LIFE MOVES ON - AUSTRALIA

Dennis Carr began a second family life in Australia when he married Martha Osborne. Martha was the daughter of James Osborne (otherwise known in England as Joseph Crippin) and his wife's maiden name was Eliza Bryant. James and Eliza had a number of children including two of James's to a previous marriage. The children were Sarah Anne, Robert, Perineral, Herbert, Lola, Beulah and Martha. Dennis's wife-to-be Martha was the youngest of the Osborne/Crippin children from those early days in England.

Martha together with her mother Eliza and brothers/sisters (2 remained in England) embarked for Australia on board the ship "Hastings" which sailed on the 19th September, 1864. Before they left the family was living in Ickwell Port Road, Birmingham. The family were destined to reunite even though James Osborne who had been deported to Australia, on the ship "Palmerston", back at the 10th November 1860. When in Australia James and Eliza had two additional children, Clara and Celia.

Dennis Carr as a convict who spent some ten years in Fremantle gaol. He was discharged to "Ticket of Leave" sataus on 1.2.1875. Dennis received "Certificate of Remission" on 4.8.1888 - as per Convict Records.

Dennis met his second wife Martha Osborne whilst employed in Geraldton, most likely when working for Martha's father James Osborne. Dennis Carr married Martha Osborne on 19th July 1876, at the Wesleyan Churh in Geraldton. Martha was under 21 years of age and her father's written consent to marry was therefore required.

Martha Osborne was born in Sept 1855, according to Convict records, however according to the ships records Martha was 5 years old (ie. born approx 1858/59) at time of leaving for Australia on board the "Hasting", in 1864. This would make her somewhere between 17 and 20 years of age when she married Dennis Carr. Dennis would have been 41 years of age when they married, assuming that he was born on 10th April, 1835.

Dennis's employment history (Shoemaker) further confirms that he and his family lived at 3 geographic locations in Western Australia, during these early days. The locations were Fremantle, Geraldton and Jarrahdale. Dennis was employed at Geraldton by Mr Voils and by James Osborne between 11.2.1875 and approximately 11.12.1878, employed at Fremantle by W White and J Mathieson during the period between 31.12.1879 and 21.9.1881. From 31.12.1882 to approximately 31.12.1885 Dennis worked at Jarrahdale.

Records of Births and Convict records verify that Dennis and Martha had a family of 6 children. The childrens birth places and birth dates are as shown below:

Interestingly, two of Dennis Carr's children to his marriage with Martha (Clara Carr and George Alfred Carr) would subsequently marry a brother and a sister in the White family (Bill White and Hannah White). It is possible that these Whites were related in some way to the William White that Dennis Carr had worked for in Fremantle, particularly as Bill Whites father was also named William White. It should be noted however that the White family descendents that George Alfred Carr and Clara Carr married generally lived in the wheat belt areas of Northam, York and surrounding districts. This particular White family originated from Ireland.

A Cinema complex today (2004) occupies the site where once stood the Wesleyan Church where Dennis Carr and Martha Osborne were married. . The church was located on the Corner of Fitzgerald Street and Marine Terrace, Geraldton. The church was the first church to be completed in Geraldton and it was opened in 1869. A photo of the church, taken back at 1922, is also attached. Martha's parents lived for some time on the site next to the church, at Lot 44 Fitzgerald Street.

Martha Osborne had a relatively short life. Unfortunately she died of peritonitis, at Geraldton, at a young age. She was only 33 years of age at the time of her death, according to the death notice published within "The Victorian Express" newspaper on Saturday 10th May 1891. The notice read;

"Carr: - At Geraldton, on May 8th, 1891, Martha, the beloved wife of Dennis Carr. Aged 33 years. - R.I.P."

Martha was buried at the Geraldton Cemetaries and Registration District (529 burials). See copy of the Death Certificate attached.

 

This left Dennis to fend for a young family of five children ranging from approximately 3 years to 14 years of age.

The family was further struck by tragedy when not quite four years after Mathas death Dennis died, of heart disease. Dennis died on 19th April 1895. He was approximately 53 years of age, according to the death notice article in the Friday 26th April 1895 edition of "The Geraldton Express and Murchison Goldfields News". (Dennis would in fact have just turned 60 if he was born on 10th April, 1835.)

The newspaper notice read;

"Mr Dennis Carr, a well known resident of Geraldton for many years past, died on Thursday last. Mr Carr had been ailing for a long while, but his end was not so soon expected. The funeral took place on Friday, and the friends of the deceased, in good number, followed the remains to their last resting place in the Catholic cemetery, the burial service being conducted by the Rev E. Brereton. Mr Carr leaves behind a wife, a son who is a young man, and a family of small children, who must sadly miss their loss. Deceased was about 53 years of age. The cause of death was heart disease."

In a separate article in the Geraldton Express... printed April 17th 1896 it is quoted;

"Probate in connection with the wills of the following has been issued in the Supreme Court: (1.) ....(2.) Letters of administration with the will annext have been granted in the estate of Dennis Carr, to Mary Carr, the widow of deceased. The testator bequeaths the property to his widow and children. Estate sworn at 66 pounds 15 shillings."

 

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THE DENNIS CARR WILL, THE BOND

The Will was signed by Dennis 3 days before he died. ie. on the 16th April 1895. This was also after Dennis's second wife Martha had died.

The estate was left to Mary Ann Carr (Dennis's first wife) and Dennis's children. The witnesses on the Will are Daniel O'Brien and W Adlam. It is assumed that one of these witnesses wrote the Will, as Dennis's signature was quite feeble. Mary Ann Carr (Dennis's first wife) signed the Will after Dennis's death ie. on 23 December 1895. Mary Ann Carr signed the will (among other papers) as being "the exhibit marked and referenced in the annexed affidavit of Mary Ann Carr". Photocopies of the Will and other legal papers have been obtained. See copy attached.

Dennis Carr did not appoint an Executor, however Mary Ann Carr was subsequently appointed in the role of Executor by the Puisine Justice of Western Australia (Proctors were Parker & Parker). Mary Ann Carr signed a number of papers (for example on 23rd December 1895) stating that she will fullfill this role. Dennis's net value of estate was fifty pounds nine shillings and 5 pence after deducting the funeral expenses etc. The "Statement of Assets and Liabilities" confirmed that Dennis Carr owned land as there is in this paperwork reference to Part of Victoria Location 2029 containing 2 roods 2 and 7/10 perches registered volume LXV1 folio 67 - value of 30 pounds. The Will states that; "I hereby bequeath all my real and personal estate of any kind whatever to my beloved wife and children to be divided in equal shares between them...." (We wonder if this is reference to Mary Ann, Emily and Fanny and to include Dennis's children in Australia as well?) Interesting!!!!.

The Bond ...

Mary Ann Carr then entered into a "Bond" (a formal agreement) with two gentlemen - Namely Edward Hall (It is felt that this is the Edward Hall that Dennis was convicted with in England and subsequently deported with) and a William Douglas. Note, we believe that this may have been the William Douglas deported to Australia from Manchester for warehouse breaking. He was deported on the Hougouont 10.1.1868. Both persons Hall and Douglas spent time in Geraldton and it would appear had dealings with Dennis Carr.

The aim of the Bond we are not sure, however the agreement has been signed by Mary Ann Carr, Edward Hall and William Douglas.

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CHILDREN TO MARTHA AND DENNIS, after Dennis died.

The children were extensively orphaned following Dennis's death. We understand, from Phylis Carr, daughter of Frederick Freedom Carr that her father went to Clontarf. Phylis said that it wasn't an easy life there; for example she had been told that for wetting the bed you had to carry the mattress around the yard on your head, in the sun, until it dried.

It has been confirmed that two of Dennis Carr's boys, George and Frederick, were cared for by the Christian Brothers in an orphanage. Henry , the older brother would have been approximately 20 years of age, at the time and would not have been under the care of an orphanage. Records state that they were sent to the orphanage because of "destitution" - both patrents were dead and the brothers too young to contribute to their support.

George was 10 years of age when sent by the Child Welfare Department to the Subiaco Boy's Orphanage. He was admitted on 19 June 1897. George was in good health with very fair education, at the time. George was discharged on 17 November 1900 when apprenticed to Mrs White at Yarramony.

Frederick was 8 years of age when sent by the Department to the same orphanage. He was admitted on the same date as George and had a fair education. Frederick was discharged on 6 September 1904 when apprenticed to Mrs Morrisey, Guildford. He was later discharged on 22 March 1905 and transferred to Mr Wilkie "Williams District". Frederick was again discharged in 1914 and went to the "Front".

It would appear that the boys remained in Geraldton for the 2 year period following Dennis's death up to the time of their being admitted to the Subiaco orphanage ie the period from 19 April 1895 to 19 June 1897. What happened to the boy's sisters Eliza and Clara, in their formitive years following Dennis's death, is yet to be determined.

 

The following information was obtained from the Clontarf Boys Town website.

A boys orphanage was first established in Subiaco in 1872 and managed by the Sisters of Mercy. In 1897 the Christian Brothers assumed direction of the orphanage, taking care of 81 boys. A new site for an orphanage was sought, found and purchased on the banks of the Canning River in 1897. The foundation stone was laid in 1901. The building was ready for occupation in September 1901 and the boys were transferred from their Subiaco home. Brother Ryan was the Superior at this time. The boys who were at Clontarf between 1901 and the 1930's were usually aged between six and fourteen and the population ranged from 100 to 150 boys. The Christian Brothers that cared for them numbered about five or six. The boys were accommodated and cared for, given a primary school education, religious teaching and basic training in manual skills and farm properties. Government funding for the boys was withdrawn at the age of fourteen and this was when boys left the home.

An extract from the "Lake Monger - A Social History" website states that:

"When the boys moved to their new home at Clontarf, the girls from the first Catholic orphanage in Perth moved into the old St Vincents orphanage. The Sisters of Mercy had started with eleven girls when St Josephs orphanage for girls was established in Perth in 1868. By the time the sisters moved to Lake Monger in 1901 there were 91 girls."

 

From the above itwould appear that George did not attend Clontarf, as did Fredrerick Carr, as he was discharged during November 1900. George would most likely only have spent time at the Subiaco Boys Orphanage.

 

LAND HOLDINGS/LEASES - Dennis Carr, James Osborne

Dennis Carr's Mulewa Property

The Dennis Carr "Will" confirmed that Dennis owned two lots - Lot No. 7 & 8, in Maitland Road, Mulewa.

The nearest corner is Bowes Street. Initially Lot 2029 was a sizable farm owned by farmer Francis Allander. It was later subdivided into the main 100 acre farm plus "Part A". Dennis's land was later subdivided from Part A and is today part of what is a series of individual Lots. His land faced the main road from Geraldton to the Murchison Goldfields.

Dennis became the owner of the said land on the 7th March, 1895 as per Vol LXV1, Folio 67. This was only a few months before he died. We wonder what was on his mind at the time of his life, particularly as we understand he had been ailing for some time before he actually died?

A photocopy of the Title has been obtained. We are yet to determine what happened to the land after Dennis's death. It was valued at 30 pounds, as referred to on Dennis's "Statement of Assets and Liabilities". Enquiries at the Department of Land Information suggest that the land is during 2004 "Subject to Dealings or Other Actions", that it may have been obtained for the Catholic School (Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Primary School, according to regional map) and another view is that it is still in the name of Dennis Carr ie. as per the copy of the title that has been obtained. It was suggested that if the matter of land ownership were to be pursued then this should be via the Public Trustees Office.

It would appear that Mary Ann Carr never claimed/sold the land. (See attached a current day map of Mullewa which depicts the referred sites in Maitland Road near the intersection of Bowes Street.)

 Mulewa Townsite Significance

It is worthy of note that Mulewa was of strategic significance in that it was on the road to the Murchison, which was a known mining district. Railway development between Perth and Geraldton from Geraldton to Cue (via Mulewa) ocurred duringing the period 1890 to 1905.

Other railway lines completed in regional Western Australia during the same period were the line from Northam to the Yilgarn, following the discovery of gold in the eastern districts in 1897 and the line north of Kalgoorlie to Leonora/Laverton . Prior to this time the only railway line that existed was the Perth to Albany line (via Northam and including Toodyay) that was completed pre 1890.

Between 1906 and 1919 a railway line was completed between Mulewa and Northam.

 

James Osborne's Geraldton Premises at Lot 44 Fitzgerald, Geraldton

James Osborne, Dennis Carr's father-in-law, resided for some time at Lot 44 Fitzgerald Street Geraldton. The land was actually purchased by James Rudd of Guabagee, Blacksmith, for fiften pounds back at the 10th May 1858.

(Ref Anna Wright) Geraldton Town Lot 44 in Fitzgerald Street was granted direct from the Crown to James Rudd, a free person who was murdered by aboriginal men at Butterabby in the Mullewa district (Today a stone monument at the graves recalls the conflict over land use between early settlers and Aborigines.) Joshua Davis, convict number 1198, a builder and bricklayer, built the house on the land and, after Rudd was killed, he took up residency but neglected to obtain transfer papers. Nine years later on 2.12.1868 Joshua Davis was re-convicted for firing a haystack and was imprisoned in Fremantle. While he was in jail a Mr Carr [not confirmed as being Dennis Carr or a relation] cared for the property. Freed on 2.7.1874, Joshua, a man of simple needs, required only one room and allowed the Mr Carr to remain in the house but Mr Davis paid the annual assessment money. At some point Mr Carr allowed James and Eliza Osborne to occupy the house, an arrangement that continued until they were due to sail for South Australia. James Osborne then arranged for another tenant to move in and that angered Mr Carr to the extent that he charged James with trespass. However, the case was dismissed.

As both Dennis Carr and Joshua Davis appear to have served time in Fremantle Prison at the same time (Dennis being granted Ticket of Leave on 1st February 1875 and Joshua being sent to prison after his conviction of 2.12.1868 and released at 2.7.1874) it was felt that they may have been involved with the housing debarcle at Lot 44 Fitzgerald Street, particularly as Dennis's father-in-law, James Osborne, was also involved. (Anna Wright has pointed-out that Dennis Carr had not been granted Ticket of Leave at the time of these dealings between Joshua Davis and Mr Carr and that Dennis was still in Gaol at the time and therefore it could not have been Dennis Carr involved.)

Official Land Title papers confirm that a Mr Michael William Carr of Perth, Freeholder, (no known relation) purchased the referred land at Lot 44 Fitzgerald Street Geraldton on the 11th of October 1886. It may be coincidence that two "Carrs" may have been involved in this property or was it that Dennis had no involvement with the said property. It is felt that Dennis may have in fact been involved in the debarcle mentioned above and that Michael Carr simply bought the land at a later date.

Part of this land (thirty one perches) was later owned by a James Hanlon effective from 7th January 1887 and the main portion of the site (one rood, four and six tenth perches) under the ownership of a William Patrick Horgan as from 21st January 1888. (Anna Wright advised that it was James Hanlon that James Osborne sold the goodwill and possssions of his brokerage at 44 Fitzgerald Street on 7th October 1878. This was at a time when James Osborne was packing for South Australia)

There is reference on the land Title, at the time the land was owned by James Rudd, of one pepper corn per year rental being payable yearly on the twenty fifth of March in each year. Also stated is that "at any time within twenty one years from the date of these Presents" that persons in authority may "resume and enter upon possession of any part of the said Piece or Parcel of Ground, which it may at any time by us........be deemed necessary to resume for making of roads, canals, bridges, towing paths or other works of public utility or convenience.... ."

Copies of the Title details pertaining to the Geraldton Town Lot No. 44 Fitzgerald Street have been obtained.

Today, a commercial warehouse (furniture store name "Batavia Furniture Connection") is built upon the same land. A cinema complex is built on the adjoining site located on the corner of Fitzgerald Street and Marine Terrace). This corner site was where the Mehodist Church formerly existed where Dennis Carr and Martha Osborne married.

James Osborne's Bootenal Lease

To the best of our knowledge the Bootenal property was leased/rented by James Osborne. There was a 100 acre tillage lease at Bootenal. James Osborne applied to Local Government authorities for an advance of wheat seed. That agreement, dated 6.4.1867, resulted in an issue of 32 and a half bushels of good quality grain. To pay for it he mortgaged his lease to the tune of eleven pounds, eleven shillings and four pence. That money, plus interest of 5% per annum, was to be paid back by 1.4.1887. (Ref Anna Wright) There is a possible record of the Bootenall lease however a location will be required before it can be identified.

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