbourne Hunt seem to have referred to the North Rd ford as McIntyre's ford but Cr Delahey and Crs Dodd (of Keilor and Braybrook)were in no doubt that it was Solomon's ford.

Not long after Braybook Township was declared, a shorter route became possible and because it was no longer on a busy route, the township died in its infancy. Below follows a potted history of Braybrook North Township from my journal, WHICH FORD WAS SOLOMON'S FORD NEAR AVONDALE HEIGHTS,VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA?

*BRAYBROOK NORTH TOWNSHIP.
Michael Clancy's evidence at an inquiry into closed roads in 1879 reveals that he had about 35 acres joining Mr.Porter and Mr. Fitzgerald's* properties and had arrived there in about 1856. Clancy and Munro, his neighbour in the township, were prevented from watering their cattle at the river by Derham, who also tore down 28 chains of Clancy's 30 chain rock wall and threw the stones into his victim's crops. Derham had Clancy's lease of the river reserve cancelled. Harry Peck says that Derham, of fair complexion, as husky as a lumberjack, kept the pub at Braybrook and hunted others off hundreds of acres of land where he grazed about 200 horses for the Indian horse trade. Thomas B. Derham lived in Trinifour sometime after 1886 between the occupancies of W.G.Tulloch and E. Henderson.

(*M.Fitzgerald had 353 acres, between Balfour Ave. and Somers St., Sunshine, south of McIntyre's Riversdale.)
In 1900, Daniel Munro had 21 acres, Thomas Derham (Jnr.) 44 acres, A. Pridham 89 acres and Walter Marshall possibly 50 acres. Harry Newman of Maidstone had 10 acres while James Holbery, James Moore and the Melbourne Orphan Asylum of Brighton had parcels of less than 3 acres each. By 1906 about 30 acres of the township had become part of McKenna's closer settlement farm.(P.45, EARLY LANDOWNERS:PARISH OF DOUTTA GALLA.)

GRAZING.
The Keilor Plains were formed by volcanic flows. The Maribyrnong River cut its way through the rock producing a valley and exposing the fascinating Organ Pipes not far north of James Robertson's Upper Keilor Homestead. This homestead was constructed with bluestone, as were many others near the river, such as Seafield, Victoria Bank and Oakbank in section 8 Tullamarine and Edward Wilson's dairy on Arundel was built with the stone. Bluestone for the McNabs' Oakbank was quarried close to the house with the resulting depression being cleverly used. (Archealogical Survey.) Many bluestone structures were built using freestone, which could also be used for drystone rock walls, as Michael Clancy did in today's Avondale Heights (see CLOSER SETTLEMENT) and Goudie (or Dodd?)did near the Brimbank homestead (see history board near the homestead.)


Freestone lay everywhere and was a major impediment to agriculture. This was bad at the time but good when closer settlement was commenced because, as stated in advertisements,the land was UNTOUCHED BY THE PLOUGH. Those impressed by this phrase realised that it meant the soil had not been depleted as described in the 1861 article in my CHRONOLOGY OF EARLY TULLAMARINE journal. The land on the Tullamarine side was grazed by the Grant and McNab Ayshires, Robert McDougall's shorthorns. Ritchie of Aucholzie was probably more into sheep like Taylor and Robertson who owned a huge slab of the parish of Maribyrnong across the river.Much later,when R.J.Gilbertson owned Aucholzie and Overpostle on Tullamarine Island,his slaughtermen earned extra money at weekends picking up freestone on Overpostle. (Source: Bob Blackwell or Mr Bedford of Fleetbank or Ed Fanning of Sunnyside-I've forgotten which.)

Before agriculture could commence,the freestone had to be removed. Those with large areas of land could take the easy options of grazing and dairying but there is no doubt the closer settlement pioneers would have cleared the rocks and exploited the still-fertile soil.

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.
See Comment box 2. When the shire borrowed 5000 pounds in 1911 to make new roads, one of these was SETTLEMENT ROAD in the Doutta Galla Riding. Settlement Road was, without doubt North Pole Road,today's Milleara Rd as far south as Buckley St from where North Rd and Military Rd ( both crown allotment boundaries) led to Canning St.
The following four pages would not submit as a whole in the journal or a comment box. It will have to be posted in nibbles.

1. THE ARUNDEL CLOSER SETTLEMENT AND ROADS.
Oops again. In comment box 6, immediately before the report of the 1937 meeting, I stated that Geraghty's Paddock (block 9)was in the Arundel portion of the Arundel Closer Settlement; I had meant to write: "in the Annandale portion of the Arundel Closer Settlement." The western boundary of Geraghty's Paddock was 1987.7 links* (397.54 metres) east of the boundary between Arundel(section 1) and Annandale (section 2.) Alf Cock's Glenview to the south straddled the section boundary.

2. (*See below in italics how the un-shown boundary between sections 1 and 2 was established.)

How would I know that? I googled TULLAMARINE,COUNTY OF BOURKE and chose the first map:
Parish of Tullamarine, County of Bourke [cartographic ... - Slv
digital.slv.vic.gov.au/dtl_publish/simpleimages/30/1258115.html

3. As the boundary between sections 1 and 2 is not shown and Joe Thomas's "Tullamar" (as it was called in the airport acquisition map, circa 1960)is wrongly labelled lot 7 instead of 7 and 8, I presume that the 1350 links shown in the north east corner is the northern boundary of lot 7 (almost identical to that of lot 6)and the east boundary of lot 7 was the section 1/ 2 boundary. I also presume that the next distance of 1987.7 links was the northern boundary of lot 8,which was entirely in section 2.

4. Measurements are in links,etc Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to www.familytreecircles.com
Measurements are in links, 100 of which equal a chain. 1 chain = 20.1168 metres, which I have rounded to 20 metres for my calculations so Geraghty's Paddocks' western boundary was 399.861634 metres east of Arundel to be exact. Steeles Creek starts near the south east corner of Geraghty's Paddock.

In 1913, the 330 acres of Annandale that had not become part of the closer settlement were divided into two 165 acre farms. As far as I remember, Bill Parr's now-demolished house was in the north east corner of Melway 15 D2. This was in the south east corner of section 2 but north of the course that the unmade section of Annandale Rd would follow to the PRESENT end of Sharps Rd. Bill Parr and his brother Sam were jointly occupying this farm in 1913. Thomas and Arthur Nash were occupying the other 165 acre farm which was probably to the south west with the extension of Sharps Rd being its southern boundary and the homestead fronting the south side of the later Annandale Rd extension.

One interesting thing about the map is that Sharps Rd (the boundary between Tullamarine and Doutta Galla parishes) is shown (with dotted lines) extending about 500 metres farther east than it does today (80 X 20.1168m, 1609.344 metres or a mile west of Broadmeadows Rd.) Why? Because Annandale Rd only ran between Arundel Rd and the east boundary of Geraghty's Paddock and Alf Cock's Glenview. Thomas and Arthur Nash would have accessed their homestead from the end of the Sharps Rd EXTENSION by way of the road north that seems to head nowhere and was obviously a driveway.

Why didn't Annandale Rd go all the way to the present end of Sharps Rd?
The following article makes it pretty clear. The Closer Settlement Board was determined to maximise its profits at the expense of the shire, which was just managing to stay afloat without additional outlays. The board even proposed a low-level bridge such as the ones on the main road that swept away or formed dams so that road approaches were gouged away until Brees' high level bridge was built in 1854. You can bet that the board stipulated that its money was only used on roads within the closer settlement and not an inch farther; Annandale Rd stopped dead at the eastern boundary of the closer settlement.

Now I see how Bertam's ford became Milburn's Weir. The connection to the ford is shown on the aforementioned Tullamarine parish map. If Cr. Milburn had not agreed to let the council open Bertrams ford when the bridge became impassable,this story may never had been written. You will remember that the first contractor's bridge was washed away by the major 1906 flood.
SAD FATALITY. FATHER AND SON DROWNED. BOY'S WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
Sunbury News (Vic. : 1900 - 1910) Saturday 20 October 1906 p 3 Article
... Mansfield, a well-known farmer, and his son, William, about seven years of age, together with a lad named ... buggy, leading a horse with a halter, and Mr. Mansfield and his son were in the front. Mr. Mans -field ...

The Keilor Skull was found where Back Creek meets the river at Melway 14 J4.

KEILOR SHIRE COUNCIL.
A SPECIAL MEETING.
THE ARUNDEL ESTATE.
A special meeting of the Keilor Shire Council was held on Saturday last, when all the members, with the exception of Cr Dodd, were present. Those present were-Cr. Taylor (in the chair), and Crs. Delahey, Harrick, Milburn, O'Neill, Parr, Mc'Nab, and Ritchie.

The object of the meeting was to consider whether the Council would accept the offer of the Closer Settlement Board to provide the sum of ?850 towards the cost of erecting a bridge across the Saltwater River at Arundel, another over Back Creek, and to form about a mile and a quarter of roads laid out on steep hill lines. The board contemplated only a low water bridge, which would cost about ?300 but the council considered that a high level bridge was necessary at a cost of ?600, and that ?250 was altogether too little for the other works. Then the council's surveyor objected to do all this extra work without special payment,which the board contended the council should undertake. It is calculated that there is a loading* of about ?1800 at the Arundel and Annandale estates,which are to be served by these works, and that the costs of surveying and other flotation expenses might reach ?900, and the council had been advised that it would take ?1600 at least to build the bridge and make the roads fit for traffic.
(*Cost of infrastructure included in the price of blocks.- itellya.)

The gross annual income of the shire is under ?900, and when salaries, road maintenance and other expenses are paid there is only about ?100 for new works. Through the purchase of these estates by the Crown no rate can be laid upon the land until it is selected. This year the loss of rates amounts to about ?50.

At the meeting of the council on Saturday last it was mentioned incidentally that all the allotments are taken up on Arundel, and only twelve on the Overnewton Estate remain unselected, these being as good land as many of the others, but destitute of improvements.

The shire engineer, Mr J. S.Jenkins, announced that he had been sent for last Thursday by the secretary of the board, and had been informed that, in order to expedite the erection of a bridge over the Saltwater River, that was necessary, and the formation of the roads, the board would pay him commission if he would prepare the plans at once and carry out the work. He accepted the terms, and the board had sent a letter to the council offering to pay him 5 per cent commission on ?850, and asking that the council should, at its earliest convenience, let the board know whether the work would be anthorised to be done, and when the plans and specifications would be submitted to the Inspector General of Public Works. The engineer reported that if this offer were accepted the council would have to provide the extra cost of the bridge over ?400, which the board had allotted to the bridge, and the site for the bridge on a high level.

The latter was proposed to be got from Cr Milburn in exchange for a Government road within his fence which could be transferred to him. He (the engineer) recommended the keeping open of the road now existing to the ford from its divergence from the proposed approach to the bridge. If that were done and the new bridge became unusable at any time, the crossing at the ford would still be available . The control of the ford should be kept in the hands of the council. On the motion of Cr Milburn, seconded by Cr O'Neil, the proposal of the Closer Settlement Board was adopted unanimously.

Cr Milburn, after previously intimating that he objected to the keeping open of the road to the ford in the event of bridge being made, withdrew whilst the other councillors discussed the terms of the proposed exchange. On his return-

Cr Delahey moved " That Cr Milburn's offer to exchange the land required for an approach, commencing near the north end of the aqueduct and widening to one chain wide at the bridge, for the road proposed to be closed (the same being an equal area,and including a short piece of the old road leading west to the ford), be accepted. Further, that we accept Cr Milburn's stipulation to close the ford, providing that he guarantees permission to the council to use the approach to the ford whenever the bridge becomes impassable.Cr Taylor seconded the motion. (P.3,Sunbury News,27-1-1906.)

Now we see why the Arundel bridge was so important. There was no road reserve to provide access to the closer settlement from Tullamarine. It is possible that the rest of Annandale Rd (to Sharps Rd)was financed by a huge loan taken out 1911; it was referred to by Cr Dodd as being for new roads and 60 chains of Annandale Rd was one of these works. The parish map indicates that the unmade section of Annandale Rd was only 40 chains but work might have been needed on the steep, winding, original section between the creek bridge and Glenview.

The eastern section of Annandale Rd, from Steeles Creek to the present end of Sharps Rd,was probably made in 1911 when council borrowed 5000 pounds to build "new roads" as Cr Dodd put it. Money had been allocated for 60 chains of Annandale Rd; I calculate this distance to be only 40 chains but major reconstruction may have been needed for the steep winding section from the "Back Creek" bridge to Glenview on the crest of the hill.


THE SPANISH INVASION.
Jose Borrell stayed with relatives who were farming at Garden St,near Moreland Rd, Essendon, before buying Gumm's Corner from the Cahills after the 1916 flood. The bluestone homestead was either luckily still standing after a fire which started when the Cahill's were smoking bacon decades earlier or a replacement. Joe enlarged the dwelling, using the bluestone section as the lounge room; his additions have been demolished.A gully ran south through the property so Jose levelled his land with a horse and scoop producing the saucer-like depression we see today. The original south end of Arundel Rd was renamed Borrell St to honour these Spanish pioneers. (Joe Borrell. N.B. the B volume of my DHOTAMA including more detail and grainy photocopies of Joe's photos can be supplied if desired.)

Jack Vert established a market garden in the area now occupied by Vert St, Barcelona Ave and Gerona Court,which I believe was part of David Yates' racecourse. Vert is obviously an anglicised version of his original surname.

Frank Sayers had a market garden on the flats of Brimbank Park. (Page C237, DICTIONARY HISTORY OF TULLAMARINE AND MILES AROUND.)

Emilio Cuartero was assessed in 1943 on land off Keilor Rd. The 1954-5 ratebook reveals that he was rated on a house on 6 acres and a house on 4 acres. Emilio was on section 20 Doutta Galla, as was Louie Foo. (Page C237 DHOTAMA.) The Cuartero property was accessed via Flora St by way of a bridge which was destroyed in the 1974 flood and replaced with a concrete bridge. I presume the farm was called Rio Vista, that being the name of the soil they were selling circa 1990. Frank Cuartero told me that Emilio had come from the famous orange-growing province of Valencia in 1925. He spent two years cutting sugar cane in Queensland and three years at his brother's market garden in Vida St, Essendon before settling at Keilor. (Page C246, DHOTAMA.)
N.B.I am positive that there was an article in the K.H.S. newsletter with much more detail.




1841.
I wonder who Elizabeth Watson was? Was she the mother of James Watson?
LIST OF SQUATTERS SORTED ALPHABETICALLY
collections.historyvictoria.com.au/rhsvdatabases/squatters.pdf
Unit 13, Year 41, File. 551 Watson, Elizabeth, ?Keillor? run, squatter in District of Bourke


1842.
Victoria Hotel Licenses 1842 - Oz History Mine
www.ozhistorymine.com/html/victoria_1842.html

Publican?s License...Robert Crow...Keillor Inn...Salt Water River...Publican?s License

1845.
Michael McEchearn, granted Keilor Keilor Inn' annual Publican's license - source Port Phillip Herald 17 Apr 1845
Michael McEachern wed Mary Lister in 1847 at Church of England St James, Melbourne;
Directory 1847 publican, Keillor
Patrick Mcdonaugh - OoCities
www.oocities.org/vic1847/mc/mc08.html


1847.
SHOULD KEILOR BE KEILLOR?
If I remember correctly it was James Watson who gave the run its name (as he did in regard to Flemington), so I presume that he knew how to spell it. The Keillor spelling was common in the 1840's.

IMPOUNDING AT KEILLOR. THIS is to give notice to all parties who have cattle running on the Keillor Run that
unless they are immediately removed they will be impounded.
JAMES WATSON. Flemington, 22nd July, 1847. (P.3, The Melbourne Argus,27-7-1847.)

One of the three historical Keilor souvenirs (1950,1961 and 1963)said that Keilor was a Gaelic word for "plenty" if I remember correctly and that Hunter and Watson were financed by the Marquis of Ailsa (after whom one of the Keilor Village streets was named.)I could not confirm the meaning of Keilor on the internet.It has been claimed that James Watson was responsible for the naming of Flemington, Keilor, Rosanna and Watsonia. Sam Merrifield claimed that there had earlier been a woolshed built by Watson* on the site of Tulip Wright's Lincolnshire Arms at Bendigo Corner (North Essendon.)

(*J.Watson was granted 13D, Doutta Galla on 27-6-1849. Extending south to Braybrook road (Buckley St) this fronted Keilor Rd west from Lincoln Rd to the future reservoir east of McCracken St (Thompson Reserve)where it adjoined the future Mar Lodge,granted to James Robertson Snr of Upper Keilor on the same date.The Lincolnshire Arms was built on the north east corner of 13D. N.B. To get the Doutta galla parish map online,google DOUTTA GALLA,COUNTY OF BOURKE.

Crown allotment 13C, consisting of three farms, one of which was called "Flatfield", was inherited by the bachelor son of James Snr,Francis,who became a member of parliament, and named the property Mar Lodge. The homestead remains at 33A? Forrester St. Another son, James inherited land adjoining Peter McCracken's Ardmillan and James's daughter,Margaret,married Peter's son,Coiler. It is no surprise that Mar Lodge passed into McCracken ownership and they set up a golf course on it. (Documents etc from Deidre Farfor, a Robertson descendant, and THE GOLD THE BLUE, a history of Lowther Hall by A.D.Pyke.)

This comment may have been written by Marcus Breen whose great book, which I read at the Newmarket Library so many years ago, examined the origin of the name of Flemington.

Thanks for so much information in your reply MonicaL. :)
I have done a lot of work on this story of the Melbourne Flemington as I wrote an entry in the Encyclopedia of Melbourne on its naming, and caused a stir. It was obviously named after Flemington Estate of James Rose esq. in Scotland, Elizabeth's father, not the butcher named Fleming as had long been supposed.
A document in the State Library of Victoria claims Alexander Hunter (sen) and James Watson (sen) were boyhood friends, meeting in later life and organising the pastoral concern in which their sons and some Hunter cousins were involved. I have never been able to find that James Watson (snr).
The Marquis of Ailsa and others funded this concern which was doomed to failure.
The Melbourne James Watson married again when Elizabeth died in May 1847. The second wife Anne Hawker gave details on his 1869 death certificate which were incorrect.
I have even visited the area in SCotland and stood outside the Keillor steading - which is now being developed. The origin of the Australian Keillor is often misquoted, giving Hugh as James's father. Hence my original post.
However I have never seen the reference you have given to Margaret Rose being a possible sister. I will pursue these new thoughts
Thank you

The ancestry of James Watson is a mystery but you might like to read some other contributions on this genealogical forum.
Hugh Watson of Keillor and Angus cattle fame Genealogy - RootsChat
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=690578.0

An article by my old mate,Bob Chalmers, about James Watson is on this website.
James Watson ? Flemington Heritage
www.flemingtonheritage.org.au/people/james-watson/

Hugh Glass who bought the Flemington Estate was a Keilor ratepayer in 1868 (the earliest rate book I managed to find in Keilor's strongroom.)Owen Connor was a grantee of much of what became in the early 1900's John Dodd's Brimbank farm (north of the high tension electrical lines running east to the substation near the entrance to Brimbank Park.) Connor had probably lost his farm "Keilor Binn Farm*" to Glass due to an undischarged mortgage.(*KEILOR PIONEERS:DEAD MEN DO TELL TALES.)

A Keillor, saltwater river search on google led to the other side of Watson and Hunter partnership. I forgot which side was said by a Keilor historical souvenir to have eaten up profits with high living but I suspect that it was the horseracing mad Hunters.

Continuing with some information of the Hunters who spent many years in the Western District.Keillor (North of Melbourne) was the home station of the 5 Hunter brothers,sons of Alex Hunter - Blair & Cowan, solicitors -
'Writers to the Signet' in Edinburgh.

I have the book "Silks and Saddles" and will do lookups.
KEILLOR was the home station of the early Scottish explorer Alexander McLean Hunter (19 years) who in 1839
explored the Delatite, Mount Battery, Devils River area, now Mansfield. He held leases over thousands of acres before Mansfield was designated. He married 1850 to Eliza Ann Bostock born Tasmania to Robert and Rachael.

There were 5 brothers who came from Scotland and all were champion Steeple Chasers. However, I have a story from the old magazine 'Parade' 1967 with a long story of how the 5 brothers were larrikin gentlemen.
"After the formation of the first Port Phillip Turf Club in December 1840, none of the brothers ever missed a race meeting. Needing a secret track for trial gallops, the Hunters and other found a suitable mile square flat
beside the Saltwater (Maribyrnong) River. Because it was proved to be the ideal site for a rival racecourse, the specially formed Melbourne Racing Club, with Alex Hunter as Honorary Secretary opened soon after.Thus was born the FLEMINGTON RACE COURSE " end quote.

Often as many as four Hunter were in the one race which put them in the public eye. WATSON and HUNTER were
part of a syndicate from Scotland looking to investment. I have the story of Watson and Hunter if anyone would like me to post to the list. Thanks for your interest.
Thelma (Bostock) Birrell at Maroochydore.
(RootsWeb: AUS-VIC-WESTERN-DISTRICT-L Hunter ...
archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com ? ... ? 2004-05)

I've read many websites about the Hunters and forgotten 99% of the information. However I do remember that they gave Devils River its name. They spent a sleepless night camped by the stream because of the racket made by the area's fauna.

1849.
See D.T.Kilburn's advertisement in my comment about the locality name Springfield under 1867.

APPROACHES TO KEILOR BRIDGE.
TENDERS will be received until noon of Saturday the 30th instant, from parties willing to contract for forming an additional portion of the approaches to Keilor Bridge, on the Portland road. Tenders to be endorsed " Tender for Keilor bridge approaches," and deposited at the box marked " Tenders for Works and Stores" at the western entrance of the government offices ; or, they may be forwarded by post directed to "His Honor the Superintendent, Melbourne."
Plan and specification can be seen upon application to Mr. Mitchell of the Keilor Inn, and at the undermentioned office. The government will not necessarily accept the lowest tender.(P.1, Argus,25-6-1849.)

Because the early bridges at Keilor were only built from the top of one bank to the top of the other, they became dams when the river flooded,putting enormous strain on the structures but also caused the water to scour the banks, eroding the approaches. Samuel Brees'1854 bridge survived 15 years before being replaced by the flower basket bridge because it was elevated above the highest possible flood level.

1854.
FIFTY POUNDS Reward.-The above reward will be given to any person or persons, who will give such information as will lead to the conviction of the party or parties, who, on the 7th inst, stabbed James Laverty's horses, of the North Pole, Keilor Road. JAMES LAVERTY, North Pole, near Keilor. (P.8, Argus, 11-12-1854.)

1856.
This entry is not pertinent to Keilor. It is put here to remind everyone that James Laverty's hotel near Keilor was the North Pole Inn. The Harvest Home fronted Mt Alexander Rd at the west end of Hiskins St, Moonee Ponds.

T0 Let.-To be Let, upon such terms as may be agreed upon, the Harvest Home public-house, together with one acre kitchen garden, situated at Moonee Ponds, on the main road to the diggings, doing at present a first rate business. This is a rare opportunity, being one of the first houses on the road.
Apply to JAMES LAVERTY, Harvest Home, Moonee Ponds. (P.8, Argus, 5-9-1856)

1862.
Having lost an hour's typing, my summary of the Anderson story will be skeletal this time. William Anderson settled in Keilor as a blacksmith and later ran a store there. He was killed at the bridge when his son, James was quite young but James became a successful man, farming James Wilson's Springbank on the west side of Hoffmans Rd, and, when his mother* died, John Beale's "Shelton" on the east side of North Pole (Milleara) Rd.
(*Catherine Anderson was an early resident of (present) No 58 A and B, Ardmillan Rd and was probably the daughter of Donald Stewart, William's widow and the mother of James, who died at Shelton. John Beale also became an Ardmillan Rd resident, calling his house Shelton.)

James later retired to "Braeside" fronting Green Gully Rd south of Church St. Don,a son of James,had an apricot orchard on Horseshoe Bend and his homestead is now a feature of Horseshoe Bend Park. Peter,son of Don, married a daughter of the Hendersons who ran the brick post office at Tullamarine that was demolished to allow construction of Hendersons Rd. When I interviewed Peter circa 1990 he was living on an eastern corner block on the north side of Church St, Keilor. Here is how Peter's great grandfather died.

Tho city coroner held an inquest yesterday, at the Melbourne Hospital, on the body of William Anderson. It appeared from the evidence that on tho 10th instant, the deceased was returning from Melbourno to Keilor with a load of coals, when his horse took fright, ran against the toll-gate at Keilor, and precipitated deceased vio-lently to the ground. He was taken up in an insensible condition, and on removal to the hospital was found to have sustained so severe an injury to the right leg that it was necessary to perform amputation. He never rallied, and died in the hospital on the 25th instant. Tho deceased was a storekeeper, and has left a wife and four children. The jury found that he had "Died from the effects of injuries accidentally received."
(P.4, Argus,28-2-1862.)

1867.
One of the signs of the rate at which our society is ramifying is the recent establishment of an institution dignified by the exalted name of "Sanatorium," but more properly called a private hospital, in the country, under the best atmospheric conditions. " Brompton-lodge," Springfield* ,' just opened by Dr. Crooke, of Fitzroy, for the treatment of cases requiring dietetic andphysical treatment, such as consumption, rheumatism, gout, and " dipsomania," is a rather handsome stone house, standing within an enclosure of about seventy acres, variously cultivated, and situated near the Mount Alexander road, on the Keilor Plains, eight miles from
Melbourne and three from Keilor. The situation appears good, for the clay soil is (etc).
(P.3,The Mercury,Hobart,6-4-1867.)
* The Fosters called section 3 Tullamarine and section 20 Doutta Galla "Springs". David William O'Nial's Lady of the Lake hotel at Tullamarine and a landowner on Keilor Rd were both described as being at Springs which was rather confusing. D.T.Kilburn later bought 400 acres of 3 Tullamarine (Fairfield) but in 1849 he placed this advertisement for his Keilor Rd grants (Fairview.)

FOR a term of years, two adjoining Farms, of about eighty acres each, situated on the Springs, next Main's section, Keilor road, seven miles from town. The land is excellent, and the whole fit for the plough without any clearing being required. Apply to DOUGLAS T. KILBURN.(P.3, Argus,12-7-1849.)

To prevent confusion,the Keilor Rd area was rebadged as Springfield,the name of the farm between Spring Park and the Roberts Rd corner.

1877.
KEILOR.
FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
After the Church which has recently been built
here was finished, there remained upon it a, debt
amounting to something-like ?170. A tea meet
ing held on the 28th, and a collection made at it,
cleared away a part of this debt; a meeting was
then held to consider the best means of liquidating
the remainder, when Mr. W. J. Clarke, of Sunbury,
with his well-known and wide-spread liberality.
forwarded the committee a cheque for the required
sum, viz., ?127 4s. The thanks of the congrega
tion are indeed due to Mr. Clarke for this hand
some donation, as it would be some time before
they could have reasonably expected to clear off
the incubus.
An industrious farmer named Kelly had the
misfortune to have a stack of hay, containing
about 50 tons, burnt last week. It was caused by
some of his children lighting a fire near the stack.
He estimates his loss at above ?200.
A child named Wright bad a narrow escape from
drowning on Sunday last by falling off a swing
into the river a distance of about 20 feet. A
young man named Ray, who had observed the
accident, at once went in and brought her out, not
much the worse for her sudden immersion.
A team from the Keilor Cricket Club proceeded
to Ascot Vale last Saturday to try conclusions
with the local club, but, owing to some of the
players being rather late in turning up, the game
could not be finished.P.3, The Bacchus Marsh Express, 10-2-1877.)

RECENTLY BUILT CHURCH.
William John Turner(Big Clarke)was asked what he thought of the spending of his son, William John, (I think at the time Rupertswood was being built)and he replied that he hoped William John got as much fun out of spending the money as he (W.J.T.) had enjoyed making it. Rupertswood and the Melbourne mansion accounted for some of the son's spending but his philanthropy knew no bounds,as indicated below. The grounds of Rupertwood provided a favourite recreational haunt for ordinary people until W.J.'s son, Baronet Rupert, imposed a ban because of irresponsible behaviour. W.J.Clarke was knighted because of his parliamentary service,philanthropy or both, and on the day of his funeral, Melbourne was draped in black and virtually came to a standstill.
For more detail, see:
Sir William John Clarke - Australian Dictionary of Biography
adb.anu.edu.au/biography/clarke-william-john-3229


I knew the church would be Christ Church but a google search using those words looked unlikely to bear fruit so I tried "Historic Anglican church Keilor". Bingo!


All Brimbank Data - Brimbank City Council
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/files/...73f4.../HO93ChristChurchKeilor.pdf

Brimbank City Council Post-contact Cultural Heritage Study
2000 Study Site N 088
36 Keilor
1877
Statement of Significance
Christ Church, Keilor, is of regional historical, architectural and social significance as the second oldest
church in the Brimbank area and the oldest Anglican church in the municipality. For many years it was
the only non-Catholic church in Keilor. (An early Presbyterian church became derelict by the early
years of the 20th century.) It has been associated with a number of early Keilor families, including
Milburns, Goudies, Seulings and Bonfields. The simple design of the church reflects the limited means
of the local community. Its bluestone construction is also a reflection of the available resources and
local geology which determined much of the early building design in Melbourne's west during the
nineteenth century.
Other listings: NatTrust, VHR
History
Description
A small plain brick church on bluestone foundations with steeply-pitched slate roof. The porch
features a bell-wall, while solid buttresses and Gothic, pointed arch windows break up the side walls.
Contrasting brickwork is used to pick out the corners and window surrounds. Modern additions in brick
for the community centre have been added to the building, involving opening up the interior to
provide a side chapel which was subsequently altered for other uses. The Taylor Gates (1947), in
clinker brick and wrought iron, have been constructed at the corner of Church Street.
HO Christ Church, Keilor (Anglican Church)
Location:
Map Reference: 14 H6
Heritage Overlay: 093
Recommended Level of Significa Local
Date
Reg No: 3703, nominated

Architect:
PAHT: 8 Developing Australia's cultural life
SUBTHEME 8.6 Worshipping
AHC Criteria: A4, E1,G1
093
HO status:
Church Street
print version 23-Jan-09 Page 1 of 2Brimbank City Council Post-contact Cultural Heritage Study
This small church in the heart of Keilor village was built in 1876. It was dedicated on 28 January 1877
by the Dean of Melbourne, Dr. McCartney. Previously, local members of the Church of England
worshipped in a corrugated iron building on the west side of Bonfield Street. The committee formed to
build the new church included John Beale, Ebenezer Bonfield, David Milburn, John Eagling, Henry
Joyce, David Luck and Henry Seuling. The church was part of a large parish, extending to Bulla and
Broadmeadows. The first vicar of the parish, Rev. Richard Rodda (1877-1906), lived at Broadmeadows
and would travel on horseback to visit parishioners and take services. The John Roskel Milburn
Centre, a community hall and centre, was added to the east side of the Church which was opened on 12
December 1976.

FARMER NAMED KELLY.

CHILD NAMED WRIGHT. (Thomas Bennett Wright?)

CRICKET.
Keilor residents enjoyed organised sport from very early times. Despite the gold rush having ended,Keilor had not become quite such a sleepy hollow as Bulla and Broadmeadows townships. Cricket teams were always formed in country areas before football teams but in many places formation of clubs did not occur until the 1890's depression when sport helped to lift people's spirits as Phar Lap did during the depression of the 1930's. In the 1890's, Keilor fielded its own footy team but Bulla,Broadmeadows(Township)and Tullamarine needed a combined team.



1881.
Keilor Road would have meant the Keilor- Melton Rd (thus Sydenham's original name of Keilor Road Station), while the road between Flemington and Keilor Village retained its single name, Mt. Alexander Road, well into the 1900's. Taylor's western land was basically between Keilor Rd and Taylor's Rd.

Just as the Lagoon (now filled in and one of the most well-used parks I've ever seen) was a feature of Keilor,the reservoir on the site of Thompson's Reserve (north east corner of Mar Lodge which was probably owned by the McCrackens by this time)would have been a landmark for Keilorites heading to and from the Big Smoke.

As farmers did not sell produce every week, although they could be self-sufficient in regard to food,the piggy bank could become empty without an additional source of revenue such as road maintenance contracts. James Harrick must have kept his piggy bank pretty full because a decade or so later he bought Kilburn's 400 acre "Fairfield" fronting the north side of Sharps Rd,west of Broadmeadows Rd in Tullamarine,later dividing it into two farms, the eastern half, now occupied by houses, becoming the Bakers'Preston Park/Tommy Loft's"Dalkeith".

KEILOR.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT).
A FIRE took place on Thursday last at Keilor Road in Mr. Taylor's estate, extending over a distance of four miles, and about 650 acres of fine grass was burned before the flames were extinguished. The origin of the fire is not definitely known, but as some matches were found near the place, it is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.

A special meeting of the Keilor Shire Council was held at the Council chambers last Saturday for the purpose of accepting tenders. There were eight tenders received for the lagoon contract, and the successful tenderer was Mr. P. L. M'Guire, who proposes to excavate 3,000 yards of clay at 8d.per yard.

The next contract for laying metal on Mt. Alexander road was let to Mr. James Harrick at 1s. 3d. per yard.

A large reservoir is in course of construction at Essendon for the purpose of supplying Essendon,Flemington and Moonee Ponds with water,(etc.)
(P.3, The Bacchus Marsh Express,5-3-1881.)

1890.
The exact location and dimensions of the hotel are given in KEILOR PIONEERS: DEAD MEN DO TELL TALES; also a photo.

FIRE AT KEILOR.
ANOTHER OLD LAND MARK DESTROYED.
SHORTLY before seven o'clock on Saturday night a fire occurred at the Racecourse Hotel, Keilor, which burnt the building to the ground. In years gone by this old hostelry was a stopping place for the hundreds of adventurers
bound for the Castlemaine gold fields and was well-known in those times as the Waggoners' Arms. The hotel was a substantial structure but being built entirely of wood the flames soon obtained a firm hold and, as there was no water available, the onlookers had to content themselves with rescuing all the furniture they could lay hands on. Both the local brigades were called out, but the fire was too far away for them to attempt to reach it. (P.2, Independent,Footscray,SATURDAY*10-5-1890.) BOTH WHICH BRIGADES??????????
*THE FIRE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON 3-5-1890.

1892.
ANDERSON- On the 10th inst., at her son's residence, Shelton Farm, Keilor, Catherine, relict of the late
William Anderson of Keilor, aged 87 years. (P.1, Argus, 12-9-1892.)

1895.
SHIRE OF KEILOR DOUTTA GALLA RIDING ANNUAL ELECTION
The following have been duly nominated candidates for the election of one councillor for the Doutta Galla Riding of the shire of Keilor -
Mr William Delahey, of the Oaks,
Mr James Anderson, of Spring-bank Farm.
A POLL will therefore be TAKEN before me at the polling booth, Old Tollhouse, Keilor bridge, on Thursday, the 22nd day of August, 1895, commencing at 8 o'clock a.m. , and closing at 4 o'clock p.m.
WILLIAM M. GOUDIE., Returning Officer. Keilor, Aug 10, 1895. (P.2,Argus,12-8-1895.)

1918.
PROPERTY SALES
"SPRINGBANK" CLEARING SALE.
McPhail, Anderson and Co. report holding an important clearing sale on behalf of Mr. Jas. Anderson. "Buckley Park,*' Essendon, on Tuesday. 26th ult., owing to the property having been sold. As evidencing Mr. Anderson's popularity, after his long residence in the district, a great concourse of buyers attended, with the result that very high rates ranged right through, cattle, horses and plant selling splendidly.

The cattle were in grand condition, but the major portion of them had been calvedsome time, prices ranging to ?26 for milch cows, and to ?25 10s for heifers in milk: springers sold to ?27, the whole herd making an extremely high average. Cows backward in calf sold to ?20; do. heifers. ?18: fat cows to ?17: heifers, in lines, 2-year old. ?13 5s: yearlings to 18 months old. ?7 17s 6d. ?8 2s 6d., ?8 10s and ?9 10s; calves,just dropped, to ?2 12s 6d: poddy heifer calves, from ?4 to ?6 15s: draught horses to ?28: light horses, to ?20;
yearling draughts. to ?14; child's pony, ?21.

The plant and sundries sold equally as well, sets of light harness making to ?8 10s: buggies, .?17; drill. ?18 10s; plough. ?13. (P.3,Flemington Spectator, 7-3-1918.)

(*BUCKLEY PARK.
William Hoffman's Butzbach was on the east side of Hoffman's Rd (extending halfway to Lincoln Rd) but he'd bought land on Main's Estate on the other side of the road which may have taken on the same name. The Butzbach homestead block is indicated by the bend in Price St and Croft St. Croft, who worked in the postmaster General's Department (P.M.G.) probably bought Butzbach at the time of W.W.1 when anti-German sentiment was so strong that many wanted to get rid of the name Essendon because they thought its origin was Essen in Germany rather than the home village of William Pomeroy Greene of "Woodlands". It was probably Croft who changed his property's name to "Buckley Park". The land over Hoffmans Rd was once called Main's Estate but the use of this locality name had died out so to fill a void Croft's name was applied also in the area now called Niddrie. The current name could not be used at the time because it was the name of the Morgans'farm between Spring Park and Treadwell Rd on the NORTH side of Keilor Rd.)

1927.
Keilor Secretary Resigns
Called specially to "consider the removal" of Mr. James C. Sinclair from his office as secretary, the Keilor Shire Council, on Thursday night went into committee. Mr. H. E. Poole, Inspector of the Public Works Department, was in attendance, and it is understood presented Mr. Sinclair's resignation, which was accepted.
No announcement was made regarding the still missing books, but it is stated that they are beyond recovery.
Mr Croft, an officer, appointed on the recommendation of the Public Works Department, has spent several days in
straightening out affairs and he will engage in the work next Monday and continue until it has been oompleted.
As required by the Act, the Council will advertise for applications for the secretaryship, but it is anticipated that Mr. James Hocking, at present acting secretary, will be appointed.
(P.5, Sunshine Advocate,17-12-1927.)

1928.
Mr. James Hocking Appointed Keilor Shire Secretary
At the Keilor Council meeting last Saturday, Cr. Stenson moved, and Cr. Nash seconded, that Mr. James Hocking be appointed shire secretary, collector and interim valuer.
The motion was carried nem. con.

The President , Crs. McFarlane, Stenson, Burkitt, Parr, Nash, and Stevens congratulated Mr. Hocking upon his
appointment.The Secretary, in thanking the council, said that in his 26 years experience he had not dreamed that it was possible for the affairs of a shire council to get into such a tangled position as he found those of the Keilor Shire, and he was afraid that it would take a full twelve months before the office could be put in order. It was a most difficult position,but he would do his best, and hoped that it would be satisfactory, and that when the time came for them to part, as it must some day, they would do with respect on both sides. (hear, hear). (P.1,Sunshine Advocate,14-1-1928.)

1931.
NEW KEILOR SECRETARY
WELCOMED.
Mr. N. A. Woods, the recently appointed secretary to the Shire of Keilor, was officially welcomed at the council meeting on Saturday last. The President (Cr. J. H. Stevens), said he believed that the council had
selected the most suitable applicant for the position. Mr.Woods was a young man who had given promise of achieving big things, and for a growing district like Keilor, a young, capable official at the helm was
necessary. He trusted Mr. Woods would have long and honorable service with the shire,and extended to him the good wishes of his fellow councillors.

Mr.Woods, in reply, said that he realised that he had a standard to keep up in following in the footsteps of Mr. Hocking. He would, by hard work and strict attention to detail, try to convince the council that their
confidence had not been misplaced. He had had good experience under excellent management at Broadmeadows, and
he would do his best to emulate the good work of his predecessor.

Mr. Woods' handling of the business of the meeting was characterised by efficiency and tact, and augurs well for the future of the shire. (P.1, Sunshine Advocate,23-1-1931.)

A good choice indeed. Good experience indeed. The President trusted correctly!
next 7 lines won't submit After four attempts to submit just 3 lines here,comments re Norm Woods have been posted in comment box 7.