George Thomas Bourne (1857 - 1913)

Born 1857 in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Lynch) Bourne — married 31 Oct 1881 in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

Descendants

Died 23 Oct 1913 at about age 56 in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

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Biography

George was born in about 1857 at Stourbridge, Worcestershire, the son of Thomas Bourne and Lavinia Hollier. He was baptised on 21 March 1858 at the parish church of Oldswinford.

In the 1861 census George, aged 4, was living with his maternal aunt, Lavinia's sister, Juliana Watkins and family at Chambers Cottage 2, Chequers Walk, Birmingham.

In 1871 George was living with his mother and half sister Charlotte in the home of Richard Standley [or Stanley], aged 65, at Yew Tree Lane, Yardley. George was aged 14. [RG10/3188 22 Pg 11]

George, aged 20, and his brother Charles, aged 18, immigrated to Australia, sailing aboard Dunbar Castle from London on 1 June 1878. The ship arrived in Brisbane on 11 September 1878. Elder brother Joseph then immigrated to Australia in 1882 and their mother Lavinia in 1886.

George Thomas Bourne, as he was known hereafter, married Elizabeth Lynch on 31 October 1881 at the District Registrar’s Office, Court House, Toowoomba, Queensland. George was a bachelor aged 24 years and a labourer. His birthplace was stated as Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England and his parents named as Thomas Bourne, a glass cutter, and Lavinia Ollier [sic]. Elizabeth was a spinster aged 21 years and a domestic servant. Her birthplace was stated as Bellturbet [sic], Co. Cavan, Ireland and her parents named as Patrick Lynch, a farmer, and Mary Maguire. George gave his usual address as Laidley and Elizabeth as Greenmount, Emu Creek, both near Toowoomba. Their witnesses were John Day and Mary Craxxx.

This couple had thirteen children named Charles John [5 Dec 1882], Alfred Thomas [12 Nov 1883], Francis Herbert [14 Oct 1885], George Rudolph [9 Apr 1887], Joseph Edward [4 Aug 1888], Mary Cecelia [6 Jan 1890], Amelia Emily [8 Apr 1892], William [7 Feb 1894], Patrick Walter [15 Mar 1896], Ilean Esmy [22 Nov 1898], Bridget Agnes [26 Apr 1900], Ann Elizabeth [17 Apr 1901] and William James [25 Jul 1907].

Son William died on 9 May 1894 in infancy.

Snippets from the newspaper The Queensland Times gives a further glimpse into this family's life -

7 April 1883, Pg 3 – LAND COURT. The usual monthly Land Court was held yesterday, before Mr. Commissioner Smith, when the following applications were dealt with: - Homesteads. [List included] Geo. Thomas Bourne, 160 acres, Townson; accepted.

The legal description of this property: 159 acres 2 roods 0 perches, County Churchill, Parish Townson, Selection No. 6678, Portion No. 35. Commencing on the left bank of Laidley Creek at the NE corner of Portion 31 and bounded thence on the south by that portion and a line bearing west 59 chains and 84 links and passing through a post 16 links from said creek on the west by a line bearing north 28 chains and 28 links on the north by a line bearing east 40 chains and 60 links to Laidley Creek and passing through a post 120 links from said creek and on the east by that creek upwards to the point of commencement exclusive of 3 acres 2 roods for a surveyed road. [State Archives]

14 December 1886, Pg 4 - TARAMPA. The Tarampa Divisional Board held their usual monthly meeting on Monday, the 6th instant ... From the Under-Secretary for Lands, re an application from G. T. Bourne, to have the road which now runs through his land, portion 35, parish of Townson, diverted so as to go outside his cultivation paddock, and stating that it had not been objected to by the Board.

12 May 1888, Pg 753 - WEST MORETON. The usual monthly Land Court was held here yesterday before the commissioner, Mr. N. Rule. The following business was transacted:- APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES. – Adjourned for inspection: [list included] G. T. Bourne, 160 acres, Townson.

11 February 1892, Pg 3 - DIVISIONAL BOARD MEETINGS. LAIDLEY. The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Monday last in the Victoria Hall, Laidley ... From G. T. Bourne, Blenheim, requesting the Board to make him a road to his place, as he had been going through private property. The overseer and members of the subdivision were instructed to inspect and report upon the place.

And 13 September 1892, Pg 5 - LAIDLEY DIVISONAL BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held in the office, Victoria Hall, yesterday ... From G. T. Bourne, M. Dowling, and four others of Blenheim, asking for some repairs to be done on the road between Immison’s and Dowling’s farms, on the west side of Sandy Creek. The overseer was instructed to inspect and report.

[Blenheim is approximately 8 km west of Laidley. It would appear George must also have owned land here as well as at Townson, which is approximately 30 km south of Laidley. Of interest in the early days Blenheim was known as Sandy Creek.]

15 December 1945, Pg 5 [in part] - TOWNSON SCHOOL JUBILEE. Laidley. – Old scholars of the Townson State School gathered from far and wide recently to join present scholars in celebrating the school’s golden jubilee. When the roll of the first pupils of the school was called by the present teacher, Miss Wainwright, four answered "Present." ... Miss Wainwright read the names of pupils who had attended the school in its first year. The names of the first scholars were: [list included] Charlie Bourne, Alfred Bourne, George Bourne, Joseph Bourne and Mary Bourne. [Based on this article the school opened in 1895.]

20 October 1896, Pg 4 - ACCIDENT AT TOWNSON. Master Alfred Bourne, a twelve-year-old son of Mr. George T. Bourne, farmer, of Townson, Laidley Creek, was admitted into the Hospital on Saturday morning last suffering from injuries which he had sustained on the previous day. It seems that he was playing cricket with a number of schoolmates, and was in the act of running after a ball when his brother threw a stick in the same direction, which bounded up from the ground and struck young Alfred in the face, causing a nasty injury to the right eye.

5 November 1896, Pg 4 - PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. Mr. G. T. Bourne, of Townson, Laidley, thanks, elsewhere, Dr. Thornton and the nurses of the Ipswich Hospital for their kindly and skilful treatment of his son, Alfred, whilst an inmate in the institution.

9 February 1897, Pg 5 – LAIDLEY DIVISIONAL BOARD. The first meeting of the Board since the annual elections was held at the office, Victoria Hall, yesterday ... PETITIONS. A petition was read from J. W. Crosby, G. T. Bourne, and seven others of Townson, stating that the surveyed road between Squire’s and Osbourne’s was almost impassable for wheel traffic, and asking the Board to form and gravel a few chains at that place. Overseer to inspect and report.

17 June 1897, Pg 6 - LOCKYER AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY. Yesterday was judging day in connection with the eighth annual exhibition of the Lockyer Agricultural and Industrial Society, which is at present being held at Laidley ... The Prize List. Section IV - Farm Produce. Potatoes. Heaviest 12 potatoes, of any variety – G. T. Bourne.

11 September 1897, Pg 6 - THE ROSEWOOD SHOW. The twentieth annual show of the Rosewood Farmer’s Club was held at Rosewood on Thursday last ... Prize List. Farm Produce. Potatoes. English potatoes, T. Fisher 1, G. T. Bourne 2.

7 October 1899, Pg 2 – IPSWICH LAND COURT. The usual monthly Land Court was held at the Land Office, East-street, yesterday, before Mr. Commissioner W. M. Watts. Applications for Land. [List included] G. T. Bourne, 47 acres, Townson; accepted.

Queensland Country Life dated 12 June 1901, Pg 19 - LOCKYER SHOW. The Magnificent weather which graced the time of holding the annual show of the Lockyer Agricultural and Industrial Society, attracted a somewhat larger attendance than usual ... The Maize entries were of exceptional merit, the majority being very well developed and sound, and a high tribute to the producing qualities of the land of the Lockyer. The first prizes in this section were carried off by Messrs. T. Fisher (8 prizes), C. Beckman, J. McAllister, G. T. Bourne, R. T. Robson (8 prizes), J. R. Martin (5 prizes), J. M. Bengston, and T. C. Hayes.

The Prize list published in the Times [16 May 1901] stated George had the best mastodon.

10 September 1901, Pg 10 – LAIDLEY DIVISIONAL BOARD. The regular meeting of the above Board was held in the Victoria Hall, Laidley, yesterday ... CORRESPONDENCE. The following communications were received:- [included] From Mrs. E. Bourne, Townson, asking for permission to make a drain on the lower side of the road through her property, in order to carry water off the cultivation paddocks. The drain would not injure the road and would prevent damage to crops. Permission granted – work to be done under overseer’s supervision.

31 July 1902, Pg 7 - TOWNSON ITEMS. While exploring in the gorges at the back of Townson Mr. G. Bourne came across a cave which has all the appearance of having once been the haunt of primitive blacks. The cave is nearly a hundred yards in width, embracing the whole face of the high ironstone rock. In places it goes back fully 30ft., and is now the home of countless rock wallabies, the sharp, flinty rocks which in falling have formed the cavern being worn to a polish by the pads of these nimble creatures. There are still evidences of aboriginal art in the shape of crude paintings, but these for the main part have been lost in the falling of the face of the rock. A quantity of stalactites has been secured, and will probably be exhibited at the Gatton show.

19 May 1903, Pg 8 – OFF TO NEW ZEALAND. Mr. George Bourne, of Townson, has just disposed of one of his farms at a highly satisfactory figure, and is about to take a trip to New Zealand. Quite a number of Lockyerites have recently gone to the land of the Maori, some to return but the majority to remain there. Mr. Bourne is a practical long-farmer, and will be quick to discern whether farming can be carried on with better advantage in New Zealand than in Queensland.

In the 1903 electoral roll George and Elizabeth were still living at Townson. George was a farmer. But in the 1908 roll this couple were shown as living at Laidley and George was then a labourer.

26 October 1909, Pg 7 - ARBOR DAY AT TOWNSON. Arbor Day was celebrated at the Townson State School on Thursday, the 21st instant. The day was beautifully fine, and there was a large gathering, including visitors from Thornton and Laidley ... the children were all seated on the grass and lunch was handed round to them ... the parents and visitors then sat down to two nicely laid-out tables ... the teachers gave lollies to each child ... prizes were distributed, the committee having obtained a nice parcel of books as awards ... races for toys and the playing of games whiled away a pleasant afternoon ... oranges were passed around ... afternoon tea ... dancing ... the trees for planting were a day late but will be planted as soon as they arrive ... The committee wish to thank the following kind contributors:- [list included] Mrs. Geo. Bourne (toys).

21, 22 and 23 October 1912 - To Let, Cottage, Patrick-street, Laidley (six rooms), 5 Acres Land, good garden and vineyard. Will give lease suitable tenant. Full particulars from Elizabeth Bourne, Patrick-street, Laidley.

12 March 1913, Pg 7 - LAIDLEY SHIRE COUNCIL. MONTHLY MEETING. CORRESPONDENCE. From C. W. Hooper, solicitor, of Laidley, notifying, on behalf of Mrs. E. Bourne, that she had sold her Townson property to Mr. Noah Osborne. – Necessary alteration to be made in the books.

Elizabeth was named as the licensee of the Drayton Hotel from 2 April 1913 to 3 December 1913. [Source: Toowoomba Historical Society - List of Licensees.]

In an obituary from The Queensland Times dated 5 April 1913 following the death of Patrick Lynch, of Greenmount, his grown up family of four, two sons and two daughters, included Mrs. George Bourne of Drayton, formerly of Laidley.

George Thomas Bourne died on 23 October 1913 at Toowoomba Hospital, aged 55 [sic] years. His death certificate recorded his cause of death as chronic nephritis, cerebral haemorrhage and heart failure. His occupation was shown as a hotelkeeper. It was further recorded that George was born in Stonebridge [sic], Worcester, England, the son of Thomas Bourne, a glass cutter, and Lavinia Ollier [sic]. He had lived in Queensland for 36 years. George had married Elizabeth Lynch, when aged 24 years, at Toowoomba. His living children were named as Charles John, then aged 30 years, Alfred Thomas aged 29, Francis Herbert aged 27, George Rudolph aged 26, Joseph Edward aged 24, Mary Cecila [sic] aged 23, Amelia Emma aged 20, Patrick Walter aged 17, Eileen Esmy aged 14, Bridelia [sic] Agnes aged 13, Ann Elizabeth aged 12 and William James aged just 6 years. Deceased children were stated as 1 male. The informants were E. R. Aland, Secretary of Toowoomba General Hospital and Elizabeth Bourne, wife, of Tolmie St, Toowoomba.

Family news clipping - FUNERAL NOTICE. The Friends of the late GEORGE THOMAS BOURNE (late hotel-keeper at Drayton), are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will move from the General Hospital, THIS DAY (FRIDAY), at 10.30 a.m., for the Toowoomba Cemetery. Rosenstengel & Kleimeyer, Undertakers.

From The Queensland Times dated 28 October 1913, Pg 6 – OBITUARY. Mr. G. T. BOURNE. It is with regret (writes a correspondent) that we have to report the death of Mr. George Thomas Bourne (late of Drayton), and, until 12 months ago, an old resident of Laidley. He died in the Toowoomba Hospital, after four months’ painful illness. He leaves a widow, seven sons, and five daughters to mourn their great loss. Deceased was of quiet, inoffensive disposition, and respected by all with whom he came in contact. He was laid to rest in the Toowoomba Cemetery, the Rev. Father O’Connell officiating at the grave-side. Deceased was 54 years old, and a native of Worcestershire, England. He came to this State 34 years ago, in the ship Windsor Castle, and had lived 28 years in the Laidley district, where he was well-known, having followed farming pursuits for many years.

From The Queensland Times dated 19 February 1914, Pg 2 - To Let, a comfortable Cottage of six rooms, with five acres of land, including good orchard and small paddock, in Laidley, five minutes walk from railway station, Main Patrick-street; possession can be taken on the 1st of March. Apply Elizabeth Bourne, James-street, Toowoomba.

From The Queensland Times dated 7 July 1916, Pg 7 – LAIDLEY TOWN COUNCIL. MONTHLY MEETING. CORRESPONDENCE. From Elizabeth Bourne, of Toowoomba, complaining that the prickly pear on her neighbour’s properties was growing through her fences. The writer stated that her property was cleared of pear. – Referred to the works committee for inspection.

Elizabeth was living at Early Morn Estate, Wynnum North [suburb of Brisbane] in the 1925, 1936 and 1937 electoral rolls. Son Alfred and daughter Amelia and her husband Oliver also lived with her some of this time.

By the 1943 electoral roll Elizabeth had moved to 44 Gostwyck St, Toowoomba. Amelia, and Oliver Mason until his death, also lived with her at this address.

Elizabeth Bourne died on 20 July 1950 at 44 Gostwyck St, Toowoomba aged 87 years. Her death certificate recorded her cause of death as uraemia and arterio sclerosis. It further recorded Elizabeth was born in Bellturbot [sic], Cavan, Ireland but had lived in Queensland since infancy. Her parents were named as Patrick Lynch, a farmer, and Mary Maguire. Elizabeth married George Thomas Bourne, when aged 18 years, at Toowoomba. Her living children at the time of her death were named as Charles John, then aged 67 years, Herbert Francis aged 64, Mary Cecelia aged 60, Amelia Emma aged 57, Eileen Esmy aged 50, Bridelia Agnes aged 49, Annie Elizabeth aged 48 and William James aged 42. Deceased children were stated as 5 males [Alfred, George, Joseph, William and Patrick]. The informant was her daughter Amelia E. Mason of the same address.

From The Courier-Mail dated 21 July 1950 – FUNERAL NOTICES. BOURNE, Mrs Elizabeth – The Relatives and Friends of the deceased Elizabeth Bourne, 44 Gostwick [sic] Street, Toowoomba, relict of the late George Thomas Bourne, are invited to attend her Funeral, which is appointed to move from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Toowoomba This (Friday) Forenoon at 11 o’clock to the Toowoomba Cemetery. Hickey & Hickey and Metropolitan Funerals.

From The Queensland Times dated 2 August 1950, Pg 5 – MRS. E. BOURNE. Mrs. Elizabeth Bourne, who passed away at Toowoomba a few weeks ago, was, together with her late husband, well known in Townson, where they farmed for many years. After selling their property, they moved to Drayton, where they took over a hotel. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Bourne sold out and went to Wynnum, where she lived for many years. Later she lived at Toowoomba.

Thomas and Elizabeth were buried together at Toowoomba Cemetery. Their headstone reads - In loving memory of my dear parents George T. Bourne died 21st [sic] Oct. 1913. Aged 56 years [sic]. Elizabeth Bourne died 20th July 1950. Aged 87 years. R.I.P.