Charles (Peter) Peters (1797 - 1868)

Born 1797 in Lochland, Balgavies, Aberlemno, Co. Forfarshire (now Angus), Scotland

Ancestors

Husband of Susannah (Wilson) Peters — married 3 Oct 1826 in St Johns Church, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Descendants

Died 9 Jun 1868 at about age 71 in Fingal, Tasmania, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Ian Peters [send private message]

Biography

Charles Peters was baptised Charles Peter on the 13 Sep 1797 in the Parish of Aberlemno, Co. Forfarshire (now Co. Angus), Scotland the son of James Peter & Jean Ker of Lochland, Balgavies. ^[1]

In the 1790's Lochland was the name of a hamlet or village located near the northern shore of Balgavies Loch. This area later became known as the Mains of Balgavies (Mains is Scottish term used for a farm). ^[2]

Charles Peters genealogy including his Scottish family history & lineage are extensively documented in a book (294 pages) titled "Garth to Garth, 20,000 Miles Apart". Peters Family History by J.A. Moyle in 1988. ^[3]

Charles during his youth, as per family folklore went to sea as a sailor making many voyages to the Pacific. Later in his life he had his own whaleboat at Falmouth, Tasmania, Australia which was famously stolen by 5 escaped convicts. County Angus (formerly Forfarshire until 1928) was a maritime county in the east of Scotland. ^[4]

Charles Peters lived in Tasmania, Australia from 1823-1868 initially in the Launceston area before moving to rural Fingal / Avoca in the late 1820's & finally settling in the Fingal Township in 1845. In the 1830's Charles established a 340 acre sheep property 'Garth' bordering the South Esk River between Fingal & Avoca, Tasmania. However, Charles established a pastoral sheep run in Carlsruhe, Victoria, Australia also naming it 'Garth' in the late 1830's after shipping 500-600 sheep in partnership with Edward Dryden to Port Phillip in 1837. Charles had the Garth Run (Pastoral) Lease for over 20 years in Victoria while living predominately in Fingal, Tasmania. The Garth Run was managed by his brother David in from 1842 & later his sons William (from 1847) & James (from 1851) through to 1860's & early 1870's. Charles named the run 'Garth' after his 'Garth' property in Fingal, Tasmania & it became a well known sheep run/station & horse stud property in the Woodend, Kyneton & Mt Macedon districts of Victoria. Even though he lived in Fingal, Tasmania, Charles Peters was recognised as pioneer settler (squatter) in both Victoria & Tasmania.

Charles Peters in Tasmania
Charles immigrated to Tasmania after sailing from Leith, Scotland as a crew member on the Australia Company's ship Greenoch, arriving in Hobart Town, Tasmania on the 21 Nov 1823. Charles was persuaded by William Nairne Gray to sign off the ship Greenoch at Hobart Town & become his overseer for 20 months at Breadalbane (Evandale District) near Launceston between 1823-1825. At this time his future wife Sussanah Wilson was also living in the Breadalbane area with her uncle Thomas Dryden. ^[5]

On the 20 July 1826 Charles applied for a Crown Land Grant as Charles Peter a freeman & landholder from Launceston 'now doing business on his own account' with £480 total capital; including a house (£100) cattle & sheep valued at (£130) & cash (£250). Charles Peter house was in Charles St, Launceston (located near modern-day 64 Charles St, Launceston) refer the Sharland Map. ^[6]

Governor Arthur approved 300 acres conditionally on the 12 Aug 1826 however Lt Col. W. Balfour later that day rejected it & noted "No order for land to this applicant". Another comment was 'I don't think that this class of person should have land granted'. This rejection was most likely based on a land grant applicant unofficially requiring more than £500 capital as from 1823. By 1827 the Colonial Office set the minimum land grant size at 320 acres. ^[7]

Charles may have unofficially been known as Charles Peters from as early as Dec 1825 when as Charles Peters he made a Subscription (10 shillings) towards the erection of Wesleyan Chapel, Launceston. ^[8]

Two months after the Land Grant application as Charles Peter, Charles had officially changed his surname from Peter to "Peters" when he married Susannah Wilson as 'Charles Peters' on the 3 Oct 1826 in the Parish of St Johns Church, Launceston, Tasmania. ^[9]

In 1827 Charles appears to have moved his sheep & cattle to the Break-O-Day district and between 1827-1829 worked as an overseer for William Talbot at the famous Malahide Station, Fingal, Tasmania. ^[10]

In 1832 Charles sent for his widowed sister Isobel (Peter) Andrews & nephew James Andrews, requesting them to join him in Fingal. After a period of farming James Andrews joined Mr. Robert Clerk at Malahide Station/Estate, Fingal where they worked in partnership.

Garth Homestead - Fingal, Tasmania.
On 1 May 1830 Charles Peters was finally granted Crown Land under the name Charles Peter by Lt Governor Arthur with a 'Location Order' for 320 acres of Crown Land in the District of Morven later known as the Parish of Broomsgrove, Cornwall Land District on the South Esk River midway between Avoca & Fingal (then also the Break-O-Day District) with a Quit Rent of 5/-. The government formalised the original 1830 Location Order on the 23 Nov 1847 in an Application for a Crown Land Grant (Claim for Grant), after Charles had been occupying & developing the land for 17 years. ^[11]

Charles & his young family were likely occupying the 320 acre Crown Land site soon after 1 May 1830 when the Location Order to occupy Crown Land was granted by Lt Gov Arthur; & certainly by 18 Oct 1833 when the site was referred to as Charles Peters property in a claim for Crown Land by James Grant as the Guardian of orphaned Maria Hammond.

The original date of construction of a two storey sandstone house on the 320 acre Crown Land site was most likely from the mid to late 1830's when Charles was assigned or had convicts transferred to his control from 1834 to 1840. The sandstone house was always located on this Crown Land site and was never part of an adjoining property as Charles Peters 320 acres Crown Land was bordered by the South Esk River and to each side & rear by Maria Hammond's 1,000 acre property.

The house & property was subsequently known as 'Garth' from at least the early 1840's. The name Garth stems from Charles parents association with another Garth Farm, a 120 acre farm running down to the north west shore of Loch Forfar on the Carsegray Estate, near Forfar, Co Angus, Scotland. Garth Farm was held on a perpetual lease by Thomas Spence an uncle of Charles Peters. ^[12] & 1815 Map of Carsegray Estate, Forfar, Scotland including Bankhead Farm & Garth Farm by Wm Blackadder. ^[13]

The first known use of the name 'Garth' is recorded on the 22 Sep 1840 at an Inquest into the death of Charles & Susan's 2 yr old daughter Ann Peters (1838-1840). The inquest held at their Garth property in the District of Avoca found that Ann tragically died Sunday 20th Sep 1840 as a result of burns (not drowning in a well).

Charles & his family lived at 'Garth' until c1844 when they moved to the Fingal Township leaving their oldest son James (then aged 14) in charge until early 1851. In Mar 1851 Garth was leased to James Grant Jnr (for a 5 yr period) but was partially destroyed by fire later that year on Tuesday, 22 Jul 1851. His son Thomas Peters occupied Garth from the mid 1850's to 1870's & leased out by his son David Peters from c1880. Garth Homestead remained in the family until 1922.

Garth, now in ruins is one of the most famous ghost house sites in Tasmania & is part of the former Rostrevor Estate, located along the Esk Highway, in the Fingal Valley just North East of the town of Avoca. ^[14]
Various ghost stories regarding the origin the house name of 'Garth' being from a jilted englishman (name unknown) who is rumoured to have partly built the original 2 storey stone property are historically incorrect. The 'Garth' name for the house & property is actually Charles Peters related, and stems from his Scottish roots.

1841: Application for Emigrant - Most likely for his brother David Peter(s) aged 21 living in Co. Angus, Scotland.
17 Feb 1841 - Charles Peters made an application for an Emigrant as per the Government Gazette Notice No 47 under the terms of the of the Government Notice of the 14th May 1840. It is not certain for whom Charles made this appication but it was most likely for his younger brother David Peter(s) who was recorded as living at the Balgavies Bothie, Co. Angus, Scotland for the 1841 Scotland Census. ^[15]

By 1842 David Peters was running Charles pastoral run "Garth" in Carlsruhe, Victoria.

Fingal Township - Talbot Arms Inn
In 1843 Charles bought 3 one acre lots in the Fingal township. In early 1844 Charles started building the Talbot Arms Inn, Talbot St, Fingal a two storey inn of stone & brick (now the historic Fingal Hotel). Even though Charles owned the land & was building the inn he was operating it as the St Andrews Inn, Fingal under the licence of Mr John Dryden his wife Susan's cousin. The inn was still being completed in late October 1844 & in early 1845 the inn's name was changed to the Talbot Arms. ^[16]

On the 15 Sept 1844 Charles & Susan Peters took out a £300 mortgage with Thomas Walker to be re-paid in half yearly instalments from the 15 Sep 1844 to 15 Sep 1847. The loan was most probably for the running costs of the Talbot Arms Inn for 3 years. Susan’s name on the Mortgage document shows that they were partners in this venture. Charles knew he would be travelling backwards & forwards to Victoria during those mortgage years & that Susan would be left in charge of the inn as she was in April, May & Oct of 1846. Susan (Anne) was also listed as the person in charge for the 1 Jan 1848 Tasmanian Census.

In 1845 Charles was granted a yearly licence (to 29 Sep 1846) to retail Wine & Spirits for the Talbot Arms Inn, Fingal in his own right.

On the 15 Nov 1847 Charles Peters & his son William (aged 15) left Fingal, Tasmania via Launceston for Port Phillip with Mr Dryden & 32 rams aboard the 'Raven' to help manage 'Garth Station' near Carlsruhe, Victoria; which had been supervised by Charles younger brother David Peters since 1842.^[17]

In early 1851 (& certainly by May 1852) James had joined his brother William at Garth, Victoria where they later both became part of the 1851 Victorian Goldrush.

Charles Peters - Tasmanian Property Portfolio
Charles accumulated an impressive property portfolio of about 126 allotments over 30 years throughout the South Esk Valley & North East Coast of Tasmania. The total purchase value was in excess of £2,150 & included multiple lots at Avoca (13), Campbell Town (2), Falmouth (13), Fingal Township (59), Parish of Gardiner (4), Mangana (21), St Helens (8), St Mary's (4) & Steiglitz [near St Helens] (2).

In the 1830's Charles was assigned a number of convict labour Assignments (Transfers) which worked to his advantage as he used the convict labour at Garth & later when he refurbished, then rented the Gray's Arms Inn in Avoca (1840). The establishment of a Probation Station at Fingal helped with the building the Talbot Arms Inn, Fingal (1844). Charles was employing a stonemason at Avoca in 1847 & built the Falmouth Hotel, Falmouth in the early 1850's.

Fingal Goldfields - 1852
In March 1852 Charles Peters & others found gold in Fingal & Charles soon after employed 5 men to help dig for gold but only found relatively small amounts. Charles seeing a business advantage for his Talbot Arms Inn put 60 grains of gold found by two men on display at his Fingal office. Tasmanian papers soon after reported that the Fingal Gold find was overstated & that 'Mr Peters & others of his stamp have magnified the productiveness of Fingal Gold Valley with many being disappointed however adjacent Innkeepers had not done badly'!!.

Charles re-established his sea connection when he owned a valuable whaleboat at Falmouth which was stolen from Falmouth in November 1852 by 5 prisoners who had escaped from St Patrick's Head. They stole provisions from his son in law George Pineo & were rumoured to be making their way to Port Phillip & the Victorian gold diggings!! & in 1855 Charles Peters, Esq of Falmouth did channel staking for the steamer Mimosa berthed at George's Bay while still living at Fingal.

Charles Peters in Victoria
Edward Dryden & Charles Peters in late Jan 1837 brought 500-600 sheep from Launceston, Tasmania to Port Phillip. Edward Dryden (listed under his uncle's name Thomas Dryden) accompanied by Robert Aitken departed Launceston on the schooner John Dunscombe on the 28 Jan 1837 arriving at Port Phillip in late Jan or early Feb 1837. Charles Peters was not listed on this trip. ^[18]

1837 was the start of Charles sheep run near Mt Macedon, Victoria initially in partnership with Edward Dryden at their Macedon Ranges Station. This is confirmed by Edward Dryden in an Aug 1853 letter to his Excellency Charles Joseph La Trobe, Governor of the Colony of Victoria, confirms Charles Peters accompanied him & this also implied that Charles was his partner for this 1837 venture. ^[19]

In Feb 1839 (or later that year) Charles Peters took over Charles H Ebden's, Carlsruhe Station (c12,230 acres) lease & this became the start of his Garth Station (22,720 acres by 1848). ^[20]

Between 1837-1841 Peters & Dryden were developing & extending their own separate sheep runs. They became lease partners as Dryden & Peters from at least 1 Jul 1841 (most likely earlier) to 30 Jun 1844 for the Mt Macedon Ranges Station (Mt Macedon Station). Their business venture also included commercial horse breeding. It should be noted that they were both from Tasmania with Charles still residing predominately in Fingal, Tasmania.

After the Edward Dryden & Charles Peters partnership finished in 1844 the Mt Macedon Ranges Station lease was split in two. The northern part went to Charles Peters who named his run 'Garth Station' after his Garth Homestead in Fingal, Tasmania and the southern part to Edward Dryden (with his uncle Thomas Dryden as leaseholder) who named it Newham Station (25,000 acres by 1848) after where he was born in Northumberland, England. ^[21]

Charles younger brother David Peters managed Garth Station from c1842 to c1851. In the 1840's Garth Station was well known for Clydesdale horse breeding. Charles son William was learning the ropes from David Peters at Garth Station from Nov 1847 & later from c1851 Charles oldest son James joined William to run Garth Station as the Peters Bros. ^[22]

In 1857 Charles sons James & William were still co-managing the Garth Run at Carlsruhe, Victoria as the Peters Bros for their father Charles Peters who was registered as the licensee for 4,500 sheep (assessed vale of £35 10s). [34]

Charles passed away in his 71st year at his residence in Fingal, Tasmania, Australia, 9 Jun 1868.

From the 1820's to the 1860's Charles was true pioneer & free settler of Tasmania & pioneer grazier in the Woodend, Mt Macedon & Kyneton districts of Victoria from the late 1830's to the 1860's even though he never took up permanent residence in Victoria.

Birth / Baptism

Charles Peter was Baptised 13 Sep 1797 in the Parish of Aberlemno, Co. Forfarshire (now Co. Angus), Scotland the son of James Peter & Jean Ker of Lochland, Balgavies. In the late 1700's Lochland was a village/town north & next to the Balgavies Loch & near the Strachan family Balgavies Estate.

Siblings

Charles Peter(s) had 10 siblings:-
James Peter (1796-????); Elizabeth Peter (1799-1842); Robert Peter (1801-1890); Isobel (Peter) Andrews (1803-1900); David Peter (1806-1806); George Peter (1808-18??) Mary Peter (1810-18??); Nicol Peter (1813 -18??); Margaret Peter (1815-18??) & David Peter(s) (1819-1881).

Marriage

Charles Peters (from Forfar, Co Forfarshie now co. Angus, Scotland) via the ship Greenoch married Susannah Wilson (Kyloe, Co. Northumberland, England) via the ship Admiral; both of the Parish of St Johns, Launceston were married by banns by chaplain John Youl on the 3 Oct 1826 in the Parish of St Johns Church, Launceston, Tasmania. The 5 witnesses were:- Andrew Russell, A Stewart, Allan McDonald, Effie McDonald & Jerimiah Wilson.

Children

Charles Peters & Susannah Wilson had 8 Children (6 boys, 2 girls):-
Mary (Peters) Pineo (1828-1867); James Peters (1830-1882); William Peters (1832-1894); Robert Peters (1834-1886); Thomas Peters (1836-1909); Anne Peters (1838-1840) born 16 May 1838 (registered as Anne by Chas Peters 29 Sep 1838 resident of Garth, District of Avoca); Charles Peters (1840-1860) & David Peters (1843-1895)

Residences

1797: Lochland, Balgavies, most likely near or at the Strachan family 'Balgavies Estate' next to Balgavies Loch, Parish of Aberlemno, County Angus Scotland.
1800-1813: Drumclune Estate (Drumcloon), Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.
1814: Forfar - Bankhead Farm, part of Carsegray Estate, Forfar, Scotland.
1823-1825: Breadalbane near Launceston, Tasmania.
1825-1826: Dec 1825 & 20 Jul 1826 - House in Charles St, Launceston (located near modern-day 64 Charles St, Launceston). ^[23]
1827-1829: William Talbot's Malahide Station, Fingal.
1830-Aug 1844: Avoca / Fingal (Break-O-Day district). On 20 July 1826, Charles applied for Crown Land Grant as Charles Peter, which was subsequently rejected. However Charles was issued with a Location Order (temporary status until Crown Land is Granted) on 1 May 1830 for 320 acres in Broomsgrove Parish, Fingal, later known as Garth Homestead.
1844-1850: Talbot Arms Inn, Fingal Township from about late Sep 1844. ^[24]
1851-c1858: TBA maybe Peters Cottage, Talbot St, Cnr Brown & Grant Sts, Fingal.
c1859-1868: Cottage in Percy St, bordered by Gleadow St & Brown St, Fingal.

Occupations

c1816-1823: Seaman (Crew Member) with voyages on ships from Scotland to the Pacific region including the ship "Greenoch'.
1823-1825: Overseer for William N Gray Esq for 20 months at Breadalbane near Launceston.
1825-1826: Cattle & Sheep farmer & with house in Charles St, Launceston.
1827-1829: Overseer for William Talbot's Malahide Station, Fingal.
1830-1844: Sheep Farmer - Garth Homestead (Garth Flats), Avoca / Fingal (Break-O-Day district).
1844-1853: Owner / Publican - Talbot Arms Inn, Fingal (Two storey stone building).
Note: From 30 Sept 1844 to 29 Sept 1845 Charles was the Owner & Manager of the Talbot Arms Inn which was licenced in John Dryden's name as the St Andrew Inn, Fingal.
1854-c1867: Owner Talbot Arms Inn, Fingal & Retired Landowner residing in the Fingal Township
Occupation - Victoria:
c1839-1850's: Licencee of pastoral sheep run at Garth Station / Run Carlsruhe, Victoria (ex Charles H Ebden)

Death / Burial

Charles passed away in his 71st year at his residence in Fingal, Tasmania, Australia, 9 Jun 1868. ^[25]
Charles Peters was buried at the Fingal Historical General Cemetery in mid June 1868 as Charles Peters Snr. ^[26]

Will / Probate

Charles Peters Will dated 23 Jan 1868 & Probate dated 2 Jul 1868.
In Charles Peters Will he left his wife Susan their current cottage, land & cows in Fingal including a £100 yearly allowance to his wife Susan to be paid by his son James who was left his Victorian Carlsruhe "Garth Farm" property. Specific Tasmanian properties were left to his Tasmanian based children & families including his grandson Charles Daniel Peters with the balance to be divided by his 5 sons after drawing lots. ^[27]

Sources

1. ↑ 13 Sep 1797: Charles Peter baptised in the Parish of Aberlemno, Co. Angus, Scotland to parents James Peter & Jean Ker of Lochland, Balgavies. Ref: FamilySearch. [1]
2. ↑ 20 Aug 1794: Map of Forfar, Co. Angus with the hamlet or village of Lochland near Balgavies Loch, Parish of Aberlemno, Angus, Scotland. Map Grid Ref: 25 (X axis), 39 (Y Axis). [2]
3. ↑ 1988: "Garth to Garth, 20,000 Miles Apart". Peters Family History by J.A. Moyle, Launceston, Tasmania. [3]
4. ↑ Co. Angus (formerly Co. Forfarshire until 1928) was a maritime county in the east of Scotland. Ref: Angus (or Forfarshire), Scotland Genealogy. [4]
5. ↑ 21 Nov 1823: 62 passengers including Malcolm McKercher also on the Australia Company or Leith Australian Company first ship the Greenoch [5] & [6]
6. ↑ Aug 1826: Charles Peter house Charles St, Launceston (located near modern-day 64 Charles St, Launceston). Ref: Peter, Charles - No 16 from the M-Z summary of 'The Sharland Map 1826' (Launceston). [7] & Sharland Map Brought to Life Online [8]
7. ↑ 20 July 1826: Charles Peter applied for a Crown Land Grant as a freeman & landholder from Launceston. [9]
8. ↑ 10 Dec 1825: Charles Peters - Subscription (10 shillings) to erection of Wesleyan Chapel, Launceston [10].
9. ↑ 3 Oct 1826: Charles Peters married Susannah Wilson in the Parish of St Johns Church, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. Ref: FamilySearch. [11]
10. ↑ William Talbot's Biography including Malahide Station, Fingal, Tasmania. [12]
11. ↑ 1 May 1830: Charles Peter granted by Lt Gov Arthur a Location Order for 320 Acres in District of Morven. Ref: Libraries Tasmania - Register of Location Orders Issued (1824-1832) Pg 141 & Index - P [13] & 23 Nov 1847: Original 1 May 1830 Location Order Formalised. [14]
12. ↑ Garth Farm - 120 acre farm unning down to the north west shore of Loch Forfar on the Carsegray Estate, near Forfar, Scotland. [15] & Bankhead Estate & Garth Farm near the north west shore of Loch Forfar. [16]
13. ↑ 1815 Map of Carsegray Estate, Forfar, Scotland including Bankhead Farm & Garth Farm by Wm Blackadder. [17]
14. ↑ Garth Homestead Ruins - Now part of former Rostrevor Estate 3837 Esk Highway, Fingal, Tasmania Ref: Google maps. [18] & Garth Ghost House article [19]
15. ↑ 17 Feb 1841: Charles Peters - Application for an Emigrant. [20]
16. ↑ 27 Oct 1844: James Morrison passholder acquitted of stealing port wine belonging to Charles Peters at Mr John Dryden's licenced house the St Andrews inn. Ref: Launceston Examiner - 27 Nov 1844. [21]
17. ↑ 15 Nov 1847 Charles Peters & his son William (aged 14) left Fingal, Tasmania via Launceston for Port Phillip with Mr Dryden & 32 rams aboard the 'Raven' to help manage 'Garth Station' near Carlsruhe, Victoria. [22]
18. ↑ Late Jan 1837: Edward Dryden (listed under his uncle's name Thomas Dryden) accompanied by Robert Aitken brought 500-600 sheep from Launceston, Tasmania 28 Jan 1837 to Port Phillip on the schooner John Dunscombe. [23]
19. ↑ Aug 1853: Letter to his Excellency Charles Joseph La Trobe, Governor of the Colony of Victoria from Edward Dryden confirms Charles Peters accompanied him & was his partner when bringing sheep to Victoria in1837.
20. ↑ Feb 1839 (or later that year) Charles Peters took over Charles H Ebden's, Carlsruhe Station (c12,230 acres) lease & this became the start of his Garth Station (22,720 acres by 1848). [24] & [25]
21. ↑ Aug 1853 Edward Dryden - Pioneer letter to Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe. [26]
22. ↑ Late 1830's-1850's history or Peters & Dryden in the Mt Macedon Region. [27]
23. ↑ Aug 1826: House located near modern-day 64 Charles St, Launceston as per The Sharland Map of Launceston 1826. [28]
24. ↑ 11 Sep 1843: Charles Peters - Purchase of Crown Land, Lots 1,2 & 3 Sec D at £10 ea- future Talbot Arms Inn site , Fingal Township. [29] &
    c1844 Map of Fingal Township including Talbot Arms Inn site cnr Gleadon & Talbot Streets, Fingal Ref: Lots 1,2 & 3 Sec D (3 one acre lots). [30]
25. ↑ 9 Jun 1868: Death Notice - At his residence, Fingal, on the 9th instant, Charles Peters, Esq., in his 71st year (Victorian papers please copy.) Ref: The Cornwall Chronicle - Deaths - 13 Jun 1868. [31]
26. ↑ June 1868: Charles Peters Snr - buried at the Fingal Historical General Cemetery, Fingal Tasmania. Ref: Graves of Tasmania. [32]
27. ↑ 23 Jan 1868: Charles Peters Will - Ref: Libraries Tasmania: AD960-1-8 Will No. 1302 [33]