John Baxter (abt. 1815 - 1860)

Born about 1815 in Farnworth, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom

Descendants

Died 19 Nov 1860 at about age 45 in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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Biography

Born 1815 Farnworth, Lancashire, England.

Died 19 NOV 1860. Brisbane River South Brisbane, QLD, AUSTRALIA, Cause: drowning.

Arrival JAN 1842.

Notes

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. NORTH AND SOUTH BRISBANE FERRY.-John Baxter, the lessee of this ferry, was charged at the Police Court, on Wednesday, with detaining a Constable while in the execution of his duty. Constable Powling deposed that on Sunday afternoon last, about four o'clock, he was on duty at South Brisbane near the ferry stops, on looking across the river, he saw a Constable struggling with a man whom he was attempting to take into custody, and he (Dowling) determined to cross to the assistance of the constable. He went to the ferry steps, but the boats were all on the other side, and not wishing to lose time, he tried to borrow a boat in order to pull himself across. He went to one of the river-steamers for this purpose but there being nobody on board lo lend him a boat, he returned to the ferry, and found one of the boats was coming in to the steps. Altogether he was detained ten minutes. Constable Bourne stated that on the Sunday afternoon he was on duty near the ferry on the north side ; and that he apprehended a prisoner, with whom he had a struggle. Baxter was sitting on a seat at his door while the struggle was going on ; and the boatman, a Chinaman, was looking on. Johnny, the boatman referred to, was called by Mr. Baxter to prove that no unnecessary delay took place in crossing ; but the Bench thought the case fully proved, and fined the defendant the sum of 10s. and 10s. costs ; at the same time observing that the duties of the ferry were very badly performed, and that more complaints had been made against him (Mr. Baxter) than any other ferryman. We think the remark of the Bench well founded. We often hear of the detention caused at this ferry and only eight days ago we were subjected to some annoyance by having to wait nearly fifteen minutes on the north side before we could cross. "DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE." The Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 - 1861) 14 Mar 1857: 2. Web. 19 Dec 2012 <http: nla.gov.aunla.news-article3722395>. H. BULGIN HAS boen instructed ,by Mr. Baxter to offer to Public Competition, THIS DAY, at the North and South Brisbane Ferry, The BOATS, PUNTS, and HUTS, as above, together with a quantity of good LAYING FOWLS, &c, <&o. Classified Advertising. (1858, April 28). The Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 - 1861), p. 2. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http:/nla.gov.aunla.news-article3724128 John Baxter was found by the police, about half-past 12 o'clock on Thursday morning, lying in the open air with his head frightfully swollen. He was immediately conveyed to the residence of the nearest medical man, where he received the usual treatment. "EVENTS OF THE MONTH." The Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 - 1861) 7 Jul 1860: 6. Web. 19 Dec 2012 <http: nla.gov.aunla.news-article3718236>. On Tuesday last, an inquest was held before the coroner (Dr Cannan) on the body of John Baxter, a resident ot South Brisbane, and formerly lessee of the ferry, who drowned himself in the river on the previous morning. The depositions taken afforded ample evidence of the fact that the unfortunate man had been for some time addicted to intemperate habits, and that his end had been been hastened by his excesses. He plunged into the water from Conolly's wharf, before the eyes of his daughter, (Emma Baxter) who screamed for assistance, but help came too late to be of any avail. In a few words,written shortly before his death, he warned young and male and female, against the "demon of intemperance", and deplored his own wretched state. The wife of the deceased died some few years ago, and the children have therefore become orphans. A paper signifying his wishes as to the distribution of his property was given by him to a friend, and it is to be hoped that sufficient will be found to provide for the wants of his children, and to defray the cost of their education. "EVENTS OF THE MONTH." The Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 - 1861) 15 Dec 1860: 5. Web. 19 Dec 2012 <http: nla.gov.aunla.news-article3726394>.

Sources

• Qld death registration #1860/B/534