James Chisholm (abt. 1832 - 1910)

Born about 1832 in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom [uncertain]

Husband of Frances Elizabeth (McCormack) Chisholm — married 1 Mar 1864 (to 21 Jul 1865) in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Husband of Catherine (Gallaher) Chisholm — married 28 May 1868 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Descendants

Died 28 Sep 1910 at about age 78 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Susan Philp [send private message]

Biography

James was born about 1832, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the son of James Chisholm and Janet Dewar. He passed away in 1910. ^[1]

1910 - In a Letter to the Editor of “The Mercury” regarding Canada, James Chisholm wrote:
I have resided in Quebec, Montreal, St. Helens Isle, Kingston, Toronto, New London, and up the Welland Canal, in all eight years, and very pleasant recollections I have of Canada and its inhabitants.^[2]

First marriage

James CHISHOLM, bachelor, married Widow Frances Elizabeth (McCORMACK) NICHOLS on 1 March 1864, at the House of Mrs CHISHOLM Senr., in Hobart. The service, by Rev. George CLARKE, was According to the Ceremonies of the Congregationalists. Witnesses: Wm GRIST; Duncan W. K. CHISHOLM; Thos R. FURLONG; and Daniel SCOTT.^[3]

James was widowed. just 16 months later when Frances died of Consumption (tuberculosis) on 21 July 1865, probably at Kangaroo Point where they were living.^[4]

Frances and James had only one son, James Jesse CHISHOLM, born at Kangaroo Point on 18 February 1865. He died aged 7 months and is buried with his mother at Rokeby.^[5]

Second Marriage

James CHISHOLM, gun maker, widower, age 36, married secondly to Catharine GALLAHAR, spinster, aged 26, on 28 May 1868, in the House of the Bride’s parents at 54 Collins Street, Hobart. The service was according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Free Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William NICOLSON. Witnesses: Duncan D. K [?H] CHISHOLM; and Elizabeth GALLAHAR.^[6]

James and Catharine had a family of at least 2 sons and 10 daughters, born between 1870 and 1887 in Hobart. James is variously described as 'Gunsmith' and 'Gun Maker' on the birth registrations of his family. He was employed as a gun maker in the "Military Stores" and "Ordinance Stores" at New Wharf during some of that time.

Death and burial

James CHISHOLM, of Hobart, Gunmaker, formerly Master Gunner of Tasmania, lately retired, died 28 September 1910. He was buried at Cornelian Bay Cemetery in the Church of England section A.^{[7][8] [9]}

OBITUARY: Mr. James Chisholm, formerly senior ordnance officer al Hobart, died yesterday of pneumonia, being in the 79th year of his age. The deceased was a son of Mr. James William Chisholm, armourer, Edinburgh Castle. His father being transferred to the Royal Scots, the deceased accompanied his parents in their journeyings to Canada and the West Indies, afterwards returning to London. He attended Sunday-school in the Duke of Kent’s Palace. In August, 1852, he landed in Hobart, and for eight years was in the employ of Mr. McConnel, gun maker. In 1860 he volunteered as armourer to the 3rd Rifles, and subsequently filled a similar position in the Buckingham Rifles. He next became Government armourer, and was ultimately promoted to the rank of master gunner and ordnance storekeeper, a position which he held for 32 years. ln 1901 he was transferred to the Commonwealth forces as senior ordnance officer. He received a medal for meritorious service, and another for long service and good conduct. Having reached the age limit, he retired on September 1, 1902, receiving a retiring allowance. He then took up the position of magazine keeper and inspector of explosives under the State Government. The deceased leaves a widow and a large family. For several decades he held the position of secretary to the Tasmanian Union Masonic Lodge, and some years ago was made a life member, in recognition of long and faithful service. He was a well-known figure in the community, and the news of his death will be received with regret.^[10]

WILL: Estate Committed to Catherine CHISHOLM, widow, and George Woodcock Rex [?Woodcock (underlined) or Rex is surname? Or is Rex his occupation?] of Hobart as Executors and Trustees. Bequeaths estate after payment debts etc, to wife Catherine; and at her marriage or death to be divided equally between my children. I do this in Consideration of the True Love and Affection I have for her and knowing full well that she will bring up my children in the fear and Love of the Most High God, who has kept me until this time out of danger and may he have Mercy on me as I pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. And if my Mother is alive at my death I hope my wife and children will not see her want.^[11]

His widow Catherine died 3 November 1916 and was buried with James at Cornelian Bay.^[12]

Some News items regarding his working life in Tasmania

Jan 1865 - APPOINTMENTS
Mr. James Chisholm is to be Armourer-Sergeant of the Southern Division of Tasmanian Volunteers from the 1st instant inclusive.^[13]

1872 - Master-Gunner James Chisholm has been appointed by the Governor Sergeant in charge of the Powder Magazine, Hobart Town.^[14]

1875 - Master Gunner James Chisholm has been appointed Storekeeper of the Magazine, Hobart Town, and Assistant-Master Gunner Frank Martini Storekeeper at Launceston. The following inspectors of licensed magazines hive been appointed: William Henry Cheverton, James Chisholm, John R. Frith, and Frank Martini.^[15]

1881 - THE GAZETTE. Appointments :—James Chisholm, F. Martini, J. G. Shield, and M. Cresswell, to be inspectors of licensed powder magazines…^[16]

1890 - The Armourer, Mr James Chisholm, has arrived from, Hobart Wednesday to make his annual inspection o£ the arms,, etc.,in possession of the Launceston division of the defence force, and will remain the North for a week or ten days.^[17]

1892 - APPOINTMENTS
James Chisholm to be the officer charged with the working of the Gunpowder Acts. Frank Martini to be magazine storekeeper at Launceston, and inspector of private magazines. John G. Shields to be inspector of magazines.^[18]

1898 - ZEEHAN NEWS. Mr. James Chisholm, Chief Inspector of Powder Magazines and Inspector of Explosives, has been at Zeehan and district during the last fow days inspecting the magazine and explosive stores. His report will be awaited with interest by residents of King end of Zeehan, who feel by no means safe with the Zeehan explosive magazines under prsent conditions. Mr. Chisholm has also inspected the accoutrements of the Zeehan corps and defence force. To-morrow he leaves for Queenstown.^[19]

1902 - RETIRED FROM SERVICE. MR. JAMES CHISHOLM. Under the Commonwealth defence, regulations, on the “over age” claims there retired yesterday from the Defence Department, after a service of over 42 years on the active service as Ordnance Storekeeper James Chisholm warrant officer. 1st class. He joined the 3rd Rifles as armourer-sergeant in 1860, being a gunmaker by trade, Transferred to Buckingham Rifles in January. 1861, was then armourer for Tasmania in 1865; appointed gunner and magazine keeper in 1873; and for seven years fired the daily time gun. He was put in charge of the Military Stores in 1886, and until yesterday has been ordinance storekeeper and inspector of explosives, S.D. During this long period of responsible duty he has (says the “Argus”) served under nine commandants--the first was Colonel Russell, and the present Is Colonel W. V. Legge. During this period he has been called to perform duties not always of a pleasing character, such as forming part of the escort to bring up the last of the old-time men from Port Arthur at the breaking up of that penal establishment. Then he had to take active part in arming and drilling some 112 men of the armed constabulary at Launceston during special service. Then came the hurried fitting up of Lindlsfarne Cottage to be ready for reception of over 20 suspected small-pox patients that had arrived in the river on a Saturday. and were ordered to be landed and isolated with all possible despatch. This involved also the pitching of tents and provisioning same, with all bedding and cooking utensils. For expeditiously performing this work, he was complimented by the Government. A more pleasing reminiscence is that of an event in his domestic annals, which occurred later on. When seated at his breakfast on Christmas morn, 1880, he was the recipient of a surprise visit. Major E. L Crowther. Lieutenant and Adjutant W. H. Burgess, and others of the S.T.V Artillery, by their messenger, Corporal Markham, sent him a Christmas box in the shape of a handsome silver tea and coffee service; a gift He still much prizes as a family treasure. Mr Chisholm is still inspector of Explosives. and magazine keeper for the Tasmanian Government. and his many friends and well-wishers hope that he has still before him many years of usefulness.^[20]

1902 - OUR DEFENCES. MR JAMES CHISHOLM. [Bv Maxim.] A few days ago the public were made aware of the fact that a prominent and painstaking officer of the Defence Force in the State of Tasmania, was retiring, after 42 years’ service. Having been acquainted with Mr Chisholm as far back as I can remember, and for many years whilst a member of the Tasmanian Rifle Regiment, which during 1879-80 was regarded as the crack regiment in Australia…[extracts from long article]…In connection with rifle shooting he was the officer duly appointed to examine all rifles and to test the pull, which, in the the early days of rifle shooting for Government prizes, was with the carbine (5 lb) and the Snider (7 lb). He was present at the first champion rifle match fired in the colony, …On each occasion the rifles of leading scorers had to be tested, and during the whole time there was never a dispute. Mr Chisholm had the respect of every competitor, and so strong was their confidence in him that when it was assumed that the competitor’s rifle and test of full was correct it was accepted with implicit faith because all front rank shots regarded Warrant-Officer Chisholm as of strict integrity and honesty. They knew him personally, and bis worth as a reliable and trustworthy member of the staff, A visit to the Ordnance Store would soon show to any keen observer that a man careful as to details was in charge. He had a wonderful memory for the number of any rifle that got astray. … And so the Defence Force of this State loses, through federation, one who has been identified with the defence movement from its earliest days, and as a link of the past retires with well-earned honors, carrying with him the beat wishes of “ Maxim,” and, I am sure, of all old comrades of Warrant Officer Chisholm, who will ever carry their respect end esteem for his upright and manly conduct in his official capacity with all connected with the Defence Force of tbe State and his impartial conduct on the rifle range.^[21]

1909 - JAMES CHISHOLM’S PENSION BILL
The PREMIER moved the second reading of the James Chisholm Pension Bill. He explained that James Chisholm, who retired from his position in the public service on December 29, 1908, had rendered long and faithful service since June 1800. He had held the following positions at various periods:—Armorer in the defence force, armorer-sergeant, Southern Division of Volunteer Force; master gunner and sergeant-in-charge of powder magazine, Hobart; military storekeeper; military and magazine storekeeper and inspector of explosives; Inspector of explosives and of magazines, and magazine keeper, for the Southern district. The Bill proposed to grant Mr. Chisholm an annual pension of £60 [?£100], payable monthly, dating from July 1 last, and in case of his death during the currency of any month the Governor could direct payment to be made to his personal representatives of a proportionate part of the pension up to the day of his death. A pension had been granted to Sergeant Martini in 1905, and it was only right that the same privilege should be extended to Mr. Chisholm. Up to 1805 he received fees instead of any pay, and could not be given a pension under existing law, though morally entitled to one.……[the article continues with all the discussion over the bill in Parliament. Eventually the Bill was defeated when taken to the vote]^[22]

1910 - AN OLD SERVANT. DEATH OF MR. JAS. CHISHOLM. A well known and greatly respected citizen breathed his last at 10 o’clock this morning, when Mr. James Chisholm, late magazine-keeper, died at his residence in his 78th year. Born in Scotland the deceased gentleman came to Tasmania with his father, who was Armourer-Sergt. to the Royal Scots Regiment. The military life early attracted the deceased veteran, who on January 1, 1805, in his 32nd year, was appointed under the State Government, as Armourer-Sergt, to the Volunteers. From that date hoe held various military positions; the wore notable of them being Ordnance-Storekeeper and Inspector of Explosives, which be retained until September, 1902, when, owing to age, he retired from the Commonwealth service; and was transferred to the post of Magazine-Keeper in theDomain. In 1908, after a unique service of 43 years, he definitely relinquished active connection with military matters. He was the recipient of two medals—the long-service and the meritorious of the permanent forces. For many years he superintended the firing of the regatta guns, and on his retirement his services were fittingly recognised by the Regatta Association, which made him a handsome and appropriate presentation. He was a capable officer, and bore an excellent record. When the Russian war scare led to the formation of a defence force in Hobart, in the middle of the seventies, Mr. Chisholm gave great assistance in drilling the Artillery branch, which was then under the command of Captain (now - Lieutenant-Colonel) Evans.^[23]

Sources

1. ↑ Birth, parents and death date from Unsourced family tree handed down to Susan Philp.
2. ↑ The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Thu 16 Jun 1910 Page 8 CANADA CAPTURING TRADE. Read whole article at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10065603. For antoher letter to the editor, this time about Nova Scotia, Canada, see The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Thu 26 May 1910 Page 7 A NOVA SCOTIA CELEBRATION, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10063391.
3. ↑ MARRIAGE 2: Libraries Tasmania - Nichols, Frances Elizabeth, widow. Age: Adult. Spouse: Chisholm, James. Gender: Male. Age: Adult. Date of marriage: 01 Mar 1864. Registered: Hobart. Registration year: 1864. Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:865004. Resource: RGD37/1/23 no 197. Viewed 26 Oct 2023 at https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD37-1-23p104j2k
4. ↑ DEATH: Libraries Tasmania - Chisholm, Frances Elizabeth. Age: 36. Spouse: Chisholm, James. Gun maker of Kangaroo Point. Date of death: 21 Jul 1865. Cause: Consumption. Registered: Clarence. Registration year: 1865. Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:1205913. Resource: RGD35/1/34 no 84. Permalink: https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD35-1-34p37j2k
5. ↑ BIRTH: Libraries Tasmania - Chisholm, James Jessie. Male. Father: Chisholm, James. Gunsmith of Kangaroo Point. Mother: McCormack, Frances Elizth. Date of birth: 18 Feb 1865. Registered: Clarence. Registration year: 1865. Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:1112434. Resource: RGD33/1/43 no 234. Permalink:https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD33-1-43p330j2k
6. ↑ MARRIAGE 2: Libraries Tasmania - Chisholm, James, Age: 36. Spouse: Gallahar, Catherine. Age: 26. Date of marriage: 23 May 1868. Registered: Hobart. Registration year: 1868. Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:871373. Resource: RGD37/1/27 no 202. Permalink: https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD37-1-27p118j2k
7. ↑ DEATH: Libraries Tasmania - Chisholm, James. Age: 78. Last known residence: Bathurst Street, Hobart. Property: Cornelian Bay Cemetery. Date of burial: 01 Oct 1910. File number: BU 17014. Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:1542957. Resource: AF35-1-2 (BU 17014); and Cornelian Bay, Church of England, Section A, Number 2. Permalink: https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Record/NamesIndex/1542957
8. ↑ Chisholm, James. Record Type: Deaths. Gender: Male. Date of death: 28 Sep 1910. Where died: Bathurst St, Hobart. Registration year: 1910. File number: 1580. Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:1997275Permalink: https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Record/NamesIndex/1997275
9. ↑ FUNERAL NOTICES: The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Sat 1 Oct 1910 Page 1 Family Notices
10. ↑ The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Thu 29 Sep 1910 Page 5 PERSONAL.
11. ↑ WILL: Libraries Tasmania - Chisholm, James. Record Type: Wills. Year: 1910. File number: 8228. Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:1667879. Resource: AD960-1-30 Will Number 8228. Permalink: https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Record/NamesIndex/1667879.
12. ↑ Millington Southern Cemeteries, Brief Burial record - Catherine CHISHOLM. Age: 75. Record no.:1B 20144. Burial date: 3-Nov-1916. Last residence : HOBART. Grave location - Cemetery : Cornelian Bay. Area or denomination : Church of England. Section : A . Site number : Number 2, Viewed 26 Oct 2023 at https://server2.admin.millingtons.com.au:81/ASP/search_details.asp?RecordID=19347
13. ↑ Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 - 1899) Sat 21 Jan 1865 Page 5 Appointments.
14. ↑ The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Tue 2 Jul 1872 Page 2 THE GAZETTE.
15. ↑ Weekly Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1872 - 1878) Sat 13 Nov 1875 Page 10 OFFICIAL NOTICES.
16. ↑ The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Tue 25 Jan 1881 Page 2 THE GAZETTE.
17. ↑ The Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. : 1881 - 1895) Sat 18 Jan 1890 Page 7 Bowling
18. ↑ Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 - 1899) Tue 5 Apr 1892 Page 2 GAZETTE NOTIFICATIONS.
19. ↑ The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Mon 14 Feb 1898 Page 3 ZEEHAN NEWS.
20. ↑ Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954) Tue 2 Sep 1902 Page 6 RETIRED FROM SERVICE. Viewed 27 Oct 2023 at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/86289869.
21. ↑ Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911) Tue 9 Sep 1902 Page 3 OUR DEFENCES.. Read full article at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/176636987.
22. ↑ Daily Post (Hobart, Tas. : 1908 - 1918) Fri 29 Oct 1909 Page 7 JAMES CHISHOLM'S PENSION BILL. Read the entire article at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/193226894.
23. ↑ Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911) Wed 28 Sep 1910 Page 4 AN OLD SERVANT