Robert Gollan (1847 - 1929)

Born 29 Sep 1847 in Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Eliza (Baker) Gollan — married 1875 in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia

Descendants

Died 8 Aug 1929 at age 81 in Ballina, New South Wales, Australia

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Biography

Robert was born in 1847. He was the son of William Gollan and Janet McBarnett.^[1]

He passed away in 1929.^[2]

"ANOTHER PIONEER PASSES ^[3] DEATH OF MR. ROBERT GOLLAN; Mr. Robert Gollan, of Dungarubba, a member of one of the -pioneer families of the Mid Richmond, and one of the outstanding figures, of his day and generation died at his residence early yesterday afternoon, after a week's illness from bronchial trouble. The deceased gentleman who had reached the age of 82, had spent 63 years in the district, and was everywhere recognised as one of its successful producers, and a man who possessed to a singular degree the. confidence and respect of his fellow men. He is survived by his aged wife (the couple were married at Casino 52 years ago, as there was no Presbyterian cleric on the Mid Richmond then), and by three, sons — Chas. W. (Haberfield), Arthur Robert (Dungarubba), and H. A.- (Swan Bay), and five daughters — Mesdames H. Whipps (Coraki), J. Whipps (Haberfield), and F. Robinson. (Murwillumbah), -Miss Gollan (Coraki), and Miss Iris Gollan (Haberfield). '"

OBITUARY ^[4] MR. ROBERT GOLLAN
The death of Mr. Robert Gollan. at his residence, " Inverness," Dungarubba, on Thursday removed another of the pioneers of the Mid-Richmond.
Mr. Gollan was 82 years of age, and was born at Jamberoo. He went to Woodburn when he was 19 years of age, and with his brothers took up land on the Mid-Richmond. The late Mr. Gollan married Miss Eliza Baker, of the Hunter River, 52 years ago at Casino. He is survived by his widow, five daughters—Mrs. H. Whipps (Coraki), Mrs. J. Whipps (Sydney), Mrs. F. Robinson (Murwillumbah), Miss Gollan (Coraki), and Miss Iris Gollan (Sydney), and three sons, Charles (Sydney), Arthur (Dungarubba), Harry (Swan Bay). The funeral took place yesterday at Coraki.

OBITUARY
Mr. Robert Gollan
MEMORIES OF PIONEERING DAYS.
The death occurred recently on the Richmond, of Mr. Robert Gollan of Dungarubba, who was born at Jamberoo, South Coast, on 29th September, 1847. He came to the Richmond in the middle sixties, and was recognised as one of the stalwart old band of pioneers. He was the second youngest son of the late Mr and. Mrs. William Gollan, of Inverness, Scotland.
At the age of 19 Mr. Robt. Gollan sailed from Sydney on the "Susanna Cuthbert," accompanied by his brothers William, and James. They landed at Iluka, on. the Clarence River, obtained aboriginal guides from a large camp to direct them to the Richmond, and carried their provisions on their backs. They walked along the beach, then crossed country, blazed the trail which is now known as the "Postman's Track," and came to Rocky Mouth, now known as, Woodburn, where they selected land.
Later on the remainder of the original family came to the Richmond, the other brothers selecting adjoining land, and taking up practically the area between Woodburn and Buckendoon.
"William, when clearing' his selection, called his property' "Woodburn" — the burning timber suggesting to him the name which later became the town. Fittingly enough, the seal of the Woodburn Shire Council depicts a pile of blazing logs, yet that was more by accident than design. However, that is quite another story. Robert's property adjoined William's, then came James', then George's, ("Richmond House") and John's "Buckendoon"). Charles selected on the south side of the river, and this property was known as "Charlieong."
While waiting for crops to grow Mr. Gollan went cedar-getting, which at the time was one of the principal industries, and later on he became one of the stockmen on Mr. Girard's Dungarubba Station, which in later years he acquired for his own. A par from an old copy of "Smith's Weekly" briefly describes his achievement thus: —

"Robert Gollan, one of the pioneers off the Richmond on the North Coast of New South Wales, is now head of a powerful clan of land owner's. He struck Dungurabba when the scrub was too thick to coo-ee through, sharpened his little axe and bucked in. Before many years he owned the best farm on the river. By unostentatious kindness he became the most respected man in the district, and to-day, when he is taking things a little easier in the haven of prosperity, he is genuinely revered as the patriarch of the place."

THE EARLY DAYS.
Every word of that splendid tribute is true, and was thoroughly earned and deserved. The deceased gentleman was married in the year 1875 to Miss Eliza Baker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Baker, of Kilgin, who were also pioneers. The ceremony was performed by Rev Blue, at Lismore, the party having to ride on horseback, that being the only means of conveyance in those far-off days The young couple made their home on their selection, and could relate many thrilling encounters with the aboriginals, whose uncivilised state often gave trouble. One incident often told is that of a big blackfellow whose importunate requests for food and tobacco had been repeatedly gratified, but finally he became most offensive. When at last ordered off, the darkie came into the house in a threatening manner, and Mr. Gollan put him out. He then, went away, but just before dark one of the gins, who camped near the home, crept in through the cane and gave warning that the black was collecting mates and intended killing "the boss." As locks and bolts were unknown in the old homes, it became a problem how to fasten the doors against the coming invasion, but, before anything could be done, the attacking party arrived and tried to force the doors, which were being guarded by Mr. and Mrs. Gollan, while the former's sister (now Mrs. McCulloch, but then Miss Gollan) was to wait a chance to let Mr. Rodgers, who was also staying in the house, hop out through the window to go for assistance. He was partly out when the blacks came running round, and Mrs. McCulloch, in her terror, dropped the window, thus pinning Mr. Rodgers in an unenviable position which made him helpless. Fortunately, darkness had set in by this, and the blacks, being intent on the doors ran past without noticing him and eventually he was able to free himself and go to Wm. Gollan for help, which arrived just as both doors and the beseiged were on the point of collapse. Mrs. Gollan stood by her door using her strength and wit in the same helpful and courageous manner that she displayed through the remaining years, being a big factor and sustaining help in the early struggles, and, later, in the more prosperous years ever ready to help those in need. This was one of the many thrilling and amusing experiences with which Mr. Gollan often entertained his frends.
A VARIED CAREER.
The foregoing incident, by the way happened while the late Mr. Gollan was growing, sugar cane which was milled at his brother (William's) sugar mill, he also worked as a sugar-boiler in the mill for several years and afterwards in partnership with the late Mr. Robert Clark. He later took up a selection for cattle grazing and also took part in the gold boom at McAuley's Lead and Jerusalem Creek, working with Mr. Septimus Dowling.
The late Mr. Gollan then rented the Dungarubba Estate, subsequently purchasing it, and naming his home "Inverness, " after his parents' birth-place. He saw the dairying industry develop from its infancy, being one of the first milk suppliers to Coraki factory before separators came into general use. Later, he retired from active life and handed his property over to his three sons.
in later life Mr. Gollan did not enjoy the best of health, but his unfailing, cheerfulness and fortitude pervaded the home, and none loved more than he to welcome his friends and dispense hospitality to one and all. For many years his .home had been a meeting place for religious services, he being a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he had been an elder for over 20 years. Of him it may be truly said that his life was an example and an inspiration to all who were privileged to know him.
The end was not unexpected, as his strength had been failing for the last few months, and he had contracted bronchitis, followed by pneumonia, which caused his demise.
Mrs Jas. McCulloch, of Ballina, is now the only surviving member of the original family. Other sisters were Mrs. Webb, Mrs. John Monaghan and Mrs. Martin Campbell, while the brothers weore Messrs. William, James, John. George and and Chas. Gollan.
The late Mr. Gollan is survived by his wife, three sons, Chas. (Sydney), Arthur (Dungarubba), Harry (Swan Bay), and five daughters— Mrs. F. Robinson, Elsie Gollan (Coraki), Iris (Haberfield), Mrs. H. Whipps (C'oraki), Mrs. J. Whipps (Sydney) There are also 20 grandchildren and one great grandchild. The remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the Coraki cemetery, Rev. Mackie, holding the service at the home, while Rev. Gillespie conducted the service at the graveside.
Amongst those who joined in the cortege were many old friends, who genuinely deplored the passing of yet another of those grand old men who strove so loyally to make the district what it is to-day. These splendid pioneering spirits are fast passing away, but they, and especially men like Robert Gollan, leave happy memories enshrined in the hearts of all who knew them."
The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser Tuesday August 13, 1929 Page 2 and Tweed Daily, Monday August 26, 1929 Page 6

Sources

1. ↑ Birth Index (NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages : accessed 6 Apr 2024), index entry for ROBERT GULLAN; Father's Given Names: WILLIAM, Mother's Given Names: JANNET; District: JC; Registration Number: 1013/1847
2. ↑ Death Index (NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages : accessed 6 Apr 2024), index entry for ROBERT GOLLAN; Father's Given Names: WILLIAM, Mother's Given Names: JANE; District: BALLINA; Registration Number: 17011/1929
3. ↑ The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser Friday August 09, 1929 Page 4 ANOTHER PIONEER PASSES
4. ↑ Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 - 1954), Sat 10 Aug 1929, Page 8 OBITUARY

• Bir:

Chr: V1847448 52 GULLEN ROBERT (f) WILLIAM (m) JANNET NSW Mar: 3946/1875 GOLLAN ROBERT to BAKER ELIZA RICHMOND RIVER Dea: 17011/1929 GOLLAN ROBERT (f) WILLIAM (m) JANE BALLINA (82 years) Bur: Coraki Cemetery Portion Pbn ID 15683946