Bob Farquhar
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Robert Alexander Farquhar (1885 - 1962)

Robert Alexander (Bob) "Bob" Farquhar
Born in Ringarooma, Tasmania, Australiamap
Ancestors ancestors
Husband of — married 6 May 1914 [location unknown]
Descendants descendants
Died at age 77 [location unknown]
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Profile last modified | Created 25 Jun 2020
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Biography

Robert, known as Bob, was the eldest of a family of five. His father, Alexander II, died when he was only 14. His mother remained on the farm with the other children and Bob went to work, carting chaff to Derby with a horse and cart to sell for 10 shillings a ton.
He sent all the money home to pay off his parent's farm, his final contribution, just before his own marriage was to pay for the reroofing of the house.
He worked at the Forester Sawmills, driving a locomotive taking the timber from the mill to the long jetty at Bridport.
Bob was a keen miner and spent several years at the Adamsfield osmiridium fields on the West Coast. Adamsfield was in remote and rugged territory and all goods had to be packed in on horseback and on the miners' backs. There were more than 1000 miners and only five women on the field.
Bob Farquhar and his partner, Ken Williams had the first large-scale sluicing operation at Adamsfield.
Bob was also the only Justice of the Peace at Adamsfield and ran a small store. (from Examiner article 2003 - Bert Farquhar)


Robt A Farquhar's History of Farquhars in Scottsdale, Tasmania is a transcript of an exercise book as compiled by Robert Alexander Farquhar (RAF) on the Tasmanian Farquhar History. The work was commenced in 1949 and completed in 1953. Bruce Farquhar (grandson of RAF) has prepared this transcript which includes many currency references (prices, wages, etc.) Bruce has included Reserve Bank of Australia Inflation Calculator conversions giving the reader an idea of the comparable values at the rates at that time (2009).

The transcript is also attached to this bio as an image in .pdf format. .PDF version

It has also been recorded in WikiTree as a SpaceFile which provides links to the persons mentioned within. See Robt A Farquhar's History of Farquhars in Scottsdale, Tasmania


Extracts from the transcript:
Page 6
Part 3
My Grandfather’s Parents in Scotland were farmers but both parents died young and an old bachelor Uncle took the two children, Alexander and Robert (Bob), he raised and educated them, he was a rich man owning two large ships, besides others. He died when Grandfather Alexander and Grand Uncle Bob were quite young men, they naturally thought that their Uncle would leave them his estate, £15,000 in cash besides other assets, but a young girl who was particularly good to him during his last illness, left her all his wealth, the two boys were disappointed and made arrangements to sail to Australia, the girl, when she heard of the boys leaving for Australia , offered the boys an equal share with her of the fortune, but being Scotch and independent, would not take charity from a girl, so they sailed for Australia, Grandfather coming to Launceston Tasmania and Bob his brother went to New Zealand and have heard there are quite a lot of decedents in Christchurch.
Grandmother, nee Dougall (Jane) was born in Bannockburn, whose parents were independent and had no particular calling as far as our Uncles know. Uncle Albert the only surviving child of the late Alex Farquhar who is 86 years of age, his intellect is quite alert and is very interesting to talk to.
(Signed) RAF
Sep 20th 1953


Page 15-18
Bob
I hardly know how to start talking about myself, I was born and reared with my sister Ethel and brothers Ab, Headley and Doug at Invermay Farm, Burnside Road, we were educated (such as it was) at North Scottsdale, the teacher teaching North Scottsdale and West Scottsdale , half time. We would have three days this week and two the next and West Scottsdale the same. We had to help with all reasonable work, such as potato planting and harvesting, which was all done by hand, hand mowing and tying up.
I remember on one occasion I was tying up behind who was sheafing, and tying up a three foot tiger snake. I tied the sheaf and threw it down and father saw the snake wriggling out of the butt of the sheaf, he soon made short work of the snake with Abs rake. Also helping with hoeing of potatoes and picking up which meant we didn’t get much schooling. All farmers children were in the same box.
After fathers death I worked at home till 20 and thought I would earn more for the home by working wages, as Headley had left school and two could do the work. My first job out the North Eastern tin mining now called Banca. My uncle Albert was manager, he built a big dam which is being used to this day over 40 years ago and cut several miles of races, behind Mount Horror.
After working a while there, with another Uncle, John, who had a store (general) at Derby. He had several horses and prior to us he done a lot of packing to tin shows – was with him for two years. Went back home for a while, we took a contract of clearing 7 acres (17.3 ha) of land for the late Claud Joseph Heazlewood, now owned by Mr Arthur Nation. The logs were up to six foot (1.83 m) through, ferns and blackberries was very heavily timbered. We cleared all down timber, pulled all stumps and filled in holes, ready for ploughing for ₤4-10-00 ($9.00) per acre, today’s price would be ₤30-00-00 ($60.00)
At this stage I got very interested in a girl named Janie McLennan, third daughter of the late Donald (Uncle Don) and Susan McLennan of “Cairn Brae” Scottsdale. I was 23 years of age then and we finished paying off the mortgage on the farm at home. Thought about going out on for myself, of course at the back of my mind was getting a home for this girl Janie.
I went to the West Coast and at that time work was very slack all over the State, particularly mining, after following up for two weeks , between two mines, the Mt Bishoff tin mine and the Magnet silver lead mine at Magnet. Started on the Magnet, underground work, didn’t like it a bit, on one occasion the pumps went wrong and we had to climb the ladder out of the mine 700 feet (213 m), a big climb with crib tin can, bluey, and spider with candles. On two occasions missed being knocked by inches with falling rock from above levels, so decided to get out.
Went to Zeehan, nearly all mines closed, but at Renson Bell a new mine (tin) started, a five head battery, worked there two years, saved hard, no gambling, drinking or smoking, but could only save one pound ($2.00) per week for the two years, living was dearer on West Coast than any part of Tasmania.
Having the huge sum of 100 pounds ($200) went to work on a railway job extension from Burnie to Wynyard and at the same time on the look out for a farm, that I may be able to lease with option of purchase. Went to several land agents and all said the same thing couldn’t do anything with only 100 pounds and no credit.
While there I met a chap who used to travel the late Mr W Tucker’s threshing and chaffcutting plant, I had two years experience with the late Mr Peter Jensen, feeding and driving turn about. This chap Jack Elliott had a Buffalo Pitt traction engine ordered and I very foolishly partnered up with him, I to buy a thrashing drum which I did from Wes Von Bibra. Our intention was to go to the Ringarooma district, cut and thrash in season and cut timber with our Buffalo engine. There was a beautiful bush behind Ringarooma, we were going to drag the logs by tractor and cart to the station by the tractor and cut. Tractor was to do away with bullocks and horses – three were going to work it while one away carting to Legerwood Station, the other two would fall and cut logs. The idea was alright, but when we arrived in Launceston to take delivery of the tractor engine, the agent had sold it, my would be partner was a couple of days behind taking delivery of same. Proper mess up, eventually hiring a portable engine and doing a seasons work, lost 6months work besides hard cash and was very upset owing to wanting to get a place and settle down, still very interested in Janie.
My Aunt Anne Bonner had a property at Cuckoo with a herd of cows about 25, she put up a proposition to me to work the place for half. I put in twelve months on the share system, I and Jane were married on the 6th May 1914. We decided we would rent the place and buy the cows, my Aunt gave us four years to pay for the cows which was wonderful terms, but we paid before the arranged time. We milked 23 cows on our own first year and stayed four years, at one time we were the largest supplier of cream to the Scottsdale Butter Factory.
In 1914 three months after we were married War World 1 broke out 14 August 1914. My health broke down through being cut in the top of head causing a clot of blood to settle in the head, was 8 when it happened, but didn’t affect me till almost 27, used to go down without warning, went to four different doctors at last Dr Parker of Launceston found the trouble and said would take two to three years to cure. When sick, we couldn’t carry on the Cuckoo place, so sold our stock and came to Scottsdale (Cuckoo is 7 miles out) (11.25 km) and bought a property of 96 acres (38.85 ha) off John Murphy, part of Murphy’s estate.
At the time of leaving, we had one child living Ron, our first baby Alexander Donald only lived 5 days. We were hard put for money at that time, if my wife hadn’t been of a saving nature and hard work, we would have lost the place, but stuck manfully and after a couple of years there was able to do work. The farm was uncleared with only one 4 acre (1.6 ha) paddock that could be ploughed, the rest of the place all in one paddock. We bought sheep when we shifted from Cuckoo and wasn’t enough in them those days to make a living. Butter fat went up to 2/6 (25 cents) per lb (0.45 kg), but we missed out on that during the war.
My brother Ab went to the war and was killed 18 months after enlisting. I made arrangements with the late Jim Jensen to go halves in his sawmill. I to do all the outside of the mill work and he to cut and find the mill, he was set out on Jensens Road. We cut that out and sat down on James Somerville’s property, Burnside Road, then we shifted out to the Forester Settlement 14 miles (22.5 km) out, a beautiful bush. The party broke up by Jim going broke and that ended sawmilling after about four years.
About six months after shifting in to Scottsdale our third boy was born, Bertram Albert, then Reginald Noel and then Alvyn Douglas our baby boy.
In 1925 a new mining field was found at Adams River, of Osmiridium, was very anxious to get there and a chance came to go and make up a party of five. Went on wages first 25/- ($4.50) a day, was a serve depression on then all over the State till 1932, so was lucky mum stayed on the farm and reared the boys for 6 years.
I looked after a business for Mr A J Jefferies of Fitzgerald , the other two and a half years was mining with only a fair measure of luck, the shop paid me ₤67 ($12.00) per week and found board and lodgings, which was at that time was big money. We stocked everything, killing our own meat on the job and baked our own bread. The oven, which cost 7/6 per brick, must have been the dearest built oven in the Commonwealth at the time, nearest town 22 miles (35.4 km), all goods, etc had to be packed in by horse, at time of carting bricks could only go as far as the Florentine River 16 miles (25.75 km), other six carried over the ”Thumbs” by man power. Horse packing sixpence (5cents) per pound and man power 1/- (15 cents) per pound (450 grams) total 1/6 per lb landed on Adamsfield. Needless to say after a few loads of bricks, the job was left till the track was cleared right through, packing 6d / lb.
I could write a book about the experiences one gets on a job like that but space and perhaps want of interest by the reader makes one pull up.
While away on the Field, Ron met with a very bad accident; he was coming down a long hill on a bike at night, no lights and Mr Jim Campbell going up in a car with a loose door swinging and caught Ron on the head, was rushed to the hospital and Dr Boargman who done the operation was at Campbell Town, he came through (Sat night) and operated on Ron’s head, which had the skull broken above the eyes, on the edge of his hair. He was unconscious – the Dr took away two tablespoons of brains and Ron being a strong boy pulled through and is a strong hard working man now. The Dr says the brain lost was the least important we have, the subconscious brain and now he has more brain than the majority of us.
We cleared the farm a lot with the help of Ron and Bert, who both are born farmers. Ron and Bert at the age of 19 and 17 had ₤50.0.0 ($100) between them, put in 8 acres (3.24 ha) of potatoes, made over ₤300 ($600), next year put in 24 acres (9.7 ha) not so good came out about square. Next year put in 37 acres (14.97 ha), made over 2000 ($4,000), so they bought property at West Scottsdale and worked as Farquhar Bros for a few years, then the place too small for the two of them.
Bert bought Ron’s share for ₤1,600 ($3,200), and Ron bought property at Winnaleah, 200 acres (80.9 ha) at ₤2316 ($46) per acre, no buildings and has made a lot of money on seeds, vegetables and potatoes and has spent about ₤3,000 ($6,000) on buildings, and has bought another property of 200 acres (80.9 ha), all with the exception of about 20 acres (8.09 ha), rich chocolate ground and as Ron is a first class farmer he is doing well.
He married Nell (Nina) McKenzie of Winnaleah, Mr & Mrs Reg McKenzie’s third daughter and she makes as near to 100% wife as it is possible. They have six children, 3 boys and 3 girls. By reports we hear from up Winnaleah way, Ron is a splendid neighbour, one of the first there if any one is in trouble or too poor to help themselves, very unselfish.
Way his Mum and I feel proud of him and all the boys.
Bert who married Peggy Spotswood, eldest daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Spotswood sold his West Scottsdale property and lives in the township of Scottsdale. Pegg is a quite lady like girl, who is a splendid scholar and they have 4 girls. Bert is a wizard at making money, he is at 34 Managing Director of “Dewcrisp” Factory, in fact if it had not been for Bert we would not have had the factory here, he has ₤16,000 ($32,000) involved in it and has a property worth at least ₤20,000 ($40,000) with stock. A beautiful brick house and a £1,600 ($3,200) Customline car, I must cut down on the boys doings or I will fill the book. He has 160 acres (64.75 ha) of best land in Scottsdale.
Reg who worked at home with us, left at 17 to join up in the Second World War, he enlisted and was taken prisoner in Timor Island and the story of his treatment along with others is far too sordid it to tell about. He was right through the Burma railway, which killed 25,000 of our men, but our prayers were listened to and he came back to us, but anything but a robust man. He too is a wonderful boy, like the rest has splendid characteristics.
He spent five years studying for Agricultural Officer; he passed and was stationed down south under another D.A.O, (District Agricultural Office), then was transferred to Burnie as D.A.O., which is a very important Agricultural District, shows what the Heads think of him to put him in charge after only 12 months service.
He married Betty Smith of Barrington North West Coast, third daughter of Syd and Mrs Smith. Mr Smith died shortly after Betty and Reg married, they have two boys, and live at present in Montello a suburb of Burnie. Betty, like Nell and Peg is an ex-school teacher. Reg was a Sgt in the army.
Alvyn Douglas left home at 14, he stood for an examination for a Post Office job at Hobart, was successful and stayed there for three or four years and transferred to the Customs Dept.
He too enlisted for the Second World War, was in the air force, ended up a Pilot Officer, his was a dangerous job with other too, he was very strained when he was discharged.
He is in charge of the Devonport Customs Office, he has been there 6 years. He married Nance Dicker of Devonport, second daughter of Mr and Mrs Alf Dicker. Nancy is not an ex-teacher, but a splendid girl, they too have two boys, the eldest named after yours truly Robert Alexander. Nance and Alv have just built themselves a new brick home in Devonport.
We, that is Mum and I are proud to say all the boys are good living, clean minded and straight (which in 1953 meant honest -Ed)
Mum has a business going growing and selling plants and yours truly looking after an electrical shop for Stan Tucker, run under the name of G V Tucker & Son, 33 King Street, Scottsdale. Owing to ill health we sold the farm and came to the township 19 Charles St. My heart sort of fizzled out and had to lay up and again War World Two , butter fat jumped up and we had to sell our cows, a young herd and good, cows were then very cheap, we sold for ₤6.10.0 ($13.00) per head.
We came here in 1946 and have a nice comfortable home, thanks to Mum's laying out. We were unfortunate to miss out on the good prices for butter fat in both World Wars, but were fortunate to get both our boys back.
Before closing I would like to mention my old mate Gordon Cunningham, our Grandfathers came out together from the old country, Scotland, lived together, then took up land adjoining one another, Cunningham on what is now Doug Beatties, Jetsonville. Their sons took up land joining on Burnside Road, Gordon is a descendent of Robert Cunningham, we have never known a day when we didn’t know one another, played together as children, went to day and Sunday school together and have been fast friends all our lives, we see each other nearly every day. Gordon has a very retentive memory and often we talk of old times. He is born dealer and no one knows this district better, also what stock, financial standing etc. than he. He married Maida, “Sawdust” Campbell’s daughter, they have one son Don who is stock inspector at Devonport.
In stating we had two boys in War World 2, ( Reg & Alv) both Ron and Bert were refused. Ron refused owing to his head accident and Bert refused on account of being a producer of vegetables.
We are very fortunate in having four lovely daughter-in-laws, all good clean living girls and all boys picked good looking girls for wives. We have 14 Grand children.
Ron & Nell: Ian, Janice, Bruce, Gwenda, Roslyn and Rodney.
Peg & Bert : Sue, Helen, Mary and Jeanie (John was born later)
Reg & Bet: Graham and David (Scott was born later)
Alv & Nance: Bobby and Jimmy (Douglas was born later)
(Signed) RAF This record of the Farquhars I will pass over to Ronald Robert Farquhar on his 37th Birthday
R A Farquhar



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Categories: Ellesmere General Cemetery, Scottsdale, Tasmania